Neymar has confirmed that he and partner Bruna Biancardi are expecting their third child together. The Brazil forward shared the news through a family gender reveal, where the couple discovered they are set to welcome another daughter, prompting a light-hearted joke from the Santos star amid his ongoing injury recovery.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has opened up on the "awkward" FaceTime call from Thomas Tuchel that ended his 2026 World Cup dreams. Despite suffering a contentious omission from the Three Lions squad, the veteran centre-back has firmly decided against retiring from international football as his country begins its campaign for global glory.
There are plenty of compelling reasons to suggest that England could win the 2026 World Cup. In Harry Kane, they have perhaps the best striker in world football at present. They also possess the best midfielder in the Premier League in Declan Rice, and an immensely shrewd tactician in Thomas Tuchel to help knit some of the most talented forward players in Europe together.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martinez and Julian Alvarez have all successfully shaken off recent injury concerns to be available for the country's 2026 World Cup opener. Scaloni talked up the importance of "monumental" Inter Miami star Messi ahead of the Group J clash against Algeria.
Lamine Yamal was consoled by girlfriend Ines Garcia after Spain were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Cape Verde in their World Cup opener. The Barcelona star came off the bench but could not inspire a breakthrough as La Roja squandered a host of chances and dropped unexpected points in Group H.
Mohammad Mohebi's goal celebration during Iran's World Cup opener against New Zealand has sparked widespread debate, with many interpreting the gesture as a political statement. The midfielder's actions, combined with teammate Ramin Rezaeian's post-match comments, have intensified scrutiny amid a tense atmosphere surrounding Team Melli's opening fixture.
Lionel Scaloni’s record as Argentina manager is flawless. Three tournaments, three trophies won, with La Albiceleste’s 2022 World Cup triumph sandwiched between successive Copa America wins in 2021 and 2024. For a coach in his first managerial role, that is unprecedented.
In the lead-up to England's semi-final showdown with Croatia at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, repeated references were made to the fact that Zlatko Dalic's ageing side had been taken to extra-time in their two previous matches. The feeling was among certain sections of the English press that fatigue might be a massive factor in the game at the Luzhniki Stadium.
Iran manager Amir Ghalenoei has heavily criticised tournament organisers, labelling his squad the "most repressed team" at the World Cup after they were ordered to leave the United States "immediately" after their opening match. The logistical dispute erupted directly after Iran fought back to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw against New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium.
Maxi Araujo struck late to rescue a 1-1 draw for Uruguay against Saudi Arabia in their World Cup opener. Marcelo Bielsa’s side laboured for long periods and trailed after Abdulelah Al-Amri’s first-half goal, while Darwin Nunez was substituted at the break following a quiet display. Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais then produced a string of outstanding saves to preserve a valuable point.
Cape Verde brothers Laros and Deroy Duarte have opened up on the incredible moment they faced off against Spain's golden boy Lamine Yamal during their historic World Cup stalemate. Despite the Barcelona sensation arriving on the pitch with a massive reputation, the underdog duo revealed they never felt threatened by his presence on the field.
Cape Verde produced one of the greatest shocks in World Cup history by holding heavyweights Spain to a 0-0 draw, but the hero of the hour has revealed a bittersweet personal note to the achievement. Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, who was inspired between the posts at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, admitted that his mother was unable to witness his career-defining moment in person.
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has set his sights on a major leadership role with the Argentina national team, admitting he dreams of one day wearing the captain’s armband currently held by Lionel Messi. The former Benfica star has become a pillar of the Albiceleste midfield since his breakout performance at the 2022 World Cup.
Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to help Belgium avoid defeat in their World Cup opener, with the veteran striker playing a pivotal role in Mohamed Hany putting through his own net to earn the Red Devils a 1-1 draw with Egypt in Seattle. Rudi Garcia's men went into the Group G opener unbeaten in all competitions since March of last year but they looked set to slump to a shock defeat after Emam Ashour's terrific 19th-minute strike from outside the area.
Brazil legend Ronaldo has questioned Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical setup following the Selecao's underwhelming start to the World Cup campaign. The legendary striker pointed specifically to the misuse of Barcelona star Raphinha and technical errors fueled by "nerves" during the stalemate against Morocco.