Maradona 'predicted' the 2026 World Cup 8 years ago!

An interview with football god Diego Maradona from eight years ago has been resurfaced on social media in the midst of the current 2026 World Cup.

Maradona made an explosive comment in 2018, shortly after the United States, Canada, and Mexico were jointly announced as the hosts of the 2026 World Cup.

Seeing the 'hydration breaks' that are being made due to the intense heat in the current tournament, fans are now reminding each other of the visionary comments of the 1986 World Cup-winning legend.

In that interview, Maradona sharply criticized the North American sports model. He said that football will eventually have to move away from its traditional form due to the commercial interests of television and the need for advertising.

The former Argentine star expressed his anger on a television program, saying, "They will divide the game into four halves instead of two to insert advertisements. Compare it, you will see."

According to the rules, the 2026 World Cup is still played in two 45-minute halves, but due to the excessive heat in the US venues, the match has to be given an official hydration break. Although this break is mandatory according to FIFA protocol to protect players and referees in extreme weather, it naturally increases the broadcast time and creates additional advertising opportunities.

Football fans are comparing this reality with Maradona's accurate prediction on social media.

Maradona also strongly opposed hosting the World Cup in the United States at the time, citing a lack of football tradition or culture. He said, "They have no passion for football. Canadians may be good skiers, and Americans wanted to divide the game into four 25-minute halves for advertising purposes."