2026 world cup

The Digest: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed full confidence in Mexico's ability to host upcoming football events, including the 2026 World Cup, despite recent cartel-related violence erupting in major cities. Speaking amid rising security concerns that sparked calls for FIFA to...

The Digest: Brazilian football star Neymar has hinted he may retire at the end of 2026, saying he is "living year to year now" after being hampered by persistent injuries. The 34-year-old told Brazilian channel Caze: "I don't know what will happen from now on... It may be that when December...

The Digest: The Portuguese Football Federation has proposed an international friendly match against Nigeria's Super Eagles, scheduled for June 6, 2026, in Lisbon. The encounter, agreed to in principle by both federations, is intended as a key warm-up for Portugal ahead of the 2026 FIFA World...

The Digest: FIFA is reportedly planning a major halftime show for the 2026 World Cup final, partnering with Global Citizen to feature top musical acts at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The initiative aims to merge football and global music for an audience of up to two billion viewers, drawing...

The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw has set the stage for a thrilling group phase, featuring several high-profile clashes that blend historic rivalries, tactical duels, and generational star power. From a rematch of continental giants to a headline battle between Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, these...

The Digest: In a candid ESPN interview, the Argentine icon downplayed the importance of personal statistics and records, framing his legendary achievements, including his 91-goal year, as a natural byproduct of his love for the game rather than a premeditated pursuit. Key Points: Lionel...

The Digest: FIFA is determined to expand the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology at the 2026 World Cup, specifically targeting reviews for potential red card offenses, despite significant resistance from domestic leagues concerned about the flow of the game. However, reports that...

The Digest: The 2026 World Cup will miss some of football's brightest talents after several top nations crashed out in qualifying, with Nigeria's Victor Osimhen headlining a list of global stars who fell short. The absence of these players reveals the fine margins in international football...

The Digest: The Democratic Republic of Congo and Iraq have secured the final two spots in the 2026 World Cup intercontinental playoffs. Their paths, sealed by a tense penalty shootout and a last-gasp extra-time goal, showcased the unflinching pursuit of a place on the world's stage. Key...

The Digest: Lionel Messi has shifted his stance on the 2026 World Cup, expressing a clear desire to participate while prioritizing his physical readiness. The Argentine captain, who led his nation to glory in 2022, stated he wants to ensure he can still contribute at the highest level before...

The Digest: The Super Eagles' camp has officially opened in Rabat, Morocco, with 10 players arriving on Sunday to begin final preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs. The early arrivals, including key figures like Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey, signal a focused start to a crucial week...

The Digest: Gabon’s head coach Thierry Mouyouma has admitted the Super Eagles' quality is forcing a tactical rethink. Ahead of their playoff semi-final in Rabat, the Panthers' coach revealed he must alter his team's approach at both a tactical and technical level to counter Nigeria's threat...

The Digest: A dispute over squad size has delayed the Super Eagles' team announcement for the playoff against Gabon. SCORENigeria can exclusively report that coach Eric Chelle is at odds with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), insisting on a larger squad to navigate potential injuries and...

The Digest: The Super Eagles have been dealt a significant blow ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff, with several key players set to miss the crucial fixtures in Morocco due to injury, suspension, and fitness concerns. Key Points: Striker Terem Moffi is out for several weeks...

The Digest: The Nigerian national team is set to reconvene in one week for a critical training camp ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff against Gabon, as confirmed in an official social media announcement that marks the final countdown to the high-stakes encounter. Key...

The Digest: Football legend Lionel Messi has expressed his desire to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, acknowledging that his final decision will depend on his physical condition. The 38-year-old Inter Miami star, who led Argentina to victory in 2022, hopes to defend the title...

The Digest: South Africa's Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, has openly stated he does not want Nigeria's Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The declaration follows Nigeria's role in a FIFA protest that led to a points deduction for Bafana Bafana, exposing the deep-seated...

The Digest: The group stages of the CAF World Cup qualifiers have concluded, with nine African nations securing their direct passage to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. The continent's representatives will include Egypt, Senegal, South Africa, Cape Verde, Morocco, Ivory Coast...

The Digest: The Confederation of African Football has finalized plans for the decisive 2026 World Cup African playoff, setting a November 2025 showdown in Morocco, where four nations will battle for the continent's final World Cup qualification spot. Key Points: The four-team playoff...

The Digest: Coach Eric Chelle has named a strong attacking side featuring Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman while implementing a significant reshuffle in the defensive line for the must-win match against Lesotho. Key Points: Coach Eric Chelle has named his starting eleven for the World...