FIFA World Cup 2026

While hoping for his presence in the 2026 World Cup, Lamine Yamal addressed Neymar's influence on Barcelona's preparation for the comeback in the UEFA Champions League against Atletico Madrid. Lamine Yamal has been the loudest voice coming out of FC Barcelona over the past week as the club gears up for a potential historic comeback against Atletico Madrid in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. With the second leg just one day away, the 18-year-old star drew on the influence of Neymar as a source of inspiration and made a heartfelt plea for the Brazilian to be at the World Cup. Before nodding to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2016 comeback, another landmark reversal closer to Barcelona’s own history was the one engineered by Neymar against PSG in the 2016-17 season. By scoring a brace and delivering the winning assist for Sergi Roberto, the Blaugrana completed one of the most iconic comebacks in sports history, and the scenario Barcelona now face against Atletico carries a strikingly similar feel. At Monday’s press conference, Yamal was asked whether he had revisited that iconic Neymar performance for inspiration, and the young star was effusive in his praise for his idol: “I have seen it many times; I have seen it live as well. Neymar is a player who defined my entire childhood—he is my idol—and I will always be grateful for what he has given to football.“ Yamal then went a step further, expressing his hope that Neymar would be part of the 2026 World Cup. “I believe he inspires us all. He is the kind of player you pay for a ticket to see; three days would pass after a match, and you’d watch it again just to see his plays. I want to thank him for what he has given to the game, and I hope he can be at the World Cup,” he concluded. Lionel Messi and Neymar of Barcelona celebrate against PSG in 2017. Despite frequently drawing comparisons to Lionel Messi due to his playing style, Yamal has consistently been eager to highlight Neymar’s influence on his development. The Spanish teenager had the chance to meet his idol in person back in June 2025, just before the start of the current season. Although Yamal was Barcelona‘s brightest spark in the first leg, Atletico stayed compact and goalkeeper Juan Musso produced a series of outstanding saves to keep him off the scoresheet. Now heading to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, the Blaugrana must wipe out a two-goal deficit from the opening whistle, a challenge Yamal is embracing with the same belief that has fueled some of the great comebacks in the club’s history. Yamal eager to make his mark in the second leg Despite being reduced to ten men for the entire second half of the first leg, Barcelona still dominated possession and created chances, with Yamal often at the center of their most dangerous moments. Far from feeling weighed down by the pressure of being the team’s go-to player, the teenager sees it as fuel. Yamal shared his mindset heading into the match and made clear just how much he is relishing the moment: “I’m very excited. I’ve always said that at the start of the season, my level was questioned a lot because of my pubalgia, and I like it when these moments arrive because this is when the real players show up. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.“ Yamal has already proven he can deliver on the biggest stages, scoring against France and setting up the winner against England in Spain’s triumphant Euro 2024 campaign, and leading Barcelona’s attack in last season’s Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan despite the eventual defeat. With the weight of the occasion on his shoulders at just 18 years old, Yamal appears ready to rise to it once more.

Pulisic has yet to score in 2026, and that's doesn't bode well for his form and confidence ahead of the World Cup

The Ghana Football Association has appointed Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars. The former Real Madrid, Manchester United, Portugal, and Iran coach will lead Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Queiroz boasts an extensive World Cup pedigree. He [...] The post Carlos Queiroz appointed Black Stars head coach for 2026 FIFA World Cup first appeared on Sahara Football.

The 73-year-old has coached Iran at each of the last three World Cup finals, having taken Portugal to the last-16 stage of the 2010 edition.

The 73-year-old has coached Iran at each of the last three World Cup finals, having taken Portugal to the last-16 stage of the 2010 edition.

METLIFE Stadium's name is officially no more for the 2026 World Cup. The home of the New York Jets and Giants will take on a new name for the entirety of the World Cup. The MetLife signage at the top of the stadium was officially covered up on April 8 to comply with Fifa's sponsorship...

Leaving a tip in America is not regarded as optional and could cause England fans' costs to rocket during their trip to the States for the upcoming World Cup

United States defender John Tolkin will be out for “the coming weeks" with a knee ligament injury less than two months before the World Cup.

Cape Verde will be the second-smallest nation at this summer's World Cup

Another huge fitness blow for Spurs

Expansion and political influence have made soccer’s showpiece too big for one region to handle responsibly Sign up for the World Behind The Cup newsletter In retrospect, the 2018 World Cup in Russia looks like a gentle genuflection, a dainty little bow before its strongman leader. Vladimir Putin and his Russian project of gradual conquest were most definitely centered and validated eight years ago: the tournament showcased his nation and awarded its leader prominence of place. This summer, we will see something altogether different, as the runup to this edition of the world’s biggest and most popular sporting event has become a monument to Donald Trump. This is an extract from Soccer with Jonathan Wilson, a weekly look from the Guardian US at the game in Europe and beyond, helmed this week by Leander in Jonathan’s absence. Subscribe for free here. Have a question for Jonathan? Email [email protected], and he’ll answer the best in a future edition. Leander Schaerlaeckens is a Guardian US contributor whose book on the United States men’s national soccer team, The Long Game, is out on 12 May. You can preorder it here. He teaches at Marist University.

Tottenham captain Cristian Romero is out for the remainder of the Premier League season but could recover in time to feature for Argentina at the World Cup this summer.

In our weekly series, the Mirror's Chief Football Writer John Cross gives his England player ratings as young stars and one Premier League captain give Thomas Tuchel much to ponder

Following a hard tackle in the match against Sunderland, medical tests revealed that he has suffered an injury to the medial collateral ligament in his knee. How does this affect the Spurs and Argentina? Leer

'We're in a good place with it.'

The modern footballing machine is manufacturing efficiency at the cost of the soul. We are witnessing the death of the “unique being”—the player whose individuality is not a flaw to be coached out, but how the game turns. From the underproducing academies of “advanced” nations to the viral robot drills on social media (imagine a… The post Italy’s missing the World Cup is the Fault of Modern Football first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

With just a few months to go before the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi seemed to suffer a major setback with Argentina, as Cristian Romero appeared to have picked up a serious injury. However, he has received an injury update that gives him hope of making it to the anticipated tournament. After shining in the CONMEBOL Qualifiers, Argentina stand out as one of the national teams favored to win the 2026 World Cup, aiming for their second consecutive title. However, Lionel Messi seemed to suffer a major setback, as Cristian Romero went off injured in tears in Tottenham Hotspur’s latest match. Despite this, the Argentinean defender’s injury extent has reportedly been revealed, keeping his hopes of reaching the anticipated tournament alive. According to Martín Arevalo, covering ESPN Argentina, Tottenham Hotspur star Cristian Romero has been diagnosed with a knee injury, leaving him out for 5–8 weeks. Moreover, Gastón Edul, specialist covering Argentina national team, reports that he does not have collateral ligament tear, avoiding surgery. Nonetheless, the defender will not play with the English team this season, leaving them in a sensitive spot. CUTI OUT VARIAS SEMANAS @CutiRomero2 tiene una lesión en la rodilla que le demandará entre 5 y 8 semanas de recuperación. Dentro de la mala noticia que es que un futbolista se lesione, para la Selección es una buena noticia porque uno de sus mejores jugadores llega al Mundial. pic.twitter.com/U4SM4Czdoy — Martin Arevalo (@arevalo_martin) April 13, 2026 As a defensive cornerstone for Lionel Messi’s national team, his potential participation in the anticipated tournament would be a significant boost. Not only was he key to the 2022 World Cup title, but he also remains one of the leaders in the dressing room. However, coach Scaloni will be the one to decide whether to call him up, as his match fitness could become an issue for the opening games of the tournament. Alongside Nicolás Otamendi, Cristian Romero has led a great era for Argentina, winning two Copa América titles and a World Cup with them at the back. In addition, Lisandro Martínez also emerges as a key figure for Lionel Messi’s side, providing stability to the team. For this reason, head coach Scaloni could opt to call him up, aiming to give him minutes so he can reach full fitness, as he is key both on and off the pitch. Cristian Romero of Argentina fights for the ball with Jonathan Osorio of Canada. Cristian Romero’s absence may truly affect Tottenham Hotspur Unlike previous seasons, Tottenham Hotspur are going through the worst moment in their history. After dismissing Ange Postecoglou, Thomas Frank, and Igli Tare, they find themselves fighting to avoid relegation to the EFL Championship. Because of this, Cristian Romero’s absence could prove to be the definitive blow to their season, leaving everything in the hands of Kevin Danso and Micky van de Ven. In case his injury extend is confirmed, Cristian will miss the remainder of the season with his club. With only five matches left, the Argentine may not return in time to help avoid relegation under Roberto De Zerbi. As a result, they will have to place their season in the hands of Kevin Danso and Micky van de Ven, moving closer to the EFL Championship than to staying in the Premier League. Cuti Romero no tiene rotura del ligamento colateral pero tiene una lesión. No necesita operación pero si recuperación. Por lo menos seis semanas. Van a ir evaluando su evolución. No va a jugar más en Tottenham en esta temporada. pic.twitter.com/Oji1tSrCul — Gastón Edul (@gastonedul) April 13, 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest of its kind as it will be hosted over three countries for the first time in history, featuring 48 teams from the six football federations, an increase of 16 countries from the regular format of 32 nations that has been in place since 1998. The… The post Newcomers and Second Appearances: What to Expect in the 2026 World Cup first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

In football, success is often measured in trophies and results — but by the time those arrive, the real work has already been done. Long before dominance becomes visible, it is constructed through structure, repetition, and identity. What appears as success is often just the final outcome of a system that has been built over… The post Built Before Success: How Football Identity Shapes Long-Term Performance first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is not just the biggest sporting event of the decade. For the online gambling industry, it is a structural inflection point — one that is reshaping betting markets, accelerating casino cross-sell strategies, minting millions of first-time bettors, and forcing operators to think… The post How the 2026 World Cup Is Shaping the Future of Football Betting and Online Casinos first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Lionel Messi's wife contacted a sports journalist after an interview with her husband went viral during the World Cup

Danny Murphy has claimed Cristian Romero’s tears during Tottenham’s latest defeat were not over the club’s worsening relegation fears. The Spurs captain was spotted crying as he left the pitch foll…

Antonio Conte reiterated his commitment to Napoli as he hit out at speculation linking him with taking charge of Italy. The Azzurri will require a new coach after Gennaro Gattuso’s departure in the wake of their failure to qualify for the World Cup. Last week, Conte, who coached Italy between 2014 and 2016, seemed to […] The post Conte hits out at press for ´twisting´ his Italy job comments appeared first on Soccer News.

The Arsenal boo boys were out in force after a damning defeat to Bournemouth at the weekend. Today, Marcus, Jim, Pete and David discuss what Arsenal need to change to get their title bid back on track. Elsewhere, Man City wore Arsenal's tears as they eased past Chelsea. Plus, the threat of relegation gets very real for Spurs and David Moyes is giddy at the thought of Champions League football. Get your Ramble merch HERE. Find us on Bluesky, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, and email us here: [email protected]. Sign up to the Football Ramble Patreon for ad-free shows for just $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate us on your podcast app. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** The Football Ramble, the original and best football podcast. Brand new podcasts every single weekday throughout the Premier League season and every day throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup. No cliches. No ex-pros like Peter Crouch or The Rest is Football. Just the funniest football conversation out there. Your guardian for the season, daily not weekly. Stick to the Ramble, totally. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The coach will have to decide whether to call up the midfielder even if he hardly plays for Betis Leer

The European and World Cup finalists meet again in qualification for next year’s global tournament in Brazil.

Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup but FIFA's answer to a big problem could open the door to a reprieve

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti believes Neymar still has time to get back to being 100% and play at the FIFA World Cup.

By: Oliver Fisher Rafael Leao’s adventure at AC Milan, which began in the summer of 2019, seems to have reached its final credits. That is according to Corriere della Sera (via MilanNews), who report that the rather loud jeers from the fans during Saturday’s match against Udinese hurt Leao and perhaps marked the definitive end of his love […] The post CorSera: Leao’s Milan spell at ‘end credits’ – price slashed as two destinations emerge appeared first on SempreMilan.

The clock is ticking, June 11 is getting closer by the day, and if you are among the tens of millions of football fans who

Neymar still has time to make Brazil World Cup squad - Carlo Ancelotti espn.in

VfB Stuttgart have paid Angelo Stiller a fee to remove his release clause, which was previously set at around €40 million, giving the German club full control over any negotiations this summer and dealing a blow to Manchester United and Chelsea, who had been hoping to trigger the clause and complete a deal before the […] The post Stuttgart have quietly removed release clause of Manchester United & Chelsea target and now they hold all the cards heading into the World Cup first appeared on Premier League News Now.

With plenty of late-night kick-offs, London’s beleaguered pubs and clubs are hoping to net tens of thousands in extra revenue from the Men’s World Cup, reports Jonathan Prynn

Ngezana's World Cup dream alive, but… Kick Off

Argentina’s World Cup defense suffers potential blow after injury to star player Pulse Sports Nigeria

Try The Athletic for FREE for 30 days: https://theathletic.com/tifofootball 📗 Tifo's new book, "How to Watch Football" is now available internationally: https://linktr.ee/tifobook The World Cup in Mexico 1970 was Brazil's World Cup, the World Cup of Pele, of beautiful football. The first televised, with new technology, inspired by NASA, promised modernity and a vision of the future. But the reality is set against the backdrop of military rule, oppressive governments and a misplaced romanticism. This is the story of Mexico 70. This is the sixteenth in a series, written by Jonathan Wilson, exploring the entire history of football. Illustrated by Philippe Fenner. Join the Tifo Discord Server - https://discord.gg/6nMGtSyyNM Follow Tifo Football by The Athletic: Facebook: http://facebook.com/TifoFootball Instagram: http://instagram.com/TifoFootball_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tifofootball_ X: https://x.com/TifoFootball_ Listen to the Tifo Football podcast: The Athletic UK: http://bit.ly/TifoPodChannel Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/TifoFootPod Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06QIGhqK31Qw1UvfHzRIDA YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWYJXDKS21OHj085qILmy-O2-yZqFIcuM&si=1tSREkvPh3Gps5NR Watch more Tifo: Tifo Football Podcast: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWYJXDKS21OHj085qILmy-O2-yZqFIcuM&si=1tSREkvPh3Gps5NR Tifo Sports by The Athletic: https://www.youtube.com/@TifoSports About Tifo Football by The Athletic: Tifo loves football. We create In-depth tactical, historical and geopolitical breakdowns of the beautiful game. We know there’s an appetite for thoughtful, intelligent content. For stuff that makes the complicated simple. We provide analysis on the Premier League, Champions League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, World Cup and more. Our podcasts interview some of the game’s leading figures. And our editorial covers football with depth and insight. Founded in 2017 and became a part of The Athletic in 2020. For business inquiries, reach out to [email protected]. Additional footage sourced from freestockfootagearchive.com Music provided by APM Music #Football #Soccer #History

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're catching up on some recent MLS news. This week we're going to be talking about Pat Agyemang's injury that is going to keep him out of the World Cup, followed by the rumored rebranding of the Colorado Rapids. Lastly, we discuss Neymar's rumored move over to FC Cincinnati. Let us know your thoughts! #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #f...

After missing the last Aston Villa game, Argentina star goalkeeper Emiliano "Dibu" Martinez eased the concern over his participation in the 2026 World Cup with a positive injury update. Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez sent alarm bells ringing on Sunday after being pulled from Aston Villa‘s starting lineup due to an injury, with the 2026 World Cup now less than two months away. Those fears were quickly put to rest, however, following a positive update on the Argentine goalkeeper’s condition. Aston Villa were visiting Nottingham Forest in a crucial push for UEFA Champions League qualification, with Martinez named in the starting eleven. However, during the pre-match warmup, the Argentine was visibly uncomfortable while striking the ball, prompting the club to withdraw him from the lineup and hand the gloves to Marco Bizot. The concern was swiftly alleviated when Argentine football insider Gaston Edul reported that Martinez’s withdrawal was purely precautionary. The discomfort in his left leg was entirely muscular in nature, with his calf feeling tight rather than pointing to any structural concern. The decision to keep him out was made with more than just the national team in mind. Aston Villa face Bologna in the second leg of their Europa League quarterfinal next Thursday, and with Martinez so central to the club’s ambitions, the cautious approach was deemed the sensible call to protect him from any potential setback. In other news, Emi Martínez also picked up an injury during the warm-up before kickoff. pic.twitter.com/q55h9TUUNn — All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) April 12, 2026 Martinez has been a cornerstone of Argentina’s recent trophy haul, playing a defining role in the 2021 Copa America, producing crucial saves and a heroic penalty shootout performance at the 2022 World Cup, and repeating that heroics at the 2024 Copa America. While Juan Musso and Gerónimo Rulli are capable backup options, losing the Aston Villa goalkeeper to injury would represent a major blow to Argentina‘s aspirations heading into the tournament in North America. Concern grows over Cristian Romero While the anxiety surrounding Martinez has subsided, another key Argentina starter is now causing greater worry. Cristian Romero picked up a knock to his right knee during Sunday’s match against Sunderland, after being pushed from behind by striker Brian Brobbey and colliding with Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, forcing him off the pitch in the 70th minute. The most troubling moment came as Romero left the field in tears, raising fears that the injury could be more serious than the initial impact suggested. With some instability detected in the knee, the defender will undergo medical tests on Monday to determine the extent of the damage to the ligaments, specifically to establish whether he had sustained a medial collateral ligament injury or whether the pain was simply the result of the collision itself.

USMNT strikers Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi continue to score goals, but the big news of the weekend was the return of midfielder Tyler Adams in Bournemouth’s shock 2-1 win at Arsenal. 🇺🇸 Weekend Review: England Tyler Adams returned to action as a second-half sub in Bournemouth’s 2-1 win at Arsenal. The Cherries blew the Premier […] The post USMNT World Cup Hopefuls: Adams is back for upset win, Balogun and Pepi are back on scoresheet appeared first on Soccer America.

One of the hosts of the international tournament has struggled to win consistently Leer

Like so many Americans, Clay Berling became hooked on soccer following the introduction of the pro game. The post The Soccer America story appeared first on Soccer America.

The 2026 World Cup has sparked an unprecedented amount soccer publishing. The post The Soccer America Library appeared first on Soccer America.

FANS will be free to party until 2am as pubs win extra time for World Cup showdowns, it has been confirmed.  The Sun reported exclusively in February that Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood was planning to rip up normal opening hours and give punters more time to celebrate during home nation matches. Ministers say the change will...

The Government has extended late opening hours even further so bars will be able to open longer for three more vital games that take place in a different time zone across the pond

FIFA Fan Festivals will vary across the 11 U.S. venues, including how many days they'll be open. The post Fan Festivals: 2026 World Cup U.S. venues appeared first on Soccer America.

THE World Cup is just around the corner, and preparation for the England manager is doubtless a massive headache. Fortunately for Gareth Southgate, however, he is no longer the man burdened with the responsibility of guiding England into football's biggest tournament. That headache now lies with Thomas Tuchel, while Southgate has been enjoying his time...

Although England do not take on Croatia until June 17, advanced bookings to secure entry or prime seats in pubs or venues are being snapped up much faster than in previous years.

The Tottenham Hotspur forward still doesn't know if he'll participate in soccer's biggest tournament, but he already knows exactly what he'll do if he gets the call from Carletto. Leer

Germany's preeminent footballing publication reports that matters are about to get legally messy in the case of RB Leipzig's rising Ivorian attacker Yan Diomande.