When Carlos Ancelotti embarked on his maiden World Cup journey in the US, a reel where his two adorable grandchildren wish him on his toughest assignment yet had gone quite viral. At 67 years and after having won almost everything that club football can offer as a coach, it would have been befitting for ‘Don Carlo,’ as he is often referred to, to enjoy the perks of a well-earned retired life of great opulence.

However, the tough-as-nails Italian decided to accept a challenge in May 2025 which many of his ilk wouldn’t dare – that of becoming the first-ever foreigner coach to guide the Selecao boys’ fortunes in the World Cup. All their five World Cup winning managers so far have been Brazilians: Vincent Fiola (1958), Aymore Moreira (1962), Mario Zagallo (1970), Carlos Alberto Parreira (1994) and Luiz Felipe Scolari (2002) and it’s going to be a daunting task for Ancelotti to aim for the Hexa with an undercooked team.

‘’It’s a ​new experience, but ⁠obviously a special one,’’ Ancelotti said at a choc-a-bloc first media conference in New Jersey on Friday. ‘’It means having the responsibility and the honour of representing the home of football, the most successful national team in the world. Two things: responsibility and honour.’’

Ancelotti said he wanted to ⁠embrace ​the occasion rather than be swallowed by it. ‘’I want to savour ​this moment with joy and happiness because it is a wonderful moment in my story,’’ he said. ‘’I feel great... I hope ​I can do the work needed to help this team succeed.’’

No wonder, he is easily the most talked about and charismatic manager among the 48 in fray – despite being a newcomer as far as coaching national teams is concerned. The past one year hasn’t really produced a magical transformation in the performance of the Samba Boys, who qualified as the fifth team from the South American zone and would have had to suffer the ignominy of featuring in play-offs for a ticket to the US but for an increase in quotas for all continents. This has, however, not deterred him from putting up a brave face as they launch their campaign against Morocco – the surprise semi-finalists of Qatar 2022 – in the wee hours of Sunday (3.30 am IST).

The canny customer he is, Ancelotti attempted to diffuse the pressure on his boys when he said there would be nothing wrong in case of any signs of nerves. ‘’Fear is an important part of life,’’ said the man with five UEFA Champions League titles lined up on his shelves alongwith all five league titles of Europe. While five Champions Leagues came as a coach, he had won two European Cups in a player’s capacity as well for AC Milan in 1989 and ’90 – leaving aside multiple World Club Cups and Super Cups as a coach.

The fear which Ancelotti talks about is not the psychosis, but the tactical alertness as the first match of a major tournament like the World Cup will always be difficult. The expectations of the Brazilian people, who comprise of nearly one seventh of the global population, of their national football team is scary as they want their team to win every match they play. Any defensive thinking is perceived as negative tactics and an anti-thesis of the beautiful game – or jogo bonito - that King Pele had once espoused.

However, the demands of the modern game call for a more pragmatic approach – and who better than Ancelotti to deploy it in the middle against a Morocco side – comprising of several proven customers in European leagues. Ancelotti has already taken a calculated gamble by naming the 34-year-old Neymar in his final squad despite the mercurial forward still recovering from a severe calf strain. ‘’We called him up not only for his football ability, which is indisputable, but also for the experience and example he can give to the younger players in the group.’’

He will not be available for the Morocco game but according to the coach, Neymar will start training next week. The enigmatic Vinicius junior is hence expected to play the leader alongside the likes of Raphinha, Marquinhos and Casemiro. Let’s keep our fingers crossed!

Who will win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to start in less than 10 days in the US, Canada and Mexico? While the pundits wrack their brains, Opta the supercomputer has identified Lamine Yamal’s Spain as the leading favourite on the basis of topping it’s extensive simulation model.

While La Roja, the reigning European champions, emerged as the favourite after a 16.1 per cent run of 10,000 tournaments, France, England and Argentina continue to be viewed as other major contenders. Each of the three teams surpassed the 10 per cent mark for tournament victories in the model’s projections.

The data also suggest that a maiden World Cup winner remains far from certain with just over a third of simulations producing a first-time champion. The sheer size of the 2026 World Cup means forecasting has become more complicated than ever with 48 teams creating countless possible scenarios.

Spain, however, emerged as the clear frontrunners in Opta’s modelling despite such uncertainty. If they can pull it off, the current bunch will emulate the golden generation of Spain which followed up their 2008 Euro crown with the 2010 World Cup crown.

They were the only nation more likely than not to secure a place in the quarter-finals, doing so in 52.1 per cent of simulations. Their prospects remained strong deeper into the tournament, with a 39 per cent probability of reaching the last four and a 25.6 per cent chance of appearing in the final.

The supercomputer also points to a potentially comfortable start for the Spaniards, who topped Group H in more than three quarters of simulations against opposition including Uruguay, Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde.

Spain may lead the projections, but France, England and Argentina remain firmly in contention according to Opta. France secured a 13 per cent title probability while England and Argentina followed on 11.2 per cent and 10.4 per cent respectively.

France’s path through the group stage is viewed as the most demanding among the tournament favourites with Norway, Senegal and Iraq providing stern opposition in Group I. Argentina and England are expected to dominate their groups, topping them in 73 per cent and 67.9 per cent of simulations. France managed the same feat in 60.3 per cent of projected outcomes.

The new format of the tournament will comprise of 12 groups of four countries and a record 104 matches. Teams finishing first and second in each group will secure direct passage to the knockout stages while the eight strongest third-placed sides will also advance, creating the inaugural round of 32 in World Cup history.

The Blue Tigers will have to vie for the third place in the four-nation Unity Cup in London after they suffered a 2-0 loss to a higher ranked Jamaica in the semi-finals at The Valley on Wednesday. They will take on Zimbabwe, who lost the other semi-final to Nigeria, for a podium finish on 30 May (Saturday) at 7 pm IST.  

 Ranked 136 in the world, India started as underdogs against the Caribbeans – who fielded an young team here but were still strong enough to win the day. Courtney Clarke’s stunning early strike in the eighth minute and Kaheim Dixon’s solo effort in the 78th minute ensured the Reggae Boyz marched into the final.

 Khalid Jamil’s men, who were playing their first match on British soil since 2002, could hardly settle into rhythm as Jamaica struck early. A quick Jamaican counter sliced through India’s shape in the eighth minute, forcing Gurpreet Singh Sandhu into a sharp save from a tight angle. The danger was far from over as India failed to clear their lines and Clarke intercepted a loose pass before scoring in emphatic fashion. He shifted the ball onto his right foot before unleashing a breathtaking strike into the top-right corner beyond Sandhu’s desperate dive.

 Jamaica, placed 71st in the FIFA rankings, continued to attack, stretching the Indian defence through the wings and exploiting spaces with alarming ease. Dixon nearly doubled the advantage in the 17th minute when he burst through on goal, but Sandhu stood tall and made a brave stop to keep India alive.

The Blue Tigers nearly found a lifeline in the 53rd minute after a mistake from the Jamaican defence and goalkeeper. Roshan seized upon a loose ball and played Rahim Ali through on goal after the striker had replaced Lalrindika at half-time. However, Ali had strayed offside, so Chhangte's follow-up finish into the empty net did not count.

The chance, though, transformed the momentum of the match. Jamil’s men tried to make a match of it in the second half, pushing higher up the pitch and probing the Jamaican defence with far greater intent. The Blue Tigers finally began asking questions, forcing Jamaica onto the backfoot during their best spell of the contest.

However, Dixon produced a moment of magic that put paid to all their hopes. The Charlton Athletic winger, playing at his home stadium, collected the ball near the edge of the area in the 78th minute and worked past the defenders. He then created space before drilling a low shot through Akash Mishra’s legs and into the far bottom corner beyond Sandhu. 

The FIFA Congress in Vancouver on Thursday night saw geopolitics rearing it’s head when the Palestine and Israel football officials did not shake hands despite an effort from Gianni Infantino to bring them together on stage. It sparked off an awkward moment in full gaze of the delegates at the Vancouver Convention Centre while the Iranian officials’ absence for the conclave was also brought up during their roll call.   

 Palestine Football Association (PFA) President Jibril Rajoub refused to shake hands with Basim Sheikh Suliman, the vice president of Israel’s national football governing body, despite Infantino’s appeal. Both addressed the Congress but when the FIFA boss tried to orchestrate a handshake between the two, Rajoub moved away from Suliman – protested loudly away from microphones before walking away from the stage.

 “President Rajoub, Vice President Suliman, let’s work together. Let’s work together to give hope to the children. Let’s work together for that,” Infantino said on a night he also confirmed that he would be running for re-election.

Rajoub, on his part, urged FIFA to address the Palestine Football Association’s allegations that Israel has breached anti-discrimination regulation by allowing clubs based in the West Bank settlements. He also said that PFA had knocked on the doors of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after FIFA ruled in March not to suspend Israel over its West Bank clubs.

The PFA official also questioned whether Israel has “the right to even be part of FIFA. “From my side, I still respect and follow all the legal procedures through FIFA institutions but I think it’s time to understand that Israel should be sanctioned because of the violations of the statutes of FIFA, the human rights,” he said.

Meanwhile, Yariv Teper, acting general secretary of the Israel Football Association, said that they were willing to work with the Palestinian counterparts. “We are in the FIFA Congress,” Teper said. “Our mission is to promote football and a better future for all regions, and this is our mission.”

Earlier in the day, Infantino opened his remarks by addressing the absence of the Iranian delegation. “Let me start at the outset confirming straight away for those who maybe want to say something else, or write something else, that of course Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026,” he said.

“And of course Iran will play in the United States of America. The reason for that is very simple, dear friends. It’s because we have to unite. We have to bring people together.”

Iranian soccer federation president Mehdi Taj and other officials had arrived at Toronto Pearson Airport on Tuesday night but were denied entry into Canada. Taj had previously served as a commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps which Canada listed as a terrorist entity in June, 2024.

Commenting on the row, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said it was her understanding that the Iranian delegation had received permission to enter Canada but it was then revoked. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada did not respond to questions about reports that Taj had been issued a temporary resident permit, which allows foreign nationals who are otherwise inadmissible to Canada to enter the country temporarily if there is a ‘compelling’ reason.

A century of rivalry bound by respect - said a giant tifo featuring Tutu Bose and Paltu Das, two of the deceased legendary administrators of Mohun Bagan Super Giants and East Bengal, respectively. If it drew most eyeballs from the ‘Mariners Arena,’ as Mohun Bagan supporters are now known as, a stunning one at their rivals’ end was the one depicting how displaced people from the east Pakistan found a resonance in the club’s roots.

The tifos have been, for the last few years, a welcome addition to the fandom of two of the oldest extant clubs in Asia – while the Kolkata derby remains the most important football fixture of the country without a doubt. They have often taken a political hue, like the demand for justice for the junior doctor allegedly raped and killed at R.G.Kar Hospital or in recent times, an ode to the late actor and podcaster Rahul Arunodoy Bandopadhyay, a sworn East Bengal fan who had a tragic death in end-May.

The atmosphere was simply electric (no surprises there) as more than 60,000 fans filled up the terraces at the Salt Lake Stadium, the biggest football venue in the country, as the Indian Super League (ISL) title hinged on the big game for the first time in its 12-year history. While Mohun Bagan has won the title multiple times (both in their avatar as ATK Mohun Bagan or Mohun Bagan Super Giant), it had been an uphill struggle for their archrivals – who had been finishing in the lower lungs of the table since their bow in the elite league.

All that could change on Thursday (21 May), when East Bengal look virtually set to lift the crown as they play a rudderless Inter Kashi on the last day of ISL. A thrilling 1-1 draw on Sunday have now thrown open the league with the Big Two now on 23 points from 12 matches, but East Bengal remain on top due to a superior goal-difference of 18 compared to Mohun Bagan’s 13. Mumbai City FC and Punjab FC are also on 22 points with the two sides set to meet on 21 May. 

East Bengal can hence clinch the crown if they beat Inter Kashi in their final match, given that Mohun Bagan will have a mountain to climb to overcome at least a six-goal difference against SC Delhi on the same day and kick-off time. The title now is East Bengal’s to lose and no wonder Oscar Bruzon – their Spanish coach who scripted the turnaround after taking charge of a relegation-threatened team in the previous season – is not willing to take anything for granted. ‘’The mission is still on, and we’ve got one more game to prove it. Joy East Bengal,’’ Bruzon said on his X-handle.

Sergio Lobera, the Spanish counterpart of Bruzon who took charge of a high-flying club by replacing the decorated coach Jose Mollina, said: ‘’I think it was a very good day for both teams. They played well also. But maybe we deserve a little bit more. This is my feeling as a coach, I want to watch the game again but my feeling now, our plan worked and we had the chances to win the game. With maximum respect, I think it was more of our mistakes than the plan of the opponent.’’

The timeless appeal of this fixture – which the administrators of the game have failed to cash in on over the years – manifested in no uncertain terms again. For the statistically inclined, here’s a look at the head-to-head after Sunday which underlines the history and richness of the fixture: the two Kolkata giants have now met 349 times across competitions with East Bengal leading the head-to-head record with 129 wins to Mohun Bagan’s 105 while 115 matches have ended in draws.

East Bengal has scored 324 goals in the derby compared to Mohun Bagan’s 286. Their previous meeting had ended in a goalless draw in the Super Cup at Margao on 31 October 2025. Let the show continue!

Football fans in India will need a Zee5 subscription to watch the live telecast of all 104 FIFA World Cup matches, which kicks off with a match between Mexico and South Africa at 12.30 am IST (Friday). Zee Entertainment, which recently secured the India broadcast rights after months of uncertainty, has unveiled dedicated World Cup streaming plans and confirmed the television channels that will carry the matches.

Zee5 is offering a special FIFA WC'26 + All Access subscription pack for the tournament, according to a release. Viewers can choose between: 3-month plan: Rs 799 (works on up to three devices); 1-year plan: Rs 1,699 (works on up to four devices). The plans include access to World Cup matches along with Zee5’s broader content library.

Fans who prefer watching on television can tune in to Zee Entertainment's newly launched sports channels: Unite8 Sports 1; Unite8 Sports 1 HD; Unite8 Sports 2 & Unite8 Sports 2 HD. All matches will be, meanwhile, available for live streaming on Zee5 through smartphones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs and other supported devices.

Despite being one of the few major football markets in Asia, India remained without a confirmed broadcaster for the tournament until recently. While China finalised its World Cup broadcast deal in May, Indian football fans had to wait until the final days before kickoff for an official announcement.  However, the match timings for pose a challenge for Indian viewers as they will be played across multiple cities and time zones in North America.

Expected start times include: Atlanta matches: 9:30 pm IST; Dallas and Houston matches: 10:30 pm IST; San Francisco, Vancouver and Monterrey matches: Up to 9:30 am IST. The opening match, both semi-finals and the final are scheduled to begin at 12:30 am IST making them late-night viewing events for football fans in India.

Meanwhile, a massive opening ceremony packed with music, culture and global entertainment will usher in the tournament and this year’s ceremonies will not follow the traditional single-city format. Instead, FIFA will launch the tournament through interconnected events in Mexico, Canada and the United States.

Shakira will headline the ceremony and perform Dai Dai, the official tournament anthem alongside Nigerian superstar Burna Boy. Colombian singer J Balvin and South African artist Tyla are also scheduled to appear.Mexico’s own music icons will play a major role as well as Alejandro Fernandez, Lila Downs, Belinda, Danny Ocean, legendary band Maná, and Los Ángeles Azules are all expected to perform during the celebration.

Canada’s ceremony in Toronto will include Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Michael Bublé, Jessie Reyez, Elyanna, Vegedream, William Prince, Nora Fatehi  and Sanjoy.The United States ceremony in Los Angeles is expected to deliver a Hollywood-style production before the USA face Paraguay in its tournament opener.