Dribble Diaries

The FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of international football, a tournament that unites nations, inspires generations, and writes legends. For decades, only a select group of nations have consistently graced the grand stage, leaving smaller footballing nations dreaming of their moment in the spotlight. But in 2026, history will be made. Uzbekistan and Jordan, two nations with passionate football cultures but no prior World Cup appearances, have defied the odds and secured their places in the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026. This milestone is not just a triumph for their national teams but a celebration of perseverance, tactical evolution, and the growing globalization of football. 1. The Road to Qualification: Breaking Barriers Uzbekistan’s Long-Awaited Breakthrough Uzbekistan has long been one of Asia’s strongest teams that never quite made it to the World Cup. Despite dominating Central Asian football and producing talents like Server Djeparov and Odil Ahmedov, they repeatedly fe...

Brazil’s national team has entered a new era under the leadership of Carlo Ancelotti, marking a historic moment as the legendary Italian coach takes charge of the Seleção. With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay approaching, Ancelotti has unveiled his first squad selection, sparking discussions about his tactical vision and strategic approach. This blog explores the key decisions behind Ancelotti’s squad selection, analyzing his tactical preferences, player choices, and long-term vision for Brazil’s resurgence on the global stage. Ancelotti’s Tactical Philosophy Ancelotti is renowned for his adaptive coaching style, blending tactical discipline with player freedom. Unlike rigid systems, his approach prioritizes possession-based football, defensive solidity, and attacking fluidity. Key Tactical Principles Midfield Control & Experience Ancelotti has recalled Casemiro, a player he trusts from his Real Madrid days, to bring leadership and stability to Brazil’s m...

Dorival has stepped down as head coach of Brazil's national team. The 62-year-old was only hired in January 2024, and he oversaw 16 games as his country was eliminated from last year's Copa América final 16. Following Wednesday's disappointing World Cup qualifying loss to Argentina, Dorival was ousted from his position as the Seleção seeks a new direction. "The Brazilian Football Confederation announces that coach Dorival Júnior will no longer be in charge of the Brazilian National Team," according to a statement. "The board thanks the professional and wishes him great success in his work. From now on, the CBF will look for a replacement." Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of Real Madrid, is still widely regarded as the favorite to take over the five-time World Cup winners.

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...

New Zealand qualified for the 2026 World Cup after defeating New Caledonia in the Oceania play-off. The All Whites will play on football's greatest stage for the first time in 16 years next summer. For the first time, Oceania has been given an automatic spot in the finals, bypassing the difficult intercontinental play-off that has frequently denied the federation representation at the World Cup. New Zealand were overwhelming favourites for qualification, and they overcame a poor start to easily defeat the Pacific island nation. Michael Boxall, 36, scored his first international goal for New Zealand, and Wellington Phoenix winger Kosta Barbarouses extended the lead shortly after. Eli Just clinched the victory and World Cup qualification in the 80th minute. New Zealand will compete in the competition for the third time, following group stage exits in 1982 and 2010. Chris Wood, the nation's record scorer, is now enjoying a career-best season at Nottingham Forest and will ca...

In Friday's World Cup qualifier, Argentina defeated Uruguay 1-0 thanks to a single player who made the difference. Furthermore, Lionel Messi was not his name. With two South American powerhouses facing off, the Centenario would always be an intense event. Yet, there wasn't much football played because of the tight environment on the field. In the first five minutes of this match, there were just six shots combined, and there were nine more fouls recorded. Naturally, tensions rose, and even with the talent on hand, there was still no goal long into the second half. Then, in the end, a single magical moment—something that typically falls on the shoulders of eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi—proved the difference. But because the Inter Miami star was injured, Argentina had to rely on Thiago Almada and Julian Alvarez to provide the game-winning goal. Outside the box, the Atletico Madrid starlet gave the ball to his countryman after dancing around Uruguay...

Four players have been called up by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) for Argentina vs. Brazil. The new players are goalkeeper Weverton from Palmeiras, defender Beraldo from PSG, and midfielders João Gomes from Wolverhampton and Éderson from Atalanta. Gerson, Alisson, Bruno Guimarães, and Gabriel Magalhães will all be replaced by the foursome. The first two will be suspended after receiving their second yellow card. The Monumental de Nuñez will host Argentina vs. Brazil on Tuesday, the 25th, at 9 PM (Brasília time). Examine the CBF statement. Coach Dorival Jr. called up defender Beraldo of PSG, midfielders João Gomes of Wolverhampton and Éderson of Atalanta, and goalkeeper Weverton of Palmeiras for the Brazilian National Team's game against Argentina on Friday, the 20th, which is part of the 14th round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Gerson, Alisson, Bruno Guimarães, and Gabriel Magalhães will all be replaced by the foursome. The first two will be suspended aft...

In Thursday's World Cup qualifying match, Colombia lost 2-1 thanks to a late goal from Brazil. However, after a major collision, the attention will continue to be on Alisson and Davison Sanchez's health. Supporters and neutral fans would always enjoy this matchup since it would pit two of the region's biggest names against one another for points and bragging rights. Brazil scored the first goal through Barcelona's in-form player Raphinha, setting the tone for an incredibly fast start. The No. 11 scored his 50th goal of the season with ease after converting a penalty in less than ten minutes. The early goal gave the home team a huge boost in confidence. But Colombia controlled the ball for the entire ninety minutes, and that change resulted in an equalizer. Due to their lack of speed, Brazil let the opponents steal the ball just outside the box before Luis Diaz could grab it. The Liverpool player used his time and space wisely, driving a low roller home to mak...

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...

With important Nations League matches and World Cup qualifying matches, the first international break of the year is upon us. There are many new players in teams all across the world, and we've selected six players who might make their debuts for their countries this month. Doue Desire (France) Desire Doue received his first call-up to France this month as a member of a thrilling Paris Saint-Germain team that is starting to look like a Champions League contender. The 19-year-old has seven goals and 11 assists in all competitions, averaging a goal involvement every 115 minutes, despite not being a guaranteed starter. He maintained his composure as PSG defeated Liverpool in the Champions League last week thanks to the game-winning penalty kick. He was acquired from Rennes last summer for €50 million (£42 million), and his arrival aligns with PSG's shift to a longer-term ambition. Doue will look to make an impact when Didier Deschamps' team plays Croatia in the Nation...

Brazil's number 10 shirt is arguably the most famous in world soccer history. From Pelé to Ronaldinho, Zico to Rivaldo, La Seleçao's yellow number 10 shirt carries a weight and responsibility that only the brightest Brazilian stars are capable of shouldering. Following Ronaldinho's retirement, Neymar Jr. inherited the honor and burden of wearing the number 10 on the back of his shirt. On June 2, 2013, Neymar wore the iconic shirt number for the first time; a month later, he led Brazil to the Confederations Cup title, defeating reigning World Cup champions Spain 3-0 in the final. Two months later, he made his European soccer debut for Barcelona. The rest is history; Neymar grew into one of the best players of the twenty-first century, wearing the number ten jersey in three World Cups for Brazil, becoming the country's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals and the second most capped player in history. Fast forward to the present day, and the former Barcelona and Pari...

November's international break has here, and the year's final stop in the domestic season has some intriguing fixtures to offer. The international break began in mid-November, and we can see that the matchups are among the greatest in the world of football. The UEFA Nations League and CONMEBOL World Cup qualifications are gaining popularity among football enthusiasts. Here are the top five games to watch during November's international break. Greece versus England (November 14th) Can England exact payback against Greece? Last month, the Three Lions suffered a shock defeat at Wembley Stadium to Greece, with Vangelis Pavlidis scoring twice. England now faces a struggle to earn top spot and Nations League promotion. A victory by two goals or more in Athens will put England at the top of the group. However, Greece has only lost once in their last ten games and is on a five-game winning streak. Interim manager Lee Carsley has had to deal with numerous withdrawals from his squ...

Four more games in South America took place on Thursday night as part of the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers. This is what transpired. Brazil scored a late victory in Chile thanks to two less well-known strikers from Botafogo, who might perhaps save their qualification campaign. Eduardo Vargas gave Chile the lead after just two minutes, shocking the visiting team. It was a nightmare start for a Brazil team who needed some positive feelings to start the game. Brazil answered with lots of chances but failed to create any significant scoring opportunities, as has been the case for the majority of their qualifying campaign. However, in the final seconds of the half, a young player had a significant impact. Four more games in South America took place on Thursday night as part of the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers. This is what transpired. Brazil scored a late victory in Chile thanks to two less well-known strikers from Botafogo, who might perhaps save their qualification campaign. Eduardo...

When you see the star-studded Brazilian team that includes players like Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and others, Igor Jesus is not the first person that comes to mind. However, the young player had a significant impact on his country's game against Chile this evening, which was his first start. The Botafogo attacker has been making an impression for his team and was selected for an unexpected opening start against Chile in a World Cup qualifier. Recently, Dorival Júnior's team has had a terrible run, winning just three of their first nine qualifying matches, which has caused serious concerns across the country. And in less than two minutes on Thursday night, they were behind 1-0. However, Igor Jesus would save their bacon in the last seconds of the first half, leveling the score in his debut with an incredible flicked header. The Brazilian national team hadn't had a goal from Botafogo since Bebeto in 1998, so the 23-year-old's goal created history. Luiz Henrique, who c...

Lucas Beraldo, who was called up on Thursday, has stated that he will play in the forthcoming international break for Brazil. The injured Bremer, who tore his ACL during Juventus' Champions League match against RB Leipzig, is replaced by the 20-year-old center back. Coach of the national team Dorival Jr. remarked, "Unfortunately, we have learned of a serious injury to the athlete Bremer, a person who deserves all our respect, consideration, affection and support, so that he can return as soon as possible." "We are calling up Beraldo from PSG to take his place." Despite having only three Seleção appearances, Beraldo has established himself as a mainstay for PSG, starting six games in all this season across all competitions.

The CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers begin on Tuesday evening, featuring a number of high-profile matches. Here's what has happened so far. Colombia avenged their loss in the 2024 Copa América final by defeating Argentina in a World Cup qualifier. Colombia seized the lead in the qualifying campaign, thanks to a well-worked short corner that allowed James Rodríguez to pick out Yerson Mosquera for a thundering header in the area. Argentina had mostly had it all their own way so far. The reigning World Cup and Copa América champions did not have a shot on goal in the first 45 minutes. Argentina did not take long to fight their way back into the game, with Nico González going on a great run before slotting home the equalizer just a few minutes after the restart. However, parity did not persist long. Colombia recovered the lead just 12 minutes later, due to a James penalty, putting the champs behind the eight ball once more. The hosts did not let their advantage slip away again, holding on...