News of 2026 world cup

Scaloni gives encouraging update on Messi fitness ahead of World Cup

05-06-2026 22:05 National team coach Lionel Scaloni says skipper could play "a few minutes" in upcoming friendly matches, likely one of the two.

Injury-hit Argentina hope to reach full fitness at World Cup

05-06-2026 07:00 The composition of Lionel Scaloni’s squad clearly shows that he is ready to put his faith once more in the boys that took Argentina to glory in Qatar.

by Dan Edwards

Algeria, Austria and Jordan – a look at Argentina’s Group J opponents

03-06-2026 16:06 Albiceleste will face Algeria, Austria and Jordan at the group stage of the 2026 World Cup; Defending champions are the clear favourites to progress in top spot.

Nineteen players from Argentina's top flight heading to World Cup 2026

02-06-2026 09:32 FIFA will pay Liga Profesional clubs US$11,000 a day for each player called up for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico; River Plate will receive the most of the domestic clubs, supplying seven of the 19 footballers from Argentina's top flight for tournament.

Loyalty could be fatal to Argentina's World Cup title defence, says 1978 champion

29-05-2026 10:39 Argentina are contenders but their chances will be undermined if Lionel Scaloni relies too much on the players who triumphed four years ago, says 1978 World Cup winner Daniel Bertoni.

Argentina eye World Cup double ahead of Group J opener

29-05-2026 09:50 The Albiceleste arrive at the World Cup aiming to become the first team in more than half a century to successfully defend their title. But since winning the title in Qatar four years ago, they have not played a single European side.

Maverick Marcelo Bielsa faces Uruguay mutiny ahead of World Cup

28-05-2026 10:19 Marcelo Bielsa's unconventional methods risk ruining Uruguay's World Cup chances before the tournament has even begun.

Scaloni eases fears over Messi injury ahead of World Cup

26-05-2026 22:04 Argentina coach says initial signs are “not so bad” after captain suffers hamstring issue, though several key Albiceleste players remain fitness doubts ahead of the tournament in North America.

Anxiety, anticipation as World Cup one-month countdown begins

09-05-2026 23:11 A record 48 teams and millions of fans are set to descend on the United States, Canada and Mexico for the first ever World Cup co-hosted by three nations.

Messi says ‘other favourites are arriving in better shape’ for World Cup

08-05-2026 17:43 Argentina skipper says title defence is possible but singles out France and Spain as stronger contenders ahead of 2026 tournament.

Messi on target as Argentina put five past Zambia in World Cup send-off

01-04-2026 10:36 Much improved performance from the world champions, but tougher tests lie ahead when the nation’s title defence gets underway in June.

Messi to start for Argentina in World Cup send-off against Zambia, says Scaloni

30-03-2026 18:21 Lionel Messi will start for Argentina in a friendly against Zambia on Tuesday at La Bombonera – the reigning world champions' final game on home soil before they defend their World Cup crown.

Milei’s offside trap

06-12-2025 06:41 A shady AFA might seem an easy target for polarisation but Milei could be playing with fire.

Argentina's World Cup group rivals: Algeria, Austria and Jordan

05-12-2025 16:11 Holders Argentina play Algeria, Austria, Jordan in World Cup Group J; Albiceleste will face African side first, date and location to be confirmed tomorrow.

Argentina need real tests ahead of World Cup defence

17-10-2025 08:42 There’s no doubt that this is still a very good Argentina team, but why on earth are Venezuela and Puerto Rico lined up for friendlies ahead of the World Cup?

by Dan Edwards

Report: Messi, Inter Miami agree to extend contract beyond 2026

18-09-2025 08:09 Argentine superstar's contract with MLS side Inter Miami will be extended beyond next year's World Cup, according to a source close to the matter. 

At present, the Albiceleste are unstoppable – even without Messi

27-03-2025 16:10 Why Argentina is doing well without superstar skipper Messi and coach Lionel Scaloni is doing everything right.

Argentina on brink after Almada strike sinks Uruguay

22-03-2025 08:47 Win means Argentina can become first team from region to book a place at next year's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico with a victory over arch-rivals Brazil in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.

Copa América chaos raises concerns for 2026 World Cup

15-07-2024 15:10 Chaotic scenes at the Copa América final raise serious questions for the organisers of the 2026 World Cup.