By Mahdi Al Khayari
MUSCAT — The hearts of all football fans around the world are beating with the unique rhythm of this 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being hosted by the United States in partnership with Canada and Mexico.
And local hearts are also beating in tandem with the rest of the world! Football fever has hit sky high in Oman with the launch of the World Cup 2026, proving once again that it is the most loved sport in the country. This historic and exceptional edition will be the largest in the tournament’s history in terms of the number of participating national teams. The competition has already witnessed intense battles among the world’s elite teams, alongside some of football’s biggest stars, all striving to etch their names into history and bring glory to their nations.
This edition holds special significance as it marks a new chapter in the history of the World Cup. Matches will be played across numerous cities and state-of-the-art stadiums, offering fans a unique experience that combines cultural diversity with sporting passion. The tournament will also provide an opportunity for many national teams to prove their ability to compete at the highest level, reflecting the remarkable development that global football has witnessed in recent years. Amid the ambitions of the traditional football powers chasing the trophy and the dreams of millions of supporters awaiting moments of joy and triumph, the world eagerly anticipates a tournament filled with excitement, drama, and surprises. The 2026 World Cup is expected to deliver countless inspiring stories and historic moments that will remain etched in football history, once again reaffirming the World Cup’s status as the greatest sporting event in the world—one that brings together nations and cultures through the spirit of fair competition and a shared love for the beautiful game.
Black & White spoke to some Omani football enthusiasts to get a feel of the scene here in Oman. Each one not only had their own personal favourite, but they also spoke their minds!
EXCERPTS:
My vote is for Argentina
For me, the World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world because it brings together the best national teams and players, creating an exceptional atmosphere followed by millions of fans worldwide. What makes it special are the sporting stories and historic moments that remain in the memories of fans for many years. As for the team I support, it is the national team of Argentina, due to its rich history and entertaining style of play. My favorite player is the legendary Lionel Messi because of his extraordinary achievements at both club and international levels, as well as his huge impact on the pitch and his ability to make the difference in the most important matches.
England may pull off a surprise
My personal opinion on this year’s World Cup is that I don’t think it will be outstanding in terms of fan experience and organisation because of the events that the United States had hosted before the tournament. For example, both the FIFA Club World Cup and Copa América faced significant organisational challenges. The United States is a vast country, making travel between cities difficult. Fans may struggle with securing hotel accommodations and flights, and we have already seen the high-ticket prices for the World Cup. Therefore, I believe fans may not enjoy the tournament as much as they did in Qatar.
I will be supporting Argentina, led by the greatest player in history, Lionel Messi. My prediction for the champion may be surprising, but I think England could pull off a surprise and win the tournament
Argentina will retain the trophy
The 2026 World Cup, or as many like to call it, “The Last Tango in Defense of Football’s Greatest Prize,” promises to be an extraordinary tournament in every sense of the word. Argentina enters the competition as the reigning world champion, pursuing a historic goal: retaining the trophy for a second consecutive time, a dream shared by millions of their fans around the globe. Argentina is indeed the defending champion of the 2022 World Cup and will be aiming to repeat that success in the 2026 edition.
As for me, as a devoted supporter of FC Barcelona, I can only hope to see Argentina’s flag flying once again at the summit of world football. The perfect ending to this legendary chapter would be a second consecutive World Cup triumph for Argentina and another global title added to the legacy of the legendary Lionel Messi, a player who has created unforgettable memories and inspired entire generations of football fans. The 2026 World Cup will offer another opportunity to watch the captain of La Albiceleste in one of the final major stages of his international career, with Argentine supporters hoping the journey ends as it has always been defined: by belief, determination, and glory. Messi continues to lead Argentina in this tournament as he makes his record sixth World Cup appearance.
Maybe Spain or Argentina
The World Cup is the most important sporting tournament in the world because it brings together the finest national teams from different continents and creates an atmosphere filled with excitement, competition, and entertainment. It also provides players with the opportunity to showcase their talents and fulfill their dreams of representing their countries on the biggest football stage in the world.
As for me, I support both Spain and Argentina. My favourite players are Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.
Hope Portugal wins the cup
The 2026 World Cup is one of the most highly anticipated tournaments in the world of football, featuring many strong national teams. Among the most top contenders are Argentina, Portugal, France, Spain, and Morocco.
I hope that Portugal wins the World Cup, especially with this outstanding generation of players across all positions. Some of the team’s biggest stars include Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, and Nuno Mendes. It would be a perfect ending to Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career if he were to lift the World Cup trophy.
0 Comments