National coach Julian Nagelsmann has warned the DFB squad to adapt their style of play ahead of the World Cup, following their 2-1 victory in a friendly against Ghana.
Despite being a regular starter for VfB Stuttgart, Deniz Undav is nothing more than a permanent substitute when wearing the DFB jersey. Julian Nagelsmann explains his decisions, whilst Undav provides the perfect response.
Three-and-a-half years ago, Lionel Messi 'completed football' by leading Argentina to glory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. It was a joy for every neutral to see the Barcelona legend finally lift the one trophy that had eluded him for so long, capping an amazing career that will almost certainly never be emulated.
Former England manager Sam Allardyce has sparked a fresh debate over the Three Lions' best starting line-up by suggesting that Jude Bellingham should be dropped to the bench for the upcoming World Cup. Despite the Real Madrid superstar being widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, Allardyce believes Thomas Tuchel should look elsewhere for his creative spark.
Gary Lineker has identified the two nations he believes are ahead of England in the pecking order to win the upcoming World Cup. Despite the optimism surrounding Thomas Tuchel’s appointment, the legendary striker insists that the Three Lions remain behind the world's elite in terms of tournament readiness. While England boast a star-studded squad, Lineker suggests that historical consistency and tactical maturity give their rivals a significant edge.
Neymar has stepped up his return to full fitness by starring in a Santos training match, bagging a goal and an assist to remind onlookers of his enduring quality. The legendary forward was a high-profile omission from Carlo Ancelotti’s latest Brazil squad, but this domestic display suggests he is determined to force his way back into the international reckoning.
Didier Deschamps was left fuming despite France's 3-1 victory over Colombia, launching a scathing assessment of the South Americans' physical approach. The national team boss was particularly incensed by a late challenge on Michael Olise that he felt belonged in a completely different sport.
Italy are World Cup royalty. Only five-time winners Brazil have been crowned champions on more occasions than the Azzurri (four). And yet it's now 20 years since Italy last lifted the trophy. Worse still, they've failed to qualify for the past two tournaments, meaning there's an entire generation that have never seen their country even play in a World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been given the green light to return to Al-Nassr training following a successful rehabilitation programme in Madrid and Riyadh. The Portuguese icon, who has been sidelined with a hamstring issue, is expected to feature in Friday’s Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Najma. His recovery provides a timely boost for both his club’s title charge and Portugal’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
England legend Wayne Rooney considers it to be “strange” that Harry Kane has never received greater recognition on the Ballon d’Or front. The prolific Bayern Munich striker, who is the all-time leading scorer for Tottenham and the Three Lions, has never finished higher than 10th in any Golden Ball vote. That situation could change in 2026, with Kane considered to be a leading contender for the most prestigious of prizes.
Javier Saviola has named the “fantastic captain” that should replace Lionel Messi as Argentina skipper when the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner walks away from international football. That could happen after this summer’s World Cup in North America, with Messi yet to confirm whether he will be chasing down a second global title with the Albiceleste.
Real Madrid loanee Endrick has opened up on his aspirations to represent Brazil at the 2026 World Cup following his strong start to life at Lyon. The teenage sensation has been called back into Carlo Ancelotti's national team squad after rediscovering his best form in new surroundings at club level.
A fan died after falling from the VIP stand into the car park at the Mexican stadium, which had reopened for the Mexico v Portugal match after being closed for years.
Kylian Mbappe has dismissed suggestions that he is prioritising the French national team over his club commitments at Real Madrid. The forward addressed growing concerns in the Spanish capital following a period of fitness uncertainty and high-stakes fixtures at club level.
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has revealed what will “retire” Cristiano Ronaldo, with the evergreen Al-Nassr forward still going strong at 41 years of age. Remarkable individual standards at club level have been maintained by the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus superstar. He is preparing to grace a sixth World Cup finals this summer and has been showing no sign of slowing down.
Real Madrid fans can breathe a sigh of relief after reports emerged that Vinicius Junior has avoided a serious injury while on international duty with Brazil. Despite missing training sessions ahead of the Selecao’s clash with Croatia, the winger is not expected to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
In November, we were treated to the most exhilarating reminder possible of the magic of the World Cup. History was made in Jamaica as Curacao became the smallest nation ever to qualify by holding the Reggae Boys to a 0-0 draw in Kingston. Elsewhere in CONCACAF, Haiti managed to secure a spot at the finals for the first time in 50 years with a 2-0 win over Nicaragua - in spite of the fact that they weren't able to play any games at home because of the ongoing conflict on the Caribbean island.
France head coach Didier Deschamps has expressed his frustration with the logistical challenges and "unprecedented" security measures encountered during Les Bleus' tour of the United States. Speaking ahead of Sunday's friendly against Colombia, the World Cup-winner highlighted the difficulties facing international teams as they navigate American infrastructure.
Paris Saint-Germain superstar Ousmane Dembele has reflected on his meteoric rise to the top of the footballing world, branding his current form as the pinnacle of his professional journey. The winger, recently crowned the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner, believes he has reached a new level of maturity both on and off the pitch.
Thomas Tuchel has shed light on the current defensive hierarchy within the England camp, admitting that several names are currently preferred over Harry Maguire. Despite the Manchester United veteran impressing on his return to the international stage against Uruguay, he faces a significant battle to secure a spot for the upcoming World Cup.
Romelu Lukaku’s relationship with Napoli has reached a critical juncture following his decision to remain in Belgium during the international break. While the club and manager Antonio Conte were left frustrated by his absence from the training ground, new reports suggest a diplomatic effort is underway to repair the damage.
Harry Maguire has opened up on his emotional return to the England setup, admitting that Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick played a pivotal role in reviving his international career. After 18 months in the wilderness, the veteran defender is back in the fold and started the Three Lions' World Cup warm-up clash against Uruguay.
Julian Nagelsmann has warned Jamal Musiala that time is fast running out for him to prove his fitness ahead of the upcoming World Cup. The Bayern Munich sensation has been forced to sit out Germany’s latest round of international friendlies as he continues to struggle with a persistent ankle problem.
Reports have surfaced regarding the relationship between Thomas Tuchel and Trent Alexander-Arnold following a cryptic social media post by the Real Madrid defender. This latest snub for the friendlies against Uruguay and Japan means the former Liverpool man has only played one game for his country since Tuchel took charge in March 2025.
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