News of world cup 2026

Albiceleste win with ease – and learn little – in final pre-World Cup home friendlies

01-04-2026 12:08 After another set of meaningless matches – this time against Mauritania and Zambia – we are none the wiser over Argentina's chances of defending the title when they head up north in June.

by Dan Edwards

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

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.

International football

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.

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

Argentina take it easy on road to World Cup 2026 title defence

26-03-2026 15:02 Since winning the World Cup in 2022, the only notable sides the Albiceleste have faced have been Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay. Otherwise, the run of fixtures has been limited to friendlies against lower-level sides.

FOOTBALL – INTERVIEW

Tagliafico: Albiceleste must avoid ‘complacency’ at World Cup

25-03-2026 13:29 National team left-back says Argentina must guard against “complacency” as the defending champions prepare to defend their title at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

WORLD CUP 2026

Argentina to set up base camp in Kansas City for 2026 World Cup

05-02-2026 12:48 AFA confirms the Albiceleste will be based in Kansas City for the initial stages of the tournament, which will be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

EDITORIAL

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.

FOOTBALL WORLD CUP 2026 DRAW

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.

GEOPOLITICS & SPORT

Football world braces for 2026 World Cup draw with Trump presiding

03-12-2025 09:53 Expanded 48-team tournament will be played across the United States, Mexico and Canada in June and July next year; Trump's attendance at the Kennedy Center ceremony underscores his rapport with FIFA chief Gianni Infantino.

MILEI TO AMERICA

Milei plans new US trip to meet Trump, attend 2026 World Cup draw

17-11-2025 14:12 Argentina’s President Javier Milei planning new trip to United States; He will attend World Cup 2026 draw at Kennedy Center and meet with US President Donald Trump.

VAMOS LEO!

'I would like to be there' – Lionel Messi on 2026 World Cup

28-10-2025 11:15 National team captain says in an interview with NBC news that he wants to play in the World Cup but will decide in early 2026.

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

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

NATIONAL TEAM STAR

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.

Chainsaw hits football

Fútbol para pocos: Milei decides 2026 World Cup won’t be on public TV

27-08-2025 13:45 For the first time in 52 years, Argentina’s government has confirmed that it will not be buying the broadcasting rights to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada and broadcasting it free-to-air. The move – which saves an estimated US$7 million – forms part of austerity for state media.

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

Ancelotti in Brazil on mission to restore Seleçao's lost glory

26-05-2025 12:38 Brazilian Football Confederation spent two years wooing Ancelotti to try to turn the page on years of disappointment for the national side and its fans – now the work begins in earnest.

International football

Rout of Brazil shows 2026 World Cup hopes are very much alive

28-03-2025 12:39 Tuesday's showing against Brazil, in particular, was as strong a statement of intent from Lionel Scaloni’s side as one could wish to envision.

by Dan Edwards

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

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.

WORLD CUP QUALIFYING

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.

International football

Will Lionel Messi's last dance be the World Cup 2026?

17-03-2025 09:32 Argentina eyes 2026 World Cup qualification, but will Lionel Messi be leading the side out on the pitch?

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

Pochettino appointed as new coach of United States' national team

10-09-2024 20:29 Former Newell's Old Boys star named new head coach of the United States national team and will lead host nation into 2026 World Cup.

WORLD CUP QUALIFERS

Colombia avenge Copa América loss with victory over Argentina

10-09-2024 19:52 World champions Argentina suffer second defeat of CONMEBOL qualifiers for 2026 World Cup with a James Rodríguez penalty condemning them to a 2-1 loss to Colombia.