US men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has extended his contract with the US Soccer Federation through 2030, despite the team's last-16 World Cup exit. The deal, primarily funded by Ken Griffin, includes an expanded role for Pochettino.
Former Bolivia captain Marco Antonio Etcheverry has urged Argentina's Lionel Messi not to retire from international football, suggesting he can play in the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Etcheverry proposed a worldwide petition to persuade Messi to continue, praising his 2026 World Cup performances.
Lionel Messi has rejoined Inter Miami training after Argentina's World Cup final appearance, with coach Guillermo Hoyos confirming his return but no decision yet on his competitive comeback. He and Rodrigo De Paul are in the squad pool for Saturday's match against Columbus Crew, as the club manages their workload amidst a heavy schedule.
Akbar Majeed's documentary "Can We Kick It?" examines US soccer's historical failure to engage Black communities, highlighting socioeconomic barriers like the "pay-to-play" system and the sport's cultural disconnect despite the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
Lionel Messi makes first public appearance after Argentina's 2026 FIFA World Cup final loss to Spain, watching a local match in Rosario before returning to Inter Miami.
Jürgen Klopp, 59, has been officially confirmed as the new coach of the German national football team by the DFB in Frankfurt. He replaces Julian Nagelsmann and is tasked with improving the team's performance after a disappointing World Cup showing, with his debut set for September 24.
Socceroos forward Cristian Volpato, 22, allegedly tested positive for cocaine after being stopped for speeding on Sydney's Anzac Bridge. He was driving 109km/h in a 60km/h zone and had his international driver's licence suspended for six months, with NSW police continuing inquiries.
This article ranks 37 players based on their World Cup performances, with Lionel Messi at number one for his incredible tournament despite a quiet final. It highlights key contributions from players like Canada's Stephen Eustáquio and South Africa's Mbekezeli Mbokazi, alongside disappointments from others such as Colombia's James Rodríguez.
England's reigning Nations League champion men's amputee football team faces missing the upcoming World Cup in Mexico due to a £50,000 funding gap. Former head coach Scott Rogers described the situation as "criminal," highlighting the team's reliance on donations after FA funding cuts in 2006, despite the FA's significant turnover.
FIFA announced its 2026 World Cup Dream XI, chosen by global fan vote, featuring stars like Messi, Mbappé, Haaland, and Golden Ball winner Rodri. Spain, the tournament champions, along with France and Argentina, dominate the selection, with England's Jude Bellingham and Cape Verde's Vozinha also included.
The 2030 World Cup power rankings highlight teams with strong young talent poised for success, with Spain leading due to its blend of experienced and emerging players. France, England, and Morocco also feature prominently, while Argentina and Portugal face challenges replacing legendary figures.
The 2026 men's World Cup drew huge crowds, social media attention and strong fan engagement across North America. Its lasting legacy will depend on whether that interest translates into deeper support for soccer and MLS.
The 2026 World Cup was financially successful for FIFA, expanding to 48 teams and normalizing hydration breaks. However, its legacy in the US is questioned due to inaccessible games and FIFA's structure preventing local reinvestment, despite soccer's growing popularity.
Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter criticized the 2026 World Cup, claiming it "lost its credibility" due to political influence and urging stakeholders to reclaim the sport. This came after Spain's victory in the 48-team tournament, which FIFA hailed as a success despite various off-field controversies.
Lamine Yamal's girlfriend, Inés García Santos, sparked a heated debate among fans after joining him on the field post-Spain's 2026 World Cup win and sharing a celebratory post, leading to speculation about their relationship.
After Argentina's 2026 World Cup final loss to Spain, a viral video showed Lionel Messi giving an unusually calm pep talk, with players appearing worried. This sparked widespread speculation, including unsubstantiated match-fixing claims and a journalist's theory about FBI agents allegedly at MetLife Stadium to arrest AFA president Claudio Tapia.
Major League Soccer (MLS) is leveraging the momentum from the recent World Cup, featuring stars like Lionel Messi and David Beckham in an ad campaign, to attract new fans and elevate its status to an elite global league. Despite challenges like the 'pay-to-play' youth culture and competition from American football, MLS is experiencing significant growth in valuations and viewership.
The 2030 World Cup will be jointly hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, marking the first time it spans multiple confederations. Special centenary matches will also be held in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay, commemorating the 1930 tournament.
The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, concluded with Spain defeating Argentina for its second title. NPR journalists reflect on the tournament's success, fan enthusiasm, high ticket prices, VAR controversies, and political interventions, including President Trump's call to FIFA.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, saw Spain crowned champions amid record attendance. However, the tournament faced widespread criticism over FIFA's decisions, high fan costs, Donald Trump's political interference, security incidents in Mexico, and US immigration policies leading to human rights concerns.
Spain defeated Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey, securing their second title with a 106th-minute goal by Ferran Torres. The match was marked by Spain's dominance and Argentina's controversial conduct, including two red cards and post-match altercations.
Spain defeated Argentina to win the FIFA World Cup in the United States, a tournament highlighted by Lamine Yamal's rise, Lionel Messi's heartbreak, and US President Donald Trump's controversial appearances, alongside a star-studded but criticized half-time show.
Amidst controversies like visa issues and high ticket prices, the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the US also delivered numerous heartwarming moments, including Cape Verdean goalkeeper Vozinha's mother witnessing his saves, Lamine Yamal's brother becoming a fan favorite, and fans cheering up a young Uzbek supporter.
The 2026 World Cup final featured a controversial extended half-time show and various pre-match musical acts, including Post Malone, IShowSpeed, Jennifer Hudson, and Robbie Williams. The main half-time performance by Madonna, BTS, Shakira, Burna Boy, and Coldplay was deemed a comparative triumph despite a low bar.
