Arsene Wenger has reportedly decided against challenging Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency, dealing a significant blow to those hoping for a change in leadership. The former Arsenal manager had been widely touted as the most viable candidate to unseat the current incumbent before the fast-approaching nomination deadline.
Barcelona starlet Pau Cubarsi has opened up on the heart-stopping moment he secured World Cup glory for Spain with a desperate last-minute goal-line intervention. The teenage defender proved to be the hero in the final against Argentina, producing a block that will live long in the memory of La Roja supporters.
Mauricio Pochettino could not hide his emotions during a heartfelt farewell to the United States national team, breaking down in tears just moments after being confirmed as the new Manchester United manager. The Argentine has agreed to a two-and-a-half-year deal at Old Trafford, marking a stunning return to the Premier League as the successor to Michael Carrick.
Stand-in Brazil captain Raphinha anticipates a fierce examination against Japan in Saturday's international friendly in Singapore. The rematch of this summer's World Cup clash in Houston comes as Samurai Blue boss Hajime Moriyasu prepares for the final two games of his eight-year tenure.
Athletic Club midfielder Oihan Sancet hopes the Basque national team will gain official recognition to compete at a future World Cup. The Spain international voiced his ambition ahead of making his debut for Euskal Selekzioa against Venezuela on Saturday.
Serious questions are being asked of whether Cole Palmer will play for England again during Thomas Tuchel’s reign as Three Lions manager, with Darren Bent explaining to GOAL why the talented Chelsea playmaker faces “commitment” and Jude Bellingham problems. Having pulled out of an international camp in September, the 24-year-old was snubbed completely when the latest squad was named.
Brazil have won the World Cup five times, more than any other country. They first lifted the trophy in 1958, before successfully defending their title four years later. They then made it three in 1970, while also emerging victorious in 1994 and 2002 to show what they're made of.
How many teams are in the World Cup?
The most recent edition of the World Cup, which took place in Qatar in 2022, featured 32 teams. However, from the upcoming edition in 2026, as many as 48 teams will be contesting for the ultimate prize in international football. The number of teams that will be featuring has almost quadrupled since the inaugural edition in 1930, which hosted 13 teams.
Who has made the most World Cup appearances ever?
Lionel Messi holds the record of making the most appearances in World Cups, having represented Argentina 26 times across five editions.
Who is the all-time World Cup topscorer?
Germany's Miroslav Klose tops the all-time goalscoring charts in World Cups, having scored an incredible 16 goals in 24 games across four consecutive editions from 2002 to 2014.
Who is the oldest World Cup player and how old was he?
Egyptian legend Essam El Hadary is the oldest player to have ever featured in a World Cup game. The goalkeeper was 45 years and 161 days old when he participated in Egypt's 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia at the 2018 World Cup.
Who is the youngest World Cup player and how old was he?
Former Manchester United man Norman Whiteside is the youngest player ever to play a World Cup game. The midfielder was just 17 years and 41 days old when he featured for Northern Ireland in a game against Yugoslavia at the 1982 World Cup.
Which famous footballers have featured at the World Cup?
Pele, Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, Gerd Muller, Roberto Baggio, Ronaldo, Romario, Eusebio, Johan Cruyff, David Villa, Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo among others are some of the biggest legends in footballing history who have graced the pitch during World Cups.
Which famous managers have led teams at the World Cup?
The likes of Didier Deschamps, Franz Beckenbauer, Luiz Felipe Scolari, Vicente del Bosque, Vittorio Pozzo, Louis van Gaal, Sven-Goran Eriksson, and Ivica Osim are some of the most accomplished individuals to have managed at the World Cup finals.