Who Will Win the World Cup? Many Hearts Will Be Broken

QUEENS, N.Y. - July 12, 2026 - PRLog -- As soccer players, teams, coaches, fans, and entire countries journey through the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one thing is certain to me: many hearts will be broken.

We have seen players crying, fans sobbing, coaches kicking nearby objects, throwing water bottles, or standing in disbelief. These emotional roller coasters are part of soccer at every level—even at the Saturday pickup games where I still play.

People who watch soccer only during the World Cup may be surprised by how unpredictable the tournament can be. Some expect superstars such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, or Kylian Mbappé to carry their countries to victory simply because of their extraordinary talent.

But that is not how soccer works.

Not in street soccer.
Not in pickup soccer.
And certainly not in the World Cup.

Skill alone does not win the World Cup. At this level, every player has the ability to change a game. Messi can be nutmegged. Ronaldo can be stopped. Neymar can be contained. The difference between victory and defeat often lies elsewhere.

Forget those who confidently predict the next World Cup champion based only on player talent, rankings, or past performances. Soccer is far more complex.

In my opinion, four qualities matter even more than skill.

First, love of country. How deeply is each player willing to fight for the jersey and for the millions of people cheering back home?

Second, individual hunger. How badly does each player want to win? Sometimes one player's determination ignites an entire team and carries it to greatness.

Third, grit. How willing is each player to endure hard tackles, bruises, pain, and exhaustion—and still refuse to give up?

Fourth, team mindset. This is the glue that holds everything together. Teams that trust one another, sacrifice for one another, and play as one often outperform teams with greater individual talent.

And then there is luck—the unpredictable factor that can turn everything upside down.

A ball ricochets through several defenders and finds the back of the net. A shot takes an unexpected deflection. A goalkeeper slips at the wrong moment. A referee's decision changes the course of a match.

These moments cannot be planned.

As the tournament moves through the semifinals and into the final, I can promise one thing: many more hearts will be broken. Some dreams will come true, but many others will end in tears.

If your favorite team falls short, take heart. Disappointment is part of what makes the World Cup so unforgettable. The joy of lifting the trophy exists only because defeat is real.

In the end, only one nation will become world champion. Everyone else will return home with a broken heart—dreaming for another 4 years.
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