FIFA president Gianni Infantino has solidified his position on the global stage by securing the total backing of all 54 African member associations. During a high-profile summit in Cabo Verde, the Swiss-Italian administrator promised a significant increase in resources to further elevate the game across the continent.
From opening day introductions to intense fitness drills, beds at the training ground and breaking down language barriers, Stuart Dallas worked with one of football's biggest characters during his time in West Yorkshire and lifts the lid on life under 'The Crazy One'
Gianni Infantino has received a significant boost in his quest to retain the FIFA presidency after one of his most prominent potential challengers, Victor Montagliani, confirmed he will not enter the race. The Concacaf president has informed his confederation that he intends to seek another term in his current role, effectively ending speculation that he would lead a reformist ticket against the incumbent.
Nicolas Tagliafico has delivered a candid assessment of Argentina’s shortcomings following their World Cup final defeat against Spain. The veteran defender admitted that the Albiceleste failed to replicate the form that saw them crowned world champions in 2022, suggesting that the team was tactically second-best throughout the contest.
Brazil have won the World Cup five times, more than any other country. They first lifted the trophy in 1958, before successfully defending their title four years later. They then made it three in 1970, while also emerging victorious in 1994 and 2002 to show what they're made of.
How many teams are in the World Cup?
The most recent edition of the World Cup, which took place in Qatar in 2022, featured 32 teams. However, from the upcoming edition in 2026, as many as 48 teams will be contesting for the ultimate prize in international football. The number of teams that will be featuring has almost quadrupled since the inaugural edition in 1930, which hosted 13 teams.
Who has made the most World Cup appearances ever?
Lionel Messi holds the record of making the most appearances in World Cups, having represented Argentina 26 times across five editions.
Who is the all-time World Cup topscorer?
Germany's Miroslav Klose tops the all-time goalscoring charts in World Cups, having scored an incredible 16 goals in 24 games across four consecutive editions from 2002 to 2014.
Who is the oldest World Cup player and how old was he?
Egyptian legend Essam El Hadary is the oldest player to have ever featured in a World Cup game. The goalkeeper was 45 years and 161 days old when he participated in Egypt's 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia at the 2018 World Cup.
Who is the youngest World Cup player and how old was he?
Former Manchester United man Norman Whiteside is the youngest player ever to play a World Cup game. The midfielder was just 17 years and 41 days old when he featured for Northern Ireland in a game against Yugoslavia at the 1982 World Cup.
Which famous footballers have featured at the World Cup?
Pele, Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, Gerd Muller, Roberto Baggio, Ronaldo, Romario, Eusebio, Johan Cruyff, David Villa, Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo among others are some of the biggest legends in footballing history who have graced the pitch during World Cups.
Which famous managers have led teams at the World Cup?
The likes of Didier Deschamps, Franz Beckenbauer, Luiz Felipe Scolari, Vicente del Bosque, Vittorio Pozzo, Louis van Gaal, Sven-Goran Eriksson, and Ivica Osim are some of the most accomplished individuals to have managed at the World Cup finals.