FIFA World Cup 2026

HUGO EKITIKE is facing a nightmare YEAR out of action after suffering a suspected ruptured Achilles tendon. The striker, 23, was stretchered off in the first half of Liverpool's defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday. Ekitike is understood to have heard his Achilles snap, with the injury expected to ruin his World Cup dreams. The...

Former Milan star Marcel Desailly feels Alessandro Bastoni could bring Barcelona to a ‘different level’,...

Marcus and Luke pack up the truck and head out onto the plains for another edition of Lions Watch, the show where we continually talk up England outsiders’ chances without any consideration for who we’d have to drop from the squad. And plenty more besides. We kick off today with a chat about England’s defenders as Nico O’Reilly’s impressive form pushes him closer to many people’s starting XIs - but does he make ours? Plus: getting the attacking blend right, some of the other World Cup groups and whether the likes of Max Dowman and Rio Ngumoha can grab a last-minute spot on the plane. We stream Lions Watch live on YouTube every other Wednesday! Subscribe to our YouTube to get notified when we go live next. Get your Ramble merch HERE. Sign up to the Football Ramble Patreon for ad-free shows for just $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/footballramble. Find us on Bluesky, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, and email us here: [email protected]. **Please take the time to rate us on your podcast app. It means a great deal to the show an 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.

Brazil icon Neymar has made 128 appearances for the Selecao but the Santos forward’s place at this summer’s World Cup is in doubt with the nation’s president having now offered his take

U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker has officially stepped down from his role, and while it won’t have too much affect on the upcoming FIFA World Cup in North America, the optics are negative no matter which way you look at it. Crocker is reportedly set to take up a similar role with the Saudi ... Read more

FIFA High-Performance Specialist Faisal Chibsah has underlined that Carlos Queiroz’s prospects of success with the Black Stars will depend largely on how quickly he adapts.The Portuguese coach, appointed on a short-term four-month deal, has been tasked with steadying Ghana’s preparations for the World Cup following the dismissal of Otto Addo after a string of four consecutive friendly defeats.With limited time before the expanded tournament begins, attention has turned to whether Queiroz can impose his methods effectively in such a compressed window.Chibsah, while acknowledging the pedigree of the 73-year-old former Real Madrid and Portugal coach, stressed that reputation alone will not guarantee results unless he adjusts to the specific realities of the Black Stars environment.“He will bring a bit of discipline to the team, which for me was lacking a lot. We would see [discipline] and also [Ghana would] definitely get an identity.”“The challenge for Carlos now would be how adaptable he can be taking on Ghana.”“Iran, Oman, Qatar [recent jobs of Queiroz] are not Ghana. Ghana, we expect more.”Ghana are aiming to reach the World Cup knockout stages for the first time since 2010, with Group L fixtures against England, Croatia and Panama...

FIFA High-Performance Specialist Faisal Chibsah believes Ghana’s decision to appoint Carlos Queiroz could mark a decisive shift in the Black Stars’ direction, particularly in restoring structure and discipline ahead of the World Cup.Otto Addo was dismissed after a difficult run of four consecutive defeats in international friendlies, leaving the federation to act swiftly with just months remaining before the expanded 48-team tournament.The former Portugal and Egypt coach has been handed a short-term four-month contract to stabilise the team and guide them through the global showpiece.Chibsah expressed optimism about the impact the 73-year-old could have on the squad’s mentality and organisation, while also stressing the demands that come with managing Ghana at this level.“He will bring a bit of discipline to the team, which for me was lacking a lot. We would see [discipline] and also [Ghana would] definitely get an identity,” Chibsah told Joy News.“The challenge for Carlos now would be how adaptable he can be taking on Ghana.”“Iran, Oman, Qatar [recent jobs of Queiroz] are not Ghana. Ghana, we expect more.”Ghana head into the World Cup with ambitions of reaching the knockout stages for the first time since 2010, with Group L...

It's very common for team to bring U-20 players to the World Cup, either because they are good enough or due to to experience. So will Pochettino bring one with the USMNT? Could it be Cavan Sullivan? Mathis Albert? Zavier Gozo? Caring and Cures → https://www.caringandcures.com Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/TacticalManagerTV Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/tacticalmanagertv Twitter → https://twitter.com/ManagerTactical TikTok→ https://www.tiktok.com/@tacticalmanagertv?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Brazil Channel→ @chapeuFootball Merch store → https://www.tacticalmanagertv.com/ Discord link: https://discord.gg/8crvqsqWRU FuboTV Link for Free Trial: https://www.fubo.tv/welcome?irad=343747&irmp=2871982 Our Live Streaming Studio Browser platform preference: https://streamyard.com?fpr=tactical10 Music By Danae Subscribe to his Channel : @listentodanae Intro music by Music By Skymike Subscribe to his Channel : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt2p67RGk8XSquT1OvOfoZg Sources: https://www.transfermarkt.com https://www.mlssoccer.com/ https://www.espn.com/ https://www.fotmob.com/ #USMNT #TacticalManagerTV

Former Arsenal academy youngster Yassin Fortune is in with a good shot at featuring at this summer's World Cup, after switching international allegiance from France to Haiti.

The road to the 2026 World Cup was always expected to test France in new ways, but few imagined that Hugo Ekitike would become the center of a devastating late setback just weeks before the tournament. The road to the 2026 World Cup was always expected to test France in new ways, but few imagined that Hugo Ekitike would become the center of a devastating late setback just weeks before the tournament. France will enter driven by the scars of the 2022 final, where it fell short in a dramatic clash that still lingers in memory. Ranked third in the world and placed on a favorable path in the bracket, the national team once again looks like a serious contender aiming for a third world title. With stars like 2018 World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe and 2025 Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele leading the charge, belief inside the camp remains strong. The national team arrives with a blend of experience and attacking firepower that few can match. N’Golo Kante has returned to orchestrate play from midfield, while the defensive core brings years of elite European experience into the tournament. This generation believes it has unfinished business on the world stage, especially after coming so close in Qatar. That confidence has now been shaken by a major setback. Ekitike suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during a Champions League clash between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, an injury that immediately raised fears about his availability. PSG maçında aşil tendonu kopan Hugo Ekitike, 9 ay formasından uzak kalacak. (L’Equipe)pic.twitter.com/QJm8QTjNZh — Meritking News TR (@mknewstr) April 15, 2026 The devastating blow confirmed The uncertainty surrounding the striker has soon turned into confirmation of the worst possible outcome. “Carried off on a stretcher… Hugo Ekitike suffered a rupture of his right Achilles tendon,” reported L’Equipe, leaving little room for optimism. As per the report, the injury immediately rules him out of the 2026 World Cup and potentially sidelines him for seven to nine months. The incident occurred during a high-stakes clash between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, where the striker collapsed without contact. “It doesn’t look good for Hugo. It’s especially difficult for him because you never want to get injured, especially at this time of the season,” admitted the Reds’ boss Arne Slot, reflecting the mood inside the club. What this means for France’s tactical setup France’s attacking structure has been one of its greatest strengths, blending pace, creativity, and finishing quality. Ekitike had emerged as a valuable option, contributing 17 goals in 45 appearances at club level and earning his place in the national team setup. His absence forces the coaching staff to rethink rotations and attacking combinations ahead of the tournament. Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool holds his ankle as he appears to be injured Despite the setback, France still enters the competition with strong depth and experience. The team remains on a favorable path in the tournament draw, avoiding early clashes with giants like Spain and Argentina. However, maintaining squad fitness and adapting to injuries will now be even more critical for Didier Deschamps and his squad. Who steps into the spotlight? Since it’s safe to say that Ekitike is officially ruled out, attention now turns to who could fill the void in the national team. According to Le Parisien, Randal Kolo Muani has emerged as the leading candidate to take his place, largely due to the trust he maintains within the coaching staff. His international experience could prove decisive despite mixed club form. Randal Kolo Muani of France controls the ball Other options remain firmly in contention. Christopher Nkunku offers versatility and technical quality, while Jean-Philippe Mateta has impressed with his efficiency in limited appearances for the national team. Each brings a different profile, leaving the final decision open as the tournament approaches.

Ex-Chelsea star Jason Cundy believes his former club are crying out for a player like Harry Maguire. It comes after the Manchester United centre-half put pen to paper on a new contract in M16 to keep him tied to the club until 2027, plus the option of an additional 12 months. DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY […] The post ‘What he brings’: Ex-CFC star says ‘brilliant’ Man Utd ‘figurehead’ would’ve been a perfect fit at Stamford Bridge appeared first on Stretty News.

Serie A heavyweights Inter Milan have reportedly entered the race to sign sought-after Red Bull Salzburg winger Kerim Alajbegovic. According to L’Interista, the Nerazzurri could make a summer swoop for the 18-year-old, who could return to Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season. Leverkusen sold Alajbegovic to Salzburg last summer, but they can re-sign […] The post Report – Inter Milan Make Formal Inquiry About Red Bull Salzburg Teenager Amid Bayer Leverkusen Buy-Back Clause appeared first on SempreInter.com.

THE legendary Bombonera stadium will look almost unrecognisable after undergoing a massive £45million renovation. The iconic ground, known as the "temple of football", has served as the home of Boca Juniors and Argentina's national team since 1940 and hosted legendary World Cup and Copa Libertadores matches. The stadium will undergo a stunning transformation worth a...

Hugo Ekitike suffered a ruptured Achilles during Liverpool's Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday and will miss the World Cup with France.

France will be without striker Hugo Ekitike for this summer's World Cup

Anthony Gordon faces a big summer - with World Cup hopes and the possibility that Newcastle will need to sell him. So what comes next for the England forward?

On Wednesday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you news of the Irish international women's team, the Champions League and the EFL. Liverpool exit the Champions League after defeat to PSG, with Arne Slot highlighting missed chances and a worrying injury to Hugo Ekitike. Barcelona are also knocked out, while Atletico Madrid reach their first Champions League semi-final since 2017 after a dramatic tie. Spanish football writer Graham Hunter discusses Atletico’s ambitions to banish past European disappointments. Arsenal look to seal a semi-final place against Sporting Lisbon, holding a narrow first-leg advantage. Mikel Arteta calls it the biggest opportunity of his tenure, while squad morale remains positive despite recent setbacks. Bayern Munich take a 2-1 lead into their second leg with Real Madrid at the Allianz Arena. Eoin Doyle reflects on how VAR could have altered key moments in his playing career. Ireland secure a thrilling 3-2 World Cup qualifying win over Poland in Gdansk. Goals from Emily Murphy, Katie McCabe and Marissa Sheva earn the points, with Carla Ward praising her side’s performance. Championship and League One round-up, including Ipswich slipping up, Southampton climbing, and Rotherham relegated. Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Episode 9 of the Guuuzan show brings together two greats between the posts, as the cycling Goalkeeper Ben Foster joins the pod. The defensive duo talk about their days playing the EFL & Premier League, their ventures into podcasting, and how their lives have changed since retirement. The Brit also gives his insights on the city of Atlanta from his own adventures filming for his Podcast ahead of the World Cup. If you have any spots to recommend for our international friends, let us know in the comments! 00:00 - Welcome Cycling GK! 03:00 - Who is Ben Foster? 07:00 - Best Rivalry Stories 14:25 - Worst Purchase? 17:30 - Toughest Matchups as a GK 21:40 - YouTube Channel Origin 30:05 - Decision to Retire? 33:35 - World Cup in USA! 39:55 - Home Depot Mailbag (always on time) Atlanta United joined Major League Soccer in 2017 and won the 2018 MLS Cup in just its second season, the earliest an expansion team has won the title since 1998. The club has set multiple league records including season tickets sales (36,000-plus), single-season average (53,002) and total home attendance (901,033). Owned by Arthur M. Blank, Atlanta United plays its home matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For more information about Atlanta United, including how to purchase season tickets, visit: www.atlutd.com. SUBSCRIBE to our channel! Follow Atlanta United on social media: • Twitter: https://twitter.com/ATLUTD • Twitter en español: https://twitter.com/VamosATLUTD • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ATLUTD • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@atlutd • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AtlantaUnitedFC #UniteAndConquer

On today’s show, Marcus, Luke and Vish tackle the big question: is Bournemouth overrated? It’s possible that Andoni Iraola thinks so. As well as that hot debate, we’ve also got the small matter of some Champions League quarter-finals to enjoy. And DO NOT forget about Portsmouth who got a huge win in the Championship last night. 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.

Manchester United’s search for long-term stability in the dugout appears to be gathering pace, with fresh reports suggesting that club officials have recently reached out to the representatives of Julian Nagelsmann. According to a source circulating on social media platform X, contact between United and Nagelsmann’s camp was made within the last 24 hours, signaling […] The post Contact made: Man United make initial inquiry to appoint promising young manager appeared first on CaughtOffside.

AN incredible show of skill from Neymar has left Rio Ferdinand stunned. But it seems it still hasn't been enough to fully convince Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti to pick him for the World Cup, at least not without asking for some presidential advice. Ex-Barcelona star Neymar now stars for Santos back in his homeland. And...

The talismanic Brazil star was omitted from the Italian manager's squad for the final international break ahead of the North American tournament this summer, but remains hopeful.

Le parole del ct iraniano che conferma la partecipazione della sua squadra ai prossimi Mondiali.

Today in TAFC: What now for USMNT after Crocker exit ahead of the World Cup? Plus: All the Champions League fallout.

The league’s emphasis on youth development has seen its place in the careers of US national team players shift dramatically Sign up for the World Behind The Cup newsletter When the United States men’s national team traveled to France for the 1998 World Cup, they did so with 16 Major League Soccer players on their 22-man roster. This was very much by design. MLS had kicked off in 1996 as a fulfilled promise made to Fifa by US Soccer for the right to host the 1994 World Cup. The new league then set about hoarding as many national team players as it could. In a winless and mirthless tournament in 1998, fraught by a fractious camp, the Americans started an MLS player 21 times in their three group-stage matches, for an average of seven per starting lineup. That number has trended down ever since. In the 2002 run to the World Cup quarter-finals, setting the program’s modern high-water mark, an average of 5.4 MLS players made a start in the USA’s five matches. In 2006, it was 3.33. By 2010, that number had sunk to two; and in 2022, it was only one. In Qatar, the USMNT’s final group stage match against Iran was, in fact, the first time the team had started no MLS players at all at a World Cup since the league’s founding.

Al-Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi has rubbished speculation about his long-term future in the Saudi Pro League (SPL). The 50-year-old only joined Al-Hilal at the start of the 2025/26 season after leaving Inter Milan. However, he has been linked with the vacant Italian national team job following their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World […]

Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike looks likely to miss the rest of the season and the upcoming World Cup with the injury he sustained against PSG in the Champions League

It’s the news every Liverpool and France fan has been absolutely dreading. fter Hugo Ekitike was forced off the pitch in clear agony during that miserable Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, the collective mood around Anfield was incredibly bleak. DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO […] The post ‘Confirmed by his family’ – Journalist issues update on Ekitike injury from his family appeared first on CaughtOffside.

An England fans support service said they were ‘initially told the prices would remain as standard’

Simone Inzaghi distanced himself from the vacant Italy job, reiterating his desire to remain at Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal. Inzaghi, who left Inter last year, has been linked with taking charge of the national team. The Azzurri failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after losing their play-off tie against Bosnia-Herzegovina on penalties […] The post ´I am staying at Al-Hilal´ – Inzaghi distances himself from vacant Italy job appeared first on Soccer News.

The federation sporting director's sudden defection to Saudi Arabia comes with bad optics on the cusp of a home World Cup

Train fares are set to dramatically increase for fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in New Jersey, according to The Athletic. However, those plans have triggered strong reactions from politicians and raised concerns about how fans will be able to afford the astronomical fees. New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) is reportedly […]

A top US lawmaker called on FIFA to pay for World Cup public transportation costs on Tuesday following a report that local authorities in New Jersey are planning massive price hikes during the tournament. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, said on X that football’s world governing body — which stands to earn $11 […] The post Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer demands FIFA pay World Cup transport bill amid ticket hikes appeared first on Soccer America.

On a street in a suburb of Port-au-Prince, a dozen teenagers using stones for goalposts are immersed in a Sunday game of football as traffic winds around them. Haiti has many problems, including political instability, poverty and crime. But through it all, the heart of the nation beats for football. Haiti’s qualification for this summer’s […] The post World Cup 2026: Haiti, a ravaged nation whose heart beats for soccer appeared first on Soccer America.

The role of midfielders has grown a lot in the recent couple of years. The teams no longer rely on strikers to decide the match. Instead, the midfielders are expected to press, defend, and even score when needed. At the World Cup, the team with the most qualified midfield will be able to dominate the […] The post The Midfield Arms Race: Which National Teams Have the Most Complete Engine Rooms in 2026? appeared first on Soccer News.

Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike suffered a serious injury during Tuesday night’s Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. There are fears his season could be over, and doubts over his involvement at this summer’s World Cup. The 23-year-old was stretchered off in the first half at Anfield as Arne Slot’s side fell to a 2-0 loss […]

During Liverpool’s massive heavyweight clash against Paris Saint-Germain, the wind was completely sucked out of the stadium when star striker Hugo Ekitike went down with a horrible injury. Instead of dissecting the tactical battle of a classic European tie, the post-match conversation was purely focused on the 23-year-old’s health and unfortunately, the early signs are […] The post “I think..” – Ibrahima Konate issues worrying update on Liverpool teammate Ekitike appeared first on CaughtOffside.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed that newly appointed Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz will soon arrive in the country for his official unveiling.GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum disclosed that the experienced Portuguese tactician is expected in the coming days, where he will formally present his vision for the senior national team.Queiroz, who has previously managed Egypt, Colombia and Oman, has been handed a short-term deal to lead Ghana into the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.The 73-year-old takes over from Otto Addo, who was relieved of his duties in March following back-to-back friendly defeats to Austria and Germany.Speaking on Asempa FM, Asante Twum outlined plans for the coach’s introduction, stressing that the unveiling will offer the public and media an opportunity to hear directly from Queiroz.“In the next few days, Carlos Queiroz will arrive in Ghana to be properly unveiled, where he will personally tell us his plans and his expectations, and his ambitions for the team," he said.“We have only made his statement to us public, but he will be unveiled and made available to the press to answer questions, and then we will make progress from there,”...

World Cup 2026 will be played in 16 venues, many of them stripped of title sponsorships for the tournament

After scoring early, the Brazilian star got into a heated exchange with fans, firing back at criticism as pressure builds ahead of the World Cup. Leer

Industry executives say fans are being put off by expensive match tickets, inflation fears and anti-American sentiment

In this episode of Pathway to Pro, we sit down with RBNY 2 midfielder Paul Sokoloff to chat about his path from the U8 academy all the way to a future HG contract with the first team, his long term goals, favorite memories, and so much more! #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #fccincinnati #fcc #allforcincy #coloradorapids #rapids96 #columbuscrew #crew96 #dcu #dcunited #fcdallas #dtid #houstondynamo #holditdown #sp...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the GP Soccer Podcast! (S14 E6) Proud member of the Sports History Network and endorsed by the National Soccer Coaches Association of Canada. Host Giovanni Pacini welcomes ...

FIFA, soccer's world governing body, has been accused of a 'shakedown' over the news, which comes after ticket prices sparked outrage across the world.

“Los Angeles” is three things: a city, a county, and a metropolitan area of 20 million spread through 300 cities and communities over 5,000-square miles across five counties pockmarked by mountains, hills, canyons and deserts. The post World Cup host Los Angeles: Through the eyes of Scott French appeared first on Soccer America.

Let's answer the four biggest questions following Matt Crocker's decision to step down as U.S. Soccer's sporting director.