Playoff Overview

Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal has opened up on the moment he thought he had secured football’s most prestigious individual honour, only to see it slip away. The teenager admitted that failing to beat Ousmane Dembele to the Ballon d’Or actually served as a vital catalyst for his recent personal growth and maturity.

The U.S. responded well to going 1-0 down against Germany, but settled for little more than a hard-working loss against a better opponent - an eerily familiar outcome.

Netherlands' World Cup preparations have been rocked by the news that Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has been forced to withdraw from the squad. Despite travelling to the United States with Ronald Koeman's side, the versatile defender has failed to overcome a persistent injury in time for the tournament opener.

The 2026 World Cup could spark a soccer boom in Canada, but shortages of fields, facilities, coaches and funding may limit the sport's growth.