العالم يترقب ضربة البداية المونديالية

تنطلق نهائيات كأس العالم غدا الخميس وسط رهان من الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم (فيفا) على أن الجاذبية الدائمة لأعظم عرض كروي على وجه الأرض قادرة على تجاوز الغضب من الارتفاع الصاروخي في أسعار التذاكر، والمناخ السياسي القلق في الولايات المتحدة في عهد رئيسها دونالد ترامب، وظلال النزاعات في الشرق الأوسط.
ومن المقرر أن يتدفق إلى الولايات المتحدة وكندا والمكسيك 48 منتخبا، وهو رقم قياسي، وملايين المشجعين لحضور أول نسخة من كأس العالم تُقام بتنظيم مشترك بين ثلاث دول، في أكبر وأكثر نسخ البطولة تعقيدا من الناحية اللوجستية في تاريخها.
وتنطلق المنافسات غدا الخميس على أرض ملعب أستيكا الشهير في مكسيكو سيتي، حيث يلتقي منتخب المكسيك، أحد البلدان المضيفة، مع جنوب إفريقيا عند الساعة الثالثة بعد الظهر بالتوقيت المحلي (19,00 بتوقيت غرينتش)، إيذانا بانطلاق مهرجان كروي ممتد لنحو ستة أسابيع، يُختتم بالمباراة النهائية على ملعب «ميتلايف» في نيوجيرزي، البالغ عدد مقاعده 82500 متفرج، في 19 يوليو.
فهل سيتمكن ليونيل ميسي، في سن الثامنة والثلاثين، من حسم أي جدل متبقٍ حول مكانته كأعظم لاعب في تاريخ كرة القدم، من خلال قيادة الأرجنتين إلى لقب عالمي ثان تواليا؟ أم أن غريمه التاريخي، كريستيانو رونالدو البالغ 41 عاما، سينجح في تحدي عامل الزمن وإلهام منتخب البرتغال الموهوب لتحقيق أول لقب له في كأس العالم؟ أم هل تنهي إنجلترا بقيادة هاري كاين، انتظارها الذي دام 60 عاما لإحراز لقب دولي كبير ثان، بعد تتويجها الوحيد بكأس العالم عام 1966؟
هذه الأسئلة وغيرها ستجد إجاباتها خلال بطولة وصفها رئيس الاتحاد الدولي للعبة السويسري-الإيطالي جاني إنفانتينو، بنبرة متفائلة، بأنها «أعظم عرض شهده الكوكب على الإطلاق».

غضب التذاكر من 1600 دولار إلى 32970
تفاؤل إنفانتينو السلس اصطدم برياح عاتية من التشكيك خلال فترة الإعداد، في ظل مخاوف تتعلق بالقدرة على تحمّل التكاليف، والسياسة، والنزاعات. وأثار الارتفاع الهائل في أسعار تذاكر البطولة موجة غضب عالمية، وضعت الـ»فيفا» وإنفانتينو في موقف صعب للدفاع عن نفسيهما على صعيد العلاقات العامة. فقد بلغ سعر أغلى تذكرة لنهائي كأس العالم 2022 نحو 1600 دولار بسعرها الرسمي؛ أما في نسخة 2026، فيصل سعر أغلى تذكرة رسمية يبيعها الـ»فيفا» إلى 32970 دولارا، في رقم صادم.
ويبدو هذا التضخم واضحا في مختلف مباريات البطولة البالغ عددها 104 مباريات، حيث لا تزال مقاعد كثيرة متاحة في أسواق إعادة البيع الثانوية، رغم الطلب الكبير.
حتى دونالد ترامب، حليف إنفانتينو القوي، أبدى امتعاضه من الأسعار، معربا عن دهشته حين أُبلغ بأن سعر تذكرة مباراة افتتاح المنتخب الأمريكي أمام الباراغواي في لوس أنجلوس يوم الجمعة، أول مباراة تُقام على الأراضي الأمريكية، يبلغ 1000 دولار. وقال الرئيس الأمريكي لصحيفة «نيويورك بوست»: «لن أدفع هذا المبلغ أنا أيضا، بصراحة». وبينما يتحمّل المشجعون أعباء تكاليف السفر إلى البطولة، تساءل منتقدون آخرون عما إذا كانت أجواء المونديال ستتأثر بالمناخ السياسي في الولايات المتحدة.
كما ألقت الضربات العسكرية الأمريكية-الإسرائيلية التي شُنّت على إيران في فبراير بظلالها على البطولة، حيث من المقرر أن يخوض المنتخب الإيراني ثلاث مباريات في دور المجموعات على الأراضي الأمريكية، بدءا من مباراته الافتتاحية أمام نيوزيلندا في 15 يونيو.
وكان ترامب لمح في البداية إلى أن على إيران الانسحاب من البطولة حفاظا على «حياة وسلامة» لاعبيها، قبل أن يتراجع عن تصريحاته.
في المقابل، غيّر المنتخب الإيراني معسكره الأساسي من توكسون في أريزونا إلى مدينة تيخوانا المكسيكية.

72 مباراة في الدور الأول
على الملعب، يُرجح أن يؤدي قرار توسيع البطولة إلى 48 منتخبا، بدلا من 32 في نسخة 2022، إلى إفراغ دور المجموعات من أي إحساس حقيقي بالإثارة أو المخاطرة.
وسيُقام ما مجموعه 72 مباراة في الدور الأول لإقصاء 12 منتخبا فقط، مع تأهل 32 منتخبا إلى الأدوار الإقصائية، أصحاب المركزين الأول والثاني في كل من المجموعات الـ12، إضافة إلى أفضل ثمانية منتخبات تحتل المركز الثالث.

يحدث لأول مرة في تاريخ كأس العالم
ستشهد البطولة أيضا سلسلة من الابتكارات الأخرى. فللمرة الأولى في تاريخ كأس العالم، ستتخلل كل مباراة فترات تبريد في منتصف كل شوط، في إجراء يهدف إلى التخفيف من آثار الحرارة والرطوبة الشديدتين المتوقع تسجيلهما في العديد من الملاعب الـ16 المستضيفة.
وسيتعين على اللاعبين والحكام التكيف مع قوانين جديدة عدة سيتم تطبيقها خلال البطولة، من بينها إلزام المنتخبات بإجراء التبديلات خلال 10 ثوانٍ للحد من إضاعة الوقت.
كما سيشمل تشديد مكافحة الإساءات العنصرية تعريض اللاعبين للطرد بالبطاقة الحمراء في حال تغطية الفم باليد أو الذراع أو القميص أثناء مواجهة أحد الخصوم.

أطول مباراة نهائية في التاريخ!!
أما المباراة النهائية الشهر المقبل، فقد تكون الأطول في تاريخ كأس العالم، نتيجة قرار إقامة عرض فني على طريقة «سوبر بول» خلال فترة ما بين الشوطين، بمشاركة مادونا وشاكيرا وفرقة «بي تي إس». وسيؤدي هذا العرض إلى تمديد فترة الاستراحة بين الشوطين من 15 دقيقة تقليديا إلى نحو 25 دقيقة.

Doha, Qatar: The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to become the most significant edition in the tournament’s history, introducing a series of structural changes and record-setting achievements that will reshape the landscape of international football.

Hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico, this version will be the largest World Cup ever staged, featuring more teams, more matches, more host cities and a longer schedule than any previous edition. It will also mark the debut of several nations on football’s biggest stage while delivering record levels of representation across multiple regions. amunra.qpon

The Peninsula offers an overview of the key milestones and historic firsts that will characterize FIFA World Cup 2026.

Largest FIFA World Cup in history

For the first time, 48 national teams will compete in the FIFA World Cup, expanding the field from 32 participants. The increase provides broader global representation and creates additional qualification opportunities across all confederations.

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Record 104 matches

The tournament will feature 104 matches, surpassing the previous record of 64 games that had been in place since the 1998 World Cup in France. The expanded schedule reflects the new competition format and significantly increases the number of fixtures throughout the tournament.

Longest tournament duration

Scheduled from June 11 to July 19, the 2026 World Cup will span 39 days, making it the longest edition in the competition’s history. The extended calendar accommodates the larger field of participating nations and expanded knockout rounds.

First FIFA World Cup hosted by three countries

The 2026 edition will be the first FIFA World Cup jointly hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada and Mexico. While previous tournaments have been organized by one or two countries, this will be the first tri-national hosting arrangement.

Record number of host cities

A total of 16 cities across North America will stage World Cup matches, establishing a new tournament record. The extensive geographic footprint reflects the scale of the competition and the infrastructure available across the three host nations.

Estadio Azteca to host a third opening match

Mexico City’s historical Estadio Azteca Stadium, also known as Mexico City Stadium, will host the opening match of the tournament, becoming the first stadium in history to stage three World Cup opening fixtures. The venue previously hosted opening matches in 1970 and 1986.

Mexico becomes first three-time host nation

Mexico will become the first country to host FIFA World Cup matches across three separate tournaments. The nation previously organised the competition in 1970 and 1986 before being selected as a co-host for the 2026 edition.

Messi, Ronaldo and Ochoa set to make history

If they feature in matches during FIFA World Cup 2026, Argentina’s Lionel Messi, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Mexico's goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa will become the first players in football history to play in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments. All three legends made their World Cup debuts in Germany 2006 and have remained active on the international stage for two decades, a feat unmatched in the modern era.

Record Arab representation

The Arab region will achieve its highest level of participation in World Cup history, with eight qualified nations: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia. This surpasses the previous record of four Arab teams at Qatar 2022.

Largest Asian representation

Asian football will also reach a historic milestone with a record number of participating nations. Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq, Jordan and Uzbekistan have secured qualification, reflecting the continued growth and competitiveness of the region.

Record African representation

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature a record 10 African countries, the highest number ever represented from the continent at a single World Cup. The qualified nations are Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, DR Congo and South Africa. This surpasses the previous record of five African teams, which had been the maximum allocation for several past World Cup tournaments.

Introduction of Round of 32

For the first time in World Cup history, the knockout phase will begin with a Round of 32. The expanded format doubles the number of teams advancing beyond the group stage compared with the traditional Round of 16 structure.

New 12-group tournament format

The competition will feature 12 groups of four teams. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout rounds. This format will be implemented for the first time at a FIFA World Cup.

With its expanded structure, record participation levels and numerous historic firsts, FIFA World Cup 2026 represents a transformative moment for international football. The tournament is poised to establish new benchmarks for scale, inclusivity and global representation while opening a new chapter in the history of the World Cup.

Copenhagen: Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen is "doing well" after being admitted to hospital due to collapsing during Denmark's friendly against Ukraine, five years after suffering a cardiac arrest during the European Championships.

The 34-year-old former Manchester United midfielder, who had a type of pacemaker inserted after he collapsed in 2021, fell to the ground in the 64th minute of the match in Odense on Sunday.

Medical staff rushed onto the pitch while players from both teams gathered around him to shield the scene from television or smartphone cameras.

The referee called off the match and Eriksen was subsequently taken to hospital, having been shielded by both sets of players as he walked off the pitch.

"I want to let everyone know that I am doing well and that I am home with my family," Eriksen said in a social media post.

He said that receiving a shock from his ICD (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator) had had a "major impact" on him.

"I want to reassure everyone that this was (a) different situation from what happened in 2021," he said, adding that the device had done exactly what is was designed to do.

Eriksen said his "recovery has already started".

"For now, my focus is on recovering, spending time with my family, going on vacation, and playing football with my children," the footballer said.

Denmark's team doctor Morten Boesen said earlier on Monday that Eriksen had been "briefly unconscious" but that "the pacemaker responded as it should".

"I spoke to Christian this morning, and he is doing well," he said in comments posted on Instagram.

Boesen said that he and his medical team were in touch with the Danish national side's players.

"We are taking good care of the players and staff and are in regular contact with them."

Eriksen has worn the pacemaker since he collapsed during the group stage game against Finland at Euro 2020, which was played in 2021.

That led to him spending more than six months away from football.

Denmark captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg praised the swift help his team-mate received.

"There was a throw-in and I walked calmly to the touchline. Then I turned around and I saw Christian collapse," he told Danish television station TV2 on Sunday.
"We know very well what that means and the reaction was extremely rapid and respectful."

Denmark coach Brian Riemer, who worked with Eriksen at Premier League side Brentford, said it had been "an extremely shocking experience for everyone, the staff, the players and the opponents".

He said: "He's someone who counts a lot for me. You're closer to certain players than others and he was one of the ones I got close to at Brentford."

Eriksen resumed his career at Brentford seven months after his collapse, having been forced to leave Inter Milan because of Italy's rules against playing with a pacemaker.

He went on to join Manchester United, where he won the FA Cup and League Cup, and now plays for Wolfsburg in Germany, where he has another year to run on his contract.

He also returned to international football, playing for Denmark at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and Euro 2024 in Germany.

Denmark have not qualified for the World Cup in North America, which starts on Thursday.

Former Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner said the latest incident had been "really awful" but was relieved that Eriksen quickly regained consciousness.

"The main thing is that he was able to walk off by himself because that makes you think he's doing OK given the circumstances," Bendtner told TV2 on Sunday.
"But these are terrible images that outweigh the rest of the evening.

"It's the second time it's happened and as a friend of Christian's, it's really awful."

Doha, Qatar: As many as 10 million visitors will head to 11 U.S. cities this summer, helping turn the FIFA World Cup 2026 into the largest sporting event in history.

While U.S. host cities like Los Angeles, Miami, New York and San Francisco are world-famous, lesser-known U.S. cities are primed to host football fans. In Kansas City, Missouri, for instance, Café Corazón owner Dulcinea Herrera says that people underestimate the Midwestern city of 500,000 (in a larger metro area of 2 million). Herrera and other local business owners are preparing for 650,000 visitors for FIFA World Cup 2026.

In addition to coffee, an American staple, Café Corazón serves yerba mate, a tea popular with South American football stars, including Lionel Messi, who will lead Argentina in an early round match scheduled for Kansas City. One of Herrera’s three locations is in the downtown area where officials plan a massive viewing party near the stadium.

White House World Cup Task Force Executive Director Andrew Giuliani calls it “a tremendous privilege” to host the FIFA World Cup 2026 during the year the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, and says the federal government is working with host cities to ensure a safe and welcoming tournament.

“Hosting the world during this historic year … gives us a chance to show the very best of America — our hospitality and our innovation — while also showcasing the America spirit of which we’re so proud of,” Giuliani said.

Here is an introduction to few of the U.S. cities that will host international football fans:

Atlanta

Famous for peaches, pecans and Southern hospitality, the Georgia state capital is a cultural and economic hub of the South. It boasts the country’s busiest airport and was home to famed Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

Atlanta is home to numerous industries, including aerospace and financial technologies, as well as soft drink giant Coca-Cola. The city has several professional sports teams and has hosted three Super Bowls, as well as the 1996 summer Olympics.

Kansas City

The Midwestern city called Kansas City straddles parts of two U.S. states — Kansas and Missouri — and is known as the “City of Fountains,” as it has more in use than any other U.S. city. Its famed Power & Light District boasts eight blocks of restaurants where visitors can sample the region’s famous barbecue.

Kansas City’s strong sports culture includes the National Football League’s Chiefs — winners of two of the last three Super Bowls. And the Kansas City Current is the world’s only women’s professional football team that plays in a stadium designed especially for women’s football. The team draws sellout crowds.

New York/New Jersey

New York — famous for skyscrapers, Broadway theater and the lights of Times Square — will host the FIFA World Cup 2026 finals at a stadium in neighboring New Jersey. In addition to bustling sidewalks along rows of restaurants serving every imaginable type of international cuisine, New York offers museums, libraries, walks in Central Park and the iconic Statue of Liberty, a testament to America’s friendship with France.

San Francisco Bay Area

Known for the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is a city of steep hills, scaled by streetcars and packed with colorful row houses. It’s the northern hub of California’s Silicon Valley, a center of technological innovation. Between matches, fans can visit nearby Napa Valley wineries or check out the stunning vistas of Yosemite National Park.

After hosting American football’s 2026 Super Bowl in February, San Francisco will be ready to host six FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. Qatar will play their inaugural match at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, and their base training center is located in Santa Barbara.

Seattle

Known for a drizzly climate, a pedestrian-friendly downtown and a thriving entrepreneurial spirit, Seattle will offer international visitors the chance to sample seafood at Pike’s Place Market and take in a view of the entire city from the Space Needle. Seattle’s pioneering companies include airplane manufacturer Boeing, software developer Microsoft, and Starbucks, which operates in 85 countries.

The city, where the U.S. National Team will make an early-round appearance, plans nine “fan zones” for the FIFA World Cup 2026, each offering big screens, food and live entertainment. Qatar will play their final group stage match at Lumen Field in Seattle.

Doha, Qatar: With Jordan set to be one of the debutant teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the tournament will provide a historic platform for a quartet of nations making their first appearance on football’s biggest stage.

The expansion from 32 to 48 teams has created new opportunities for nations to reach football’s grandest stage, resulting in four countries qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time.

Jordan, Uzbekistan, Cabo Verde and Curacao will all make their historic debuts in North America after impressive qualification campaigns that showcased the growing competitiveness of international football. While they may enter the tournament as underdogs, each nation arrives with confidence, talented players and ambitions of making a lasting impression.

Jordan

Jordan arrive at the World Cup after completing one of the most impressive rises in Asian football. The Nashama secured their historic qualification following a golden period that included a runners-up finish at the AFC Asian Cup 2023 and a strong World Cup qualifying campaign. Ranked 63rd in the latest FIFA World Rankings, Jordan have steadily established itself among the continent’s emerging forces.Ranked 63rd in the latest FIFA world rankings, Jordan have steadily established itself among the continent’s emerging forces.

Head coach Jamal Sellami has helped transform the team’s mentality and ambitions. “These results open horizons of hope and ambition for the fans, so they can dream,” Sellami stated to Arabic sports channel TFK, following qualification.

The squad is led by star winger Mousa Al Tamari, widely regarded as the country’s finest player and one of Asia’s most dangerous attacking talents. The Rennes player enjoyed an impressive season in France and will be Jordan’s main attacking threat. Midfielder Noor Al Rawabdeh and defender Yazan Al Arab are also expected to play key roles as Jordan prepare for its first appearance on football’s biggest stage.

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan will become the first Central Asian nation to compete at a FIFA World Cup after finally ending years of near misses. Ranked 50th in the world, the White Wolves have emerged as one of Asia’s most consistent teams and secured qualification through an impressive campaign.Uzbekistan are set to become the first Central Asian nation to compete at a FIFA World Cup after finally ending years of near misses.

Captain Eldor Shomurodov remains the team’s leading figure, while Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov has become one of the country’s biggest football stars following his breakthrough in European football. Young midfielder Abbosbek Fayzullaev adds creativity and energy in midfield.

Uzbekistan’s qualification was celebrated across the country, with officials describing it as a defining moment for both football and national identity.

Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde’s qualification represents one of the most remarkable stories of the tournament. The small island nation topped its African qualifying group ahead of Cameroon to reach the World Cup for the first time.

Cabo Verde topped their African qualifying group ahead of Cameroon to reach the World Cup for the first time. ABDULRAHMAN BACHIR /THE PENINSULA

Ranked 68th globally, Cabo Verde have built its success on a disciplined team structure and a talented generation of players. Captain Ryan Mendes remains the team’s inspirational leader, while Dailon Livramento, Jamiro Monteiro and Willy Semedo provide attacking quality capable of troubling stronger opponents.

Coach Bubista summed up the nation’s spirit by describing Cabo Verde as “a small country with a big heart”, a phrase that has become symbolic of the team’s journey to the World Cup.

Curacao

Curacao under coach Dick Advocaat complete the quartet of debutants after becoming the smallest nation at the tournament by population. Ranked 83rd in the FIFA standings, the Caribbean side earned qualification through a series of determined performances that captured attention across the CONCACAF region.

Veteran midfielder Leandro Bacuna leads the team, while former Manchester United winger Tahith Chong and experienced goalkeeper Eloy Room bring valuable experience to the squad. Former Netherlands coach Advocaat has also played a major role in the team’s development.

“We have a team of fighters and they never give up,” coach Fred Rutten told reporters in March, before stepping down ahead of the World Cup, as Curaçao prepared for the country’s historic appearance.

The four debutants may not be among the favourites to lift the trophy, but their journeys to qualification have already become some of the most inspiring stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their presence highlights the growing global reach of the game and ensures fresh narratives when the tournament gets underway.