FIFA World Cup 2026:
By Vimal Kapoor
The heat is on! The ongoing FIFA World Cup has once again reminded the world why football remains the planet’s most beloved sport. I am mesmerised by larger-than-life drama unfolding on my TV— massive crowds, colourful packed stadiums, passionate supporters draped in their national colours, and dramatic moments on the field have combined to create a spectacle which is beyond words. The tournament has already produced memorable moments, none bigger than Argentina’s superstar Lionel Messi scoring a stunning hat-trick against Algeria and continuing his remarkable World Cup journey.
One of the most fascinating stories of this World Cup is the qualification of Curaçao, a tiny Caribbean island with a population of roughly 150,000 people. To put that in perspective, its population is smaller than many neighborhoods in Delhi. Yet Curaçao managed to reach football’s biggest stage, while India, the world’s most populous nation with over 1.4 billion people could not even qualify. If you think it is mindboggling then it is!
This contrast highlights an important truth about football: success is not determined by volume of population alone. Countries such as Curaçao have built structured football development systems, and benefited from strong football cultures. Many Curaçao players also gain experience in European leagues. The country has focused on talent identification and disciplined approach.
India, on the other hand, faces several challenges. Cricket is like religion here and dominates the sporting scenario, attracting most of the sponsorship, media attention, and grassroots participation. Football infrastructure remains uneven, especially outside a few football-loving states such as Goa, Kerala, and West Bengal. Youth development programmes are still in the nascent stage, and many talented players do not receive high-quality coaching from an early age. Also the domestic league system has yet to consistently produce players capable of competing at the highest international level.
Despite these shortcomings, there are reasons for optimism. Football’s popularity in India is growing rapidly. However, if India truly wants to qualify for a future World Cup, several steps are necessary. First, grassroots football must be expanded in schools and local communities. Second, investment in coaching education should become a national priority. Third, stronger youth leagues are needed to provide regular competitive matches for young players. Finally, Indian clubs must focus more on long-term player development rather than short-term results.
So far, the 2026 World Cup has also been thrilling because of the performances of its biggest stars. Messi has already captured headlines with his record-breaking exploits, while Mbappé has continued to demonstrate why he is considered one of the finest players of his generation. In the meantime, Cristiano Ronaldo has once again shown his enduring quality by scoring important goals and becoming the first player to score in six different World Cups. These charismatic figures have added glamour and excitement to an already fascinating tournament.
As for the favourites, defending champions Argentina currently appear to have a slight edge. With Messi inspiring the team and a well-balanced squad around him, Argentina looks capable of making another deep run. Brazil, Spain and France can never be discounted because of their immense talent and attacking flair, while Germany remains one of the most disciplined and tactically intelligent teams in world football. If I was forced to choose, I would place my money on Argentina, followed closely by Brazil, with France, Germany and Spain as dangerous challengers capable of upsetting anyone on its day.
Ultimately, the story of Curaçao and India offers a thought provoking lesson. Football success is built on vision, planning, coaching, infrastructure, and a strong sporting culture—not merely population. As fans around the world enjoy the spectacle of packed stadiums, dazzling goals, and iconic stars, India should view this World Cup not only as entertainment but also as inspiration. With sustained investment and a long-term planning, there is no reason why the world’s largest population cannot one day be represented on football’s grandest stage. The dream may seem distant today, but the journey must begin now.
(Vimal Kapoor, a Dehradun resident is passionate about literature, creative writing, cricket and exploration through travel)
