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World Cup

World Cup news

DFB nightmare names surprise World Cup dark horse

Spanish international Marc Cucurella, who tormented the DFB team at the 2024 European Championship on home soil, has Ecuador down as his dark horse for the 2026 World Cup.

Mexico v Portugal - International Friendly

They are threatening "violence": 14,000 fans want free entry to the World Cup opening match

While discontent over exorbitant World Cup ticket prices is growing worldwide, 14,000 fans in Mexico will watch the opening match for free. This perk stems from an investment made 60 years ago—and it has weathered recent opposition.

Deniz Undav has put Nagelsmann in a luxurious bind

Two goals, one assist – Deniz Undav is making a strong case for a place in the World Cup starting line-up and presenting the national coach with a pleasant selection headache.

Panel Discussion with Pierluigi Colina and Johannes Holzmüller at The REACH

Two controversies have triggered new red-card rules at the World Cup

Several new rules will debut at the World Cup, mostly aimed at curbing time-wasting. Following two high-profile incidents, the regulations on red cards are also being tweaked.

Argentina v Zambia - International Friendly

Farewell tour: Messi all smiles as he checks in with Argentina

The reigning world champions have officially touched down in the United States as they begin the final countdown to their title defence. Lionel Messi led the Albiceleste squad into Kansas City on Sunday, sparking a frenzy of excitement and inevitable questions about whether this summer represents his international swan song.

Portugal v Hungary - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Problem or solution? CR7’s standing in Portugal squad explained

Cristiano Ronaldo remains the central figure of debate as Portugal gears up for another World Cup campaign, with fans and pundits divided on his role. Lyon boss Paulo Fonseca has now added his expert voice to the conversation, addressing whether the legendary forward is a boost or a burden for the national team.

Anything less than World Cup glory means Tuchel has failed

When Thomas Tuchel was hired as the new England manager in October 2024, he was given a simple brief: Win the 2026 World Cup. Some 20 months on and the tournament now looms large, while confirmation of the Three Lions' squad has crystallised the daunting task at hand for the German tactician as they arrive in North America.

Galatasaray SK v Samsunspor - Trendyol Süper Lig

Is Osimhen Premier League-bound? Transfer admission sparks lively debate

Victor Osimhen is once again at the centre of a global transfer scramble following a major admission from the Nigerian national team camp. After a prolific spell in Turkey with Galatasaray, the former Napoli superstar appears ready to make his next career move, with the Premier League and Serie A clubs on high alert.

RANKED: 100 most iconic moments in World Cup history

The World Cup has had no shortage of iconic moments across nearly 100 years of history. Every four years, billions of fans congregate to watch a tournament that has provided more drama, heartbreak and joy than any other event in sporting history. Football's grandest stage, the World Cup has always offered a platform for legends to be born, but it has also seen reputations destroyed and the downfall of so many famous faces.

Clear message: Karl shares his success formula

After a standout first start, Lennart Karl shared his straightforward formula for success.

Injuries mount, attacking questions: Five keys for Canada friendlies

Canada face Uzbekistan and Republic of Ireland in their final pre-World Cup friendlies, with Jesse Marsch managing injury concerns after Marcelo Flores’ heartbreaking setback and searching for goals from Jonathan David and Cyle Larin.

FC Barcelona v Real Madrid CF - LaLiga EA Sports

Yamal doesn’t get nervous and instead feels like a ‘superhero’

Lamine Yamal has opened up on the unique mentality that allows him to thrive on the world’s biggest stages without feeling the weight of expectation. The Barcelona sensation, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise to the top of the game, insists that his lack of nerves stems from doing exactly what he has known since childhood.

Betting spotlight

Germany vs Curacao Predictions, Lineups, Odds & Tips: World Cup debutants to struggle

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CR7 in Hollywood!? ‘One thing’ Portuguese GOAT must do in order to become a ‘great actor’

Cristiano Ronaldo has conquered the world of football, but the Portuguese icon might be eyeing a shocking second act in Hollywood once he finally hangs up his boots. While the Al-Nassr superstar remains focused on his record-breaking career and his final World Cup in 2026, those who have made the leap to acting believe he can succeed - provided he does just "one thing" right.

Ronaldo enjoys sun-soaked break with his fiancee before 2026 World Cup duty

Cristiano Ronaldo is making the most of a rare break from the pitch, whisking Georgina Rodriguez and their children away for a luxury getaway in Saudi Arabia. The Al-Nassr superstar is soaking up the sun before he shifts his focus to leading Portugal in what is expected to be his final appearance on the global stage.

Revealed: Shirt number Neymar will wear for Brazil at World Cup

Brazil have officially confirmed their squad numbers for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, putting an end to the speculation surrounding their talismanic forward. Despite lingering fitness concerns and a fight to secure his place in the final setup, Neymar has been handed the iconic No. 10 jersey once again.

Yamal sets Messi and Ronaldo goal

Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal has addressed the constant comparisons to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, outlining his personal ambitions as he continues to break records for club and country. The 17-year-old sensation has become the focal point of a new era for Spanish football following his starring role in their Euro 2024 triumph.

McTominay 'devastated' to see injury dash Gilmour's WC dream

Scotland's World Cup preparations have been rocked by a "cruel" injury to midfield anchor Billy Gilmour, leaving his team-mates and coaching staff in a state of shock. The Napoli star was forced off during the 4-1 friendly victory over Curacao, with Scott McTominay leading the tributes to a player who has become central to the Tartan Army's ambitions.

Mexico v Australia - International Friendly

Mexico player ratings: Vazquez shines in win over Australia

Johan Vazquez scored and delivered Mexico's best performance as El Tri edged Australia 1-0 at the Rose Bowl. GOAL rates every player after an uneven display that offered Javier Aguirre valuable World Cup roster clues ahead of his final squad announcement.

Kansas City tops AirBnb costs at whopping $539.95 per night

A new study reveals the average Airbnb cost in all 16 host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kansas City ranks as the most expensive destination for fans, while Guadalajara offers the best value. Here's how accommodation prices compare across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and what supporters can expect to pay during the tournament.

Scotland v Curacao - International Friendly

Scotland suffer severe injury blow as Gilmour ruled out of World Cup

Scotland's World Cup preparations have been dealt a massive blow with the news that Billy Gilmour has been ruled out of the tournament. The Napoli midfielder suffered a serious knee injury during the national team's final send-off victory over Curacao on Saturday.

Ancelotti: Brazil lack stars like Pele and Ronaldo

Carlo Ancelotti has delivered a blunt assessment of his current Brazil squad, suggesting the Selecao no longer boast the individual icons of years gone by. The Italian tactician claims that the five-time world champions must now lean on a collective effort rather than expecting a single superstar to carry the nation to glory.

Ancelotti confirms Neymar for World Cup

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has delivered a major update on Neymar’s availability for the upcoming World Cup, insisting the superstar forward remains a core part of his plans despite ongoing fitness concerns. Speculation had grown regarding the Santos star's status after he arrived at the national team camp nursing an injury. Still, the Italian tactician has moved quickly to dismiss any talk of dropping the 34-year-old from the roster.

New Zealand v Australia - International Friendly

Viral stunt sees 'least-known' World Cup player shoot to stardom

New Zealand defender Tim Payne has seen his social media presence explode after a viral stunt transformed him into an internet sensation ahead of the World Cup. Orchestrated by a prominent Argentine influencer, the online campaign has rapidly propelled the veteran full-back's Instagram follower count to a staggering 2.5 million users.

Fears of devaluation: Völler calls for drastic rule changes

DFB sporting director Rudi Völler has called for significantly stricter guidelines regarding transfers between clubs.

Loud laughter: Thuram and Mbappé tease Olise

A video from the French national team's World Cup training camp is creating a buzz, with Michael Olise at the centre of the action.

Kimmich reveals why he's supporting Arsenal in Champions League final

Joshua Kimmich has revealed he will be supporting Arsenal in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. The Bayern Munich midfielder wants Germany team-mate Kai Havertz to lift the trophy and believes success at club level could benefit the national team ahead of the World Cup.

Scotland v Ivory Coast - International Friendly