The Democratic Republic of Congo's national team has been forced to cancel World Cup buildup events in Kinshasa due to the Ebola virus outbreak and will instead continue preparations in Belgium.
The World Cup has seen a shift to a more lenient refereeing style, prioritising game flow and reducing stoppages. This, combined with stronger, faster players, has led to a quicker, more physically demanding tournament with higher scoring. While welcomed, experts warn that this intensity tests players' physical limits, increasing injury risks, especially for those not fully fit.
England coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed Bukayo Saka is fully fit and available for the World Cup clash against Ghana, while also voicing concerns that FIFA's mandatory hydration breaks are disrupting the flow and identity of football.
France and Morocco were goalless at half-time in their World Cup quarter-final. Kylian Mbappe missed a penalty for France, whose early dominance did not translate into goals. Morocco's goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made a crucial save to deny Mbappe from the spot.
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.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente attributes his team's commanding 2-0 victory over France and progression to the World Cup final to a revived "spirit of 2010" and strong team unity. He praised the squad's commitment, solidarity, and talent, highlighting their collective goal-oriented approach and humility. Spain has now equalled Italy's unbeaten record and looks forward to the final, with De la Fuente emphasising the team's continuous potential for growth.
Iran's national soccer team, currently training in Tijuana, Mexico, will be able to enter the US the day before each of their three World Cup matches, the Department of Homeland Security said on Tuesday.
Switzerland beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties after the teams were locked goalless at the end of extra-time in the Round of 16 match to enter the World Cup quarter-finals at BC Place, Vancouver, on Tuesday.
Italian Football federation chief Gabriele Gravina resigned on Thursday, after the national team failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row.
Brazil secured their spot in the World Cup knockout stages with a dominant 3-0 victory over Scotland. Vinicius Jr scored twice, continuing his impressive form, while Neymar made his much-anticipated return to the national team after nearly three years. The win saw Brazil top Group C, with Matheus Cunha also contributing a goal. Scotland's hopes now rest on qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams.
'It's really easy to get into and the kids love it.'
Talismanic Mohamed Salah scores twice to help Egypt rally to 3-1 win over New Zealand on Sunday.
Zee Entertainment said on Monday it had secured the rights to broadcast the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 38 other FIFA events through 2034.
Guillermo Ochoa said he has entered his final Mexico training camp as the veteran goalkeeper closes in on a historic sixth FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026.
Stephen Eustaquio scored a dramatic 92nd-minute goal to secure a 1-0 victory for Canada over South Africa, propelling the co-hosts into the World Cup last 16 for the first time. The tense match in Los Angeles saw few clear chances until Eustaquio's late strike, ending Canada's frustration and sending them to face either the Netherlands or Morocco in the quarter-finals. South Africa, despite a strong defensive effort, exited the tournament.
'There is football because, and thanks to, these revenues we generate with, and from, the World Cup which we reinvest all over the world.'
Carlo Ancelotti has recalled Neymar to Brazil's squad for next month's FIFA World Cup, backing the veteran forward's fitness and experience despite his injury-disrupted recent years.
Ten-man Paraguay secured a vital 1-0 victory over Turkey in a dramatic World Cup Group D match, breathing new life into their campaign while condemning Turkey to an early exit.
Lionel Messi is dealing with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring less than three weeks before the start of the World Cup, Inter Miami said on Monday after the Argentine forward was forced off in his final club match before the tournament.
Neymar has suffered a minor calf injury but is expected to recover in time to join Brazil's camp next week ahead of the World Cup starting on June 11 in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
FIFA has strongly defended Brazilian referee Raphael Claus after US President Donald Trump questioned his integrity following a controversial red card shown to US striker Folarin Balogun at the World Cup.
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.
Tottenham Hotspur on Monday confirmed that midfielder Xavi Simons will require surgery on his right knee after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.
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.
Iran's players say adversity has united Team Melli after a resilient 0-0 draw against Belgium kept their World Cup knockout hopes alive. A win over Egypt could secure a historic first-ever place in the last 32.
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.
Becomes youngest England player to score a goal and assist in a World Cup match
Global players' union FIFPRO has highlighted a "growing pattern of abuse," including racist and discriminatory attacks, against players at the World Cup, both online and in person. The union is demanding urgent collective action from football stakeholders, law enforcement, and social media platforms to protect players and ensure meaningful consequences for perpetrators.
Pope Leo may have traded his life in Chicago for the ornate apartments at the Vatican's apostolic palace, but he still plans to root for his old national team at the World Cup this month.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to the United States, Bay Area soccer clubs and supporters hope the tournament will inspire a new generation of fans and strengthen the region's thriving grassroots football culture.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirms Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup despite geopolitical tensions, urging that sport remain separate from politics.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni lauded his team's ability to perform under pressure, stating they 'play its best football when it's under pressure' after their dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against England secured a spot in the World Cup final.
A Toronto cannabis store destroyed its World Cup trophy-inspired "FIFA Bong" after receiving a copyright infringement notice from FIFA, but the owners say the dispute generated more publicity than they ever expected.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed various issues ahead of the World Cup, defending the body's handling of visa challenges, stressing its inability to override government decisions, and highlighting efforts to ensure participation from all nations, including Iran. He also defended ticket pricing and expressed optimism for a competitive tournament focused on unity.
France captain Kylian Mbappe sustained a minor ankle injury during the World Cup quarter-final win against Morocco but is expected to play in Tuesday's semi-final against Spain, with coach Didier Deschamps confirming he is 'fine'.
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.
Japan, South Korea, Australia, Iran, Uzbekistan and Jordan have already taken six of Asia's eight guaranteed spots at next year's 48-team World Cup.
The decision was made following Germany's World Cup exit in the Round of 32 following their loss to Paraguay.
Lionel Messi broke the FIFA World Cup scoring record, but his achievement was overshadowed by controversial refereeing decisions.
Nora Fatehi has successfully transitioned to the global stage, with her FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem Siir Siir becoming a viral hit, especially following Morocco's impressive draw against Brazil.
