The countdown to the 2026 World Cup is now a matter of days.
On Thursday, one of the three hosts, Mexico will take on South Africa in the opening game of the tournament.
Yes, for the first time in its history, the competition will be hosted across three nations – Mexico, US and Canada.
“I think it’ll be more fun than people expect,” Clinton McDubus, a top football analyst and podcaster, tells DAILY POST.
“Once the tournament begins, the football will take centre stage and things will take off from there.
“I believe we will see a few surprises but ultimately, no fairytale run to the semis like we have seen in the past two tournaments.
“If it happens though, it will be an African team again. I expect at least two African teams to get to the quarter finals.”
Speaking on African teams, two of the continent’s heavyweights will not be present at the 2026.
Both Cameroon and Nigeria stumbled during the play-offs, losing out to DR Congo, who became the 10th team from Africa to qualify.
There has been debates over if there is enough buzz about the World Cup, especially with the Super Eagles missing in action.
“I think the ‘lack of buzz’ complaint is something we see before every World Cup, even with Nigeria participating,” McDubus insists.
“What ultimately happens is that football does the talking. It’s the World Cup; the fever will be caught eventually.
“That said, Nigeria not being there does bring the excitement down a little, at least for Nigerians who are casual followers of the sport.
“It just hits different when we are represented at the World Cup.”
So, let’s talk about the teams that will actually be participating at the World Cup.
All 48 of them.
Which are the favourites?
“As long as Yamal is fit, Spain will be trouble for everyone,” McDubus said.
“They are definitely the main favourites.
“France look certain to go deep as well, with their exciting attack. I think Portugal is a team to watch as well.”
While young stars like Yamal seek to make their mark on the global stage, there would be veterans like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric, who will likely be gracing it for the last time.
McDubus said: “We have been saying Ronaldo, Messi and Modric will be playing their last tournament since 2018.
“And yet, here they are again. Hopefully, this is really the last time for them.
“It’s tough watching the greats struggle to keep up with the intensity, because of the mileage on their legs and bodies.
“I’m a believer in knowing when to bow out, so I feel like they really shouldn’t be at this tournament. I do hope no humiliation occurs and they all bow out gracefully.”