World Cup news

All you need to know about the England national team's qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup.

Perfection and the England men's national team never were natural bedfellows, but Thomas Tuchel has changed the narrative around the Three Lions by propelling them to a literally flawless World Cup qualifying campaign. England completed their perfect run of results by rounding off their journey to North America in 2026 with a 2-0 victory away in Albania, an eighth successive win without conceding a goal.

Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves hat-tricks helped a Cristiano Ronaldo-less Portugal qualify for the 2026 World Cup with an emphatic 9-1 win over Armenia on Sunday. The Seleccao were without their iconic forward following his red card against Ireland, but virtuoso displays from Fernandes and Neves ensured they topped UEFA Group F thanks to a thumping victory.

USMNT star Gio Reyna is setting himself an "eight good months" target as he bids to form part of Mauricio Pochettino's plans at a home World Cup in 2026. Having endured his fair share of injury issues down the years, the talented playmaker now finds himself on the books of Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach - with the plan being to catch the eye there.

Wayne Rooney has brutally advised Jack Grealish to "book his summer holiday" for 2026 as there is little chance of him earning an England recall for the World Cup finals. The Everton loanee has rediscovered his spark after leaving Manchester City for Merseyside, but Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel continues to ignore him. That situation is not expected to change any time soon.

Norway striker Erling Haaland has admitted there is a lot on his shoulders as he looks to fire his national side to their first men's World Cup since 1998. The Scandinavian nation are on the cusp of securing their spot at the 2026 showpiece having breezed through qualification, winning all seven matches ahead of their trip to Milan to face second-placed Italy on Sunday evening.

England captain Harry Kane has revealed that an 'NFL-like playbook' will help the Three Lions set-piece their way to the World Cup in North America next year. England have maximised dead ball situations to great effect in qualifying having scored five goals from set pieces and a further two from the penalty spot as they booked their flight across the pond with ease.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has expressed his desire to work with Erling Haaland again, with the Manchester United legend planning a return to management. He previously coached prolific frontman Haaland at Molde and is hoping to see their paths cross for a second time - potentially in the international arena as Norway close in on qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Jurgen Klopp stunned fans by appearing in a Germany tracksuit and teasing a “return to the sideline” in a dramatic announcement video, sparking immediate speculation about a comeback to management. However, while the former Liverpool boss admitted the “tingling” of the touchline had returned, the reveal actually involved him confirming a very different role for the 2026 World Cup.

Video footage has shown that Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo probably deserved to collect the first red card of his international career after swinging an elbow in the direction of Ireland defender Dara O’Shea during a 2026 World Cup qualifier in Dublin. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was also caught on camera goading rival players and fans with a ‘crying’ gesture.

France national football team's goalscoring chart consists of some of the greatest players in football history

Erling Haaland celebrated firing Norway to the brink of 2026 World Cup qualification by making a huge order of cheeseburgers. During the injury-enforced absence of Martin Odegaard, Manchester City striker Haaland is currently captain of his country. One of his responsibilities in that role is ensuring that jubilant team-mates get to dine out on notable performances.

Cristiano Ronaldo was defended by Portugal manager Roberto Martinez after receiving the first red card of his record-shattering international career. CR7 was given his marching orders when earning his 226th cap. He lashed out during a 2026 World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland, with those antics further highlighting how the evergreen 40-year-old has lost none of his passion for the game and appetite for success.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been blasted by Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson for the "silly decision" that led to his historic red card for Portugal in their 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Aviva Stadium. CR7 was sent off for the first time in his international career during that contest, when earning his 226th cap, with his reaction to that dismissal being revealed.

Jude Bellingham has been recalled by England for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania. The Real Madrid superstar was left out of Thomas Tuchel's selection in October, amid questions of his character, but has been drafted back into the Three Lions fold for November internationals. Phil Foden has also been selected, while there is a shock first call-up for Alex Scott.

Manchester United are reportedly staring at a major financial headache ahead of next summer, with the club set to miss out on around £10 million ($13m) due to the scheduling of the 2026 World Cup in North America. The global showpiece event, kicking off on June 11, 2026, just 18 days after the Premier League season concludes, has thrown United's pre-season blueprint into disarray.

Saudi Arabia's efforts to make waves in the sporting world look set to continue when the wealthy Gulf nation hosts the 2034 World Cup. But a football stadium 350 metres off the ground seems ambitious even for them following the viral emergence of concept designs for a brand new venue dubbed the NEOM Stadium. A list of 15 host stadia complete with concept art was first revealed in the summer of 2024.