Global soccer news covering major leagues, transfers, international competitions, World Cup, and football analysis worldwide.
Kylian Mbappé scored twice against England in the World Cup third-place match on July 18, 2026, surpassing Lionel Messi for the all-time World Cup goals lead with 22 goals. He reached the milestone in 22 games, while Messi needed 32 appearances for 21 goals. Messi can reclaim the record in the final against Spain.
Michael Olise broke Pelé's single-tournament assists record with seven in the 2026 World Cup, setting up Kylian Mbappé's record-breaking 22nd goal. France lost 2-0 to Spain in the semifinal and 6-4 to England in the bronze medal match. Olise attempted 20 shots without scoring.
England defeated France 6-4 to secure third place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Declan Rice scored in the third minute, and Bukayo Saka added a hat-trick. The match set records for most goals in a third-place playoff, and Kylian Mbappe became the all-time World Cup leading scorer with 22 goals.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump praised the 2026 World Cup as a success during a reception at Trump Tower in New York. Trump called it 'one of the all-time greatest sporting events in history' and plans to award the golden trophy to the winner of the final between Argentina and Spain.
President Donald Trump declared the United States a 'soccer country' during a FIFA reception in New York on July 17, 2026. He boasted about intervening with FIFA President Infantino to overturn a red card suspension for US striker Folarin Balogun, and suggested the US should host a future World Cup without Canada or Mexico.
Former U.S. Soccer president Alan Rothenberg says the 2026 World Cup represents a 'rocket launch' for sustained U.S. interest in soccer, predicting it will become the country's No. 2 sport behind football. He also criticized FIFA's ticket pricing and predicted a World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.
This commentary argues that the World Cup third-place playoff, often dismissed as unwanted, produced a thrilling and memorable match. The author contends that the game's chaotic, high-scoring nature justified its existence, highlighting standout performances and the entertainment value that captivated fans worldwide.
Bukayo Saka scored England's third goal in a World Cup 2026 match against France, extending the lead to 3-0. The goal came after Declan Rice's early opener, putting England in a commanding position.
The 2030 World Cup will be hosted by Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, marking the first tournament across two continents. Opening matches are in South America on June 8-9, with the main event from June 13 to July 21. All six hosts automatically qualify.
This commentary reflects on the viral photo of Lionel Messi bathing a baby Lamine Yamal, arguing that the image symbolizes a destined connection between the two soccer stars as they face off in the World Cup final. It suggests the photo's resurgence highlights the remarkable narrative of Yamal's rise and Messi's legacy.