Latest Football (Soccer) News

📅December 18, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Thiago Silva's Fluminense contract ends as he eyes Europe for World Cup hopes; PSG wins 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup on penalties vs Flamengo; FIFA sets record $50M prize for 2026 World Cup winner.
1

Fluminense Terminates Thiago Silva's Contract Early

Veteran Brazilian defender Thiago Silva, 41, had his Fluminense contract ended six months early, paving the way for a potential European return to boost his 2026 World Cup chances with Brazil.Source 1 Silva, who previously played for AC Milan, PSG, and Chelsea, leaves a legacy at Fluminense after helping them reach the Club World Cup semifinals.Source 1 Former Chelsea captain John Terry expressed hope for Silva's Stamford Bridge return.Source 1

2

PSG Wins 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup in Penalty Shootout Against Flamengo

Paris Saint-Germain defeated Flamengo in a thrilling penalty shootout after extra time in the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup final, with Matvey Safonov starring.Source 2 Flamengo equalized via Jorginho's penalty in the second half after PSG's early lead through Joao Neves, forcing extra time.Source 2 Key moments included saves by Agustin Rossi and substitutions that shifted momentum.Source 2

3

FIFA Announces Record $50 Million Prize for 2026 World Cup Winner

FIFA confirmed the 2026 World Cup winner will receive $50 million from a $727 million prize pot shared among 48 teams, up from Argentina's $42 million in 2022.Source 4 Runners-up get $33 million, with even group-stage exits earning at least $9 million; this follows ticket price backlash addressed with $60 options.Source 4Source 5 The announcement came during the FIFA Council in Doha ahead of the Intercontinental Cup final.Source 5

4

2026 World Cup Prize Money Details Revealed by FIFA

The total $655 million in performance-based prizes ranges from $50 million for champions to $9 million for last-place teams, ensuring every participant gets at least $10.5 million.Source 5 Third and fourth places receive $29 million and $27 million respectively.Source 5 This record fund supports the expanded 104-game tournament starting June 11, 2026.Source 4

5

Thiago Silva Aims for European Move to Revive Brazil World Cup Dream

Silva, a four-time World Cup veteran, signed with Fluminense through 2026 specifically for World Cup preparation but now seeks club football in Europe.Source 1 He won the 2013 Confederations Cup and 2019 Copa America with Brazil.Source 1 Fluminense praised his dedication in their statement.Source 1

6

Flamengo Ties PSG in Intercontinental Cup Thriller Before Penalties

Flamengo fought back with Jorginho's 61st-minute penalty to level Joao Neves' early goal, leading to extra time in the final.Source 2 Ousmane Dembele entered late but couldn't break the deadlock, with Agustin Rossi making crucial saves.Source 2 Both teams chased their first Intercontinental Cup title.Source 2

7

John Terry Calls for Thiago Silva's Chelsea Return

Ex-Chelsea captain John Terry voiced desire for Silva's return to Stamford Bridge on TikTok, noting his children's academy involvement.Source 1 Silva won the 2021 Champions League with Chelsea.Source 1 This comes amid Silva's contract termination.Source 1

8

FIFA Slashes Some 2026 World Cup Tickets to $60 After Backlash

Following global fan complaints, FIFA reduced select 2026 World Cup tickets to $60, easing access amid pricing controversy.Source 4 The tournament in the US, Mexico, and Canada begins with Mexico vs South Korea on June 11.Source 4 This pairs with the massive prize money announcement.Source 4

9

PSG Substitutions Key in Intercontinental Cup Final Push

PSG made tactical changes in extra time, with Joao Neves and Nuno Mendes prominent, though Dembele missed chances.Source 2 Flamengo's Luiz Araujo and Gonzalo Plata threatened but couldn't secure victory.Source 2 The match went to penalties after a 1-1 draw.Source 2

10

Fluminense Bids Farewell to Thiago Silva's Legacy

Fluminense highlighted Silva's dedication from his prior stint (2006-2008) and recent Club World Cup semifinal run.Source 1 The termination was announced Wednesday, ending his time prematurely.Source 1 Brazilian season concludes in December.Source 1

11

2026 World Cup Financial Pot Dwarfs Previous Tournaments

FIFA's $727 million fund marks a huge increase, with France getting $38 million for 2018 win and Italy $2.2 million in 1982.Source 4 All 48 teams benefit, boosting participation incentives.Source 5 Announced in Doha, Qatar.Source 5