Article by Ovidiu Ioanițoaia – Published Sunday, June 14, 2026, 4:49 p.m. / Updated Sunday, June 14, 2026, 4:54 p.m.
The 2026 World Cup began under the sign of unexpected results, of surprises reported every day. Chronologically, the first consisted of the categorical victory, 4-1, achieved by the USA in the dispute with Paraguay. Not only did the Americans outclass their opponents in the first half, which ended 3-0, but they managed to do more than break free.
According to the Los Angeles Times, they made “the best 45 minutes in team history“. A feat also due to the excellent form of Pulisic (Milan), whose change at halftime was felt in the Yankees' game, decreasing after the restart.
Surprise also in Qatar-Switzerland, 1-1, a match in which the European team, for the sixth consecutive time present at the WC, started as clear favourites. As a result, no one was surprised that Embolo opened the scoring, even if from the penalty spot, but neither that Switzerland was heading, dominating and missing, towards a comfortable success.
But, stupor!, the Qataris achieved an unexpected equalizer in the 90th+5th minute, taking into account a point that even their manager, the Spanish Lopetegui, must have given up. Who has coached, among others, Spain, Real Madrid and Porto, so he's no slouch.
These games, like Canada-Bosnia (1-1), South Korea-Czech Republic (2-1), Brazil-Morocco (1-1) and Australia-Turkey (2-0), even Haiti-Scotland (0-1), they came to testify that there are no more big teams and small teams. Implicitly, to give water to the mill of those who sing the song of globalization and, on the flip side of the coin, to temper the authors of the version as Infantino (the head of evil) and FIFA jumped the horse when they increased to 48 the number of participants in the final tournament.
I do not elaborate on the subject because each camp will fiercely defend its position, certain that it, and it alone, holds the truth. It is certain, however, that the results recorded so far put the division into favorites and outsiders out of the question. Proof that Brazil could not beat Morocco, who led 1-0, and Turkey, with Arda Guler (Real Madrid), Çalhanoglu (Inter Milan) and Kenan Yildiz (Juventus) in the field, lost the duel with Australia 0-2!
In vain the “janissaries” had 70% possession and a bar (Bardakci), the players from Antipozi overturned the predictions. The one who brought them victory, the author of the decisive goal, Metcalfe, has just been relegated with St. Pauli Hamburg in Bundesliga 2! Here is another proof, how much?, that football is not based on merit or impressions. It's on the goals, a now common place.
Ancelotti did not have the desired debut at the World Cup / PHOTO: Imago
As for Brazil, considered (traditionally) among the candidates with a chance for the ultimate title, Morocco tormented them for a half when Ancelotti's glasses fogged up. Until the break, if you didn't know what colors the players were wearing, you risked confusing the teams as Brazil, without Neymar, still recovering, was breathing heavily.
He was panting. Correct, after the memorable goal scored by Vinicius jr. the balance of forces has balanced and the tie can be considered fair. However, Morocco left the impression that they can do more than in Qatar 2022, when they qualified for the semi-finals.
His goal from Alisson's goal, a genius pass by Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid), a jewel finish by Saibari (for whom Bayern are preparing 53 million to buy him from PSV), recommends a band that can climb to the top of the mountain. One that, contrary to what the theorists preach, installed its coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, just 3 months ago! But after becoming world champion in 2025 with Morocco U20.
On another note, I appreciate the efforts of Antennas to broadcast this CM edition hosted, for the first time, by 3 North American countries. In addition to paying a truckload of money, 12 million euros, an amount not officially confirmed, makes all the more commendable efforts to offer a quality product, as it is not a specialized post on sports, but a generalist one.
Which, although it does not have a section dedicated to sports, mobilizes to the maximum to please its viewers. He may not always get what he wants, but he tries and spends enough money and energy to achieve his goal. It is the undersigned's opinion, which has nothing to do with Antena Group, no tangent. And interest, not so much.
Therefore, being neutral, I was unpleasantly surprised, not to say disturbed, the reaction caused in the virtual environment by the invitation of Ștefan Bănică junior to the studiorenowned actor, singer and songwriter, star. His presence, despite his civilized, normal attitude, set some people off so much that they responded with criticism, irony and even insults. Accusing ȘB of what he never claimed to be an authority on football.
Ștefan Bănică junior, one of the people chosen by Antena 1 to present the shows intended for the World Championship
To be clear, he is not a friend of Banică jr, nor even a great admirer of his. We know each other by the day and that's all, which does not prevent me from saying that, by pulling the artist's ears, some have wronged him. They were blatantly wrong, considering that the interpreter is a Dinamo fan, seen in the stands quite often and, as such, he did not fall from the sky.
He talks about football with knowledge, he can even express a point of view worthy of being heard. This is why I dare to ask those who jumped on her neck to leave it easier with the piano on the stairs!
Lest, God forbid, the flaps should spill and be lost!
