World Cup News

When it comes to big stages, this continent is always well represented by historic national teams such as Brazil, Argentina or Uruguay… but this time, there seems to be room for surprises. Over the last few years, the CONMEBOL campaign for the World Cup has been very competitive. In fact, four of the six… The post South America: The Place of the Dark Horses for the 2026 World Cup first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper deep dive into the extraordinary story of Imre Hirschl, the Hungarian who took South American football by storm. In this first part of a two-part series we hear the story of Hirschl's early life, his emigration to South America, and his unexpected rise to coaching fame in Argentina. From starting as a salami salesman to becoming the mastermind behind Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata's success, Hirschl's tale is one of perseverance, innovation, and tactical genius. Tune in to discover the myths, challenges, and triumphs of this unlikely football legend who redefined the game during the early 20th century. 00:00 The Unlikely Beginnings of a Coaching Legend 03:46 The Hungarian Influence on South American Football 07:59 Unraveling the Myths and Realities 09:40 A Journey Through War and Immigration 16:29 The Butcher Turned Football Visionary 21:55 The Mystery of Hirschl's Football Career 24:38 Meeting Béla Guttmann and the Next Chapter 26:21 Hirschl's Coaching Journey Begins 28:14 Tactical Innovations and Success 30:21 Challenges and Triumphs in Argentina 31:14 Early Coaching Stint in Brazil 32:42 Struggles and Determination 42:21 Hirschl's Coaching Philosophy 46:48 Building a Winning Team 49:32 Conclusion and Future Prospects Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A reluctant but thorough preview of one of the strangest tournaments ever. Buckle up and get ready for this year’s edition of a tournament we’ve been raised to love. A (GROUP A) While it looks like a walk in the park for the Dutch, each side’s unique style could make every match a tough adjustment.…