‌The club season will be played and then backed up by the World Cup in North America - with anticipation continuing to rise. The winner of the World Cup will likely have a huge bearing on the Ballon d'Or, which was won by Ousmane Dembele this year. Erling Haaland equally is eyeing another Golden Boot and will play in a first World Cup with Norway - he could have a say. ‌Messi and Ronaldo's swansongsThis World Cup in North America will certainly be the last for two of the game's greats. Messi has the added determination of trying to claim a second World Cup with Argentina among the favourites.

Source: Daily Mirror December 31, 2025 07:07 UTC