FIFA President Gianni Infantino is set to attend the opening match of the Under-20 Women's World Cup in Katowice, marking his first public appearance at a FIFA-organised tournament since his controversial $20 billion proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup was abandoned in July due to widespread backlash.
Erling Haaland scored two crucial late goals to lead Norway to a stunning 2-1 victory over five-times champions Brazil in the World Cup Round of 16, securing their place in the quarter-finals. Neymar's late penalty was not enough for Brazil, who also missed an earlier spot-kick.
Legendary striker Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 979th professional goal, leading Al Nassr to a 2-1 victory over Abha in the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo opened the scoring, with Abdullah Al-Hamdan adding another, securing Al Nassr's second-place position in the league table.
Norway pose a formidable threat through Erling Haaland, whose pace and power have made him one of the World Cup's most feared forwards.
The 23rd FIFA World Cup, to be staged across the Americas from June 11 to July 19, has once again ignited excitement across the globe. India, despite its national football team languishing at 139th in the FIFA rankings, has been swept up in the tournament's magic.
India's national football team will host Panama in an international friendly on September 26, marking their first encounter. This match is part of a series of fixtures against 2026 World Cup participants, including Brazil and New Zealand, aimed at providing valuable exposure for the Blue Tigers.
Brazil have lodged a formal complaint with FIFA over the disallowing of a Vinicius Jr goal during their 3-0 FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage victory over Scotland, with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) also requesting that Mexican referee Cesar Ramos no longer officiate the team's matches.
Indian football team head coach Khalid Jamil has strongly defended his decision to drop several established players for upcoming high-profile friendlies against Brazil, Uruguay, and Panama. Jamil stated that selections were based purely on merit and performance, part of a long-term strategy to build a team for the 2027 Asian Cup qualification. He also praised former captain Sunil Chhetri but ruled out his return.
Carlo Ancelotti has spent weeks warning that grit and resilience would decide a long, complicated World Cup. On this evidence, Brazil have been listening -- even if, for much of the match against Japan, they seemed determined to test the theory to destruction.
Neymar Junior returned to international football after a 981-day absence, playing 20 minutes as a substitute in Brazil's 3-0 World Cup victory over Scotland.
Brazilian defender Wesley has been ruled out of the World Cup squad due to a left thigh muscle injury sustained during a friendly match.
Chelsea, under new manager Xabi Alonso, has shown renewed attacking vigour with two Premier League wins and a League Cup victory, highlighted by a 4-3 win over Brighton, but defensive vulnerabilities persist, with the team failing to keep a clean sheet in 18 league games. The arrival of World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emi Martinez is expected to bolster the backline.
Brazil's star forward Neymar has been declared available for the upcoming World Cup group match against Scotland, coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final sees Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, take on a strong Spanish unit featuring teenage star Lamine Yamal, with Messi aiming for back-to-back titles at a venue holding past painful memories.
Lionel Messi leaves as a World Cup winner and twice Copa America champion, the man who stepped out of Diego Maradona's immense shadow to create an Argentine legacy entirely his own.
Brazil forward Neymar will not travel with the squad for their second World Cup group game against Haiti in Philadelphia on Friday as he continues to recover from a calf injury, the Brazilian football association said.
Despite Pakistan not qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, Karachi is buzzing with excitement as the global event begins. "WC Football" villages have been set up in areas like Malir and Lyari, known for their love of the sport, featuring large screens, decorations, and enthusiastic fans. The city's passion for football is evident, with local clubs and administration organising events for youngsters, highlighting the sport's growing influence beyond cricket.
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.
Thousands of Scottish football supporters, known as the Tartan Army, took a break from the World Cup in Boston to attend a baseball game at Fenway Park. They marched with bagpipes and sang their national anthem, bringing their vibrant fan culture to the Boston Red Sox game after their team's recent victory.
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.
Carlo Ancelotti has extended his contract as the manager of the Brazilian national football team until the 2030 World Cup.
Football legend Ronaldinho has come out of retirement at 46 to sign with Italian Serie C club Ravenna FC.
Uruguay has announced a star-studded squad, including Real Madrid's Federico Valverde and Liverpool's Darwin Nunez, for an international friendly against India in Kolkata on October 6. The match will also mark Diego Forlan's debut as head coach for Uruguay, who will also face Panama and Brazil in other friendlies.
A grassroots football academy in Punjab is using football to combat drug abuse and develop young talent, addressing key issues in Indian football's grassroots development.
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.
Brazilian football legend Neymar Jr. has announced his retirement from international football following Brazil's shocking 2-1 defeat to Norway in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. The 34-year-old forward, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, confirmed his decision after the match, marking the end of a celebrated career with the national team.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti says Neymar's 2026 FIFA World Cup selection will depend on fitness and form rather than sentiment as he weighs a crucial squad decision ahead of Brazil's campaign.
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr is reportedly 'happy, cheerful and playing his football' under new manager Jose Mourinho, despite being in the final year of his contract and facing speculation about a potential move to Arsenal.
India's Minerva Academy FC has been crowned the World Youth Cup 2026 Champions, defeating Brazil's RS Sports 2-1 in the Under-12 final in Gothenburg, Sweden, marking their third youth world title and becoming the first Indian academy to achieve this feat.
Legendary Indian goalkeeper Brahmananda Sankhwalkar reflects on the emotional FIFA World Cup exits of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Junior. He discusses their unfulfilled World Cup dreams, their rivalry with Lionel Messi, and the circumstances of their respective team's eliminations, highlighting their enduring legacy despite the absence of a World Cup trophy.
Jose Mourinho, in his first Real Madrid press conference, emphasised non-negotiable commitment, unavoidable competition, and zero tolerance for selection frustrations, setting a clear tone for the upcoming LaLiga season.
Argentina, one of football's most successful teams, is also one of its most polarising, inspiring both devotion and irritation due to its history, iconic players like Maradona and Messi, and a national identity often perceived as arrogant by rivals.
Barcelona have signed midfielder Rodri from Manchester City on a deal until June 2030, the LaLiga champions announced on Tuesday, ending the Spaniard's glittering, trophy-laden spell with the Premier League club in a major coup for the Catalan side.
Former Manchester City and Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has turned down the opportunity to coach the Italy national team, a source familiar with the discussions said on Friday, confirming media reports.
Fans, former teammates, and opponents gathered in Milan to bid farewell to Franco Baresi, the iconic AC Milan and Italy defender who passed away at 66. Baresi, a legendary figure in Italian football, was remembered for his illustrious 20-year career with AC Milan and his contributions to the Italian national team.
Andrea Pirlo, a 2006 World Cup winner and former Juventus manager, has reportedly been appointed as the new head coach of the Italian national football team on a four-year deal.
Real Madrid has announced a contract extension for Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr until June 2032, ending speculation about his future. The 26-year-old, a key player for the club, had been linked with Arsenal. This long-term deal secures one of Real's most valuable assets and follows a summer of significant squad strengthening.
Argentina's President Javier Milei's government has issued a decree allowing the deportation of foreigners who incite hatred or violence against the country and its citizens, a move that comes amid criticism of the national football team's behaviour and political messaging during the recent FIFA World Cup.
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.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is holding a crisis meeting with top officials in Morocco to address the fallout from his failed attempt to sell commercial rights to the World Cup, a move that has led to widespread criticism and calls for his removal.
