World Cup - News - SPORT.TV

RB Leipzig defenders Lukeba and Orban highly praise Ivorian starlet Diomande, believing he will break out at the World Cup. The 19-year-old winger is valued at €130 million and drawing interest from clubs like Liverpool. Ivory Coast's first World Cup match will be against Ecuador.

Transfermarkt has published the market values for Uruguay’s 26-player World Cup squad, with Federico Valverde ranked as the most valuable player at €120 million. The squad’s total estimated value surpasses €406 million, with Ugarte, Nunez, and Araujo rounding out the top four. The report also provides a full positional breakdown across goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards.

Ecuador's 26-man World Cup squad has a total value of €366 million, with Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo leading at €110 million, followed by Paris defender Willian Pacho at €70 million and Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie at €50 million. The squad includes goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards with their specific valuations.

Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has been named in the 2026 World Cup squad, marking his sixth tournament appearance and placing him alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the first players set to compete in six World Cups. The three stars’ career records highlight their sustained excellence across multiple World Cup editions.

In a key World Cup preparation friendly, the USMNT defeated Senegal 3-2. Star player Christian Pulisic shone in the first half with a goal and an assist. Substitute Folarin Balogun scored the winner, while Senegal's Sadio Mane scored a brace. The victory gives the USMNT a strong start to their friendly series as they prepare to face Germany next.

Parma rising star Circati says Australia coach Popovic's no-limits philosophy boosts World Cup confidence. The 22-year-old, who broke through in Serie A this season and earned a national team call-up, played a full match in a friendly. He highlights Popovic's tough and decisive style, believing anything is possible as the team aims to advance from Group D. Circati also shares lessons learned from Popovic and his composure as the youngest captain in 44 years.

The US Men's National Team defeated Senegal 3-2 in a World Cup warm-up. Pulisic ended his long goal drought and Dest excelled in an attacking role, boosting team confidence. However, persistent defensive issues (conceding in seven straight matches) and midfield shielding concerns remain major obstacles heading into the World Cup.

Australia coach Tony Popovic says there is no risk in urgently calling up gifted attacker Cristian Volpato, who has switched his nationality, and he could make his debut in a friendly against Mexico. Volpato's late addition will significantly strengthen the team's attacking force, and his World Cup eligibility has been formally approved by FIFA.

Enzo Fernandez is considering leaving this summer, with Chelsea setting a £120m price tag. Both Real Madrid and Man City are interested, but the high transfer fee is a hurdle. Enzo was benched due to comments, with his agent criticizing the punishment as unfair. His contract runs until 2032, and although Chelsea are not eager to sell, a sale could provide funds for new manager Xabi Alonso's rebuild.

Anthony Gordon has completed a high-profile move from Newcastle United to Barcelona for a fee that could rise to €80 million. At his unveiling, he impressed fans by speaking Spanish, revealing he had long prepared for a future at the club. Gordon described Barcelona as his lifelong dream destination and will first focus on the World Cup before starting his La Liga career. His arrival also casts uncertainty over Marcus Rashford’s loan situation at Barcelona.

Brazilian star Neymar has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 right calf muscle strain, expected to be sidelined for three weeks and potentially miss the World Cup opener. He will skip two friendlies, and his timely return is in doubt. As the national team's all-time top scorer, this marks his fourth World Cup selection, but the head coach has emphasized that only fully fit players will be called up.

USMNT coach Pochettino praises Pulisic as a uniquely gifted player and believes he will break his months-long goal drought at the World Cup. Despite Pulisic's recent lack of goals for club and country, Pochettino has full confidence in him. Teammate Balogun's red-hot form is also expected to create more attacking space for Pulisic.

38-year-old Messi has been selected in Argentina's 26-man World Cup squad, set to play in his sixth tournament, matching Ronaldo's record. Despite a left hamstring injury, the coach said recovery will be monitored. Argentina faces Algeria, Austria, and Jordan in the group stage, with the opening match on June 16, and plans friendlies against Honduras and Iceland. The team includes 17 holders from the previous title win, aiming to defend the championship.

Chelsea forward Joao Pedro praises teammate Cole Palmer's extraordinary talent, stating his ability is good enough to start for the Brazilian national team. He revealed Palmer's football IQ and ability to change games in an instant are stunning, even jokingly suggesting he consider playing for Brazil. Both players were surprisingly left off World Cup squads, while Pedro also endorsed Ancelotti's team-first philosophy.

The Australian men's national team concludes its final World Cup preparations in Sarasota, Florida, employing personalized training, heat acclimatization, and 'supercompensation' cycles to mimic the tournament's group stage rhythm. Head coach Tony Popovic and High Performance Director Leigh Egger emphasize meticulous detail management, with players arriving in phases for a comprehensive and rigorous build-up.

South Africa national team coach Broos has announced the final 2026 World Cup squad, with goalkeeper Peterson surprisingly omitted and striker Rayners included. The squad adjustments reflect the coach's philosophy of promoting young players. South Africa will face Mexico, the Czech Republic, and South Korea in Group A.

Australia head coach Tony Popovic says his 26-man World Cup squad is nearly finalized ahead of the submission deadline. With a final warm-up against Mexico at the Rose Bowl approaching, the match will help confirm final selections. Despite injury setbacks to several players, Popovic says squad depth has improved and the early training camp has enhanced fitness and preparation while giving more players a chance to compete for places.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches with just 15 days left, squads are being announced. Latest title odds show Spain leading at 5.5, with France overtaking England for second at odds of 6. The top 10 remains mostly stable, while Colombia and Japan rose in the rankings. A full 48-team odds list is provided.

The United States has announced its final 26-player World Cup squad, featuring Christian Pulisic as the key leader alongside Weston McKennie, Timothy Weah, Folarin Balogun, and Gio Reyna. The team is grouped with Turkiye, Paraguay, and Australia, and includes numerous players active in top European leagues.

Morocco's football federation announced the final 26-man World Cup squad late at night, led by PSG defender Achraf Hakimi, Real Madrid rising star Brahim Diaz, and Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui. 18-year-old midfielder Boadi makes his first appearance, while main striker En-Nesyri and winger Hakim Ziyech were surprisingly omitted. The full squad includes goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, along with three alternate players.