53 days to go: The dribble king
Diego Maradona holds the record for the most successful dribbles in one World Cup: 53 at Mexico 1986. He is followed by Jairzinho with 47 at Mexico 1986, Lionel Messi with 46 at Brazil 2014 and Eden Hazard with 40 at Russia 2018. Fifty-three is also the number at which Maradona holds the record for […]
World Cup wonder goals: King Kalle’s one-two times two
53 days to go… We’re counting down to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ by showcasing a golazo from the global finals each day. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge Austria v West Germany Argentina 1978 | Group A Estadio Olimpico Chateau Carreras, Cordoba It’s known to Austrians as ‘The Miracle of Cordoba’, but it began with a miraculous West […]
Por Ella released as second single of FIFA World Cup 2026 Album
Today marks an exciting new step on the FIFA World Cup 2026™ music journey as Por Ella, the second single of the tournament’s official album, drops worldwide. Featuring the powerhouse vocals of pop artist Belinda, the iconic Mexican cumbia band Los Ángeles Azules and the signature production of multi-GRAMMY® Award-winner Tainy, via Def Jam Recordings, […]
Venezuela punch ticket to Qatar 2026
Venezuela have qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026™ after claiming a 1-0 victory against Bolivia in the seventh place match at the ongoing South American U-17 Championship. Andy Saavedra was the hero on the day for the Vinotinto, as he ran onto a long ball from Marco Riera and scored in the […]
Arab teams aim to show strength in numbers
Not so long ago, a single Arab nation qualifying for the FIFA World Cup™ was celebrated across the region as a rare, monumental feat. Today, however, the picture has changed dramatically, with eight teams that took part in the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ having secured their spots at the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Although […]
Spain run riot as Germany, Netherlands held
Spain returned to winning ways on Matchday 4 of European qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™, while Norway snatched victory in Slovenia and Republic of Ireland collected their second win of the week over Poland. England also marched to another triumph, this time in a visit to Iceland. Elsewhere, Austria and Italy […]
54 days to go: The treble club
Fifty-four hat-tricks have been registered in the World Cup. The most in one edition was the eight at Switzerland 1954, while Germany 2006 was the one without a treble. Four players have hit multiple hat-tricks: Hungary’s Sandor Kocsis, France’s Just Fontaine, West Germany’s Gerd Muller and Argentina’s Gabriel Batistuta. ‘Batigol’ is the only player to […]
World Cup wonder goals: Sideshow Bob’s knuckleball genius
54 days to go… We’re counting down to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ by showcasing a golazo from the global finals each day. David Luiz Brazil v Colombia Brazil 2014 | Quarter-finals Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza David Ospina, casually chewing gum, cut a relaxed figure as he lined his wall up and casually trotted from right […]
USA striker pool taking shape
With the March international friendlies firmly in the rearview mirror, mere weeks remain until USA coach Mauricio Pochettino makes his final roster selection for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. While most of the positions are likely set in the mind of the Argentinian tactician, the recent injury suffered by Patrick Agyemang will require some rethinking […]
26 Superstars: Riyad Mahrez
Having conquered Europe and Asia at club level and Africa with his country, Riyad Mahrez now has his sights set on cementing his global legacy at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in North America. Can this proven winner inspire another remarkable run for Algeria? Mahrez’s achievements and attributes After leaving his boyhood club Sarcelles, on […]