Latest Football (Soccer) News
Spain and France Top 2026 World Cup Power Rankings
With 100 days until the tournament starts on June 11, ESPN ranks Spain and France as leaders due to strong squads despite challenges like France's managerial change. France faces a tough group with Senegal and Norway's Haaland, while Spain's Mbappé deals with a knee injury at Real Madrid.
England and others like Colombia show promise but have concerns over depth and injuries.
Messi and Ronaldo Defy Age in World Cup Countdown
At 38 and 41, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo continue excelling for Inter Miami and Al-Nassr, boosting Argentina and Portugal's title hopes. Argentina aims to repeat as champions, while Portugal debates Ronaldo's role.
Both nations are favored for deep runs in the expanded 48-team tournament.
Mbappé's Injuries Raise Concerns for France
Kylian Mbappé has scored 38 goals in 33 matches for Real Madrid but is battling a sprained knee, worrying France ahead of their tough group. Backup attackers like Olise and Dembélé must step up amid fullback issues.
His fitness is key with 100 days to the opener.
Harry Kane Unstoppable, Haaland Faces Form Issues
England's Harry Kane has 45 goals in 37 games for Bayern, carrying high expectations. Norway's Erling Haaland deals with injuries and form dips despite Manchester City's title chase.
Both lead their nations in challenging groups.
Salah Struggles in Form for Egypt Captaincy
Mohamed Salah, 33, captains Egypt in a favorable group but has only 4 league goals this season amid a 10-game drought. After Liverpool's title win last year, his frustrations with management hinder dynamism.
He aims to redeem his injury-hit 2018 World Cup.
North Texas Braces for World Cup Fever
Arlington hosts 9 matches starting June 14 with Japan vs. Netherlands at AT&T Stadium, expecting massive fan influx like Dutch Orange Army. Organizers plan cultural events, mini-pitches legacy for youth soccer.
Mayor Jim Ross excited for teams like England, Argentina.
Nearly 2 Million World Cup Tickets Sold
FIFA reports almost 2 million tickets sold in first phases, oversubscribed 30 times, with host nations leading demand. Cheapest $60 supporter tickets available but limited to top corners; compares to 3.18M for 2022's smaller event.
Phase three follows March playoffs for spots like Italy.
Toronto Finalizes Plans for Canada Opener
Toronto hosts Canada's June 12 opener vs. playoff winner (Wales, Bosnia, or Northern Ireland) at Exhibition Place, 100 days away. City invests $170M+, with provincial/federal funds for security, health; traffic to worsen 10%.
Streetcars key for fan transport amid upgrades.
Japan's Endo Out for Season, World Cup in Doubt
Japan captain Wataru Endo underwent ankle surgery, missing rest of 2025-26 season and jeopardizing his World Cup spot. Japan faces Netherlands early in Arlington.
Robust qualifying but leadership concerns mount.
Pulisic Inconsistent, Davies Injury-Prone for Hosts
USA's Christian Pulisic started only 7 of last 11 at AC Milan with 1 goal, needs to lead in favorable group. Canada's Alphonso Davies recovers from hamstring but crucial for hosts' veteran-youth mix.
Both aim to shine in North American-hosted tournament.
World Cup Legacy: 26 Mini-Pitches in North Texas
Post-tournament, FIFA builds 26 mini-pitches in under-resourced North Texas communities to foster soccer interest. Builds on past MLS legacy from previous Texas hosting.
Emphasizes community beyond matches.