BY MANUEL MARSELIAN

In my second article, “The Countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026: Expert Predictions for Glory,” I invited a distinguished panel of former professional footballers to share their predictions for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Each participant selected the nation they believed would lift the trophy and explained the reasoning behind that choice, drawing on personal playing experience and a deep understanding of the international game.

Now that the tournament has concluded, it is time to revisit those predictions and compare them with what actually unfolded on football’s biggest stage.

I returned to the same panel and asked each expert to reflect on the tournament by answering three follow-up questions:

• Did the best team win the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
• Which team exceeded your expectations?
• Which team disappointed you the most?

In the pages that follow, readers will first revisit each participant’s original pre-tournament prediction before reading their post-tournament reflections. Together, these responses provide a unique opportunity to compare expectation with reality and gain fresh insight into one of the most memorable World Cups in history through the eyes of individuals who experienced the game at its highest level.

Artur Aghasyan
A retired Armenian professional forward and LAFC youth academy coach. A former Armenian youth international, he played for Real Salt Lake and was part of Cal FC’s historic 2012 U.S. Open Cup run.

Pre-Tournament Prediction: Spain

Yes. Spain was the tournament’s most complete and consistent team. They controlled matches through possession, pressed relentlessly after losing the ball, and displayed tactical discipline and maturity in every phase of play. Their path to the title was especially impressive, with victories over Portugal, Belgium, France, and Argentina in the final. Defeating that caliber of opposition left little doubt that Spain fully deserved to be crowned world champions.


Norway exceeded my expectations the most. They played fearless, well-organized football, eliminated Brazil, and advanced to the quarterfinals. Their intensity, discipline, and unwavering belief made them one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.

Germany was the tournament’s biggest disappointment. Entering the competition as one of the favorites, they possessed a talented squad and high expectations but failed to live up to either. They struggled to turn possession into clear scoring opportunities, lacked their customary defensive solidity. For a nation with Germany’s rich football tradition and championship pedigree, such an early exit fell well short of expectations.

Hagop Donabedian
Former Lebanese international Hagop Donabedian was a versatile defender who represented Lebanon and played for Homenetmen Beirut, Nejmeh SC, and Salam Zgharta.

Pre-Tournament Prediction: Argentina

Spain was a deserving World Cup champion, combining technical quality, tactical discipline, depth, and teamwork better than any other team. They stayed composed under pressure throughout the tournament. I was also surprised by how poorly Argentina played in the final.

Spain exceeded expectations by winning the title with consistently outstanding performances. The United States also impressed with its run to the knockout stage, while Cape Verde was one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.

The biggest disappointments were Germany and Brazil. Germany lacked creativity and exited in the Round of 32, while Brazil never found its rhythm or played as a cohesive team, falling short with a Round of 16 exit.

Kevork Garabedian
A former Lebanon international defender and midfielder who had a successful professional career with Ararat Yerevan, Al-Ansar, and Homenetmen Beirut. He earned 19 caps for the Lebanon national team between 1996 and 1999.

Pre-Tournament Prediction: Spain or Brazil

I believed in Spain from the very beginning. They were simply the strongest team in the tournament. What impressed me most was their collective play; they never relied on individual stars. If one player was unavailable, another stepped in seamlessly. Their depth, tactical discipline, and teamwork defined modern football.

Germany disappointed me the most. Given their history, talent, and tournament experience, I expected them to make a much deeper run. Instead, they lacked consistency, creativity, and the confidence normally associated with German football.

Egypt was the tournament’s biggest surprise. They exceeded all expectations and earned widespread admiration for their performances. It was unfortunate to see their remarkable journey end the way it did.

Karo Haghverdian
Former Iran international midfielder who represented Iran from 1968 to 1975 and starred for Ararat Tehran and Taj SC, earning respect for his technical ability and tireless work rate.

Pre-Tournament Prediction: Spain

From the very beginning, I believed Spain would win the World Cup. They had the tournament’s best midfield, consistently controlling the tempo and flow of matches, and entered as the reigning European champions. Their head coach played a pivotal role in their success. Having previously led Spain’s youth teams to two European titles, he knew the strengths of the emerging generation, trusted them on the biggest stage, and built a complete, disciplined, and cohesive team.

Two teams really impressed me: Egypt, whose playing style nearly led to a shock elimination of Argentina, and Cape Verde, who held Spain to a draw in their opening match before advancing to the Round of 32.

In my opinion, Germany and Brazil were the biggest disappointments. I didn’t necessarily expect either team to win it all, but they should have gone much deeper into the tournament. Both powerhouses have consistently fallen short of expectations in recent World Cups.”

Levon Ishtoyan
Legendary Armenian striker who starred for FC Ararat Yerevan’s historic 1973 Soviet League and Cup double, later founding the Ishtoyan Soccer Academy in Los Angeles.

Pre-Tournament Prediction: Too close to call

I believe France had one of the tournament’s youngest, fastest, and most talented squads and should have reached the final. While I still believe France’s midfield was individually stronger than Spain’s, Spain’s discipline, organization, and collective teamwork ultimately made the difference. Their coaching staff also deserves tremendous credit for implementing a clear tactical identity and guiding the team to a deserved World Cup title.

The Netherlands and Brazil were major disappointments, failing to meet expectations despite their talent. Koeman completely abandoned the Netherlands’ footballing identity against Morocco, while I expected Ancelotti to unite Brazil’s gifted individuals into a cohesive team.

Morocco and Egypt, however, were among the tournament’s most inspiring teams. Morocco showed resilience and fighting spirit, while Egypt recovered from a poor start and improved significantly. Both proved that determination, organization, and belief can compete with greater individual talent.

Ara Melkonian
A former Lebanon international striker who joined Homenetmen Beirut’s first-division team at just 16 years old. He represented Lebanon from 1982 to 1985 and was recognized for his skill, finishing ability, and attacking instincts.

Pre-Tournament Prediction: Spain

From the very beginning of the tournament, I predicted that Spain would win the World Cup. My confidence in Spain was based not only on the extraordinary talent of its young players but also on the team’s collective mentality. They played for their country rather than for individual recognition or personal glory. Their discipline, unselfish style of play, tactical intelligence, and commitment to the team made them the most complete side in the tournament and ultimately justified my prediction.

The team that exceeded my expectations most was Cape Verde. Despite being underdogs, they showed tremendous heart, resilience, and organization, competing fearlessly against stronger teams and proving they belonged on football’s biggest stage.

On the other hand, Brazil was my biggest disappointment. With the wealth of talent in their squad, I expected them to challenge seriously for the championship. Instead, they never truly came together as a cohesive team and fell well short of the high standards traditionally associated with Brazilian football.

Yura Movsisyan
Former Armenian international striker who played for Real Salt Lake, FC Krasnodar, Spartak Moscow, and Chicago Fire, becoming one of Armenia’s most recognizable forwards.

Pre-Tournement Prediction : Portugal

Armen Sargsyan
A former Armenian defender and member of the legendary Ararat-73 team that won both the Soviet Top League and Soviet Cup. He later became a respected coach and mentor, helping develop generations of young players.

Pre-Tournament Prediction: Argentina

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all participants for generously sharing their time, experience, and expertise. Their thoughtful insights have enriched both the pre-tournament predictions and the post-tournament reflections, offering readers the perspective of individuals who have experienced football at the highest levels.

Predicting a FIFA World Cup champion is far from an exact science. Football has always been as much an art as it is a sport. While talent, preparation, and tactical discipline are essential ingredients for success, the outcome of any match or an entire tournament can also hinge on teamwork, individual moments of brilliance, costly mistakes, injuries, momentum, and, at times, a measure of fortune. That unpredictability is precisely what makes the World Cup the most captivating sporting event on the planet.

As the curtain falls on another unforgettable tournament, football supporters around the world can already begin looking ahead to the next FIFA World Cup. With it will come renewed optimism, bold predictions, unexpected triumphs, heartbreaking disappointments, and unforgettable moments that unite billions of fans across continents and cultures.

Until then, we celebrate the game, honor its champions, and look forward to the next chapter in the beautiful game’s greatest competition.

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Catholicos Karekin II during Easter Mass on Apr. 12

The Armenian General Benevolent Union issued an announcement on Wednesday voicing concern about what it called “the persecution of the leadership of the Armenian Church.”

“The Government of Armenia’s criminal indictment of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and six other bishops—arising from an internal ecclesiastical matter concerning the leadership of a diocese—raises serious questions about religious freedom and respect for the rule of law,” the AGBU said in its statement.

The organization also urged Armenia’s authorities to drop the criminal proceedings, which AGBU said “has no basis in law or in our historical traditions.”

Below is the complete text of the AGBU statement.

The Armenian General Benevolent Union is deeply concerned about the persecution of the leadership of the Armenian Church. The Government of Armenia’s criminal indictment of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and six other bishops—arising from an internal ecclesiastical matter concerning the leadership of a diocese—raises serious questions about religious freedom and respect for the rule of law.

AGBU respectfully calls for the withdrawal of this indictment, which we believe has no basis in law or in our historical traditions. As it has done in the past, AGBU stands ready to play a constructive role in resolving this situation, if called upon.

Under its Constitution and national laws, the Republic of Armenia recognizes the Armenian Apostolic Church as the National Church, acknowledges its right to self-governance, and protects religious freedom. Accordingly, questions concerning the suitability of bishops for ecclesiastical office are appropriately addressed through Canon Law and the established processes of the Church.

AGBU respects Armenia’s democratically elected government, its political authority, and the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Armenia. At the same time, AGBU remains steadfast in its respect for our Armenian Church and its leadership, as elected in accordance with Canon Law and ecclesiastical authority, and for the Church’s enduring role in preserving Armenian identity around the world.

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U.S. official Aryeh Lightstone (left) and businessman Konstantin Sokolov meet Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Yerevan on Aug, 5

The United States government has doubled the funding for the TRIPP+ Enterprise Fund, increasing it from the initial $201 million to $402 million. A senior adviser to U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and the fund’s director Konstantin Sokolov held meetings with Armenian officials on Tuesday.

According to official U.S. government data, the brunt of the fund is to be spent in Armenia for the development of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity—an agreement signed with the U.S. by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan last August in Washington.

The funding is linked to the TRIPP connectivity initiative, which envisions the development of a transport route through southern Armenia aimed at connecting the South Caucasus to the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor.

On January 30, the State Department’s Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs awarded a $201 million grant to the TRIPP+ Enterprise Fund, with the implementation period set to run until December 31, 2036. On July 16, an amendment to the grant agreement increased the funding commitment to $402 million, without extending the project completion deadline.

The TRIPP+ Enterprise Fund was established on January 26, two weeks after a Washington meeting between Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

At the conclusion of that meeting, the sides released a document stating that they would establish the TRIPP Development Company — an entity responsible for ensuring the development and implementation of infrastructure for the TRIPP project. Armenia will hold a 26 percent stake in the company, while the United States will have 74 percent.

The increase in U.S. funding comes at a time when Washington is seeking to expand its engagement in the South Caucasus by supporting the development of transport and economic connectivity, as well as advancing projects linking the region to the Trans-Caspian Corridor.

To discuss developments with the TRIPP project, the U.S. dispatched Aryeh Lightstone, a top advisor to Special U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff and Sokolov, a Russian-born American entrepreneur who was recently appointed by the State Department as chairman of the TRIPP+ Fund. The two met with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Wednesday in Yerevan.

According to a read out from the prime minister’s office, the meeting focused on discussion of the implementation of the TRIPP project. They also expressed confidence that “as a result of the resolution of technical issues, practical steps in that direction will be even more visible in the near future.”

Before being appointed to chair the TRIPP+ Fund, Sokolv already had business interests in Armenia that include a major stake in one of the country’s three mobile phone operators, VivaCell. Days after his announcement was made public, Sokolov was linked to a U.S.-based company, which took over Armenia’s Teghut mine.

Lighhouse and Sokolov also met with Foreign Minister Mirzoyan and discussed opportunities and programs for expanding trade and economic cooperation, as well as cooperation aimed at strengthening Armenia’s economic and energy resilience, according to a foreign ministry statement.

The meeting included detailed discussions on promoting regional connectivity and leveraging competitive advantages along this path. The parties addressed ongoing efforts to implement the TRIPP program, with both sides emphasizing their interest in ensuring the program’s implementation on the ground as soon as possible.

They also exchanged views on prospects for Armenia’s most effective integration into international transportation and infrastructure systems.

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Delegates vote during ARS Western U.S. Regional Convention

BY RITA HINTLIAN

ENCINO—The 100th Biennial Regional Convention of the Armenian Relief Society of Western U.S. was held at the Holy Martyrs Ferrahian High School Avedissian Hall in from July 24 through 26.

Ankine Agopian, Chairperson of the hosting chapter, ARS Anahid Chapter of San Fernando Valley, made welcoming remarks, remarking that her organizing committee members had done their outmost to plan for the convention.

ARS Central Executive ChairArousyag Melkonian ARS Regional Executive Chair Christina Amirian Khanjian ARF Central Committee Co-Chair Mike Keleshian

Christina Amirian Khanjian, Regional Executive Board Chairperson elected during the 99th Regional Convention held in 2024, asked everyone to stand as the U.S.A., Armenia, Artsakh and ARS anthems were played, then invited Western Prelate Archbishop Kegham Khacherian to offer his blessings and message.

Following the prayers, Archbishop Khacherian relayed his experience with the ARS in Lebanon, Greece and the west coast, as an interconnected singular grand global entity, which continues to be transformed with new vigor as the years pass. The Prelate described ARS members as faithful and fervent diplomats who serve the vast needs of the people, gaining their continued trust.

Following the Prelate’s remarks, Khanjian asked the participants to observe a moment of silence in memory of the ARS members who have passed away.

ARS Central Executive member Zharmen Mirzakhanian ARS Canada representative Annie Doumanian

She then welcomed the ARS Central Executive Board Chairperson Arousyag Melkonian, Treasurer Annie Keshishian and liaison to the region, Zharmen Mirzakhanian. She also welcomed Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western U.S. Central Committee co-chair Mike Keleshian and liaison Hilda Saliba, ARS Canada Regional Executive’s representative Annie Doumanian Tashjian, and Regional Executive’s guests Anoush Chalian, Maral Touloumian and Carmen Yaralian, as well as all the chapter executives, delegates and observers.

On behalf of the Regional Executive, Khanjian, stated that the past two years included the 115th anniversary of the ARS and anniversaries of most of the chapters including those in California, Nevada and Texas.

She noted that the elected volunteer board devoted countless hours as it faced challenges as policies and changes were implemented, informational sessions and workshops were held to ensure that the membership was abreast of changes, and adapted to changes originating in the the Federal Government and Congress.

A new scholarship program was established, while support continued to be provided for ARS Central Executive’s humanitarian international programs. She also mentioned that membership increased as new “Amaras” chapter was established.

Melanie Vartabedian Dr. Ida Karayan

Khanjian concluded that “we need the organization to keep moving forward and to start to entrust to the next generation to follow behind us… With the People, For the People.”

Keleshian, the ARF Central Committee co-chair, congratulated the convention and described what he had witnessed earlier outside the convention hall, a heartwarming and compelling scene, as members embraced other members as they arrived. He said that working together, we can overcome any difficulties, including generational changes, as he mentioned that one of his own daughters is a member of the new “Amaras” Chapter.

He explained that members of the younger generation think differently, but all’s good as long as we uphold and pass on our values. Keleshian extended his best wishes on behalf of the Central Committee to make serious considerations and effectively resolve modernization and other issues during the convention.

Khanjian made the call to order and roll was taken by Regional Executive Recording Secretary Eugenie Shamlian Aroyan. As the convention proceeded, temporary then permanent officers were elected. Maral Poladian was elected as Armenian Chairperson, while Maggie Parseghian Sarkuni was elected as English Chairperson. Asdghig Chitilian and Nune Jamakordzian were elected as Armenian Secretaries, while Ani Tertzakian and Maral Kalinian were elected as English secretaries.

Committee members worked diligently through the tight schedule of the convention conducting reviews and preparing reports for the convention. Delegates sometimes faced emergencies and other delegates stepped in to help out. Credentials Examination Committee members were Ankine Agopian, Zarouhi Der Tavitian and Arpy Tanielian. Resolutions Committee members were Ida Berejiklian, Anahid Boghosian, Sossie Gureghian, and later, Vartouhi Tashjian. Archives Committee members were Meline Mekhdjian, Loucin Melikian and Maggie Mikaelian. The convention also elected the following guests: Hasmig Derderian, Seta Mangasarian, Khatoune Pakraduni, Varduhi Pedrosyan, Hasmig Khatchadourian, Maro Altibarmarkian, Rosa Avanessian and Vicky Kataroyan.

Anahid Chapter Organizing Committee members were appointed as Sergeants-at-Arms and Rita Hintlian was appointed as reporter.

Delegates took the opportunity to inquire about specific issues described within the Regional Executive’s activities and financial reports, and attachments for Social Services and Child, Youth & Family Guidance Center. Khanjian responded to their questions as staff and directors responded to questions under their expertise: Jasik Jarahian (GM), Melanie Vartabedian (Social Services) and Dr. Ida Karayan (Guidance Center).

The convention considered proposals for resolutions from the Regional Executive, chapters and individual convention participants. One of the most significant resolutions, which was adopted, was to expand the Child, Youth & Family Guidance Center by renovating the downstairs area of the Regional Headquarters and hiring more interns to help serve additional clients, in addition, funding was added for one full-time equivalent social services staff member and a part-time Outreach Coordinator. The renovation of the Guidance Center is being sponsored by Dr. & Mrs. Armen and Azniv Goenjian, who annually support the operations of the center.

Other resolutions were intended for continuing updating manuals, training and certifications for staff and volunteers, expanding use of existing and new technologies and social media tools, enhancements to one day school educational plans, and continuing to promote the ARS Nairy Chapter Day Care Center.
Following the conclusion of adoption of resolutions, the proposed budget was updated to reflect the financial changes, then was approved as a balanced budget.

ARS Canada Regional Executive’s representative Annie Doumanian Tashjian thanked the Regional Executive for sending a representative to ARS Canada’s Convention last year, which encouraged the current Canada Regional Executive to also send a representative. She applauded the Social Services and other programs in the Western Region and thanked the region for welcoming her. Tashjian said that the Eastern and Western USA regions, along with Canada, will continue to collectively support the ARS Central Executive programs.

Zharmen Mirzakhanian, Central Executive liaison to our region, presented a comprehensive report and presentation of their various programs and contributions over the last two years. The Central Executive’s international programs for hot meals, sponsorship of children of fallen heroes, Hearths of Hope (Artsakh families), support of elderly and children’s homes (Amanor program), Javakhk youth centers and other programs continued to be incorporated into the budget.

Arousyag Melkonian, Central Executive Chairperson, reported on how the board responded to the recent earthquake in Venezuela. Chapters had already started to submit their donations to assist disaster victims. Delegates and guests made impromptu donation pledges for $25,500.

Toward the conclusion of the convention, the following were elected to the Regional Executive board: Maggie Parseghian Sarkuni, Emma Garabetian, Varduhi “Rose” Petrosyan, Seda Khojayan, Shake Gagossian, Anush Chalian, Taline Kayayan, Tamar Q. Postoyan and Helen Shahbazian.

Upon the convention’s adjournment, all the delegates, guests and observers converged to the open areas to congratulate and attest their appreciation to the officers, committee members and termed out Regional Executive board members. It was an energizing ending to a new beginning.

The newly elected Regional Executive held its first meeting with the convention officers and Central Executive members and elected their officers and advisors as follows:
• Chairperson: Maggie Parseghian Sarkuni
• Vice Chairperson: Emma Garabetian
• Secretary: Varduhi Petrosyan, Esq.
• Treasurer: Seda Khojayan
• Accountant: Shake Gagossian
• Advisors: Anush Chalian, Taline Kayayan Srabian, Tamar Q. Postoyan and Helen Shahbazian.

Sarkuni noted that the ARS mission will be guiding her board’s efforts based on collaboration and collective commitment to sustain and strengthen the Western Region. She thanked the delegates for trusting them and the ARS members for their continued support.

As the board was holding the meeting, delegates and guests started their way back home with anticipation for the upcoming year.

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