World Cup news

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has revealed his unique psychological approach to facing Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, admitting he intentionally avoided mentioning Lionel Messi by name. The Pharaohs boss was determined to prevent his squad from becoming overwhelmed by the aura of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

England should have enough quality to overcome Argentina in their blockbuster World Cup semi-final, but only if they can successfully nullify the threat of Lionel Messi. Former Manchester United and Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre has warned Thomas Tuchel's side that the Inter Miami superstar is at his most dangerous when he appears to be doing the least, prowling the pitch in search of his next match-winning moment.

Former Aston Villa forward Gabby Agbonlahor has boldly claimed that Jude Bellingham, rather than Declan Rice, is destined to succeed Harry Kane as the next England captain. Bellingham has been the standout performer at this summer's World Cup, leading his nation to the semi-finals, and his incredible leadership qualities on the pitch have convinced pundits of his future role.

Lionel Messi has redefined how to influence matches at the World Cup, staggering fans by walking for almost half of his time on the pitch. As Argentina prepare to face England in a highly anticipated semi-final, staggering statistics show exactly how the forward is adapting his game to dominate opponents and preserve his energy for the most crucial, game-changing moments.

Football fans are in for an unforgettable spectacle as the 2026 World Cup reaches its grand conclusion. An incredible lineup featuring Hollywood actor Tom Cruise, pop superstar Nicole Scherzinger, and renowned internet personality IShowSpeed will headline the closing ceremony ahead of the final match in New Jersey, promising an unprecedented blend of music, culture, and sporting drama.

Claude Makelele has hailed Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe as the modern-day successor to Ronaldo Nazario, tipping the Frenchman to secure the 2026 Ballon d'Or. The former Los Blancos midfielder believes Mbappe's impact on the world stage puts him in a category of his own among his peers.

Brazil's Olympic gold-winning coach Rogerio Micale has questioned Carlo Ancelotti's treatment of Neymar during the 2026 World Cup, comparing the forward to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite Neymar announcing his international retirement following a devastating exit against Norway, Micale insists the attacker should reconsider and aim for the 2030 tournament.

Frenkie de Jong has suffered a serious knee injury upon returning to Barcelona following the World Cup. The midfielder underwent initial medical checks on Monday, revealing an issue that has caused immense concern. He is now staring at a significant period on the treatment table, dealing a devastating blow to his team's preparations ahead of the upcoming season.

Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario has sent a public message to Neymar, urging the forward not to rush into international retirement following a devastating 2026 World Cup exit. The Santos star hinted that his time with the Selecao was over after a shock defeat in North America, but he has now been told to take a step back before making a final call.

FIFA has officially announced that American referee Ismail Elfath will officiate England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina. The 44-year-old experienced MLS official, widely regarded as a lucky charm for Lionel Messi, will oversee the blockbuster clash in Atlanta on Wednesday night as Thomas Tuchel aims to guide the Three Lions past the defending world champions.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has urged new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso to sign free agent John Stones, arguing the England defender would bring experience and leadership to a young squad. The former Blues striker believes Chelsea's lighter schedule next season could also help minimise concerns over Stones' injury record.

FIFA has been forced to make a rare exception to its strict tournament branding rules ahead of the World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina. The governing body could not conceal the iconic Mercedes-Benz logo at Atlanta Stadium after engineering concerns made covering the landmark impossible.

Folarin Balogun has joined Klutch Sports following an impressive World Cup that boosted his profile on and off the pitch. The USMNT forward becomes the first footballer to sign directly with LeBron James' agency as he looks to build on his growing influence in the game.

Adrien Rabiot has firmly dismissed suggestions that France are engineering a specific tactical blueprint to neutralise Spain winger Lamine Yamal in their World Cup semi-final clash. The midfielder also addressed the lingering fallout from his previous criticism of the Barcelona prodigy, which famously backfired during their Euro 2024 encounter.

Manchester City are reportedly "pushing hard" to secure the signature of Lille's highly-rated midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi following his breakthrough performances at the World Cup. The Premier League giants are eager to bring the Morocco wonderkid straight to the Etihad Stadium as they look to bolster their midfield options for the upcoming campaign.

Nico O'Reilly is relishing the prospect of facing Lionel Messi when England meet Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals. The Manchester City youngster described the opportunity as "once-in-a-lifetime", while Jordan Pickford warned England must not become overly focused on stopping the Albiceleste captain alone.

Erling Haaland has amused football fans by bringing a bizarre $750 taxidermied raccoon back to Oslo following Norway's elimination from the 2026 World Cup. The prolific Manchester City striker showcased the unique souvenir, purchased from a famous Western store in Texas, as the national squad plane touched down back in Scandinavia.