Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer has broken his silence following his high-profile omission from England's 2026 World Cup squad. The 23-year-old, who was a hero for the Three Lions during Euro 2024, has been forced to watch the tournament from afar after Thomas Tuchel opted for alternative attacking options.
Former England striker Stan Collymore has heavily criticised FIFA for allowing World Cup co-hosts Mexico to play at the high-altitude Estadio Azteca. However, midfielder Declan Rice insists the squad remain completely unfazed by the hostile conditions ahead of their round-of-16 tie.
On a 250th Fourth of July, Mauricio Pochettino and the USMNT have become America's team, turning a World Cup run into a celebration of American soccer.
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has strongly defended his managerial credentials following intense scrutiny over his side's tactical style at the World Cup. The Italian tactician dismissed external critiques by pointing to his vast experience, asserting that former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is the only individual qualified to advise him.
Gary Neville believes England's right-back problems could derail their World Cup campaign after Declan Rice was forced to fill the role against DR Congo. The former defender warned Thomas Tuchel's unsettled defence is becoming a major concern ahead of the last-16 clash.
Jurgen Klopp has confirmed he has held talks with the German Football Federation (DFB) over becoming Germany's next head coach after Julian Nagelsmann stepped down. The former Liverpool boss says he is "more than recharged" and ready to return to management, although discussions are still ongoing.
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has opened up on his agonising battle with long-term injuries, admitting he considered retiring from professional football. The Argentina centre-back credited the timely birth of his daughter for providing the psychological strength needed to rescue his elite playing career.
Former England captain John Terry has questioned Thomas Tuchel's managerial approach following his intense touchline treatment of Djed Spence at the World Cup. The Chelsea legend suggested that the German tactician alters his confrontational behaviour depending on the stature of the player involved.
A monumental VAR controversy overshadowed Portugalâs dramatic 2-1 World Cup knockout victory over Croatia, sparking furious allegations of corruption from Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The former striker, working as a media pundit, fiercely condemned the decision to disallow an injury-time Croatian equaliser, suggesting governing bodies engineered the outcome.
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that star forward Neymar is finally fit enough to feature for a full 90 minutes at the World Cup. The Italian tactician also candidly admitted that the country's all-time leading goalscorer is deeply unhappy with his restricted substitute role.
England were met with boos from Mexico supporters after arriving for their World Cup last-16 tie, having delayed their journey in a bid to protect Thomas Tuchel's tactical plans. The FA has also tightened security measures amid concerns over disruption, fan intimidation and the challenging conditions awaiting the Three Lions.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has questioned Cristiano Ronaldo's role in the Portugal national team, claiming the veteran forward is being picked out of nostalgia rather than merit. The former Sweden striker believes Goncalo Ramos has shown Portugal should move on after scoring the winner against Croatia.
Egyptâs coaching staff utilised meticulous modern analytical methods to mastermind their historic World Cup knockout triumph over Australia in Dallas. Minutes before the penalty shootout commenced, players gathered around a laptop screen to study specific footage of Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe facing Socceroos goalkeeper Mat Ryan.
Lionel Scaloni admitted it would have been "crazy" for Argentina to lose his 100th match in charge after the Albiceleste survived a huge scare against Cape Verde. Lionel Messi and his teammates needed extra time to progress, with their manager praising his players' resilience after a gruelling clash.
Mohamed Salah successfully executed an audacious Panenka penalty to guide Egypt into the World Cup last 16 following a dramatic shoot-out victory against Australia. The talismanic forward held his nerve from 12 yards after a tense 1-1 draw in Dallas, scripting an iconic piece of footballing history for his triumphant North African nation.
Colombia secured their passage to the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ghana on a sweltering night in Kansas City. A solitary strike from Jhon Arias proved the difference as Los Cafeteros successfully navigated a physical encounter to keep their tournament dreams alive.
Thomas Tuchel has some big decisions to make in his England side as they head into their round of 16 game with Mexico in Mexico City. England may be the higher-ranked side, here, but they're not clear favourites. The Azetca - as it is usually known - is a truly horrible place for visiting teams. Mexico have lost just two competitive games there ever. The altitude, the heat, the humidity, the tens of thousands of passionate home fans: everything seems to be going against England here.
There will be some added intrigue for Arsenal fans during Brazil's clash with Norway in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup. While much of the focus will undoubtedly be on superstar attackers Vinicius Jr and Erling Haaland before kick-off on Sunday, one significant subplot is the battle between present and potentially future Gunners midfielders.
Four nations made debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan gracing the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It was the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, before succumbing to Lionel Messi's Argentina in a classic.
FIFA have dramatically abandoned a controversial proposal to bring forward Englandâs World Cup round-of-16 clash against Mexico after fierce pushback from both football associations. The world governing body initiated emergency talks regarding a sudden schedule change, sparking widespread anger among team officials before completely reversing their decision.
Comprehensive match preview of Paraguay vs France at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more ahead of this Round of 16 clash in Philadelphia.
Lionel Messi laughed off the physical treatment he received from Cape Verde after Argentina edged into the World Cup last 16. The Albiceleste captain joked that his opponents "kick the crap" out of him before asking for shirts and selfies, while also admitting his side fell below their usual standards.
Cristian Romero scored an extra-time winner, Lionel Messi grabbed a goal, but Argentina were given a real scare by Cape Verde in an uncomfortable 3-2 win to advance to the World Cup Round of 16. Argentina surrendered the lead twice, and needed extra time to finally gain daylight from a Cape Verde side that, in truth, deserved so much more.
Mexico take a perfect defensive record into a blockbuster World Cup clash with England as JuliĂĄn QuiĂąones chases history and Javier Aguirre eyes another statement win.
The second-smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup overcame the one percent chance of making it out of the group stage and their fans are starting to dream.
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