The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the largest in history, begins today, drawing together footballers from across the globe for a month of competition. The tournament arrives amid heightened political scrutiny, and Euronews has secured an exclusive interview with Glenn Micallef, the European Union's Commissioner for Sports, to gauge the Brussels perspective on what many are calling one of the most politically charged World Cups ever staged.
Micallef, speaking ahead of the opening matches, emphasised the role of sport in fostering unity across the continent. "Football has a unique ability to bridge divides," he told Euronews, "but we cannot ignore the geopolitical realities that surround this event." The Commissioner pointed to ongoing debates within the European Parliament about human rights and the tournament's host nations, a discussion that has intensified in recent weeks. For more on those parliamentary exchanges, see our coverage of MEPs debating the World Cup in The Ring.
Eurogroup Meets in Luxembourg
Meanwhile, Euronews correspondent Maria Tadeo is reporting live from Luxembourg, where the Eurogroup—the informal body of eurozone finance ministers—is convening. The meeting, chaired by Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis, is expected to address fiscal coordination and economic resilience as member states navigate post-pandemic recovery and energy market volatility. Tadeo secured an exclusive interview with Pierrakakis, who stressed the importance of "maintaining fiscal discipline while investing in strategic autonomy."
The Eurogroup's agenda also includes discussions on long-term competitiveness, a topic that has gained urgency as global supply chains shift. The Commissioner for Agriculture recently warned that the EU must secure long-term fertiliser supplies to avert potential food shortages, a concern that indirectly affects economic stability across the bloc.
Brussels Predicts the Winner
Back in Brussels, Euronews' Adnan Leal took to the streets of the Belgian capital to ask residents who they believe will lift the trophy. The responses were as diverse as the city itself: some backed traditional powerhouses like France and Germany, while others placed their hopes on dark horses from the Balkans or Scandinavia. The poll, though informal, reflects the continent's deep engagement with the tournament.
Leal noted that many fans expressed concerns about the tournament's environmental impact and the welfare of players, particularly given the extreme heat conditions expected in some host cities. These worries echo a broader campaign by footballers themselves, who have demanded heat safety guarantees from FIFA.
FIFA's High-Stakes Bet on a Divided America
Euronews' Jakub Janas provides an explainer on the logistical and political challenges facing FIFA as it stages the World Cup across multiple venues in the United States. With empty seats a possibility and border restrictions still in place for some nations, the tournament represents a gamble for the sport's governing body. Janas examines how the decision to award the event to the US—a country with a complex relationship with football—could reshape the global game.
The 2026 World Cup is also notable for its expanded format, featuring 48 teams for the first time. This has raised questions about competitive balance and the strain on infrastructure, issues that resonate particularly in Europe, where leagues and national associations must manage player workloads.
As the tournament unfolds, European Pulse will continue to track the intersection of sport, politics, and society. Tune in to Euronews for daily updates from the World Cup and the Eurogroup, and stay informed on how these events shape the continent's future.
