World Cup news

The long-rumored clash between World Cup champions Argentina and Mexico is now set, according to AFA president Claudio Tapia. Tapia said in an interview that the teams will meet in early June, just days before the 2026 World Cup kicks off with Javier Aguirre’s El Tri playing their first match of the tournament at Estadio Azteca.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino met with CONMEBOL leaders in New York on Tuesday as the South American confederation pushed a proposal to expand the already sprawling 2030 World Cup - set to feature six host nations across three continents - from 48 to a proposed 64 teams, a move that would guarantee all 10 CONMEBOL members a spot.

After a long absence from El Tri due to injury issues, Hirving “Chucky” Lozano says his return to the national team has been “wonderful” as he looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup. The San Diego FC star, who has reignited his form in MLS, is determined to seize every opportunity with Mexico while leading his club’s push for an MLS Cup title.

Kobbie Mainoo is reportedly weighing up a dramatic exit from Manchester United in a desperate bid to keep his World Cup ambitions alive. The 20-year-old midfielder, once billed as the jewel of United’s academy, is growing increasingly disillusioned with life under new boss Ruben Amorim after being frozen out of the starting XI.

Ousmane Dembele was presented with the Ballon d'Or for 2025 at a typically lavish ceremony in Paris on Monday night, capping a remarkable redemption at Paris Saint-Germain for a player regarded by Barcelona fans as one of the worst signings in the club's history.

Ousmane Dembele has joined the likes of Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and Zinedine Zidane in an elite trophy club after being named the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner. The Paris Saint-Germain forward was crowned the best player on the planet at a glitzy ceremony in the French capital, with the France international fending off competition from Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been told that goalkeepers will want to let in his 1,000th goal, allowing them to join the Portuguese GOAT in the history books. CR7 continues to chase down that personal landmark, with ex-Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen suggesting that the Al-Nassr superstar will be ready to hang up his boots and retire once another record has been broken.

A massive storm flooded Estadio Akron and postponed the Chivas-Tigres clash for several hours, with the pitch left visibly underwater. Yet the drainage system worked flawlessly, restoring the field as if nothing had happened. The match ended scoreless, but the stadium’s response impressed FIFA as it readies to host four World Cup games next year.

Neymar has suffered yet another injury blow as his involvement in the World Cup next summer looks bleak. The Brazil icon was left out of Carlo Ancelotti's squad for the September World Cup qualifying games due to an injury and the Santos star has once again picked up a knock, which casts doubt on his participation in Selecao's October international friendlies.

As Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Monchengladbach set square off this weekend, Malik Tillman and Gio Reyna will face each other on opposite sides - a timely backdrop for a debate within the USMNT. Tony Meola says he remains a “Gio fan” when both are at their best, but says Tillman’s recent rise gives him the edge in the race for the No. 10 role going forward.

Discover the leading goal scorers in men's World Cup history and how they made their mark.

Lamine Yamal's Spain have stormed back to the summit of international football, claiming top spot from Lionel Messi's Argentina in the latest FIFA men's world rankings for the first time since 2014. Their rise comes after victories over Turkey and Bulgaria in World Cup qualifying, ending the world champions' two-year reign at the top, as they slip to third following a costly defeat to Ecuador, with France moving up to second.

Lionel Messi has been sent "it's done" advice after choosing to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo and extend his remarkable playing career. With CR7 extending his Al-Nassr contract at 40 years of age, Argentine icon Messi is expected to tread a similar path by agreeing fresh terms with Inter Miami in MLS. Neither of the all-time greats are ready to consider retirement any time soon.

The United States, Mexico and Canada - the three 2026 World Cup hosts - had mixed fortunes in the latest FIFA men’s world rankings, the first update since July. The USMNT slipped one spot to 16th following a loss to South Korea and a win over Japan. Mexico dropped to 14th, while Canada climbed to 26th after back-to-back victories.

Spain have reportedly threatened to boycott the 2026 World Cup if Israel qualify. After a United Nations commission of inquiry stated that Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza this week, Spanish government officials say they will "assess" the situation if Ran Ben-Shimon's team make it to next year's tournament in North America.

Former USMNT midfielder Stu Holden says travel and security are the two major priorities ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The FOX Sports analyst joined former USMNT player Alexi Lalas in consulting with the White House task force for the event, saying, “we want this to be remembered as the best World Cup ever."

Cristiano Ronaldo’s one-time Manchester United team-mate Giuseppe Rossi has great admiration for the Portuguese superstar, but admits that he prefers to talk about Lionel Messi. American-born Rossi - who spent time in England, Spain and the United States during his playing days - has offered a slightly different take on the long-running GOAT debate.