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FIFA World Cup: Excitement grows as the tournament nears despite all the controversy

FIFA World Cup 2022 is about to start in November and despite all the noises early, fans around the world is excited for the tournament.

Jul 4, 2022, 8:36 PM3 min read

FIFA World Cup: Excitement grows as the tournament nears despite all the controversy

Awarding the World Cup 2022 to Qatar has caused many controversies and shook FIFA to the core since the announcement. Qatar has also been under heavy scrutiny. The most attention was due to its discriminatory laws toward the LGBTQ+ community and the poor treatment of migrant workers. Despite all these unfortunate events, the preparations for the tournament are moving forward.

FIFA World Cup Groups | Sportz Point
FIFA World Cup 2022 Groups

As the tournament gets closer, it seems that fans are quick to forget all the negative that occurred in the past several years. It appears that all the scandals haven't done any real damage to the tournament's popularity. Even once reluctant sponsors are being swept in by the powerful machine that is football.

New sponsorships are lining up as well, including the latest with Algorand. The blockchain technology provider will also sponsor the FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2023. This only affirms the undeniable power the World Cup has over its fans.

Some groups have claimed they won't be attending the World Cup 2022 in Qatar because of moral and safety issues. As a response, Qatar has tried to reassure all the concerned parties. They are claiming that everyone is welcome and safe, but there is a mandate to abide by domestic laws when in public. LGBTQ+ symbols will be allowed regardless of the current Qatari law. Though, public displays of affection should be avoided to show respect for Qatari culture.

FIFA has also faced criticism on these issues. President Gianni Infantino said that they have urged Qatar authorities to install changes on human rights.

He also mentioned that this tournament will be something the world has never seen before. The application requests for tickets and the high popularity of the sport are backing his claim so far.

According to FIFA, there were 23.5 million requests for tickets in the latest sales round. The highest numbers come from Argentina, Brazil, France, England, Mexico, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. The demand grew even higher with the finalized World Cup draw, revealing the location, time, and pairings.

Read Also: FIFA World Cup 2022: Remembering Croatia's World Cup run in 2018

The most sought-after was the final game and some group games like:

  • Argentina vs Mexico,
  • England vs The United States,
  • Argentina vs Saudi Arabia,
  • Poland vs Argentina.

Just for the England vs the United States game, there were 1.4 million application requests for the tickets.

Even in the US, the demand for "soccer" is on the rise. While still lagging behind the big four sports, soccer has been gaining in popularity. For almost a decade, soccer has been viewed as a sport of the future, and a survey by morningconsult.com confirms that this is still the case. The results have revealed that 1 in 3 adults considers themselves a soccer fan. The survey has also shown that soccer fans in the US are younger and more diverse than the average sports fan.

The latest news that North America will host the FIFA World Cup 2026 is bound to garner even more interest in soccer in the US.

Next Article

FIFA World Cup 2026: Teams qualified so far

Till now, along with the hosts USA, Mexico and Canada, ten other teams have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026. For the first time, 48 teams will participate in the World Cup.

Australia qualified for their sixth straight FIFA World Cup - teams which have qualified for FIFA World Cup 2026 - sportzpoint.com
Australia celebrate qualifying for their sixth straight FIFA World Cup 2026.

The participating teams' line-up for the FIFA World Cup 2026 has started taking shape, as Iran and Argentina have booked their place from the qualification round into the finals of the tournament.

In 2022, the FIFA World Cup provided an unforgettable experience for over 1 billion viewers who tuned in. Lionel Messi-led Argentina to victory, giving the nation moments of joy and a fitting tribute to the late Diego Maradona while solidifying his place among players who have won every major trophy. 

Read Also: Europe's Top International Goalscorers: Cristiano Ronaldo extends his lead

Key Details on the FIFA World Cup 2026

Image
Official Logo: FIFA World Cup 2026.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his team in their bid to improve the quality of the World Cup and promote inclusivity increased the number of teams that will participate in the World Cup from an initial 32 teams to 48 teams.

The teams will be split into 12 groups of 4 teams, with the top 2 of each group and the 8 best third-placed teams progressing to a new Round of 32

The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and will be jointly hosted by 16 cities in three North American countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The tournament will be the first hosted by three nations and the first North American World Cup since 1994 and will be the first World Cup since 2002 to be hosted by more than one nation.

Read Also: FIFA World Cup 2026: The groups are set for the European qualifiers

How Do Teams Qualify for the World Cup?

Qualification for the World Cup is done based on the regions of the World. Each  regional Confederation is responsible for its qualification tournament, which will consist of at least one round of competition using the following formats  

  • Confederations can use a League format in which each team in a group plays all other teams in their group twice – once at home and once away.
  • A single round-robin format in which each team in a group plays all other teams in their group once, with the venues either drawn at random or assigned by the confederation with the agreement of the playing association
  • A Knockout format in which each team in a round plays one other team over two legs once at home and once away.
  • With FIFA's permission, a tournament is held in one of the participating nations or neutral territory.
  • With FIFA's permission, a single-leg knockout format.

Europe has 16 slots, Asia has 8 slots with one extra from playoffs making it 9, Africa has 9 slots with one extra coming from playoffs, South America has 6 with one extra coming from playoffs making a total of 7, North America has 6 slots with 3 already taken due to the host nations.

Teams That Have Qualified

With qualifications still ongoing, the only nations that have qualified are the host nations, namely the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada qualification process for the World Cup will be ongoing till the end of November 2025, and till then, teams will be struggling to qualify.

1. The USA

USMNT Meta

Despite not predominantly being a football nation, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) has managed to establish a formidable team with the likes of Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun.

The appointment of Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino as their head coach shows some sign of intent that the country intends to go as far as possible in the World Cup.

Read Also: 10 Footballers Who Retired And Came Back

2. Mexico

Sports LIVE Today, March 24: Mexico Crowned CONCACAF Nations League Champs;  Oklahoma City Thunder Win 6th Straight NBA Game
Mexico have won the Concacaf Nations League 2025.

Mexico has qualified for every World Cup in the past decade, but playing on home soil will give them the advantage of fan support. While they may be without their veteran goalkeeper Ochoa, who has been crucial in past tournaments, they remain a team not to be underestimated.

Read Also | 5 Craziest Football Transfers of All-time

3. Canada

Canada beats USMNT to seal 3rd place in Nations League | theScore.com

Canada had a memorable 2022 World Cup in Qatar, highlighted by their surprising win against Belgium. However, they lost their remaining group games to Morocco and Croatia, leading to their early exit from the tournament.

Known for their attacking football, Canada relies on pace in midfield and attack, with Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies being key to their World Cup ambitions.

Teams from the Qualifier Rounds

4. Japan

FIFA World Cup 2026: Teams qualified so far - Japan | sportzpoint.com

Japan has become the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup from the qualification round. On March 20, Thursday, Hajime Moriyasu's side beat Bahrain 2-0 in Group C of the AFC World Cup qualifiers.

Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo scored in the second half to inspire the Samurai Blue to ensure their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, guaranteeing a top-two finish in the qualifiers standings.

Japan surprised the world with their impressive run in the 2022 World Cup, before bowing out from the Round of 16 in a narrow penalty shoot-out defeat against eventual third-place finishers Croatia. However, Japan defeated both Germany and Spain in the group stage to march onto the next round.

5. New Zealand

The New Zealand All Whites

New Zealand has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the third time with a 3-0 home win over New Caledonia in the OFC Qualifiers Final on Monday, March 24.

Three second-half goals from Michael Boxall, Kosta Barbarouses, and Elijah led New Zealand to a comfortable 3-0 win at Eden Park in Auckland. This win marks the All Whites' return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010 when they registered three draws against Slovakia, Italy, and Paraguay in South Africa.

For the first time, the All Whites qualified directly for a World Cup, as Oceania received an automatic spot in next year’s 48-team tournament, rather than having to go through an intercontinental play-off as they did in the past.

6. Iran

FIFA World Cup 2026 qualified teams, which nations are in, Iran join Japan,  New Zealand and North American co-hosts
(Image Credit | AFP)

Iran have become the second Asian side to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals following a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan on March 25 in the third round of the AFC World Cup Qualifiers Group A.

Mehdi Taremi's brace secured a point for Iran to stay atop the Group A table with 20 points in 8 matches, securing the guaranteed top two finish in the group stage. On the other hand, Uzbekistan is just one victory away from their inaugural World Cup appearance.

Despite the qualification format being made easier for Asia due to the expanded 48-team World Cup, Iran has sealed the passage to their fourth World Cup finals in a row, and seventh in their history.

In the AFC Qualifiers, the top two teams qualify directly for the World Cup, while the teams finishing third and fourth in the three Asian groups will enter an additional qualifying round.

7. Argentina 

Argentine players celebrate their victory over Brazil during a CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match, Buenos Aires, Argentina, March 25, 2025. (EPA Photo)
(Image Credit | EPA)

The reigning World Champions have stormed into the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a 4-1 crushing over eternal rivals Brazil in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers on March 26. 

Argentina produced a bolstering performance, beating the Selecaos 4-1, powered by goals from Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Giuliano Simeone. Matheus Cunha netted the only goal for Brazil.

La Albiceleste currently top the table with 31 points in 14 matches, 16 points clear of seventh-placed Venezuela, with the required seven points at this point.

8. Uzbekistan

Group celebration as Uzbekistan qualify for the 2026 World Cup - sportzpoint.com

Uzbekistan qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the 8th team to qualify till now. They have qualified in virtue of finishing in the top two in Group A of the AFC's third-round of qualifiers.

Read Also | 7 big footballing nations which can miss the FIFA World Cup 2026

This is the first time they have qualified for the FIFA World Cup. Not only that, they are the first Central Asia country to qualify for the grandest stage of football.

9. South Korea

FIFA World Cup 2026: Teams qualified so far - Korea Republic - sportzpoint.com

South Korea qualified for their 11th straight FIFA World Cup after finishing in the top two of the AFC third round qualifiers. Tottenham's Son Heung-min, Wolves' Hwang Hee-chan, Bayern Munich's Kim Min-jae and Paris Saint-Germain's Lee Kang-in all will be ready to star for South Korea in the upcoming World Cup.

10. Jordan

Ali Olwan scored a hat-trick against Oman to take Jordan to their maiden FIFA World Cup - sportzpoint.com
Ali Olwan scored a hat-trick against Oman to take Jordan to their maiden FIFA World Cup

While South Korea sealed their spot at the FIFA World Cup with that 2-0 victory over Iraq, their win also ensured that Jordan will be playing at their first-ever FIFA World Cup next year. 

Ali Olwan's hat-trick has given them a big 3-0 win over Oman, and after South Korea's win, they will now create history at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

In Group B of the AFC Third round qualifiers, Jordan lost only one match and finished in the top two of the group, below South Korea.

11. Australia 

Australia qualified for their sixth straight FIFA World Cup - teams which have qualified for FIFA World Cup 2026 - sportzpoint.com

Socceroos confirmed their place at a sixth successive FIFA World Cup after beating Saudi Arabia by 2-1 in Saudi Arabia. Connor Metcalfe (42), Mitch Duke (48) scored for the Aussies to help them win after falling behind by a 19-minute goal from Abdulrahman Al-Aboud.

Australia have now confirmed the top spot in Group C in the AFC Third round qualifiers. Japan are leading Group C, which have already qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

12. Brazil 

Teams to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026 - Brazil - sportzpoint.com

Brazil continued their run at the FIFA World Cup after ensuring qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026. They are the only team to qualify for every FIFA World Cup. 

The Selecao defeated Paraguay by 1-0 as Vinicius Jr. handed a special gift to new Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti for his 66th birthday. 

13. Ecuador 

Despite Alan Franco's red card, Ecuador managed a brave, strong 0-0 draw against Peru to ensure their qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026. 

With 25 points, they are currently second in the South American qualification, with 25 points, behind Argentina.

Next Article

11 players who have won the most trophies in football history

Argentine legend Lionel Messi has won the most trophies in football history (46). Here are the other 10 players who follow him on this list most successful football history.

Jun 9, 2025, 2:40 PM17 min read

11 players who have won the most trophies in football history | sportzpoint.com

Many great players have taken the football pitch and left the fans in awe. However, only a few players have gone on to win various trophies in their careers. In this special article, we will take a look at an elite list of players who have won the most trophies in football as a player. 

Argentine football star Lionel Messi is the player with most trophies in football history. In his career so far, with club and country, he has won 46 major trophies. Moreover, he is one of the very few players to win FIFA World Cup. Ballon d'Or, and UEFA Champions League in his career. 

But, yes, the below list only counts the major trophies won with teams and only only individual awards. We wanted to be clear with that at the start. With this list of "11 players who have won the most trophies in football history," we will able to judge which player has been a part of a winning team mostly. 

Though, it is not always the case that when you win a trophy, you have a big role to play in that. But, in this list, all the players listed always had big contributions to their team's success. So, without further a due, let's checkout the list. 

Top 11 players with the most trophies in football:

11. Vitor Baia (34 trophies)

Vitor Baa won 34 trophies in his football career | Sportz Point
Vitor Baia with the 2004 UEFA Champions League Trophy for FC Porto.

Vitor Baia spent most of his career with FC Porto except playing two years for Barcelona. Baia started his career with FC Porto in 1988 and left the club to join Barcelona in 1996. 

Before retiring in 2007, he played for Barcelona in two stints and won the La Liga in 1997-98 season. His most success came his boyhood club FC Porto, where he won the Liga Portugal 10 times.

However, the biggest achievement was to win the UEFA Champions League in 2004 with the Dragons. Under the visionary eyes of Jose Mourinho, they created one of the greatest underdog success stories in European football.

In a total, Baia won 25 trophies with the Porto while adding the rest to his collection of glories for Barcelona. Unfortunately, he was not able to add any trophy while playing for Portugal.

# Achievement Year Club
1 Champions League Winner 03/04 FC Porto
2 Spanish Champion 97/98 FC Barcelona
3 UEFA Cup Winner 02/03 FC Porto
4 Europapokal der Pokalsieger Sieger 96/97 FC Barcelona
5 Spanish Cup Winner 97/98, 96/97 FC Barcelona
6 Spanish Super Cup Winner 97/98, 96/97 FC Barcelona
7 Portuguese Champion 06/07, 05/06, 03/04, 02/03, 98/99, 95/96, 93/94, 92/93, 91/92, 89/90 FC Porto
8 Portuguese Cup Winner 2006, 2003, 2000, 1994, 1991 FC Porto
9 Intercontinental Cup Winner 2004 FC Porto
10 Portuguese Super Cup Winner 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2000, 1995, 1994, 1992, 1991 FC Porto

10. Kenny Dalglish (34 trophies)

Sir Kenny Dalgish won 34 trophies in his career | Sportz Point
Sir Kenny Dalgish.

Scottish legend Sir Kenny Dalglish is Liverpool's one of the most legendary players. Apart from playing 13 years for the Reds, he played for Celtic for 8 years at the start of his career.

For Liverpool FC, he won a club record 8 Premier League titles along with three Champions League titles. He had won 7 English Super Cups and 2 FA Cup titles as well.

While playing for Celtic, he became the Scottish Champion four times.

# Achievement Year(s) Club
1 European Champion Clubs' Cup Winner 83/84, 80/81, 77/78 Liverpool FC
2 English Champion 89/90, 87/88, 85/86, 83/84, 82/83, 81/82, 79/80, 78/79 Liverpool FC
3 UEFA Supercup Winner 77/78 Liverpool FC
4 English FA Cup Winner 1989, 1986 Liverpool FC
5 English Super Cup Winner 89/90, 88/89, 86/87, 82/83, 80/81, 79/80, 77/78 Liverpool FC
6 English League Cup Winner 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981 Liverpool FC
7 Scottish Champion 76/77, 73/74, 72/73, 71/72 Celtic FC
8 Scottish Cup Winner 76/77, 74/75, 73/74, 71/72 Celtic FC
9 Scottish League Cup Winner 74/75 Celtic FC
Total Trophies 34

9. Angel di Maria (35 trophies)

Most Trophies in football history: Angle di Maria - 42 | sportzpoint.com
Di Maria kissing the FIFA World CUP 2022 Trophy | Image - Mundo Deportivo

One of the most underrated players in modern football history, Di Maria always had to shine under the shadows of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Di Maria played alongside Lionel Messi for Argentina and then shared club dressing room with Cristiano at Real Madrid.

With his latest trophy for Benfica in the Portuguese Super Cup, he now has won 35 trophies in his career. Di Maria won five Ligue 1 titles with PSG and won his only Champions League title with Real Madrid.

Read Also | Football facts: 10 players who have played most games with Lionel Messi

However, just like Lionel Messi, his international success bloomed late in his career. He won the Copa America twice in 2021 and 2024. But, his major success was to win the FIFA World Cup 2022, where he scored an important in the final.

Di Maria retired from international football after the 2024 Copa America final.

# Achievement Year(s) Team Count
1 World Cup Winner 2022 Argentina 1
2 Copa América Winner 23/24, 20/21 Argentina 2
3 Champions League Winner 13/14 Real Madrid 1
4 Spanish Champion 11/12 Real Madrid 1
5 French Champion Multiple Years Paris Saint-Germain 5
6 UEFA Supercup Winner 14/15 Real Madrid 1
7 French Cup Winner Multiple Years Paris Saint-Germain 4
8 Spanish Cup Winner 13/14, 10/11 Real Madrid 2
9 French League Cup Winner Multiple Years Paris Saint-Germain 4
10 Spanish Super Cup Winner 12/13 Real Madrid 1
11 Portuguese Champion 09/10 SL Benfica 1
12 Portuguese League Cup Winner Multiple Years SL Benfica 3
13 Under-20 World Cup Champion 2007 Argentina U20 1
14 CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions Winner 21/22 Argentina 1
15 French Super Cup Winner Multiple Years Paris Saint-Germain 5
16 Olympic Medalist 2008 Argentina Olympic Team 1
17 Portuguese Super Cup Winner 2024 SL Benfica 1
Total Titles 35

8. Cristiano Ronaldo (36 trophies)

11 players with most trophies in football history - 36 trophies - Cristiano Ronaldo - sportzpoint.com

Arguably one of the greatest players in the history of football, Cristiano Ronaldo has 36 trophies in his cabinet at the moment. The Portuguese legend won his latest trophy for Portugal, as he lifted the UEFA Nations League 2025 for his country.

Ronaldo, who started his club career with Sporting CP, won the Portuguese Super Cup with the club in 2003. That was the start to a historical career which gave football fans joy for over two decades.

Read Also: Top 10: Most Free-kick Goals In Football History (Updated)

The Portuguese legend flourished under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. He then joined Real Madrid, where he won four of his five UEFA Champions League titles. Ronaldo has won a title for every club he has played for so far.

However, one of his biggest achievements as a player was to win the UEFA European Cup with Portugal in 2016. Besides scoring over 900 career goals, Ronaldo's success for every team is what makes him a legend.

# Achievement Year(s) Club/National Team
1 European Champion 2016 Portugal
2 Champions League Winner 17/18, 16/17, 15/16, 13/14, 07/08 Real Madrid, Manchester United
3 FIFA Club World Cup Winner 2018, 2017, 2015, 2009 Real Madrid, Manchester United
4 English Champion 08/09, 07/08, 06/07 Manchester United
5 Spanish Champion 16/17, 11/12 Real Madrid
6 Italian Champion 19/20, 18/19 Juventus FC
7 UEFA Supercup Winner 17/18, 16/17, 14/15 Real Madrid
8 Winner UEFA Nations League 2019, 2025 Portugal
9 English FA Cup Winner 2004 Manchester United
10 Spanish Cup Winner 13/14, 10/11 Real Madrid
11 Italian Cup Winner 20/21 Juventus FC
12 English League Cup Winner 2009, 2006 Manchester United
13 Spanish Super Cup Winner 17/18, 12/13 Real Madrid
14 Italian Super Cup Winner 20/21, 18/19 Juventus FC
15 English Super Cup Winner 07/08 Manchester United
16 Portuguese Super Cup Winner 2003 Sporting CP
17  Arab Club Champions Cup 2023 Al-Nassr 
Total Trophies 35

7. Ryan Giggs (37 trophies)

10 players who have won the most trophies in football history - Ryan Gigs - 36 trophies - sportzpoint.com
Gigs with the Champions League title for Manchester United.

Ryan Giggs played all his life for one football club; Manchester United. In his 24-year career at the club, he won a total of 37 trophies, a record for the club.

Not only that, with 13 Premier League titles, he is league's most successful player ever. With the Red Devils, he also went on to win two UEFA Champions League title.

For United, he played 963 games and has 168 goals and 265 assists, another record for United.

# Achievement Year(s) Club
1 Champions League Winner 07/08, 98/99 Manchester United
2 FIFA Club World Cup Winner 2009 Manchester United
3 English Champion 12/13, 10/11, 08/09, 07/08, 06/07, 02/03, 00/01, 99/00, 98/99, 96/97, 95/96, 93/94, 92/93 Manchester United
4 UEFA Supercup Winner 91/92 Manchester United
5 English FA Cup Winner 2004, 1999, 1996, 1994 Manchester United
6 English Super Cup Winner 13/14, 10/11, 08/09, 07/08, 03/04, 97/98, 96/97, 94/95, 93/94 Manchester United
7 English League Cup Winner 2010, 2009, 2006, 1992 Manchester United
8 Intercontinental Cup Winner 1999 Manchester United
Total Titles 37

6. Sergio Busquets (38 Trophies)

Sergio Busquets won 38 football trophies in his career | sportzpoint.com
Busquets showing off his trophies from Treble winning season. 

Sergio Busquets, the FC Barcelona and Spain legend is one of the most underrated players ever to play. The central defender was part of one of the greatest international team which won 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2010 Euros for Spain.

Read Also: Barcelona team that won "EVERYTHING" in 2009: Busquets to leave as the last man of that team

The former Barcelona captain won 9 La Liga titles. Not only that, he won 7 Spanish Cups and Spanish Super Cups as well for the Catalan club.

However, his biggest achievement in club football was to win three UCL titles for Barcelona. His latest trophy is the 2024 Supporters’ Shield winners with Inter Miami CF.

# Achievement Year(s) Team
1 World Cup Winner 2010 Spain
2 European Champion 2012 Spain
3 Champions League Winner 14/15, 10/11, 08/09 FC Barcelona
4 FIFA Club World Cup Winner 2016, 2012, 2010 FC Barcelona
5 Spanish Champion 22/23, 18/19, 17/18, 15/16, 14/15, 12/13, 10/11, 09/10, 08/09 FC Barcelona
6 UEFA Supercup Winner 15/16, 11/12, 09/10 FC Barcelona
7 Spanish Cup Winner 20/21, 17/18, 16/17, 15/16, 14/15, 11/12, 08/09 FC Barcelona
8 Spanish Super Cup Winner 22/23, 18/19, 16/17, 13/14, 11/12, 10/11, 09/10 FC Barcelona
9 Supporters' Shield Winner 23/24 Inter Miami CF
10 Leagues Cup Winner 2023 Inter Miami CF
Total Titles 38

5. Maxwell (38 trophies)

Maxwell won 38 trophies in his club career | Sportz Point
Maxwell won four consecutive Ligue 1 titles with PSG.

Maxwell, the Brazilian left back might be the only unknown player on this list. The defender achieved most of his success playing for PSG in France.

However, he found success with FC Barcelona as well. But, joined PSG to find more chances as well.

Maxwell's first trophy was with Cruzeiro, winning the Brazilian Cup in 2000. Soon the joined Ajax, wining two Dutch League titles.

His move to Barcelona via Inter Milan and FC Empoli saw him winning the UEFA Champions League title in 2011. But his most success came with PSG, winning the Ligue 1 four times in a row from 2013 to 2016.

# Achievement Year(s) Team
1 Champions League Winner 10/11 FC Barcelona
2 FIFA Club World Cup Winner 2012, 2010 FC Barcelona
3 Italian Champion 08/09, 07/08, 06/07 Inter Milan
4 Spanish Champion 10/11, 09/10 FC Barcelona
5 French Champion 15/16, 14/15, 13/14, 12/13 Paris Saint-Germain
6 Uefa Supercup Winner 09/10 FC Barcelona
7 French Cup Winner 16/17, 15/16, 14/15 Paris Saint-Germain
8 Spanish Cup Winner 11/12 FC Barcelona
9 French League Cup Winner 16/17, 15/16, 14/15, 13/14 Paris Saint-Germain
10 Spanish Super Cup Winner 11/12, 10/11, 09/10 FC Barcelona
11 Italian Super Cup Winner 08/09 Inter Milan
12 Dutch Champion 03/04, 01/02 Ajax Amsterdam
13 Dutch Cup Winner 01/02 Ajax Amsterdam
14 Dutch Super Cup Winner 2005, 2003, 2002 Ajax Amsterdam
15 Brazilian Cup Winner 2000 Cruzeiro Esporte Clube
16 French Super Cup Winner 16/17, 15/16, 13/14 Paris Saint-Germain
Total Titles 38

Read Also: Messi vs Ronaldo: The hat-trick battle

4. Gerard Pique (39 trophies)

Gerard Pique won 39 trophies in his career | sportzpoint.com
Pique showing off his trophies from Treble winning season.

Another player from that legendary Spanish and Barcelona team, who features in this list. Although known for his career at FC Barcelona, Gerard Pique had success with Manchester United as well.

It might be quite revealing for many that, he played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, against whom he had some tough battles later.

Read Also | Reliving Barcelona's Golden Era: A Tribute to Footballing Brilliance

Pique won 9 La Liga titles for Barcelona to go with 3 UCL titles for the club. But before reaching there he had won the Premier League and Champions League for United in the 2007-08 season.

He was also an integral part of the Spanish team which won the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and UEFA Euro in 2012.

# Achievement Year(s) Team
1 World Cup Winner 2010 Spain
2 European Champion 2012 Spain
3 Champions League Winner 14/15, 10/11, 08/09 (FC Barcelona), 07/08 (Manchester United) FC Barcelona, Manchester United
4 FIFA Club World Cup Winner 2016, 2012, 2010 FC Barcelona
5 English Champion 07/08 Manchester United
6 Spanish Champion 22/23, 18/19, 17/18, 15/16, 14/15, 12/13, 10/11, 09/10, 08/09 FC Barcelona
7 UEFA Supercup Winner 15/16, 11/12, 09/10 FC Barcelona
8 Spanish Cup Winner 20/21, 17/18, 16/17, 15/16, 14/15, 11/12, 08/09 FC Barcelona
9 Spanish Super Cup Winner 18/19, 16/17, 13/14, 11/12, 10/11, 09/10 FC Barcelona
10 English League Cup Winner 2006 Manchester United
11 European Under-19 Champion 2006 Spain U19
Total Titles 39

3. Andres Iniesta (39 trophies)

Andres Iniesta: Players with most trophies in Football history | Sportz Point

Probably the best midfielder of the modern era, Andres Iniesta with 41 trophies is the third most successful footballer ever.

Another important player of that iconic Spanish and Barcelona team, Iniesta found success early in his career. He won his first major trophy with Spain U-17 team winning the U-17 Euros in 2000. He followed that up with the U-19 Euro title next year.

His Barcelona career started in 2002 which continued till 2018. In those 17 year at Barcelona, he won 32 trophies. Post that, he joined Japanese club Viseel Kobe where he won three trophies as well.

Read Also | Andres Iniesta: Who has won the most trophies for FC Barcelona?

Along with all club level success, Iniesta's greatest achievement was to win the 2010 FIFA World Cup alongside lifting the 2008 and 2012 Euro Cup. His goal in the 2010 World Cup final to hand Spain their first-ever World Cup, is regarded as one of the greatest World Cup moments.

Iniesta called it a day in 2024 after spending a year at the Emirates Club. 

# Achievement Year(s) Team
1 World Cup Winner 2010 Spain
2 European Champion 2012, 2008 Spain
3 Champions League Winner 14/15, 10/11, 08/09, 05/06 FC Barcelona
4 FIFA Club World Cup Winner 2016, 2012, 2010 FC Barcelona
5 Spanish Champion 17/18, 15/16, 14/15, 12/13, 10/11, 09/10, 08/09, 05/06, 04/05 FC Barcelona
6 Uefa Supercup Winner 15/16, 11/12, 09/10 FC Barcelona
7 Spanish Cup Winner 17/18, 16/17, 15/16, 14/15, 11/12, 08/09 FC Barcelona
8 Spanish Super Cup Winner 16/17, 13/14, 11/12, 10/11, 09/10, 06/07, 05/06 FC Barcelona
9 European Under-17 Champion 2001 Spain U17
10 Japanese Champion 2023 Vissel Kobe
11 European Under-19 Champion 2002 Spain U19
12 Japanese Cup Winner 2019 Vissel Kobe
13 Japanese Super Cup Winner 2020 Vissel Kobe
Total Titles 41

2. Dani Alves (43 trophies)

10 players who have won the most trophies in football history: Dani Alves - 43 trophies | sportzpoint.com
Dani Alves celebrating the Olympic Gold medal in Tokyo. Image | sportstar

Before Lionel Messi took over as the player with most trophies in football history, it was Dani Alves who had the record. The defender won 23 trophies in eight years at Barcelona.

Dani Alves won six La Liga and three Champions League titles with Barcelona. He then won 19 more titles while playing for Juventus, PSG, and Sao Paulo. He won domestic titles in Italy, France, Brazil and Spain as, which makes him one of the greatest of his era.

Read Also: All the FIFA World Cup winners and runners-up since 1930

The defender won six major titles with his national team, Brazil. He started his Brazil career by winning the U-20 FIFA World Cup in 2003. Alves then won two Copa America titles in 2007 and 2019. He concluded his international career by winning the Olympic gold in 2021.

Despite the recent off-field controversies, with 43 trophies in his cabinet, Dani Alves is one of the greatest ever to play the game.

# Achievement Year(s) Team
1 Copa América Winner 18/19, 06/07 Brazil
2 Champions League Winner 14/15, 10/11, 08/09 FC Barcelona
3 FIFA Club World Cup Winner 2016, 2012, 2010 FC Barcelona
4 Spanish Champion 15/16, 14/15, 12/13, 10/11, 09/10, 08/09 FC Barcelona
5 Italian Champion 16/17 Juventus FC
6 French Champion 18/19, 17/18 Paris Saint-Germain
7 Uefa Supercup Winner 15/16, 11/12, 09/10, 06/07 FC Barcelona, Sevilla FC
8 Uefa Cup Winner 06/07, 05/06 Sevilla FC
9 Spanish Cup Winner 15/16, 14/15, 11/12, 08/09, 06/07 FC Barcelona, Sevilla FC
10 Italian Cup Winner 16/17 Juventus FC
11 French Cup Winner 17/18 Paris Saint-Germain
12 Spanish Super Cup Winner 13/14, 11/12, 10/11, 09/10, 07/08 FC Barcelona, Sevilla FC
13 French League Cup Winner 17/18 Paris Saint-Germain
14 Confederations Cup Winner 2013, 2009 Brazil
15 Under-20 World Cup Champion 2003 Brazil U20
16 French Super Cup Winner 17/18 Paris Saint-Germain
17 Olympic Medalist 2021 Brazil Olympic Team
18.  Copa do Nordeste 2002 Bahia
19. Campeonato Paulista 2021 São Paulo
Total Titles 43

1. Lionel Messi (46 trophies)

11 players who have won the most trophies in football history: Lionel Messi with 46 trophies tops the list | sportzpoint.com
Messi celebrating the FIFA World Cup 2022 victory.

Leo Messi is the player with the most trophies in football history. With his latest triumph at the 2024 Supporters’ Shield winners, the magician from Argentina won his 46th trophy in his career.

Messi won back-to-back four international trophies with Argentina within three years. He won the Copa America 2021 and then went on to win the Finalissima 2022. Then he capped off his greatest achievement by winning FIFA World Cup 2022.

The Argentine maestro has also won the Olympic Gold Medal with his country in 2008. His latest international success came in Copa America 2024.

In club football history, Messi is the most successful player with 41 club trophies to his name. He started his career with his boyhood club Barcelona and played 18 seasons for the club, scoring a record 672 goals.

Read Also | Top 10 La Masia Graduates who ruled football

The 8-time Ballon d'Or winner won four Champions League titles with Barcelona. Alongside European success, he won 10 La Liga titles as well, most for Barcelona. He has also won Spanish Cup seven times.

After his great stint at Barcelona, Messi went to the French League to play for PSG. However, he was unable to bring the UCL to the French giant, he won the French League with them. In addition, he won the French Super Cup for the season 2022-23 with PSG.

# Achievement Year(s) Team Count
1 World Cup Winner 2022 Argentina 1
2 Copa América Winner 23/24, 20/21 Argentina 2
3 Champions League Winner Multiple Years FC Barcelona 4
4 FIFA Club World Cup Winner Multiple Years FC Barcelona 3
5 Spanish Champion Multiple Years FC Barcelona 10
6 French Champion 22/23, 21/22 Paris Saint-Germain 2
7 UEFA Supercup Winner Multiple Years FC Barcelona 3
8 Spanish Cup Winner Multiple Years FC Barcelona 7
9 Spanish Super Cup Winner Multiple Years FC Barcelona 8
10 Supporters' Shield Winner 23/24 Inter Miami CF 1
11 Leagues Cup Winner 2023 Inter Miami CF 1
12 Under-20 World Cup Champion 2005 Argentina U20 1
13 CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions Winner 21/22 Argentina 1
14 French Super Cup Winner 22/23 Paris Saint-Germain 1
15 Olympic Medalist 2008 Argentina Olympic Team 1
Total Titles 46
Note: Debangshu Biswas first wrote this article and then got updated by Koushik Biswas. Stats are taken from Transfermakrt.com and accurate as of 19-01-2025
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Donald Trump: 2026 World Cup an 'incentive' for Russia to end Ukraine war

Speaking alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the meeting, Trump admitted he was unaware that Russia are banned from the 2026 World Cup.

May 8, 2025, 11:27 AM2 min read

Donald Trump: 2026 World Cup an 'incentive' for Russia to end Ukraine war

US President Donald Trump has made a claim that the FIFA 2026 World Cup could help end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and shut down the war. The Russian national football team has been banned from international competition by FIFA and UEFA since the country's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Trump, during his 2024 campaign, vowed to end the Russia-Ukraine war on the first day back in. But his efforts to broker a deal between the countries have so far stuttered.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026: Teams qualified so far

Trump was unaware of the ban

Trump was questioned about the possible participation of Russia at next year's World Cup. Speaking alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the meeting, Trump admitted he was unaware that Russia are banned from the 2026 World Cup.

During the meeting at the White House, a reporter asked the president for his stance on the ban, which was part of global sporting sanctions imposed on Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Trump said, "I didn't know that, is that right? You want to explain that?"

"That is right," replied Infantino. "They are banned for the time being from playing but we hope that something happens and peace will happen so that Russia can be readmitted."

Trump on Russia-Ukraine war

The United States are hosting the World Cup next year along with Canada and Mexico but Russia are currently banned by both FIFA and UEFA from participating in international competitions due to their invasion of Ukraine.

Trump has now said that reinstating Russia for the tournament could help end the war in Ukraine, feeling that it ‘could be a good incentive’ for Putin.

Also Read: Brazil wants to sign current Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after recent humiliation against Argentina

"That's possible. Hey, could be a good incentive, right?" Trump replied to Infantino.

"We want to get them to stop. We want them to stop. 5,000 people a week are being killed -- it's not even believable. We're going to get that war stopped."

Russia haven't played a competitive fixture since a 2022 World Cup qualifying defeat to Croatia in November 2021. They have played 16 friendlies since then, winning 11 of them.

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Club Leon gaffer slams FIFA and Gianni Infantino over Club World Cup exclusion

Club Leon head coach Eduardo Berizzo has slammed FIFA president Gianni Infantino and the organization over the club's controversial exclusion from the 2025 Club World Cup.

Apr 18, 2025, 2:20 PM3 min read

Club Leon gaffer slams FIFA and Gianni Infantino over Club World Cup exclusion-sportzpoint.com
Club Leon head coach Eduardo Berizzo (Image Credit | Getty images)

Club Leon boss Eduardo Berizzo has come out and slammed FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino over his team being omitted from the 2025 Club World Cup due to rules regarding multiple-club ownership.

In March, FIFA decided that Leon were not qualified to play in the first 32-team competition after they failed to match FIFA's multi-club ownership requirements, and Infantino has since donated their place in a playoff game between Club America and Los Angeles FC.

But the Mexican club has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and, at a news conference, Berizzo had some strong words against the decision.

Read Also | FIFA considering play-off game to replace Club Leon at the Club World Cup 2025

Club Leon boss slams FIFA and Infantino

Club Leon gaffer slams FIFA and Gianni Infantino over Club World Cup exclusion-sportzpoint.com
(Image Source | X)

Club Leon's head coach, Eduardo Berizzo, discussed how the decision has affected the team's performance after the club lost to Cruz Azul. He stated:

The FIFA President cannot comment on a supposed replacement without waiting for the ruling. I think his words carry significant weight and he shouldn’t have commented; he should have remained neutral until the CAS ruling.

The rules of competition of the 2025 Club World Cup declared that clubs owned by the same legal entity cannot compete. FIFA decided that Leon and the other Mexican clubs competing in the tournament belonged to the same ownership structure, but Berizzo has criticized FIFA for the lack of transparency. He said:

If the world were the way I wanted it to be, people like that wouldn’t lead organisations like this. FIFA must demonstrate that it is an organisation of integrity, and it isn’t. In the past, it hasn’t been."

Not only with our elimination, but with all this, which involves a fix, a hidden interest to see which team goes, who doesn’t , why teams go, why others leave or why you get eliminated. As long as there’s no clarity or transparency about that, they’ll always remain suspects."

We live in a football world, in organisations and institutions that, instead of representing transparency and setting an example for all citizens, increasingly make us suspicious and make us feel small in the face of what’s happening."

In a football world where everyone should feel supported, a part of, and proud to be a part of, sometimes you feel like running away.

Club Leon gaffer slams FIFA and Gianni Infantino over Club World Cup exclusion-sportzpoint.com
(Image Source | X)

The Leon boss also targeted his country's national association, the Mexican Football Federation. Berizzo claimed:

You feel treated unfairly; you feel part of a football system governed by individuals who work for subterranean interests that make decisions. It's very striking that the Mexican Football Federation hasn't said a word about this issue.

Read Also | FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Draw: Groups, Format, and Schedule

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AFC and CONCACAF Chiefs express concerns over 64-team World Cup expansion

AFC president, Shaikh Salman, and Concacaf president, Victor Montagliani, have raised their voices against the proposal of expansion to a 64-team World Cup.

Apr 15, 2025, 11:11 AM5 min read

AFC and CONCACAF Chiefs express concerns over 64-team World Cup expansion-sportzpoint.com

The controversy over the potential increase in the 2030 FIFA World Cup roster to 64 teams has gained momentum, with key football officials coming out to oppose it. The Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have joined forces against this controversial suggestion.

Concacaf chief Victor Montagliani has joined the increasing call to oppose the plan to increase the World Cup teams to 64, claiming increasing the number of teams "would not be the right move".

AFC president Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa also warned against the expansion to 64 teams and the ‘chaos’ it could lead to, telling Agence France Press (AFP), “Personally, I don’t agree."

AFC and CONCACAF Presidents show concerns over expansion

AFC and CONCACAF Chiefs express concerns over 64-team World Cup expansion-sportzpoint.com
Conmebol president Alejandro Dominguez. (Image Source | X)

In March's FIFA Council, Uruguayan football chief Ignacio Alonso proposed expansion of the 2030 World Cup. FIFA later announced that it would study the proposal.

Since then, Conmebol president Alejandro Dominguez has been the frontrunning campaigner for an expansion to 64 teams. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been silent on the idea, but according to sources close to FIFA, he favours the plan and came up with it in the first place.

Conmebol have often been his path to market for alterations that he desires – the most stunning of these recently having been for a biennial World Cup cycle.

Last week, Dominguez supported a tournament extension from 48 teams to 64 teams in the 2030 World Cup as a once-off for the centenary celebrations for the global finals. Dominguez said:

We are convinced that the celebration of the centenary will be something unique, because it has only once been 100 years old. And for this reason, we are proposing, for one, to carry out this anniversary with 64 teams, across three simultaneous continents. So that all countries have the opportunity to live a world experience, and so that no one is left out of this party even if it is played everywhere, it is our party.

AFC and CONCACAF Chiefs express concerns over 64-team World Cup expansion-sportzpoint.com
Victor Montagliani, Concacaf President. (Image Source | X)

With Victor Montagliani joining the mounting anti-64-team World Cup campaign, he is joined by fellow FIFA vice presidents Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa (AFC president) and UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.

Following Infantino, they are the next three strongest political officials in the world governing body. Montagliani told ESPN:

At Concacaf, we’ve shown that we are open to change by supporting the Women’s World Cup expansion and the continuous evolution of our Confederation’s men’s and women’s national team and club events,”

I don’t believe expanding the men’s World Cup to 64 teams is the right move for the tournament itself and the broader football ecosystem, from national teams to club competitions, leagues, and players.

AFC and CONCACAF Chiefs express concerns over 64-team World Cup expansion-sportzpoint.com
AFC president Sheikh Salman and FIFA president Gianni Infantino in 2022. (Image Source | X)

Yesterday, AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa cautioned against expansion to 64 teams and the 'chaos' it might bring, telling Agence France-Presse: "Personally, I don't agree." He further stated:

If the question is open to amendment, then the door will not only be open to increasing the tournament to 64 teams,"

But somebody will come along and insist on increasing the amount to 132 teams. Where would we get to then? It would be chaos.

Even the president of UEFA, Aleksander Ceferin, who also serves as FIFA vice president, joined the chorus of criticism. He stated:

It is not a good idea for the World Cup itself, and it's not a good idea for our qualifiers as well," 

I don't know where it came from, but it's odd that we didn't know anything prior to this proposal at the FIFA Council."

Future World Cups and logistical issues

AFC and CONCACAF Chiefs express concerns over 64-team World Cup expansion-sportzpoint.com
(Image Source | X)

Excitement is rising for the first-ever 48-team World Cup to be staged in 2026 by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

This event is a huge rise from the traditional 32-team setup, and any further expansion to 64 would double matches to a mind-boggling 128. Contrary to this, the forthcoming 2026 event will host 104 matches to be staged in 16 host cities.

Read Also | FIFA World Cup 2026: Teams qualified so far

The logistical issues for the 2030 World Cup are already significant, with its games spread across three continents. Its initial host nations are Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, but Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina will be hosting the milestone opening games, marking a century since the tournament's first edition was held in Uruguay.

FIFA has yet to comment publicly on the feasibility of this proposal, although they did confirm their duty to consider it.

Read Also | FIFA dismisses Morocco's claims about Western Sahara in the 2030 FIFA World Cup bid assessment report

The proposal is expected to be a subject of debate at FIFA's upcoming 75th Congress, which takes place annually on May 15 in Paraguay's capital, Asunción, which houses the headquarters of Conmebol. The congress agenda is yet to be published, but the plan for a 64-team World Cup will supposedly receive intense local lobbying in the backrooms and corridors of FIFA.

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