Alessandro Del Piero Reveals ‘Key’ To Great World Cup As United States Co-Host 2026 Edition
The United States, Canada and Mexico will be hosting the 2026 World Cup, with Italy's participation still in the balance.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 22 January 2026
With the United States preparing to co-host the 2026 World Cup, Alessandro Del Piero has shared what he believes players need most to thrive.
The Italy and Juventus legend was speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, reflecting on the Azzurri’s 2006 triumph.
Del Piero said winning the World Cup makes you feel “complete” as a player and as a person, because it is the peak of everything you’ve lived.
The 2026 tournament will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with American cities hosting the majority of games.
Alessandro Del Piero and the “key word” for World Cup pressure
Alessandro explained that players start out “for passion”, thinking only about the soccer ball.
Then, the journey grows into sacrifice, growth and constant tests.
The former Juventus star said a World Cup is not something you prepare for in a week. The work begins years earlier, starting with qualifying.
For Del Piero, the key word is “balance”. He said teams must balance personal ego with the needs of the group.
He also pointed to balance inside the locker room, during tough moments, and even during penalties.
The assist from Gilardino 💯
The run and finish from Del Piero 🔥#Nazionale #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/YNgS0YGHDH— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) January 20, 2026
“Preparation for a World Cup begins years in advance, right from the qualifiers,” he said, as per Calcio & Finanza.
“It’s a long process, during which you grow as a player and as a person.
“Everyone has different needs: some need family nearby, others more space for themselves.
“The key is balance. In a team sport, you have to balance your ego. This is necessary to demand more from yourself, with the needs of the group.
“You need balance in the team chemistry, in difficult moments, in penalties, in the locker room, when someone has to take responsibility and someone else has to take a step back.”
Alessandro Del Piero and why his 1982 World Cup memories matter for the co-hosts
Del Piero’s first World Cup memory was as an eight-year-old in 1982, watching matches packed into a room with family and friends.
He said he did not understand everything at first, but he could feel it was important, and the meaning grew with every round.
When Italy won, he remembered going into the streets with flags, including a homemade one his mother helped him create.
With the United States, Canada and Mexico all hosting, there will be opportunities for millions of children to enjoy similar memories.
World Cup soccer will be coming to the United States for the first time since 1994, while Mexico will be hosting or co-hosting for the third time.
Meanwhile, Canada will be co-hosting a World Cup for the first time ever, making it all the more special for them.
Italy will be especially desperate to qualify for the World Cup this time round, given there are so many people of Italian heritage in each of the co-hosting countries.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
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