Global — Ekhbary News Agency
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, delivered an expanded field of 48 teams, ushering in a new era for international football. This landmark tournament saw historic debuts from nations like Cape Verde, Jordan, Curaçao, and Uzbekistan, while also marking what many believe were the final World Cup appearances for icons such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Luka Modrić. The blend of fresh talent and seasoned legends created a truly unforgettable spectacle, demonstrating the sport's enduring appeal.
Cape Verde's Cinderella Story Captivates Fans
Among the tournament's most heartwarming narratives, Cape Verde's remarkable journey stood out. Their goalkeeper, Vozinha, a 40-year-old stalwart, became an overnight sensation after a heroic clean sheet performance against eventual champions Spain. This pivotal match secured the 500,000-strong island nation its first-ever World Cup points, propelling Vozinha to global fame with millions of social media followers. The Blue Sharks continued their impressive run, drawing with Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to advance to the knockout rounds, where they pushed defending champions Argentina to the absolute brink, including a stunning extra-time equalizer. Though an unfortunate own goal ultimately ended their dream, Cape Verde returned home to Praia as national heroes, having truly captured the world's imagination.
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Controversy Mars US Tournament Performance
The United States' campaign, however, faced a significant controversy that overshadowed their performance. Forward Folarin Balogun received a red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina, a decision initially overturned then reinstated by VAR. Curiously, just before their quarterfinal match against Belgium, news emerged of a personal call from President Trump to FIFA president Gianni Infantino regarding Balogun's suspension. As it turns out, FIFA's disciplinary committee subsequently cleared Balogun to play, invoking a vaguely worded rule, marking the first in-tournament suspension reversal since 1962. While FIFA denied any connection to the call, the optics were undeniably brutal, leaving many to question the integrity of the process. The US ultimately lost 4-1, with sloppy defending proving more detrimental than any off-field drama, yet the incident cast a long shadow over their tournament.
