FIFA World Cup 2026

⚽ Fixtures | Latest tables | Premier League top scorers ⚽ Premier League: 10 things to look out for | Mail Dominic Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been speaking ahead of Sunday’s Merseyside derby. Here he is on Hugo Ekitike’s Achilles tendon injury which has ruled the Frenchman out for the rest of the season and this summer’s World Cup. He hasn’t been operated on yet. Devastating for him coming to a new club having so much impact straight away. Playing against your former club in the Champions League quarter-final with so much to come for him in the summer. My first thoughts are with him being out for such a long time, missing out on so many special moments. But it is not the first and not the last player who experienced something like this at the start of their career, and there are so many examples of players coming back even stronger.

In the fourth episode of our new World Cup podcast, Copa Independent, Lawrence Ostlere, Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly discuss the highs and lows of USA 94 and the tournament’s lasting legacy

Carlo Ancelotti argues that Italian football has lost ‘pace’ and warns that the Azzurri ‘must...

Jean-Philippe Mateta is once again proving his value on the pitch for Crystal Palace, but questions about his long-term future at Selhurst Park are refusing to go away. The French striker has returned to scoring form after a difficult few months, yet uncertainty surrounding his contract and a collapsed transfer earlier this year means his […] The post Crystal Palace star’s long term future remains uncertain despite goal scoring return appeared first on CaughtOffside.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Michael Carrick is in pole position to land the permanent role at Manchester United. Ornstein believes that things would have been different if coaches like Thomas Tuchel, Luis Enrique and Carlo Ancelotti were available. But Tuchel has signed a new contract with England and is set to lead them […]

Manchester United have been advised to sign Brentford striker Igor Thiago this summer by former England manager Sam Allardyce. The Red Devils made a lot of changes up front last summer, bringing in an entire new front three in the form of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo. DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR […] The post Manchester United advised to sign 25 G/A Premier League star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

World Cup 2026 will be played in 16 stadiums across three countries and fans are already counting the cost of getting to matches

The World Cup is defined by memorable moments. Counting down to the top 100 of all-time.

Which of the USA's World Cup hopefuls are trending up and down ahead of yet another busy slate of club matches?

Following a bruising Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich and a frustrating La Liga campaign that sees Los Blancos languishing nine points behind arch-rivals Barcelona, the patience of the boardroom has seemingly run dry. According to Daily Mail, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is already preparing for life after Alvaro Arbeloa, pinpointing […] The post Two Premier League icons on Real Madrid radar as they look for a new manager appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Il talento argentino confessa i suoi sogni ed ambizioni a Sportmediaset

The Jordanian Messi: Mousa Al Tamari’s journey to the World Cup The National

April 17 - Ollie Watkins still has hope of making England's World Cup squad despite being dropped for last month's friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, with the Aston Villa forward saying all he can do in the last few weeks of the season is score goals.

Eagle Point Credit Management to capitalise on high prices and demand of football fans to attend the tournament

In response to New Jersey governor Mikie Sherrill‘s request that FIFA help NJ Transit defray some of the cost of getting fans to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, FIFA pushed back on Thursday. “We are quite surprised by the NJ Governor’s approach on fan transportation,” a FIFA spokersperson told Soccer America. “The original FIFA World Cup […] The post FIFA pushes back on New Jersey train prices appeared first on Soccer America.

FOX Soccer analyst Stu Holden joined The Herd to discuss the expectations of the USA ahead of the World Cup.

occer fans have expressed outrage at the exorbitant price of transit fares to get to World Cup matches, following reports that U.S. transport authorities have jacked up prices just for this summer's tournament. The post ‘Disgrace’: fans outraged by World Cup transit fare hikes appeared first on Soccer America.

Ollie Watkins eyes World Cup spot after joining Aston Villa’s 100 club

Ghanaian winger Joseph Paintsil has opened up about his disappointment after being left out of Ghana’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.Speaking to VamosNetwork, the Los Angeles Galaxy star admitted that missing the tournament was one of the toughest moments of his career and revealed that former Black Stars head coach Otto Addo offered little explanation for the decision.“I was disappointed to miss the 2022 World Cup,” Paintsil said. “The coach told me there was no reason — only that I don’t defend. There was no tangible explanation.”Paintsil’s exclusion surprised many given his strong form at the time. Two years later, the 2024 MLS champion is using that setback as motivation to shine for both club and country.With Carlos Queiroz now in charge of the national team and Ghana preparing for the 2026 World Cup, Paintsil hopes to finally get his chance on football’s biggest stage.“I’m just focused on proving myself again. I want to play for Ghanaians and make them proud,” he added.

From bit-part player at Liverpool to Bayer Leverkusen defensive bedrock and full England international, Jarell Quansah's debut Bundesliga season could scarcely have gone much better. We sat down with the 23-year-old to discuss life at the BayArena, Harry Kane, his FIFA 2026 World Cup hopes and more...

Robert Lewandowski has had a disappointing season, losing his starting position at Barcelona and missing out on the 2026 World Cup. Following this, the Polish now faces one of the most important challenges of his career: Convincing the Blaugranas and securing his future. Despite arriving in Barcelona as a seasoned veteran, Robert Lewandowski managed to put in an impressive performance in his first few seasons, scoring 42 goals last season and surpassing 25 goals in the two seasons prior. Despite this, the Polish striker is having a season to forget, missing out on the 2026 World Cup and raising serious doubts among the Blaugranas. As a result, he faces a tough challenge: convincing the Spanish side to keep him and securing his future. Shortly after the start of the 2025–26 season, Robert Lewandowski suffered two muscle injuries that limited his impact at Barcelona. As a result, Ferran Torres took his starting spot, delivering strong performances. Beyond the injuries themselves, this situation highlights a growing concern: his declining physical output. While the Polish striker remains in good shape, Hansi Flick’s tactical system demands far more than just goals, something he has not been consistently providing. Unlike his previous season, Robert Lewandowski has been far less productive in front of goal. In the 40 matches he has played this season, he has managed to score just 17 goals, marking his lowest scoring output since joining Barcelona. With his contract set to expire in June 2026, the Blaugranas are not fully convinced about renewing him, reportedly offering only a one-year extension with a reduced salary and a secondary role. His struggles have not been limited to Barcelona, as Lewandowski has also failed to impress with Poland. Despite being an undisputed starter, the veteran was unable to make a decisive impact in the final stages of the World Cup qualifiers, going scoreless against Sweden and missing out on the 2026 edition, leaving him with just two World Cup appearances in his career. Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona looks on from the bench. Lewandowski disappointed with Poland in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Robert Lewandowski is one of the most important players in the history of Poland. After 165 appearances, he has scored 89 goals, making him the nation’s all-time leading scorer. He also ranks among the top five international goal scorers of all time, alongside players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Despite this, the 37-year-old striker did not deliver his best performances in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. During the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, Lewandowski set a historic record by scoring 16 goals in 10 matches. Far from slowing down in the 2022 edition, the Polish forward once again impressed, netting 9 goals in 9 games and leading his national team to the tournament. However, he was unable to replicate that level in the most recent campaign, producing a less effective return. Unlike the previous two editions, Lewandowski managed just five goals in nine matches for Poland. While he has played a key role in creating space and assisting teammates, his goal output has dropped significantly. He also failed to score against Sweden in the play-off final, leaving his side without his usual scoring contribution and reflecting a difficult season in which he has struggled to find his best form. Lewandowski no longer fits in at Barcelona under Flick Hansi Flick has managed to establish a highly dominant style of play in Europe. Since his arrival in Barcelona, he has relied on intense high-pressing and pressure after turnover involving his forwards. As a result, the Blaugranas have excelled offensively, creating far more scoring opportunities. While Lewandowski performed brilliantly in the 2024-25 season, his physical condition has declined this season, making him less productive. During the 2025–26 season, Robert Lewandowski has become a less effective goalscorer, though he has maintained his importance in overall play by drawing defenders and creating opportunities for his teammates. However, head coach Hansi Flick has a clear demand for his striker: high pressing and immediate pressure after losing possession. As a veteran forward, Lewandowski has struggled to meet those physical demands. Given his declining goal output and high salary, Barcelona are reportedly no longer counting on him as an undisputed starter. Instead, they are pursuing the signing of a younger forward such as Julián Álvarez, prioritizing pressing, pace, scoring ability, and creativity. That said, the Polish striker could still play a key role off the bench, offering experience and finishing quality as a more traditional central striker. Robert Lewandowski of Barcelona With one of the highest salaries in the squad, Robert would need to significantly reduce his wages and accept a secondary role. While this scenario would be ideal for Barcelona, he could struggle to adapt to those conditions. In addition, he continues to attract strong interest from clubs that could offer him a more lucrative contract or a more prominent role. As a result, Lewandowski is not entirely open to staying at Barcelona, feeling neglected by the club, reports Nil Sola, via SER. How has Lewandowski’s playing style changed compared to previous seasons? Robert Lewandowski has gone through several distinct phases throughout his career. During his tenure at Borussia Dortmund, the Polish striker established himself as a brilliant forward, physically dominant and relentless in pressing defenders to score. While not yet a standout in collective play, he still managed to record 103 goals and 42 assists in 187 appearances, attracting interest from Real Madrid and several top European clubs. With his move to Bayern Munich, Lewandowski underwent a clear evolution in his playing style. Under the influence of Pep Guardiola, he developed into one of the most complete strikers in the world. Not only did he excel as a goalscorer, but he also became fully integrated into the team’s collective play, frequently rotating positions with Thomas Müller. At the same time, he maintained his physical dominance, finishing his spell with 344 goals and 73 assists in 375 matches. After his historic stint in Germany, Lewandowski chose to join FC Barcelona. Despite already being a veteran, he made an immediate impact under Xavi Hernández. Thanks to his game intelligence, he stood out by scoring 33 goals in his first season, playing a key role in creating space, pressing, and winning duels against defenders. However, he has since had to adapt his style, maintaining his importance while seeing a decline in pure scoring output. Even though Lewandowski had previously scored 42 goals for Barcelona under Hansi Flick, he has shown a noticeable physical decline this season. As a result, he has shifted his focus toward drawing defenders and facilitating play for Fermín López and Lamine Yamal. In doing so, he has remained highly influential in the team’s overall structure, albeit with a reduced scoring role, particularly as he is no longer applies pressure on opponents. Robert Lewandowski may be an ideal fit for AC Milan Robert Lewandowski can still thrive in European leagues, and AC Milan could be an ideal fit. Arriving as a free agent, the Polish striker would suit head coach Massimiliano Allegri. Unlike Barcelona, the Rossoneri are looking for a forward capable of dominating aerially and positioning himself between opposing center-backs. While he is not coming off his best season, he could still fulfill the role required by the Italian side. As a more traditional, fixed center-forward, Lewandowski could maintain solid output in Serie A. Without heavy creative or pressing responsibilities, he could preserve his physicality to outmuscle defenders and convert chances consistently. With his clinical finishing, he could become a key solution for Allegri, especially as a partnership with Christian Pulisic could significantly boost his goal production. Compared to Christopher Nkunku and Rafael Leão, Lewandowski has consistently demonstrated elite scoring ability in recent seasons, comfortably surpassing 15 goals. He also offers a strong aerial presence, which could be decisive, particularly as Milan have relied on Adrien Rabiot in that aspect. In addition, his presence could create more space for Leão and Pulisic to operate more effectively. While Lewandowski may no longer possess the physical profile to dominate in a high-intensity collective system, he remains highly effective as a fixed striker. Moreover, he could serve as an ideal mentor for Francesco Camarda, who could develop significantly as his backup—something the club does not currently get from options like Christopher Nkunku and Santiago Giménez.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority recently introduced plans to operate 14 express “Boston Stadium” trains running from and to South Station. The post Boston World Cup: How will you get to Foxboro? And how much will it cost? appeared first on Soccer America.

Brenden Aaronson insisted that that the USMNT is determined to make the country proud, following criticism of its performances ahead of the World Cup.

Los Angeles Galaxy winger Joseph Paintsil has criticised former Black Stars head coach Otto Addo for leaving him out of Ghana’s 2022 FIFA World Cup squad — a decision that shocked many football fans and pundits.In an interview with VamosNetwork, the 2024 MLS Cup champion expressed his lingering disappointment over what he described as an unconvincing explanation from the former coach.“I was disappointed with the decision of the coach of the national team… there was no tangible or reasonable reason for me being excluded from the list,” Paintsil said.Paintsil revealed that Otto Addo told him his omission wasn’t due to performance but rather because he “doesn’t defend".“He told me there is no reason, but the only reason is that I don’t defend. There was no tangible explanation, and I was left behind really disappointed.”Ghana endured a tough 2022 World Cup campaign under Otto Addo, crashing out in the group stage. Although Addo later guided the team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he was dismissed earlier this year after a poor run of results and replaced by veteran coach Carlos Queiroz.Ghana now prepares for the upcoming World Cup in the USA, Canada,...

Ghana international Joseph Paintsil has expressed his willingness to continue giving his all to the Black Stars anytime he is called upon. The LA Galaxy winger who missed out on the 2022 World Cup squad has struggled to stay fit in recent times, thereby making his place in the team contentious.However, for Joseph Paintsil, wearing the Ghana jersey goes beyond personal ambition – it's a duty to his nation and its fans.“I’m playing for the people of Ghana and not an individual person,” the Los Angeles Galaxy winger said, his voice firm with conviction.As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Paintsil’s words echo the sentiment of many Ghanaian players preparing to fight for their place in Carlos Queiroz’s squad.The new Black Stars head coach has promised a fresh era built on merit, discipline, and passion — qualities Paintsil has consistently displayed in both club and international football.Since arriving in Major League Soccer, Paintsil has lit up the pitch with his pace, creativity, and hunger to make a difference. His performances for LA Galaxy have reignited conversations about his importance to the national team, especially after his controversial omission from Ghana’s 2022 World Cup roster.Now,...

Los Angeles Galaxy winger Joseph Paintsil has expressed hope that newly appointed Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz will select Ghana’s best players for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.Ghana has been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, Croatia, and England, setting up an exciting but challenging path for the four-time African champions.Speaking to VamosNetwork, Paintsil emphasized his commitment to representing Ghana, saying his focus is always on making his country proud.“I always need to respect the national team call-up. I’m playing for the people of Ghana, not for an individual person,” Paintsil said. “I’m doing it for Ghanaians to know my worth and that I can deliver whenever I get the chance.”The 26-year-old also voiced optimism that Queiroz — who previously managed Colombia, Iran, and Egypt — will make fair and merit-based selections for the tournament.“We are just hoping and praying that the new coach will do the needful — to take the best players to the World Cup, to perform, and to make Ghanaians proud,” he added.Queiroz took over the Black Stars earlier this week following the dismissal...

Is Kylian Mbappé actually the issue at Real Madrid? We break down his trophy drought since joining, while his former club continues to thrive without him, and debate whether Harry Kane has quietly become the Ballon d’Or frontrunner. Then Sophia Wilson joins us to talk about leaving soccer at the door, motherhood, and what really drives her as a competitor. Finally, Kaylyn Kyle stops by to unpack Javier Mascherano’s shock exit from Inter Miami CF, Nashville SC’s statement win, and what it all means for the future of MLS and the USMNT.

Inter Miami forward German Berterame does not have his place secured with Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In just over a month, the coaches of the 48 qualified national teams for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will have to finalize their 26-man squads. In Mexico, there is fierce competition for the striker spots, putting Inter Miami star German Berterame’s chances in serious doubt. “Raul Jimenez and Santiago Gimenez are the main forwards of the Mexico national team, and that appears to be beyond any doubt as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches,” Diario Marca reported this week. Indeed, the Fulham forward has been a key figure based on recent call-ups. And while Gimenez has struggled this year at AC Milan due to inconsistent performances and injuries, he has built a strong reputation in Europe to earn that consideration. “The debate is over the third striker for the World Cup,” the report adds. “The focus is on Armando Gonzalez and German Berterame, who are competing for a place in the 26-man squad that Javier Aguirre will select for the FIFA tournament.” Armando Gonzalez playing for Mexico. Who is Armando Gonzalez? One of the fastest-rising players in Mexican soccer in recent years is Armando Gonzalez. The striker will turn 23 next week and is currently enjoying the best season of his professional career with Guadalajara. After beginning his career with Tapatio in Liga de Expansion MX in 2020, ‘La Hormiga’ (The Ant) reached Liga MX in 2024 and has since established himself as a key player for Guadalajara. This season, he is the team’s undisputed star, leading the standings and topping the Clausura tournament scoring chart with 12 goals. Those performances earned Gonzalez a call-up to the Mexico national team, where Javier Aguirre gave him the opportunity to make his debut in a friendly against Paraguay in November 2025. Since then, he has recorded six appearances, one goal and one assist at the international level. Berterame is struggling at Inter Miami While Armando Gonzalez is in the best form of his career with Guadalajara and gaining prominence with the Mexico national team, German Berterame is having trouble finding his rhythm on the field. Inter Miami paid $15 million to Monterrey at the start of this year to sign the Argentina-born forward, hoping he would become an important attacking piece for the team. However, his start with the club has not been ideal: across MLS and the Concacaf Champions Cup, Berterame has managed just one goal in nine appearances for the Herons, raising questions about his place in the starting lineup. That lack of form at club level has impacted his chances internationally. Javier Aguirre has included Berterame in the starting lineup in only one of Mexico’s five matches this year, while in two others he did not see the field at all.

Football fans in the US have criticised FIFA and local organisers over a move to ban tailgating at World Cup matches.

With nearly a dozen U.S. stadiums around the country hosting World Cup matches this summer, tailgating rules may vary

Which World Cup fanbase will be the loudest? The most fun? The most passionate? Vote in our 2026 FIFA World Cup Ultimate Fanbase.

This summer's World Cup is just a matter of months away, as nations from around the globe vie for glory - but the location for the competition hasn't been without its issues

Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike ruptures Achilles, to miss World Cup espn.in

Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike (23) has been ruled out for the rest of the season and will miss this summer’s World Cup after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon during Tuesday’s…

As the global stage prepares for its biggest edition yet, questions about participating nations, mainly Iran, have added an extra layer of intrigue. The countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues to build momentum, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino stepping forward to address one of the most discussed uncertainties surrounding the tournament. As the global stage prepares for its biggest edition yet, questions about participating nations, mainly Iran, have added an extra layer of intrigue. The tournament itself is shaping up to be historic in every sense. Set to feature 48 teams for the first time, the competition is expected to generate more than $11 billion in revenue, underlining its massive global appeal. With matches spread across multiple host nations, anticipation continues to grow among fans and stakeholders alike. The 2026 edition promises to redefine the scale of international soccer. With 48 teams divided into 12 groups, followed by an expanded knockout phase, the structure introduces a new level of competition and opportunity. This format ensures more nations are involved, increasing both representation and unpredictability. Also, more than 500 million ticket requests have already been recorded, highlighting the event’s reach across all continents. As speculation intensified, FIFA moved to clarify its stance on Iran’s participation. “The Iranian team is coming for sure,” Infantino told CNBC, firmly addressing the uncertainty surrounding the situation. His statement confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup, putting an end to weeks of doubt. Infantino emphasized the fundamental principle behind the decision. “They represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play,” he explained, reinforcing FIFA’s commitment to sporting merit. Keeping the focus on soccer Beyond the confirmation itself, Infantino highlighted a deeper philosophy guiding FIFA’s decisions. “Sports should be outside of politics,” he stated, acknowledging the challenges while maintaining a clear stance. The aim is to preserve the tournament as a platform for unity and competition, regardless of external circumstances. He also acknowledged the realities of the world while defending this approach. “We don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth,” Infantino said, before adding that FIFA continues to work toward building connections through soccer. These remarks underline the balance between idealism and practicality in organizing a global event. Alireza Jahanbakhsh of Iran celebrates during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifiers Iran’s road ahead for the tournament Looking ahead, the focus shifts back to the competition itself. Iran is scheduled to play its group-stage matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt, with games set to take place in major U.S. cities. If successful, further matches would continue within the same host nation as the tournament progresses. The broader objective remains ensuring a successful and secure event. “A win would be that we have a successful World Cup from a security point of view, so no incidents,” Infantino explained. Delivering high-quality matches while maintaining safety standards stands at the core of FIFA’s vision.

Brian Robson, 63, had followed the Three Lions for decades and had a ticket for the World Cup final in the United States because he was a 'top capper' with England fans' club.

Real Madrid want Jurgen Klopp or Mauricio Pochettino to take the reins should the club part ways with Alvaro Arbeloa, according to the Daily Mail. Pressure is mounting at the Santiago Bernabeu after a bruising week. A Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich has already ended hopes of European glory. Los Blancos […]

The 18-mile journey from New York’s Pennsylvania Station ordinarily costs $12.90 for a return ticket.

Hugo Ekitike described his Achilles tendon rupture as “unfair” after the Liverpool and France forward saw his World Cup dream dashed. The France Football Federation confirmed on Wednesday that Ekitike would miss this summer’s tournament in North America, after sustaining a serious injury in Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Ekitike looked distraught […] The post Ekitike rues ´unfair´ Achilles injury after World Cup dream dashed appeared first on Soccer News.

Lionel Messi is the owner of a fifth-division soccer club in Spain after the Argentine superstar acquired Barcelona-based UE Cornellà.

Netherlands icon Clarence Seedorf joins FOX Sports as an analyst for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Kansas City have revealed their reasonably-priced transport plans amid controversy of spiralling costs at the World Cup

Several stars of the game will wear the Shadow Elite 4 in North America this summer

Lionel Messi has been announced as the new owner of Spanish club UE Cornella. The Argentinian football icon, widely regarded as the greatest player ever, has completed his acquisition of a side loc…

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is playing in the United States for Inter Miami and is expected to play a key role in Argentina’s World Cup title defence this year.

In this issue The 2026 World Cup promises to be the biggest of all time. More teams, more matches, more host countries than ever before. What began as a 13-team experiment 96 years ago is now a 48-nation extravaganza, the biggest sporting and cultural event on the planet, which literally billions of people will tune […]