Lists

Neymar is closing in on a highly anticipated return to action for the Selecao, and his father has marked the occasion with a powerful motivational tribute. As Brazil prepare for their crucial World Cup group-stage clash against Scotland, an emotional message has resurfaced to inspire the veteran forward.

Canada are headed to the knockouts, but a costly loss to Switzerland closed their home World Cup run as Promise David impressed and Alphonso Davies worries grew.

The group stage of the World Cup is nearly over, and for the first time in history, it will be followed by a round of 32. But which nations will face each other then? The new rule allowing the eight best third-placed teams to also progress to the knockout stages has complicated the system. Here, you can keep up to date with which third-placed nations would currently qualify and which match-ups will result for the round of 32.

Marc Cucurella has wasted no time in attempting to convince Enzo Fernandez to join him at Real Madrid following his own big-money move to the Bernabeu. The Spanish full-back, who recently departed Stamford Bridge, is hopeful of a reunion with the Argentine World Cup winner in the Spanish capital.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar José Évora Dias, known as Vozinha, has been offered to Brazilian Serie B side Ceara following his stunning World Cup performances. The veteran shot-stopper caught global attention after making seven saves in a historic draw against Spain, but the South American club have reportedly declined the chance to secure his signature.

Trevoh Chalobah looks increasingly likely to swap Stamford Bridge for Serie A this summer as the race for his signature intensifies in Italy. The defender, currently away with the England squad at the World Cup, has become a primary target for Italian giants Inter and ambitious newcomers Como, who have already submitted an initial bid for his services.

Gianni Infantino has fiercely defended the mandatory hydration breaks implemented at the World Cup, vehemently denying accusations that FIFA have introduced the stoppages purely for financial gain. Fans and pundits have heavily criticised the mandatory pauses for disrupting the flow of matches and acting as extra television advertising slots for broadcasters.

New Real Madrid signing Marc Cucurella has sent a reassuring message to Vinicius Junior, insisting he has no problem doing the defensive "dirty work" to allow the Brazilian superstar to focus entirely on destroying opponents.

Bayern Munich are reportedly on the verge of finalising a contract extension for Konrad Laimer. Honorary president Uli Hoeness has hinted that an agreement is practically complete. The Austria international, who boasts 136 club appearances, is focused on World Cup duty in Group J, but Bayern Munich are confident that only the final signature is missing to seal the deal.

Chelsea defender Malo Gusto is reportedly exploring his options away from Stamford Bridge this summer as the club prepares for yet another squad overhaul. The Blues have responded by slapping a significant £75 million price tag on the Frenchman to set their financial demands for potential suitors.

Anthony Elanga has shared his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, revealing the crucial lessons he learned during their shared time at Manchester United. The Sweden international is relishing the opportunity to feature at the same World Cup as Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, expressing his immense pride at sharing football's grandest stage with the sport's greatest players.

Natalia Belloli, the wife of Barcelona and Brazil winger Raphinha, has hit back at "absurd" reports suggesting that the family is currently enduring an economic crisis. The speculation began to swirl following comments from a former World Cup winner, but the family has now moved to definitively silence the noise.

Bruno Fernandes has expressed his relief after Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo silenced his critics by scoring twice in a dominant World Cup victory over Uzbekistan. Following a tough opening draw, Fernandes highlighted the importance of seeing his captain find the back of the net, insisting that Ronaldo remains the ultimate go-to player for their national side.

David de Gea has reportedly made a definitive decision regarding his future, informing those close to him that he has no intention of leaving Fiorentina for anyone other than Manchester United. Despite attracting fresh interest from European heavyweights following a successful comeback in Italy, the Spaniard remains tethered to his former home at Old Trafford.

Fabio Cannavaro has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to prolong his illustrious career after watching Ronaldo dismantle his Uzbekistan side. Following a week of heavy criticism, Ronaldo answered his detractors by making World Cup history, prompting Cannavaro to praise his intelligence and reveal the heartfelt advice he gave him on the international stage.

Harry Kane’s uncharacteristic struggles in front of goal during England's World Cup stalemate with Ghana have been attributed to more than just a bad day at the office. A renowned Ghanaian spiritualist now claims he was the architect behind the captain's misfortune, having placed a hex on the striker to protect his nation's interests.

Bayern Munich are reportedly preparing to offer Michael Olise a lucrative new contract to ward off heavy transfer interest from Real Madrid. The Bundesliga club are determined to keep the France winger, who has impressed at the World Cup, by significantly increasing his wages and extending his deal until 2031 amidst growing speculation about a high-profile departure.

Wrexham's meteoric rise through the English football pyramid has captured the world's imagination, but questions often linger about how long the Hollywood glitz will last at the Racecourse Ground. After a season that saw the club narrowly miss out on the Championship play-offs, CEO Michael Williamson has addressed the long-term commitment of co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac.

Anthony Gordon has faced heavy criticism for his underwhelming performance during England's goalless World Cup draw with Ghana on Tuesday. Pundits have slammed the winger's lack of impact, even questioning his recent lucrative transfer to Barcelona. Former players believe Newcastle are the real winners of the summer deal after watching him struggle on the international stage.

Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin has launched a scathing attack on Barcelona, accusing the Catalan giants of "lies and disrespect" regarding their pursuit of Julian Alvarez. The Rojiblancos chief also confirmed that the club is prepared to take legal action after the Argentine striker sparked controversy with public comments regarding his future.

Lionel Messi has seen many tributes throughout his legendary career, but his latest monument in Argentina truly stands above the rest. Ahead of his 39th birthday, the Inter Miami star has been immortalised with a staggering 85-foot statue in the Patagonian town of Cutral Co.

Rio Ferdinand has furiously defended Cristiano Ronaldo following his impressive two-goal performance for Portugal against Uzbekistan at the World Cup. The former Manchester United defender took to social media to emphatically silence Ronaldo's critics, praising his remarkable longevity, historic scoring records, and unmatched ability to consistently deliver on football's biggest stage.

From surfing musings to a wall of handwritten quotes, Mauricio Pochettino explains the belief powering the USMNT's World Cup dream: Why not us?

Harry Kane has opened up on his frustrating performance in England's 0-0 draw against Ghana at the World Cup, admitting he was man-marked out of the game. The striker struggled to make an impact against a resolute defence and missed a crucial late chance to win the match, but remains positive as the Three Lions look to secure top spot in Group L against Panama.

Switzerland international Alisha Lehmann has taken to social media to confirm her engagement to partner Montel McKenzie. The Leicester City forward shared the news with her millions of followers after the former Love Island star proposed during a romantic coastal getaway.

adidas delivers fresh Scotland looks ahead of a long-awaited World Cup return.

Austin Franklin and Kevin Akoto were selected to watch every single World Cup match from a glass cube in New York City. It's not as easy as you might think.

One year out from the 2027 Women's World Cup, five storylines are already shaping Brazil’s big moment, the USWNT’s title hopes and the chasing pack.

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has heaped praise on Cristiano Ronaldo, describing his captain as an "exemplary" leader following a dominant 5-0 World Cup victory over Uzbekistan. The Al-Nassr superstar netted twice to silence critics who had questioned his role in the national team after a difficult week of external pressure.