Lionel Messi will face England for the first time in his career when Argentina meet the Three Lions in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, ending a 20-year wait for one of football's most anticipated match-ups.
Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his unwavering support for Portugal following their heartbreaking FIFA World Cup Round of 16 defeat against Spain. Despite the emotional exit and uncertainty surrounding his international future, Ronaldo shared a poignant message of loyalty, stating he would not make any rash decisions about continuing with the national team.
Norway forward Erling Haaland has openly challenged the media to 'put every single pressure on the English lads' ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final clash against England, following Norway's stunning upset victory over Brazil.
Millions of soccer fans in the world's two most populous nations may not be able to watch the World Cup that starts next month, due to a deadlock over broadcast rights in India and no official decision in China.
South Africa international midfielder Jayden Adams, who played a key role in his country's 2026 World Cup campaign, has died at the age of 25, with no cause of death immediately provided.
Advocacy groups issued a travel advisory on Thursday, warning that visitors traveling to the US for the 2026 World Cup may face arbitrary detention or deportation, among other human rights abuses.
Kylian Mbappe has admitted France's failure to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 will "hurt for a while", despite finishing as the tournament's top scorer and becoming the competition's all-time leading goalscorer.
Mexico teenager Gilberto Mora became the youngest player to start a FIFA World Cup knockout match since Pele as the co-hosts defeated Ecuador 2-0 to end a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout victory.
Former Spain manager Vicente del Bosque has cautioned the Spanish national team against underestimating Argentina in the upcoming World Cup final, labelling them a "real nuisance" and highlighting their experience and tactical prowess.
United States coach Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to extend his contract, leading the men's national team through the 2030 World Cup, following their last-16 finish at this year's finals.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final joined an exclusive list after Spain edged Argentina 1-0 in extra time. This is the ninth time a Cup final went beyond the stipulated 90 minutes,
Germany's World Cup misery continued as Paraguay stunned the four-time champions on penalties in the Round of 32, extending a decade-long decline marked by defensive frailties and major tournament disappointments since 2014.
Atlanta Police are implementing enhanced security measures for the World Cup semi-final between Argentina and England, a match deemed high-risk due to the historical animosity between the two nations.
Germany's World Cup campaign ended in a shocking penalty shootout loss to Paraguay, marking another early exit for the four-time champions. This defeat highlights a concerning pattern of underperformance in major tournaments since 2014, raising questions about coach Julian Nagelsmann's future and the team's overall direction.
England's star midfielder Jude Bellingham described the thrilling 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 as the 'best night of his England career', after the Three Lions secured their place in the quarter-finals despite playing much of the second half with 10 men.
The Kerala Sports Department has submitted its confidential inquiry report regarding the controversy surrounding the proposed visit of football legend Lionel Messi and the Argentina team to the state during the previous government's tenure.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic praises Mexico after Ecuador victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match on Tuesday.
Lionel Messi is aiming for the Golden Boot and a record third Golden Ball at the World Cup final against Spain.
The official 26-man squads for FIFA World Cup 2026.
United States President Donald Trump has praised England captain Harry Kane as a 'GREAT player' following his pivotal role in England's 3-2 FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 victory over co-hosts Mexico, where Kane scored his sixth goal of the tournament.
Defending champions India have been drawn into Group B of the SAFF Championship 2026 alongside Maldives and Pakistan. The tournament, hosted in Dhaka from November 4-17, will see India begin their quest for a record 10th title against Maldives on November 5, followed by a clash with Pakistan on November 11.
'May our Heavenly Father guide your paths and grant you lots of health so you can play more and more.'
Dutch football players Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber, and Crysencio Summerville were subjected to racist, discriminatory, and hateful online abuse after missing penalties in their World Cup shootout defeat to Morocco. The Dutch football association (KNVB) has condemned the abuse, calling it appalling, and plans to file a case with 'Meld Online Discriminatie' which could lead to a criminal investigation. Morocco won the thrilling Round of 32 match 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, advancing to face Canada.
France striker Kylian Mbappe has become the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 22 goals, surpassing Lionel Messi's 21 goals, after netting twice in France's third-place play-off match against England.
The Atlanta Police Department has significantly increased security measures for the World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina, two nations with a historically fierce football rivalry, deploying additional personnel and resources across the city and stadium.
Former India captain Subrata Paul asserts that goalkeepers were instrumental in the success of teams at the recent FIFA World Cup, often outshining attacking players. He highlights specific goalkeepers like Vozinha, Unai Simon, Emiliano Martinez, and Thibaut Courtois for their exceptional performances and discusses the evolving role of modern goalkeepers in tactical play.
Indian football team head coach Khalid Jamil shares his predictions for the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, expressing a personal preference for Lionel Messi's Argentina while acknowledging Spain's strong form and tactical advantages. He anticipates a tough and equal match.
Senegal's football federation president, Abdoulaye Fall, has claimed the national team's doctor at the recent World Cup in North America was 'trained as a gynaecologist', raising concerns among players about medical support during their disappointing campaign. The Senegalese Association of Sports Medicine has rejected these allegations as 'unfounded and defamatory'.
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong will be out for several weeks after returning from the World Cup with torn knee ligaments, an injury he played through during the tournament.
The number 10 shirt worn by Brazil's Pele in the 1958 World Cup final, where he scored twice against Sweden, has been sold for $4.9 million at a Sotheby's auction, making it the most valuable piece of memorabilia linked to the football legend.
Iran's participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup is uncertain as the government awaits FIFA's response regarding their request to relocate matches from the United States to Mexico due to security concerns.
Neymar appeared to confirm his retirement from international soccer, saying he no longer wanted to play for Brazil, weeks after suggesting his international career had ended following their World Cup last-16 loss to Norway.
Neymar, despite not playing, made headlines with a social media post trolling an economist after Brazil's 2-1 comeback win against Japan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32. Coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed he held Neymar back for potential extra time, while Gabriel Martinelli scored the dramatic winner.
'Kylian's gesture touched me deeply'
Norway enjoyed a memorable 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in the tournament before suffering a narrow 2-1 extra-time defeat to England.
Spanish football coach Manolo Marquez has criticised the expansion of the FIFA World Cup, arguing it compromises quality and that countries like India should prioritise grassroots development over relying on increased qualification slots. He also highlighted the impact of naturalised players on international competition, citing his experience with the Indian team.
Iran's World Cup football team has finally received visas to enter the United States, just days before their first match in Los Angeles.
Argentina's conduct after their World Cup final defeat to Spain has come under fire, with players and fans facing criticism for their actions during the trophy presentation and post-match celebrations.
France head coach Didier Deschamps made World Cup history by becoming the most successful manager in terms of victories after France's dominant 3-0 win over Sweden, with Kylian Mbapp starring once again to send Les Bleus into the Round of 16.
Since the FIFA World Cup's inaugural tournament in 1930, 23 competitions have occurred up to 2026. Interestingly, only 8 countries have succeeded in claiming the famous trophy and on Sunday, Spain added their second title.
