World Cup news

Kylian Mbappe will be relishing France's World Cup semi-final clash with Spain more than most. Not only is this the opportunity to exact revenge for the painful defeat to La Roja at the same stage of Euro 2024 two years ago, but the attacker also has the chance to deliver a rebuttal to his vociferous critics back in Madrid after a tumultuous season at club level. What's more, he comes into the showdown in the form of his life.

Former England international Joe Cole has sensationally claimed that the Three Lions will "put Lionel Messi to bed" when they meet Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals. Despite the daunting task of facing the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, Cole is adamant that England's superior pace will prove too much for the Albiceleste.

Ibrahima Konate has hit back at Lamine Yamal’s claims that France should be "afraid" of Spain ahead of their blockbuster World Cup semi-final tie. Speaking from the French camp in Boston, the Real Madrid defender insisted Les Bleus are remaining humble and blocking out external noise.

Morgan Rogers has hit back at the "ridiculous" pre-World Cup narrative that suggested Jude Bellingham should be dropped from the England starting XI. The Real Madrid superstar has been the standout performer for the Three Lions in North America, silencing critics with a series of match-winning displays under Thomas Tuchel.

Michael Olise is reportedly seeking an urgent meeting with Bayern Munich officials to discuss his future following a sensational World Cup campaign that has seen his market value skyrocket. The France international is at a crossroads in Bavaria as interest from Real Madrid continues to intensify behind the scenes.

Erling Haaland’s uncharacteristically quiet performance in Norway’s World Cup quarter-final exit to England has been attributed to a sickness bug that swept through the camp. The Manchester City superstar appeared a shadow of his usual self before being hauled off in extra time as the Three Lions secured a 2-1 victory.

Gary Lineker has made a bold claim regarding Jude Bellingham's legacy, suggesting the Real Madrid midfielder is on a path to becoming England’s greatest ever player. The 23-year-old’s starring role for the Three Lions at the 2026 World Cup has seen him draw comparisons to legendary figures of the game.

England’s dramatic World Cup quarter-final victory over Norway has sparked a war of words off the pitch, with Alf-Inge Haaland left fuming at the officiating in Miami. The father of Manchester City superstar Erling took to social media to suggest the Three Lions were "saved" by the referee, prompting a blunt response from pundits Roy Keane, Ian Wright and Gary Neville.

Harry Kane has leaped to the defence of Thomas Tuchel after the England head coach delivered a scathing assessment of the Three Lions' quarter-final victory over Norway. Despite securing a place in the World Cup semi-finals, the German tactician was far from satisfied with the laboured performance in Miami.

Alexander Sorloth has opened up on his failure to deliver a pass to a wide-open Erling Haaland during Norway's heartbreaking World Cup quarter-final defeat to England. Haaland was clearly in a good position to double his team's lead before half-time, but Sorloth opted to go for goal himself, a moment that proved to be a major turning point in the match.

Brazil legend Neymar has been spotted taking a weight off his feet in surprising fashion just days after his nation’s shock 2026 World Cup exit. The 34-year-old was filmed navigating the crowds at Universal Orlando on a mobility scooter, sparking fresh debate regarding his physical condition during the tournament.

Erling Haaland confessed to feeling "bitter" and "empty" after Norway were dumped out of the World Cup by England in a dramatic quarter-final encounter. Haaland was left fuming with the match officials after a contentious VAR intervention in an incident involving his new Manchester City team-mate Elliot Anderson, which denied his side a crucial goal in the second half.

Cristiano Ronaldo appears to have found the perfect remedy for his World Cup heartbreak by escaping on a sunshine getaway with his fiancée Georgina Rodriguez. The Portugal icon was visibly devastated following a narrow round of 16 defeat to Spain, but new images suggest he is embracing a much-needed period of reflection.

Jordan Henderson has light-heartedly described the freak accident that left him with a broken arm as "not my finest hour" after re-joining the England camp at the 2026 World Cup. The veteran midfielder suffered the injury in bizarre circumstances during the celebrations following the Three Lions' dramatic last-16 victory over Mexico.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has officially parted ways with head coach Pape Thiaw following the national team's round of 32 exit from the 2026 World Cup. Despite high expectations heading into the tournament, the Teranga Lions failed to live up to their billing as one of Africa’s premier forces on the global stage.

Arsenal have intensified their pursuit of Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez as Mikel Arteta reportedly looks to secure his primary attacking target before the start of pre-season. The Gunners are hoping to capitalise on Atletico taking a firm stance against selling the Argentina international to Barcelona.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that world football's governing body will officially explore expanding the World Cup to a massive 64-team format. Looking ahead to the 2030 tournament, which is set to be primarily hosted in Morocco, Portugal and Spain, Infantino suggested that another 16 nations could be added to the field.