The World Cup is the biggest stage in football, and a chance for the top players to prove their worth. There will be a whole host of stars from the Premier League heading to North America this summer, looking to do the business, and we’ve picked out some of those who could make the difference for their respective nations.

Elliot Anderson

For the last couple of seasons, Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson has established himself as one of the top-flight’s leading players in his position. This has allowed the Whitley Bay-born star to secure the role next to Declan Rice in England’s central midfield. The Three Lions start as one of the favourites to win the tournament according to the latest online World Cup betting, and if Anderson can transfer his league form to the competition, they have a great chance of success.

Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes is in the running to be named the Premier League’s player of the season due to his stellar form for Manchester United. The Portuguese number ten continues to excel, regardless of United’s form, and he also plays a key role for his country. The talk is often about Cristiano Ronaldo, but in Fernandes, Portugal have another genuine world-class talent who can make the difference on the pitch by scoring a goal or finding the right pass.

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Antoine Semenyo

Last season, Antoine Semenyo started to show what he’s truly capable of at the top level of the English game, and he continued that form into the current campaign. Even before he joined Manchester City in January, the Ghana star was doing the business with goals and assists. Since arriving in Manchester, he’s taken his game to another level, and the Black Stars will be relying on him to help them compete in and progress out of Group L, a group that also features England.

Igor Thiago

Rewind a season, and people would have scoffed at the mere suggestion that Brentford striker Igor Thiago could be on the plane to represent Brazil at the World Cup this summer. Serious injury halted Thiago’s start to life in the Premier League, but this season he’s delivered an impressive goals return of 21 in 33, and is only second to Erling Haaland in the goalscoring charts. The 24-year-old is brimming with confidence and will be looking to take that into the tournament.

Emiliano Martinez

Emiliano Martinez has been one of Argentina’s most important and dependable players in recent times, as proven by his displays at the 2022 World Cup. Argentina ran out winners of that tournament, with Martinez showing up in the big moments, and in the final especially. The Aston Villa keeper sets the tone for the rest of the team, and if La Albiceleste are to defend their crown, they will need Martinez to be that big presence he’s shown he can be once again.

Conclusion 

As anticipation builds ahead of the 2026 World Cup, a whole raft of Premier League players will be dreaming of what’s to come. The players mentioned above all have the ability to make a difference for their respective nations when it matters most. And, it’s players like these that can ultimately make the difference between progressing in a tournament or heading home.

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Thierry Henry spoke about his expectations for Lamine Yamal ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

There is no doubt that Lamine Yamal will be one of the main attractions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Spanish winger has already earned a prominent place in world soccer and will now aim to achieve the ultimate prize with Spain. A Barcelona legend, Thierry Henry, shared his thoughts on him.

“I’m looking forward to watch the World Cup,” Henry said in a recent interview with Marca. “I hope that Lamine is gonna be there, fresh, and perform, because what you want is to see the best players on that stage, able to perform. Even if I’m not Spanish, you want to see Lamine Yamal there.”

Henry then highlighted a specific trait that stands out to him about Yamal. “We all know he’s an outstanding player. You know what I like about Lamine? I saw something at the Euro that I rarely saw at that age,” the former forward began.

“You guys will not remember, it was against France. He received the ball on the right. He could have gone on the counter, but he told the whole team ‘calm down,’” Henry recalled. “Who does that at 16 years old? You don’t have that that early. I was like ‘Already? You understand? He plays like he’s in his neighborhood. World Cup or not, intensity is the same. He tries to play, he tries to dribble, he takes risks. That’s the type of player you want to see.”

Having been a young prodigy himself—a World Cup winner in 1998 at just 19 years old—Thierry Henry was impressed not only by Yamal’s talent on the ball, but also by his understanding of the game and his ability to read what each moment requires.

Lamine Yamal continues his recovery

It is no coincidence that one of the first things Thierry Henry mentioned about Lamine Yamal was his hope that he arrives “fresh” at the World Cup. That is because, at the moment, Spain’s main concern regarding the young winger is that he fully recovers from the muscle injury he suffered with Barcelona just two weeks ago.

In that regard, the latest updates have been positive. With his club season officially over, Yamal is working hard to be in optimal condition for the start of the World Cup. In fact, this Tuesday he shared a story on his official Instagram account showing him training on a stationary bike, a sign that his recovery is progressing well.

🚨🚴🏾‍♂️ Lamine Yamal begins training on grass and working in the gym.

He’s expected to be ready for World Cup. pic.twitter.com/CyOqC2scZJ

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 5, 2026

Henry on the difference between World Cup and Champions League

Having won both the World Cup with France and the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona, Thierry Henry is well qualified to compare the two biggest competitions in soccer.

“As I always say, the World Cup is every four years, that’s what makes it extra special. The Champions League is every year, you always have the chance to win it every year,” the former forward explained in the same interview with Marca. “The World Cup is a different game, so I’m really excited.”

After suffering a muscle tear, Barcelona have been closely monitoring Lamine Yamal’s recovery. They have even reportedly reached an agreement with Spain over the management of the 18-year-old star’s playing time, aiming to ensure he returns to full fitness.

Lamine Yamal has become one of Barcelona’s best players, imposing as the team’s top scorer with 24 goals. However, he suffered a muscle tear that brought his season to an end and raised concerns ahead of the 2026 World Cup. While Spain are planning to call him up, the Blaugrana are pushing for a more cautious approach, reportedly reaching an agreement with the national team over the management of the 18-year-old star’s playing time.

According to Sergi Castillo, via Diario Sport, Barcelona and the RFEF have held several meetings to address Lamine Yamal’s recovery. In an effort to prioritize the 18-year-old star’s health, head coach Luis de la Fuente has promised the Blaugrana that he will manage his minutes and use him as an impact substitute during the group stage, allowing him to build rhythm. With this approach, he could be in full form for the knockout stages.

With Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia as their first opponents at the 2026 World Cup, Spain may not face major difficulties even with Lamine coming from bench. Instead, head coach Luis de la Fuente could opt for Yeremy Pino in the starting lineup, as he has been performing well in the Premier League. However, they will face Uruguay in the third match, which presents a tougher challenge, making the potential involvement of the 18-year-old star potentially decisive.

Even though Lamine Yamal’s injury initially appeared to be quite serious, he has already made notable progress in his recovery. According to Santi Ovalle, a specialist in Barcelona-related news, the 18-year-old star is already training in the gym and back on the pitch, marking significant improvement. Despite this, head coach Hansi Flick will not include him in the upcoming matches, as the club aims for him to fully recover.

Lamine Yamal’s heavy workload raises injury fears at Barcelona

Lamine Yamal has been one of Barcelona’s most heavily used players, logging 3,702 minutes. Alongside this, he has endured the most injury-hit season of his career, with four setbacks. Beyond that, the main concern is that the 18-year-old star could arrive at the 2026 World Cup without adequate rest and with a physical condition that raises serious doubts. As a result, he risks suffering further injuries during the 2026–27 season.

Even before his muscle tear, legend Ruud Gullit had already warned that the heavy workload could affect Lamine Yamal, as it did with Pedri and Gavi. After the 2026 World Cup, the Blaugrana may need to grant him more rest than usual or delay his involvement in preseason to help him fully recover physically. In addition, head coach Hansi Flick could look to manage his playing time more carefully throughout the 2026–27 campaign.

Davide Ancelotti, an assistant to his father Carlo with the Brazil national team, discussed expectations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

At the end of this month, Carlo Ancelotti will have to finalize the 26-man roster that will compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With that deadline approaching, his son and assistant Davide opened up about the challenges facing Brazil.

“If you analyse the actual situation of Brazil, there are really good defenders, some of the best in the world, really good transition players – the wingers, the 10s, and the strikers too,” Davide Ancelotti said in a recent interview with BBC Sport.

“This gives you an idea of what kind of football you can play, but then there is the culture of the nation,” the assistant added, suggesting that not only the players’ attributes and the coach’s opinions matter when defining a national team’s style of play.

“You need to have a clear identity but to adapt. You have to be able to balance your ideas with the characteristics of the players and then the identity of the nation,” Davide explained. “It’s not an easy job… And then you have to win the World Cup as well!”

This perhaps represents the biggest challenge Carlo Ancelotti has faced since taking over Brazil in the summer of 2025. At that time, the team were struggling in the World Cup qualifiers—something the Italian coach quickly managed to fix. However, in terms of on-field performances, they still appear to have room for improvement.

Brazil have a well-defined style

Few national teams in the world have as rich a tradition as Brazil. The great stars who have represented the national team since the 1950s helped shape the style fans expect to see, but that identity has not been easy to maintain in recent years.

Davide Ancelotti described that style as “to play attacking football, winning football, and to play with a smile. You have to consider that.” He also spoke about the fans’ expectations: “Brazilian people love football, they like to joga bonito (play beautifully), but they like to win a lot.”

Brazil’s challenges in recent decades

South Korea – Japan 2002 was Brazil’s most recent World Cup title. That squad perfectly embodied the country’s style, featuring world-class stars such as Ronaldo Nazario, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Kaka, Cafu, and Roberto Carlos. Much of that generation also competed at Germany 2006, where they were eliminated by France in the quarterfinals.

Since then, Brazil have struggled to maintain that identity—a challenge Carlo Ancelotti continues to face today. That attacking, seemingly carefree style has not delivered results in subsequent World Cups, where they have fallen short of reaching the final.

Perhaps the closest examples of Brazil’s traditional style came under coach Tite at Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, although they were eliminated in the quarterfinals on both occasions. Now, Ancelotti faces the challenge of changing that narrative and leading Brazil deep into a World Cup once again.

With the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, Carlo Ancelotti has received a piece of good news as Brazil and Manchester United reach an agreement to limit Matheus Cunha's participation in the remainder of the season.

Carlo Ancelotti has begun finalizing the details of his Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup, with the tournament now less than 40 days away. A positive development has emerged amid a turbulent few weeks, with the CBF and Manchester United reportedly reaching an agreement over Matheus Cunha‘s workload for the remainder of the Premier League season.

The timing could hardly be better. A string of injuries has complicated Ancelotti’s planning in recent days, with Rodrygo and Eder Militao both suffering season-ending setbacks and Estevao’s participation now in doubt due to a hamstring tear. Against that backdrop, positive news surrounding one of the Selecao‘s key attackers has been a welcome development.

According to ESPN Brasil, the Brazilian Football Confederation and Manchester United have reached an understanding over Cunha’s involvement in the closing rounds of the 2025-26 Premier League season. The English club is set to hold the Brazilian forward back from the final three matchdays in order to ensure he arrives at the World Cup fully fit.

The decision carries added significance given that Cunha has been managing an adductor problem in recent days. Despite the issue, he featured against Liverpool and made a decisive contribution, scoring in a 3-2 victory that secured Manchester United’s return to the UEFA Champions League.

With that primary objective already achieved, United now find themselves in a position to do Ancelotti a favor. Although Cunha is physically able to play, the spirit of the agreement, as reported by ESPN, is rooted in caution, with the goal of ensuring he is at one hundred percent for the World Cup.

Cunha has appeared in eight of the ten matches Ancelotti has overseen as Brazil head coach. While he has contributed only two assists in those appearances, he has consistently lined up alongside Vinicius Junior and Raphinha in the forward line and is clearly regarded as a key figure in Ancelotti’s plans.

Which games will Cunha miss?

Cunha joined Manchester United from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a fee of €74.2 million and is completing his first season at the club, having helped deliver the primary goal of Champions League qualification. Across 33 appearances, he has scored nine goals and added four assists, and his absence will be felt in the final stages of the campaign.

With United sitting third in the Premier League table, three fixtures remain in the 2025-26 season. The Red Devils travel to Sunderland on May 9, host Nottingham Forest on the 17th, and close out the campaign away at Brighton on the 24th.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for stricter security measures at the country’s tourist and archaeological sites after a lone gunman opened fire on visitors at the Teotihuacan pyramids, killing one Canadian tourist and injuring […]

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, expectations are high for Brazil and Vinícius Jr., as they are expected to deliver an imposing performance. However, 2002 World Cup-winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has revealed that he does not consider the 25-year-old star to be the team’s main leader.

Vinícius Jr. has become one of the best players in the world, shining with Real Madrid. Despite this, he has always been heavily debated with Brazil, as he has not managed to deliver a similar impact to the one he has at club level. Adding further depth to the criticism, 2002 World Cup-winning head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has admitted that he does not consider the 25-year-old star as the main figure, pointing to Argentina as a key example.

“I don’t see Vinicius Jr. as a main figure for Brazil. The main thing for Brazil is to do what Argentina’s head coach did. He put everyone in a position to understand that they had a star: Messi. Get the ball to Messi. We’re not going to be better than Messi, so we’ll do what’s best for Messi, and Argentina became champions… I think it’s important to have a single player who is aware of his qualities and can help the team,” Scolari said, via DSports.

Unlike previous generations of Brazil, there is no longer a clear main star due to Neymar Jr.’s absence. While earlier eras featured Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Romário, and others, the national team is not at its best right now, forcing them to adjust their approach and focus on collective play as their main strength. Although Vinicius Jr. shines at Real Madrid, he has not managed to replicate that level with the national team.

Across his 48 matches for Brazil, Vini Jr. has recorded just 8 goals and 8 assists, making him more of a secondary figure. Despite this, the arrival of Ancelotti could help unlock his best version, with the 2026 World Cup serving as a platform to boost his legacy and establish as the undisputed leader. However, Carlo has decided that his team will not revolve around any single player, but rather around a collective idea, making everyone important.

Vinicius Jr. and Raphinha aim to lead Brazil at the 2026 World Cup

Following Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival, Brazil have significantly improved their competitiveness ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Not only do they now have a clear collective playing identity, but they have also improved considerably on the defensive end. However, they have already lost several players such as Rodrygo Goes and Éder Militão, along with uncertainties surrounding Estêvão. In response, Vinícius Jr. and Raphinha are expected to lead the team’s attack.

Ancelotti has decided to rely on Vinícius Jr. and Raphinha as his difference-makers, giving them creative freedom. However, Brazil do not play to maximize their individual strengths; instead, both are aimed to boost the collective play with their talent, making them central axis. With this approach, they could bring out the best in João Pedro or Endrick, or allow others to stand out, but always with a clear principle: Collective play over individual qualities.

After establishing as one of the most well-rounded midfielders, Eduardo Camavinga seemed to be a sure bet for France. However, his form has dipped at Real Madrid, affecting his performance with the national team. As a result, he risks being left off Didier Deschamps’ 2026 World Cup roster.

Eduardo Camavinga established as one of the best midfielders in the world, operating as a box-to-box player. In addition, he became a key figure for France thanks to his versatility and defensive reliability. However, he now appears to be at risk of losing his place in the 2026 World Cup squad, as head coach Didier Deschamps is reportedly unsure about calling him up due to his inconsistency at Real Madrid.

According to Telefoot, head coach Didier Deschamps is not fully convinced about calling up Eduardo Camavinga for the 2026 World Cup roster. Not only has he failed to stand out at Real Madrid, but he also did not manage to impress during the March friendlies, even ending up on the bench in both matches. Despite this, the Frenchman remains optimistic, aiming to regain his best form during what remains of the season.

Throughout the UEFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers, France chose to rely on Manu Koné, N’Golo Kanté, Adrien Rabiot, and even Aurélien Tchouaméni. While Deschamps tends to make numerous rotations, Camavinga has not been a player with much playing time. Despite this, Didier could still call him up due to his great versatility, being able to play as a left-back and in other positions, but he needs to regain consistency.

Eduardo Camavinga is no longer an undroppable player for France, as Tchouaméni and Kanté dominate the defensive midfield role. Because of this, he now has to compete for a spot as an interior midfielder in the national team, where he faces serious disadvantages. Without being a playmaker or a midfielder who stands out for his imposing physicality, he risks being left out of the anticipated tournament.

Eduardo Camavinga seems to have lost his place at Real Madrid

Eduardo Camavinga emerged as a regular starter under Carlo Ancelotti, becoming Real Madrid’s starting defensive midfielder. With his defensive consistency and attacking ability, he was a key player for the team. However, the Frenchman now appears to be losing his place, as neither Xabi Alonso nor Álvaro Arbeloa have opted to start him, with him even being relegated in favor of Thiago Pitarch, recently promoted from the academy to the first team.

While Arbeloa favors a fairly crowded midfield, Camavinga has become the last option in the rotation, only coming on for a few minutes without making much of an impact. In addition, the Frenchman has also not been used at left-back, as Álvaro Carreras, Fran García, and Ferland Mendy occupy the entire rotation in that position. With this in mind, he appears to be one of the players set to leave the club, as reinforcements are expected in the summer of 2026.

After a disappointing season, Real Madrid are looking to make several adjustments, including a potential change in head coach, offering him a new opportunity. However, this depends on whether he manages to stand out in pre-season or the departure of another star. If he leaves, PSG and Liverpool are reportedly interested in pursuing his signing, which Los Blancos might view positively due to the number of players they already have with similar profiles.

The road to the 2026 World Cup is already filled with transformation, and the latest development has placed discipline and conduct firmly under the spotlight.

The road to the 2026 World Cup is already filled with transformation, and the latest development has placed discipline and conduct firmly under the spotlight. As FIFA president Gianni Infantino pushes for a cleaner and more controlled tournament, new regulations have emerged that could reshape how the national team behaves under pressure.

At first glance, the changes appear to be part of a broader effort to modernize soccer’s rules. Yet behind the scenes, a specific controversy has driven these decisions, creating a ripple effect that now reaches the biggest stage in the sport.

During the recent FIFA Congress in Vancouver, soccer lawmakers from the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and FIFA approved a set of sweeping measures. The new rules are designed to prevent on-pitch protests and strengthen control over player behavior during matches.

One of the most significant changes is the introduction of an automatic punishment system. Any player or official who leaves the pitch in protest of a referee’s decision will now receive an immediate red card, removing the need for post-match reviews in such cases.

Infantino made the governing body’s position clear when addressing the issue publicly. “If a player leaves the field without permission, he will receive a red card,” he explained, reinforcing the idea that authority must remain with the referee throughout the match.

The AFCON incident that changed everything

The turning point behind these changes came during the 2025 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations. In a dramatic final between Senegal and Morocco, tensions escalated after a controversial late penalty decision.

The Senegal national team walked off the pitch in protest, halting the match for several minutes before eventually returning. Although the game resumed, the fallout extended far beyond the final whistle.

The situation led to legal disputes and disciplinary reviews, highlighting a growing concern within soccer. FIFA viewed the incident as a warning sign, prompting immediate action to prevent similar scenarios at future tournaments.

How the 2026 World Cup will be affected

With the tournament expanding to 48 national team participants, maintaining order has become a top priority. All teams will be required to follow the new rules strictly, with referees given full authority to enforce immediate sanctions.

The consequences of collective protest are particularly severe. A team that abandons a match could face an automatic forfeit, a decision that underlines FIFA’s commitment to keeping games on track. Infantino emphasized the broader vision behind the changes: “Soccer is played on the pitch”.

Another major rule focuses on how players communicate during heated moments. Soccer authorities will now penalize players who cover their mouths while speaking in confrontational situations, particularly when there is suspicion of abusive or discriminatory language.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick expressed optimism about Lamine Yamal’s recovery ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ruled out for the remainder of the 2025-26 season with Barcelona, Lamine Yamal is now focused on fully recovering from a muscle injury in order to arrive in top condition for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Spain. Head coach Hansi Flick addressed the situation.

“I think we’ll see him at the World Cup. He has more time to recover calmly and everything is going well. That’s what he wants, and he’ll be there,” Flick said Friday during a press conference ahead of Barcelona’s La Liga match against Osasuna on Saturday.

Yamal suffered a hamstring injury in his left leg on April 22, after scoring a penalty in Barcelona’s 1-0 win over Celta Vigo. Medical tests indicated that the winger will not return to action before the end of the club season, meaning his priority is now to be part of Spain’s squad for North America 2026.

With that in mind, Barcelona and Spain are working together to support his recovery. “We’re in contact with the Federation’s medical staff, as well as our own. I’m in contact with Lamine, and he’s progressing well, which is the most important thing,” Flick said.

Luis De La Fuente’s view

This week, Luis De La Fuente was asked about Lamine Yamal’s availability for the 2026 FIFA World Cup during a medical symposium at the CEMTRO clinic in Madrid. While he avoided addressing the specific case directly, he offered an encouraging response.

The head coach said his priority is “to arrive at the decisive stage with the best possible team,” placing particular emphasis on the latter rounds of the tournament. “There are players who can come in less than fully fit and still make a difference in the knockout stages,” he added.

Those comments are key to understanding Yamal’s situation. Amid speculation that he might not be ready for the first two matches of the World Cup, the winger does not appear to be at risk of missing Spain’s roster, considering De La Fuente is comfortable having him reach full fitness later in the tournament.

Lamine Yamal’s timeline ahead of the World Cup

With the 2026 World Cup just 42 days away, the first key deadline for Spain regarding Lamine Yamal is May 11. On that date, each national team must submit to FIFA a preliminary list of between 35 and 55 players under consideration for the tournament.

Then, once club competitions conclude, that list must be trimmed down to 26 players by no later than June 1. Spain will open their World Cup campaign on June 15 against Cape Verde, but their path in the knockout stages would not begin until at least June 30—giving Lamine Yamal more than enough time to recover.

With Christian Pulisic watching closely and Luka Modric ruled out of the season through injury, the spotlight quickly shifted from the pitch to a looming decision that could reshape Milan’s immediate future.

With Christian Pulisic watching closely and Luka Modric ruled out of the season through injury, the spotlight quickly shifted from the pitch to a looming decision that could reshape Milan’s immediate future. At 40 years old, Modric continues to perform at an elite level despite recent injury concerns. His next move could affect not only the club’s midfield balance but also the role of teammates such as Pulisic, who usually thrives alongside experienced leaders in the squad.

The Croatian star recently suffered a fractured cheekbone during Milan’s 0-0 draw with Juventus after a collision with Manuel Locatelli. The injury has ruled him out for the final stretch of the Serie A season and sparked fresh speculation about whether he would continue playing.

For many players, such a setback at this stage of their career might trigger retirement plans. Yet Modric has shown throughout his career that he rarely follows the expected script.

Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests the veteran midfielder remains determined to return stronger and finish on his own terms. That resilience has been one of the defining traits of his long and decorated career.

Modric’s reported decision becomes clear

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport’s report, Luka Modric is expected to extend his Milan contract by activating a one-year clause rather than retire because of the injury setback. That means the Croatian legend could remain at San Siro through the 2026-27 season.

The extension is said to depend largely on Modric’s approval, with the Rossoneri unwilling to proceed without his blessing. Milan views him as more than a player, seeing him as a leader whose influence reaches every corner of the squad.

A formal announcement may not come immediately, especially with the 2026 World Cup still ahead. However, the direction of travel appears increasingly obvious.

Why Milan still wants him

Modric’s first season in Italy has reportedly exceeded expectations. He started 32 of Milan’s 34 Serie A matches and logged 2,788 league minutes, more than he managed in any of his final five seasons at Real Madrid.

Those numbers underline how valuable he has remained, even in his forties. Rather than using him sparingly, the Rossoneri have leaned on him as a central figure in midfield.

His ability to control the tempo, break pressure, and organize possession has given the team balance. Younger teammates, including Christian Pulisic, have benefited from playing beside one of the game’s smartest midfielders–especially in the first part of the season.

Why Champions League qualification matters

One key factor in the Croatian’s thinking is believed to be Champions League action. Milan is pushing for qualification, and the chance to compete again in Europe’s top tournament remains a strong motivator.

“I’m confident Luka Modric will stay at Milan next season,” sporting director Igli Tare reportedly said. That confidence reflects how strongly the club feels about keeping him. Remaining at Milan would also give Modric one final campaign at a historic club in a historic stadium. Few players get to choose such a stage for the closing act of their career.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just 40 days away, one of the tournament’s most discussed questions has now received a clear answer from FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just 40 days away, one of the tournament’s most discussed questions has now received a clear answer from FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Speaking during the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Infantino addressed growing speculation surrounding Iran’s place in the competition and its scheduled matches on American soil.

With the tournament set to span three countries, the logistical complexity has become part of the narrative. Every national team must navigate travel, scheduling, and coordination across borders, making this edition unlike any before. Within that context, clarity from FIFA has been crucial as the countdown continues.

This year’s edition of the FIFA World Cup is already shaping up to redefine the global game. The competition will feature an expanded 48-team format, bringing more nations into the spotlight and increasing the number of matches across North America.

Co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the tournament demands unprecedented coordination. Teams, officials, and fans will move between venues across all three countries, creating a unique World Cup experience that stretches beyond a single host nation.

What did Infantino say about Iran?

Infantino used his address to remove uncertainty and confirm that Iran will officially participate in the 2026 World Cup and play its matches in the United States as scheduled. His remarks signaled FIFA’s determination to keep the competition on its planned course while ensuring that all qualified national team members remain part of the event.

“Let me start at the outset. Of course, Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026. And of course Iran will play in the United States of America,” he said. “And the reason for that is very simple: we have to unite. It is my responsibility, our responsibility.”

The statement effectively removed any lingering uncertainty. It reinforced FIFA’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the tournament structure, regardless of external pressures.

The governing body had previously rejected requests to alter match locations. The schedule remains unchanged, ensuring that every qualified national team competes under the same framework established for the tournament.

Iran’s Group Stage schedule takes shape

Iran has been placed in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, setting up a competitive path in the early stages of the tournament. Its campaign is scheduled to begin in Los Angeles, where it will face New Zealand before taking on Belgium at the same venue. The group stage will conclude in Seattle against Egypt, offering a mix of styles and challenges for the national team.

The expanded 48-team format means more matches, more host venues, and a longer competition than previous editions. FIFA believes the 2026 event can set new records for attendance, global reach, and commercial success.

In a scenario where he could miss the first two games of the 2026 World Cup, Lamine Yamal is reportedly set to be monitored by Barcelona during his time at the Spain national team.

Lamine Yamal‘s injury has set off alarms, especially within the Spain national team, which must remain cautious in its approach to his recovery ahead of the 2026 World Cup. To ensure he reaches 100% fitness, reports suggest the star could miss the first two games for La Roja, with FC Barcelona set to monitor the 18-year-old throughout the tournament in North America.

Reports have surfaced revealing a meeting between Barcelona representatives and Spanish Federation physiotherapists to establish a proper recovery plan for Yamal. However, the aspirations of the national team and the health of the youngster must not be at odds, at least from Barcelona’s perspective.

According to Diario Sport, FC Barcelona see as a good solution for Lamine Yamal to miss both the first and the second games of the World Cup against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia. This alternative is seen in order for the winger to be completely recovered from his hamstring injury and avoid any setback.

As reported by the Spanish outlet, the plan suggested by Barcelona staff is for Yamal to be 100% ready for the third and final group stage game against Uruguay. That match, which is expected to decide who wins the group, is scheduled for June 27th, a date that aligns with his six-to-seven-week recovery timeline.

Currently ranked 2nd in the FIFA Rankings, Spain enters the 2026 World Cup as a top candidate. However, Yamal’s fitness has become a growing concern for La Roja, with coach Luis de la Fuente commenting on the situation and expressing hope that Yamal will be fit to lead the push into the knockout stage.

Barcelona to address Yamal’s fitness during World Cup

Yamal’s hamstring injury has effectively ended his season with FC Barcelona, meaning he will miss El Clasico and the remainder of the La Liga campaign, where the Blaugrana are expected to lift the trophy with an 11-point lead over Real Madrid. Still, the club is determined to prevent the injury from having long-term consequences and will closely monitor his condition during the World Cup.

As reported by Diario AS, Fernando Galan, an external physiotherapist working for Barcelona, will be in charge of supervising Lamine Yamal for both club and with Spain national team. His role will gain more relevance during the World Cup, as he has been assigned to send daily reports to club authorities regarding Yamal’s progress.

Galan will be responsible for Yamal’s health and ensuring he returns to the pitch in the best possible condition. Given the nature of a hamstring injury and Yamal’s playing style, which relies on explosiveness and constant changes of direction, a setback is a major fear. Using Raphinha’s recent history as a precedent, a personalized program will be implemented as soon as he is recovered.

For the USMNT's preparation ahead of the 2026 World Cup, head coach Mauricio Pochettino identified the "friendly games" as a main challenge to sort out among the squad.

Mauricio Pochettino’s nearly two years leading the USMNT will be put to the test in less than 50 days when the 2026 World Cup commences in North America. In the process of establishing his philosophy, Pochettino identified “friendly games” as one of the main challenges ahead of the competition.

Set to host the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico, the USMNT had the advantage of skipping the World Cup qualifiers. However, having their spot already secured seemed to be an issue for Pochettino in terms of demanding more from his players.

Speaking on The Overlap YouTube channel, Pochettino was asked by Roy Keane if he had concerns over the lack of jeopardy since the team had already qualified: “When we (Pochettino & staff) accept the challenge to go to America, we knew that it was going to be a problem how to approach the games. Because we were already qualified.“

The coach then explained a shift made during his time with the USMNT regarding the approach toward friendly games. “I avoid to say to the players, and to my staff, and the media in America to say friendly game. I say not official game. A friendly game is when you play with your friends. Non-official game is still not official, but it’s competitive. And sometimes they make that mistake: ‘This is a friendly game. I don’t need to take a risk.’ You need to create that habit,” he added.

Apart from the CONCACAF Nations League and the Gold Cup, Pochettino’s tenure has featured more friendly games (14) than official ones (10) over his 24 games in charge. That number is set to grow in the friendlies prior to the World Cup, with one against Senegal (May 31st) and another yet to be confirmed.

This change in terminology during the last international window was intended to change his players’ perception. “You don’t compete for a year and a half, and then you go to the World Cup to compete. It’s not like this, and we are fighting to change that mindset,” Pochettino added.

Pochettino still convinced of USMNT World Cup chances

Pochettino surprised fans when addressing the USMNT as potential World Cup winners in 2026. During the draw gala, he admitted to U.S. President Donald Trump that he sees the team winning the tournament, and he is far from taking that back.

When asked by Gary Neville if the goal is to reach the quarterfinals, he doubled down on winning the competition: “Why not? Why not? It’s all about to believe. Look at Morocco in Qatar, no one believed and they arrived to the semifinals. Or South Korea in Japan/Korea 2002, another semifinal. I think there’s plenty of examples. If you put a limit and the message is to arrive to quarterfinals… You don’t go through the group stage.“

Beyond citing World Cup history, he addressed Tottenham’s heroics in reaching the Champions League final against Ajax. “Everything is possible in football, and because I really believe it… Look what happened in 2019 in Amsterdam. It’s because the standard, the habit, and the mentality was to believe until the end. We believed and we got the result in the end,” he added.

Lamine Yamal’s injury scare has raised concerns in Spain just over a month before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, something head coach Luis De La Fuente addressed this week.

In one month, Luis De La Fuente will have to confirm the final 26-man roster that will represent Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That means any last-minute injury could alter his plans—something highlighted by the recent scare involving Lamine Yamal.

De La Fuente spoke during a medical symposium at the CEMTRO clinic in Madrid this week. “Will Lamine be there?” was one of the questions posed to the coach regarding the availability of the Barcelona winger for Spain’s World Cup squad.

“In a call-up, we consider every scenario—whether you’re winning, losing, or if the opponent goes down to 10 men,” De La Fuente said, according to Marca. “There are players who can give you 20 minutes, and that has enormous value. Some players may not be able to give you 50 or 60 minutes, but they can deliver 20 very good ones—and that can make the difference.”

In that sense, the coach avoided addressing Yamal’s specific case but made it clear that his presence could still be crucial even if he is not at full fitness at the start of the World Cup. “Our priority is to arrive at the decisive stage with the best possible team,” he explained.

De La Fuente has experience managing these situations

In nearly four years as Spain coach, Luis De La Fuente has faced situations that forced him to make difficult decisions, and that experience is now shaping his approach ahead of North America 2026.

To explain his thinking regarding players who may not be at 100 percent for the World Cup, the coach cited an example from Euro 2024, where Spain were crowned champions. “Olmo arrived injured—we were close to leaving him out—but he went on to be decisive at the Euro. There are players who can come in less than fully fit and still make a difference in the knockout stages. Olmo was decisive from the quarterfinals onward,” De La Fuente said, referring to Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo.

Based on those comments, it can be inferred that Lamine Yamal’s place at the World Cup could be secure even if he does not fully recover before the tournament begins. Spain’s group-stage path includes matches against Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay, but the coach’s priority appears to be the knockout rounds that follow.

De La Fuente points to the schedule

In the same conversation, Luis De La Fuente shared his views on the growing number of injuries among elite players. “The pace is so intense, with matches every three or four days, that injuries are inevitable,” said the Spain coach. “It’s one thing to recover, and another to return to peak performance. The biggest risk when a player comes back is suffering another injury.”

While Ronaldo remains central to the club’s title challenge, Felix has now achieved a remarkable milestone that places him above every previous Al-Nassr player in Saudi Pro League history.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix continue to drive Al-Nassr toward a historic season, but this time the spotlight has shifted from the veteran icon to his younger Portuguese teammate. While Ronaldo remains central to the club’s title challenge, Felix has now achieved a remarkable milestone that places him above every previous Al-Nassr player in Saudi Pro League history.

The latest chapter came during Al-Nassr’s vital victory over Al-Ahli, where Felix once again supplied the decisive moment for Ronaldo. Their growing partnership has become one of the most productive combinations in the league and a major reason why the club sits in such a commanding position.

Al-Nassr secured a tense 2-0 win over Al-Ahli, extending their outstanding winning streak and tightening their grip on the title race. Cristiano Ronaldo broke the deadlock with a trademark header after rising highest to meet an inswinging corner from Felix.

The finish was Ronaldo at his clinical best, but the build-up once again showcased Felix’s creativity. The Portuguese playmaker has repeatedly found ways to unlock packed defences, and his delivery on this occasion proved priceless.

Ronaldo’s goal was his 25th league goal of the campaign and the latest sign that age has done little to slow his impact. Yet the night also belonged to the man who created it.

The record Felix has broken

With that assist, Joao Felix reached 12 assists in the Saudi Pro League this season, becoming the first Al-Nassr player ever to hit that mark in a single campaign, according to Sofascore‘s data. In doing so, he moved beyond the previous club best of 11 assists, a number previously achieved by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2023-24 and also matched in earlier years by Nordin Amrabat.

That means Felix has now officially surpassed Ronaldo’s all-time Al-Nassr single-season assist record in league play. It is a major achievement given Ronaldo’s enormous attacking influence since arriving in Saudi Arabia. For a player once criticized for inconsistency in Europe, the statistic signals a career revival at exactly the right time.

Career reborn in Riyadh thanks to Jorge Jesus

The 26-year-old forward joined Al-Nassr in July 2025 and quickly adapted to life in Saudi Arabia. Instead of being used as a drifting forward, he has thrived in a freer attacking midfield role where his passing range and movement can shape matches. In fact, he has delivered 39 goal contributions this season: 22 goals and 18 assists in 42 matches across all competitions.

That makes the ongoing campaign the most productive club season of his career. His previous best came during the 2018-19 season at Benfica, when he first emerged as one of Europe’s brightest young talents with 20 goals and 11 assists. Now, years later, he appears to have rediscovered that same spark.

Much of Felix’s resurgence has been credited to manager Jorge Jesus, who repositioned him centrally and handed him greater responsibility in possession. The tactical adjustment has transformed both the player and Al-Nassr’s attack.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are already closing in on what would likely be a historic sixth World Cup appearance, but Guillermo Ochoa has now emerged as a fresh part of that story.

The road to the 2026 World Cup continues to deliver unexpected turns with just 41 days to go. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are already closing in on what would likely be a historic sixth World Cup appearance, but Guillermo Ochoa has now emerged as a fresh part of that story.

All three figures are chasing the same rare milestone, with the possibility of reaching six World Cup appearances, something no player has achieved before. Now, a new decision from the Mexican veteran has added fresh intrigue to that race.

The latest development comes after uncertainty around Mexico’s goalkeeper depth chart heading into the tournament. Injuries and shifting form among younger options reopened the discussion over whether Ochoa could still have a role for the national team despite approaching the final stage of his career.

The 40-year-old remains active at Limassol in Cyprus and has repeatedly made it clear that he still believes he can contribute. His vast experience, leadership, and proven World Cup pedigree have made him impossible to ignore.

Mexico’s coaching staff had been considering several names for the goalkeeper unit, including Raul Rangel and Carlos Acevedo. However, Ochoa’s experience on the biggest stage gives him an edge that statistics alone cannot fully measure.

Ochoa’s reported decision revealed

In the middle of the growing speculation, clarity has emerged around Ochoa’s future. Reports confirm that he is set to be included in El Tri’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, putting him in line for a historic appearance.

According to Fabrizio Romano on X (formerly Twitter), Guillermo Ochoa is set to be included in Mexico’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he would make his sixth World Cup appearance before retiring from professional football immediately after the tournament.

That would place him alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who are also expected to feature for Portugal and Argentina, respectively. If all three appear, they would stand together in one of soccer’s most exclusive groups.

For Ochoa, the tournament would also serve as a farewell to both club and international action. After more than two decades at the professional level, the 2026 World Cup would become the final chapter of an extraordinary career.

Career built on World Cup moments

If everything unfolds as expected, the implications are enormous. Ochoa would join Ronaldo and Messi in becoming the first players ever to appear in six different World Cups, a milestone that has remained out of reach throughout the sport’s history.

All three share a similar timeline. Their journeys began in Germany in 2006, continuing through South Africa in 2010, Brazil in 2014, Russia in 2018, and Qatar in 2022, creating a rare alignment across different eras of the game.

For Ochoa, the path has been unique. He started as a backup, grew into a leader, and eventually became one of the most recognizable goalkeepers on the global stage. His performances, particularly in tournaments like 2014, turned him into a symbol of resilience for the national team.

The Olympics could remove the age restriction in men’s soccer in an effort to make the competition more comparable to the FIFA World Cup.

It is undeniable that the FIFA World Cup is the most important sporting event on the planet and, as such, the most prestigious soccer competition. The Olympics have traditionally played a secondary role in the sport, but that could change in the near future.

“Soccer is the most important sport,” said Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., vice president of the International Olympic Committee, this week at La Liga headquarters in Madrid, according to Diario AS. “We want the senior men’s competition to more closely resemble the World Cup.”

In many disciplines such as basketball, volleyball, handball, and field hockey, the Olympics represent the most important international tournament, even above each sport’s respective world championships. That is not the case with soccer, and the IOC’s goal is to make the competition more appealing.

At present, the key difference between Olympic soccer and the World Cup is the availability of top players. FIFA reserves the presence of the sport’s biggest stars for its own tournament, while the Olympics imposes an under-23 age limit, with only three overage players allowed per squad.

By removing that age limit, the Olympics could significantly raise the level of competition by featuring each country’s top players. However, such a move would require an agreement between the IOC and FIFA. “Both organizations have their own objectives, but I believe we will make meaningful progress toward achieving them,” Samaranch said.

Club release obligations, another obstacle for the Olympics

Beyond the age restriction, Olympic soccer faces another major challenge in becoming more competitive: clubs are not required to release players. In official FIFA competitions, clubs must allow players to join their respective national teams. These are the so-called international breaks, during which World Cups, qualifiers, friendlies, and continental tournaments such as the UEFA Euro, Copa America, and Concacaf Gold Cup are played.

Outside of those FIFA windows, clubs are not obligated to release players for international duty. That is the case with the Olympics, where participation often depends on the player’s insistence and the club’s approval.

IOC proposal faces resistance

Initial reactions from figures within FIFA’s hierarchy have not been favorable toward the idea of removing the age restriction in Olympic soccer. “It would further overload the calendar, reduce club revenues, and affect players’ rest,” said Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, according to Diario AS, regarding the possibility of elevating the Olympics. “It is fine as it is—it should not be like a World Cup.”

Santiago Gimenez has been struggling to play consistently with AC Milan, and that could impact his chances of featuring at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Mexico.

Mexico are entering the final stretch of their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, meaning players are fighting for their last opportunities to make the roster. In that context, Santiago Gimenez’s physical struggles at AC Milan could prove decisive.

“People close to Santi are fearing a catastrophe for the Milan striker,” journalist Carlos Ponce de Leon of Mexican outlet Diario Record said this week. “They fear he could miss out on a second consecutive World Cup.”

This report has surfaced this week for a specific reason. On Tuesday, Javier Aguirre confirmed a preliminary list of 12 Liga MX players who will begin training next week with a view toward the World Cup. While the list is not binding—and therefore does not guarantee a spot on the final roster—it offers a clear indication of the coach’s plans.

Among those 12 players are two center forwards. One is Armando Gonzalez of Chivas, who was expected to be included, as reports suggest he is competing for a spot with Inter Miami’s German Berterame. The surprise, however, was the inclusion of another player with a similar profile: Guillermo Martinez.

The 30-year-old forward has impressed recently with Pumas UNAM, where he has recorded five goals in 15 matches in the Liga MX Clausura tournament. Martinez has already been called up by Javier Aguirre twice this year: he played 24 minutes against Iceland in February and was an unused substitute during the March FIFA international window against Portugal and Belgium.

Santiago Gimenez needs to regain full fitness

Under normal circumstances, Santiago Gimenez’s place at the World Cup would not be threatened by Guillermo Martinez’s performances at Pumas. However, the recent track record of the AC Milan striker is far from encouraging.

Gimenez has scored just one goal in the 2025-26 season and has made only 14 appearances across Serie A and the Coppa Italia. An ankle injury suffered in November required surgery and kept him sidelined for nearly five months, until his return in mid-March.

Since then, the Mexican striker has logged just 67 minutes across three Serie A matches with AC Milan—against Torino, Napoli, and Hellas Verona— all coming off the bench, while also remaining an unused substitute on three other occasions.

Gimenez has yet to debut at the World Cup

Despite being one of Mexico’s most promising players in recent years, Santiago Gimenez has yet to appear at a World Cup. He was left out of the squad for Qatar 2022 by then-head coach Gerardo Martino, who opted for other forwards such as Raul Jimenez, Henry Martin, and Rogelio Funes Mori.

In the years following that tournament, Gimenez established himself as a regular call-up under successive managers, including Diego Cocca, Jaime Lozano, and Javier Aguirre. However, his recent injury issues have once again pushed him out of contention, with his last appearance for Mexico coming in October 2025 against Ecuador.