According to Spanish outlet AS, Barcelona are preparing for a significant reshuffle ahead of the summer window, with plans to generate funds through a series of high-profile departures.

The club’s strategy centres on balancing their finances while creating room for new arrivals as they look to strengthen key areas of the squad.

According to AS, several notable names have been made available for potential transfers. Defenders Ronald Araujo, Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde are among those who could attract strong interest, alongside midfielder Marc Casado and highly rated youngster Roony Bardghji.

Barcelona are understood to be open to offers for all five players, signalling a willingness to make difficult decisions to improve their financial position. The approach reflects an ongoing effort to comply with La Liga’s regulatory framework, which continues to place limits on spending and squad registration.

Player sales have become a recurring solution for the club in recent seasons, enabling them to reinvest in the transfer market despite economic constraints. This summer is expected to follow a similar pattern, with departures likely to play a central role in shaping Barcelona’s next phase.

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Born in one country, starring for another: the ‘World Cup of second homelands’

From dual nationality to pivotal career decisions, the 2026 World Cup highlights the stories of those representing a nation other than their place of birth. 

Whether they were raised abroad, opted for a change of allegiance after years in youth systems, or simply followed their heritage, this is, in every sense, the World Cup of second homelands.

Nico Williams prioritises fitness and Athletic’s European charge over World Cup ambitions

Nico Williams found the net in Athletic Club’s victory over Alaves, with the winger later admitting he is finally rediscovering his best form after a grueling injury lay-off.“It has been a very difficult few months,” Williams said.

“I struggled to feel comfortable on the pitch after such a long time out, but I’m focused on the present and helping this club secure European football. ”Despite the prospect of a call-up for Spain, Williams remains grounded. “I’m not looking as far ahead as the World Cup. My priority is my own fitness and the team; whatever happens next will happen.”

World Cup 2026: Assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the former champions

Seven nations head into the World Cup boasting the prestige of at least one star above their crest. Brazil, the five-time record holders, are joined by reigning champions Argentina, France, Germany, Uruguay, Spain, and England in this ultra-exclusive circle of world champions.

One powerhouse is conspicuously absent from the roster. Italy, four-time winners, will miss out for the third consecutive tournament after a devastating defeat to Bosnia in the UEFA play-off final.

World Cup commitments complicate Real Madrid’s managerial search

As the curtain falls on a season where their La Liga title ambitions have withered, Real Madrid are already pivoting toward the next campaign. Top of the agenda is resolving the future of Alvaro Arbeloa, whose tenure at Valdebebas appears to be nearing its end. However, as the board scours the market for a seasoned successor, a familiar obstacle has emerged: the upcoming World Cup.

FIFA to review ticket strategy for 2030 World Cup

FIFA said Thursday it will review its ticketing strategy for the 2030 World Cup following anger over skyrocketing prices for the 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Chasing history: En-Nesyri and Africa’s greatest World Cup goalscorers

From humble beginnings to challenging the global elite, African nations have woven a rich tapestry of drama and talent into the fabric of the World Cup. We look at the marksmen who have defined the continent’s rise on the world stage.

Anatomy of an absence: How the unthinkable became the norm for Italy

For the third consecutive tournament, the World Cup will proceed without the ‘Azzurri’. Far from a mere disappointment, this is the reflection of a systemic crisis threatening the very identity and future of Italian football.

How Sweden reached the World Cup despite finishing rock bottom of their group?

Sweden are set to return to the world stage at the 2026 World Cup, ending a period of inconsistency that saw them miss three of the last four major tournaments.

Their dismal showing in the European World Cup qualifiers suggested another failure was on the cards, but the UEFA Nations League provided a vital lifeline for the finals in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Every World Cup 2026 kit in one place

With the qualifying line-up now complete and all 48 nations officially confirmed, the focus shifts to the visual side of the tournament as teams unveil the shirts they will wear on football’s biggest stage. Check out a group-by-group look at the kits revealed so far.

Hakimi ruled out of PSG’s semi-final against Bayern but World Cup not at risk

PSG have been dealt a significant injury blow following their first-leg clash with Bayern Munich, as Achraf Hakimi is set to miss the trip to the Allianz Arena with a hamstring tear. The Moroccan would return for a hypothetical final, and his place in the World Cup squad is not in jeopardy.

PSG will have to make do without a key component of their starting XI for the upcoming return leg. Medical examinations on Wednesday confirmed that Achraf Hakimi is suffering from a hamstring tear, an injury picked up during the first-leg meeting with Bayern Munich, as reported by RMC Sport.

Victor Munoz sidelined by soleus injury, World Cup hopes in jeopardy

Victor Munoz, one of Osasuna’s most potent attacking threats, is set for several weeks on the sidelines after sustaining a soleus injury. The setback deprives the Navarre outfit of a key protagonist during the season’s run-in and puts his participation in the World Cup in serious doubt.

Munoz has suffered a muscular injury to the soleus in his left leg. It is a significant blow for Osasuna, as the winger had established himself as a genuine difference-maker, providing vital goals and assists through his ability to beat his man and penetrate defensive lines.

The major stars already ruled out through injury

A growing list of high-profile absentees is causing a headache for national teams, with several key figures already sidelined and others, including Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal, facing a race for fitness. Check out the stars ruled out for the big tournament.

Messi and Mbappe set their sights on Klose’s all-time World Cup record

During the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi and Mbappe will be within reach of Miroslav Klose’s record as the top scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals. The Argentine and French players are three and four goals behind the German, respectively.

Both Kylian Mbappe, who scored a hat trick in that final to narrowly miss out on two consecutive World Cup titles, and Lionel Messi, whose brace denied France silverware and allowed him to lift the trophy he so desperately wanted, will compete in the tournament in Mexico, the USA and Canada in search of making more history in the tournament.

Luca Zidane suffers jaw fracture, casting doubt over World Cup involvement

Granada and Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining a serious facial injury, raising concerns over his availability for the upcoming World Cup.

Modric suffers fractured cheekbone, will go under the knife: AC Milan

Luka Modric fractured his cheekbone in a clash of heads during AC Milan’s goalless draw with Juventus and will undergo surgery, his Serie A club said on Monday. The 40-year-old is also set to play at the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, assuming he recovers in time.

The World Cup’s ‘phantom’ nations: The extinct teams that left their mark

Spanning nearly a century, the World Cup has played host to a revolving door of nations. Today, some of these sides exist only in history books, victims of the shifting sands of global geopolitics.

Complete guide to the 2026 World Cup final

From kick-off times to stadium details, here is a complete guide to the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The 10 oldest players in World Cup history

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, we revisit the veterans who made history on the global stage—a list poised for a shake-up in the next edition. Check out the oldest players to have ever graced the competition.

Xavi Simons in tears as knee injury puts World Cup dream in jeopardy

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Xavi Simons was stretchered off in distress during the clash with Wolves. With the World Cup just 47 days away and Spurs fighting for survival, the Netherlands international now faces an anxious wait to discover the extent of the damage.

Militao’s World Cup dreams hanging by a thread as surgery looms

Concerns are mounting for Eder Militao and the Brazil national team. What was initially diagnosed as a minor setback for the Real Madrid centre-half has reportedly taken a turn for the worse, with surgery now a distinct possibility.

Spanish radio station ‘COPE’ reports that the defender is in danger of missing the World Cup with the ‘Canarinha’ after suffering a hamstring relapse. Crucially, the scar from an injury sustained in December has reportedly reopened, a complication that would necessitate an operation.

PSG’s Luis Enrique ‘couldn’t care less’ about World Cup

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique has no intention of easing up on his players ahead of the World Cup as his Ligue 1 leaders look to defend their Champions League crown.

When asked about whether he would manage his players with an eye on the World Cup, which begins in June, Luis Enrique was dismissive. “I’m the Paris Saint-Germain coach, as for the rest, I couldn’t care less,” said the 55-year-old, who coached Spain at the 2022 World Cup finals.

“I’m not interested in that. What I have to manage is the situation at Paris Saint-Germain. Everything else is very clear.” Vitinha is suffering from a swollen heel, which forced him off against Lyon.

Chelsea’s Estevao out for season, World Cup in doubt

Brazilian winger Estevao is out for the rest of the English season, with his participation in the World Cup in doubt, Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane said on Friday.

McFarlane, back in charge at Stamford Bridge after this week’s sacking of Liam Rosenior, delivered the bleak news about Estevao ahead of his side’s FA Cup semi-final against Leeds on Sunday.

“Estevao, unfortunately, won’t play for us (again) this season,” he said. “He’s going to be out for a little bit of time. 

“Lamine Yamal injury: Six of nine players suffer setbacks – expert”

Dr Ripoll, a renowned sports medicine specialist, has issued a warning regarding Lamine Yamal: “I don’t believe he will be ready for the World Cup opener; caution is the only sensible path. I see him returning for a potential round of 16 tie.”

“Nine FC Barcelona players have previously dealt with this specific injury, and six of them suffered at least one setback. If his return to competitive action is rushed, there is a significant risk of re-injury,” the doctor warned in a statement to ‘SER’.

Queiroz aims to raise bar for Ghana ahead of World Cup

Newly-appointed Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz said Thursday that leading the Black Stars at the 2026 World Cup will be “the biggest challenge” of his career.

The arrival of the veteran Portuguese coach, who oversaw Iran at the 2022 World Cup and also spent a season at Real Madrid, has sparked a frenzy among Ghana fans, underscoring the weight of expectation around a team seeking to restore their global standing.

Lamine Yamal to miss remainder of La Liga season but on track for WC

Barcelona have confirmed that Lamine Yamal has suffered a hamstring tear in his left leg. The teenager is set to miss ‘El Clasico’ and the rest of the domestic campaign, but is expected to be fit for Luis de la Fuente’s World Cup squad.

“Tests have confirmed that first-team player Lamine Yamal has sustained a hamstring injury in his left leg. The player will undergo conservative treatment. Lamine Yamal will miss the remainder of the season and is expected to be available for the World Cup,” read the official statement from the Catalan club.

Brazil star Eder Militao dealt fresh blow

Real Madrid confirmed on Thursday that Eder Militao has sustained a hamstring injury in his left leg, a recurrence of the issue that sidelined the defender last December.

This latest setback for the defender is a cause for concern for Brazil, as it could impact his preparations for the 2026 World Cup. When at his best, the centre-back remains one of Carlo Ancelotti’s key men in the heart of the defence.

Trump envoy wants Italy to replace Iran at World Cup

An envoy to US President Donald Trump has asked world football’s governing body FIFA to replace Iran with Italy at the World Cup, according to the Financial Times.

US special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the FT it would be a “dream” to see four-time World Cup winners Italy at the finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada despite the fact they lost in a qualification playoff last month.

Yamal suffers injury blow converting penalty 50 days before World Cup

Alarm bells are ringing for FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team. This Wednesday, with the World Cup just 50 days away, Lamine Yamal sustained an injury in the very act of scoring a penalty against Celta Vigo.

World Cup heartbreak for Gnabry as injury ends tournament hopes

Germany international Serge Gnabry confirmed on Friday that he will miss the upcoming World Cup, after an adductor injury brought a premature end to his tournament ambitions.

Estevao’s World Cup dreams in jeopardy after severe hamstring tear

Chelsea star Estevao faces a race against time for the World Cup after suffering a Grade IV hamstring tear, according to reports by Mario Cortegana in ‘The Athletic’.

Solbakken reveals he almost quit Norway before World Cup turnaround

Stale Solbakken has admitted he was close to stepping down during a crisis after Euro 2024 disappointment, before leading Norway into a remarkable World Cup qualification run.

In the aftermath of the failure in the qualification for the European Championships, the national team was met with massive criticism. Solbakken felt that he had disappointed an entire nation.

Ngezana back fit but facing World Cup race against time

After three months out, Siyabonga Ngezana has returned to fitness and must now convince coach Hugo Broos he can be ready in time for the 2026 World Cup.

The former Kaizer Chiefs defender established himself as the first-choice partner for Mbekezeli Mbokazi in the centre of the defence, but had been laid low by a knee injury since the end of January.

2026 World Cup: Where to watch the tournament in English-speaking countries

The 2026 World Cup is drawing closer. Discover all the channels and platforms where English-speaking countries can follow every moment of the world’s greatest spectacle.

Estevao remains on course for World Cup selection despite minor injury

The 18-year-old has suffered a recurrence of a previous muscular issue, this time in his right leg, and has begun an intensive rehabilitation programme to ensure his availability for the showpiece tournament.

Cafu backs Brazil as World Cup favourites

Cafu, the former Brazilian international who played for Sao Paulo, Milan and Roma, said on Monday that the Canarinha are ‘favourites’ to win the World Cup in Canada, the United States and Mexico because they have ‘big stars’.

“Brazil, as five-time champions, are favourites for the World Cup. They have great stars, a great manager, and I see them as having a strong chance of winning the World Cup. The main problem is the lack of time to prepare for the tournament.”

Vestergaard, who ‘erased’ Ronaldo brings down curtain on international career

33-year old Leicester central defender Jannik Vestergaard on Friday night announced that he has chosen to bring down the curtain on his international career.

The 33-year-old defender has spoken about his decision in an interview with Danish media Politiken, where he says that he has thought a lot about the decision recently.

Hundreds of bone fragments found in Mexico City ahead of World Cup

More than 1,000 bone fragments have been found near a lake in Mexico City, authorities and a volunteer group said, just weeks before it hosts the World Cup — another grim reminder of the country’s violent drug war.

Ollie Watkins targets late push for England World Cup squad

Ollie Watkins remains determined to break into England’s World Cup squad, insisting his focus is on finishing the season strongly after missing recent friendlies.

Chris Wood injury not thought to be serious, says New Zealand boss

Wood was forced off before half-time in Nottingham Forest’s Europa League win, but early indications point to a minor issue rather than a long-term absence.

Renard sacked as Saudi Arabia coach ahead of World Cup

Frenchman Herve Renard told AFP on Friday he has been relieved of his duties as Saudi Arabia coach, less than two months before the start of the 2026 World Cup.

Celtic legend Nakamura joins Japan’s World Cup coaching staff

Shunsuke Nakamura will be part of Japan’s coaching staff at the upcoming World Cup, with the former Celtic playmaker taking on a new role with the national team.

World football’s fresh faces: Meet the 2026 World Cup debutants

As the tournament expands to a historic 48-team format, the 2026 World Cup welcomes a host of nations set to grace football’s grandest stage for the first time. We chart the remarkable journeys of Uzbekistan, Jordan, Cape Verde, and Curacao as they realise their global ambitions.

France boss Deschamps confirms Ekitike to miss World Cup

Liverpool and France forward Hugo Ekitike will miss the 2026 World Cup after suffering a serious injury in his club’s Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain, his national team coach Didier Deschamps said Wednesday.

Ekitike’s World Cup spot in jeopardy

Liverpool manager Arne Slot said he would be surprised if Hugo Ekitike features again this season after being stretchered off in his side’s Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain. The former PSG striker crumpled in a heap holding his lower right leg with a suspected ruptured Achilles tendon that could also end his hopes of representing France at the World Cup.

Gone but not forgotten: 25 stars of USA ’94 who have passed away

Though only three decades have passed since the 1994 World Cup in the United States, and many of its icons are only in their 50s and 60s, a poignant 25 participants from the tournament have already left us. We look back at their lives and careers to ensure their legacies endure.

Richarlison opens up on post-World Cup depression and suicidal thoughts

Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison has spoken candidly about his battle with depression following the 2022 World Cup, in a poignant interview with France Football, as reported by GE.

“Following the 2022 World Cup, I spiralled into depression,” the forward admitted. “I was besieged by a succession of misfortunes: our exit from the tournament, betrayal by my agent, family issues, and physical setbacks. For eighteen months, it felt like I was taking blow after blow on a daily basis.”

Cristian Romero sidelined for season finale but handed World Cup boost

Tottenham’s Cristian Romero will miss the remainder of the Premier League campaign with a knee injury, though the defender is expected to recover in time for Argentina’s World Cup bid.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Argentine defender Cristian Romero is set to miss the final six matches of the 2025-26 Premier League season due to a knee injury, according to reports in Argentina and confirmed by ‘EFE’.

Ghana turn to veteran Queiroz for World Cup

Veteran Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz has been appointed head coach of Ghana for the 2026 World Cup, the Ghanaian federation announced on Monday.

Knee blow for Romero in Sunderland loss raises fears for Spurs and Argentina

Tottenham Hotspur’s Argentine defender Cristian Romero was forced off in tears, showing signs of knee pain, during the defeat against Sunderland and will undergo tests in the coming days to assess the extent of the injury. The potential knee injury is a major concern both for the club and the national team.

Somalia president congratulates World Cup-bound referee Omar Artan

Somalia president Hassan Mohamud congratulated football referee Omar Artan who has made history as the first Somalian to be selected to officiate at the World Cup finals.

Kudus injury at Tottenham casts shadow over World Cup dreams with Ghana

Mohammed Kudus has suffered a relapse of his quadriceps injury, casting serious doubt over his availability for Ghana at the 2026 World Cup.

Brazil assistant coach Davide Ancelotti doesn’t rule out Neymar for World Cup squad

Davide Ancelotti, assistant to his father Carlo with Brazil, has stated that Neymar still has a chance of making the final squad for the World Cup.

Neymar, now at Santos, is the Brazilian national team’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals in 128 matches, but he has not played for the national side since November 2023.

“It’s the manager’s decision, he has time to make it,” said Davide in an interview with the British broadcaster BBC.

The final bow: Football’s greats prepare for a World Cup swansong

As the World Cup looms, the global stage prepares for a poignant farewell to a generation of icons set to compete in their final tournament. With a blend of nostalgia and reverence, we look at the titans ready for one last dance.

England set for World Cup warm-up friendlies in Florida heat

Thomas Tuchel’s men will take on New Zealand on June 6 in Tampa Bay before facing Costa Rica four days later in Orlando.

Both games will kick off at 16:00 local time (20:00GMT) as England aim to acclimatise for punishing conditions once the competition gets underway.

Tuchel’s squad will then head to Kansas City, where they will be based at the Soccer Swope Village for the duration of the tournament.

When does the World Cup 2026 start?

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule now finalised, the stage is set for the tournament’s curtain-raiser as Mexico face South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca. Check out the World Cup opener’s kick-off in every time zone.

The stars who will miss the 2026 World Cup

The World Cup remains the ultimate stage in football, yet even the game’s biggest names are never guaranteed a place. Every edition leaves behind high-profile absentees, whether due to failed qualification campaigns, injuries or fierce competition within national teams. Check out the stars who will miss the major tournament.

Neuer’s Bernabeu masterclass reignites Germany’s goalkeeping debate

Manuel Neuer was named Player of the Match after a vintage display against Real Madrid. Despite stepping away from the international stage two years ago, his heroics have sparked calls for a sensational World Cup return.

FIFA open proceedings against Spain over racist chants

FIFA have launched disciplinary proceedings against the Spanish Football Federation following the racist chants heard during Spain’s friendly against Egypt at the RCDE Stadium.

Lahm: ‘If Germany continues on this path, we could suffer Italy’s fate’

Philipp Lahm has issued a sobering warning regarding the trajectory of German football, citing Italy’s decline as a cautionary tale while praising the enduring identity of the Spanish model.

“A year ago, I wrote that Italian football lacked intensity, commitment, dynamism, athleticism, and initiative, which explains its dearth of world-class players,” Lahm observed. “This year, no Italian clubs reached the Champions League quarter-finals. We were even on the brink of a round of 16 without them for the first time, had Atalanta not dramatically eliminated Borussia Dortmund in the dying seconds. Furthermore, the national team failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time.”

Ancelotti poised for Brazil extension until 2030

The Brazilian Football Confederation is set to secure Carlo Ancelotti’s future until at least the 2030 World Cup, despite his first major tournament test looming this summer.

Raphinha races against time after Brazil trip with Clasico in sight

Raphinha is now fully focused on his recovery after a brief return to Brazil, with Barcelona targeting his comeback for the decisive Clasico against Real Madrid on 10 May.

Schouten ruled out of World Cup after ACL injury

Jerdy Schouten has been dealt a devastating blow after suffering a cruciate ligament injury that will rule him out of the upcoming World Cup.

Hosts Canada offer heartbroken Italians jersey swap for World Cup

Swap the Azzurri kit and slip into something maple-flavoured: the Canadian Soccer Association spent Saturday tempting Toronto’s Italian diaspora to trade blue for red and rally behind the home team at the 2026 World Cup.

Conte, Mancini or Guardiola: The heavyweight names linked with Italy’s rebuild

The Italian Federation is already mapping out the future of the ‘Azzurri’. While Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte are the frontrunners, Pep Guardiola remains the ultimate ambitious target.

Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappe and Vini Jr immortalised in Lego ahead of World Cup

Lego’s latest collection reimagines global icons Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr as collectible minifigures, ramping up the anticipation for the tournament.

Italy’s football chief resigns after World Cup disaster

The head of Italy’s football federation (FIGC) resigned on Thursday, falling on his sword after the men’s national team failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.

France overtakes Spain to claim first place in the FIFA World Rankings

FIFA has unveiled its latest world rankings, factoring in the most recent round of international friendlies and competitive qualifiers. France have ascended to the summit of the global standings, displacing Spain in second, while Argentina occupy 3rd position, further cementing their status as one of world football’s elite forces.

England boss Tuchel casts doubt on Foden’s World Cup chances

Thomas Tuchel said Phil Foden’s place in England’s World Cup squad is “not a guarantee” after failing once more to hit peak form for the Three Lions.

Ancelotti’s selection headache: Three players, two spots

Carlo Ancelotti has all but finalised his 26-man World Cup squad, with 24 names already confirmed. Lucas Paqueta, Endrick and Igor Thiago are left to fight for the remaining two berths, while Neymar looks set to miss out.

Guehi tells England to ‘stick together’ after World Cup warm-up defeat to Japan

Marc Guehi said England needed to “stick together” after Tuesday’s World Cup warm-up defeat by Japan.

“We can’t sugarcoat it,” said stand-in England captain Guehi. “It’s always disappointing. You want to be winning those games, but the most important (thing) is going to the World Cup and being ready for that.“

Morocco ‘focused on World Cup’ amid AFCON controversy

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi insisted Tuesday that his side was fully focused on the upcoming World Cup after a 2-1 friendly win over Paraguay, despite the ongoing controversy of January’s Africa Cup of Nations final.

“We are focused on the World Cup. We have had 10 days together where I honestly haven’t felt as though anyone has been distracted,” the recently-appointed Ouahbi said of his team in Lens, in northern France, where Tuesday’s game took place.

Son under scrutiny ahead of World Cup after South Korea friendly woes

Captain Son Heung-min admitted South Korea have work to do after losing two friendlies in Europe without scoring a goal and with his own form under scrutiny ahead of the World Cup.

“The result is certainly disappointing but I think we need to focus on the positive aspects and prepare better for the upcoming World Cup,” said Son. “I know fans may feel disappointed compared to their expectations, but the real stage is the World Cup.”

Italy stand alone as only FIFA top 15 nation to miss 2026 World Cup

The crisis in Italian football reaches a new nadir as the Azzurri become the sole top-ranked side to fail in their quest for World Cup qualification.

Ailing Italy at new low after missing out on yet another World Cup

Italians will once again be forced to watch a World Cup from the sidelines after another play-off disaster highlighted just how far one of the great footballing nations has fallen.

‘Indescribable’: Bosnia jubilant after securing World Cup return

Bosnian football fans partied in towns and cities around the country until early dawn on Wednesday, after the Balkan nation defeated Italy in a nail-biting match to qualify for just their second World Cup.

Italy’s sport minister asks football chief to step down after World Cup disaster

Italy’s Sport Minister Andrea Abodi said on Wednesday the head of the country’s football federation should step down after the national team failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.

Fernandes pulls the strings as Portugal cruise past USA in Atlanta

The Manchester United playmaker provided both assists in a clinical 2-0 victory, offering a significant boost to Portugal’s World Cup preparations.

Messi shines as Argentina cruise past Zambia in potential home farewell

The world champions dismantled Zambia 5-0 in a 2026 World Cup warm-up, featuring a goal from their legendary No. 10 and a glimpse into the future with emerging talents.

Endrick inspires Brazil to victory over Croatia as World Cup selection looms

The Selecao staged a late surge to secure a 3-1 win, providing a timely boost for Carlo Ancelotti ahead of his final squad announcement.

Czech Republic beat Denmark on penalties to reach World Cup

Michal Sadilek’s penalty sent the Czech Republic to the World Cup as they beat Denmark in a shootout in Prague on Tuesday following a 2-2 draw after extra time.

Italy to miss third straight World Cup after shoot-out defeat to Bosnia

Italy will miss out on a third straight World Cup after falling to Bosnia and Herzegovina in Tuesday’s breathless qualification play-off final, the Azzurri blowing their chance to reach this summer’s tournament in North America with a 4-1 penalty shootout.

Gyokeres sends Sweden to World Cup with dramatic winner against Poland

Viktor Gyokeres sent Sweden to the 2026 World Cup as he netted a dramatic late winner to hand his country a 3-2 win over Poland in their European play-off final on Tuesday.

Turkey qualify for World Cup with play-off win over Kosovo

Turkey qualified for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday after Kerem Akturkoglu’s goal secured a 1-0 win away to Kosovo in their European play-off final, shattering their hosts’ dream of appearing at the tournament for the first time.

Kane out of World Cup warm-up against Japan with injury

Harry Kane missed England’s final World Cup warm-up match at home on Tuesday after suffering a “minor issue in training”.

‘Iran will be at World Cup’ and play in US, says FIFA’s Infantino

FIFA president Gianni Infantino told AFP Tuesday that Iran “will be at the World Cup” and will play their group matches in the United States as scheduled, despite the Middle East war.

Iran are set to play their first Group G game against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. They are then scheduled to play Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 27.

“Iran will be at the World Cup,” Infantino said at half-time of Iran’s friendly against Costa Rica in Turkey. “That’s why we’re here. We’re delighted because they’re a very, very strong team. I’m very happy. I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” added Infantino, whose attendance at Tuesday’s game was unannounced.

Infantino went on to stress that Iran’s “matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw”. The World Cup, being hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, starts on June 11.

Iran players in Turkey pose with photos of young war victims

Iran players and team officials posed with photographs of children killed in the Middle East war before their friendly match against Costa Rica in Turkey on Tuesday.

Iraq manager shielding players from war ahead of World Cup bid

Iraq coach Graham Arnold said he is trying to shield his squad from news of the war in the Middle East as they prepare for a crunch 2026 World Cup playoff against Bolivia.

Ghana parts ways with coach ahead of World Cup

A shockwave just weeks before the World Cup. Ghana has officially announced the departure of head coach Otto Addo, following another poor performance against Germany.

Nmecha faces race against time for World Cup fitness

Felix Nmecha is facing a race against time to be fit for the upcoming World Cup after suffering a knee injury that has raised serious concerns.

Italy hoping to scale World Cup ‘Everest’ ahead of Bosnia play-off showdown

Italy have one more obstacle standing between them and a return to the World Cup in the shape of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who host the Azzurri on Tuesday in what promises to be a tense qualification play-off final in Zenica.

Tuchel defends Rice and Saka after England withdrawals

Thomas Tuchel insisted Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were desperate to play for England against Japan after the Arsenal stars pulled out of the squad ahead of Tuesday’s friendly.

“They joined, had a medical assessment, wanted desperately to play, to just get the narrative straight. Wanted desperately to be involved,” Tuchel told reporters on Monday. “The risk for making it worse was just way too big. They were both clearly in discomfort when we did the medical assessment, so it made absolutely no sense that they stayed.”

Pochettino urges USA to ‘play free’ at World Cup

USA coach Mauricio Pochettino on Friday urged his team to play with freedom and not to fear the pressures and expectations that come with co-hosting this summer’s World Cup.

Ter Stegen’s World Cup chances ‘very slim’

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said on Sunday that goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen was unlikely to go to the World Cup this summer as he continues his return from injury. 

Six World Cup spots left

Iraq vs Bolivia, Kosovo vs Turkey, Sweden vs Poland, Czech Republic vs Denmark, Bosnia vs Italia, DR Congo vs Jamaica. 12 teams, 6 matches and 6 World Cup tickets up for grabs. We preview the play-off finals that will decide the last four European qualifiers.

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The 2026 World Cup is just around the corner. The tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, kicks off on 11th June when Mexico and South Africa face off at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. 

Forty-eight teams will battle it out to lift the trophy on the day of the final, which will take place on 19th July at the New York-New Jersey Stadium. The 48 teams are divided into 12 groups of four teams each. 

Qualification from the group stage will not be limited to the top two teams in each group. In addition to those 24 teams, the eight best third-placed teams will also progress, completing a 32-team bracket. This change increases the chances of more nations staying in contention beyond the opening phase of the tournament.

From there, the competition will move into a newly introduced round of 32, marking the start of the knockout stage.

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Real Madrid’s victory has silenced the whispers about the guard of honor, but it sets the stage for a seismic ‘Clasico’ in which the hosts could achieve a historic first: clinching the La Liga title against their fiercest rivals.

Football thrives on debate, and the discourse surrounding Real Madrid’s trip to Cornella was no exception. Supporters were torn: was it better to win and stifle the ‘guard of honor’ narrative or suffer a defeat that would hand the title to their eternal rivals, only to witness them seal the title in their faces? In Barcelona, opinions were equally split between those craving an immediate coronation and those relishing the chance to celebrate ‘in the faces’ of their rivals. The debate, as ever, remains relentless.

The coming week promises more of the same, with the Clasico viewed through starkly different lenses. The league leaders are eager to secure their second consecutive title of the Flick era on home soil, savoring the prospect of a trophy lift in the presence of Vinicius, Valverde, and Tchouameni.

Conversely, the visitors will be desperate to spoil the party currently being orchestrated across the Catalan capital. While the La Liga title remains a mathematical pipe dream for Real Madrid, pride is a powerful motivator. They head to the Camp Nou determined to delay the inevitable and avoid the indignity of serving as unwanted guests at a title celebration.

Neutrality aside, we are on the verge of a historic milestone in La Liga history: never before has one of Spain’s two titans mathematically secured the championship during a Clásico. It is a statistical anomaly that in nearly a century of top-flight football, this feat has remained unachieved. Should FC Barcelona take points from Arbeloa’s side, the trophy is theirs.

While a Clásico is always an intense and thrilling affair, Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Espanyol has injected a fresh layer of drama into next Sunday’s showdown at the Camp Nou. Regardless of the result, the encounter now carries far greater weight than if the title race had already been a foregone conclusion.

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