FIFA World Cup 2026

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 […]

Messi said it without saying it. Leer

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.

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.

Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike will miss the rest of the season and the World Cup after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon in the Champions League

The game’s governing body has moved to play down complaints from local politicians justifying a huge price hike in public transport for fans to host city stadiums

Fifa president Gianni Infantino says Iran will come to the World Cup this summer

Mikie Sherrill says taxpayers should not carry burden Costs at World Cup have come under increased scrutiny New Jersey’s governor, Mikie Sherrill, has hit out at Fifa after reports her state’s transport system will charge $100 for a return ticket to World Cup matches this summer. New Jersey Transit lists the price for a round-trip ticket from New York’s Penn Station to MetLife Stadium, which will host eight World Cup matches this summer, including the final, as $12.90. The new pricing, reported by The Athletic earlier this week, puts the return ticket at more than $100 with no reductions for children, seniors or people with disabilities. NJ Transit told Fox 5 New York that the price has not been finalized. A decision is expected in the coming days.

Former Germany international Gerald Asamoah has called for a radical shift in the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) recruitment strategy, urging officials to leverage digital tools to identify diaspora talent long before they reach elite status.Speaking to 3Sports, the Ghanaian-born striker argued that the current practice of waiting until players reach the U21 level to initiate contact is fundamentally flawed and often results in losing top-tier talent to European nations.Asamoah emphasized that the modern era of scouting has moved beyond the necessity of constant physical travel.“You don't need to go out. You have Internet. You have Wyscout. You can check all the players. You can check the Ghanaians. We need to do these things.“Don't sit down and wait when they get to U21 level, and you go: ‘Do you want to play for Ghana?’ It is too late.”This call for an overhaul comes as newly appointed head coach Carlos Queiroz begins preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.There’s an ongoing conversation as to whether to pursue players like Hudson Odoi ahead of the tournament after they previously turned down approaches.

Despite already being a historic figure for Argentina, Lionel Scaloni could be set for a move after the 2026 World Cup. After their UEFA Champions League elimination, Real Madrid have reportedly decided to look for a new head coach, with the Argentine emerging as a clear candidate. Lionel Scaloni has managed to turn Argentina into one of the best national sides in the world. Not only did he lead them to the 2022 World Cup title, but he also built a highly competitive roster blending experience and youth. Despite this, his future with the national team remains unclear, as he has yet to renew his contract. Furthermore, he is reportedly emerging as a leading candidate to become Real Madrid head coach in a post-2026 World Cup move. According to Abraham P. Romero, via El Mundo, Los Blancos have decided to move on from Álvaro Arbeloa, as they believe he failed to get the most out of the current squad. As a result, they have chosen to rule out young, inexperienced candidates, instead focusing on those with world-class experience. In this context, Lionel Scaloni emerges as a clear candidate to take over the role after the 2026 World Cup. With a contract with Argentina running through the end of 2026, Scaloni may not face a difficult exit from the national team. After ending a 36-year drought without winning a World Cup title, he has become one of the best coaches in the world, building a roster with a good balance between experience and youth. However, he may not decide on his future until after the tournament, leaving Real Madrid without a clear answer for several months. While Lionel Scaloni managed to lead Argentina to a World Cup title, he has never had experience as a head coach at club level. His closest role came as an assistant to Jorge Sampaoli at Sevilla FC. Far from being a simple challenge, he could face the demanding day-to-day environment at Real Madrid, defined by sky-high expectations and little tolerance for trophyless seasons. With this in mind, Los Blancos are keeping four other alternatives on their shortlist. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni. Not only Scaloni: Real Madrid reportedly chase four coaches After Carlo Ancelotti’s departure, Real Madrid made the risky decision to back Xabi Alonso, who had impressed at Bayer Leverkusen. However, he did not arrive with extensive experience managing star players, something that ultimately cost him his position. Nor has Álvaro Arbeloa proven to be the solution, as he failed to change the team’s reality. As a result, they are reportedly not only adding Lionel Scaloni, but also considering four other experienced candidates. Alongside Lionel Scaloni, Los Blancos have decided to add Didier Deschamps, who is set to leave France after the 2026 World Cup. While Jürgen Klopp is another clear favorite, he is not expected to leave the Red Bull GmbH group, but he will once again be tempted. Moreover, Mauricio Pochettino emerges as a surprise candidate, as president Florentino Pérez reportedly holds him in high regard, according to El Mundo. While the incident between Vinícius Jr. and Gianluca Prestianni cast doubt over his candidacy, José Mourinho is also considered among the options to coach Real Madrid, according to El Mundo. As one of the managers most beloved by the fanbase, the Portuguese could be key to getting this promising team back on track, having consistently shown his ability to manage big egos and leading los Blancos into a new era.

It stands to reason tailgating would create a lively scene when the World Cup comes to North America in just under two months. But ... no.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill on Wednesday joined U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer in calling on FIFA to contribute toward World Cup transit security costs.

Three officials have had applications for visas rejected Fifa Congress will take place in Vancouver on 30 April Officials from the Palestine Football Association have been denied entry to Canada ahead of a pre-World Cup meeting of Fifa’s member associations to be held in Vancouver this month. Three officials have had applications for visas to enter Canada rejected, with the association subsequently asking Fifa to intervene with immigration authorities on their behalf. It comes amid concerns over the ability of some nations to travel freely to this summer’s 48-team tournament, which will be held across the US, Canada and Mexico.

Didier ​Deschamps’ ‌side will host Northern Ireland at the Stade ‌Pierre-Mauroy in ​what will be its final ⁠fixture before heading to the World Cup.

We learnt one thing last night and it’s that everyone should take a leaf out of Keggy’s book and commit to full chaos. Marcus and Luke are here to reflect on a Champions League classic between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the only game last night. We also re-live another tough watch at the Emirates, where Arsenal appear to be riding a roller coaster without any of the joy. 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Northern Ireland will face two-time world champions France in a friendly in Lille in the lead-up to the latter's World Cup campaign.

La Liga giants Barcelona will reportedly have to break the bank to sign Inter Milan superstar Alessandro Bastoni in the summer. According to Gianluca Di Marzio via FCInter1908, the Nerazzurri have named their asking price amid the Blaugrana’s growing interest. Bastoni’s career is at a crossroads, with the 26-year-old facing an uncertain future at San […] The post Di Marzio – Inter Milan Set Asking Price For Italy Superstar Amid Growing Barcelona Interest appeared first on SempreInter.com.

Barcelona have settled on Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni as their primary target for the summer transfer window to strengthen their backline, and are reportedly hoping to speed ahead with negotiations. The latest is that the Blaugrana would like to close a deal for the Italian international before the World Cup. However the negotiations with Inter […] The post Barcelona look to include La Masia talent in Alessandro Bastoni deal appeared first on Football España.

The Japanese Football Association said Shunsuke Nakamura would join coach Hajime Moriyasu’s backroom staff for the World Cup, where Japan has been drawn in Group F with the Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden.

Liverpool have confirmed that striker Hugo Ekitike has sustained a "serious" Achilles injury and will miss the rest of the season and the World Cup with France.

Pirates star 'set' to face England in WC warm-up Kick Off

Liverpool have confirmed Hugo Ekitike has sustained a serious Achilles injury and will miss this summer's World Cup with France.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill accuses Fifa of failing to provide funding, which means fans must foot the bill for high transport costs at the World Cup this summer.

Neymar is still on a mission to make Brazil's World Cup squad this summer

Newcastle United believe Anthony Gordon will look to leave the club this summer, and they're preparing to receive bids ahead of the summer World Cup.

New video boards have been installed and the mega screens are 71% bigger than before, and LED field lighting brightens the surface at night

Take it from a striker who has been in the zone before: What the USMNT star is doing for his club is a big deal entering a World Cup

Iran are still scheduled to play at this summer’s World Cup and FIFA President Gianni Infantino has offered a fresh update on their place amid the ongoing conflict with the USA and Israel

Packed with snippets of behind-the-scenes gossip and updates from Miguel Delaney's reporting trips, members have a backstage pass as he covers the 2025/2026 season, the 2026 World Cup and more

Le parole del ministro dello sport sulla mancata qualificazione dell'Italia al Mondiale

By Martin Graham France boss Didier Deschamps has announced that striker Hugo Ekitike will miss the upcoming World Cup following a suspected Achilles injury suffered during Liverpool’s Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday. The 23-year-old was carried off on a stretcher at Anfield, with early indications suggesting a lengthy spell on the […]

Liverpool confirmed Ekitike has ruptured his Achilles tendon with the France forward now set for a significant lay-off

We have three £100 vouchers to giveaway just in time for the World Cup

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is set to determine the composition of the Black Stars’ backroom staff following the appointment of Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the senior national team.The restructuring comes after Ghana secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with changes already underway in the technical setup.Otto Addo, who led the team to qualify for the tournament, has been dismissed following defeats to Austria and Germany during the March international window.Winfried Schäfer, who served as technical advisor and director of football at the GFA, has also been relieved of his duties as part of the broader technical overhaul.Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM, GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum confirmed that Queiroz has requested additional technical support as he prepares to take charge.He noted that the existing technical team—comprising John Paintsil, Desmond Ofei, Alain Ravera, Kim Lars Björkegren, Fatawu Dauda, Kris Perquy, Gregory De Grauwe, José Daniel Martínez Alfonso, Carlos Lozano Romero, Issah Amadou and Abdul Rahman Alhassan—remains in place for now, with no final decision taken on their future."Carlos Queiroz has proposed bringing in additional backroom staff to support his work, but the current technical team remains in...

Manchester United and England legend Bryan Robson has delivered a bold World Cup verdict – insisting the current Three Lions squad has what it takes to go all the way… if they fix one key problem. With 90 caps, 65 as captain and 26 goals to his name, Robson knows exactly what it takes to […] The post ‘I Captained England 65 Times… This Team Can Win The World Cup’ appeared first on Fan Banter.

THE WORLD CUP public transport row has exploded further - with Fifa now blamed for the stratospheric prices in some cities. Transport bosses in Boston were slammed when it emerged the usual £20 train from the city to the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough - where Scotland play Haiti and Morocco and England face Ghana -...

Hugo Ekitike will miss the World Cup after suffering an injury against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Nkota's World Cup aspirations become clear Kick Off

Il presidente della Lega Serie A dall'evento de Il Foglio replica alle accuse relative alla mancata concessione di uno stage per la Nazionale prima dei playoff.

It is the smallest country ever, by population, to qualify for football’s showpiece.

Approaching the last FIFA World Cup, the one in Qatar, much of the talk was surrounding it taking place in the middle of the European season, forcing domestic leagues to take a break and, possibly, fatiguing a bunch of the world’s best players. The winter World Cup was hugely controversial, but by the time it […] The post 2026 FIFA World Cup: The One With All the Money appeared first on The Blizzard.