Sports Summary: World Cup 2026, Brilliant Messi and More
The last month of the year was full of emotions in the world of sports. From the draw for the 2026 World Cup to Lionel Messi’s stellar performance in the MLS, through exciting finals and championships in different latitudes.2026 FIFA World Cup: Groups Defined
The draw for the 2026 World Cup, held in Washington, defined the twelve groups and the schedule that the 48 qualified teams will have to face. The United States, Mexico, and Canada, as hosts, will head groups D, A, and B, respectively.
Brazil will be in group C, Uruguay in H with Spain, Ecuador and Curacao in E with Germany, Paraguay in D with the United States and Panama in L with England. Argentina, the current world champion, is located in group J along with Algeria, Austria and Jordan, while Colombia will go to group K with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.
Bolivia and Suriname, along with Jamaica and New Caledonia, will play the repechage on March 26. The winners will compete on March 31 against Congo and Iraq for the last two qualifying tickets to the tournament. The opening match will be on June 11 between Mexico and South Africa at the Azteca Stadium.Messi, MVP and Champion in MLS
Lionel Messi was chosen as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the MLS for the second consecutive year. The Argentine star led Inter Miami to victory in the final, marking a milestone in the American league.
Inter Miami defeated Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, securing the championship. Messi, with 48 titles in his career, closed an impressive season with 35 goals and 28 assists in 34 matches.Legends’ Retirement: Alba and Busquets Say Goodbye
After conquering the MLS title with Inter Miami, Spaniards Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets announced their retirement from football.
Both players, trained at Barcelona, arrived in MLS in 2023 and contributed significantly to the success of Inter Miami, winning the Conference Cup, the MLS Cup and the Supporters Shield 2024.Flamengo: Dominance in South America
Flamengo was crowned champion of the Brazilian Championship one match in advance, after defeating Ceará 1-0. The team reached 79 points in 38 matches, securing the title and leaving Palmeiras in second place.
The “Mengao” achieved a poker of trophies this year, including the Copa Libertadores, the Brazilian Super Cup, and the Carioca tournament. Filipe Luíz, Flamengo’s coach, has had an exceptional start.Students Crowned in Argentina
Estudiantes de La Plata won the Clausura title in Argentina after defeating Racing in an exciting penalty shootout (5-4), after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The match was played at the Madre de Ciudades stadium, in Santiago del Estero. Estudiantes also qualified for the Copa Libertadores, while Racing Club will play in the Copa Sudamericana.Colombia, Champion at the Bolivarian Games
Colombia was crowned champion for the fourth consecutive time in the twentieth edition of the Bolivarian Games, held in Lima and Ayacucho, Peru.
The Colombian delegation, composed of 430 athletes, obtained 341 medals: 142 gold, 122 silver, and 77 bronze.
