Qualified teams’ March matches
The UEFA Play-offs and the FIFA Play-Off Tournament will take centre stage this month. There, the final six tickets to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be seized. Elsewhere, the teams already assured of big-stage berths will step up their preparations with some intriguing fixtures. Algeria Coach: Vladimir Petkovic Friday, 27 March Stadio Luigi Ferraris, […]
Uzbekistan at the FIFA World Cup: Team profile and history
Three-and-a-half decades after they gained independence and with seven, often heartbreaking, failed qualification campaigns in their wake Uzbekistan have finally reached the promised land. From the mid-air disaster that wiped out a generation of talent from leading club side Pakhtakor in 1979 through to a pair of agonising defeats at the final stage of continental […]
Giusti: Bilardo’s blueprint brought out Maradona’s best
Ricardo Giusti formed the nexus between Argentina’s defensive and midfield lines at the 1986 FIFA World Cup Mexico™, covering the space, constantly offering support to his team-mates and flourishing in tight spots. He operated as a linchpin for the players in front of him: Jorge Valdano and Diego Maradona. Giusti started all seven of his […]
Christiansen: It’s time for Panama to up its game
Although Thomas Christiansen was born in Denmark, his ties with the Spanish-speaking world run deep. Eligible to represent the Spanish national team through his mother, the former frontman made his debut in what proved to be a fleeting international career under Javier Clemente in January 1993. What’s more, he spent almost a decade plying his trade […]
The World Cup final quiz
Every Wednesday, we’ll provide a ten-question quiz on a specific FIFA World Cup™ theme, as the 2026 edition in North America nears. This week, we’re testing your knowledge on the final itself. Can you get full marks?
Malagon: My soul is shattered
Mexico goalkeeper Luis Angel Malagon has been ruled out of the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The 29-year-old ruptured his Achilles tendon in Club America’s 1-0 win over Philadelphia Union in the Concacaf Champions Cup on Wednesday, and will now undergo surgery. “Hurt and sad, my soul shattered,” Malagon posted on Instagram. “Trying to understand the […]
92 days to go: Group goals galore in ‘54
A staggering 92 goals were scored in the group stage of Switzerland 1954. They fell in just 18 contests, rendering a remarkable ratio of 5.11 goals per game. The tournament’s first phase included eight hat-tricks – two from Hungarian Sandor Kocsis, and one apiece from Austrians Erich Probst and Theodor Wagner, Swiss Josef Hugi, Turkish […]
World Cup wonder goals: Leao seals Swiss smashing in style
92 days to go… We’re counting down to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ by showcasing a golazo from the global finals each day. Rafael Leao Portugal v Switzerland Qatar 2022 | Last 16 Lusail Stadium, Al Daayen Some would have gone easy on the Swiss. Not Rafael Leao. When he went on for Bruno Fernandes, […]
26 Superstars: Federico Valverde
Uruguayan football’s rich history is rife with totemic figures. Inspirational leaders have been instrumental to the country’s exploits on the biggest stage, from captains Jose Nasazzi and Obdulio Varela during the trophy-winning campaigns in 1930 and 1950 respectively, to Diego Forlan’s show-stopping displays at South Africa. Federico Valverde will be raring to follow in those […]
Asian octet set for final fling
Over a thrilling week of action at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, Japan dazzled as Australia struggled, China PR’s pedigree shone through and Uzbekistan remain on course for a maiden appearance at the global finals. For the final time, before a standalone tournament is introduced, the continental showpiece doubles as the FIFA Women’s […]