Al Safa Overview

SV Elversberg starlet Cole Campbell has reaffirmed his commitment to the United States, insisting his decision to represent the Stars and Stripes over Iceland is final. The 20-year-old forward, who has enjoyed a productive start to life in the Bundesliga, is now eagerly awaiting his first senior international call-up from Mauricio Pochettino.

Four nations made debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan gracing the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It was the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, before succumbing to Lionel Messi's Argentina in a classic.

Lionel Messi talked up Argentina's chances of defending their World Cup crown after a thumping 3-0 win over Iceland in their final warm-up game. The Inter Miami star got his name on the scoresheet after coming on in the second half to break a long-standing international record for his country.

Lionel Messi proved he is ready to lead Argentina's World Cup defence after making a goalscoring return to action in a 3-0 friendly win over Iceland. After missing the previous warm-up match due to fitness concerns, the legendary number 10 needed just moments to make his mark from the penalty spot in Alabama.