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Uruguay’s 2026 World Cup campaign has been hit by a significant logistical setback after multiple flight delays left Marcelo Bielsa’s squad temporarily stranded in Mexico. The La Celeste party suffered a cancellation and further hold-ups due to paperwork issues just 24 hours before their opening match against Saudi Arabia.

For a coach who's worked in professional football for nearly 40 years, Marcelo Bielsa hasn't won many trophies at the highest level. Pep Guardiola says that doesn't matter, though. "To be loved is this biggest title, bigger than the Champions League or Premier League or whatever," the Catalan once argued. "To be loved is the most important thing, and I think Marcelo has that more than any other manager in the world."

The 2026 World Cup was supposed to be another waypoint on Lamine Yamal's path to becoming a generation-defining superstar, but there is the genuine threat that an injury could deprive the tournament of one of its biggest names. The Spanish wonderkid made everyone sit up and take notice at Euro 2024, and two years on, the 18-year-old seemed primed to seize the limelight once again. But instead, it may well be a waiting game.

Four years ago in Qatar, Lionel Messi ended the GOAT debate by leading Argentina to victory over France in the World Cup final. There was a player on the other team, though, who actually appeared to have sufficient talent to potentially reopen it one day. After all, Kylian Mbappe had actually pipped Messi to the tournament's Golden Boot by outscoring the Argentine No.10 in that epic encounter in Lusail thanks to the first hat-trick in a World Cup final since Sir Geoff Hurst all the way back in 1966.

Kylian Mbappe is learning how to share the limelight, Frank Leboeuf has told GOAL, with the World Cup-winning Frenchman boasting similar main character energy to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Those qualities are currently illuminating La Liga and the 2026 World Cup, but could they pass through the English Premier League at some point?

Amad Diallo proved to be the hero for Ivory Coast as his dramatic 90th-minute strike secured a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in their 2026 World Cup opener. The Manchester United winger stepped off the bench to end the Elephants' 12-year wait for a win on the world stage while simultaneously snapping Ecuador's remarkable 19-game unbeaten streak.

The Netherlands conceded a late equaliser as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Japan in their opening game of the 2026 World Cup. Second-half strikes from Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville looked to have got the Oranje over the line, but they were pegged back on both occasions as Group F began in Dallas.

Germany made an early statement at the 2026 World Cup as they ran out 7-1 winners over tournament debutants Curacao. A brace from Kai Havertz and goals from Felix Nmecha, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav ensured a relatively straightforward introduction to Group E for Die Mannschaft, though they were given something of a shock when Curacao found the net midway through the first half.

The USMNT had one chance to show the country - and the world - what soccer in America is and could become. They made the most of it.

From enchiladas to coxinha, discover the fan-favorite foods of Groups G, H and I and where to find them across New York City during the 2026 World Cup.

The USMNT’s 4-1 World Cup-opening win over Paraguay drew 15.986 million viewers across FOX, FOX One and Tubi, making it the most-watched USMNT telecast ever and another major sign of soccer’s growing pull in the United States. The broadcast peaked at 18.86 million viewers, while the match also became the most-streamed English-language USMNT game on record.

From Patta and Nike Netherlands to Topo Chico and CHARLY, brands are launching exclusive apparel collaborations ahead of the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup.

Gary Lineker has admitted he found Thomas Tuchel's decision to omit Newcastle United star Lewis Hall from England's World Cup squad "hard to understand." The former Three Lions striker questioned safe-guarding certain defensive positions while overlooking a player who has excelled at left-back throughout the current Premier League campaign.

Morocco teenage sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi has addressed mounting speculation regarding a potential move to the Premier League following a stellar performance at the 2026 World Cup opening. The Lille teenager was the talk of the tournament after dominating the midfield during the Atlas Lions' 1-1 draw with Brazil at MetLife Stadium.

Roberto Mancini is officially a free agent, and his return to the Italian national team has never been closer. The manager, who made history with Manchester City by winning the Premier League, has announced his departure from the Qatari club, paving the way for a new chapter in his career.

Ghana’s government has launched a scathing attack on Canadian authorities, accusing them of flouting international laws after Thomas Partey was denied entry into the country due to ongoing legal proceedings over rape charges against him. The Villarreal midfielder was expected to lead his nation in their 2026 World Cup opener against Panama, but he remains stranded at the team's base camp in Boston following a visa rejection stemming from the allegations.

Rangers are on the verge of a major managerial shake-up as Hearts boss Derek McInnes prepares to take the reins at Ibrox. The move comes as Danny Rohl nears an exit to join Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg, sparking a domino effect in the Scottish Premiership.

The full extent of the security breach that rocked the England camp has been revealed, with two men officially charged in connection with the theft of £13,500 worth of equipment. Prosecutors in Jackson County have identified the suspects as two drivers for the trucking company responsible for moving the squad's gear across the United States.

Somali referee Omar Artan will reportedly receive his full tournament salary from FIFA despite being prevented from officiating at the World Cup. The 34-year-old was sensationally denied entry to the United States following an 11-hour interrogation by immigration officials at Miami International Airport.

Portugal's stars are honouring their late teammate as they prepare for their 2026 World Cup quest in North America. Cristiano Ronaldo and the rest of the Selecao squad were spotted wearing special commemorative wristbands during training in Miami as an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota.

Arsenal have reportedly made their move for one of the breakout stars of the 2026 World Cup, as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his midfield options. The Gunners have apparently approached Lille regarding Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi, who has seen his stock skyrocket following an impressive display against Brazil.

Julian Nagelsmann has dropped a selection bombshell ahead of Germany’s 2026 World Cup opener against Curacao by confirming Manuel Neuer will start in goal. The veteran Bayern Munich shot-stopper is set to make his first appearance for Die Mannschaft in two years as they begin their campaign in Houston.

Marcus Rashford's career at Manchester United may not be over after all, with manager Michael Carrick reportedly open to bringing the forward back into the fold at Old Trafford. The 28-year-old appeared to have played his final game for the Red Devils back in 2024, but a series of transfer developments have paved the way for a sensational return.

Gary Neville has launched a blistering attack on FIFA, labeling the governing body a "dictatorship" following a night of officiating drama at the World Cup. The Manchester United legend was left incensed during Switzerland's 1-1 draw with Qatar after a controversial penalty was awarded despite strong suspicions of offside.

Brazil's 2026 World Cup campaign got off to a stuttering start as the Selecao were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Morocco at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Despite a goal from Vinicius Jr, the post-match talk has focused on the defensive lapses and lack of midfield authority that plagued Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Liverpool supporters have been sent into a frenzy following a cryptic social media post from the club's official account regarding former striker Darwin Nunez. The Uruguayan forward, who left Anfield only last summer, is suddenly being linked with a sensational return to Merseyside as a free agent - with fans urging new boss Andoni Iraola to bring him home.

England’s World Cup preparations have taken a worrying turn after Thomas Tuchel’s squad was hit with an emergency tornado warning. The Three Lions were forced to abandon their evening plans and remain confined to their hotel as severe weather struck Kansas City.

Jurgen Klopp has joined USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino in a scathing attack on the 2026 World Cup hydration breaks, claiming the sport is being "held hostage" by commercial interest. The former Liveprool manager argues the mid-half interruptions are designed to serve commercial advertisers rather than genuinely protect player welfare.

Switzerland’s World Cup campaign began with a frustrating 1-1 draw against Qatar as a stoppage-time equaliser from Boualem Khoukhi cancelled out Breel Embolo's early penalty. Despite dominating much of the proceedings at Levi’s Stadium, Murat Yakin's side failed to kill the game off and were left reeling by a late lapse in concentration.