The world of football is never short of intrigue, and as we move into 2026, several major storylines are set to dominate the global game. From the pressure-cooker environment of a home World Cup to tense title races and internal club power struggles, this year promises drama on and off the pitch. Here, we delve into three of the most pressing questions for the coming months.
Can the USMNT and Host Nation Handle World Cup Pressure?
All eyes are firmly fixed on North America as the 2026 World Cup finally arrives. For the United States, the tournament represents a dual challenge: the performance of the USMNT on the field and the nation's success as a host off it. The verdict from fans and pundits will be stark, with little room for nuance—the event will be labelled either a soaring success or a grotesque failure.
FIFA has already declared an early victory, highlighting a record 150 million ticket applications. However, questions linger over the impact of bots on that figure and the justification for the governing body's exorbitant ticket prices, which president Gianni Infantino defended as essential to fund football globally.
For head coach Mauricio Pochettino and his squad, expectations are high. After a mixed 2025 that included CONCACAF Nations League setbacks against Panama and Canada but finished with encouraging friendly wins, the target is clear: progress beyond the round of 16, which they reached in 2022. Beyond the football, significant logistical and political questions remain, including the potential influence of Donald Trump's relationship with Infantino on match locations and how fans from nations subject to travel bans will attend.
Will Arsenal's Nerve Hold in the Premier League Title Race?
As the new year begins, Arsenal sit atop the Premier League, a familiar but precarious position. History is not on their side; on the four previous occasions they have been Christmas leaders, they have failed to lift the trophy. The looming presence of a resurgent Manchester City, with six consecutive league wins, adds to the tension at the Emirates.
Manager Mikel Arteta has admitted the club is "actively looking" at January signings to bolster their charge. This comes after a substantial summer investment that has yet to fully deliver. Key signings like striker Viktor Gyökeres (5 goals in 17 games) and playmaker Eberechi Eze have had inconsistent impacts, while Noni Madueke has been sidelined by injury.
Recent shaky victories over Wolves, Everton, and Brighton hinted at growing nerves, though a emphatic win against Aston Villa may have released some pressure. The second half of the season will be the ultimate test of whether Arteta's team has learned from past failures or if those old traumas will resurface to cost them once more.
Who Will Win the Battle for Real Madrid's Soul?
A fascinating power struggle is unfolding at the Santiago Bernabéu. Manager Xabi Alonso was hired in the summer to overhaul Real Madrid's playing style and culture, but the task has proven monumental. The pressing, possession-based football that brought him success at Bayer Leverkusen has not translated to his new squad.
The team currently does not press high, rarely wins the ball back in advanced areas, and often struggles for control in matches. This raises a critical question: is it a lack of capable players or a resistance from the existing stars? The frosty relationship between Alonso and Vinicius Junior is well-documented, casting doubt over the Brazilian's long-term future at the club.
2026 is set to be a watershed year. Either Alonso's methods will begin to take root, potentially after some high-profile departures, or the club's entrenched culture will reject his philosophy and spit him out. The battle for the soul of Real Madrid is well and truly underway.
