Gordon Family Rivalry Takes Center Stage at Powerchair Football World Cup 2026

Colin Gordon will be leading Argentina as their coach at the upcoming World Cup, while his son Chris will don the England jersey. "I grew up a huge football fan, and my dad got involved in powerchair football because of me," Chris Gordon reflects on his family's rich football legacy. Now, with the World Cup in Buenos Aires looming, Chris is preparing for a match that’s personal—his father will be on the opposite sideline. Chris is no stranger to the tournament, having represented England at his fourth Powerchair Football World Cup. The stakes are high as he faces Argentina, with his dad in the dugout. Colin, a former professional striker who played for clubs like Birmingham City and Fulham, has transitioned from player to coach and agent. "My dad and I have worked together at West Brom, and he even coached me for the national team," Chris says. This match promises to be more than just a game; it’s a family affair. In the previous World Cup, Colin guided England to the final, only to fall short against France in a penalty shootout. Chris, however, is determined to turn the tables this time around. “England will definitely come out on top against Argentina, so I’ll be claiming bragging rights,” the Kidderminster native declared confidently to BBC Sport. Powerchair football is an electrifying sport played in specially adapted powered wheelchairs. It’s a four-a-side game designed for individuals with various impairments, and all it takes is a basketball court, a specially sized football, and powerchairs equipped with bumpers for passing, dribbling, and shooting. In England, teams compete in two top divisions, along with regional leagues that see hundreds of players from all over the country participating. The sport is growing, with leagues also popping up in Scotland and across Ireland, and teams forming in places like Cardiff and Wrexham. Starting this Saturday, ten teams—including hosts Argentina and their neighbors Uruguay, as well as representatives from Australia and Japan—will battle it out for World Cup glory. The tournament concludes with the final on October 23, and every match will be streamed live on YouTube as teams vie for the championship. England is among the frontrunners this year, alongside France and the USA, and there’s a palpable buzz of optimism that the trophy could finally return home. The England squad boasts a mix of youth and experience, with 17-year-old Dan McLellan gearing up for his second World Cup, while captain Jon Bolding heads into his fifth. Bolding, who has been a staple of powerchair football for 25 years, reminisces, "We used to play in our NHS wheelchairs with car tires strapped on. It’s come a long way since then!" Dan recently took over the captaincy of his club, Aspire PFC, from Bolding. "Not every 17-year-old gets to play in two major tournaments, but I’m working hard to keep improving," McLellan shared. Both players are driven by a shared goal: reaching the final. McLellan believes in their chances, saying, "We have what it takes to go all the way this time." Bolding adds, "Winning the World Cup would mean everything for England. We’ve been so close for years, and after winning the Euros in 2019, this is the final piece of the puzzle we're missing." Adam McEvoy, the head coach since 2024, is excited for the challenge ahead. "I can’t wait to show the world our style of play and who we are, but this will be the toughest World Cup yet," McEvoy acknowledged. With the talent and determination within the squad, he believes they have every chance of making a deep run in the tournament.