Brazilian football star Neymar Jr. shares his emotional response to being included in the FIFA World Cup squad, expressing gratitude for the support he received during his journey.
A record eight players aged 40 or older have been selected to play at the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States - one more than at all the past 22 tournaments combined.
The United States defeated Bosnia 2-0 to advance to the World Cup round of 16. Malik Tillman scored the decisive goal from a free kick after Folarin Balogun was sent off, having previously opened the scoring. This marks their first knockout win since 2002.
Cristiano Ronaldo, playing his 6th FIFA World Cup, headlines the Portugal squad that has a glittering supporting cast that includes Vitinha, Joao Neves, Bruno Fernandes and Nuno Mendes.
Spain returned to winning form with a strong 3-0 victory over Austria, as Lamine Yamal's return from injury proved key in lifting Luis de la Fuente's side back to their best.
Former Italy under-20 international Cristian Volpato has decided to represent Australia and will join the Socceroos' training camp in Los Angeles ahead of the World Cup, Football Australia said on Friday.
Football's global players' union has renewed concerns about the potential impact of heat on the 2026 World Cup, following a scientific analysis indicating a high likelihood of dangerous temperatures for both players and fans.
Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala has apologised for his altercation with Spain midfielder Dani Olmo following the chaotic World Cup final, an incident now under investigation by FIFA.
Canada striker Cyle Larin came off the bench to grab a 1-1 draw for his side against Bosnia and Herzegovina in a frenetic Group B opener on Friday that long looked like it would end in defeat for the World Cup co-hosts.
Free, customizable "fan bands" have become the unexpected must-have souvenir at the 2026 World Cup, with over 700,000 distributed. Sponsored by Bank of America, these charm wristlets feature subtle branding and have gone viral, even appearing on resale platforms. This marketing strategy offers a counterpoint to the tournament's high ticket and merchandise prices, proving that unique, free items can create significant fan engagement and brand visibility.
Mexico will kick off their home World Cup campaign against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca, carrying the pressure of fan expectations and a strong unbeaten run.
Mexico secured a narrow 1-0 victory over South Korea in a Group A football match in Guadalajara. Luis Romo scored the decisive goal following a goalkeeping error, and Mexico's defence, backed by goalkeeper Ral Rangel's late saves, held firm against South Korean pressure.
Brazil and Morocco played to a 1-1 draw in their World Cup Group C opening match. Morocco took an early lead through Ismael Saibari, but Vinicius Jr's brilliant goal brought Brazil level before halftime. Despite Brazil's second-half improvements, Morocco's strong defence held them to a point.
Germany's 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in the World Cup knockout stage sparked a disagreement between coach Julian Nagelsmann and players Joshua Kimmich and Deniz Undav. While the players felt Ecuador 'wanted it more', Nagelsmann strongly rejected this assessment, urging the team to learn and improve for their next match.
England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Arlington, Texas on Wednesday, a heavyweight Group L opener that could set the tone for both teams' tournament ambitions.
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes said Spain were the better team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final and deserved to lift the trophy after their 1-0 victory.
Paris St Germain have signed Spain's World Cup-winning forward Ferran Torres from Barcelona on a contract until 2031, the two clubs announced on Saturday.
Louis Vuitton has once again designed the bespoke trunk for the FIFA World Cup trophy, marking the fifth consecutive tournament. The luxury travel case, featuring a golden V and the brand's monogram, will transport the coveted prize to the New York-New Jersey stadium. This partnership highlights the growing presence of luxury brands in professional sports, with Louis Vuitton also crafting trunks for Formula 1 and Tiffany & Co. for the Super Bowl trophy.
Iran's national soccer team attended visa appointments in Ankara, Turkey, applying for Canadian visas and some players also submitting applications for US entry ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe showcased their exceptional talent in recent World Cup matches, each scoring multiple goals. Despite recent dips in form or career stages, these football superstars proved their enduring prowess, with Mbappe becoming France's all-time top scorer and Messi achieving his first World Cup hat-trick.
Lionel Messi earned a spot in the World Cup history books with a hat-trick that saw Argentina begin the defence of their title with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Algeria in their Group J opener at Kansas City Stadium, Missouri, on Tuesday.
Iran's soccer team arrived in the United States for the first time at this World Cup on Sunday, landing at Los Angeles International Airport and holding a press conference on the same day that a peace deal between the two nations was announced.
Iraq striker Aymen Hussein was questioned for nearly seven hours at Chicago's O'Hare Airport before being allowed into the United States, while the team's photographer was denied entry ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
Almost five decades after Pele ignited Kolkata's romance with Brazilian football, the iconic yellow jersey is set to return to the City of Joy, with the record five-time World Cup champions Brazil scheduled to face India in a landmark international friendly at the Salt Lake Stadium on October 3.
Thousands of Colombian football fans transformed Mexico City into a vibrant yellow sea, celebrating their national team's 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in their World Cup opener. The city's streets and restaurants buzzed with supporters enjoying Colombian food, music, and a strong cultural connection, making the Estadio Azteca feel like a home venue for the victorious team.
Colombian singer Shakira has released 'Dai Dai', the official song for the 2026 World Cup, featuring Nigerian singer Burna Boy.
With a dazzling hat-trick against Algeria, Lionel Messi once again defied age, expectations and logic at the World Cup, prompting coach Lionel Scaloni to call his performances "inexplicable" and admit he is simply no longer surprised by the Argentine legend's brilliance.
Thousands of Norwegian football fans gathered in Oslo in the early hours of Sunday to celebrate their national team's historic World Cup run, despite a quarter-final defeat to England. The "Viking row" ritual and widespread national pride marked an unexpected and memorable tournament for Norway.
Former South Africa cricketer Jonty Rhodes believes that while bilateral ODI series may become fewer in the future, the 50-over format is unlikely to disappear entirely, with passionate fans continuing to support their teams.
Iran's World Cup team conducted open training in Tijuana, Mexico, after relocating their base camp due to geopolitical tensions.
From Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to Cape Verde's fairytale run, VAR controversies and unforgettable fan moments, relive the memories that made the 2026 FIFA World Cup the biggest and most dramatic tournament in history.
The United States men's national team secured a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their World Cup Group D opener, with Folarin Balogun scoring two goals and Giovanni Reyna adding another.
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.
Argentina's football players displayed a political banner claiming "The Falklands are Argentine" after their World Cup semi-final win against England, potentially violating FIFA's code of conduct.
A champions' mentality, a new generation of fearless players are some of the qualities that will have Saudi Arabia wary of the former champions in their upcoming Group H match on Sunday.
Pochettino expects a "very tough game" against Paraguay, praising their aggression and discipline.
New York City will offer residents a chance to buy $50 World Cup tickets through a lottery system, including free transport to New Jersey matches, amid soaring tournament ticket prices.
Brand USA, the destination marketing organisation for the United States, has launched a new social-first series called 'More to Love'. This campaign aims to thank international fans who visited the US during the FIFA World Cup and encourage them to return to explore more of the country's diverse attractions, including its national parks and landmarks. The campaign is being amplified globally, including in India.
The Italian Football Federation has appointed legendary former captain Paolo Maldini as its new Technical Director, aiming to leverage his experience to revitalise the national team's international standing after recent World Cup qualification struggles.
Palestinian soccer federation President Jibril Rajoub refused to stand alongside Israel FA Vice-President Basim Sheikh Suliman in a heated moment at the FIFA Congress on Thursday.
