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.
The Iranian football team is facing significant travel restrictions in the US during the World Cup, requiring them to enter and leave within 24 hours of matches. This has led the Football Federation of Iran to lodge a formal complaint with FIFA, citing concerns over fair play and technical preparation, while US authorities maintain the measures are for safety and security.
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.
For Iran's team, the FIFA World Cup has been marred by fraught politics at home, the war with the US, and tensions over whether they would actually be able to set foot on US soil to play their games.
FIFA is expected to keep the scheduled kickoff for Mexico's World Cup Round of 16 clash against England at the Estadio Azteca despite weather concerns, as the hosts prepare to defend their formidable home record.
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.
Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa said the hydration breaks introduced in each half of matches at the World Cup add nothing to football while destroying the sport's cultural essence.
With Kylian Mbappe's depth and experience, economists predict France are tipped to edge Spain to lift World Cup.
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.
Early data from the World Cup indicates that sportswear giant Adidas is currently gaining a significant advantage over rival Nike in brand visibility and sales. Adidas, an official sponsor, is seeing a substantial surge in apparel spending and foot traffic, particularly driven by jersey sales. While Nike's business is also growing, it is being outpaced by Adidas, which appears to have a more resonant product offering. Nike, facing declining market share and intense competition, is relying on the World Cup for a boost, though its footwear presence remains strong.
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.
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.
FIFA's new hydration breaks at the 2026 World Cup have sparked controversy, with coaches including Marcelo Bielsa and Gustavo Alfaro claiming they disrupt football's rhythm and serve commercial interests more than player welfare.
Thanks to major companies like Kia, Mexico has seen a huge influx of South Korean population in places like Monterrey, with Korean cuisine and K-Pop becoming major influences in the country.
England manager Thomas Tuchel praised his side's "pure mentality and heart" after the 10-man Three Lions survived a thrilling 3-2 win over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium to book a FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Norway.
Toronto will hand out free soccer-themed condoms during the FIFA World Cup as part of a public health campaign promoting safer sex and sexual health awareness.
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.
Harry Maguire was left shocked after being omitted from England's World Cup squad by Thomas Tuchel, while Phil Foden and Cole Palmer were also reportedly dropped ahead of Friday's announcement.
Several high-profile football players are facing injuries ahead of the World Cup, raising concerns about their participation in the tournament. Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, and other stars are among those sidelined, while the packed playing schedule is drawing criticism.
Guadalajara violence postpones matches, FIFA monitoring World Cup host city
England manager Thomas Tuchel made several bold selection calls for the World Cup, leaving out Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Harry Maguire while recalling Ivan Toney and backing a new-look squad built on chemistry and trust.
Australia's coach, Tony Popovic, believes Donald Trump's potential attendance at their World Cup match against the United States would motivate his team. While midfielder Jackson Irvine voiced concerns about FIFA's Peace Prize to Trump and LGBT rights in the U.S., Popovic remains focused on the team's preparation and player fitness.
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.
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to participate in his sixth World Cup at the age of 41, as announced by Portugal coach Roberto Martinez.
The final teams have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Find out which teams have qualified and their group stage assignments.
Before Diego Maradona's famous blue shirt became a $9.28 million auction item, it may have had a humbler beginning in Tepito, Mexico City's market district.
Curacao and Cape Verde, two of the smallest nations globally, have achieved an unprecedented feat by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup.
Advocacy groups issued a travel advisory on Thursday, warning that visitors traveling to the US for the 2026 World Cup may face arbitrary detention or deportation, among other human rights abuses.
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.
The official 26-man squads for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Iran's national football team is training in Turkey for upcoming friendlies as they prepare for the FIFA World Cup, facing heightened attention due to geopolitical tensions.
Iran striker Sardar Azmoun has been left out of the squad for World Cup warm-ups amid reports of expulsion over alleged disloyalty, sparking controversy.
Ahead of England's World Cup clash in Mexico, discover the remarkable 200-year-old story of how Cornish miners introduced football and the famous Cornish pasty to the country, shaping Mexico's sporting and cultural identity.
Kosovo, Italy, Czech Republic, and Bosnia and Herzegovina have advanced to the World Cup playoff finals after securing victories in their respective semi-final matches. Thrilling encounters saw underdog triumphs and penalty shootout drama.
The following is a list of teams that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
Lionel Messi's Argentina take on Jude Bellingham's England in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, reviving one of football's greatest rivalries with a place in the final on the line.
England overcame Mexico, the hostile Azteca atmosphere, high altitude and a red card to seal a dramatic 3-2 World Cup victory, with Jude Bellingham inspiring a famous win that could define their tournament.
FIFA boss Infantino also presented President Trump with the very first ticket to the tournament's grand finale.
"I'll give everything I have to represent Algeria in the best possible way."
The teams that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
