Football player postpones wedding because of the World Cup.

But for New Zealand goalkeeper Michael Woud, the World Cup dream came about in a much more unusual way: forcing him to postpone the most important day of his life.

According to Reuters, the 26-year-old Auckland FC goalkeeper has decided to postpone his wedding after being called up to the squad preparing for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Interestingly, Woud and his fiancée had previously planned to get married this summer because they didn't think the New Zealand national team would have the chance to participate in the biggest football event on the planet.

However, changes to the FIFA World Cup™ format opened up a historic opportunity for New Zealand football. The expansion of the tournament to 48 teams gave the Oceania region its first-ever direct qualification to the finals. New Zealand quickly capitalized on this advantage, securing their place in the tournament held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

For Michael Woud, the World Cup ticket meant making a difficult decision. The goalkeeper, born in 2000, had been planning his wedding for months with family and friends. All preparations were almost complete. But when the opportunity to participate in the World Cup arose, he and his fiancée decided to change their entire schedule.

Speaking to New Zealand media, Woud said that postponing the wedding was something no one wanted, but they both understood that the opportunity to participate in the World Cup might only come once in a lifetime for a player. He admitted that he felt fortunate to have the unwavering support of his future spouse and both families.

Woud's story quickly garnered attention from fans because it reflects the silent sacrifices behind the glamour of top-level football. For spectators, the World Cup is usually associated with exciting matches, famous stars, or historic goals. But for the players, the journey to the World Cup sometimes means having to put aside their most important personal plans.

Experts believe Michael Woud's case is proof of the special appeal that the FIFA World Cup™ always creates. In the world of football, very few events can make a player willing to change major life decisions. The World Cup is one of them.

For New Zealand, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ also holds historical significance. After years of fierce competition through intercontinental play-offs, the Kiwi team now has a more regular chance to appear on the world's biggest stage thanks to changes in FIFA. New Zealand's presence not only brings more attention to Oceania football but also opens up opportunities for players like Michael Woud to experience a stage they previously could only watch on television.

Source: https://thethao.vtv.vn/cau-thu-tam-hoan-dam-cuoi-vi-world-cup-101260529145119713.htm