Also known as: the World Cup · 2026 FIFA World Cup · 2034 FIFA World Cup · 2034 football World Cup · FIFA World Cup 2026 · this year's World Cup · FIFA World Cup · FIFA World Cup 26 · World Cup finals · World Cup 2026 · World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States
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Citizen Digital
The FIFA ranking after the World Cup By Citizen Reporter September 02, 2026 01:00 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Audio By Vocalize The FIFA national team ranking is one of the main indicators of each count …
The FIFA ranking after the World CupThe Standard
… Messi’s decision comes roughly six weeks after leading Argentina to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where they narrowly lost 1–0 after extra time to Spain, and three weeks following the tragic passing of his father and longtime manager, Jorge Messi.In a message to his millions of …
Lionel Messi retires from international footballCitizen Digital
… (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP) Audio By Vocalize Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho said Kylian Mbappe deserves to win this year's Ballon d'Or, arguing the award should go to "the best player in the world" rather than be decided by World Cup or Champions League success. …
Mourinho says Mbappe worthy of Ballon d'OrCitizen Digital
… In total, he scored 73 goals for club and country last season, including six at the World Cup as England made it to the semi-finals.
Kane confirms talks on Bayern extensionCitizen Digital
… The Jinkises, co-owners of Argentine sport marketing company Full Play, used bribes to secure media rights for matches including World Cup qualifiers and the Copa America, the document states.
Argentine pair in FIFA corruption scandal admit paying bribesCitizen Digital
… (Photo by Jaime SALDARRIAGA / AFP) Audio By Vocalize European football's governing body UEFA is preparing a complaint accusing embattled FIFA president Gianni Infantino of "criminal mismanagement" over his now shelved plan to bring private financing into the World Cup, according …
UEFA prepare complaint for 'criminal mismanagement' against InfantinoCitizen Digital
… A star of Morocco's run to the World Cup quarter-finals, the 18-year-old joined City on Wednesday for an initial 100 million euros (£85.6 million, $117 million) from Lille. …
Bouaddi needs time at Man City despite 100m euro fee, says MarescaCitizen Digital
… deration weighs in on FIFA fiasco By AFP August 27, 2026 08:45 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter FIFA president Gianni Infantino looks on during a meeting with the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup …
Saudi football federation weighs in on FIFA fiascoCitizen Digital
Cannavaro, Cafu back Infantino despite FIFA crisis By AFP August 27, 2026 01:30 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Audio By Vocalize World Cup winners Fabio Cannavaro and Cafu have joined a group of former foo …
Cannavaro, Cafu back Infantino despite FIFA crisisCitizen Digital
… (Photo by PREDRAG MILOSAVLJEVIC / AFP) Audio By Vocalize Thursday's draw for this season's Champions League has been somewhat overshadowed by the latest developments in the dispute between UEFA and FIFA over plans to bring private financing into the World Cup, with European footb …
UEFA set to withdraw FIFA boycott threat ahead of Champions League drawManchester United manager Michael Carrick praised midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as a "real joy" to work with after the England international's performance in the team's 4-0 victory over Sabah, completing 81 passes in 64 minutes on his first Champions League start and playing a major role in United's upturn since Carrick took charge in January.
15 hours ago · Citizen Digital →
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick praised midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as a "real joy" to work with after the England international's performance in the team's 4-0 victory over Sabah, completing 81 passes in 64 minutes on his first Champions League start and playing a major role in United's upturn since Carrick took charge in January.
15 hours ago · Citizen Digital →
Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino says Chelsea should be stripped of their 2016-17 Premier League title for financial rule breaches and the honour awarded to Spurs, who finished seven points behind. Chelsea were fined £10 million and given a suspended two-window transfer ban in July for 74 breaches of FA regulations involving agents, intermediaries and third-party investment during the Roman Abramovich era.
10 September 2026 · The Standard →
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone believes his team will improve after a slow start to the season, despite a 3-0 loss to Athletic Bilbao and falling five points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona after four games. Simeone remains confident as Atletico aim to reach the Champions League final at their Metropolitano Stadium.
9 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca said it "was not easy" for World Cup players to find form early in the season, agreeing with striker Erling Haaland's observation that players started tired. Haaland noted he had no pre-season after Norway reached the World Cup quarterfinals.
8 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal said Tuesday he will not beg for the Ballon d'Or trophy after winning the World Cup with Spain and La Liga with Barcelona, telling reporters he is content to let others decide whether he deserves the prize.
8 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe said it was natural for people to consider him as a potential Ballon d'Or winner after scoring 10 goals at the World Cup this summer to win the Golden Boot, with France finishing fourth. Mbappe, 27, has scored 22 goals in World Cup competitions during his career, making him the all-time top scorer.
7 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe said it is natural for people to consider him for the Ballon d'Or after scoring 10 goals at the World Cup this summer to win the Golden Boot, taking his career World Cup tally to 22 goals as the tournament's all-time top scorer.
7 September 2026 · The Standard →
PSG coach Luis Enrique said the sale of France winger Bradley Barcola to Liverpool on August 31, 2026 was a good deal for all parties, with Barcola wanting more playing time and the club respecting his wishes.
4 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
FIFA has accused UEFA of a "smear campaign" and "fishing expedition" after UEFA asked US judges to force FIFA to disclose documents related to its failed plan to secure private investment in World Cup tournaments. UEFA has threatened possible legal action against FIFA president Gianni Infantino for alleged "criminal mismanagement" over the scrapped investor plan.
4 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on August 31, 2026, ending a 21-year career with Argentina during which the team won three major titles including the 2022 World Cup. Argentina now faces a transition period with questions surrounding coach Lionel Scaloni and other ageing players.
2 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
The FIFA national team ranking indicates each country's standing in world football and influences World Cup draw seeding and competition structures. Spain leads the ranking after winning the World Cup, and FIFA now provides live provisional ranking updates during matches.
2 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Lionel Messi, 39, has announced his retirement from international football after 21 years with Argentina. His decision came roughly six weeks after Argentina lost the 2026 FIFA World Cup final 1–0 to Spain, and three weeks after the death of his father and longtime manager.
1 September 2026 · The Standard →
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho said Kylian Mbappe deserves to win this year's Ballon d'Or, arguing the award should go to "the best player in the world" rather than be decided by World Cup or Champions League success. Mbappe became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history during the 2026 tournament and was the top scorer in La Liga and the Champions League last season.
29 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane confirmed negotiations have started on extending his deal beyond 2027. The 33-year-old said the first meeting occurred last week and expressed hope to continue at the club while noting details still need to be discussed.
29 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Two Argentine sports marketing executives, Hugo and Mariano Jinkis, admitted to bribing international soccer officials to secure lucrative media rights in a scheme that defrauded FIFA, CONCACAF, and CONMEBOL. Under a deferred prosecution agreement with US prosecutors, they agreed to forfeit $50 million and avoid trial.
28 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →
UEFA is preparing to file a criminal complaint in Switzerland against FIFA president Gianni Infantino for "criminal mismanagement" over his shelved plan to bring private financing into the World Cup, according to a legal document seen by AFP.
28 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Ayyoub Bouaddi, an 18-year-old signed by Manchester City from Lille for an initial 100 million euros, is set to make his Premier League debut at Crystal Palace on Friday. Manager Enzo Maresca said the midfielder is "ready to go" but called for patience with the most expensive teenager in Premier League history.
27 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Saudi Arabia's Football Federation expressed support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino and welcomed his joint statement with Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom acknowledging mistakes and abandoning a plan to bring private financing into the World Cup, which had triggered global opposition.
27 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →
World Cup-winning players Fabio Cannavaro and Cafu have joined other former footballers in publicly supporting FIFA President Gianni Infantino on social media, despite his scrapped plan to open the World Cup to private investment and calls from another group of former players for leadership change at FIFA.
27 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →
UEFA, which had threatened to boycott FIFA competitions over plans to allow private investment in the World Cup and Club World Cup through a new commercial subsidiary, is expected to drop the boycott threat. The dispute arose after FIFA proposed creating a FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) to attract private investors, which UEFA had criticized as a "shady, opaque backroom deal."
27 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →
UEFA is "likely" to withdraw its threat to boycott FIFA tournaments after the two conditions it sought from FIFA following president Gianni Infantino's failed attempt to secure private investment in the World Cup have been met, according to a source.
26 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Ayyoub Bouaddi has become the most expensive teenager in Premier League history after joining Manchester City from Lille in a five-year deal worth 100 million euros (£85.6 million), surpassing Manchester United's 2024 signing of Leny Yoro from the same club.
26 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Xavi Hernández, newly appointed head coach of the Netherlands national team, vowed to restore the attacking football style the Oranje are known for. He said playing offensive, dominating football will bring better results after the team's disappointing recent World Cup campaign.
26 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Former footballer Emmanuel Petit and others have called for "change" in FIFA's leadership following the failed plan to open the World Cup to private investors, saying "power has blurred the current leadership's ability to distinguish between its own interests and what is best for football."
24 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Former Cameroon star Samuel Eto'o has backed FIFA president Gianni Infantino, saying he "hasn't done anything wrong" despite intense scrutiny over a failed private investment proposal for FIFA tournaments including the World Cup. UEFA and other federations have withdrawn support and threatened boycotts over the controversial plan.
24 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane received his second European Golden Shoe after scoring the most goals in Europe's top divisions last season. The 33-year-old said he hopes to win the Ballon d'Or after what he calls his "best season ever," during which he scored 73 goals for club and country.
20 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →
English football's chief refereeing officer Howard Webb has warned Premier League clubs to expect stricter officiating on grappling and holding during set-pieces next season, citing too many unpunished instances last season. Arsenal drew particular attention for their set-piece expertise, with rival managers and fans complaining about their wrestling tactics.
20 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders completed a move from Manchester City to Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah on Wednesday in a deal reportedly worth 61 million euros. Reijnders, who represented the Netherlands at the recent World Cup, has signed a contract until 2031.
19 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Barcelona announced the signing of Spain's World Cup-winning captain Rodri from Manchester City on a deal running until 2030, reportedly for around 75 million euros. The 30-year-old midfielder, a 2024 Ballon d'Or winner, joined Barcelona after seven years at Manchester City.
18 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →
FIFA President Gianni Infantino's chief operating officer Kevin Lamour has departed after breaking ranks with senior FIFA directors and criticizing Infantino's plan to bring private investment into FIFA competitions, including World Cups. Lamour had refused to sign off on the deal and described it as "the project of one person."
18 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →