World Cup news

Premier League legend Emile Heskey has warned England’s established stars that Morgan Rogers is fast becoming impossible to ignore ahead of the 2026 World Cup. After a blistering festive run for Aston Villa, the in-form midfielder has been tipped to force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s starting XI, putting serious pressure on the likes of Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer.

Wayne Rooney is tipping Declan Rice to be the next England captain, with the Arsenal midfielder considered to be “irreplaceable” for club and country. The all-action 26-year-old has become a talismanic presence for the Gunners and Three Lions. He is being billed as a natural heir to Harry Kane on the international stage, with the prolific Bayern Munich striker poised to pass up a prominent armband at some point.

Daryl Dike has explained to the ‘Beast Mode On’ podcast what makes USMNT star Christian Pulisic special. The AC Milan forward is fondly known as ‘Captain America’ in his homeland and does take on skipper duties at times. He is a source of inspiration to many of those around him, with an unassuming character taking to leading through action rather than words.

Daryl Dike has explained why he pledged international allegiance to the USMNT over Nigeria. The powerful striker, who is of African heritage, has seen his brother Bright and sister Courtney commit to the Super Eagles. Dike opted to tread a different path, with 10 caps being earned for the United States. He has discussed that decision with the ‘Beast Mode On’ podcast.

A domestic opponent of Lionel Messi in the United States has explained how the Argentine GOAT has a ”nasty side” and enjoys engaging in “verbals” with MLS rivals. The most decorated player of all-time is considered to have a switch that can be turned on whenever moments of inspiration are required, with those qualities making him the “best player ever”.

In 2017, the Belgian lifted the Africa Cup of Nations trophy with Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions. Years later, he inherited a struggling South African side and reshaped it into a force that secured consecutive AFCON berths, including the 2025 edition in Morocco, while also steering Bafana Bafana onto the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has come to the aid of Bruno Fernandes, saying the midfielder is only on the receiving end of “lazy” criticism because he is in the spotlight as the club’s talisman. The Red Devils captain has been told he - like Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo - is an easy target for scorn because of his “enormous” contribution at Old Trafford.

The most comprehensive guide to the upcoming international windows in men's and women's soccer.

Cristiano Ronaldo will, much like eternal rival Lionel Messi, want to be "the number one" when the day comes to retire. Former Real Madrid striker Alvaro Negredo admits as much, with Portuguese GOAT CR7 not ready for the "last word" just yet. He still has targets to chase down, with the plan being to compete for World Cup glory in the summer of 2026.

Gary Lineker has responded to reports of his World Cup deal with Netflix, and the potential to front future Premier League programming, being a "revenge" mission against former employers at the BBC. The ex-Tottenham and England striker has a reported £14 million ($19m) agreement in place to front The Rest Is Football podcast on American soil next summer. He insists talk of getting one over on the Beeb is "utter nonsense".

There are plenty of top talents, from the United States and abroad, who are expected to make their mark for the first time at the 2026 World Cup

Harry Kane has revealed his highlight of 2025 as well as his New Year’s “wish”. The Bayern Munich and England striker has lifted his fabled trophy curse, with the Bundesliga title being secured, and is eager to land more major silverware with club and country. There will be plenty of opportunities for him to do just that in 2026, with Champions League and World Cup crowns up for grabs.

A brand-new version of the popular FIFA gaming franchise is in the pipeline, with world football’s governing body announcing an exciting partnership with streaming giants Netflix. Said production will hope to rival EA FC, with FIFA having split from Electronic Arts in 2023. The latest release will be made available ahead of the 2026 World Cup finals.

Thiago Silva is a free agent again at the age of 41, with the veteran Brazilian defender agreeing to the early termination of his contract at Fluminense. Having spent 18 months back at his boyhood club, the classy centre-half is said to be eyeing a return to Europe - where he has previously represented AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.

Even today, there still exists that moment during World Cup victory celebrations when every carefully choreographed event suddenly becomes anarchic and no longer follows a script: Gennaro Gattuso, suddenly striding across the turf of Berlin's Olympic Stadium in his underpants after Italy’s triumph in 2006, having given away all his remaining clothes to the tifosi in the stands; Iker Casillas kissing his then-girlfriend, TV journalist Sara Carbonero, on the mouth during a supposedly professional interview after Spain's triumph in 2010; the shameful moments when Turkish chef Salt Bae suddenly feels like an Argentine player in Qatar in 2022 and snatched the trophy from the hands of the likes of Lionel Messi and Co.

FIFA approved a landmark financial package for the 2026 World Cup on Friday, confirming a record USD 727 million in prize money for the expanded 48-team tournament. The decision, made by the FIFA Council ahead of this weekend’s Intercontinental Cup final in Qatar, was described by FIFA as part of a broader series of measures shaping the future of the World Cup and global youth football.

South African football has never been short on opinions, outrage or drama - but as Bafana Bafana march toward the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco, the noise around the Belgian has reached a fever pitch. From squad selection debates to player controversies, the veteran coach remains unshaken.