World Cup news

The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has thrown the 2026 World Cup into the spotlight by issuing a strict 10-point ultimatum to the host nations. Despite qualifying for the tournament, Tehran has warned that their participation depends on specific security and visa guarantees following recent diplomatic friction.

Lionel Messi has officially weighed in on the meteoric rise of Lamine Yamal, naming the Barcelona teenager as his natural successor. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner believes the La Masia graduate is already operating at a level that puts him above the rest of the pack in world football.

Lionel Messi has provided a surprising assessment of the international landscape ahead of the 2026 World Cup, suggesting that several nations are currently better equipped than Argentina to lift the trophy. The Inter Miami superstar identified four specific rivals he believes are entering the tournament in superior form compared to the defending champions, including Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Jose Mourinho is convinced that his home country, Portugal, can make a big impact at this summer's World Cup.

U.S. Men's National Team midfielder Tanner Tessmann will miss the final two games of Lyon's Ligue 1 season after suffering a muscle injury, manager Paulo Fonseca revealed Friday. The injury comes just weeks ahead of the World Cup, with Tessmann widely expected to be in contention for a starting USMNT role this summer.

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Cristiano Ronaldo could grace the 2030 World Cup, former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen has told GOAL, as a home finals in Portugal are “not too far” away for the history-making GOAT. The Al-Nassr superstar may be 41 years of age, but the evergreen frontman has proved over the course of his remarkable career that anything is possible and he likes nothing more than making a mockery of biological and sporting logic.

Real Madrid starlet Endrick has taken French football by storm, but it isn't just his prowess on the pitch that is making headlines. The teenage sensation recently stunned fans and media alike by conducting a full interview in fluent French, despite having only joined Lyon on loan just over four months ago.

Christian Pulisic has hit back at critics questioning his recent form, labelling concerns over his 2026 goal drought as "bad questions" ahead of the World Cup. The AC Milan forward, who recently featured as a cover star for Time magazine, remains confident in his ability to deliver for the USMNT as they prepare to co-host the tournament.

Donald Trump admitted that he would be reluctant to pay the reportedly high prices for World Cup tickets in an interview with the New York Post. The U.S. president conceded that he "did not know" tickets were being sold for more than $1,000 for the USMNT's opening fixture against Paraguay and noted that he "wouldn't pay" such fees to see a World Cup game.

US President Donald Trump has expressed surprise at the high ticket prices for the US national team's opening match at the World Cup.

Sixteen years after the global phenomenon of 'Waka Waka', Shakira is set to take centre stage again for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The Colombian singer has released a snippet of the official song for the tournament titled 'Dai Dai', a collaborative project with Nigerian artist Burna Boy.

Antonio Cassano has revealed Lionel Messi's retirement timeline after meeting the Argentina icon in Florida. Despite approaching his 39th birthday, the Inter Miami superstar appears to have no immediate intention of hanging up his boots as he eyes further success in MLS and potentially on the international stage.