Argentina will take their fight against FIFA's World Cup final sanctions to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after the governing body's appeals committee upheld Leandro Paredes' 10-match ban and a $321,000 fine on the national federation. Nahuel Molina did see his suspension reduced, but the federation insist they have the arguments to overturn the remaining punishments.
Argentina and Roma defender Nahuel Molina has received a significant boost after FIFA agreed to reduce his lengthy international suspension. The ban was originally issued following the chaotic scenes that marred the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup final earlier this summer, which Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in extra time.
A leading candidate to become Spain's next Prime Minister has threatened to withdraw the nation from co-hosting the 2030 World Cup if Morocco is awarded the final. Alberto Nunez Feijoo insists the showpiece event must be held in Spain, adding a major political twist to the ongoing venue debate.
Manchester United's hunt for a potential successor to Michael Carrick has hit a significant roadblock after Didier Deschamps reportedly turned down the chance to move to Old Trafford. The former France head coach was high on the club's shortlist as they look to navigate a disastrous start to the new Premier League campaign.
Christian Pulisic endured a testing 2026 World Cup with the USMNT, leading to “a lot of criticism” coming his way for “the first time in his career”, but Brad Friedel has told GOAL that the American superstar made the right career call in signing a new contract at AC Milan and retaining stability in his club career. The talented forward is now tied to terms at San Siro through to 2031.
Brazil have won the World Cup five times, more than any other country. They first lifted the trophy in 1958, before successfully defending their title four years later. They then made it three in 1970, while also emerging victorious in 1994 and 2002 to show what they're made of.
How many teams are in the World Cup?
The most recent edition of the World Cup, which took place in Qatar in 2022, featured 32 teams. However, from the upcoming edition in 2026, as many as 48 teams will be contesting for the ultimate prize in international football. The number of teams that will be featuring has almost quadrupled since the inaugural edition in 1930, which hosted 13 teams.
Who has made the most World Cup appearances ever?
Lionel Messi holds the record of making the most appearances in World Cups, having represented Argentina 26 times across five editions.
Who is the all-time top scorer of the World Cup?
Germany's Miroslav Klose tops the all-time goalscoring charts in World Cups, having scored an incredible 16 goals in 24 games across four consecutive editions from 2002 to 2014.
Who is the oldest player ever in the World Cup and how old was he?
Egyptian legend Essam El Hadary is the oldest player to have ever featured in a World Cup game. The goalkeeper was 45 years and 161 days old when he participated in Egypt's 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia at the 2018 World Cup.
Who is the youngest player ever in the World Cup and how old was he?
Former Manchester United man Norman Whiteside is the youngest player ever to play a World Cup game. The midfielder was just 17 years and 41 days old when he featured for Northern Ireland in a game against Yugoslavia at the 1982 World Cup.
Which famous players have played in the World Cup?
Pele, Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, Gerd Muller, Roberto Baggio, Ronaldo, Romario, Eusebio, Johan Cruyff, David Villa, Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo among others are some of the biggest legends in footballing history who have graced the pitch during World Cups.
Which famous managers have managed in the World Cup?
The likes of Didier Deschamps, Franz Beckenbauer, Luiz Felipe Scolari, Vicente del Bosque, Vittorio Pozzo, Louis van Gaal, Sven-Goran Eriksson, and Ivica Osim are some of the most accomplished individuals to have managed at the World Cup finals.