World Cup news

Ballon d’Or winner Lothar Matthaus has explained why he will always side with Lionel Messi in the Argentine icon’s GOAT debate with Cristiano Ronaldo. Two legends of the modern era consider themselves to be the greatest of all-time, but opinion across the rest of the world remains divided. Matthaus knows what it takes to be considered the best player on the planet.

Thomas Tuchel has now taken charge of 10 England games, and we are starting to understand what his Three Lions team may look like at the 2026 World Cup. England officially booked their place at next summer's shindig in North America during the October international window, meaning we can officially begin the race to earn a spot on the plane. There are only 26 places up for grabs and over double that number of players in with a realistic shout of making it.

From 1978 to 2022, Argentina’s 2026 home kit honours World Cup history

Former Premier League star Kevin Doyle, who represented the likes of Wolves and Reading in his playing days, has been caught on camera appearing to call Dominik Szoboszlai a “Liverpool c***”. Said words were allegedly uttered during the wild celebrations which accompanied the Republic of Ireland’s dramatic World Cup qualifying win over Hungary.

Erling Haaland has revealed why he had to be restrained by Manchester City team-mate Gianluigi Donnarumma during Norway’s 2026 World Cup qualification clash with Italy. The prolific striker netted another brace in that contest, helping to fire his country to a major international tournament, with a fire being lit in the 25-year-old after seeing his “ass” grabbed.

Zinedine Zidane’s long-awaited comeback to management is finally taking shape with France preparing to appoint the former Real Madrid boss as their next head coach after Didier Deschamps steps down following the 2026 World Cup. The move is poised to end months of speculation and ignite fresh excitement around Les Bleus, who have recently faced criticism for lacking innovation.

Ian Wright has hit back at critics of England superstar Jude Bellingham, with the Real Madrid midfielder facing more questions of his supposedly petulant behaviour. The 22-year-old was less than impressed at being replaced during the Three Lions’ final 2026 World Cup qualifier against Albania. Thomas Tuchel has made it clear that he wants everybody in his squad to show “respect” at all times.

All you need to know about the England national team's qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup.

Roy Keane is a fan of Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, but has warned the talented Eagles star that he may be a “bit soft” to nail down a starting berth for England at this stage. Wharton started for the Three Lions in their final 2026 World Cup qualification win over Albania, with Thomas Tuchel’s side completing a faultless campaign with another victory.

Real Madrid have suffered another setback as Dean Huijsen has withdrawn from Spain duty due to muscle discomfort, raising concerns of a relapse of the soleus injury he suffered in October. The defender has been sent back to Madrid for tests, joining Kylian Mbappe and Eduardo Camavinga as the latest Los Blancos players to return early from international duty.

Perfection and the England men's national team never were natural bedfellows, but Thomas Tuchel has changed the narrative around the Three Lions by propelling them to a literally flawless World Cup qualifying campaign. England completed their perfect run of results by rounding off their journey to North America in 2026 with a 2-0 victory away in Albania, an eighth successive win without conceding a goal.

Cristiano Ronaldo will be “terribly sorry” about missing a “once in a lifetime” win for his country, claims the President of Portugal, as “geniuses are like that”. All-time great CR7 was forced to sit out a 9-1 victory over Armenia through suspension, with that stunning success seeing Roberto Martinez’s side secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Jude Bellingham has been branded “Mr big time” and roasted by several England fans for swapping shirts at the half-time interval of the Three Lions’ 2026 World Cup qualifier with Albania. The Real Madrid midfielder was returned to Thomas Tuchel’s starting XI for that contest and attracted plenty of attention - including some from opponents that were eager to claim a prized memento.

Roberto Martinez maintains that Portugal are “better with Cristiano Ronaldo” after securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup without their talismanic captain. CR7 was forced to sit out a meeting with Armenia through suspension, having collected the first red card of his international career when earning a record-extending 226th cap. He will get the chance to grace another major tournament.

Republic of Ireland fans are basking in Troy Parrott’s heroics in World Cup qualification, with tickets to that event still up for grabs. A hat-trick from Parrott against Hungary has kept Irish eyes smiling, with a play-off berth being secured. Having become a national hero, at least for now, AZ striker Parrott is being billed as “better than Lionel Messi” after rewriting the history books.

Cristiano Ronaldo was among the first to congratulate Portugal on their World Cup qualification after seeing his international colleagues book tickets to that 2026 showpiece in a nine-goal showing against Armenia. CR7 sat that game out through suspension, but will get to grace another major international tournament after barely being missed in a resounding win.

Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves hat-tricks helped a Cristiano Ronaldo-less Portugal qualify for the 2026 World Cup with an emphatic 9-1 win over Armenia on Sunday. The Seleccao were without their iconic forward following his red card against Ireland, but virtuoso displays from Fernandes and Neves ensured they topped UEFA Group F thanks to a thumping victory.