World Cup news

The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been anything but smooth sailing for the 24-year-old winger whose career once hung by a thread following a period of unemployment and multiple rejections. Now a key figure for Bafana Bafana, the 24-year-old’s rise serves as a testament to resilience after nearly walking away from the game entirely.

The reigning world champions have officially touched down in the United States as they begin the final countdown to their title defence. Lionel Messi led the Albiceleste squad into Kansas City on Sunday, sparking a frenzy of excitement and inevitable questions about whether this summer represents his international swan song.

Does it have anything to do with the TMNT? Here's how the US soccer teams' abbreviations may have come along

Cristiano Ronaldo remains the central figure of debate as Portugal gears up for another World Cup campaign, with fans and pundits divided on his role. Lyon boss Paulo Fonseca has now added his expert voice to the conversation, addressing whether the legendary forward is a boost or a burden for the national team.

When Thomas Tuchel was hired as the new England manager in October 2024, he was given a simple brief: Win the 2026 World Cup. Some 20 months on and the tournament now looms large, while confirmation of the Three Lions' squad has crystallised the daunting task at hand for the German tactician as they arrive in North America.

Victor Osimhen is once again at the centre of a global transfer scramble following a major admission from the Nigerian national team camp. After a prolific spell in Turkey with Galatasaray, the former Napoli superstar appears ready to make his next career move, with the Premier League and Serie A clubs on high alert.

The World Cup has had no shortage of iconic moments across nearly 100 years of history. Every four years, billions of fans congregate to watch a tournament that has provided more drama, heartbreak and joy than any other event in sporting history. Football's grandest stage, the World Cup has always offered a platform for legends to be born, but it has also seen reputations destroyed and the downfall of so many famous faces.

Canada face Uzbekistan and Republic of Ireland in their final pre-World Cup friendlies, with Jesse Marsch managing injury concerns after Marcelo Flores’ heartbreaking setback and searching for goals from Jonathan David and Cyle Larin.

The former striker feels grateful to have played alongside the two legends.

Lamine Yamal has opened up on the unique mentality that allows him to thrive on the world’s biggest stages without feeling the weight of expectation. The Barcelona sensation, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise to the top of the game, insists that his lack of nerves stems from doing exactly what he has known since childhood.

Cristiano Ronaldo has conquered the world of football, but the Portuguese icon might be eyeing a shocking second act in Hollywood once he finally hangs up his boots. While the Al-Nassr superstar remains focused on his record-breaking career and his final World Cup in 2026, those who have made the leap to acting believe he can succeed - provided he does just "one thing" right.

Following a controversial squad announcement by SAFA and Hugo Broos on Wednesday night, while the nation was glued to their screens, backlash quickly followed over how the six players who missed the final cut were treated. However, amid the outrage, there now appears to be a twist in the tale, with reports suggesting the omitted stars will still travel to the global showpiece.

The former Bafana star has sensationally called for an official apology to be issued to players left out of the final World Cup squad, insisting the manner of their omission was deeply flawed. The South African legend argues that the public nature of the squad cuts was poorly handled and potentially damaging, suggesting that the affected players may require professional support to fully recover from the emotional fallout of missing out on football’s biggest stage.

Bafana's 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations have been hit by a significant administrative hurdle just days before the tournament’s kick-off in North America. The South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed that the national team’s departure has been delayed due to ongoing visa complications for several members of the traveling party.

Cristiano Ronaldo is making the most of a rare break from the pitch, whisking Georgina Rodriguez and their children away for a luxury getaway in Saudi Arabia. The Al-Nassr superstar is soaking up the sun before he shifts his focus to leading Portugal in what is expected to be his final appearance on the global stage.

Brazil have officially confirmed their squad numbers for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, putting an end to the speculation surrounding their talismanic forward. Despite lingering fitness concerns and a fight to secure his place in the final setup, Neymar has been handed the iconic No. 10 jersey once again.