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World Cup
International team news, qualification and World Cup coverage. Check the tournament and publication date when comparing match reports, selections and earlier forecasts.
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Italy Defeats U.S. 2-1 in U20 Women's World Cup Opener in Lódź
The United States fell 2-1 to Italy on Sunday, despite an 18th-minute goal from forward Micayla Johnson.

Marcos Llorente Retires from Spain After 2026 World Cup Victory
At age 31, Marcos Llorente has ended his international career following 27 appearances and a World Cup title with Spain.

Matías Galarza Signs with Inter Miami After 2026 World Cup Goal and Assist
Inter Miami CF secured Paraguay midfielder Matías Galarza from River Plate on the final day of the MLS transfer window.

Lionel Messi Retirement: Argentina Captain Ends Career with 18 World Cup Goals
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team following a 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

Liverpool Agree $163M Deal for PSG Forward Bradley Barcola
Liverpool are finalizing a £120 million ($163m) agreement for Bradley Barcola, who scored three goals in eight World Cup appearances for France this summer.

Barça Scraps Tribute to 8 Spain World Cup Winners After Sunday’s 5-0 Win
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has canceled a ceremony for eight World Cup winners following police incidents during a 5-0 victory against Elche.

Xavi Hernandez Unveiled as Netherlands Coach to Replace Ronald Koeman
Xavi Hernandez was introduced as the new Netherlands head coach on Tuesday, taking over a team that lost to Morocco in a World Cup penalty shootout.

Gattuso Laments World Cup Exit as Roberto Mancini Returns to Italy Role
Gennaro Gattuso described missing the 2026 World Cup as a lifelong wound following his departure from the national team in April.

Christian Pulisic Returns to Milan Training Following 4-1 World Cup Loss
Christian Pulisic rejoined AC Milan training on Tuesday after recovering from a microfracture sustained during the United States' 4-1 defeat against Belgium.

Justine Madugu Sacked After South Africa Loss Ends Nigeria's World Cup Streak
Justine Madugu and his technical crew were dismissed by the NFF following a 2-1 defeat to South Africa that ended Nigeria's perfect World Cup qualification record.

SFA Joins England and Wales in Withdrawing Gianni Infantino Support
The Scottish Football Association officially withdrew backing for FIFA President Gianni Infantino on August 17, citing a lack of transparency regarding World Cup private investment plans.

Bisiwu Brace and Yamal Penalty Secure 5-2 Barcelona Win Over Basel
Barcelona beat Basel 5-2 at St. Jakob's Park behind a late Jesse Bisiwu double and Lamine Yamal's first goal since winning the World Cup.

Djed Spence Joins Inter Milan for €30m After 85 Tottenham Appearances
England defender Djed Spence has completed a €30 million move to Inter Milan following a World Cup campaign where he started a semifinal against Argentina.

LaLiga 2026-27 Season Kicks Off Without Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético
The LaLiga 2026-27 season begins Saturday with seven clubs granted extra rest following the FIFA World Cup semifinals.

PSG Complete €55m Signing of World Cup Hero Ferran Torres from Barcelona
Ferran Torres joins Paris Saint-Germain in a €55 million deal after scoring the winning goal for Spain in the World Cup final against Argentina.

Bellingham Returns to Madrid for 'Dream' Link-up With José Mourinho
Jude Bellingham returned to Valdebebas on Wednesday following a seven-goal World Cup campaign to begin his fourth season under new coach José Mourinho.

Arsenal vs Coventry City to Debut New 60-Second Injury and VAR Rule Changes
The 2026-27 Premier League season begins with Arsenal hosting Coventry City under new IFAB laws, including a 60-second mandatory pitch absence for injured players.

Xavi Hernández Named Netherlands Coach on Four-Year Deal Through 2030
Xavi Hernández has signed a contract to manage the Netherlands through the 2030 World Cup following Ronald Koeman's resignation.

Tielemans: Balogun Red Card Reversal Fueled Belgium’s 4-1 World Cup Win
Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 in the World Cup round of 16 following FIFA's controversial decision to rescind Folarin Balogun's suspension.

Barça Reject $46M PSG Bid for Ferran Torres After 21-Goal Season
Barcelona turned down a €40 million offer from Paris Saint-Germain for Ferran Torres, who scored the winning goal in July's World Cup final.

Trump Backs Gianni Infantino Amid Backlash Over 20% World Cup Stake Sale Plan
President Donald Trump warned that replacing Gianni Infantino would be a "terrible mistake" following a failed proposal to sell interest in the World Cup.

Omar Artan to Officiate Aston Villa vs. PSG After U.S. World Cup Ban
Somali official Omar Artan will become the first non-European to referee a Super Cup final when Aston Villa meets Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.

Rodri Transfer News: Barcelona Nears €70m Deal for World Cup Golden Ball Winner
Barcelona has reached a loose agreement on personal terms with Rodri, the 30-year-old midfielder who recently captained Spain to a World Cup final victory over Argentina.

Algeria Qualify for World Cup with 2-1 WAFCON Quarterfinal Win Over Ivory Coast
Algeria reached the WAFCON semifinals for the first time after second-half goals from Inès Khiri and Amira Ould Braham secured a 2-1 victory.