Antonia Toro is a sophomore who has yet to declare a major. Antonia can be reached at antonia.toro@tufts.edu.
Welcome back to the “Road to the World Cup.” We’re now just 203 days away from the inaugural match at the Estadio Azteca. Recent developments have been coming fast, so let’s get straight to them.
Mexico is not simply relying on its history as a two-time World Cup host (1970 and 1986); it is actively working to modernize its security infrastructure. Mexico City, which will host the tournament’s inaugural game at the Estadio Azteca, recently selected the firm Amper to lead a technological modernization of its centers of Command and Control (C5) specifically in preparation for the World Cup. This update, involving new infrastructure and the latest version of the GEMYC-D system, aims to enhance public safety and optimize operations across the metropolis.
FIFA revealed the new World Cup soccer ball on Thursday. Named TRIONDA, it features three colored waves: green for Mexico, red for Canada and blue for the United States. For much of the World Cup’s history, World Cup balls have symbolized host nations.
The World Cup is less than a year away. In this column, I will review the most pressing challenges the tournament faces across all its venues in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
With 5 billion viewers tuning in for the 2022 tournament, the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup is poised to break every possible record. Held every four years with limited qualification spots, the World Cup represents the pinnacle of soccer. Stars represent their countries in pursuit of the most important trophy of their careers.
What a week for football! In the UEFA Champions League, we had intense matches and an almost remontada — not by Madrid. Arguably the most exciting game was Aston Villa versus Paris Saint-Germain . PSG had a comfortable aggregate score of 5–1 by the 27th minute, but in the span of just 10 minutes, Villa had closed the gap to 5–4. The French team managed to hold back the British side from the 57th minute in a cardiac game that left PSG fans frightened — but nonetheless victorious. Barça wasn’t particularly on form against B. Dortmund, losing 3–1 (but still beat the Germans 5–3 on aggregate).
Last week’s UCL quarter-final first-legs were full of surprises. Arsenal stunned Real Madrid 3–0 at home, with two incredible free-kick goals from Declan Rice (more on him later). Paris Saint-Germain beat Aston Villa 3–1 in Paris, whileInter Milan edged Bayern Munich with an 88th-minute winner from Frattesi. Barcelona smashed Dortmund 4–0, and even with the second leg at Signal Iduna Park, a comeback was unlikely. Even though Dortmund triumphed 3–1 on Wednesday, Barcelona still progressed.
We start the week with the sad news that Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City’s longtime golden boy, is set to leave the team at the end of the season. “In 10 seasons at the Etihad Stadium, De Bruyne has won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five EFL Cups, and a UEFA Champions League, and he could add another FA Cup to that before he goes,” journalist David Segar wrote on the Premier League website.
Welcome back to the 90 Minute Breakdown! We’re entering the last stretch of the season, and the intensity is certainly present. GamesLast week ended with the highlight of the break: the South American clásico, Brazil vs. Argentina. Playing in Argentina without Messi, the reigning world champions delivered a masterclass, winning 4–1. Argentina’s goals came from Julián Álvarez (4’), Enzo Fernández (12’), Mac Allister (37’), and Giuliano Simeone (71’). Brazil's lone moment came with Cunha’s goal in the 26th minute. Rodrygo and Vinicius? Barely touched the ball. With the next World Cup just 435 days away, Argentina looks more dangerous than ever.
This week was all about the international break, as players left their club teams to represent their countries. In North America, the CONCACAF Nations League took center stage. Panama stunned the U.S. in the semifinal with a 90+4’ strike from Cecilio Waterman. The whole Panamanian squad celebrated on the sidelines—right next to an unsuspecting Thierry Henry. Easily the coolest moment of the tournament. In the final, Panama faced Mexico and fell 2–1 after a class performance from Raúl Jiménez and the rest of the Mexican squad.
