World Cup news

Norway striker Erling Haaland has admitted there is a lot on his shoulders as he looks to fire his national side to their first men's World Cup since 1998. The Scandinavian nation are on the cusp of securing their spot at the 2026 showpiece having breezed through qualification, winning all seven matches ahead of their trip to Milan to face second-placed Italy on Sunday evening.

USMNT star Gio Reyna is setting himself an "eight good months" target as he bids to form part of Mauricio Pochettino's plans at a home World Cup in 2026. Having endured his fair share of injury issues down the years, the talented playmaker now finds himself on the books of Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach - with the plan being to catch the eye there.

Wayne Rooney has brutally advised Jack Grealish to "book his summer holiday" for 2026 as there is little chance of him earning an England recall for the World Cup finals. The Everton loanee has rediscovered his spark after leaving Manchester City for Merseyside, but Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel continues to ignore him. That situation is not expected to change any time soon.

Tony Meola reacted to Gio Reyna’s showing in the USMNT’s 2-1 win over Paraguay, praising his goal and chance created and noting his importance to the team despite lingering fitness questions. He said Reyna should be encouraged by the performance, which marked a strong return after a long spell away. The 22-year-old played 75 minutes on Saturday.

Top bosses of the Portuguese football federation have reportedly begun assembling an urgent appeal to FIFA in an attempt to cut down Cristiano Ronaldo’s three-match suspension, a punishment that currently threatens to rule the 40-year-old out of the opening fixtures of what would be his sixth World Cup next summer. He was dismissed during Portugal’s 2-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on Thursday after he was shown a straight red card after VAR adjudged that he had elbowed Irish defender Dara O’Shea.

Landon Donovan offered a positive assessment of the United States men’s national team following its 2-1 win over Paraguay during the November 2025 friendlies, noting signs that the squad is beginning to form a clearer identity as it continues preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil. He commended the team’s continued progress under the current coaching staff, led by Mauricio Pochettino.

Miles Robinson addressed the altercation that erupted at the end of the United States men’s national team’s 2-1 win over Paraguay during the November 2025 friendlies, offering clarity on how a late throw-in dispute escalated into a bench-clearing confrontation. However, both Robinson and Gio Reyna said the scuffle ultimately reflected the team’s character and commitment to one another.

Folarin Balogun scored a crucial goal to put the United States Men’s National Team ahead 2-1 against Paraguay during the November 2025 international window. The strike was Balogun’s third goal in his last four appearances, with Gio Reyna creating the chance moments after ending his own scoring drought with the USMNT’s opener - his first goal since March 2024.

Gio Reyna earned a surprise start and made an immediate impact for the U.S. men’s national team, scoring inside four minutes against Paraguay during the November 2025 international window. The goal was his first for the USMNT since March 2024 and came in his first appearance since March 2025, marking a key step in his return to the squad.

Christian Pulisic hailed Mauricio Pochettino’s effort to instill a more combative, unity-focused identity in the U.S. Men’s National Team, saying that emphasis on fighting for one another is already showing in camp. The AC Milan forward added that the 2026 World Cup continues to fuel both his personal ambitions and the team’s desire to inspire the next generation of American players.

Thomas Tuchel has dropped a massive hint about his potential midfield pairing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be staged next summer. England continued their faultless march toward the 2026 World Cup with a measured and professional 2-0 victory over Serbia on Thursday, and the German manager wants his troops to tap into the winning mentality ahead of the global showpiece event.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis lashed out at FIFA and UEFA over the number of players picking up injuries on international duty as he called for extra transfer windows and compensation for clubs. The debate of releasing players for international duties has intensified in recent years with many arguing that clubs are being unfairly impacted by the number of games players are being forced to endure.

England boss Thomas Tuchel says he would consider singing God Save the King at next year's World Cup but joked he is not sure he has earned that right yet. The German was announced as Gareth Southgate's successor just over a year ago, sparking much consternation in certain quarters. But after an upturn in form, Tuchel believes that if the positive results keep coming, he may be singing the English anthem soon.

Costa Rica’s World Cup hopes have taken a severe hit. A 1–0 loss to Haiti has left Miguel Herrera’s side on the brink in the CONCACAF qualifiers, with their direct path now hanging by a thread. Pressure around Herrera grew louder after the match as Los Ticos have a difficult path to next year's tournament.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has expressed his desire to work with Erling Haaland again, with the Manchester United legend planning a return to management. He previously coached prolific frontman Haaland at Molde and is hoping to see their paths cross for a second time - potentially in the international arena as Norway close in on qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

France have sent Kylian Mbappe back to Real Madrid after the forward reported persistent ankle inflammation, ending his international break early despite scoring twice against Ukraine. The national team captain has returned to the Spanish capital to undergo further tests, forcing Didier Deschamps to adjust his plans for the final qualifier in Azerbaijan.

Jurgen Klopp stunned fans by appearing in a Germany tracksuit and teasing a “return to the sideline” in a dramatic announcement video, sparking immediate speculation about a comeback to management. However, while the former Liverpool boss admitted the “tingling” of the touchline had returned, the reveal actually involved him confirming a very different role for the 2026 World Cup.