Today marks the start of the 23rd FIFA World Cup. There is great interest in the largest tournament in history, which is being held for the first time with 48 teams across 3 different countries – the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
“Elchi” conducted a survey among members of the Azerbaijan national team and players competing in the Premier League regarding the World Cup.
3 questions addressed to the survey participants:
1. Which national team are you supporting in the World Cup?
2. Who is the main favorite of the tournament for you?
3. Who do you see as the most ambitious player of the 2026 World Cup?
Bədavi Hüseynov (Captain of “Qarabağ”):
1. I will be cheering for the national teams of Turkey and Uzbekistan in the World Cup.
2. I see France and Spain as the main favorites of the tournament. These two teams are playing incredible football.
3. Currently, the most talented player is Lamine Yamal. The game he shows at this age is at a spectacular level. On the other hand, I will also carefully watch the older generation, such as Luka Modrić, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi, who are playing in their final World Cup. Their professionalism, desire, and love for football are an example for everyone.
Şahrudin Məhəmmədəliyev (Goalkeeper of “Qarabağ”):
1. I will support Turkey and Uzbekistan in the tournament.
2. I cannot name just one team as a favorite – there will be a serious competition between Spain, France, and Portugal.
3. The first ones that come to my mind are Lamine Yamal and Désiré Doué; overall, there are many young players who will be in the spotlight.
Coy-Lens Mikels (Striker of “Sabah” and the Rwanda national team):
1. I support the French national team.
2. For me, the main favorites are France, Spain, and Portugal.
3. I expect Michael Olise and Lamine Yamal to shine.
Elvin Bədəlov (Defender of “Neftçi”):
1. I will be cheering for Portugal in the tournament.
2. I see Spain as the main favorite.
3. The most ambitious player of the championship will be Lamine Yamal.
Faiq Hacıyev (Captain of “Turan Tovuz”):
1. The team I support is Turkey.
2. The main favorite of the tournament is the Argentina national team.
3. I see Michael Olise as the most ambitious player.
İsmayıl İbrahimli (Midfielder of “Zirə”):
1. I will be cheering for the Spanish national team in the World Cup.
2. My favorites are France and Spain.
3. I would say Lamine Yamal is the most ambitious player of the tournament.
Slavik Alxasov (Defender of “Araz-Naxçıvan”):
1. The team I admire and support is the brotherly Turkish national team.
2. For me, the main candidate for the championship is Portugal.
3. The most ambitious players of the tournament who could surprise are Ousmane Dembélé or Michael Olise.
Rüstəm Əhmədzadə (Midfielder of “Sumqayıt”):
1. I will support Portugal and Spain in the Mundial.
2. I think the main favorites of the tournament are France and Portugal.
3. I am looking forward to the performance of Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappé, Vitinha, and Bruno Fernandes.
Əli Səmədov (Midfielder of “Kəpəz”):
1. My heart is with the Turkish national team.
2. The main favorite for the championship is Spain.
3. Among the ambitious players, I would first mention the name of Lamine Yamal.
Nicat Əliyev (Defender of “Qəbələ”):
1. The team I support is Turkey; it would be very pleasant to see them in the final.
2. For me, the main favorite of the tournament is France.
3. There are many ambitious players, but if I had to choose one, I would say Ousmane Dembélé from the French squad.
Murad Musayev (Defender of “Şəfa”):
1. Of course, first of all, I support the Turkish national team.
2. I really want Portugal to win the tournament trophy.
3. The most ambitious face of the championship who will be in the spotlight is again Cristiano Ronaldo.
Edqar Ədilxanov (Midfielder of “Şamaxı”):
1. I will support the French national team in the tournament.
2. I see France again as the main favorite in the championship race.
3. I distinguish Rayan Cherki as the most ambitious and eye-catching player of the tournament.