Fifa World Cup is Here!

in Steem4Nigeria2 hours ago

Hello Steemians, I can't believe that the four-year wait for the tournament (FIFA World Cup 2026) is actually here. With a lot of expectations from our rising stars and countries, we hope for a good performance and a memorable tournament.

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Which Country Do You Think Is Going To Win This Year's Edition And Why?

I think that Portugal should have a strong chance of winning the tournament because this would be one of the final major international competitions for the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo. It would help the team because of the experience and leadership and the winning mentality they will carry during the tournament to inspire the squad. I also think that Portugal will win because of how the players will put in efforts to achieve this victory alongside the greatest soccer legend Ronaldo.

Beyond having Ronaldo by their side, Portugal is a team that is fully balanced in terms of the squad. With talented players at the peak of their careers like Bruno Fernandes, Refael Leão, Bernardo Silva, and Rúben Dias who will play their parts perfectly on the pitch. The Portugal team has, technical ability, creativity, and a solid defense making them able to adapt to any opponents they may face also controlling the temperature of the game.

However, to win a tournament like the World Cup is not just about talent. There is a need for consistency, tactical discipline, fitness, and sometimes luck to be able to win in a tournament where a lot of sides fight for the most respected trophy in football. If Portugal can maintain an impressive form and perform under pressure during the knockout stages, they could win and give Ronaldo a memorable farewell on football's biggest stage.

Which Nation Do You Think Is The Underdog That Could Surprise Everyone And Why?
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I strongly believe that Norway can actually be the surprising underdog for the upcoming World Cup tournament. Although they don't seem to be amongst the traditional favorites, Norway still stands tall with talented players of the generation who enable names to compete with the world's best teams. With the country having superstars like Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard who is the current captain for the Arsenal team, and organization of goal scoring power, it can make Norway a dangerous opening for any other nation.

I also think that Norway is capable of being the tournament's underdog because there is a lack of pressure on them compared to the traditional contenders for the trophy creating a clear path for Norway to exceed expectations. I think that because Norway is seen as an outsider in this competition their gain great freedom and confidence which can enable them to put up an exceptional performance rather than what is expected of them. I think that now we can have a great impact in the World Cup as a good containing underdog if they remaiorganizedze decisively and make use of the quality players and their disposal with which they can have a strong side to defeat opponents with a high standard and come out to be one of the tournament's mind-blowing success stories.

What Makes A World Cup Tournament Truly Memorable For You, Besides Just The Winner?
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For me a World Cup doesn't just speak about goals and big teams winning as usual, what makes a World Cup truly special and memorable for me is not about the team that leads the trophy, but stories that are about determination, resilience, and unexpected success that spread joy across the world beyond football. I can still remember a few moments that capture the strength of football that lies in the underdogs defying expectations and coming out on top against reputable opponents.

A perfect example of these is during the 2022 FIFA World Cup where we come to see Saudi Arabia emerging victorious against Argentina winning 2-1 it was a shocker to the world, I couldn't believe my eyes actually because of how well Argentina were equipped for the tournament. This results made me to understand that the reputation of a club or country in outstanding tournaments can't win matches, because in the world of football anything is possible just like The dying minute free kick in the 88th minute, by Ronaldo against Spain in the in the 2018 FIFA world cup, that made him Equalize for the team and lead a draw as Portugal were trailing 3-2 before the 3-3 draw.

Another unforgettable moments in football history are called in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which was all about Croatia being one of the most surprising underdogs to come out on top despite a lack of resources and a smaller population against strong countries like Brazil, Argentina, Spain, and Germany but could reach the final. For me, this is what makes the World Cup tournament memorable. Not the stunning goals but the efforts of those who may not seem to matter to thrive and make a global impact.

Are There Any Specific Players You're Really Excited To Watch In This Year's Edition? Why?

I must have seen that there are a lot of players that are on my mind to watch in this year's 2026 FIFA World Cup. But I'm going to stick with the Stars I have been watching so far and they are just two who are Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal. There is no doubt that Mbappe is an established world-class football star and we all know what he does in a competition that is called the world cup, he's going to be a great deal to watch for me because of his blistering pace, dribbling style, and goal-scoring abilities. We all know that mbappé has been active in the World Cup tournament haven't won the 2018 World Cup in style, but he is in good shape for the match so I would like to keep my eyes on him for his creativity and impact in the France national team.

On the other hand, we have Lamine Yamal, who is the current structure of modern football despite how young he is he's in good shape and has a high creativity level and technical quality on the pitch, he's a growing talent that is loved to watch around, most especially for his dribbles and ability to break through opponents' defense and create crucial scoring opportunities. What I love about watching him on the pitch is the exciting performance I will get to see from someone within my age grade. I see Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal presenting a new chapter in the world of football, which is why I love to watch them form on the biggest stage of this year's World Cup edition.

I would like to invite

@josepha
@uzma4882
@mainuna
@sojib1996
@sohanurrahman

Thanks for reading this post!!!