As the football world takes a deep breath following the incredible events that unfolded at FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, it’s inevitable that thoughts start to drift towards the next one….So whilst 3 ½ years away may seem a long time, we all know that it will be here in a flash! So let’s have a look at the details of your next fix of global sporting footy heaven!
When & Where…?
The 23rd FIFA World Cup will be held in June-July 2026 and is to be hosted jointly by three North American nations, the USA, Canada & Mexico. This makes it the first World Cup since Japan & South Korea in 2002 to be hosted by more than one nation. Also, the tournament will be the first to include 48 teams, expanded from 32 at this event. This decision, which whilst welcomed by some who feel it will allow nations who never usually qualify a better chance to do so, has also been derided by others as further proof of the ongoing over-commercialisation of the game. Guess you can see it from both sides really, so we’re not sure! Either way, the footy will be great hopefully.
What have we learned from the Qatar 2022 World Cup?
So many things were troubling about the 2022 tournament, and not all of it off the pitch either. However it goes without saying that the controversial elements that made the Qatar event so combustible clearly need not be repeated. No country that promotes intolerance towards minorities and discriminates against certain sexual preferences should again be awarded the World Cup, surely no one disagrees with that - The World Cup should be a celebration of expression and joy, no matter what the gender or preferences. Let’s hope this is in abundance in 2026!
- Boozeless is Better?
It’s hard to argue against the fact that the almost complete absence of alcohol from within and immediately around the stadiums contributed massively to the most peaceful, trouble-free World Cup in history as regards crowd aggressions and fan arrests etc…
Ok, some fans lamented their inability to be able to enjoy the football in the stadiums with a beer, but in the big scheme of things, surely the positives outweigh the negatives here? Indeed, many who previously were horrified at the thought of the booze ban actually have admitted they actually came to prefer the experience, and found themselves both focusing and enjoying the football more than usual! So maybe this is the way forward, although FIFA’s major sponsor Budweiser may feel differently! We shall see in 2026, although we fear it will be back to normal by then….
- Winter Woes….
So how did playing the World Cup in winter for the first time ever work out? Well, a mixed bag really. On the plus side, it’s a nice change to have a great tournament in winter rather than summer and you could argue the players were arguably in better physical condition than when they’ve toiled through a long season before a traditional summer tournament. The extreme heat in Qatar (even in winter) meant that everything had to be air conditioned, and that triggered mini-epidemics of viruses and illness at the event. But that would not typically be an issue at more moderate climates in winter.
Arguably the real impact has yet to be seen, as many club managers are now expressing their concern over the demands on players, having to almost immediately resume their condensed league schedules without much of a break….So watch this space!
- Colour, Cheering & Chaotic Crowds!
So it’s clear that Argentina won the 2022 World Cup on the pitch - But it was also pretty much indisputable that their nation’s incredible support also won the unofficial title as Best Fans of the World Cup too!
From small handwaving national Argentinian flags to giant Argentina flags, the sight was such a spectacle to behold….The fans seemed to almost create a blanket across hundreds of themselves, all of them shimmering pale blue and white! The effect was tremendous, and wasn’t just for show either - The sense of a hugely-dominating Argentinian crowd versus the French contingent of supporters was hard to escape, and we can only assume that helped to give the Argentina players that extra boost to really go all the way. And how they needed it with the extra-time and penalties drama!
It really did act as a potent reminder of the sheer power of fans and their vibrant support! We think it showed just how effective flags can truly be!
So what will happen in 2026?
Well, it's pretty much impossible to make accurate predictions for an event that's over 3 years away! But you can be sure that all the usual nations will be counted amongst the favourites to win, namely holders Argentina, Brazil, France, England, Germany, Portugal, Italy & Spain etc…But the hosts (in particular USA) might really fancy themselves to make a deep run in the tournament!
Whatever happens, global football fans will just hope for an exciting festival of football that replicates that quality of the 2022 event but without any of the unwanted controversies! Hopefully Football will be the winner, as it should always be at a World Cup. So here’s to 2026!