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.
Scotland's World Cup preparations have been hit by an incredible war of words following the late cancellation of a behind-closed-doors friendly against Norway. The decision has left Scandinavian officials fuming, with stinging accusations of unprofessionalism directed at Steve Clarke and the Scottish FA.
Neymar is pulling out all the stops to ensure he is fit for Brazil’s 2026 World Cup campaign, including the use of specialised space-age equipment. The Selecao icon, who is undergoing intensive rehabilitation for a chronic calf injury in New Jersey, was spotted sporting a fresh haircut.
Luis de la Fuente has robustly defended Gavi after the Barcelona youngster faced a backlash for a heavy challenge on team-mate Rodri during a Spain training session. Despite the tackle causing a brief injury scare for the Manchester City anchor, the national team boss insisted he has no desire to see the midfielder tone down his aggressive style.
South Africa has been handed a major selection boost as they prepare for their monumental 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Mexico. After weeks of concern, the Belgian coach has confirmed that a key Masandawana star is finally ready to return to the fold.
Thomas Tuchel has sent a clear message to Jude Bellingham, warning the Real Madrid superstar that his place in England’s starting XI is far from guaranteed. Despite his status as one of the world's elite talents, Bellingham faces stiff competition from Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers for the coveted number 10 role heading into the World Cup.
Manchester City star Rayan Cherki is being tipped to reach the world-class levels of Kevin De Bruyne after successfully navigating the intense demands of life under Pep Guardiola. Former City defender Gael Clichy believes the Frenchman has endured the ultimate learning curve at the Etihad Stadium to become a complete playmaker.
Former Bafana Bafana captain has issued a timely warning to breakout sensation as South Africa prepares for their monumental 2026 World Cup opener against Mexico. The 20-year-old defender has seen his profile skyrocket following a move to the United States, but the retired centre-back knows all too well how the pressure of the global stage can impact a young career.
Throughout the last few years, American soccer has routinely pleaded with Christian Pulisic to acknowledge reality. The question has come in different forms, but it has always circled the same idea: Does he feel the weight of being the face of the U.S. men's national team heading into a home World Cup?
Cristiano Ronaldo has trademarked some of the most iconic moves in football history, and it seems the Al-Nassr superstar is already passing those secrets down to the next generation. In a heartwarming clip shared on social media, the legendary forward took time away from his intense World Cup preparations to host a private coaching session in his own backyard.
South Africa are preparing for their long-awaited return to the world stage, and all eyes are firmly fixed on Burnley striker Lyle Foster. After a testing period for both club and country, the forward is being tipped to spearhead Hugo Bross’ attack in their high-stakes opener against tournament co-hosts Mexico.
Lionel Messi is preparing for a record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance, but the player heading to the tournament is unrecognizable from the teenager who first burst onto the scene. While most elite stars adapt to decline, the Inter Miami talisman has spent two decades adapting to stay ahead of the game.
Former Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Manqoba Ngwenya, who was no stranger to controversy during his own career, has issued a stark warning to 'Master Chef' by suggesting the 28-year-old midfielder's professional career is on the brink of a premature end after the Bucs decided to not extend his stay beyond a single season.
Real Madrid's star Kylian Mbappe has set the stage for a thrilling 2026 World Cup by making a series of bold predictions regarding the tournament's top marksmen. The France captain, who is looking to banish the memories of a painful final defeat in Qatar, has weighed in on the eternal debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi while asserting his own dominance.
Thomas Tuchel has officially confirmed that Declan Rice will serve as England's vice-captain for the upcoming World Cup. The Arsenal midfielder has arrived at the Three Lions' training base in Florida to begin preparations for the tournament in North America.
Rayan Cherki is rapidly becoming the talk of the France national team, with one international team-mate left stunned by his technical ability. The Manchester City playmaker has transitioned seamlessly to the elite level, drawing high praise from those playing alongside him for Les Bleus.
Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal has finally lifted the lid on the mystery surrounding his constant use of a hand bandage. The teenage sensation, currently preparing for the 2026 World Cup with Spain, revealed the look actually started with a gaming mishap and a nod to a Real Madrid legend.
Former South Africa international Reneilwe Letsholonyane believes the 21-year-old midfielder has all the tools to become a breakout star at the upcoming global showpiece. The Orlando Pirates sensation enters the tournament with high expectations following a domestic treble-winning season with the Buccaneers.
The South Africa coach has admitted that his squad is entering uncharted territory as they prepare to face the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosts in a daunting opening fixture at the legendary Estadio Azteca on Thursday to kick off the global showpiece in front of an expected capacity, partisan crowd.
Marc Cucurella is no stranger to making bold promises when it comes to international success, and the Chelsea defender has now hinted at his biggest sacrifice yet. After famously dyeing his hair red following Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, the full-back has suggested a much more permanent change could be on the cards for the 2026 World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel has faced a scathing assessment from Danny Dyer after the England manager opted to leave Jarrod Bowen out of his squad for the 2026 World Cup. The legendary actor didn't hold back, labelling the omission of his son-in-law as "ridiculous" while revealing the family had already begun preparing for a trip to the United States.
Benni McCarthy, Aaron Mokoena and Quinton Fortune to lead studio coverage as SportyTV offers South Africans the complete World Cup experience for just R10.
Rafael Leao has broken his silence following a shock dismissal during Portugal's World Cup warm-up clash against Chile. The AC Milan forward saw red for violent conduct after an altercation spiralled out of control in first-half stoppage time. Despite the controversy, Selecao boss Roberto Martinez has moved quickly to shield his player from criticism.
We are now just days away, and World Cup fever is gripping the globe as teams from 48 countries descend on the United States, Mexico and Canada for the biggest tournament FIFA have ever staged. Managers are making their final plans ahead of the opening round of group games, but for some there are still massive decisions to be made.
It's so close we can almost taste it. The 2026 World Cup is now just days away, with the best players from around the globe descending on the United States, Mexico and Canada for what promises to be a superb summer of football. While some teams will solely harbour dreams of getting out of the groups, others know that anything other than a trophy parade in late-July will go down as failure. We're set, then, for five-and-a-half weeks of drama, filled with joy and heartbreak in equal measure.
Harry Kane will never have a better chance than this. England's captain arrives at what is likely to be his last-ever World Cup in the form of his life, and he will carry the hopes of a nation in North America. After collective and individual heartbreak in 2018 and 2022, respectively, this simply has to be the tournament where he seizes his moment.
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