Luis Suárez applies for the World Cup with Uruguay
Despite the announcement of his international retirement in September 2024, Luis Suárez told ‘EFE’ that he had made amends and stands ready to once again defend the colors of ‘Celeste’ during the next World Cup.
Brazil, Spain and France, favorites for the 2026 World Cup according to Messi
The Argentine star, captain of the defending team, talks about the favorite teams to win this competition. According to Lionel Messi, Brazil (despite its lack of consistency), Spain and France are the big favorites to win the final title, and without forgetting of course the ‘Albiceleste’ of the ‘Pulga’.
Hard blow for Alphonso Davies before the World Cup
Davies was injured on Wednesday during the 1-1 draw in the semi-final second leg of the Champions League againstParis Saint-Germaintitle holder, who eliminated theBayern 6-5 en score cumulé.
Canada’s captain will have to race against time to be ready for the start of the World Cup. Le Canada plays its first match of the 2026 World Cup on June 12 in Toronto, against the Bosnie-Herzégovine.
The historic record of 10 scorers about to fall?
With the introduction of an additional direct elimination round, the big names in world football could see their number of scorers soar and erase France (1982), Italy (2006) and Belgium (2018).
To date, three nations co-own the reference brand with10 distinct scorers during the same final phase. See a team count11 different scorers in 2026Â would constitute aunprecedented feat in the annals of the World Cup.
Venezuela, the eternal South American absentee at the World Cup
Venezuela remains the only one of the ten CONMEBOL selections not to have never set foot on the pitches of a World Cupalso posting the sad record for the greatest number of setbacks in qualifying (112). For 2026, a place in the play-offs seemed accessible, but a 3-6 defeat against Colombia on the final day, once again, their hopes were shattered.
Ronaldo saved by FIFA: towards a presence in Portugal’s opening match
Cristiano Ronaldo avait écopé d’un red card for violent conduct in November 2025, after an elbow in the back of Dara O’Shea during the2-0 defeat against Ireland.Â
But FIFA, taking into account that it was a question ofhis very first red card in 225 capsa finalement décidé de reduce the Portuguese’s suspension to a single match. He thus avoids missing the following two matches, but will have to immediately serve these matches in the event ofrécidive for a similar offense during a one-year probationary period.
Luiz Henrique: “The pressure of the World Cup must become a strength for Brazilâ€
It’s been 24 years since footballing powerhouse and most successful nation in World Cup history Brazil lifted the trophy, and striker Luiz Henrique told AFP the team must use that pressure as motivation when the tournament kicks off in June.
”Pressure is always a good thing. In football, and especially in the national team, pressure is omnipresent. We need to turn it into motivation,” saidHenrique.
Ansu Fati dreams of World Cup place with Spain
In full possession of his means and with good statistics this season with Monaco, he can now think about the World Cupeven if he knows the road is long.
“It would be a dream. I try to give the best of myself and, if this reward comes, I will be very happy. I stay calm, I work and I do the right thing. If the World Cup has to come, it will come. Otherwise, I will continue to work to appear in the next list,” he says.
The most anticipated big debuts of the 2026 World Cup
From the insolence of youth to the profession of established stars, a new generation is preparing to take power during the most anticipated edition in history.
The World Cup deadline is fast approaching and, as usual, the competition will not only highlight the usual headliners. If we watch for the last laps of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, or the performances of executives like Mbappé and VinÃcius, the real magic often happens elsewhere: among those who are about to discover this competition for the first time.
Uzbekistan: 40 players mobilized for a decisive training course before the World Cup
In accordance with official FIFA preparations, Uzbekistan launches a three-week training camp in Tashkent, banking on an expanded squad to fine-tune the final settings before his historic first participation.
Placed under the leadership of the coachFabio Cannavaroworld champion as a player and now at the head of the selection, the Asian team will settle inNational Football Center. On the menu: daily sessions andtraining matches behind closed doors against local teams.
Infantino justifies the surge in World Cup ticket prices
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended World Cup ticket pricing policy, stressing that the governing body of world football intended to take advantage of American laws allowing the resale of tickets at amounts well above their face value.
Estevão continues his rehabilitation in Brazil with the World Cup in his sights
Seriously injured in the thigh with Chelsea, Brazilian winger Estevãoa began his rehabilitation in Brazil, in the Palmeiras facilities in São Paulo, with the ambition of returning in time for the World Cup, according to a club source.
The 19-year-old international decided against surgery after suffering a torn hamstring with Chelsea on April 18, in the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.Manchester United en Premier League. He favored conservative treatment in order to keep a chance of being recovered to compete in the World Cup (June 11-July 19) with theSelection.
FIFA summons Iran to Zurich to prepare for the 2026 World Cup
Conditions of participationl’Iran at the World Cup (June 11-July 19) raised many questions in the context of the conflict in the Middle East, triggered at the end of February by strikes by Israel and the United States on the country.
Gianni Infantinothe president of FIFA, has repeatedly repeated that the “Team Melli” would play its first three matches of the tournament as planned on the territory of the United States.
Born under one sky, stars under another: the “World of Second Homelands”
Between binationality and career choicethe 2026 World Cup will highlight these players who represent a nation different from their country of birth.
Strengths and weaknesses of the world champions for 2026
Seven nations arrive at the 2026 World Cup with the prestige of at least one world title in their history. TheBrésilrecord holder with five coronations,l’Argentine title holder, theFrance, Germany, l’Uruguay, SpainandEnglandform this ultra-closed club ofworld champions.
The World Cup headache for Real Madrid
In search of a new coach, the Madrid club takes an interest in several coaches involved in the World Cupa schedule that could delay planning for next season.
En-Nesyri and the best African scorers in World Cup history
From the first timid steps to consecration on the international scene, Africa has woven a story rich in exploits and emotions in the World Cup. Between memorable epics and victories against giants, several attackers took their selections to the top by scoring legendary goals.
X-ray of an absence that has become a habit
For the third consecutive edition, the World Cup will do without the Azzurri. More than a simple disillusionment, it is the mirror of a systemic crisis shaking the identity, the project and the future of Italian football.
Quadruple world champions andsecond most successful nation in historythe Azzurri once again remain on the flank. An anomaly which weighs heavily, clashes with tradition and borders on paradox. Because Italy is not just a team: it is an institution, a footballing identity that has spanned the ages. And yet, the verdict is immutable: she remains at the dock.
De Arrascaeta victim of a broken collarbone: the World Cup moves away
Hard blow for Uruguay: Giorgian de Arrascaeta is very doubtful for the World Cup. Hit in the collarbone with Flamengo against Estudiantes, the Uruguayan midfielder must now decide: the operation would mean a definitive package.
How Sweden validated its ticket for the World Cup despite finishing last place
Supported by talents like Viktor Gykeres, Aleksander Isak or the prodigy Roony Bardghji, Sweden finished bottom of his qualifying group. However, the Blågult will compete well in the 2026 World Cup thanks to the safety net of the League of Nations.
The 2026 World Cup jerseys
Now that the qualifying table is complete and the 48 nations are officially confirmed, attention shifts to the visual aspect of the tournament, as the teams reveal the jerseys they will wear on football’s biggest stage.
How much do tickets cost for the 2026 World Cup?
There are 5 different categories of tickets depending on the seating situation in the stadium: category 1 is the most expensive and best placed, category 5 is a special category for the participating and qualified federations which were thus able to offer a few hundred tickets at reduced prices (€55 per match) to their supporters. Discover the ticket prices according to the categories and according to the phase of the competition,
VÃctor Muñoz injured: the World Cup moves away for the Osasuna winger
Coup d’arrêt brutal pour VÃctor Muñoz, sidelined for several weeks. Called by Luis de la Fuente during the last rally, his presence at the World Cup is now seriously compromised. With the approach of the World Cup organized in the United States, Mexico and Canada,its international future is now on hold à sa vitesse de récupération et à sa faculté à retrouver le rythme de la compétition à temps.
2026 World Cup: the massacre of stars already withdrawn due to injury
Injuries at the end of the season are a problem for the various coaches who will have to modify their plans to develop the final list of players called up for the 2026 World Cup. Here is the current list of players withdrawn from this World Cup.
Paulo Dybala dreams of World Cup selection
“My goal is to compete in the World Cupbut this requires impeccable physical condition. Injuries slowed me down, and in a selection likeArgentinethis is not forgiving. I never thought of callingStairs to demand accountability: it’s up to me to prove on the field that I have my place”, as he himself emphasizes, the last word goes to the coach: “Scaloni decides who is best suited for the World Cup.“My role is just to be ready,” he said.
Messi and Mbappé attack Klose’s throne: history is written in 2026
During the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé will have in sight of Miroslav Klose’s recordtop scorer in the history of the competition with 16 goals. The Argentinian and the Frenchman will start the tournament respectively three and four lengths from the mark established by the German.
Military successfully operated on biceps femoris, an unexpected comeback before the start of the World Cup
Real Madrid have made official the success of the surgical procedure undergone by Éder Militão for a rupture of the proximal tendon of the biceps femoris. The Brazilian defender is expected back to competition for the month of Octoberhe will therefore have to be forfeited for the World Cup.
Jaw fracture for Luca Zidane, World Cup uncertain
The goalkeeper of Granada (Spanish second division) and the Algerian selection, Luca Zidane will be sidelined for an extended period after serious facial injurycasting doubt on his presence at the next World Cup.The last rampart was the victim of a violent accidental collision at the end of the match during the 2-4 defeat suffered by his home team against AlmerÃa, Sunday at the ‘Nuevo Los Cármenes’ stadium.Â
End of season for Salah with Liverpool, back before the start of the World Cup?
Despite this setback, the striker should be recovered in time to play in the 2026 World Cup, where Egypt will cross swords with Belgium, New Zealand and Iran in the group stage. Salah thus leaves Liverpool with the status of undisputed legend in the recent history of the club, with an extraordinary statistical record which places him among the greatest fireworks of the institution.
These disappeared nations which marked the history of the World Cup
In almost a century, many nations have graced the pitches of the World Cup. Today, some only exist in history books, erased from the map or transformed by the upheavals of geopolitics.
While thecentenary of the World CupApproaching, the tournament is full of stories that span the ages. If some trajectories are glorious, others have sunk into oblivion as the map of the world has been redrawn.
2026 World Cup Final: Everything you need to know about the ultimate shock in New Jersey
Times, venue and history: discover the complete guide to the final at MetLife Stadium, theater of the future world coronation.
The finale of theWorld Cup 2026 est déjà  checked in all calendarsÂ: she will argueSunday July 19 at MetLife Stadium from East Rutherford, New Jersey. This meeting, the most anticipated on the sporting planet, will see the two best nations in the tournament engage in a merciless duel for the world throne.
Xavi Simons ruptures knee ligament and is out of the World Cup
Xavi Simons will be sidelined for a long period after breaking theanterior cruciate ligamenttworight knee.The player23 ans should not return to the fields before the end of the year or even2027.
“I am heartbroken. None of this makes any sense. All I wanted was to fight for my team, and now that chance has been taken away from me, along with the opportunity to play in the World Cup. Representing my country will not be possible. It will take me time to accept this.”wrote the player.
The ‘top 10’ oldest footballers to have played in a World Cup
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, look back at the top 10 deans who took part in the competitiona ranking which could be shaken up during the next edition.
The ‘Canarinha’ will have to do without Éder Militao for the World Cup
Thunderclap for Éder Militão and the selection of Brazil. While we hoped for a less severe diagnosis for the Real Madrid central defenderhis health condition has worsened to the point that surgery now seems inevitable.
If Real Madrid had already confirmed Militão’s injury a few days agomarking the end of his club season, the hope of seeing it restored in time for the planetary rendezvous persisted still in the Brazilian ranks.
Georgios Donis, new Saudi Arabia coach
Currently at the helm of Al-Khaleej, a position he will hold until the end of the current financial year, Donis is committed to the Saudi Federation until July 2027.Â
Saudi Arabia is in World Cup Group H. It will begin its competition against Uruguay, before crossing swords with Spain and Cape Verde.
End of season for Kylian Mbappé?
Affected against Betis, Kylian Mbappé had to leave his partners prematurely. The first diagnoses indicate an alert in the hamstrings of the left leg, a hard blow as the World Cup approaches.
According to information from ‘MARCA’, confirmed by the Madrid club, the French international is suffering fromoverload on the hamstrings of the left leg. A muscular alert which comes at the worst time for the world champion, while the World Cup is looming on the horizon.
Luis Enrique: ‘I don’t really care’ about the World Cup
The Paris Saint-Germain coach does not intend to spare its executives before the international deadlinewhile the leader of Ligue 1 prepares to defend his throne in the Champions League.
Asked about the management of his troops as they approached theWorld Cupwhich will begin in June,Luis Enrique was categorical. “I’m the coach of Paris Saint-Germain, as for the rest, I don’t care at all,” he replied.
Season over for Estevão with Chelsea, the World Cup on hold
Brazilian winger Estevão will miss the end of the season with Chelsea. His interim coach, Calum McFarlane, also threw the vagueness about his participation in the next World Cup. The 19-year-old prodigy suffered a hamstring injury during the loss againstManchester United (1-0).
Lamine Yamal: red alert around a risk of relapse
Dr. Ripoll, eminent specialist in sports medicine, shows pessimistic about the presence of Lamine Yamal from the start of the World Cup: “I don’t think he will be ready for the opening match; caution is the only reasonable course. I rather imagine him coming back for a possible round of 16.”
“Nine FC Barcelona players ont déjà été confrontés à cette blessure spécifique, et six of them suffered at least one relapse. If his return to the game is rushed, there is asignificant risk of recurrence“, warned the doctor during an intervention for the ‘SER’.
Militao and Güler: end of the season and head for the World Cup
Éder Militao and Arda Güler probably said goodbye to the season this Thursday. Hit in the biceps femoris, the two Madrilenians are on the side for an indefinite period, with absolute priority to be operational for the World Cup.
If the case ofArda Güler does not arouserestlessness majeure, son retour étant espéréÂin a few weeks pour la compétition mondiale, l’alertIt is maximally concerningMilitary. Miné par des pépins physiques récurrents tout au long de l’année, le central defender begins a convalescence which could stretch andto doubt sa présence au World.
Yamal forfeits the end of La Liga, but should return in time for the World Cup
Le FC Barcelona a dévoilé le diagnostic médical de Lamine Yamal : victim of a fibrillar rupture in the biceps femoris of the left leg. “The examinations carried out confirmed that the player of the first teamLamine Yamal suffers from ainjury to the biceps femoris of the left leg. The attacker will follow conservative treatment.ÂLamine Yamalwill miss the rest of the season but is expected to be back for theWorld“, specifies the official press release from the Catalan club.
Gnabry formalizes his withdrawal from the World Cup
Hard blow for the ‘Mannschaft’: Serge Gnabry confirmed he would miss the World Cupafter an adductor injury sustained during a training session.”As for my dream of playing in the World Cup with the selection, I must unfortunately say that it is over“, a-t-il confié.
Estevão suffers a tear, he is expected to miss the World Cup
According to information from Mario Cortegana in ‘The Athletic’, Estevão suffers grade IV hamstring injury. His season with Chelsea is already over and his participation in the World Cup with Brazil seems compromised. Before this stoppage, Estevão displayed a balance sheet of eight goals et three decisive passes in 36 matchesdont 20 tenures.
Paul Pogba explains his stratospheric level of the 2018 World Cup
“Why did I play so well at that moment? I felt loved, everyone there loved me. When you feel loved by everyone, by the coach, the players, the staff, the French media […]. For 4 years I didn’t talk to the media but the coach told me to start talking to them,” he said on Rio Ferdinand channel ‘RioMeets’.
A return to the selection of Nicolas Pépé for the 2026 World Cup?
His sidelining during the last CAN had created a surprise for the supporters of the Ivory Coast, in an interview with Flashscore, Pépé assures that the door of the ‘Elephants’ is never closed to him: “When the country calls you, you answer present. So if they call me, I will give everything until death, as they say. Because it’s the homeland and we do everything for the country.”Â
With the 2026 World Cup approaching and Côte d’Ivoire preparing to shine on the biggest stage, Pépé’s form at Villarreal could well reignite the debate on a return to selection during a major tournament.
Where to watch World Cup matches in French-speaking countries?
The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching. Discover all channels and platforms which will allow French-speaking countries to follow every moment of the greatest spectacle in world football.
The 2018 World Champions are linked for life
“I am in regular contact with Olivier Giroud, I ate with Paul Pogba during the last break in Monaco. But I also saw Rafa Varane on Tuesday, I am in regular contact with Kylian, Steve, Blaise, Grizou etc. We’re linked for life, we’re never the same after that and it’s beautiful. Just thinking about it makes me smile,” said Florian Thauvin during an interview with the Team.
Cafú: “Brazil is naturally favorite for the World Cup”
“As a five-time champion, Brazil is naturally favorite for the World Cup. The team has big stars and an excellent coach; I see them with a strong chance of winning. The main problem is the lack of time to prepare, it will be a real challenge, but I am hopeful of seeing them achieve great performances,” said Cafú.
Hervé Renard is no longer the Saudi Arabia coach
Returned to the head of the selection in October 2024, the 55-year-old coachwill therefore not lead the Saudis at the next World Cup. This announcement was made by Hervé Renard himself, but the Saudi federation has not made this dismissal official for the moment. Present during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he notably signed one of the feats of the competition with a historic victory against Argentina (2-1).
“Small island, big dreams” for Curaçao, the smallest country in the 2026 World Cup
“Small island, big dreams”. The poster of the Curaçao football team is plastered at the entrance to Marchena, a popular district of Willemstad, the capital of small territory never qualified for a World Cup. Tourism increased by 13% in the first quarter, a sector which accounts for 35 to 40% of the territory’s revenue. In 2025 some 1.5 million travelers visited the island where hotels and housing developments flourish.
Discovering the new faces of world football
With the historic move to 48 nations, the 2026 World Cup will welcome selections that have never before set foot on football’s biggest stage. Focus on Uzbekistan, Jordan, Cape Verde and Curaçao, these new loans to shake up the hierarchy.
Curaçao: qualifying for the World Cup, a “divine journey”
The president of the Curaçao football federation Gilbert Martina estimates in an interview with AFP that the road to the 2026 World Cup was a “divine journey”even seeing esoteric signs in the course of the smallest territory ever qualified.
Didier Deschamps confirms Hugo Ekitike’s withdrawal from the World Cup
“Hugo was seriously injured on Tuesday evening against PSG. The severity of his injury will unfortunately prevent him from finish the season with Liverpool and participate in the World Cup. He had integrated perfectly into the group, whether on or off the field. This injury is a huge blow for him, obviously, but also for the French team.”
The 25 stars of the 94 World Cup in the USA who are no longer with us
Thirty years after the 1994 World Cup in the United States, while most of its protagonists are only in their fifties or sixties, a tragic assessment is necessary: 25 actors in this epic have already passed away. Discover the trajectories of these icons whose heritage remains eternal.
Richarlison opens up about his depression and suicidal thoughts after the 2022 World Cup
In a poignant interview given to ‘France Football’ magazine and relayed by ‘GE’, Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison spoke openly about the deep depression which hit him the day after the 2022 World Cup.
Ghana presents its new coach: Carlos Queiroz
Barely a little less than two months before the start of the 2026 World Cup which will take place in the United States, Mexico and Canada, Ghana has finally chosen the coach who will lead the ‘Black Stars’ during this competition.
Haiti, a ravaged country whose heart beats to the rhythm of football
La qualification d’Haïti at the North American World Cup (June 11-July 19) is a breath of fresh air for this small country of nearly 12 million inhabitants, the poorest in the Americas, faced for years with gang violence which has caused a crisis unprecedented humanitarian action.
Romero is out injured with Tottenham against Sunderland
Hit in the knee during Tottenham’s defeat against Sunderland (1-0), the Argentine defender had to leave his partners prematurely. Argentina fears a long-term absence as the World Cup approaches.
France and its arbitration representation at the World Cup
French referees Clément Turpin and François Letexier will be among the 52 referees summoned by FIFA for the 2026 World Cup. This is the third time that France has sent two referees to a World Cup. For Clément Turpin this is his third participation in a World Cup (after 2018 and 2022) while François Letexier will participate for the first time in this competition.
A Somali referee at the World Cup, a first
Omar Abdulkadir Artan greenhouse the first Somali referee to officiate during a World Cup final phase, according to the list revealed by FIFA.
The last dance: these stars who will compete in their last World Cup
The world stage is preparing for a moving farewell for a generation of icons who will play their last tournament. Between nostalgia and respect, discover the list of these giants ready for a final dance.
The 20 big absentees from the 2026 World Cup
The World Cup is the ultimate dream for every footballer. However, even the biggest names in world football are never guaranteed to participate. Failed qualification, injury at the wrong time or too strong competition in the selection: each edition of the Mondial leaves behind its share of absent stars.
Davide Ancelotti leaves the door open for Neymar
Davide Ancelotti, bras droit de son père Carlo Ancelotti  la tête de la Sélection Brésilienne, a affirmé queNeymar conserve de réelles chances to validate your ticket for the World Cup.
“The final list will be announced on May 18. He is the best scorer in our history and he has all his chances. He has enough time to find his best form and secure his place in the group,” said the Italian assistant.
Coup d’arrêt pour Mohammed Kudus, l’international ghanéenÂ
Victim of a quadriceps relapsethe Ghanaian striker sees his participation in the next World Cup seriously compromised.
Opening match date and time based on your time zone
With the 2026 World Cup schedule now made official, everything is set for the opening match of the tournament, which pits Mexico against South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca stadium. Discover the kick-off time for this match in all time zones.
Bakambu’s strong message after the Leopards qualified
The 34-year-old Congolese international showed great pride after the historic feat achieved by the DR Congo: “May this qualification not be the culmination of a simple sporting adventure, but the beginning of a new era. It is an opportunity for all of us to come together, to invest ourselves, to modernize our sporting infrastructures, to support our youth and promote sport in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The future begins today.”
Racist chants during Spain-Egypt: FIFA takes legal action against the Spanish Federation
During the match between Spain and Egyptpart of the public present at the RCDE Stadium sang the song “he who does not jump is Muslim” on four occasions as well as chants and insults against Joan García and against the president of the government Pedro Sánchez. The slogan “Catholic and non-Muslim Spain” would also have been chanted.
Militão back in shape as the World Cup approaches
The return to form of Éder Militão is excellent news, both for the Brazilians and for Carlo Ancelotti. After being absent for four months, the defender is gradually returning to his best level and will once again be able to establish himself as one of the pillars of the selection for the 2026 World Cup.
Raphinha returns to Barcelona, his presence at the World Cup is not compromised
The Brazilian winger returned to Catalonia after having benefited from a few days of rest in Brazil, following his injury contracted during the friendly match against France.
Jerdy Schouten: package confirmed for the World Cup
Jerdy Schouten ne verra pas le Mondial 2026 with the Netherlands. The PSV captain, forced to leave the pitch on a stretcher the same day his team almost validated their Eredivisie title, following a rupture of the cruciate ligament.
Désiré Doué displays his ambitions: “Bring back the third star”
“Participating in the World Cup? Of course, it’s been a dream since I was little! The World Cup is a dreamthe World Cup with the French team jersey… that would be wonderful! I work every day to, I hope to be present. The objective is to bring back the third star!”
Conte, Mancini or Guardiola: the top names for the reconstruction of the national team
After Gattuso’s resignationthe Italian Federation is preparing for the post-crisis. If Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte are favorites, the name of Pep Guardiola serves as an absolute dream to relaunch the Azzurra.
Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. désormais immortalisés en Lego à l’approche du Mondial
Lego’s latest collection features a collectible figurine version of the world icons Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr, thus generating even more enthusiasm for the tournament.
