Dribble Diaries

The idea of a 64-team World Cup sounds, on paper, like a celebration of football’s global reach. More nations would get the chance to experience the tournament, more fans would see their flag on the biggest stage, and more stories from outside the traditional power centers would enter the world’s football conversation. But beneath that sense of inclusion lies a serious question: can the World Cup grow without losing the competitive sharpness, sporting balance, and emotional intensity that made it the most powerful tournament in football? In many ways, expanding to 64 teams could widen the event’s footprint while narrowing its meaning. The World Cup has always been more than a tournament. It is a global ritual built on tension, scarcity, and the feeling that every match matters. Part of its magic comes from the fact that qualification is hard, entry is precious, and the final tournament feels exclusive enough to carry real weight. When the field expands too much, the event risks changin...

When an international break occurs, especially in the middle of a league season, few football fans rejoice. Club football was put on hold for over two weeks when players traveled to represent their countries in the Nations League and 2026 World Cup qualifications. While many will welcome the end of this brief hiatus, the international break provided plenty of drama and discussion points. Here are four major takeaways from the final international break of the 2024/25 season. Myles Lewis-Skelly has a dream England debut. Myles Lewis-Skelly, an Arsenal player, made an impressive start for England in their World Cup qualifying opener against Albania. The teenager opened the scoring for the Three Lions, latching onto a brilliant pass from Jude Bellingham and slotting home to become England's youngest player to score on his professional debut. Lewis-Skelly's historic 20th-minute strike also set the tone for England's 2-0 victory at Wembley Stadium, giving new manager T...

Five things to watch during the international break in preparation for important Nations League matches and qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Who will advance to the quarterfinals of the first Nations League? Quarterfinals have been added to the UEFA Nations League for the first time. As the top eight compete for spots in this summer's finals, the two-leg matches will take place during the next break. The current winners and holders of the European championship are Spain, and La Roja is the favorite to win the title again. This month, Luis de la Fuenta's team plays the Netherlands in what is undoubtedly the best quarterfinal matchup. Rematches of the 1982 and 2018 World Cup finals are scheduled elsewhere, with Croatia playing France and Italy playing Germany. Denmark will face first-time Nations League winners Portugal in the decisive quarterfinal round. Quarterfinal matches for the UEFA Nations League First legs: March 20 France versus Croatia Portugal versus Denmar...

It's been another spectacular year of football, with plenty of headlines, excitement, and storytelling. But what is ahead for the following 12 months? Here are five things to be enthusiastic about. The 'new' Champions League reaches its conclusion. UEFA's decision to reorganize the Champions League for the 2024/25 season was viewed with some suspicion, but it has remained important during the league phase. Because of the difficult initial format, few people are certain of their standings at this point, but the enthusiasm will undoubtedly increase in the coming year. Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain are among the major names at danger of losing out as they compete for place in the league's final stages. Following that, we'll have an entirely new play-off round before the conventional last 16. There's a lot to be thrilled about. Gripping title races throughout Europe Although England and France have clear frontrunners this season, the ot...