Within a year of Gianni Infantino taking over from Sepp Blatter as Fifa president, the organisation revealed that the men’s World Cup would expand from 32 to 48 nations. Reactions were mixed. Diego Maradona said he was “delighted by Gianni’s initiative” because it let every country dream of qualifying, reigniting their love for football. Joachim […]
Continue ReadingThe 2026 World Cup served as a likely farewell stage for several legendary figures, as icons like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, Neymar, James Rodríguez, and Guillermo Ochoa all departed in emotional scenes when their teams were eliminated. Looking ahead to the 2030 World Cup, every player aged 32 and above will be anxiously […]
Continue Reading“With the World Cup now on his CV, Rodri holds all the major titles: the World Cup, European Championship, Champions League and Ballon d’Or,” notes Owen Bagnall. “Has anyone else ever ticked every major box in the sport in this way?” A select group have, but it remains an exclusive club. Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd […]
Continue ReadingAs frequently happens, Donald Trump has been the one to articulate the unspoken truth. During an interview aired ahead of the World Cup final, the US president told a national news network, “We have to do this again and we have to do it while I’m around, you hear that Gianni?” Over the last month, […]
Continue ReadingThere is absolutely no obligation to give credit to Fifa. What must be recognized, though, is that the 2026 World Cup achieved every objective it set out to accomplish. The matches were intriguing, closely fought, and full of tension, even if the overall quality was often unremarkable – though that is rarely essential for a […]
Continue ReadingAs the second half of extra time unfolded in Sunday’s World Cup final, it was evident that Argentina intended to make Spain endure a grueling contest. Every tackle was fiercely committed. Their backline worked tirelessly to cut off the service routes that striker Mikel Oyarzabal typically thrives on, forcing Spain to fire eleven of their […]
Continue ReadingFootball’s global governing body has launched a disciplinary inquiry into the altercations that erupted after Sunday’s championship match, with multiple Argentine players potentially facing suspensions. Nahuel Molina was seen striking Spain’s captain Rodri in the midsection as he entered the field following the final whistle, while a significant confrontation unfolded at midfield, where Leandro Paredes […]
Continue ReadingOn the evening when Spain claimed their maiden World Cup in 2010, Rodrigo Hernández was away at a camp, deep in the Connecticut woods. He had been out canoeing when the national side defeated Germany in the semifinal, disappointed to have missed that match, so for the final he persuaded a supervisor to let him […]
Continue ReadingRodri has recaptured his finest form following a series of injury setbacks. The recent Ballon d’Or recipient has featured in only 22 starting lineups since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in September 2024, yet his displays at the World Cup gave no hint of the physical troubles that had hampered him over the previous two […]
Continue ReadingIt might be premature, with confetti still drifting across the New Jersey evening, to deliver a definitive verdict. That clarity will only emerge once the dust has truly settled, when recollections have had time to crystallize, and when the ripple effects of pivotal decisions become apparent. Still, let us attempt to gauge where this tournament, […]
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