Analysis
DR Congo at world cup : the Leopard’s return after half of century away
Fifty-two years after their only World Cup appearance under the name Zaire in 1974, the Democratic Republic of Congo is finally back on football’s biggest stage. For decades, the DR…
Austria at World cup 2026 : Rangnick’s project comes of age
Absent from the World Cup since France 1998, Austria finally returns to football’s biggest stage with the ambition of confirming the promise it showed at Euro 2024. Under the guidance…
Portugal at the 2026 World Cup : Ronaldo’s last shot at the one prize missing
Portugal arrive at the 2026 World Cup as Nations League champions and genuine contenders, with Cristiano Ronaldo chasing the one trophy missing from his collection. Here is the squad, the…
Sweden at world cup 2026 : back through the back door
Eight years after their remarkable run in Russia, Sweden is back at the World Cup. Absent from the 2022 tournament following a disappointing qualification campaign, the Blågult has successfully rebuilt…
Scotland at World Cup 2026 : a return after 28 years
For nearly three decades, an entire generation of Scottish supporters knew the World Cup only through the memories of their parents. Since France 1998, Scotland had vanished from football’s biggest…
Ecuador in World cup 2026 : the fortress
In the shadow of South America’s historic giants—Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay—Ecuador has gradually established itself as one of the continent’s most formidable nations. Long regarded as an outsider in South…
Ivory coast in world cup 2026 : roar the world stage
Ivory Coast heads into the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a new status. For years, the Elephants embodied the unfulfilled potential of African football. Despite boasting exceptional generations led by…
Japan at the 2026 World Cup : the Samurai Blue out to break their ceiling
Japan arrive at the 2026 World Cup as genuine dark horses, fresh off beating England at Wembley. Here is Hajime Moriyasu’s squad, the key players, the objectives, and the full…
Canada at the 2026 World Cup : host nation hunts a first ever win
As a host nation, Canada chase a first ever World Cup win on home soil, led by Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David and American coach Jesse Marsch. Here is the squad,…
Germany at the 2026 World Cup : Nagelsmann’s young guns chase a fifth star
Germany arrive at the 2026 World Cup chasing a fifth title, with Julian Nagelsmann blending young stars and the shock return of Manuel Neuer. Here is the squad, the key…