MIAMI (AFP) -- The 2026 World Cup final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, organizers FIFA announced on Sunday, Feb. 4. FIFA president Gianni Infantino (AFP) The New York bid held off a strong challenge from Dallas to secure the July 19 game, the culmination of the expanded...
RIO DE JANEIRO (AFP) -- Brazilians paid their last respects Sunday to football legend Mario Zagallo, after the four-time World Cup-winning player and coach died at age 92, the final member of one of the country's greatest footballing generations. Brazil's football legend Mario Zagallo (AFP) Dressed...
SAO PAULO (AFP) -- The first person to win the FIFA World Cup as both a player and coach, Mario Zagallo was as instrumental a figure as any in Brazil's rise to prominence as a global football power. This 12th of July 1998 file photo shows Brazilian national soccer team coach Mario Zagallo during...
BUENOS AIRES (AFP) -- Lionel Messi is not ruling out another bid for World Cup glory with Argentina in 2026 despite acknowledging that time is working against him. Argentina's Lionel Messi (AFP) Messi, who recently won his eighth Ballon d'Or, raised the World Cup almost a year ago after starring...
NEW YORK (AFP) -- A set of six jerseys that Lionel Messi wore during Argentina's victorious 2022 World Cup run will be auctioned in December, Sotheby's announced on Monday, Nov. 20, estimating their value at more than $10 million. This undated photo courtesy of Sotheby's shows Lionel Messi's set of...
TOKYO (AFP) -- Japan suffered a blow on the eve of World Cup qualifying as Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma ruled out with injury, the football association said on Wednesday, Nov. 15. Brighton's Japanese winger Kaoru Mitoma (AFP) The 26-year-old has scored seven goals in 18 appearances for his country...
JOHANNESBURG (AFP) -- Prolific Liverpool scorer and Egypt captain Mohamed Salah will be among the stars in action this week when 2026 World Cup qualifying in Africa kicks off with two matchdays. Prolific Liverpool scorer and Egypt captain Mohamed Salah (AFP) His two Premier League goals against...
TOKYO (AFP) -- Japan, Australia and Jurgen Klinsmann's South Korea will launch their qualifying campaigns on Thursday, Nov. 16, for the 2026 World Cup, with Palestine also among the 36 teams in action in Asia. Brighton's Japanese Kaoru Mitoma (AFP) A record eight direct spots and one...
DOHA (AFP) -- Saudi Arabia is prepared to host the 2034 World Cup in summer or winter, its football chief told AFP, after the oil giant became the sole bidder for the tournament. Saudi Arabian Football Federation president Yasser al-Misehal (AFP) "Of course, we are ready for all possibilities,"...
RIYADH (AFP) -- Saudi Arabia was named as the lone bidder for the 2034 World Cup on Tuesday, Oct. 31, a major success that follows a string of high-profile sports acquisitions. Nassr's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (AFP) The conservative Gulf monarchy, often criticized over its human rights...
SYDNEY (AFP) -- Australia on Tuesday, Oct. 31, decided against bidding for the 2034 football World Cup, strengthening Saudi Arabia's position as favorite to host the event. Football Australia pulled its bid on the Oct. 31 deadline after the Asian Football Confederation threw its weight behind Saudi...
JAKARTA (AFP) -- Indonesia's football federation has said it supports Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2034 World Cup, ending the possibility of its own proposal to co-host the event with Australia. Last week, Indonesian FA president Erick Thohir had said the country was in talks with Australia...
