Despite crashing out of the World Cup spectacularly once again, Turkiye have been crowned “Unofficial World Champions” following a 3-2 win over dark horse hosts the USA on Friday night.

It proved to be the Eurasian country’s only victory this summer, despite the fact they head into every tournament with a reputation as an emerging force. Arda Guler – one of the best young players in world football – is joined by the likes of Kenan Yildiz, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Ferdi Kadioglu in a squad brimming at the seams with talent.

Still, if Vincenzo Montella’s side were going to beat anyone, then doing it against the USA proved to be a pretty interesting way to open their account. A win over the Stars and Stripes, who had rotated after securing qualification into the Round of 32 early, has given Turkiye an unusual world title.

Why Turkiye Are Now ‘Unofficial World Champions’

Corine Solberg/Sipa USA via Reuters Connect

The Unofficial Football World Championships (UFWC) is a tongue-in-cheek alternative way of identifying the world’s top international team. Rather than relying on tournaments or rankings, it follows a simple “winner stays champion” format, similar to the title lineages seen in boxing and other combat sports.

The concept was popularised by Scotland fans and sections of the media, who jokingly claimed that because the Tartan Army had beaten England in a British Home Championship match on 15 April 1967 – the Three Lions’ first defeat after winning the 1966 World Cup – they were the new “world champions”.

What began as a light-hearted idea has since developed into a long-running football tradition. Turkiye became the latest holders on Friday night after defeating the USA, who had previously taken the title from Australia. Tracing the chain back further leads through Kosovo, Sweden, Algeria, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast and Uruguay before eventually reaching 2022 World Cup winners Argentina.

An entire Wikipedia page is now dedicated to tracking the unusual honour, and the all-time rankings make for a fascinating read, packed with unlikely champions, winding title reigns and plenty of underdog stories.

Unofficial World Championships’ All-Time Rankings

Given that Brazil have won more World Cups than any other nation with five, while Germany, Argentina and Italy are not far behind, you might expect those traditional powerhouses to dominate the rankings for most matches spent as champions in this unconventional format. Surprisingly, that isn’t the case.

It appears that official world champions often struggle to maintain their grip on the crown after reaching the summit of the game. Brazil’s position in seventh place is a good example of that trend. Instead, the nation that has spent the most matches as UFWC holders is Scotland.

Although they have not held the title since 2007, Scotland accumulated 149 matches as reigning champions during their various reigns – three more than England and 33 more than Argentina. The top 22 rankings can be seen below:

Other interesting findings include the fact North Korea have beaten the champions, before then holding the title for 16 matches. Lower down in the list, below the 22 mark, other surprising names feature, such as Angola, Northern Ireland, Liberia, and Curacao – the latter having made history this summer by becoming the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup finals.

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi’s stunning claims about FIFA and the United States have gone viral following Team Melli’s 1-1 draw with Egypt on Friday night. The result brought Iran’s 2026 World Cup campaign to a possible end, with three draws – against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt – leaving them just short of the knockout stages, waiting to see if they can go through as one of the best third-placed sides.

An unbeaten tournament is still an achievement Iran can take pride in, particularly given the constant challenges they have faced both on and off the pitch. Geopolitical tensions have undoubtedly contributed to the emotional strain on players and staff, many of whom left behind a homeland caught up in conflict involving the United States and Israel.

Logistical issues also added to their burden. Due to Donald Trump’s strict visa policies, Iran were required to travel more than any other team during the group stage, only being permitted to enter the US the night before matches then immediately returning to their training base in Mexico afterwards.

Mehdi Taremi Doesn’t Hold Back in Attack on FIFA and the USA

REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Despite those obstacles, and repeated boos during the national anthem before matches, Iran have largely carried themselves with dignity throughout the tournament. The squad even left thank-you notes at each of their last two venues in a gesture of appreciation towards their hosts.

Taremi, however, was not prepared to keep his real emotions bottled up. Following Iran’s opening draw against New Zealand, the former Inter Milan star branded the World Cup a ‘disaster’ and he reiterated those claims on Friday before slamming FIFA for ‘doing nothing’ to help his team.

As per the Daily Mail, head coach Amir Ghalenoei said the USA’s “behavior towards us has been really terrible, and we hope the world will be aware of that.”

During an astonishing press conference in Seattle, Taremi was asked whether he felt World Cup organisers – including FIFA and the US authorities – would prefer Iran to be knocked out. “We have to fight against everything here. I don’t know if people want [that] or not but as we see it by our perspective, yeah, they are like that I think,” he said.

How Iran Can Still Qualify For Knockout Stages

Daniel Cole via Reuters

Iran thought they had secured a spot in the round of 32 when defender Shoja Khalilzadeh fired home in stoppage time against Egypt.

But after a long VAR check, the goal was eventually ruled out for offside. Moments later, a header from Iran midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi hit the bar.

The 1-1 draw means Belgium and Egypt qualify automatically from Group G. Iran are odds on to join them as one the top eight third-place teams, but they must now wait to see if other results go their way. “I feel sad, but we have hope,” said Taremi, who complained once again that Iran’s players have to head back to Tijuana after the game.

“We always do our best. We play for our people. We want them to be happy because we want to bring the joy,” he added. “We want to send a message of peace for the people in Iran, outside of Iran, for FIFA, for everyone. But there is no peace about the others to us.”

Manchester United youngster Chido Obi has made a decision on his next step as he’s entered talks to join a Bundesliga club for the season. Chido Obi is regarded as one of the biggest prospects in the United Academy after he signed from fellow Premier League side Arsenal.

Obi is yet to fully break into the United senior squad, with the Red Devils looking to manage his progression and development at a steady pace.

The young striker has flourished in United’s academy, playing in the U18 and U21 sides during the 25/26 campaign.

Obi netted 20 goals last season while picking up six assists, but he failed to play for the first team.

During the previous campaign, Obi made his debut in the Premier League, coming on against Tottenham, making seven appearances in England’s top flight overall.

Man Utd: Chido Obi’s Next Move

According to a report from Football Insider, Manchester United’s rising star Obi has opened talks to join Bundesliga side FC Köln on loan for the 26/27 season.

United believe that the 18-year-old would benefit from a loan move next season in order to continue his development and play regular first-team football.

It would certainly be a big move for him in his career, with Koln plying their trade in the top tier in Germany.

Whether he is ready to make the step up to regular Bundesliga football remains to be seen, but it is clear that United feel his development is best served elsewhere.

Man Utd in Market for Striker

Manchester United do appear to be in the market for a new striker during the summer transfer window to provide competition and cover for Benjamin Sesko.

United clearly feel that Obi isn’t ready to compete at first-team level for the club, and they are now being linked with moves to sign a new centre-forward this summer.

Reports have suggested that Manchester United dream of signing Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, despite a deal being difficult to do for financial reasons.

The Red Devils have also been linked with the likes of Igor Thiago at Brentford as they look to strengthen their options in the centre-forward position.