England midfielder Jordan Henderson has publicly defended teammate Jude Bellingham, highlighting his crucial role and 'X-factor' for the team despite media scrutiny. Henderson also discussed his own controversial selection for his fourth World Cup and the challenge of facing Luka Modric.
Carlos Ancelotti's Brazil commence their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against plucky Morocco, who come into the mega event on the back of some pre-tournament turbulence.
Ashalata -- who has earned over 100 international caps and captained the national side on multiple occasions -- said the (senior) team has made steady progress but is still short of world-class standards.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has expressed confidence in teenager Lamine Yamal, stating that the forward's most significant World Cup performance is yet to come, potentially in the semi-final against France or the final.
Italy rejects a proposal by Trump envoy Paolo Zampolli to replace Iran at the FIFA World Cup 2026, as officials insist qualification must be earned on merit.
The meeting is a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, when France ended Morocco's historic run in Qatar.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is set to face Lionel Messi for the first time in his career during Wednesday's World Cup semi-final against Argentina, an occasion he described as carrying a 'sense of history' given his long-standing admiration for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Tiny Curacao battled to a 0-0 draw with Ecuador to earn the first World Cup point in the Caribbean island's history on Saturday after an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Eloy Room.
The decision was made following Germany's World Cup exit in the Round of 32 following their loss to Paraguay.
Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the current World Cup will be his last, expressing no regrets about his illustrious career.
South Africa has made history by securing their first-ever World Cup knockout stage berth after a 1-0 victory over South Korea. Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive goal in the 63rd minute, leading to jubilant celebrations and setting up a clash with co-hosts Canada. This marks a significant achievement for the team, overcoming previous group stage exits.
New Zealand midfielder Sarpreet Singh, the first Sikh footballer to play at a FIFA World Cup, hopes his historic appearance will inspire more players of Indian and South Asian heritage to reach football's biggest stage.
Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Tuesday there was "no risk" to fans coming to the country for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after violence erupted following the capture and death of Mexico's most-wanted cartel leader, notably in Jalisco state.
Kylian Mbappe, after scoring a double against Sweden, is nearing Lionel Messi's World Cup goal record but states his primary focus is on winning the trophy for France. He acknowledges his scoring prowess but emphasises the team's collective goal of reaching and winning the final on July 19, downplaying the individual rivalry with Messi.
A first World Cup win for seven-times African champions Egypt, 92 years after their debut, put them in charge though Iran's dogged performances in draws with Belgium and New Zealand means victory could also see them top Group G.
Guadalajara violence postpones matches, FIFA monitoring World Cup host city
Superstars Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, and Shakira delivered a high-energy musical medley during the first-ever halftime show at a World Cup final, a new American-style addition to the tournament.
FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina says the World Cup's new anti-time-wasting rules have been a major success, speeding up play, reducing injuries and improving discipline while defending VAR's controversial decisions.
Despite losing the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, the Argentine national football team received a massive hero's welcome upon their return to Buenos Aires. Thousands of passionate fans gathered at Ezeiza International Airport to celebrate their team, demonstrating that their bond with the players transcends mere results and trophies.
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.
Lamine Yamal's working-class neighbourhood, Rocafonda, is filled with pride as the Spanish forward prepares for the World Cup final against Lionel Messi's Argentina. The story highlights Yamal's deep connection to his roots, his admiration for Messi, and how he honours his community through gestures like his "304" hand sign and wearing a Rocafonda headband.
The Indian U17 women's team is set to play China in the quarter-finals of the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup, with a spot in the 2026 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup at stake.
Johan Manzambi continued his superb FIFA World Cup campaign by setting up Switzerland's opener in a 2-0 win over Algeria, ending the Swiss side's 88-year wait for a World Cup knockout victory and securing a place in the Round of 16.
Germany's shootout defeat by Paraguay on Monday was the first time they have lost on penalties at a World Cup.
Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele shared a warm embrace in France training ahead of the FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Morocco, easing rumours of tension as Les Bleus chase another semi-final appearance.
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.
Talismanic Mohamed Salah scores twice to help Egypt rally to 3-1 win over New Zealand on Sunday.
'Every time he beats his own record, he does have the capacity to up his ante.'
Nicolas Pepe scored two goals to lead Ivory Coast to a 2-0 victory over Curacao, securing their first-ever qualification for the World Cup knockout phase. Curacao, the smallest nation to qualify, was eliminated. Ivory Coast will now face the second-place team from Group I (France or Norway) in Arlington, Texas.
England captain Harry Kane missed a crucial opportunity against Ghana, blazing a close-range shot over the bar, which denied his side an immediate spot in the World Cup round of 32. The 0-0 draw means England must now wait to confirm their progression.
The challenge for manager Thomas Tuchel has a tough task in a tricky group with Croatia, Ghana and Panama, while ensuring reliance on Harry Kane does not become over-dependence by encouraging tactical flexibility.
England's national football team is gearing up to face Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals, with their primary challenge being to contain prolific striker Erling Haaland, who has already scored seven goals in the tournament.
Iran to attend World Cup draw after boycott threat over visa issues
England defeated Mexico 3-2 in a hard-fought World Cup match to secure their place in the quarter-finals. Despite playing with ten men after Jarell Quansah's red card, goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane ensured England's victory.
Argentina booked their place in the World Cup knockout stage on Monday as Lionel Messi recovered from an early penalty miss to score a record-breaking double in a 2-0 victory over Austria.
Mexico continued their perfect start to the World Cup with a 3-0 romp against the Czech Republic on Wednesday, finishing their group-stage campaign with a flourish.
Uzbekistan earn first World Cup qualification, Australia, Jordan close in
Iran's bid for a first World Cup knockout stage appearance ended dramatically after Austria's late equaliser against Algeria denied them a spot. Despite remaining unbeaten, the team faced significant logistical challenges and travel restrictions due to their conflict with the U.S., which captain Mehdi Taremi described as a "disaster."
Monday marks 40 years since Diego Maradona's defining performance in Argentina's 2-1 win over England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium.
'That's not just a football victory -- that's the heartbeat of an entire nation'
