World Cup Qualification CONMEBOL

World Cup Qualification CONMEBOL news

Semafor World Economy 2026 - Day 3

Infantino fires back over 'shameful' World Cup ticket prices

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has once again stepped in to defend the astronomical pricing of tickets for the 2026 World Cup. Facing an onslaught of criticism from supporters who have labelled the costs as "shameful," the head of world football's governing body claims the move is a financial necessity.

Sao Paulo v Palmeiras - Brasileirao 2025

Roque admits Barca move was 'too early' amid resurgence at Palmeiras

Former Barcelona forward Vitor Roque feels he moved to Europe too early in his career as he reflected on his disappointing period with the Catalan club. Now back in Brazil with Palmeiras, Roque believes the return was an important step that will help him move forward professionally. His resurgence has not gone unnoticed, as the Brazilian forward has been selected by Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil’s upcoming friendlies.

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GFX Neymar Cristiano Ronaldo Karim Benzema

'The best' - Casemiro defends Neymar and 'different' lifestyle

Casemiro has backed Neymar as Brazil's most decisive player as the Selecao prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Neymar's fitness issues have deprived him of a place under Carlo Ancelotti, sparking fears he will not be at the tournament next year. However, the Manchester United midfielder argued that the team should adjust tactically to give the Santos forward freedom, citing how Argentina played around Lionel Messi on their way to glory in 2022.

Neymar Brazil 2022

'Useless Neymar isn't an example to anyone' - Ex-Brazil coach

Former Brazil manager Emerson Leao has launched a fierce attack on Neymar, calling him “not an example to anyone” and claiming the forward is “past his prime”. Leao criticised the 33-year-old's lifestyle, fitness and declining form, reigniting debate over the Santos star’s place in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup plans.

Santos v Fluminense - Brasileirao 2025

Neymar out for longer than expected, Santos president confirms

Neymar has suffered another setback in his battle for fitness, with Santos president Marcelo Teixeira confirming the Brazil icon will be sidelined until November. The 33-year-old’s recurring injury problems continue to cast doubt over his club’s survival fight and his hopes of leading the Selecao at the 2026 World Cup.

Neymar

Ronaldo tells Ancelotti to bring Neymar back to Brazil squad

Neymar’s career faces fresh scrutiny after another injury and a Brazil squad omission. Despite returning to form at Santos following his 2023 ACL injury, he remains out of national team coach Carlo Ancelotti’s plans for technical reasons. Legendary striker Ronaldo defended the forward, insisting “we don’t have another player like him” and urged Neymar’s return ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Gianni Infantino 2025

FIFA, CONMEBOL discuss possible World Cup expansion to 64 teams

FIFA president Gianni Infantino met with CONMEBOL leaders in New York on Tuesday as the South American confederation pushed a proposal to expand the already sprawling 2030 World Cup - set to feature six host nations across three continents - from 48 to a proposed 64 teams, a move that would guarantee all 10 CONMEBOL members a spot.

Santos v Juventude - Brasileirao 2025

Santos share contradictory Neymar fitness update to Brazil

Santos shared a contradictory update on Neymar's fitness after the superstar was snubbed by Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian suggested injury concerns were behind the decision, claiming the forward had suffered another setback. For a player desperate to make his mark at next summer’s World Cup, it was a bitter pill to swallow.

FBL-WC-2026-SAMERICA-QUALIFIERS-ARG-VEN

Messi casts more doubt over 2026 World Cup prospects

Lionel Messi cast further doubt on his international career with Argentina as the legendary player shared an emotional note after what was potentially his final home game for the world champions. Messi scored twice in the 3-0 thumping of Venezuela on Thursday, but after the match the Argentine skipper hinted that he might not feature at the upcoming World Cup.

Frequently asked questions

Columbus Crew, Cruz Azul, Leon, and Inter Miami are the most successful sides in the Leagues Cup, having won one title each.

As of 2024, there are 45 teams in the Leagues Cup, from both the MLS and the Liga MX. They are divided into 15 groups of three teams each. The inaugural edition in 2019, in contrast, featured just 16 teams.

Andre Blake, Jack Elliott, Jacob Glesnes, Kai Wagner, and Mikael Uhre – all of them players of Philadelphia Union – share the record for most appearances in Leagues Cup, making 14 appearances each.

Gabonese forward Denis Bouanga is the all-time topscorer in Leagues Cup history, scoring 12 goals in 10 games for Los Angeles FC. Lionel Messi is close in second place with 10 goals.

Tijuana goalkeeper Jesus Corona is the oldest player to ever feature in a Leagues Cup game. Corona was 43 years and 191 days old when he played against Vancouver Whitecaps in August 2024.

Axel Kei is the youngest player to feature in Leagues Cup. Kei was just 14 years and 267 days when he achieved the feat during Real Salt Lake City's 2-1 loss against Atlas Guadalajara in 2022.

Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Andre-Pierre Gignac, and Hector Herrera are among the most famous players to have featured in the Leagues Cup.

Caleb Porter, Tata Martino, Phil Neville, Martin Demichelis, and Fernando Gago are among the most famous managers in Leagues Cup history.