Brazil produces world-class footballers by the hundreds — but mostly because it's a giant.
Strip out size and the real overachiever is tiny Uruguay: under 4 million people, more football greatness per capita than anywhere on Earth.
The new issue of The Atlas is out: why is South America so exceptionally good at men’s football?
So far at the 2026 FIFA Epstein Cup before a ball kicked:
- Senegal & Uzbekistan squads treated like criminals upon arrival given full cavity searches;
- Africa’s best referee sent back to Somalia despite having a diplomatic passport;
- Iraq team photographer sent back despite valid visa;
- AIPS (international sport journalist association) calling on FIFA to sort out unacceptable visa issues of African & Iranian journalists;
- 90% of Moroccan fans with tickets denied entry
- 14 members of Iran backroom staff denied visas
Not a word from Gianni ”today I feel black/gay/disabled etc” Infantino.
No country should be allowed to host the World Cup while imposing discriminatory rules on qualified and participating teams.
This ought to be a very basic requirement.
Bondi terror attack hero Ahmed al Ahmed has been charged with assault and is due to appear before a Sydney court later next month.
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