Potter looks to follow in Raynor’s legendary footsteps
“I’m going to have a beer and then think, ‘Wow, we’re going to Dallas’,” declared an exuberant Graham Potter after sealing Sweden’s improbable FIFA World Cup 2026™ qualification on Tuesday. “I’ll have to dust off my cowboy hat, won’t I?” After being given an unlikely lifeline thanks to their UEFA Nations League performance, Potter revived […]
African qualifiers step up World Cup preparation
With just a few weeks to go until the FIFA World Cup 2026™, the qualified teams from around the world have had the opportunity to play warm-up matches, whilst the final teams punched their ticket via the FIFA Play-Off Tournament and European play-offs. As Congo DR were busy booking their spot in North America, the […]
Bosnian Diamond ready to shine on biggest stage once again
There was one iconic moment at the Bilino Polje Stadium in Zenica on Tuesday that could not have gone unnoticed by anyone who loves the beautiful game: the sight of Edin Dzeko – who turned 40 on 17 March – still sprinting to close down opponents in the dying minutes of extra time like a […]
World Cup wonder goals: Gemmill’s gem
70 days to go… We’re counting down to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ by showcasing a golazo from the global finals each day. Archie Gemmill Scotland v Netherlands Argentina 1978 | Group 4 Estadio Libertador General San Martin, Mendoza Neutrals had been whispering Scotland’s name as dark horses to take the tape going into Argentina […]
Igor Thiago’s remarkable journey to maiden Brazil call-up
“My father passed away when I was 13. I started working at a street market carrying fruit. I also worked as a bricklayer. I had several jobs before becoming a professional footballer and getting the chance to play abroad.” Igor Thiago tells his story with the pride of someone who knows just how much he […]
Canada, Mexico hold their own as USA stumble
Host nations Canada, Mexico and the USA were given valuable warm-ups for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ during the March international window, with fixtures against high-quality opponents including Belgium and Portugal. It was a mixed bag, with none of the teams able to record a victory. But, as FIFA examines, the three teams will have […]
Elation for Iraq, Congo DR in dramatic Play-Off Tournament
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Play-Off Tournament is done and dusted, as Congo DR and Iraq have secured their places in the global finals. Across Guadalajara Stadium and Monterrey Stadium, six teams gathered in hopes of achieving their World Cup dream, delivering memorable moments and producing heroes that will go down in their footballing histories. […]
Arnold: Iraqi passion and pride won this
Coach Graham Arnold was carried on the shoulders of the Iraq players, holding an Iraq flag to celebrate in front of the Iraq fans at Monterrey Stadium. Striker Aymen Hussein, who scored the winning goal, sported a black felt cowboy hat, looking like a man from northern Mexico. Fans in Iraq jerseys of all generations […]
Bakambu: It’s going to be crazy in Kinshasa
“I hadn’t slept in two months; all I could think about was this match.” Following Congo DR’s historic victory over Jamaica on Tuesday in the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Play-Off Tournament, Theo Bongonda will finally be able to sleep soundly. A constant threat on the right flank, to the point of wearing […]
Italy deep in pain after ‘sporting tragedy’
For the first time in FIFA World Cup™ history, a former world champion will be absent from football’s biggest stage for three consecutive tournaments. Italy’s heartbreak came as they crashed out on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina on a bitter night in Zenica. It was a painful blow that highlights the sorry state of Italian […]