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.
India head coach Igor Stimac on Monday stated that his team has a great deal to learn from their Tuesday 2026 FIFA World Cup round 2 qualifying encounter against Asian champions 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.
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.
Mizoram has declared a full holiday for educational institutions and a half-day for government offices to allow residents to watch the FIFA World Cup final. Chief Minister Lalduhoma highlighted the state's passion for football and the importance of the sport to its youth.
Ecuador mints commemorative coin to mark World Cup participation.
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's 19-year-old star Lamine Yamal hugged a dejected Lionel Messi after Spain won the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
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.
La'eeb is an Arabic word meaning 'super-skilled player'.
US President Donald Trump has publicly backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino, stating that replacing him would be a 'terrible mistake' and that the sport would 'never be as successful or profitable' without him, despite Infantino facing significant backlash and a battle to retain his position ahead of next year's presidential elections.
Zee Entertainment said on Monday it had secured the rights to broadcast the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 38 other FIFA events through 2034.
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.
Guadalajara violence postpones matches, FIFA monitoring World Cup host city
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.
Norway registered a thumping 4-1 win as Italy, who have missed out on the last two editions of the World Cup, were condemned to the playoffs.
Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia believes Lionel Messi needs to win the 2026 World Cup to truly equal Diego Maradona's legendary status, despite Messi's 2022 triumph. Bhutia rates Maradona higher due to his single-handed 1986 World Cup victory, while also tipping Spain as slight favourites over Argentina in the upcoming final.
Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes has labelled his 10-match ban, imposed by FIFA following an altercation with Spanish players after the World Cup final, as 'excessive' and believes it can be reduced upon appeal.
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.
The Indian football team, ranked 138th, achieved a commendable 1-1 draw against world No. 44 Panama in a FIFA International friendly. Ryan Williams scored for India, while Omar Valencia equalised for Panama. This result is considered a significant achievement under coach Khalid Jamil and provides a morale boost ahead of upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Uruguay.
Rodri delivered a midfield masterclass against France, anchoring Spain's 2-0 victory and securing their place in the World Cup final. His performance marked a significant return to his pre-injury form, reminiscent of his dominant displays for Manchester City, as he frustrated France's attacking efforts and dictated play.
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.
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.
The second leg of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola kicked off in Kolkata on Friday. The star attraction, aside from the Trophy itself, was Germany legend and FIFA World Cup-winning captain Lothar Matthaeus, who led the unveiling at the trophy's first-ever visit to India.
Lionel Messi made history by becoming the oldest outfield player to start a FIFA World Cup final at 39 years and 25 days, while Spain's Lamine Yamal became the third-youngest player ever to start the tournament's showpiece match, highlighting a generational clash.
'It's really easy to get into and the kids love it.'
Spain's Rodri claimed the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player, Unai Simon won the Golden Glove, and Pau Cubarsi was named the Best Young Player, leaving Lionel Messi without another personal honour despite his impressive World Cup performance.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has suffered a hamstring injury, the LaLiga club said on Monday, weeks before the start of the World Cup.
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.
Talismanic Mohamed Salah scores twice to help Egypt rally to 3-1 win over New Zealand on Sunday.
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.
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.
Croatia and AC Milan's Luka Modric sustained the injury following a clash of heads with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli during their Serie A match on Sunday.
The World Cup pre-quarter-finals line-up.
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.
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.
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.
Ronald Koeman says the Netherlands have the quality to beat any team at the World Cup despite not being favourites, while injury concerns linger over Jurrien Timber and Memphis Depay.
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.
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.
