The world of football never stands still, and 2026 promises to be a landmark year packed with high-stakes drama. From a home World Cup for the United States to tense title races and cultural overhauls at European giants, the narrative threads are compelling. Here, we examine three of the most pressing questions set to define the coming months in the sport.
The 2026 World Cup: A Defining Test for the USMNT and Host Nation
All eyes will be on North America this summer as the 2026 World Cup finally kicks off. For the United States, the tournament represents a dual challenge: the performance of the USMNT on the pitch and the country's success as a host off it. The verdict from fans and pundits alike is expected to be stark, with little room for nuance between a soaring success and a perceived failure.
FIFA has already proclaimed a victory of sorts, announcing a record 150 million ticket applications. However, questions linger over the impact of bots and the justification for exorbitant prices, with President Gianni Infantino controversially stating that squeezing supporters is necessary to fund football globally.
For head coach Mauricio Pochettino and his USMNT squad, expectations are clear. After a round of 16 exit in 2022, progress beyond that stage is the minimum benchmark for success. The team's journey through 2025 was turbulent, featuring Concacaf Nations League losses to Panama and Canada, but concluded on a more positive note with friendly wins against nations like Japan and Uruguay. Whether this translates into a strong World Cup campaign remains the critical question.
Further off-field issues loom. The relationship between former President Donald Trump and Infantino, potential complications for fans from countries subject to travel bans, and the searing summer heat could all impact the tournament. The United States will be measured in every conceivable way.
Can Arsenal Overcome History to Secure Premier League Title?
As the new year begins, Arsenal once again sit atop the Premier League. Yet, history weighs heavily on the Gunners; on the four previous occasions they have been Christmas leaders, they have failed to lift the trophy. Manager Mikel Arteta's festive cheer may have been tempered by this statistic and the ominous presence of a resurgent Manchester City, who have won six consecutive league games.
Arteta has confirmed the club is "actively looking" at January signings to bolster their challenge. This comes after a substantial summer investment intended to bridge the gap to champions. However, key signings have yet to fully fire. Striker Viktor Gyökeres has only five league goals in 17 appearances, while Eberechi Eze has not contributed a goal or assist in his last four league outings since a hat-trick in the North London Derby.
The experience of past failures could either steel Arsenal's nerve or compound a growing tension, evident in recent shaky wins over Wolves, Everton, and Brighton. A dominant victory against Aston Villa may signal a renewed embrace of the fight. The second half of the season will be the ultimate reckoning for Arteta's project.
Real Madrid's Soul: Will Xabi Alonso's Revolution Succeed?
At the Santiago Bernabéu, a profound power struggle is underway. Manager Xabi Alonso was hired in the summer to modernise Real Madrid's playing style and culture, but the task has proven Herculean. The pressing, possession-based football that brought him success at Bayer Leverkusen has not materialised in Madrid.
The reasons are complex. It may be a squad lacking the requisite players, or containing stars unwilling to adapt—Vinicius Junior's reportedly frosty relationship with Alonso symbolises this tension. The 2026 season is therefore a watershed: either Alonso's methods will take root, potentially after high-profile departures, or the club's entrenched identity will reject his medicine and spit him out.
This cultural clash makes every match and transfer decision a pivotal moment in defining the soul of one of football's most storied institutions.
