Khaberni - Football fans around the world are eagerly awaiting many important events in the year 2026, which will witness major tournaments, notably the World Cup edition held in June, hosted for the first time by three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The spotlight is on many prominent global stars regarding their future this year, apart from the race to win the Ballon d'Or.
Here are some of the major sports events expected in 2026:
A unique achievement awaits Cristiano Ronaldo
The veteran Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Al Nassr Saudi, is nearing a unique achievement of scoring a thousand goals in his football career.
Ronaldo has made substantial progress towards this achievement, having scored 957 goals to date, and needs only 43 more goals, which could potentially be reached this year.
In 2025, Ronaldo scored 41 goals with the Portuguese national team and Al Nassr, putting him on track to reach the milestone this year.
Mohamed Salah's departure from Liverpool
Liverpool FC fans are also eagerly waiting to resolve the future of their Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, who has been linked with an exit from the Reds despite renewing his contract until the summer of 2027.
Salah has clashed with his Dutch coach Arne Slot due to being benched during four consecutive Premier League games, which ignited his anger and led to fiery statements after the match against Leeds United.
Salah's statements resulted in his exclusion by his club from the squad for the match against Inter Milan in the Champions League, before returning to play against Leeds United.
Doubts surround Salah's future amid interest from some Saudi clubs to sign him this January, and thus the current winter transfer window may see a new step regarding the future of Mohamed Salah, or by next summer at the latest.
Messi's clash with Yamal in Qatar
Lusail Stadium will witness a heavy-weight match on March 27 between the European champion Spain and the South American champion Argentina in the Finalissima Cup.
This year also will determine the champion of Africa at the end of the African Cup of Nations competitions on January 18 in Morocco.
Who will be crowned World Cup champion?
Football fans are anticipating a new edition of the World Cup after Argentina, led by superstar Lionel Messi, won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The upcoming edition of the World Cup promises fierce competition among several teams, including Portugal led by Cristiano Ronaldo, Brazil under coach Carlo Ancelotti, defending champion Argentina, European champion Spain, and the England team.
The Ballon d'Or race
The other event is deciding the Ballon d'Or race, a prize that was won last year by French star Ousmane Dembele, forward for Paris Saint-Germain.
Competition seems fierce this year between France’s Kylian Mbappe, star of Real Madrid Spanish, Norway’s Erling Haaland, star of Manchester City English, and Lamine Yamal, star of Barcelona Spanish.
