The world’s sport

Football today is more than just a sport; it is a global language spoken in over 210 countries and territories. With 211 member associations under FIFA, the game has become a unifying force across sovereign nations, dependent territories, and regional bodies. Every four years, the FIFA World Cup becomes the stage where this universal passion is celebrated, and the ongoing 2026 edition has already etched itself into history as the largest men’s football tournament ever. Featuring 48 teams across three host nations-the United States, Canada, and Mexico-it marks the first time the event has been jointly organized by three countries, running from June 11 to July 19.The 2026 World Cup has reinforced football’s claim as the greatest game on earth. The competition has been fierce, unpredictable, and filled with drama. Former champions Germany failed to reach the last 16, while Brazil and Uruguay stumbled before the quarterfinals. Portugal, Colombia, the Netherlands, Japan, and South Korea also fell short of the last eight, proving that reputations alone cannot guarantee success. Italy, once a powerhouse, did not even make it past qualification. Yet, the race remains alive with reigning champions Argentina, alongside France, England, and Spain, all vying for glory. This tournament has also highlighted the rise of teams from Asia and Africa. Japan and South Korea impressed with their resilience, while Ghana, Morocco, Ivory Coast, and Cape Verde captured hearts. Cape Verde, a nation of just over half a million people (5,30,000), nearly pulled off the upset of the century before bowing out to a self-goal to Argentina in extra time. Their spirited 3-2 defeat in Miami was a reminder that football’s magic often lies in the courage of the underdog. West Asian sides like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt also made their mark, with Egypt’s campaign becoming the centre of global debate. The Argentina-Egypt clash has become the most controversial moment of the tournament. Egypt stunned the reigning champions with a 2-0 lead, only to see the match slip away amid questionable refereeing decisions. The final scoreline of 3-2 in Argentina’s favour has been widely criticized, with many veteran players and coaches calling it a dark day for football. Mohamed Salah led Egypt with brilliance, combining defensive solidity with incisive attacking play, but the team’s efforts were overshadowed by officiating errors. The debate continues worldwide, with many arguing that Egypt was robbed of a historic victory. Though Argentina won the match, it was Egypt who won the hearts with their skill and speed. If Argentina goes on to retain the cup, the controversy may fade; if not, calls for reform will only grow louder. The lesson from this World Cup is clear: technology like the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) is only effective when used promptly and correctly. Delays of two or three minutes, as seen in the Argentina-Egypt game, undermine its purpose and damage the integrity of the sport. Football thrives on fairness, drama, and passion, but above all, it must uphold trust. The 2026 FIFA World Cup has been a spectacle of skill and surprises, but it has also reminded us that the credibility of the game depends on the conduct of those who govern it.