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Sport during a war: On the FIFA World Cup 2026

The U.S. is giving the FIFA World Cup a bad name

No showpiece (मुख्य आकर्षण, प्रमुख आकर्षण) event of a sport has lived up to its billing (प्रचार-प्रसार, प्रस्तुति) quite like the FIFA World Cup. The 2026 edition (संस्करण), which kicks off (शुरुआत करना, आरंभ होना) on Thursday, offers proof. With 48 teams and 104 matches, it is the biggest ever. With roughly (लगभग, करीब-करीब) one in four FIFA member nations qualifying, and six of the seven continents (महाद्वीप) represented (प्रतिनिधित्व करना, प्रतिनिधि बनना), it is the most inclusive (समावेशी, सबको शामिल करने वाला) yet (अभी तक, अब तक). From Oceania (a geographic region comprising Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. The vast regions, island territories and adjacent seas in the Pacific Ocean, east of Maritime Southeast Asia and Australia and west of South America) to North America, it wraps (to cover, enclose, or involve entirely; encompass, envelop, surround, embrace) the whole universe. It is also the first time that three countries will be hosting (to organize, hold, and provide facilities for an event; stage, present, arrange, put on) the quadrennial (occurring once every four years; four-yearly) extravaganza (भव्य आयोजन, विशाल समारोह) — the United States, Canada and Mexico. Top players in Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar have touched down, and so have coaches such as Carlo Ancelotti and Thomas Tuchel. While Messi will aim for (to target or try to achieve something specific; strive for, pursue, work toward, aspire to) a repeat (पुनरावृत्ति) of Argentina’s trophy-winning exploits (a notable, bold, or successful deed; achievement, feat, accomplishment, triumph) from 2022, Ronaldo will gun for (to make a vigorous effort to get or achieve something; pursue aggressively, target, go after, strive for) Portugal’s first. Neymar, yet to (अभी तक नहीं, अभी होना बाकी है) win the coveted (बहुप्रतीक्षित, अत्यधिक वांछित) Cup, has a very heavy cross to bear (भारी बोझ, कठिन जिम्मेदारी), for he comes from (originate from, hail from, be born in, emerge from) the land of Pele and five-time champion Brazil. Kylian Mbappe’s France, titlist (champion, winner, titleholder, victor) in 2018 and runner-up (a competitor or team taking second place in a contest; second-best, second place, silver medalist, finalist) in 2022, remains strong (to continue to be powerful or highly competitive; endure, persist, stay strong, hold firm). Spain, with the irresistible (too powerful, appealing, or compelling to be resisted or defeated; overwhelming, overpowering, undeniable, unstoppable) teenager Lamine Yamal in its ranks, is a favourite (the competitor considered most likely to win; front-runner, expected winner, top choice, likely victor), and so are (used to say that a positive statement is also true of someone or something else; likewise, similarly, also, in the same way) Germany and England to a lesser degree (to a smaller extent or amount; minimally, marginally, slightly, fractionally). But four-time winner Italy is absent, for a scarcely (almost not, or only just; barely, hardly, rarely, infrequently) believable third straight (consecutive, successive, continuous, uninterrupted) occasion (a particular time or instance of an event; instance, occurrence, time, moment).

The World Cup also serves a purpose beyond (outside, outside the bounds of, past, apart from) the turf (the grass-covered playing area where a sport is played; pitch, field, ground, arena) — of shrinking (reduce, lessen, decrease, diminish) differences (disparity, distinction, variance, contrast), uniting populations and promoting (to support, foster, encourage, advance, further) cross-cultural (relating to different cultures or comparison between them; intercultural, multicultural, diverse, global) exchanges (an act of sharing or transferring ideas, culture, or goods; interchange, interaction, sharing, networking). In this (referring to the previously mentioned context or situation; regarding this, concerning this, in this matter, here), the latest instalment (edition, episode, chapter) has stumbled (to make a mistake, encounter a problem, or falter; falter, slip up, fail, err) badly. On Monday, it emerged that the U.S. had denied entry (admission, access, entry permit, ingress) to Somalian referee (an official who oversees a sporting match to ensure rules are followed; match official, umpire, judge, arbiter) Omar Artan, the best men’s referee from Africa in 2025 and one of the 52 handpicked (carefully chosen for a specific purpose; specially selected, cherry-picked, chosen, designated) by governing body (regulatory authority, administrative council, management committee, board) FIFA. There are credible (able to be believed or trusted; reliable, trustworthy, dependable, plausible) reports of journalists being refused visas (an official authorization on a passport permitting travel, entry, or stay in a specific country; travel permit, entry permit) and squad members being questioned by immigration authorities (government agencies responsible for regulating and controlling the flow of people across borders; border control, customs officials). In an unfortunate turn (describing a regretful or unfavorable change in events; regrettably, unluckily, sadly, unfortunately), the military stand-off (stalemate, deadlock, impasse, face-off) between the U.S. and Iran has forced the West Asian nation to camp (to set up a base or lodge in a temporary location; station, lodge, settle, base) in Mexico and travel to Seattle (more than 2,000 km away) and Los Angeles for its group-stage games. It is both a logistical (relating to the detailed coordination of a complex operation involving many people or facilities; organizational, operational, planning, administrative) nightmare (a very unpleasant, difficult, or chaotic experience; ordeal, horror, trial, disaster) and an affront (an action or remark that causes outrage or offense; insult, offense, outrage, slight) to the core (the most important or central part of something; fundamental, central, primary, essential) sporting tenet (doctrine, principle, rule, belief) of a level-playing field for all teams. Fans are also rankled (to cause persistent annoyance or resentment; annoy, irritate, upset, anger) by the high ticket costs, limited (inadequate, insufficient, restricted, scarce) public transport facilities (a place, amenity, or piece of equipment provided for a particular purpose; amenity, service, provision, resource) and steep (unacceptably high or unreasonable in price; expensive, high, costly, exorbitant) visa fees. That a travel-intensive competition is being held amidst (surrounded by or in the middle of something; during, in the midst of, among, surrounded by) a disruption (interruption, disturbance, upheaval, disorder) in global fuel supplies and spike (surge, rise, increase, escalation) in energy prices is not lost on anyone. These concerns (a feeling of anxiety, worry, or apprehension; worry, anxiety, apprehension, unease) will likely (probably, presumably, doubtlessly, in all probability) dissipate (to disappear or cause to disappear gradually; vanish, fade away, evaporate, disperse) once Mexico and South Africa set the ball rolling (to initiate an action or start a process; begin, start, commence, kick off) at the majestic (showing impressive beauty, grandeur, or scale; grand, magnificent, spectacular, stunning) Estadio Azteca (a major, iconic multi-purpose stadium located in Mexico City, renowned for hosting multiple FIFA World Cup finals and historic football matches). However (nevertheless, nonetheless, yet, but), it is essential (extremely important; crucial, vital, indispensable) to reflect (to think deeply or carefully about something; ponder, contemplate, consider, meditate) and learn in order to (with the purpose or intention of doing something; so as to, with the aim of, for the purpose of, to) chart (to make a plan for the future or map out a course of action; map out, plan, outline, devise) a more inclusive future.

Courtesy: The Hindu

Important Word List With Meaning

1.give a bad name (phrase)

Hindi Meaning - बदनाम करना, खराब छवि बनाना
English Meaning - to cause someone or something to lose respect or have a negative reputation; tarnish, discredit, stigmatize, dishonour.

2.showpiece (noun)

Hindi Meaning - मुख्य आकर्षण, प्रमुख आकर्षण
English Meaning - an outstanding example or the most impressive feature of an event; masterpiece, crown jewel, centerpiece, prime example.

3.billing (noun)

Hindi Meaning - प्रचार-प्रसार, प्रस्तुति
English Meaning - the way an event or person is described, advertised, or promoted; promotion, publicity, hype, advertisement.

4.edition (noun)

Hindi Meaning - संस्करण
English Meaning - a particular instance or version of a regularly occurring event; instalment, version, chapter.

5.kick off (phrasal verb)

Hindi Meaning - शुरुआत करना, आरंभ होना
English Meaning - to begin, start, or commence an event; start, initiate, open, get underway.

6.roughly (adverb)

Hindi Meaning - लगभग, करीब-करीब
English Meaning - approximately, about, around, nearly, almost.

7.continent (noun)

Hindi Meaning - महाद्वीप
English Meaning - landmass, region, geographic area.

8.represent (verb)

Hindi Meaning - प्रतिनिधित्व करना, प्रतिनिधि बनना
English Meaning - to act or speak on behalf of a wider group or region; stand for, act for, symbolize, embody.

9.inclusive (adjective)

Hindi Meaning - समावेशी, सबको शामिल करने वाला
English Meaning - covering all groups or individuals and ensuring equal participation; all-embracing, comprehensive, universal, non-discriminatory.

10.yet (adverb)

Hindi Meaning - अभी तक, अब तक
English Meaning - thus far, so far, to date, up to now.

11.extravaganza (noun)

Hindi Meaning - भव्य आयोजन, विशाल समारोह
English Meaning - a large, spectacular, and elaborate event; spectacle, pageant, display, celebration.

12.repeat (noun)

Hindi Meaning - पुनरावृत्ति
English Meaning - an act of doing or achieving something again; repetition, duplication, replay, recurrence.

13.yet to (phrase)

Hindi Meaning - अभी तक नहीं, अभी होना बाकी है
English Meaning - having not done something up to the present moment; still to, have not yet, pending.

14.coveted (adjective)

Hindi Meaning - बहुप्रतीक्षित, अत्यधिक वांछित
English Meaning - highly sought after or strongly desired by many; desired, craved, wanted, yearned for.

15.heavy cross to bear (phrase)

Hindi Meaning - भारी बोझ, कठिन जिम्मेदारी
English Meaning - an unpleasant or difficult responsibility that one must endure; burden, hardship, trial, affliction.

16.titlist (noun)

English Meaning - champion, winner, titleholder, victor.

17.quite like (phrase)

English Meaning - exactly similar to; identically to, exactly as, just like.

18.wrap (verb)

English Meaning - to cover, enclose, or involve entirely; encompass, envelop, surround, embrace.

19.quadrennial (adjective)

English Meaning - occurring once every four years; four-yearly.

20.the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (International Association Football Federation) (FIFA) (organization)

English Meaning - it is the international governing body of association football, beach soccer, and futsal, responsible for organizing major global tournaments.

21.live up to (phrasal verb)

English Meaning - to fulfill expectations or achieve a standard that has been set; meet, satisfy, match, deliver.

22.Oceania (proper noun)

English Meaning - a geographic region comprising Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. The vast regions, island territories and adjacent seas in the Pacific Ocean, east of Maritime Southeast Asia and Australia and west of South America.

23.host (verb)

English Meaning - to organize, hold, and provide facilities for an event; stage, present, arrange, put on.

24.touch down (phrasal verb)

English Meaning - to land or arrive at a destination; land, arrive, alight, come down.

25.aim for (phrasal verb)

English Meaning - to target or try to achieve something specific; strive for, pursue, work toward, aspire to.

26.exploit (noun)

English Meaning - a notable, bold, or successful deed; achievement, feat, accomplishment, triumph.

27.gun for (phrasal verb)

English Meaning - to make a vigorous effort to get or achieve something; pursue aggressively, target, go after, strive for.

28.come from (phrasal verb)

English Meaning - originate from, hail from, be born in, emerge from.

29.runner-up (noun)

English Meaning - a competitor or team taking second place in a contest; second-best, second place, silver medalist, finalist.

30.remain strong (phrase)

English Meaning - to continue to be powerful or highly competitive; endure, persist, stay strong, hold firm.

31.irresistible (adjective)

English Meaning - too powerful, appealing, or compelling to be resisted or defeated; overwhelming, overpowering, undeniable, unstoppable.

32.in one’s ranks (phrase)

English Meaning - belonging to a particular group, team, or organization; among one’s members, on the roster, in the squad, included in.

33.favourite (noun)

English Meaning - the competitor considered most likely to win; front-runner, expected winner, top choice, likely victor.

34.so are (phrase)

English Meaning - used to say that a positive statement is also true of someone or something else; likewise, similarly, also, in the same way.

35.lesser degree (phrase)

English Meaning - to a smaller extent or amount; minimally, marginally, slightly, fractionally.

36.scarcely (adverb)

English Meaning - almost not, or only just; barely, hardly, rarely, infrequently.

37.straight (adjective)

English Meaning - consecutive, successive, continuous, uninterrupted.

38.occasion (noun)

English Meaning - a particular time or instance of an event; instance, occurrence, time, moment.

39.serve a purpose (phrase)

English Meaning - to be useful or fulfill a specific function; meet a need, be of value, function as, work.

40.beyond (preposition)

English Meaning - outside, outside the bounds of, past, apart from.

41.the turf (noun)

English Meaning - the grass-covered playing area where a sport is played; pitch, field, ground, arena.

42.shrink (verb)

English Meaning - reduce, lessen, decrease, diminish.

43.difference (noun)

English Meaning - disparity, distinction, variance, contrast.

44.promote (verb)

English Meaning - to support, foster, encourage, advance, further.

45.cross-cultural (adjective)

English Meaning - relating to different cultures or comparison between them; intercultural, multicultural, diverse, global.

46.exchange (noun)

English Meaning - an act of sharing or transferring ideas, culture, or goods; interchange, interaction, sharing, networking.

47.in this (phrase)

English Meaning - referring to the previously mentioned context or situation; regarding this, concerning this, in this matter, here.

48.instalment (noun)

English Meaning - edition, episode, chapter.

49.stumble (verb)

English Meaning - to make a mistake, encounter a problem, or falter; falter, slip up, fail, err.

50.entry (noun)

English Meaning - admission, access, entry permit, ingress.

51.referee (noun)

English Meaning - an official who oversees a sporting match to ensure rules are followed; match official, umpire, judge, arbiter.

52.handpicked (adjective)

English Meaning - carefully chosen for a specific purpose; specially selected, cherry-picked, chosen, designated.

53.governing body (noun)

English Meaning - regulatory authority, administrative council, management committee, board.

54.credible (adjective)

English Meaning - able to be believed or trusted; reliable, trustworthy, dependable, plausible.

55.visa (noun)

English Meaning - an official authorization on a passport permitting travel, entry, or stay in a specific country; travel permit, entry permit.

56.immigration authorities (noun)

English Meaning - government agencies responsible for regulating and controlling the flow of people across borders; border control, customs officials.

57.immigration (noun)

English Meaning - the action of coming to live permanently in a foreign country, or the process of examining people entering a country; migration, settling, relocation, resettlement.

58.authorities (noun)

English Meaning - officials, officialdom, bureaucrats, the people in charge, the administration.

59.in an unfortunate turn (phrase)

English Meaning - describing a regretful or unfavorable change in events; regrettably, unluckily, sadly, unfortunately.

60.stand-off (noun)

English Meaning - stalemate, deadlock, impasse, face-off.

61.camp (verb)

English Meaning - to set up a base or lodge in a temporary location; station, lodge, settle, base.

62.logistical (adjective)

English Meaning - relating to the detailed coordination of a complex operation involving many people or facilities; organizational, operational, planning, administrative.

63.nightmare (noun)

English Meaning - a very unpleasant, difficult, or chaotic experience; ordeal, horror, trial, disaster.

64.affront (noun)

English Meaning - an action or remark that causes outrage or offense; insult, offense, outrage, slight.

65.core (adjective)

English Meaning - the most important or central part of something; fundamental, central, primary, essential.

66.sporting (adjective)

English Meaning - relating to sports; athletic, competitive, game-related, sports-related.

67.tenet (noun)

English Meaning - doctrine, principle, rule, belief.

68.level playing field (phrase)

English Meaning - a situation ensuring fair competition where no side has an inherent advantage; fair game, equal opportunity, fairness, parity.

69.rankle (verb)

English Meaning - to cause persistent annoyance or resentment; annoy, irritate, upset, anger.

70.limited (adjective)

English Meaning - inadequate, insufficient, restricted, scarce.

71.facility (noun)

English Meaning - a place, amenity, or piece of equipment provided for a particular purpose; amenity, service, provision, resource.

72.steep (adjective)

English Meaning - unacceptably high or unreasonable in price; expensive, high, costly, exorbitant.

73.hold (verb)

English Meaning - to organize and bring about an event or competition; conduct, organize, host, stage.

74.amidst (preposition)

English Meaning - surrounded by or in the middle of something; during, in the midst of, among, surrounded by.

75.disruption (noun)

English Meaning - interruption, disturbance, upheaval, disorder.

76.spike (noun)

English Meaning - surge, rise, increase, escalation.

77.lost on someone (phrase)

English Meaning - failing to be noticed, understood, or appreciated by someone; unnoticed by, unappreciated by, unheeded by, missed by.

78.concern (noun)

English Meaning - a feeling of anxiety, worry, or apprehension; worry, anxiety, apprehension, unease.

79.likely (adverb)

English Meaning - probably, presumably, doubtlessly, in all probability.

80.dissipate (verb)

English Meaning - to disappear or cause to disappear gradually; vanish, fade away, evaporate, disperse.

81.set the ball rolling (phrase)

English Meaning - to initiate an action or start a process; begin, start, commence, kick off.

82.majestic (adjective)

English Meaning - showing impressive beauty, grandeur, or scale; grand, magnificent, spectacular, stunning.

83.Estadio Azteca (proper noun)

English Meaning - a major, iconic multi-purpose stadium located in Mexico City, renowned for hosting multiple FIFA World Cup finals and historic football matches.

84.however (adverb)

English Meaning - nevertheless, nonetheless, yet, but.

85.essential (adjective)

English Meaning - extremely important; crucial, vital, indispensable.

86.reflect (verb)

English Meaning - to think deeply or carefully about something; ponder, contemplate, consider, meditate.

87.in order to (phrase)

English Meaning - with the purpose or intention of doing something; so as to, with the aim of, for the purpose of, to.

88.chart (verb)

English Meaning - to make a plan for the future or map out a course of action; map out, plan, outline, devise.