Shomurodov: We want to shatter perceptions
For nine centuries, the towering Jarkurgan minaret was the most notable thing about the tiny industrial town of barely 20,000 located in the far southeast of Uzbekistan. More recently it has gained acclaim as the birthplace of one of the nation’s greatest footballers. Eldor Shomurodov’s hometown is a crossroads clash of oil fields, textile factories […]
Endrick looking to earn Brazil spot
Endrick arrived at Lyon, on loan from Real Madrid, with one crystal-clear objective: to let his talent shine and earn back his place in the Brazil line-up in time for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The 19-year-old sharpshooter will spend the next six months in France, where he is set to navigate a crucial chapter […]
When Pele and Moore teamed up to celebrate USA independence
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is expected to form a central part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, which includes a high-profile knockout stage match in Philadelphia ― the birthplace of independence — on 4 July. But this will not be the first time that the world’s greatest footballers have played a key role in the nationwide commemorations […]
Wynalda: I felt pure electricity when I scored
For most Americans, football was still a curiosity when the 1994 FIFA World Cup USA™ kicked off, so it was critically important that the host nation perform well to help increase the popularity of the sport in the country. There is no question that Eric Wynalda did his part. The Southern California native delivered a […]
How reigning champions have fared in World Cup openers
Ever since Uruguay won the inaugural FIFA World Cup™ in 1930, defending champions have had considerably mixed results in their first matches of the following tournament. Indeed, title-holders have an overall record of ten wins, four draws and six defeats in their subsequent openers. With Qatar 2022 champions Argentina preparing to take on Algeria at […]
Mexico at the FIFA World Cup: Team profile and history
Mexico is poised to take its place in footballing folklore as the first country to host three editions of the FIFA World Cup™, as it prepares to welcome next year’s showpiece event alongside Canada and the USA. One of the tournament’s regular fixtures, El Tricolor are gearing up for their 18th campaign at the global extravaganza. Their […]
Shomurodov: We want to shatter perceptions
For nine centuries, the towering Jarkurgan minaret was the most notable thing about the tiny industrial town of barely 20,000 located in the far southeast of Uzbekistan. More recently it has gained acclaim as the birthplace of one of the nation’s greatest footballers. Eldor Shomurodov’s hometown is a crossroads clash of oil fields, textile factories […]
How France have fared against African opponents
Few group-stage fixtures at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ are as mouth-watering as the Group I match-up between France and Senegal. In fact, the battle between the two-time world champions and the Lions of Teranga at New York New Jersey Stadium on Tuesday, 16 June will be both sides’ first taste of the action, in a fixture […]
Canada at the FIFA World Cup: Team profile and history
Canada will feature at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ as co-hosts, alongside Mexico and the USA, with the nation set to grace FIFA’s flagship tournament for a third time. Les Rouges’ previous two World Cup campaigns came in Mexico in 1986 and at Qatar 2022™. Under the tutelage of American coach Jesse Marsch and buoyed by the backing […]
Argentina’s World Cup openers as reigning champions
The FIFA World Cup™ has a different feel to it when a country comes into the tournament as the defending champions. It’s only natural: the pressure mounts, all eyes are on you, and the need to prove yourselves can work against you. The numbers reflect this too: the tournament has not seen a back-to-back World […]