Greetings! The global soccer calendar is pausing briefly before major events like the Club World Cup and Gold Cup take center stage. However, national teams are actively preparing, particularly with the significant milestone just reached: the 2026 World Cup officially kicks off exactly one year from today. Here`s an update on the latest developments.
The Road to the World Cup Begins Now
One Year Countdown Underway
Today marks precisely one year until the 2026 World Cup begins. This coincides with the end of the latest international break, where many national teams played qualifiers or friendlies, using the opportunity to evaluate their progress. For the host nations – the U.S., Mexico, and Canada – preparations will continue with the upcoming Gold Cup, but they are currently on very different paths. While Mexico and Canada secured at least one win in their recent matches, the U.S. men`s national team (USMNT) heads into the Gold Cup following four consecutive losses, including a recent 4-0 defeat against Switzerland. This losing streak is a significant concern, as noted by Chuck Booth:
- Booth highlights that this is the first time the USMNT has lost four straight games since 2007, extending their winless run against European opponents to seven matches. Despite key players like Christian Pulisic being absent for rest or club duties, this level of defeat was unexpected. The team has consistently struggled against top European sides, and despite changes in coaching, the results against such opponents remain disappointing, raising questions about the depth and quality of the player pool.
Elsewhere in the world, a new group of favorites is starting to emerge for the tournament. Spain and France are currently considered the bookmakers` top contenders. Both squads feature a blend of elite club players who have successfully transitioned their form to international duty. Spain, the reigning European champions, are likely to be spearheaded by young talent like 17-year-old Lamine Yamal as they aim for their first World Cup title since 2010. France boasts potent attackers like Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, integral members of their 2018 World Cup-winning side.
So far, 13 teams have qualified for the tournament, including the three hosts. The most prominent among the qualified teams is the reigning champion, Argentina. Lionel Scaloni`s team has maintained strong form since lifting their third World Cup trophy in 2022, even navigating periods without Lionel Messi. Two nations are also set to make their World Cup debuts: Uzbekistan and Jordan from Asia.
With a year remaining, many intriguing questions remain, particularly regarding how high-profile managers will adapt to leading national teams. While Julian Nagelsmann of Germany experienced this at last year`s Euros, USMNT`s new coach Pochettino joins other respected club managers like Brazil`s Carlo Ancelotti and England`s Thomas Tuchel who are tasked with making a statement performance next year. Results for this group have been varied: Brazil achieved their first win under Ancelotti and have secured World Cup qualification after a shaky start, while England had a mixed international window with an unconvincing win over Andorra and a loss to Senegal.
Club World Cup and Transfer Insights
Mini Transfer Window Closes Ahead of Tournament
While the 2026 World Cup countdown continues, final preparations are underway for the inaugural expanded Club World Cup, which starts this Saturday. For some participating clubs, this involved making last-minute signings during a special mini transfer window created by FIFA specifically for teams competing in the tournament.
Manchester City was notably active in the final days of this brief window, acquiring Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Rayan Cherki from Lyon. City spent approximately $50 million in transfer fees for each player, once again demonstrating their significant financial capability in the transfer market. Both players provide new tactical options for manager Pep Guardiola, but Cherki, in particular, seems like an ideal addition. James Benge commented on the young French international`s move to City:
- Benge suggests that while Kevin De Bruyne`s creative impact is irreplaceable, Cherki`s output comes remarkably close. His statistics last season ranked among the top creators in Europe`s major leagues, especially his expected assists numbers. Cherki is described as a player highly effective at advancing the ball, entering the penalty area, and creating scoring opportunities for teammates. Benge concludes that his specific position in the City lineup might be less important than his overall talent, which has the potential to significantly enhance the team.
Elsewhere, the Club World Cup could feature two Bellinghams this summer after Jobe completed a transfer to his brother Jude`s former club, Borussia Dortmund. Sunderland could receive a transfer fee up to $43.4 million for the younger Bellingham, making him a record signing for Dortmund. While it remains to be seen how quickly he integrates into the first team, the Bellingham brothers might look forward to a potential quarterfinal clash in the tournament between Dortmund and Jude`s current club, Real Madrid.
Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal also made a significant move in the transfer window after much speculation, securing N`Golo Kante on a short-term loan from Al-Ittihad. Aside from hiring manager Simone Inzaghi last week, this loan is their only high-profile acquisition for the Club World Cup so far, despite efforts that included a transfer saga involving Cristiano Ronaldo.
Benedict Kingsley 
Adrian Whitmore