Road to 2026 World Cup: Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino are the stars

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump. (AP)

JAKARTA - Fortunately, World War III did not take place. So, the world's football fanatic, waiting anxiously in front of the screen, who is the champion who is able to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 title. Above, the goodness of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who fought extra hard, wooed the inner President of America, Donald Trump, to keep Iran as part of the 48 participating countries.

Four months ago, on February 28, 2026, the Iranian capital, Tehran, was bombed by a joint Israeli and American force. Until, the office of the President and the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei, was hit by a missile, to the point of death. From there, the beginning of the turmoil, whether the 2006 World Cup party could still be held or not?

The Iranian national team, already qualified for the final round, after winning Group A, Third Round, Asian zone qualifiers, March 25, 2025. And, released by FIFA, as the 6th country to qualify, three of which as hosts, Canada, Mexico, United States, followed by Japan and Argentina, the zone champions, South America.

The World Cup trail, which has stopped twice, due to World War II, so that the Jules Rimmet Trophy, 1942 and 1946 could not be held by FIFA.

First of all

The 2026 World Cup, the first, with the presence of 48 countries. Four years ago in Qatar, it was still followed by 32 countries. The most powerful festival in the world, also the first time it was held in three countries simultaneously, Canada (two cities), Mexico (three cities), and eleven cities in the United States.

If, 2022 in Qatar, with 32 countries, is divided into eight groups. Now, in three countries, divided into 12 groups. To qualify for the top 32, the format according to FIFA, the group champions and runners-up qualify. Plus eight (8) countries, the 3rd best ranking, join the 24 countries that are champions and runners-up.

Metlife Stadium in New Jersey which will be used as the venue for the 2026 World Cup final match on July 19. (Wikipedia)

In the 32-team round, FIFA has made the format graphics, which are carried out with a knockout system. This means that in the 32-team round, every match is a final! The knockout round, will find 16 countries, followed by the quarter-final, semi-final and final - final.

FIFA World Cup 2026, is the 23rd edition, since it was held in 1930 in Uruguay. If in Qatar the 22nd edition, competing in 64 matches. Therefore, in three countries out of 16 cities, 104 matches will take place. The countries that qualify for the final, will still play seven (7) matches, like the 2022 World Cup.

Debut Appearance

Every giant tournament, since the FIFA World Cup was held, replacing the Jules Rimet Cup (1930 - 1970), there is always a debutant who can perform.

For example, in the 1974 World Cup, new countries, Australia, East Germany, Haiti and Zaire (now DR Congo) appeared. And, in the 2026 World Cup, there are four new countries, which appear as first-time participants, namely Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan.

Every edition of the 2026 World Cup giant is always followed by a line-up of superstars. Both, who have already enjoyed being top stars in the World Cup before, or even have signs of being a maestro, when competing in the European elite league competition.

European leagues, are the highest caste of modern football. There are two big names on the planet, Lionel Messi (Argentina) and Cristano Ronaldo (Portugal), still being "magnetic". The next stars, such as Kylian Mbappé (France), Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Son Heung-min (South Korea), Harry Kane (England), Luka Modric (Croatia), Erling Haaland (Norway), Vinicius Jr (Brazil), are sure to still decorate their country's squad.

Beyond the big names who are already legendary, the 2026 World Cup will also feature "golden" talents who are ready to skyrocket their fortunes such as: Lamine Yamal (Spain), Endrick (Brazil), Desire Doue (France), Nico Paz (Argentina), Ibrahim Maza (Alzajair), Nick Waltemade (Germany), Nico O'Reilley (England), Pedri (Spain), Ibrahim Mbaye (Senegal), Gilberto Mora (Mexico), Luka Vuskovic (Croatia), and Nathan De Cat (Belgium).

Young star of the Spanish national team, Lamine Yamal, is expected to shine at the 2026 World Cup. (Adidas)

During the 1990 World Cup in Italy, the entrance ticket price was not bombastic. On average, it is still affordable for the wallets of football fans who have a backpacker hobby, around Rp. 200 thousand (elimination round) to Rp. 1.4 million in the semi-final and final rounds.

Compare, if you insist on watching the final match, which will take place at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, on July 19. Reaching 10,990 US dollars, or around Rp187 million. Mosok, for one-category tribune tickets, tickets in the group stage, for 60 - 180 US dollars, Rp986 thousand - Rp3 million). The 16-round 905 US dollars (Rp14.6 million). FIFA management in the next update, sold with a "front row" category system or premium seats, for the opening, 4,105 US dollars, or around Rp70 million.

Ticket brokers or brokers are allowed to sell tickets to local residents, supporters or tourists. The condition is that only the sales from the broker's results must be "bagdu" alias for two together with FIFA, from the profit margin obtained.

Shakira Performs Again

Because when making a music video for the 2010 World Cup album, "This Time for Africa", titled "Waka-Waka", the Barca libero and the Spanish national team, Gerard Pique met and fell in love at first sight with Shakira. When watching Shakira's sexy dance style, bahenol, afro-african style. Pique, immediately klepek-klepek.

Even though they both lived together without marriage, Gerard Pique was finally divorced by Shakira, because of Pique's "shopping eyes". The two of them, announced their separation, after 12 years, and had two children.

Shakira without Gerard Pique, it turns out, is still soaring in her fame. The reason is, in the 2026 World Cup, again, the Mexican people are made drunk by her. FIFA agreed, released an official album, and invited Shakira to perform again, at the opening ceremony, June 11, 2026. She will greet the world's football fans with the song "Dai-Dai", which was released by Sony Music Latin, May 15, 206.

Human Rights

Who says football, nothing to do with politics? In fact, especially in Mexico and in the United States, when the 2026 World Cup takes place, it is estimated that there will be a lot of tension and concerns, for spectators who want to come directly to the stadium.

Security issues, and human rights issues, are of great concern. In Mexico, drug lords, it seems, have a schedule, to disturb the guests of the national team who are playing in the cities of Monterrey and Guadalajara, Mexico.

Meanwhile, in the United States, FIFA was disturbed by the American Federal security system, which canceled the security budget, during the World Cup. Extremist attacks, and civil security, which often occur in many cities, are also highlighted by the world's citizens.

The arbitrariness of American immigration officers, the threat of press freedom, discrimination against immigrant communities, and the journalists covering the super giant event, are threats that should be warned about. Human Rights Watch has given a strong warning against the arrogance of the United States, as the host.

Information for the last two days, Iran has received permission, to stay in Mexico. Even when competing, it will still play three parties in Group G, along with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, played at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, and Lumen Field Stadium, Seattle, Washington. All of them, for the safety of Iranian players. Or, is it pressured to only enter America when competing?

Football fans around the world, can still be ready to store valuable momentum. Because, July 4, 2026, the United States government has scheduled in the city of Philadelphia, in the context of the 250th anniversary of the United States, it will be hosted by American culture, which is rarely seen by the world's population. Of course, while watching, the first party and the 16-year-old round.

Colombian singer Shakira will return to the stage at the 2026 World Cup. (AFP/Charly Triballeau)

For Canada, the 2026 World Cup, is the first event as host. For Mexico, this is the third time, as host, 1970, 1986 and 2026. For the country as if "super power" the United States, the second time, 1994 and 2026.

Watching the cultural celebration, a combination of three countries in Canada, Mexico and the United States, is a premium scale event, as a host at a global event.

The 2026 World Cup, a combination of politics, football, cultural events, and the game of the stars on the green field, will be very exciting to watch on television. In particular, in the Indonesian sky, there are two TVRI channels, namely TVRI Nasional and TVRI Sport.

There are 48 countries, playing 104 matches, in three countries Canada, Mexico and the United States, will be looking for the one country that is considered the most "macho" in the whole world, bringing the "battlefield" World Cup Trophy.

Is it still among the seven countries that have ever enjoyed the title of world champion, such as Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, England, France, Spain. Or, is there an 8th country as a newcomer?

J. Erwiyantoro(Football Columnist)