The World Cup 2026 draw has been made, with England set to face Croatia in the group stages, and the USMNT to take on Australia. Brazil have been drawn with Morocco, while France will play Senegal and Argentina must face Austria.
Brentford have a remarkable record when it comes to replacing their star players. Over the last six years, the Bees have continued to progress despite seeing the likes of Ezri Konsa, Ollie Watkins, Said Benrahma, Neal Maupay, David Raya and Ivan Toney all move on, thanks to the meticulous work of the club's recruitment department. Their latest success story is Brazilian powerhouse Igor Thiago, who has emerged as a genuine rival to Erling Haaland for the Premier League's Golden Boot during the first half of the 2025-26 campaign.
Santos have been dealt a huge blow, as Neymar has been ruled out for the rest of the year with a knee injury. Santos, who are languishing in the Brazilian Serie A relegation zone, will miss their star forward at a very crucial juncture in the season. Neymar's return to his boyhood club has not gone to plan because the 33-year-old has been constantly rocked by injuries throughout the year.
FIFA has released its final rankings of 2025, with the U.S. Menâs National Team rising to No. 14 after wins over Paraguay and Uruguay. Mexico dropped to No. 15 following a draw and a defeat, leaving the U.S. as CONCACAFâs highest-ranked side to close the year. Spain remain No. 1, while Brazil returned to the top five.
Toni Kroos admits he understands the criticism over his former Real Madrid team-mate Vinicius Jrâs behaviour on the pitch, saying the forwardâs hot-headed antics can be âannoyingâ. The Germany icon has weighed in on the conversation surrounding the winger, who issued an apology to Los Blancosâ supporters after reacting angrily to being substituted in last monthâs El Clasico with Barcelona.
Carlo Ancelotti has explained why he ordered Estevao Willian to hand Brazil's second penalty to Lucas Paqueta in the draw against Tunisia, with the West Ham star's subsequent miss proving costly for the Selecao. The five-time world champions squandered a host of chances throughout the 90 minutes as they limped to a 1-1 draw against the African nation in their final international match of 2025.
Brazil will have to do better next summer if they are to end a wait of 24 years for a World Cup trophy after they were held to a 1-1 draw by a disciplined Tunisia in Lille on Tuesday night. A first half goal from Hazem Mastouri threatened to put the Eagles of Carthage on course for a famous win, albeit in a friendly, but Chelsea prodigy Estevao Willian levelled things up not long before the interval.
Arsenal look set to go through an extended period without key centre-back and squad leader Gabriel. The Brazilian defender has become a crucial part of the success Mikel Arteta's team has enjoyed in recent seasons, both as a defensive force and a threat at attacking set-pieces. But in the same way that a William Saliba injury derailed their 2022-23 Premier League title challenge, losing Gabriel is a huge blow.
Carlo Ancelotti has issued a final warning to Neymar when it comes to 2026 World Cup selection, with the Italian tactician eager to ensure that he does not make any âmistakesâ when naming his final squad. Ancelotti has yet to call upon Neymar since becoming Selecao boss, but insists that the door remains open to the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain superstar.
Estevao Willian has been labelled a "football genius" and backed to challenge for the Ballon d'Or after becoming a regular for both Chelsea and Brazil at the age of 18. The youngster formally joined the Blues this summer from Palmeiras and has already established himself as an important player under Enzo Maresca.
Neymar has been branded âwashedâ, with fans reacting to the âsad watchâ of seeing the Brazilian icon botch two attempted rainbow flicks during Santosâ surprising win over Palmeiras. Neymar is considered to have performed admirably in that fixture, but questions are being asked of whether the 33-year-old still possesses the kind of magic in his boots that once allowed him to illuminate the world stage.
Brazil starlet Estevao Willian has been warned by national team boss Carlo Ancelotti that he must follow instructions or risk losing his place, after the Chelsea sensation was berated in front of his team-mates during training. The teenager has shone for his country, but the former Real Madrid coach has now made it clear he will be ruthless if the winger persistently does his own thing.
Neymar and his father are set to to acquire the Pele brand through their company NR Sports. Neymar returned to Santos at the start of January having left the Brazilian side for La Liga giants Barcelona in 2013, where he'd go on to win La Liga and the Champions League. And the Brazil star is prepared to continue Pele's legacy as the player and his father acquire the brand rights.
Palmeiras academy director Joao Paulo Sampaio has made a major remark about Brazilian defender Vitor Reis, who is currently playing in La Liga for Girona on loan from their sister club, Manchester City, who are monitoring his progress. According to Sampaio, Reis has the ability to shine in the coming years and establish himself as a vital player in the Brazilian national team.
The Brazilian national team have confirmed that Arsenal defender Gabriel has suffered a thigh injury while on international duty. The Gunners centre-back has become a vital player for manager Mikel Arteta in recent years but he may face a spell on the sidelines. As a result of this issue, Brazil have revealed he will miss their upcoming clash with Tunisia which is a concern for the Premier League leaders.
Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti has told Chelsea that they are 'lucky' to have a player like Estevao Willian after the teenager dazzled with a goal in the Selecao's 2-0 win over Senegal in an international friendly on Saturday. The Blues wonderkid and Manchester United midfielder Casemiro were on target as the five-time world champions secured the victory.
Carlo Ancelotti has apologised to Arsenal after Gabriel Magalhaes limped out of Brazilâs friendly win over Senegal, with the Selecao head coach saying the defender now faces a painful wait to discover the severity of the injury. The Gunners centre-back could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining an abductor complaint on Saturday evening.
Stunning first-half goals from Casemiro and Estevao capped a rampant display from Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil side in a 2-0 win over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium. The Chelsea youngster opened the scoring with a curled effort, before the veteran midfielder doubled the lead with a delectable touch and finish. However, there was bad news for the Gunners fans in attendance, as Gabriel limped off on the hour with what looked like a serious injury.
Arsenal have been handed another blow in their pursuit of the Premier League crown after star defender Gabriel hobbled off with an apparent groin issue for Brazil. The centre-back was playing on home soil at the Emirates, in an international friendly against Senegal. In the second half, he went down in some discomfort and was subsequently taken off, looking furious.
Carlo Ancelotti believes that England will be "dangerous" at next year's World Cup, while singing the praises of former charge Jude Bellingham. The Italian got to work with the ex-Borussia Dortmund star for two seasons at Real Madrid and has seen his quality at first hand. Not only did he talk up the 22-year-old's strengths, he also lauded his humanity.
Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear that he will not force Vinicius Jr to play out of position. The Italian coach was seen speaking privately with Vinicius during Brazilâs training camp in London, but Ancelotti later clarified that their conversation was purely personal and not related to tactics or positioning.
Former Barcelona forward Vitor Roque feels he moved to Europe too early in his career as he reflected on his disappointing period with the Catalan club. Now back in Brazil with Palmeiras, Roque believes the return was an important step that will help him move forward professionally. His resurgence has not gone unnoticed, as the Brazilian forward has been selected by Carlo Ancelotti for Brazilâs upcoming friendlies.
Vinicius Junior has urged Brazil to âswitch into World Cup mode,â insisting the Selecaoâs opportunity has finally arrived under coach Carlo Ancelotti. The Real Madrid star claims the Italian has transformed Brazilâs mentality, tactics and daily culture since taking charge by bringing calm, confidence and clarity to a team desperate to end a 24-year World Cup drought.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has moved swiftly to shut down claims that he urged Endrick to leave Real Madrid in the upcoming transfer window, insisting he never told the young striker that a loan move was necessary to secure a place with the Selecao at the 2026 World Cup. The 19-year-old sensation is on the brink of sealing a January loan switch to Lyon as Los Blancos have reportedly thrashed out a deal with the Ligue 1 outfit.