As we close out another year, it’s time to reflect and dream about what lies ahead. The upcoming World Cup is set to take center stage in 2026, showcasing the excitement that only the largest sporting event can bring, but there are many other aspirations to consider as well.
Here are my 30 hopes for football in the coming year, with No. 30 being a constant sentiment for me.
1. A safe and welcoming 2026 World Cup for all — fans, players, and officials alike. Let’s not overlook the essence of this event. (While I’d wish for it to be enjoyable too, that’s subject to how one’s country performs.)
2. A “clean” winner in the 2026 tournament. Borrowing a phrase from wrestling, I’d prefer to avoid a final shrouded in controversy, unlike past tournaments like 1954, 1966, 2006, or 2010. While refereeing mistakes and shenanigans can be part of the game, let’s keep those to the earlier rounds.
3. The World Cup should inspire growth and advancement in football across North America. It’s not just about making soccer mainstream in the U.S. — which, in many aspects, it already is — but also fostering the growth of leagues like MLS, the Canadian Premier League, and promoting healthy competition in Mexican football, where Liga MX is reinstating promotion and relegation.
4. VAR’s implementation for corner kicks and second yellow cards at the World Cup. A decision on this is expected by spring, and while concerns about delays and re-refereeing are valid, it’s crucial to leverage available tools during such an esteemed tournament.
5. A World Cup qualification for Italy. I recognize fans from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Wales, or Northern Ireland might disagree, but as an Italian, I wish for redemption after missing out on the last two tournaments. Enough with the jokes about Brazil and our title count; it’s time to reclaim our spot.
6. An acknowledgment of the growing inequality at the top of club football — and perhaps taking steps to address it. Financial regulations seem fixated on sustainability rather than ensuring competitive balance, which highlights an anomaly in today’s football landscape.
7. That Gianni Infantino opts not to run for FIFA president again in 2027. Despite his popularity and financial successes, the three-term limit exists for a reason. It’s time for him to step aside after making his mark.
8. An increase in leagues adopting VAR Light (Football Video Support). Full VAR systems may not suit every league; the compact version is simpler, cost-effective, and places the onus of challenges on teams rather than referees.
9. The women’s game should progress independently, rather than mimic the men’s game. We need to cultivate a self-sustaining women’s professional structure while expanding access to the sport globally, without being pressured by existing men’s frameworks.
1:53
Why did no USWNT players make the top 20 of ESPN FC Women’s Rank?
Futbol W’s Cristina Alexander and Ali Krieger, alongside Natalia Astrain, discuss Emily Fox as the highest-ranked USWNT player in ESPN FC Women’s Rank.
10. Keeping sovereign wealth funds out of football. While we can excuse the ones with existing connections to clubs like City Football Group and Paris Saint-Germain, further entries should be prohibited. Their role is to manage national wealth, not to own clubs, which are often loss-making assets.
11. The dissolution of multi-club ownership (MCO). Beyond the convoluted regulations and conflicts of interest that arise, MCO often fails to deliver actual benefits to clubs involved, indicating a need for change.
12. The British government and Roman Abramovich should resolve the outstanding matter surrounding the funds from the Chelsea sale. It’s unacceptable that over three years on, $2.5 billion remains unallocated while victims of the war in Ukraine continue to suffer.
13. A clear and understandable resolution to the Manchester City charges regarding false accounting and regulatory breaches. Despite the ongoing delays, a transparent conclusion is necessary for the integrity of the sport.
14. Learning from the Manchester City case to enhance transparency in the Premier League. Transparency paired with clarity is essential for fans who deserve to understand how club rules operate, free from convoluted secrecy.
15. More players need to recognize the value of collective bargaining via their unions for better representation of their interests. The correlation between the most profitable leagues and the presence of collective bargaining cannot be ignored.
16. Those behind the Super League proposals must grasp that a series of lawsuits won’t resolve their issues. Winning over fans with an actual, viable project is crucial for any chance of success.
17. Greater transparency in transfer dealings and financial arrangements is essential. Understanding the roles of intermediaries and the complexities of transfers is vital for accountability in football.
18. If 2026 indeed marks the final World Cup appearance for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, I hope they exit on a triumphant note. Whether or not they meet in the final, credible performances that reflect their club excellence would be an ideal send-off.
19. That Xabi Alonso has the freedom to implement his vision at Real Madrid. Transitioning away from a reliance on star players is essential for him to flourish as the manager he proved to be at Bayer Leverkusen.
20. That Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez formulates a succession plan to avoid chaos post his tenure. While he shows no signs of stepping down, his upcoming 79th birthday necessitates a realistic approach to future leadership.
21. I hope Barcelona‘s sports scientists manage Lamine Yamal’s training wisely. His incredible workload at such a young age raises concerns about potential burnout.
22. Should Manchester United choose to keep Ruben Amorim, I hope they resist the urge to automatically extend his contract. Decisions should be based on performance rather than adhering to arbitrary rules that undermine authority.
23. That Arne Slot finds a coherent strategy for his players at Liverpool. The current disjointed approach to recruitment makes it challenging to return to their former glory.
24. I wish for Rodri to make a strong comeback with Manchester City. His presence in the midfield is sorely missed, and it would be uplifting to see him regain his top form after injury.
25. If Vinícius Júnior struggles to find joy at Real Madrid, I hope he experiences it with Brazil. A return to a supportive environment could be just what he needs to rediscover his happiness.
1:26
Could Vinicius Jr. really leave Real Madrid?
Gab Marcotti discusses the possibility of Vinicius Jr. potentially departing Real Madrid and possible destinations.
26. More individuals should take note of Harry Kane‘s journey. His story demonstrates that greatness doesn’t require obsession or selfishness, and that growth is possible even when others overlook talent.
27. I hope Luka Modric continues to shine well into his 40s. His enduring presence in midfield is remarkable, and I’d love to see him showcase his talents beyond AC Milan.
28. Now that San Siro has been sold, I hope we can move ahead without delays. With the landmark sale complete, let’s proceed without any further legal entanglements.
29. That José Mourinho experiences success in the Champions League. While his path with Benfica is uncertain, I still find his presence in knockout matches captivating.
30. Finally, I wish that young fans fall in love with their local clubs instead of merely jumping onto the bandwagon of larger teams promoted through mainstream media.