Italy's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup has been compounded by reports of a pre-match financial dispute. Italy players reportedly requested a massive bonus just days before their shocking elimination in Zenica.
Mikel Arteta has admitted that Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup is "not good for football" as he prepares to help Riccardo Calafiori move on. The Arsenal boss is currently readying his squad for an FA Cup quarter-final clash against Southampton following a turbulent international break.
Former Germany head coach Joachim Low has broken his silence regarding reports that he is set to manage Ghana at the 2026 World Cup. The 66-year-old has been out of the dugout since leaving the DFB in 2021 and is currently being linked with a sensational return to the international stage.
Löw has been out of a coaching job for five years. Now, of all times, he is set to return to the touchline for the World Cup. But it is unlikely that this will actually happen.
The Italian national team has been plunged further into a leadership crisis following the confirmed resignation of head coach Gennaro Gattuso. His departure completes a total collapse of the Azzurri hierarchy, following the exits of delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina after a devastating play-off defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina confirmed Italy's third consecutive World Cup absence.
Colombia captain James Rodriguez has been admitted to a Minnesota hospital following a health scare during the international break. The veteran playmaker is undergoing medical monitoring for severe dehydration just months before the 2026 World Cup kicks off.
Italy legend Alessandro Del Piero has described the nation's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup as "embarrassing" while endorsing Antonio Conte for a second stint as head coach. The Azzurri’s dream ended in a devastating penalty shoot-out defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina, a result that has already triggered a wave of high-profile resignations within the Italian Football Federation.
World Cup final ticket prices have risen sharply from initial projections. FIFA’s latest sales window lists seats as high as $10,900, with entry-level tickets priced at $5,785. In the original bid, the U.S., Canada and Mexico projected Category 3 tickets starting at $695 and capped at $1,550, marking a significant increase.
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has lifted the veil on one of the darkest moments of his international career, revealing the depth of his distress following Euro 2020. The World Cup winner admitted he nearly retired from France duty due to a barrage of racist abuse.