Opinion National Interest PoV 50-Word Edit

ThePrint On Camera Videos In Pictures

Society & Culture Around Town Book Excerpts Vigyapanti The Dating Story

More Judiciary Education YourTurn Work With Us Campus Voice

Opinion National Interest PoV 50-Word Edit

ThePrint On Camera Videos In Pictures

Society & Culture Around Town Book Excerpts Vigyapanti The Dating Story

More Judiciary Education YourTurn Work With Us Campus Voice

2026 FIFA World Cup is a generational shift—Messi and Ronaldo ready to pass on rivalry baton

Messi has already 'shaken hands with paradise' in 2022 after lifting the World Cup in Qatar. Ronaldo, despite his staggering achievements, still chases this one elusive trophy.

With less than a month to go for the much-anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026, football fanatics are already losing sleep. Who will win the 2026 edition? Who will walk away with the Golden Ball? Who will bag the Golden Gloves award? Which underdog team will outperform a football giant?

Over the next few weeks, conversations will revolve around late-night matches, high-octane drama, tactical debates, and friendships temporarily sacrificed for football loyalties.

In India, fans are ready to bring out their favourite team’s jerseys from the wardrobes. In cities like Kolkata and Malappuram, they have painted the alleys with the images of their childhood favourites, strung countries’ flags across the streets, and unfurled huge tifos on the terraces.

But the 2026 FIFA World Cup has a different ring to it. It feels like a generational transition.

It might be the last World Cup for two football legends — Lionel Messi, 38, and Cristiano Ronaldo, 41. And, football is a........

© ThePrint