Today marks the start of the 23rd FIFA World Cup. There is immense 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?
Badavi Huseynov (Captain of “Qarabag”):
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 closely watch the older generation, such as Luka Modric, 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.
Shahrudin Mahammadaliyev (Goalkeeper of “Qarabag”):
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 battle between Spain, France, and Portugal.
3. The first ones that come to my mind are Lamine Yamal and Desire Doue; overall, there are many young players who will be in the spotlight.
Joy-Lance Mickels (Forward 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 Badalov (Defender of “Neftchi”):
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 Hajiyev (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.
Ismayil Ibrahimli (Midfielder of “Zira”):
1. I will be cheering for the Spanish national team in the World Cup.
2. My favorites are France and Spain.
3. I would name Lamine Yamal as the most ambitious player of the tournament.
Slavik Alxasov (Defender of “Araz-Nakhchivan”):
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 who can surprise in the tournament are Ousmane Dembele or Michael Olise.
Rustam Ahmadzada (Midfielder of “Sumgayit”):
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 Mbappe, Vitinha, and Bruno Fernandes.
Ali Samadov (Midfielder of “Kapaz”):
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.
Nijat Aliyev (Defender of “Gabala”):
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 Dembele from the French squad.
Murad Musayev (Defender of “Shafa”):
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 figure of the championship who will be in the spotlight is again Cristiano Ronaldo.
Edgar Adilxanov (Midfielder of “Shamakhi”):
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.