Former England striker Robbie Fowler has declared that the FIFA World Cup 2026 has entered its most riveting phase, asserting that the knockout rounds are where legends are forged and where a single moment can alter the course of football history. Fowler, speaking as part of the Zee5 FIFA World Cup 2026 expert panel, made the remarks on 9 July as the tournament moved into its decisive stages.

Knockout Rounds: Where Legends Are Born

'The FIFA World Cup is football at its absolute best. Once you get to the knockout rounds, every match feels like a final, and the pressure goes up another level. This is where heroes are made and where the smallest moments can define history,' Fowler said. He added that the tournament had already produced incredible stories and that 'plenty of twists' were still to come.

The sentiment captures the broader mood around a World Cup that has already delivered several upsets, raising the stakes further as teams fight for a place in the latter rounds.

Norway's Shock Win Over Brazil Signals a Levelled Playing Field

Fowler also pointed to one of the tournament's most striking results — Norway's elimination of Brazil — as proof that the traditional hierarchy of international football is eroding. 'The gap between the traditional powerhouses and the rest of the world has never been smaller. We've already seen Norway knock out Brazil, which shows that no team can afford to take anything for granted,' he said.

This comes amid a broader pattern at the 2026 World Cup of established footballing nations facing stiffer competition from sides previously considered underdogs. The result underscores how improved coaching, data analytics, and player development across smaller footballing nations have gradually closed the talent gap.

Fowler's Role on Zee5 Expert Panel

Fowler confirmed his enthusiasm for engaging with football fans in India through the remainder of the tournament. 'I'm delighted to join the expert panel and look forward to sharing my thoughts and bringing fans closer to the biggest moments of the World Cup. Naturally, as an Englishman, I'll be cheering for England, but this World Cup has shown that every team left in the tournament is capable of producing something special,' he said.

He is expected to offer tactical analysis and player insights rooted in a playing career spanning nearly two decades at the highest level.

Fowler's Playing Career and Connection to Indian Football

Widely regarded as one of the finest finishers of his generation, Fowler scored 183 goals in 369 appearances across two spells with Liverpool FC, making him the club's seventh-highest goalscorer in history. He earned 26 caps for England, netting 7 goals, and represented his country at UEFA Euro 1996, UEFA Euro 2000, and the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

After retiring from playing, Fowler moved into management, taking charge of Muangthong United, Brisbane Roar, East Bengal FC, and Al-Qadsiah. His coaching stints across Thailand, Australia, India, and the Middle East have given him a wide-ranging perspective on the modern game. His tenure with East Bengal in particular helped him build a lasting connection with Indian football's passionate supporter base.

With the knockout rounds now in full swing, Fowler's presence on the Zee5 panel is set to offer Indian audiences an insider's view of how the tournament's defining moments unfold.