Tag: 2026 World Cup

De la Fuente Tells Messi “Never Retire” as 2026 World Cup Decision Stays Open

Lionel Messi
January 2026

pain coach Luis de la Fuente urged Lionel Messi to keep playing as the Argentina captain continues to weigh up whether he will feature at the 2026 World Cup. Messi has said he will decide based on fitness and not wanting to be a burden. Messi helped Argentina qualify by scoring eight goals in South American qualifying, but has repeatedly stressed he will assess his physical condition day by day. Argentina will attempt to defend the title they won in 2022, and Messi is still undecided about joining that run.

Mateta stalls on new Palace deal as European interest grows

Jean-Philippe Mateta
December 2025

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s contract negotiations with Crystal Palace have reportedly stalled, with the in-form striker in no rush to commit beyond 2027 as he enjoys the best spell of his career under Oliver Glasner and cements himself among the Premier League’s most prolific forwards. Having scored 36 goals across two seasons, helped Palace win the 2024-25 FA Cup and earned a France call-up, Mateta is now attracting interest from clubs such as Atalanta, and is expected to review options after the 2026 World Cup before deciding his long-term future.

Messi told to ditch “parody of football” in MLS for World Cup detox

Lionel Messi
December 2025

Fernando Signorini has urged Messi to put Argentina’s World Cup defence above everything, branding MLS a “parody of football” and arguing the forward is stuck in a record-chasing cycle that does little to prepare him for elite international demands. The former Argentina fitness coach says Messi should step back for a “detox” period, spend time with his family and even pursue a short-term loan away from Inter Miami so he arrives at the 2026 tournament sharper than rivals coming from Europe.

Amorim warns Mainoo and Zirkzee that United’s needs override World Cup ambitions

Ruben Amorim (Manchester United)
November 2025

Ruben Amorim has reiterated that Manchester United will prioritise the club’s needs when assessing January moves for Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee, despite both fringe players being linked with exits to gain minutes before the 2026 World Cup. Amorim said he understands their frustration and World Cup ambitions from his own playing days, but stressed that the team comes first, making clear he will only sanction departures that also help United and will otherwise keep them as depth options.

USMNT Fringe XI Thrash Uruguay And Hand Pochettino A Selection Headache

Mauricio Pochettino
November 2025

The USMNT’s rotated side destroyed Uruguay 5-1 in their best camp under Mauricio Pochettino, with fringe players and tactical tweaks delivering a statement win that strengthens depth and intensifies competition for places ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil. Pochettino made nine changes, leaned on counter-attacks, set-piece dominance and relentless pressing, then used a spiky press conference to defend his selections and culture-first stance, creating a new dilemma over whether long-established stars can match the energy and execution his so-called backups just showed.

Curacao make World Cup history as smallest nation ever to qualify

Curacao national team
November 2025

Curacao drew 0-0 with Jamaica to top Group B on 12 points from six games and book their first ever World Cup place, becoming the smallest nation by size and population to qualify for the tournament and surpassing Iceland’s 2018 landmark on the global stage. The achievement caps a remarkable rise since Curacao became a separate country in 2010, climbing from FIFA ranking 150 to 82 and joining Cape Verde, Jordan and Uzbekistan as debutants for 2026, while Jamaica coach Steve McClaren resigned immediately after failing to clinch qualification.

Nagelsmann reveals Havertz relapse as Arsenal star faces longer road back

Kai Havertz (Arsenal)
November 2025

Kai Havertz has suffered a minor relapse in his recovery from knee surgery after injuring himself in training following Arsenal’s season opener against Manchester United, extending a stop start year that already included a hamstring layoff and keeping his return date uncertain for club and country. Julian Nagelsmann says Havertz is broadly doing well but needs time to regain rhythm alongside Jamal Musiala, echoing Mikel Arteta’s earlier warning that Arsenal must protect the knee carefully so he can come back for the long term rather than risk repeated breakdowns.

Amorim lines up Elliot Anderson and Baleba as he plans United midfield shake-up

Ruben Amorim (Manchester United)
November 2025

Ruben Amorim wants to toughen Manchester United’s soft centre by targeting Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest) as a priority midfield signing who can play as a holding player or box to box, with his value rising after strong club form and an impressive start for England. Forest hold a contract until 2029 and a valuation near seventy five million pounds, so United may pivot back to Brighton’s Baleba if talks stall. Brighton previously demanded a Caicedo-level fee, which made United walk away, but Amorim still views the 21 year old as an ideal long-term piece.

Brazil beat Senegal as Gabriel injury sparks Arsenal fears and Ancelotti apology

Brazil national team and Gabriel (Arsenal)
November 2025

Brazil produced a fast, ruthless first half to beat Senegal 2-0, with Estevao (Chelsea) curling in the opener and Casemiro (Brazil) adding a controlled finish from a training ground routine. The win snapped Senegal’s long unbeaten run and showcased Brazil’s attacking depth. Edouard Mendy faced constant pressure as Matheus Cunha hit woodwork twice before the goals, while Senegal forced good stops from Ederson and missed a big Iliman Ndiaye chance. The night soured when Gabriel limped off with an adductor issue, prompting Carlo Ancelotti’s public apology and leaving Arsenal worried.

Messi signs Inter Miami extension through 2028

Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
October 2025

Messi committed to Inter Miami until 2028, saying Florida life, family happiness, and honest checks on his physical and mental state made the choice “easy.” After talks paused post-April reports, the club confirmed a three-year extension. World Cup 2026 participation remains undecided; he’ll judge form after this season and 2026 preseason before setting international plans.

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