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					<![CDATA[Top World Cup Moments - Before Messi Or Maradona, Argentina Had Mario Kempes]]>
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				    <![CDATA[The World Cup is defined by memorable moments. Counting down to the top 100 of all-time.]]>
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				<pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 01:23:35 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[What comes to mind when you think of the top men's FIFA World Cup moments? It could be Diego Maradona carving through England's defense for the Goal of the Century. Or, a legend like Pelé or Lionel Messi raising the trophy up high into the sky. Or something more controversial, like Cristiano Ronaldo's wink after getting Wayne Rooney sent off. Leading up to this summer, we're counting down the most iconic, most controversial, most defining moments in tournament history. Check out today's entry, but keep on reading as we count down to the BEST World Cup moment ever. JUMP TO: 100-90 | 89-80 | 79-70 | 69-60 | 59-50 | 49-40 | 39-30 | Stay Tuned For More No. 100: Pure Control, Pure Class, Pure Messi In 2018, the pressure on Lionel Messi was building. Argentina's star captain had gone scoreless through two games, including a 3-0 loss to Croatia. He needed to do something against Nigeria. That's when the Messi magic appeared. Argentina went on to win the game and advance. An unbelievable first touch from Lionel Messi that saved Argentina. And while La Albiceleste were eliminated by eventual champions France in the round of 16, Messi's sublime goal was perhaps the best of the tournament. No. 99: Red Card for … Celebrating?! Vincent Aboubakar made history for Cameroon when he scored a game-winning goal against Brazil in 2022, the first time an African country had defeated the five-time champions in a World Cup setting. The problem was that he was then sent off for excessive celebration. The Indomitable Lions were still eliminated despite the win, with the Brazilians advancing to the knockout rounds. Nonetheless, it was punishment worth the moment of shirtless joy. It even seemed like the referee felt a bit bad for having to hand out that red card. No. 98: Cuauhtémoc Blanco Leaps Into History Trying to shake off around two defenders? You should think about trying this trademark move created by one of the greatest Mexican players to ever live. It was so nice, it's known throughout the world as the "Cuauhtemiña." At the 1998 World Cup, Cuauhtémoc Blanco clamped the ball between his feet did his best impression of a kangaroo by hopping between two South Korean defenders. It may not have produced a goal, but the player from el barrio bravo de Tepito produced a move that has immediately leaped into the hearts and minds of soccer fans since. No. 97: Klinsmann's Roundhouse Flick Long before he coached the United States men's national team at the 2014 World Cup, Jürgen Klinsmann scored a ton of goals for Germany, including this stunner against South Korea. Klinsmann, who four years earlier had helped his country win the World Cup for the third time, would turn what looked like a routine pass reception with his back to the goal into one of the most memorable goals of USA ‘94 with one swivel of his hips. No. 96: This Free Kick Changed USA Soccer History The U.S. men's national team hadn't made a splash at the World Cup in decades – but that all changed it the USA hosted the 1994 edition. It was thanks to a wonder-goal against Switzerland by the USA star Eric Wynalda. Wynalda's unstoppable, curling free kick just before the teams headed to the dressing rooms nearly blew the roof off the Silverdome in suburban Detroit. The match ended 1-1. That point, plus an upset win over Colombia a few days later, was enough to send the USA to the second round, where they took eventual champ Brazil to extra time before losing 1-0. No. 95: One Of the Best Opening Goals Ever In 2006, Germany legend Philipp Lahm scored one of the best opening goals to a World Cup ever. From a distance, Lahm (wearing a cast on his right arm following a recent injury) curled the ball perfectly into the top corner past Costa Rica keeper José Francisco Porras. Of course, it was even sweeter as the Germans were hosting the tournament with high hopes of winning it all on home soil. The hosts fell in the semifinals but Lahm's amazing technique and control on this goal in Munich will be one of the tournament's highlights. No. 94: A Volley For The Ages Tim Cahill is arguably Australia's best men's soccer player ever and that's due to his ability to score in big moments at the World Cup. That included this spectacular volley at the 2014 tournament in Brazil, where he showed his technique and ability against the Netherlands. A looping long pass from one side to the Porto Alegre pitch to the other, Cahill one-timed the shot into the net at the perfect angle as the ball kissed the underside of the bar. A stellar goal followed by his trademark fighting-the-corner-flag celebration. No. 93: This Rule Proved Too Cruel A new rule was introduced in the 1998 World Cup round of 16: Golden Goal. Score in extra time, and it’s over. Hosts France were deadlocked with Paraguay at 0-0 going into extra time in their round of 16 matchup at Lens. The ball found Laurent Blanc at the edge of the six-yard box, and he buried it to end the match at 1-0. France advanced; Paraguay was eliminated on the spot. France went on to win it all, but it would be one of the final few countries to benefit from the cruel rule, as it was scrapped altogether six years later. No. 92: First Back-to-Back Champs It didn't take long for the World Cup to have its first dynasty. After lifting the trophy on home soil at the second-ever World Cup in 1934, Italy did it again at France 1938, stamping its legacy forever. Italy might not be the most famous repeat World Cup champions of all time, but it will go down in history as the first. No. 91: A Goal That Deserved A Happier Ending Archie Gemmill’s wonder goal for Scotland in the 1978 FIFA World Cup would have sent them to the knockout stage if they hadn’t fallen short on goal difference against the Netherlands. Gemmill had Scottish fans dreaming of an upset against one of the world's best sides. In the 68th minute, the diminutive midfielder danced away from three Dutch defenders before lobbing a left-footed finish over the keeper Jan Jongbloed. With a two-goal lead, it seemed Scotland would advance. But it was to no avail as the Dutch scored minutes later, leaving the heartbroken Scots wondering what could have been. Instead, the Netherlands advanced on goal-difference and would go on to make a second consecutive World Cup final appearance. No. 90: The Ultimate Team Goal 25 passes. Nine players. One iconic goal for Argentina. At the 2006 World Cup (the first one in which Lionel Messi appeared), Argentina faced a stern test against Serbia in the group stage. It was one of those games where the underdogs knew they would have to be sharp on defense to keep a far more talented Argentina side at bay. Except it didn't work that way, and Argentina pounced from the get-go with an early goal in the sixth minute by Maxi Rodriguez. And that's when the Albiceleste magic took over. In the 31st minute, a patient ballet of teamwork that involved a combination of on-target passes led to Hernán Crespo looping a ball to early-match substitute Esteban Cambiasso. Goal, Argentina. Four more followed – including Messi's first ever at a World Cup.  But Cambiasso's strike stood above all that day. No. 89: A Controversial Goal Affects Three Teams One of the toughest groups at the 2022 World Cup featured Germany (four-time champions), Spain (2010 champions), always talented Japan, and feisty Costa Rica. So you knew that this group was going to have some fireworks. That happened on the final matchday. Germany facing Costa Rica and Japan taking on Spain with all four teams having hope of advancing. At halftime of both matches, it seemed like Spain and Germany would advance, while Japan and Costa Rica would go home. But the script was then ripped apart. In the 51st minute of the Japan-Spain game, Kaoru Mitoma chases the ball down — it looks out. But he crosses it to Ao Tanaka, who scores off an improbable angle. VAR says the ball remained in play by the slimmest of margins. The goal stands. Japan topped the group. Spain also advanced. Germany was eliminated despite beating Costa Rica. Joy and heartbreak all around. No. 88: Three Yellow Cards And One Red-Faced Referee Soccer is known for its simplicity of rules when compared to other major sports. And one of the most well-known rules is that when you get two yellow cards, that equates to a red card and therefore an automatic dismissal from the game. Which is why an error by England official Graham Poll at the 2006 World Cup was so memorable. Poll had shown Croatia's Josip Šimunić two yellow cards in the group-stage finale against Australia, but the player inexplicably stayed on. Only until a third card was shown to Šimunić that the defender actually left the pitch. It was the last World Cup game Poll ever worked as he asked not to be considered for future tournaments on account of his unforgettable mistake. No. 87: Matador Magic! A Star Rises For Mexico at France '98 When your nickname is "El Matador," you better have a killer instinct in front of the net. Luis Hernandez had that and then some as a star striker for Mexico at the 1998 World Cup. By beating South Korea and tying Belgium in their first two group stage games at France ‘98, Mexico appeared well-positioned to progress to the knockout rounds. Still, advancing was not guaranteed. And with the Netherlands looming in their final first-round match, the nerves of El Tri fans were, understandably, frayed. They stayed that way until almost the last kick of the ball. Mexico was losing 2-1 to the Dutch as the contest entered stoppage time. In the other Group E finale being played simultaneously, the Koreans and Belgians were tied. If El Tri lost and Belgium managed to score a late winner, they’d advance at Mexico’s expense. Hernandez, with his trademark flowing blonde hairstyle, wasn’t about to leave anything to chance. Instead of relying on another result, the striker known as "El Matador" pounced on a botched clearance in the box by Dutch center back Jaap Stam and stabbed the ball into the net. The goal pulled Mexico level in the 94th minute. When the final whistle blew moments later, Mexico was en route to the round of 16. No. 86: Hungary's Record Scoreline El Salvador was desperate to produce a respectable showing in just its second tournament appearance, having lost all three of their games and failing to score a goal at the 1970 event. But a lack of funding meant they took just 20 players, two short of the roster limit, and were the last team to arrive for competition. Add in an overly aggressive gameplan from young coach Mauricio "Pipo" Rodriguez, and the result was a 10-1 loss to Hungary in their opener. It remains the most lopsided scoreline in World Cup history. The performance was so humiliating that when ES forward Luis Ramírez Zapata scored to make it 5-1, some of his teammates implored him to tone down his celebration, lest he make the Hungarians angry. Maybe he did; László Kiss came off the bench to score a seven-minute hat trick (also a record) and Hungary added two more goals before the final whistle to complete the rout. No. 85: Bulgaria's Superstar Takes Over Summer of '94 Bulgaria were considered an afterthought. But one man made sure the world remembered them. At the 1994 World Cup, Hristo Stoichkov couldn't be stopped. After converting two penalties against Greece, the Barcelona legend scored against Argentina to secure a place in the knockout round. Then, the magic really started. In the Round of 16, Stoichkov bagged a 6th minute goal, as Bulgaria took down Mexico on penalties. Next came defending champions Germany. Trailing 1-0 in the 75th minute, he and Yordan Letchkov scored three minutes apart for the win. Stoichkov and Bulgaria would ultimately lose in the semifinals, but it was truly an unforgettable run. No. 84: No Era Penal Mexico benefited from some good fortune just to make it to Brazil 2014 — if not for a late goal by their archrival United States versus Panama, El Tri would've failed to qualify out of CONCACAF — but there they were, just moments away from finally reaching the elusive quinto partido, or fifth game, at a World Cup. Then their luck ran out. With just two minutes of the 90 to play, the Dutch made it 1-1 through Wesley Sneijder. Mexico captain Rafa Márquez was then whistled for tripping Arjen Robben inside the penalty box deep into second-half stoppage time. Replays showed that Robben had theatrically embellished the contact, if there was any at all. It wasn't a penalty. That didn't matter. VAR was still four years away from its World Cup debut. Without video review, the call on the field stood, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored from the spot, and Mexico were eliminated in the round of 16 for the sixth straight tournament. No. 83: Sneijder Stands Tall in Dutch Rally At 5-foot-7, Wesley Sneijder was never an imposing figure for the Netherlands. But he knew how to rise in big moments, such as his standout two-goal performance against Brazil in the 2010 World Cup quarterfinals. The Brazilians were up early on Robinho's goal in the quarterfinal match, playing about as sound as anyone else in the tournament. But then the Dutch took over. Sneijder first had a deep wide cross that seemingly floated forever and slipped past Brazil keeper Julio Cesar's punchout before skimming off Felipe Melo’s head and into the net. Then it was the diminutive dynamo who scored again to complete the comeback, sneaking through the penalty area and finding space for an improbable header. Even he couldn't believe it, grasping his forehead in delight. But it's the win that kept the Netherlands marching on and eventually reaching the final. No. 82: No Option For Zaire In Loss To Brazil Zaire’s qualification for the 1974 World Cup was a watershed moment for the country. They were the first team from sub-Saharan Africa to make it, and just the third from that continent overall. But what should have been a joyous tournament for Zaire's players turned sinister. After losing their opener 2-0 to Scotland, the players were informed that they wouldn’t be paid their World Cup bonuses. They intended to boycott their next match, against Yugoslavia, but relented after threats from the country’s president, dictator Mobutu Sese Seko. Following a 9-0 loss — tied for the most one-sided scoreline in World Cup history — Mobutu told the team not to bother coming home if they lost to Brazil by more than four goals. So, down three late in the game, Zaire’s Mwepu Ilunga raced from the defensive wall and booted the ball down the field. He was yellow-carded for time-wasting, but it was worth it: Brazil didn’t score again, and the match finished 3-0. A lackluster but perhaps life-saving performance for a country who are now trying to qualify in 2026 – this time with hopes of a better outcome. No. 81: South Korea Saves Mexico; Germany Hopes Dashed "¡Coreano! Hermano! Ya eres mexicano!" At the 2018 World Cup, this is how Son Heung-min and South Korea ousted the defending champions and helped out a very grateful Mexico squad. Despite losing to Mexico in their opening match, 2014 tournament winners Germany liked their odds of reaching the knockout stage at the 2018 edition in Russia. All the Germans had to do was beat South Korea by two goals to guarantee a spot in the business end of the competition. As expected, Die Mannschaft dominated the Taeguk Warriors through nearly 90 minutes, but the match was still scoreless. Germany was desperate and pushed as many players as possible forward. Then South Korea pounced on the opportunity as Kim Young-gwon first scored. It was then Son who sealed the whole group's fate with a second goal as time wound down. That meant Germany was out. Mexico, despite getting pummeled by group winners Sweden, were also advancing. A sigh of relief for El Tri fans, who gratefully serenaded Korean players and fans in Russia – and even held celebrations outside of South Korea's diplomatic offices across Mexico. No. 80: Did He Really Mean To Score That Goal? The old saying is that you can make your own luck. And this memorable goal by Maicon, which defied odds and angles, is an example of that. In the summer of 2010, the Brazilian right-back was at his absolute peak. A Treble-winning elite defender for Inter Milan and a stalwart for his country at the summer's World Cup. And it was against North Korea that Maicon produced his signature moment continues to be debated. As Maicon barreled down the flank and into the 18-yard box and caught up to a pinpoint pass by Elano, he powered a shot that whizzed behind keeper Ri Myong-guk and into the net on the tightest of angles. It seemed that Maicon was trying to actually cross to Luis Fabiano, but instead did the job himself. A celebration followed that seemed more relief than joy, and one of the best "Did he mean to do that?" moments in soccer lore was born. No. 79: USA's Pulisic Delivers a Winner The United States men's national team faced immense pressure to make it out of a tough Group B at the 2022 FIFA World Cup after failing to qualify for Russia 2018. The problem? It only managed two points after its matchups with Wales and England. With the U.S. in desperate need of three points in its final group stage match against Iran, Christian Pulisic put his body on the line to get his team on the board, diving in front of a cross to beat the two defenders marking him and colliding with Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand in the process. This goal sent the U.S. through — and gave Christian Pulisic his World Cup moment. In the 2022 World Cup Group Stage, the United States needed a win to advance. In the 38th minute, Weston McKennie sent in a cross Pulisic was forced off as a result of the collision, but his goal ended up being the difference for the U.S. as it advanced to the round of 16 with a 1-0 win and three much-needed points. No. 78: Richarlison's Wonder Goal Brazil entered the 2022 FIFA World Cup as one of the favorites to go the distance, and that hype only got louder after Richarlison's master class in the Seleção's group stage opener against Serbia. After failing to score in the first half, Richarlison scored a second-half brace, and his second goal will go down as one of the most skillful goals in World Cup history. Richarlison volleyed a cross from Vinicius Junior in the air to himself and scored with an acrobatic scissor kick. Brazil would ultimately bow out of the tournament in the quarterfinals, but it made its mark on the tournament thanks to Richarlison. No. 77: Don't Count Out Dempsey and the USA At the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the soccer gods did the United States no favors. A group stage that included tournament heavyweights Germany, a Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal squad, and Ghana (the team that had ousted the USA in two straight World Cups). Pundits had written off the USA even before the team reached the tournament, thinking there would be no way coach Jurgen Klinnsman's squad would survive a tough group. Against Ghana, Clint Dempsey scored the fastest World Cup goal in USA history. Ghana equalized before John Brooks rose to the occasion and netted a header for the dramatic game-winner. Against Portugal, Jermaine Jones smashed a stunner that was mooted after Ronaldo's last-second equalizer. A loss to Germany still saw the USA advance into the knockout stage thanks to a goal differential over Portugal. With tough-as-nails playmakers such as Dempsey, Jones and keeper Tim Howard, this USA squad proved a lot of folk wrong. No. 76: Sunday Oliseh's screamer vs. Spain There's something to be said for sheer power. Pretty passing sequences and deftly placed shots are nice and all, but sometimes you don't want to watch the lock get picked — you want to see a ball hit with enough force to blow the entire house down. That's what Sunday Oliseh gave us in Nigeria's first match of the 1998 World Cup. The defensive midfielder wasn't known for scoring — he managed only one other goal in 53 international appearances — but he knew what to do when a Spain clearance fell to him 30 yards from goal with about 12 minutes remaining in the game. Fernando Hierro and Raul scored for Spain on either side of halftime, but Nigeria equalized twice. With time running short, Hierro cleared a Super Eagles throw-in deep in his own end. Oliseh caught it on the half-volley and thundered a low strike just inside the post past stunned La Roja backstop Andoni Zubizarreta. The kick couldn't have been more ferocious. Not only was it enough to give Nigeria the win, but it also helped propel them to the top of Group D. Spain, meanwhile, failed to survive the group stage. Talk about a powerful shot. No. 75: Van Bronckhorst's Blast Giovanni van Bronckhorst wasn’t known as a scorer throughout his long and decorated international career for the Netherlands, for good reason. In 106 appearances with the Oranje, the outside back managed just six goals. And at age 35 in 2010, many wondered if the veteran would even crack Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk’s final 23-man roster for the tournament in South Africa. Van Bronckhorst didn’t just make it, he was named captain. And in the semifinal against Uruguay, he opened the scoring with an audacious, 40-yard, left-footed strike that grazed diving La Celeste keeper Fernando Muslera’s fingertips and kissed the inside of the far post before settling into the net. The only World Cup goal Van Bronckhorst ever scored helped send his country to the title match for the third time, and it remains among the most spectacular in tournament history. No. 74: Five Goals in One Game! Salenko Makes History You’ve heard of a hat trick. But what about a Salenko?When you score five goals in a single game, you’re worthy of having the feat named after you. At the 1994 World Cup, Russian striker Oleg Salenko found the net five times in a 6-1, group stage victory over Cameroon.The win wasn’t enough to help the Russians reach the knockout stage, but Salenko’s record-setting day did go a long way toward him becoming the only player in World Cup history to win the Golden Boot as top scorer despite only participating in the first round.Salenko also scored from the penalty spot against Sweden to finish USA ‘94 with six goals, the same number as Bulgarian striker Hristo Stoichkov, with whom he shared the award. Not bad for a guy who played in four fewer matches. No. 73: Rivaldo’s Oscar-Worthy Diving Performance We all know soccer stars have a penchant for the dramatic. But Brazilian legend Rivaldo may take the Oscar for an all-time acting performance for his inexplicable dive at the 2002 World Cup.During a group stage match, Turkiye's Hakan Ünsal, annoyed that Rivaldo was taking his sweet time preparing to take a corner kick, booted the ball off the Brazilian’s legs. Rivaldo collapsed and began rolling on the turf holding not his thigh — but his face.Ünsal was shown a red card and the ridicule against Rivaldo began. In an era before social media, the video went viral and shown over sports and news and late-night shows alike across the globe. Rivaldo was fined (but not suspended) by FIFA but he also got the last laugh — Brazil won its fifth (and its most recent) World Cup title. No 72: Rooney’s Red and Ronaldo’s Wink A heated moment at the world’s biggest stage between two World Cup heavyweights involved a pair of Manchester United superstar teammates.Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney were among the faces of global soccer at the 2006 World Cup. So, when England and Portugal were pitted in the quarterfinals, the world knew sparks would fly.In the second half, Rooney stamped on Portugal’s Ricardo Carvalho and the referee reached for red. Ronaldo had been pleading to the ref that his Man United teammate should be sent off, and that’s when the cameras caught it: a sly, almost celebratory wink toward the Portugal bench right after Rooney’s dismissal.Portugal would survive on penalties as Ronaldo scores the decider. England’s dream of a World Cup title ends. And that wink — love it or hate it — becomes a defining, unforgettable and controversial moments in World Cup history. No 71: Kuwait's Princely Protest On a list of most bizarre World Cup moments, this would have to be near the top. At the 1982 event in Spain, first time qualifier Kuwait had just gone 4-1 down to France with 10 minutes left in their group stage match. Inside the stadium, Kuwaiti Prince Fahad Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah took exception, contending that a whistle from the crowd sounded before Les Bleus scored their fourth goal, causing Kuwait’s players to stop defending thinking Soviet referee Myroslav Stupar had halted the game. The Prince strode onto the field and threatened to pull his country’s players off of it if the ref didn’t reverse his decision — which he did! But France scored again anyway to restore the lopsided victory. The Prince was later fined by FIFA, and Stupar never worked a World Cup match again. Kuwait were eliminated in their final first round match, a 1-0 loss to England. They haven’t been back to a World Cup since. No. 70: The 'Saudi Maradona' Diego Maradona wasn’t the only player to dribble through an entire team and score at a World Cup. And if we’re being fair, the incredible solo goal Saeed Al-Owairan managed to pull off for Saudi Arabia at USA ‘94 was every bit as pretty. Al-Owairan’s run and finish didn’t come in the knockout stage, as Maradona’s slalom had eight years earlier. It didn’t come against England or any other former champion. It began deeper in his own half, though, and he beat one more would-be defenders. And while the Argentine legend picked the lock by calmly rolling the ball home after rounding keeper Peter Shilton, Al-Owairan blasted the door down with a ferocious shot past Belgian netminder Michel Preud'homme. The goal was meaningful, too. Not only did Al-Owairan’s unforgettable strike give Saudi Arabia a 1-0 win, it also sealed their passage to the second round — the only time the country has survived group play. No. 69: The Goal that Saved Germany This goal gave Germany hope — at least for one more game. On the brink of elimination in the group stage at Russia 2018, defending champions Germany were awarded a free kick from just outside the box in the 95th minute. Kroos lined the ball up from a difficult angle and curled the ball into the top left corner of the goal. Germany lives to see another day. Unfortunately for Germany, it only delayed the inevitable. Days later, Germany lost to South Korea and crashed out of the group. A masterpiece in a World Cup that ultimately slipped away. No. 68: Soccer in the USA, Changed Forever In 1994, the United States hosted the World Cup, marking just the second time ever a North American country had hosted the tournament. Across stadiums known for Super Bowls and college football games, more than 3.5 million people attended the tournament with an average of nearly 69,000 spectators per match. It's still the most attended World Cup of all-time. The USA would lose in the Round of 16 to eventual champion Brazil, but the landscape of American soccer was forever changed. A new men’s professional league, Major League Soccer, would be founded two years after the tournament. Stateside soccer fans began to wake up early on the weekends and follow the heroics of European teams and leagues. Soccer truly became part of the sports mindset in this country. Now it’s 2026 and the World Cup is returning to the U.S., co-hosted alongside Mexico and Canada. In many ways, it’s a bookend for the growth of the sport here in the country. But in others, it’s the beginning of a new chapter, with this generation now getting to see up close and personal the greatest sporting event in their own backyard. No. 67: Argentina Sends Mexico Home TWICE! Losing to the same opponent in the same stage in consecutive World Cups can definitely leave fans salty. Which is why a lot of Mexico fans don’t have much love for Argentina. In 2006, Mexican fans could be forgiven for thinking that maybe this was the year their team would advance to the quarterfinals for the first time away from home soil. Argentina and Maxi Rodriguez had other ideas. With the game tied 1-1 and halfway through the first additional 15-minute period, Rodriguez volleyed a curling shot past the outstretched glove of goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez and into the side netting. The supernaturally beautiful strike was enough to send Argentina into the last eight. To nobody’s surprise, it was also named the goal of the tournament. Four years later and with the legendary Diego Maradona in charge, Carlos Tevez became the hero (or the culprit) in Argentina’s round-of-16 win over Mexico with a long-range golazo in a 3-1 win in which he scored twice. Same opponent. Same round. Two unforgettable goals. Mexico’s quest of reaching a quarterfinal at a non-hosted World Cup continues to this day. Will that change this summer? No. 66: David Villa Fuels Spain's First World Cup There was a time when Spain memorized the soccer world its midfield mastery, playmaking prowess and incredible chemistry. It led to a golden era for La Roja in which the team won three major titles – the 2008 Euro, the 2010 World Cup, and the 2012 Euro – in a span of four years. The 2010 squad in South Africa was incredibly special and one man provided the scoring prowess that its trademark possession-based system (often labeled as tiki-taka) to make it all click. David Villa scored five of Spain's eight goals at the tournament, and added one assist. He finished as the joint top goalscorer of the tournament along with Thomas Muller, but the German star won the Golden Shoe due to having more assists. No matter. David Villa lifted the hardware that mattered. Villa remains Spain's top goalscorer. No. 65: Diego Forlán’s Mastery of the Infamous ‘Jabulani’ Ball The beauty of each World Cup is how each edition weaves in the traditions and characteristics of the host nations. That’s especially true when the official ball is unveiled. At the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the Jabulani ball was noted for some of its aerodynamic quirks when in flight. Decorated with African-inspired designs with the name from a Zulu phrase of "be happy," it symbolized South Africa’s culture and remains among the most iconic World Cup balls. It was also hard for some of the players to control it. It floated and dipped and knuckled in all sorts of ways. But one player is arguably synonymous with the ball — Diego Forlán. The Uruguayan striker helped his team reach the World Cup semifinals, the deepest run they since winning its second title in 1950. And while Uruguay failed to reach the final, it was the third-place match against Germany that Forlán scored the goal of the tournament. Five goals overall. Golden Ball winner. In a World Cup featuring a unique ball, Diego Forlán mastered the one thing no one else could. No. 64: The Best Team Ever … To NOT Win a World Cup? The Brazil national football team of 1982 were absolute artists. Led by the elegance of Zico, the intelligence of Sócrates, and the rhythm of Falcão, this team moved like music — fluid, fearless, and beautiful. Every pass had purpose, every attack felt inevitable. Nonetheless, the ultimate objective of winning a World Cup (and one without the legendary Pelé) ultimately fell short during that summer in Spain. But this team will be remembered for being as talented – if not more – than teams that have won the whole thing. Brazil steamrolled its group stage competition against the USSR, Scotland and New Zealand by an aggregate total of 10 goals to 2. In the second phase of the tournament, the Brazilians dominated its fierce rivals Argentina (led by Maradona) before losing an epic 3-2 thriller to eventual champions Italy. No. 63: The Best Team Ever … To NOT Win a World Cup? The pressure was on the host nation in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup. South Africa had both the privilege and responsibility of hosting the tournament's first game on African soil, but fans across the continent feared the worst. There were questions about whether the team affectionally known as Bafana Bafana — which got an automatic berth as the home team — could compete with the best in the sport. South Africa had won just one of its six outings over its two previous World Cup appearances, in 1998 and 2002, and the country had failed to qualify for the 2006 event. In other words, the pressure was on. So when Siphiwe Tshabalala hit a long-range missile past Mexican goalkeeper Oscar Perez and into the very top corner of the net in front of a packed stadium in Johannesburg, the entire continent erupted. It turned out to be the high point for the hosts, who conceded a late equalizer to El Tri and eventually became just one of two home sides not to qualify for the knockout stage (Qatar also failed in 2022). But Tshabalala's effort will forever live on. No. 62: Beckham Bends It to Save England David Beckham's time at the 1998 FIFA World Cup will forever be overshadowed by the red card he received in England's Round of 16 matchup with Argentina — so much so that many forget that he was actually the Three Lions' saving grace in the group stage of the tournament. In 1998, Beckham was on the cusp of soccer superstardom and just becoming a global icon we now know him for. With England facing elimination in its final group stage match against Colombia, England coach Glenn Hoddle gave into the pressure to play Beckham after sitting his young star in the first two group stage matches. Beckham proved himself to his skeptic coach by scoring his first international goal for England and doubling England's lead over Colombia. England went on to win the match 2-0 and advanced as the runner-up in Group G behind Romania. And that ubiquitous term "Bend it like Beckham" began to filtrate across the world. No. 61: Biggest Robbery Ever? USA Not Awarded A Handball The United States men’s national team could have made the 2002 FIFA World Cup final. In fact, they should have at least made the semifinals. And yet, they didn’t. Why? An obvious handball that wasn’t called in the quarterfinal against Germany. Arguably the most controversial moment involving the USA at any World Cup tournament. In 2002, the USA was primed for a run at the tourney co-hosted by South Korea and Japan. Led by a young core that included emerging talented duo Landon Donovan and Brian McBride, the USA defeated Portugal 3-2 and finished runner-up to group winners South Korea. In the Round of 16, they recorded a 2-0 victory over rivals Mexico behind goals from McBride and Donovan. Next, it was on to the quarterfinal against powerhouse Germany. Michael Ballack got the Germans out to an early 1-0 lead in the 39th minute. The Americans responded with several attacking plays to start the second half. - What if … the USA had been awarded THAT handball? But in the 50th minute, everything changed. Off a corner kick by Donovan, the ball landed to a wide-open Gregg Berhalter, who took a shot at goal from just a few yards out. German keeper Oliver Kahn was able to barely save the shot, but the ball would bounce off midfielder Torsten Fring' arm. Immediately, USA players began clamoring for a handball, and when the replay was shown — it was clear as day. However, referee Hugh Dallas didn't call it. And with VAR not yet in existence, the call was irreversible. Had it been called, the USA would have been awarded a penalty kick, and Frings would have been sent off, and the Stars and Stripes would have kept the momentum against a 10-man German side. Germany survived and eventually made it to the final, where they would fall to Brazil. As for the Americans? It remains the biggest "what if" moment in its soccer history. No. 60: Senegal Roars Into the Limelight In the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Senegal came with little to no expectations. But, after a shocking win against defending champions France, The Lions of Teranga wrote a Cinderella story like no other. France, also the reigning European titleholders at the time, probably had a more talented team than the one they fielded during their triumphant run to the trophy four years prior. They were significantly more experienced. Senegal, by contrast, were participating in their first World Cup. The former French colony took a 30th minute lead on a goal by the wonderfully-named Papa Bouba Diop, who shot the ball while in a seated position. Senegal rode the momentum generated by their tournament-opening victory all the way to the quarterfinals. As for Les Bleus? Not only did France also fail to win either of their next two games, they exited the competition after the group stage without having managed a single goal. No. 59: David Luiz Caps Off Goal With Karate-Kick Celebration When Brazil hosted the 2014 World Cup, the whole event felt like one never-ending party. And the host team, fully aware of the pressures and expectations on their shoulders, needed to put on a show.The quarterfinals saw Brazil take on South American rivals Colombia, a squad that became one of the darlings of the tournament behind star midfielder James Rodriguez. But the Brazilians weren’t going to back down. And one of its most vocal leaders, defender David Luiz, ensured they’d keep the run going with a stunning second-half free-kick goal from 40 yards out that effectively sealed the game.Equally memorable as his knuckle-balling goal that befuddled Colombia keeper David Ospina was Luiz’s celebration, not to mention his signature locks of bouncing curly hair. As the goal sailed into the net, Luiz feverishly ran and karate-kicked the corner flag as his teammates joyously mobbed him.A moment that felt like Brazil’s last hurrah of the tournament. Captain Thiago Silva would be forced to miss the semifinal match against Germany for yellow card accumulation. Superstar Neymar suffered a devastating back injury that also kept him out of the semifinal. How did that turn out? We’ll get to that soon enough. No. 58: An Unlikely Hero in France's 2018 Run During the 2018 Round of 16, France was trailing Argentina by a goal and were in danger of being eliminated. After letting an early lead slip away, Les Bleus needed to keep up with La Albiceleste’s firepower and an unassuming hero stepped up. Just before the hour mark, French defender Lucas Hernandez sent over a cross that took a pair of bounces before landing in front of teammate Benjamin Pavard, who had never scored an international goal up to this point in his career. Pavard would hit a half-volley with his right foot, which created a top-spin effect that sent the ball swerving into the top-left corner, far beyond reach of Argentinian goalkeeper Franco Armani. The goal would flip the momentum back on France’s side as a then 19-year-old Kylian Mbappe scored twice in a four-minute span to give his country the lead and eventually a 4-3 victory. Pavard’s goal would later be voted as the goal of the tournament as France went on to defeat Uruguay, Belgium, and Croatia to lift the nation’s second World Cup Trophy. No. 57: 16 Yellow Cards and 4 Reds? The ‘Battle of Nuremberg’ No match in World Cup history has seen more cards given out. Portugal and Netherlands turned this 2006 Round of 16 clash into a record-breaking foul fest. By the time the final whistle blew, referees had shown 16 yellow cards and 4 reds, both World Cup records that still stand today. A 21-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo left early due to injury in tears. Luis Figo connected with a headbutt. Players argued, pushed, and collided for 90 minutes. In the midst of all the chaos, Maniche scored the lone goal in the 23rd. Portugal won 1-0 and advanced. But the scoreline was almost an afterthought. The "Battle of Nuremberg" remains the most ill-tempered match the World Cup has ever seen. No. 56: Italy Upset By North Korea at 1966 World Cup The most unlikely World Cup upset is not Saudi Arabia defeating Argentina in Qatar in 2022. That honor actually belongs to North Korea, who stunned Italy during the 1966 World Cup in England, the only country other than Brazil with multiple world titles to that point. The newcomers' prospects looked grim after a 3-0 loss to the Soviet Union and a 1-1 draw with Chile, leaving them as massive underdogs for their final group match in Middlesbrough. However, the unthinkable happened when Pak Doo-ik scored just before halftime. North Korea's defense held firm, securing a 1-0 victory that eliminated the Italians and made North Korea the first Asian team to reach the knockout stage. They nearly repeated the miracle in the quarterfinals, racing to a 3-0 lead against Portugal before eventually collapsing in a 5-3 loss. North Korea didn’t qualify again for 44 years and is still chasing its second tournament win. No. 55: Saudi Arabia's Upset Over Argentina Stunned the World We all remember how the 2022 World Cup ended, with Lionel Messi lifting the trophy for Argentina after the insane win over France in the final at Qatar's Lusail Stadium. But do you recall how Argentina's World Cup campaign started at that very same stadium only weeks before? What was supposed to be a routine group-stage opener against a less heralded Saudi Arabian side turned into one of the most memorable upsets ever at the World Cup. Messi even had his team up by a goal early thanks to a penalty, but two second-half goals saw the Saudis rally and get the win. Salem Al Dawsari's eventual game-winner was one of the tournament's most memorable goals, and included his iconic celebration flip. The result was a wakeup call for one of the tournament favorites. One that they would bounce back and eventually make their way to the final. As for the Saudis? They became overnight legends with the country even declaring a holiday for their Green Falcon heroes. No. 54: Ronaldinho's Fantastic Free Kick Whether it was a calculated masterpiece or a fortunate fluke, Ronaldinho’s epic 50-yard free kick against England in the 2002 quarterfinals remains one of the World Cup’s best goals in the tournament’s history. After Michael Owen and Rivaldo traded first-half goals, Brazil earned a set piece deep in midfield five minutes after the break. Expecting a routine cross, England goalkeeper David Seaman drifted off his line. Instead, Ronaldinho lofted a daring strike that sailed over the backpedaling keeper and tucked neatly under the crossbar. The goal secured a 2–1 lead that Brazil never relinquished, sending one step closer toward their record fifth world title. Regardless of whether it was intended to be a shot or cross, the audacity of the strike solidified Ronaldinho’s legend in football history. No. 53: Never Doubt Cristiano Ronaldo On the second day of the 2018 World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a performance for the ages, netting a legendary hat trick to rescue a 3–3 draw against rivals Spain. This clash of titans became an instant classic, fueled entirely by Ronaldo’s individual brilliance. He opened the scoring early with a composed penalty and restored Portugal’s lead before halftime with a powerful strike that slipped through David de Gea’s grasp. After Spain surged ahead 3–2, the stage was set for a final act of heroics. In the dying minutes, Portugal earned a free kick at the edge of the box. With the world watching, Ronaldo curled a sublime, dipping shot around the wall and into the top corner. De Gea didn't even move. This stunning equalizer completed his hat trick, making him the oldest player to score three goals in a World Cup match and cementing this masterclass as an all-time tournament highlight. No. 52: When Ronaldo Became King The 2006 World Cup in Germany served as the ultimate stage for Ronaldo Nazário to cement his status as football’s premier "O Fenômeno." Entering the tournament just behind the legendary Gerd Müller’s long-standing record of 14 goals, the Brazilian striker carried the weight of historical expectation on his shoulders. The record-breaking moment arrived in the Round of 16 against Ghana. In typical R9 fashion, he timed a clinical run to perfection, immobilized the goalkeeper with a signature step-over, and slotted the ball into the net. This 15th career World Cup goal officially moved him past Müller, establishing a new benchmark that would stand for eight years. While Miroslav Klose eventually surpassed this total in 2014, Ronaldo’s achievement remains a pinnacle of sporting excellence. It wasn't just about the volume of goals, but the artistry and dominance he displayed across three different tournaments cemented his legacy as one of the greatest strikers to ever step foot on the pitch. No. 51: Croatia's Insane Run For generations, the World Cup final was an exclusive club. Between 1978 and 2014, every championship match featured previous finalists, with no new nation reaching the ultimate stage since 1974. In 2018, Croatia decided to crash the party. Led by Luka Modric, they defied the "usual suspects" narrative to become the second-smallest nation ever to reach the final. While their path through Denmark, Russia, and England was arguably smoother than France’s gauntlet against powerhouses like Argentina and Belgium, their ascent wasn't a total fluke as Croatia previously secured a third-place finish in 1998. Ultimately, France claimed the trophy in a 4-2 thriller, but by ending a 44-year drought for first-time finalists, the "Vatreni" proved that the sports world's most prestigious stage was no longer reserved solely for the traditional powers. No. 50: Best Mexico Goal Ever Manuel Negrete’s iconic goal against Bulgaria in 1986 is a cornerstone of World Cup history. In front of over 114,000 fans at the Estadio Azteca, the Mexican midfielder played a quick one-two with current national team head coach Javier Aguirre before launching into a sideways scissor kick, beating the Bulgarian keeper without the ball ever touching the ground. The goal paved the way for a 2-0 victory, sending Mexico to the quarterfinals for only the second time in their history. Mexico has not returned to that stage in the decades since, but the goal’s reputation has never faded. In 2018, a global FIFA fan vote officially recognized the strike as the greatest goal in the tournament's history. Negrete’s effort remains a definitive highlight of the 1986 tournament, perfectly capturing a rare moment of home-nation triumph while marking the last time Mexico reached the quarterfinals or as fans famously refer to it, "el quinto partido." No. 49: Heartbreak for Maradona History refused to repeat itself during the 1990 World Cup. Four years after Diego Maradona hoisted the trophy in Mexico City, he returned to the final seeking a historic back-to-back title. However, Rome offered no encore for the Argentine captain. Instead, it provided the opportunity for West German revenge. The match reflected the tournament’s broader tactical issues, defined by the lowest goals per game average at any World Cup. In response, FIFA implemented a pair of rule changes for future editions of the tournament, adding an extra point for wins to reward offensive play and preventing goalkeepers from collecting back-passes with their hands. For the first time in World Cup history, a team was held scoreless in the final, Argentina also became the first defending champion to reach the final, only to leave as runners-up. The stalemate finally ended in the 85th minute when Andreas Brehme slotted home a clinical penalty. As the whistle blew on a 1-0 victory, Maradona’s dream of a repeat vanished, replaced by the sight of West Germany lifting the trophy they had lost to him and Argentina just four years prior. No. 48: No Red Card?! De Jong's Studs-Up Kick Shocks Spain The 2010 World Cup final is often remembered for a single shocking moment: Nigel de Jong’s flying, studs-to-the-chest kick on Spain’s Xabi Alonso. In any other setting, the challenge would undoubtedly be a red card, yet on soccer’s biggest stage, De Jong somehow escaped with only a yellow. Referee Howard Webb later admitted his view was obstructed from behind Alonso, leaving him—unlike a billion stunned viewers at home—unaware of the tackle's true brutality. In an era eight years before VAR could intervene, the "Oranje" midfielder remained on the pitch, fueling a physical encounter that featured 14 yellow cards, the most ever in a final. Spain secured their first-ever world title when Andrés Iniesta scored the decisive goal in extra time. The Netherlands were left with a third final defeat, but De Jong’s kick remains one of the most controversial moments in tournament history. No. 47: James Rodríguez and Colombia Delight the World in 2014 Entering the 2014 World Cup as a rising talent playing for Monaco, James Rodríguez used the stage in Brazil to cement himself as a national hero. While he arrived with only five international goals, he departed as the tournament’s most electrifying force. The 22-year-old orchestrated a run that redefined Colombian soccer history, propelling Los Cafeteros to their first-ever quarterfinal. His signature moment came in the Round of 16 in an unreal sequence of technical perfection where he cushioned the ball on his chest before turning and sending a volley that deflected off the crossbar and into the net. That "turn-and-strike" missile earned the FIFA Puskás Award for the year's most beautiful goal and secured him the Golden Boot for most goals scored at the tournament. Rodriguez’s 2014 run reached a climax when he signed with Real Madrid later that summer becoming the face of his national team almost overnight. No. 46: Beckham and Owen — Remembered For Different Reasons The 1998 World Cup Round of 16 clash between England and Argentina remains defined by two moments at opposite ends of the emotional spectrum: Michael Owen and David Beckham. The match in Saint-Étienne, France, reached a fever pitch when 18-year-old Owen produced one of the greatest solo goals in history. After collecting the ball at midfield, the teenager moved past two defenders before firing a shot into the corner, far beyond reach of the keeper. However, the celebratory energy turned to anger shortly after halftime. After being fouled by Diego Simeone, Beckham—still lying on the turf—retaliated with a bad-tempered flick of his heel. Simeone might’ve exaggerated the contact on his end, but it was too late for Beckham as referee Kim Milton Nielsen booked him for a red card. England battled to a 2-2 draw with ten men but ultimately fell on penalties. While Owen’s wonder goal launched a superstar, Beckham was cast as a national pariah, a shadow he wouldn't escape until his redemptive free-kick against Greece years later. No. 45: Goals, Tussles and Drama: Argentina-Netherlands Had It All From last-minute goals to heated confrontations and a dramatic penalty shootout, this unforgettable battle had everything football fans search for. The 2022 quarterfinal match between Argentina and the Netherlands was an unforgettable battle in the latest meeting between the two rivals. Lionel Messi’s march toward the final seemed certain as Argentina coasted to a 2-0 lead. But Wout Weghorst had other plans and the "Battle of Lusail" soon descended into beautiful, tactical carnage. As tackles flew and a record 18 yellow cards were brandished, the tension hit a breaking point. In the 101st minute, a daring, low-pass free kick fooled the world, allowing Weghorst to equalize and send the match into extra time. Ultimately, Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez would become a national hero. During the shootout, the Argentine keeper’s heroics, ignited by pure defiance, denied the Dutch twice and kept Messi’s dream of lifting the World Cup trophy alive. It was a night defined by fury and flair, cementing its place as one of the most chaotic matches in World Cup history. No. 44: Italy Stifles Hosts Germany's Dream of World Cup Glory In the dying minutes of a grueling 2006 World Cup semifinal match between Germany and Italy in Dortmund, the atmosphere was suffocating. Despite the roar of 65,000 fans at the Westfalenstadion, the overwhelming majority of whom were supporting the hosts, Germany remained deadlocked with Italy late in extra time. Just as a penalty shootout seemed inevitable, Italy struck. Andrea Pirlo delivered a sublime, no-look pass to the unmarked Grosso, who sent a first-touch curling shot past the diving Jens Lehmann. The stadium went silent. As a desperate Germany scrambled forward for an equalizer, Alessandro Del Piero punctuated a clinical counterattack a minute later to secure a 2-0 victory. Germany’s dream of winning a World Cup on home soil vanished. The dramatic ending propelled the Azzurri to the final, where they defeated France to claim their fourth World Cup title. No. 43: The Inaugural World Cup in 1930 Makes History The 1930 World Cup in Uruguay marked the beginning of a new dawn for global soccer. In an era without qualification, every FIFA nation was invited, and 13 teams – including the United States – gathered in Montevideo for the inaugural tournament. As the reigning back-to-back Olympic champions from 1924 and 1928, Uruguay was the choice for the inaugural host, over several European bidders. The atmosphere reached a climax during the final at the Estadio Centenario, where over 90,000 fans packed the stands for a battle between the hosts and Argentina. The first World Cup final was famously defined by a dispute over the equipment. Both teams insisted on using their own ball. To settle it, an Argentine ball was used for the first half and a Uruguayan one for the second. Down 2–1 at the break, La Celeste switched to their preferred ball and the hosts took total control, netting three unanswered goals after the break to secure a 4-2 victory. FIFA President Jules Rimet presented the original trophy that would later be named after him to the winners, formalizing Uruguay’s status as the world’s first official champion. As for the USA? That team finished in third place, still the best ever position by the men's team at any World Cup. No. 42: The Secretary of Defense In the 2014 World Cup Round of 16, Tim Howard’s record-setting performance rewrote the history books and earned him the nickname 'The Secretary of Defense.'. In Salvador, Brazil, Belgium’s high-caliber offense launched wave after wave of attacks, only to be met by a one-man barricade. Though Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku eventually found the net, Howard refused to yield, finishing the night with 16 saves—the most ever recorded in a World Cup match. Tim Howard’s performance was nothing short of heroic. By the time the match reached extra time, he had already racked up 11 saves. "I don't know how you're going to survive the mobs when you come back home, you're going to have to shave your beard so they don't know who you are,"  former President Barack Obama said to Howard over the phone. Despite a heartbreaking 2-1 loss, Howard was the undisputed Man of the Match and delivered arguably the most memorable individual performance in American soccer history. No. 41:  Maradona, Argentina Win Memorable Title in '86 The 1986 World Cup in Mexico cemented Diego Maradona's reputation as the greatest player on the planet; Argentina's little magician scored five times (including two of the most famous strikes in the sport's history), led the Albiceleste to their second title and was overwhelmingly voted the Golden Ball winner as the tournament's top player. The only thing Maradona didn't do, it seemed, was score the World Cup-winner for his country. That honor instead fell to Jorge Burruchaga, who capped a wildly entertaining final by breaking a 2-2 tie against West Germany with just four minutes of regular time remaining. The Germans, trailing 2-0 deep into the second half, had stormed back. They had marked Maradona out of the game to that point, with Lothar Matthäus never more than a yard away from his fellow No. 10. And they had all the momentum following Rudi Völler's 83rd minute strike in front of more than 114,000 spectators at Estadio Azteca. Burruchaga changed all that with one slick run and finish after receiving a slick seeing-eye pass from — who else? — El Diego. No. 40: Portugal Roars Back Behind the ‘Black Panther’ In 1966, North Korea arrived at the World Cup quarterfinals as the ultimate underdog in the quarterfinals against Portugal. Having already stunned the world by eliminating Italy— widely considered one of the tournament's greatest upsets — North Korea became the first Asian nation to reach the World Cup knockout stage. Within 25 minutes, the North Koreans seemed poised for an even bigger miracle at Goodison Park after storming to a shocking 3-0 lead over Portugal. However, the momentum shifted behind the brilliance of Eusébio. The reigning Ballon d’Or winner delivered a legendary performance, spearheading a relentless Portuguese rally. Portugal roared back, scoring five unanswered goals, four of which were netted by Eusébio himself. The ‘Black Panther’ would go on to win the Golden Boot as he finished with nine goals. Portugal’s journey eventually ended in the semifinals against the host nation and eventual champions, England. To this day, the 5-3 result remains one of the greatest comebacks the World Cup has ever seen. No. 39: A Germany Legend Seals A Title At Home Gerd Müller scored an astonishing 68 goals in just 62 games over the course of his international career, but one of them stands out above the rest. During the 1974 World Cup final, West Germany was locked in a 1-1 stalemate against the Netherlands, at Munich's Olympiastadion. Müller scrambled back to control a pass in the area, pivoted, and instinctively slotted a low shot past the keeper. That chaotic yet beautiful goal put the Germans ahead 2-1 and secured the nation’s second world championship. It was more than just a trophy-winner; it was Müller's 14th and final World Cup goal, cementing his legacy as one of the best finishers to ever play the game. Müller's parting gift gave his home crowd a memory that would last a lifetime. No. 38: Frank Lampard's Goal That Wasn't Against Germany Everyone in the stadium seemingly saw this goal—except the referee. When England met Germany in the 2010 World Cup Round of 16, history repeated itself in the most ironic way possible. In the 1966 final, Geoff Hurst scored a controversial "phantom goal" against West Germany that led to England’s only title. Forty-four years later, Germany finally got their revenge. With England trailing 2-1, Frank Lampard launched a screamer off the crossbar. Replays showed the ball bounced clearly past the goal line, but the officials ruled it no goal. Tens of millions of fans watched the robbery unfold live on television. Deflated, England collapsed to a 4-1 loss—their worst World Cup defeat ever. But the injustice wasn't for nothing. This massive blunder helped usher in Goal-Line Technology in 2014 and later VAR in 2018. No. 37 Garrincha steps up in place of the injured Pelé When Brazil arrived in Chile for the 1962 World Cup, the plan for every opponent was simple: Stop Pelé. But two games in, disaster struck the Seleção, Pele, the world’s greatest player was forced out due to injury. When a Brazilian legend fell, a hero rose — Manuel Francisco dos Santos — aka Garrincha. Garrincha decimated England in the quarterfinals with two goals, then broke Chilean hearts with two more in the semis. Even though he was booked for a red card against Chile, he was cleared for the final where he led Brazil to a 3-1 victory over Czechoslovakia. Pelé was limited to the role of spectator, but Garrincha led Brazil to become only the second team to win consecutive titles and became the first player to win both the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer and Golden Ball as its best player in World Cup history. No. 36: Mbappé, France End Croatia's Unlikely Run An unconventional scoreline with the unlikely finalist. The crowning moment for a talented youngster. The 2018 World Cup final stood out on its own. Unlike previous World Cup finals, Croatia and France came to play in 2018. The Croatians – in their first final ever of a major tournament – were all over Les Bleus early, but France took the lead against the run of play on an 18th-minute own goal by Mario Mandžukić. Ten minutes later, the score was even again courtesy of Croatian veteran Ivan Perišić. The video assistant referee then awarded a penalty to France after spotting a handball in the box. Antoine Griezmann converted it to restore his team's advantage at the half. That's when a memorable second half broke out. France star midfielder Paul Pogba restored the two-goal before Mandžukić made up for his earlier error to give Croatia some life. But Kylian Mbappé then scored the clincher as he became the first teenager since Pele to score in a final. France stood as 4-2 winners (the highest-scoring World Cup final since 1966) for its second World Cup title. No. 35: Paolo Rossi's Return Paolo Rossi had barely played in two years. Banned for his involvement in the betting scandal that rocked Italian soccer in 1980, the forward returned to the field with club side Juventus with just three games left in the 1981-82 Serie A season. That was enough for Azzurri manager Enzo Bearzot, who controversially included Rossi on his roster for the 1982 World Cup in Spain. It looked like a severe miscalculation at first. The striker went scoreless through Italy’s first three games, and Bearzot was under intense pressure to drop him from the starting lineup. That he didn’t succumb to it looks like a masterstroke now. While Rossi didn’t score as Italy first defeated defending champion Argentina, he exploded for three goals in the Azzurri’s fifth game, a 3-2 triumph over Brazil that sent his country to the final four. The seal broken, Rossi had both goals in the 2-0 semifinal victory over Poland in the semis before finding the target for the sixth time in three matches in the final, a 3-1 win over West Germany that gave the Italians their first title since 1938. Not only did Rossi take home the Golden Boot as the tournament’s goal leader, he also won the Golden Ball as MVP. No. 34: South Korea's Historical Semifinal Run Came With Controversy The benefits of home-field advantage are given for any World Cup host. South Korea’s bordered on the absurd in their Round of 16 meeting with Italy in 2002. South Korea stunned Italy in one of the most controversial matches in FIFA World Cup history during the 2002 World Cup Round of 16, featuring disputed referee calls, a disallowed Italian goal, and Ahn Jung-hwan’s dramatic Golden Goal winner. The Azzurri might have known it wouldn’t be their night when the Koreans were awarded a phantom penalty just three minutes in. The effort was saved by Gianluigi Buffon, the last bit of good fortune they’d get. With VAR still 16 years away, Italy had two apparent goals — including one in extra time — controversially ruled offside. They also saw maestro Francesco Totti shown a second yellow card during the additional half-hour for diving; replays suggested it should’ve been a foul and a potentially match-deciding penalty instead. Italy just couldn’t beat both the host and the officiating; Ahn's game winner for the South Koreans mercifully ended the contest with just three minutes left. No. 33: No ‘Last Dance’ For Maradona The 1994 World Cup in the USA was to be the fourth and final trip to the planet’s greatest sporting event for Argentina superstar Diego Maradona. After leading the Albiceleste to the 1986 title in Mexico and then to a runner-up finish four years later in Italy, he had dreams of going out on top. In their first game against Greece. Maradona scores and celebrates wildly—eyes wide, veins bulging, screaming into the lens and for one moment, it looked like redemption. Days later, Maradona tests positive for a banned substance. Despite Maradona's claims that the drug was taken as part of a weight-loss regimen, FIFA upheld the ban. The 33-year-old icon is removed from the tournament—and from the World Cup camp entirely. Maradona never plays for Argentina again. That celebration becomes the last image the world sees of Maradona on the biggest stage. No. 32: Götze, Germany Break Messi's Heart in Rio de Janeiro Mario Götze scored one of the most iconic goals in FIFA World Cup history, delivering Germany a dramatic 1-0 victory over Argentina in the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil with a stunning extra-time finish. Götze’s unforgettable game winner at the iconic Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janiero crushed Lionel Messi’s World Cup dream and secured Germany’s fourth FIFA World Cup title in one of football’s greatest finals. But the 2014 World Cup finale still wasn't what anyone would describe as a thing of beauty. With just seven minutes of extra time to go and still no goals on the scoreboard, the possibility that this would become just the third World Cup championship match to be decided by the dreaded penalty kick tiebreaker felt inevitable. One moment of artistry by Götze changed all that. In the 113th minute, Götze found himself on the end of a cross from fellow substitute André Schürrle. Götze caught the ball on his chest and before letting it hit the ground, side-volleyed it with his left foot across Argentine keeper Sergio Romero and inside the right post. It's arguably the prettiest World Cup-winning goal of all time. No. 31: Mario ‘El Matador’ Kempes Secures Argentina's First Star Long before Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona became household names, Mario Kempes was the hero who established Argentina as a global soccer powerhouse. Known as "El Matador," Kempes spearheaded the nation’s journey to its first-ever World Cup title in 1978 on home soil. While he started the tournament slowly, he exploded in the knockout stages, eventually leading the competition in scoring with six goals. His most iconic moment came during the final in Buenos Aires against the Netherlands. With the match deadlocked in extra time, Kempes found the back of the net in the 105th minute to put Argentina ahead 2-1. That strike secured the trophy and earned him both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball as the tournament's MVP. He remains one of only three players in history to win the World Cup, the top scorer award, and the MVP trophy in the same year—a feat even Messi and Maradona never achieved.____ Continue to check back every day for more top moments as we count down to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, starting on June 11.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Top 100 Players In The 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ranked]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/world-cup-2026-ranking-best-100-players</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/world-cup-2026-ranking-best-100-players</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Our experts ranked the best players competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 00:39:17 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[The best players in the world will be on display this summer at the 2026 World Cup. So, let’s rank them. Ahead of the world's premier sporting event, our on-air experts — Alexi Lalas, Maurice Edu and Stu Holden — and 50 members of our production staff ranked the 100 best stars who will likely feature at this summer’s World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.Last week, we released Nos. 100-76, which included notable stars like USA forward Christian Pulisic, South Korea's Son Heung-min and Mexico's Raúl Jiménez. This week, we keep the countdown going with Nos. 75-51 with appearances such USA midfielder Weston McKennie and several stars from heavyweights Spain, France and Brazil. JUMP TO: 100-76 | 75-51 | 50-26 (May 18) | 25-11 (May 22) | 10-1 (June 1) Without further ado, let’s get into it! 2026 FIFA World Cup Top 100 Players: Nos. 100-76 Age: 28National team appearances: 52Club team: AC Milan (Italy) Estupiñán thrived in the Premier League for three seasons with Brighton before making a move to AC Milan last summer. He is one of the impressive talents that make Ecuador a potential sleeper this summer. Age: 26National team appearances: 56Club team: Liverpool (England) Isak scored 52 goals in his last two seasons at Newcastle before making a big-money move to Liverpool last summer. Injuries have limited him to just four goals and 21 games this season, but he is a constant threat to score whenever he’s on the pitch. Age: 29National team appearances: 77Club team: Bayern Munich (Germany) Kim won Serie A with Napoli in 2023 before making a big move to Bayern Munich. He hasn’t established himself as a first-choice player for the German giants, but he will be a pillar in the Korean defense this summer. Age: 23National team appearances: 18Club team: Paris Saint-Germain (France) Barcola is one of the hugely talented French attacking players who will be vying for a starting spot. At 22 years old, Barcola is one of the best young wingers in the world and plays at PSG, which won last season’s UEFA Champions League. Age: 28National team appearances: 26Club team: Manchester United (England) Martínez would start at center back for most teams in this tournament, but he’s likely going to start as the third option behind Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi, who started during Argentina’s winning run in 2022. He can fill in at left back, as well, and will play a role somehow for the reigning champions. Age: 25National team appearances: 49Club team: Manchester City (England) Foden was the Premier League Player of the Season in 2023-24, but he has not built off that honor. At 25 years old, he is yet to find his footing and establish a spot in the England team. Age: 28National team appearances: 31Club team: Brighton (England) Mitoma is an exciting winger who broke out two years ago for Brighton. He scored the winning goal for Japan back on March 31 in a friendly against England and will be the key player in attack for his country this summer. Age: 28National team appearances: 33Club team: Inter Milan (Italy) Kylian Mbappé will likely lead France’s attack at the start of the tournament, but Thuram is a very good alternative. Son of former France star Lilian Thuram, Marcus has scored at least 12 Serie A goals in each of his first three seasons at Inter Milan. Age: 29National team appearances: 52Club team: Real Sociedad (Spain) A winger by trade for Real Sociedad, Oyarzabal has stepped up as a striker for the national team in the past. The best example was in the Euro 2024 final, when he scored the winning goal for Spain against England. Age: 24National team appearances: 24Club team: Paris Saint-Germain (France) Ramos famously replaced Cristiano Ronaldo in the Portugal lineup for a Round of 16 game against Switzerland at the 2022 World Cup and scored a hat trick. Ronaldo will likely start the tournament up front for Portugal, but Ramos is one of the best backup strikers you’ll see this summer. Age: 34National team appearances: 125Club team: Fulham (England) Jiménez is a fixture in the Fulham starting lineup and will be the main man for Mexico this summer. With 44 goals for El Tri, he’s two goals behind former striker Jared Borgetti for second most all time. Age: 20National team appearances: 28Club team: Juventus (Italy) Yıldız broke into the Juventus lineup three years ago and quickly became a focal point of the team’s attack. At 20 years old, he has already made 28 appearances for Türkiye. Age: 27National team appearances: 16Club team: Arsenal (England) Eze made a huge move to Arsenal last summer and immediately became a big part of Mikel Arteta's squad. He normally plays an attacking role, but he could push for the spot in England's midfield that is usually occupied by Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham. Age: 29National team appearances: 41Club team: Arsenal (England) Merino is unlikely to start for Spain, but he'll still probably play a big role. He scored eight goals in 10 appearances last year for the reigning European champions. A midfielder by trade, Merino has also played as a striker for both club and country. Age: 34National team appearances: 84Club team: Manchester United (England) Casemiro is a four-time Champions League winner at Real Madrid, but he hasn’t maintained his high level of quality since moving to Manchester United in 2022. His former Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti, is now in charge of Brazil and brought the midfielder back to the national team last year. Age: 30National team appearances: 41Club team: Paris Saint-Germain (France) Ruiz was part of PSG’s dominant midfield trio last year that powered the team’s Champions League victory. Spain’s midfield is loaded with talent, so it won’t be as easy for him to find a spot in the starting lineup. Age: 25National team appearances: 27Club team: Manchester City (England) Guéhi was the captain for Crystal Palace last summer when the South London club won the FA Cup. He moved to Manchester City earlier this year and has immediately become a fixture in the reigning Premier League champion’s defense. Age: 25National team appearances: 15Club team: Liverpool (England) Frimpong is listed as a defender, but he’s as important to the Dutch attack as he is to its defense. He has impressive pace and is a constant threat down the right wing when he’s on the pitch. Age: 26National team appearances: 22Club team: Chelsea (England) James will be an important player for England this summer with versatility to play either right back or midfield. Staying healthy has been James’ problem at Chelsea, although he has played in more than two dozen games in the Premier League this season. Age: 33National team appearances: 143Club team: LAFC (United States) Son is in the middle of his first full season in Los Angeles after a decade in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur. He’s South Korea’s all-time leader in national team appearances. Age: 27National team appearances: 46Club team: Barcelona (Spain) Koundé will likely start at right back for the French, who are among the favorites this summer. He has made at least 40 appearances in each of the last four seasons for Barcelona. Age: 27National team appearances: 84Club team: AC Milan (Italy) "Captain America" will have all eyes on him this summer. At 27 years old, Pulisic has already made 84 appearances for the U.S. national team. His 32 goals are 25 behind Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey. Pulisic has not scored for the U.S. since November 2024, so he’ll need to regain his form if the Americans want to make a run into the knockout round. Age: 21National team appearances: 28Club team: Real Madrid (Spain) Güler is finishing up his third season at Real Madrid and has emerged as a key player in the squad. He will be the main man for Türkiye for years to come, starting with this summer’s World Cup. Age: 27National team appearances: 32Club team: Arsenal (England) Gyökeres scored a memorable hat trick against Poland in the UEFA World Cup playoffs in March, including one in the 87th minute to seal a 3-2 win. He moved to Arsenal last summer and has 18 goals in all competitions. Age: 27National team appearances: 48Club team: Barcelona (Spain) Olmo emerged as a key player for Spain at Euro 2024. He scored three goals — finishing in a six-way tie for the Golden Boot — including one in the quarterfinal and semifinal against Germany and France, respectively. 2026 FIFA World Cup Top 100 Players: Nos. 75-51 Age: 31National team appearances: 66Club team: Barcelona (Spain), on loan from Al-Hilal Few defenders will be important attackers for their countries this summer, but Cancelo is one of them. The right back has impressive pace that makes him a threat down the wing. He has 12 goals in 66 appearances for Portugal, which is a very good rate for a defender. Age: 24National team appearances: 22Club team: Arsenal (England) Martinelli will be a key player for Brazil this summer. He has struggled to establish a starting spot on the left wing because of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, but his pace means he will be a key contributor this summer. He only has one Premier League goal for Arsenal this season, so he isn’t in the best form right now. Age: 27National team appearances: 64Club team: Juventus (Italy) McKennie is the highest-rated American player on this list, having established himself as a fixture in Juventus’ lineup. He has played at least 34 games in Italy’s Serie A in each of the last three seasons and has been all over the field — in defense at fullback, in midfield and as an attacker. McKennie can do it all, which the United States may need him to do this summer if it makes a run through the knockout stages. If the Americans are playing, expect to see a lot of McKennie. Age: 27National team appearances: 44Club team: Liverpool (England) Mac Allister will be a key presence in the Argentina midfield this summer, as he was in 2022 en route to World Cup glory. Since then, he moved to Liverpool and won the Premier League last season. Mac Allister is capable of popping up and scoring a huge goal while also dictating the game on the ball. He’s one of the best center midfielders in the world. Age: 26National team appearances: 43Club team: AC Milan (Italy) When Leão is fit and in form, few attackers in the world are better. Consistency has been the issue for the Portugal attacker, who has only scored five goals in 43 games for the national team. If he’s in form, Leão could be an X-factor capable of pushing Portugal over the top this summer. Age: 28National team appearances: 82Club team: Crystal Palace (England) Sarr played all 38 games in the Premier League for Crystal Palace last season, during which the South London club also won the FA Cup. Sarr has made 83 appearances for Senegal and will be one of the go-to guys for his country this summer, alongside teammate Sadio Mané. Age: 30National team appearances: 38Club team: AC Milan (Italy) Hugo Lloris retired from international play after the 2022 World Cup, and Maignan stepped in and hasn’t given the job up. Maignan is one of the best shot-stopping goalkeepers in the world and is firmly entrenched as AC Milan’s starter. He will be one of the best last lines of defense for a French squad that will be one of the most talented in World Cup history. Age: 24National team appearances: 8Club team: Chelsea (England) Brazil has been looking for a definitive No. 9 in its lineup for years, and Pedro might be the answer. After two impressive seasons at Brighton, he has 14 Premier League goals for Chelsea this season. He’ll likely be the focal point of Brazil’s attack this summer, which puts a lot on his shoulders for the perennial contender. Age: 25National team appearances: 31Club team: Arsenal (England) Since beginning his Arsenal career in 2022, Saliba has become one of the best defenders in the world. He’s an impressive athlete who was part of the French team that made it to the 2022 World Cup final. He’ll be one of the first names on the team sheet for Les Bleus this summer. Age: 31National team appearances: 104Club team: Paris Saint-Germain (France) At 31 years old, Marquinhos has already played 104 times for his country. He has been widely considered one of the best defenders in the world for the past decade, having played more than 500 games for PSG since arriving in 2013. The 31-year-old is still playing at a high level and will be wearing the captain’s armband for Brazil this summer. Age: 19National team appearances: 11Club team: Barcelona (Spain) Cubarsí turned 19 in January and has already played 125 times for Barcelona. He’s less established for Spain, having only made 11 appearances for the national team. There is a lot of competition for spots in the Spanish defense, and it would not surprise anyone if Cubarsí was in the lineup for the team’s World Cup opener against Cape Verde on June 15. Age: 33National team appearances: 76Club team: Liverpool Part of what makes Alisson one of the best goalkeepers in the world is his ability with his feet. He may be the best passer at his position in world soccer. His problem in past years has been staying on the pitch, as he’s missed at least 10 Premier League games in each of the last three seasons. When he’s between the posts, though, he’s still one of the world’s best for both club and country. Age: 26National team appearances: 27Club team: Liverpool (England) Konaté ranks just higher than Saliba, who he’ll likely partner in the middle of the French defense this summer. He’s one of the most physically imposing defenders in the world at 6-foot-4, and he also has the pace to stay with any attacker in the tournament. Age: 24National team appearances: 46Club team: Manchester City (England) Gvardiol is the most expensive defender in soccer history, having cost Manchester City $105 million back in 2023. He has been injured for much of this season, but he’s one of the best passing defenders in the world. While Luka Modrić runs the Croatian midfield, Gvardiol will command the defense. Age: 26National team appearances: 48Club team: Liverpool (England) Gakpo will be the key player in the Netherlands’ attack this summer, especially with news that his Oranje teammate Xavi Simons tore his ACL late in the season for Tottenham. Gakpo has emerged as a key playmaker for Liverpool and can play anywhere in attack. He’ll need to be at his best wherever he plays if the Dutch are going to contend this summer. Age: 22National team appearances: 7Club team: Barcelona (Spain) López is the perfect example of the impressive depth that Spain has in midfield. He has made more than 120 appearances for Barcelona over the past three seasons, but he might not come close to cracking the starting lineup. López is more than capable of scoring and creating goals and will be a key player for Spain this summer, regardless of whether he starts games. Age: 33National team appearances: 113Club team: Liverpool (England) Salah is lower on this list than he would have a couple of years ago. He is no longer in the conversation as one of the best players in the world, but he’ll still be the go-to guy for Egypt this summer. Salah’s post-World Cup future is up in the air, as he will be leaving Liverpool, but he’s Egypt’s main hope to make any noise this summer. Age: 23National team appearances: 25Club team: Liverpool (England) Gravenberch moved to Liverpool in 2023 after an uneventful season at Bayern Munich, and he has established himself as an elite defensive midfielder. He was a key player last season when Liverpool won the Premier League and has remained a fixture in the Reds’ midfield. Age: 29National team appearances: 69Club team: Napoli (Italy) McTominay went from Manchester United outcast to Napoli legend in his first season in Italy. He was the Serie A Player of the Season with Napoli winning the league in 2025. McTominay has also scored big goals for his country and will be Scotland’s key man in the middle this summer. If the Scots score a big goal or get a big result, chances are McTominay will be a big reason why. Age: 24National team appearances: 34Club team: Paris Saint-Germain (France) Pacho broke out last season for PSG, cementing his spot in the middle of the French champions’ defense. From there, he starred en route to Champions League glory. He’ll partner Arsenal’s Piero Hincapíe in the middle of Ecuador’s back four, which on paper might be one of the stronger units in the field. Age: 27National team appearances: 67Club team: Arsenal (England) Two years ago, Ødegaard was considered one of the top play-making midfielders in the world. His last two seasons at Arsenal have been ravaged by injuries, though, so he hasn’t been able to regain that form. He’ll be the key playmaker for Norway this summer with the goal of feeding strikers Erling Haaland and Alexander Sørloth. Age: 25National team appearances: 40Club team: Chelsea (England) Fernández broke out during Argentina’s run to World Cup glory in 2022 and made a move to Chelsea one month after lifting the trophy. He’s an all-action midfielder who can cover every blade of grass and is capable of popping up with a big goal when necessary. He’ll be the key man in Argentina’s midfield this summer. Age: 23National team appearances: 30Club team: Athletic Club Bilbao (Spain) Williams was a star during Spain’s run two years ago at the Euros, but he hasn’t ascended at the club level since then. He has limitless potential and will be a key attacking option for Spain this summer. Whether he’s a starter or is doing so off the bench remains to be seen. Age: 27National team appearances: 25Club team: Arsenal (England) When Rodri got hurt in the first half of the Euro 2024 final against England, Zubimendi stepped in at halftime and helped lead Spain to victory. If healthy, Rodri is likely to start over Zubimendi, but the Arsenal midfielder provides plenty of stability off the bench when necessary. Age: 34National team appearances: 124Club team: Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia) Mané just turned 34, so his best days might be behind him, but he could definitely still be an impact player this summer. He is Senegal’s all-time leading goalscorer, and he’s five appearances behind teammate Idrissa Gueye’s 131 for the most in the history of the national team. We will continue to unveil FOX Sports' FIFA World Cup Rank Top 100 Players each week. Up next are Nos. 50-26 on May 18. 2026 FIFA World Cup: How To Watch The World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament matches will air live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every match streaming live and on-demand within both the FOX One and the FOX Sports apps. A record 40 matches, more than one-third of the tournament, will air in prime time across FOX (21) and FS1 (19).]]>
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					<![CDATA[USA's Christian Pulisic Sidelined For AC Milan; Tests Scheduled For Monday]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/us-forward-christian-pulisic-misses-milan-match-with-injury-will-undergo-tests-on-monday</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/us-forward-christian-pulisic-misses-milan-match-with-injury-will-undergo-tests-on-monday</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
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				    <![CDATA[Christian Pulisic has missed AC Milan’s Serie A match against Atalanta due to a lower back injury.]]>
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				<pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2026 20:06:52 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[United States men's national team forward Christian Pulisic missed AC Milan’s Serie A match against Atalanta on Sunday with a lower back injury in another blow for the face of American soccer. Pulisic felt a problem in Friday’s training session and it was determined on Sunday that it was too serious to even have him on the bench. Italian media reported Pulisic will undergo medical tests on Monday. The 27-year-old is a doubt for Milan’s penultimate match at Genoa next weekend but could be back for the final game of the season, at home to Cagliari, the following week. Pulisic hasn’t scored in a career-high 17 league matches since Dec. 28. He has also been held scoreless in his last eight games for USA. Milan lost 3-2 at home to Atalanta on Sunday — and was 3-0 down until the 88th minute — to leave it at risk of not qualifying for next season’s Champions League. The Rossoneri are fourth, the final Champions League qualifying berth, level on points with fifth-place Roma and just two above Como. Pulisic is not thought to be a doubt for the World Cup. USA has friendlies against Senegal on May 31 and Germany on June 6, then starts Group D against Paraguay on June 12 in Inglewood, California. The Americans play Australia a week later at Seattle and conclude the group stage on June 25 back at SoFi Stadium against Turkey. The Associated Press contributed to this report.]]>
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					<![CDATA['I Don't Feel Fear,' USA's Weston McKennie Embraces World Cup Pressure]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/i-dont-feel-fear-usmnt-star-weston-mckennie-embraces-world-cup-butterflies-and-pressure-of-performing-on-home-soil</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/i-dont-feel-fear-usmnt-star-weston-mckennie-embraces-world-cup-butterflies-and-pressure-of-performing-on-home-soil</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Weston McKennie has declared that he is ready to transform the immense pressure of a home World Cup into a historic performance for the United States men's national team.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2026 19:25:04 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Weston McKennie has declared that he is ready to transform the immense pressure of a home World Cup into a historic performance for the United States men's national team. The Juventus midfielder insists that while the "butterflies" are inevitable, he feels no fear heading into the 2026 tournament, viewing the global spotlight as a unique opportunity to elevate American soccer to unprecedented heights. Embracing the butterflies over fear As one of the most experienced leaders in the U.S. men's national team locker room, McKennie is leaning into the emotional weight of the upcoming World Cup. Rather than shying away from the expectations of a nation, the midfielder believes that the nervous energy surrounding the event is a sign of its significance. "I don't think I feel fear. I feel butterflies, which is normal," McKennie told FIFA. He explained that these feelings are a positive force, stating, "If you don’t feel butterflies, it means you don't care about what you’re doing. I feel like I'm a player that thrives under pressure, I like to have that responsibility on my shoulders." Turning pressure into a home advantage Playing a World Cup on home soil brings a level of scrutiny the USA has not faced since 1994, but McKennie views the host status as a competitive edge. He is adamant that the energy from the American fans will be the catalyst for the team’s success, rather than a burden that weighs them down. McKennie highlighted the importance of the home crowd, noting, "I think the energy of the fans can be a big part of helping us create an atmosphere that is difficult for the opposing team. The fans have a lot more to do with the influence of the game than they probably think. Having them behind us, supporting us, even in difficult moments, or when the game's not going our way, is very important." Growth and maturity since Qatar 2022 Reflecting on the journey since the last tournament in Qatar 2022, McKennie points to the increased maturity of the "Golden Generation." With many players now featuring regularly for top European clubs, the 25-year-old feels the tactical and mental level of the group has reached a new peak. The Juventus star noted that the experience gained in the Champions League and top-flight domestic battles has been invaluable. "We are not the young, inexperienced team anymore," McKennie suggested. "The first one in Qatar was a dream come true because you grew up wanting to play in a World Cup and you grew up wanting to represent your national team and you never really think, as a kid, that you're going to be on that stage. And then, to be able to do it on home soil will be a pretty cool experience, for sure." The Pochettino effect The arrival of Mauricio Pochettino has introduced a new layer of intensity to the USA camp, according to McKennie. The midfielder revealed that the former Tottenham and Chelsea boss has eradicated complacency within the squad, making it clear that reputation alone will not earn a starting spot. "I think the coach has come in with energy," McKennie explained. "I feel like there are a lot more opportunities for a lot of players, and I think nobody can feel like they're 100 percent secure in their position. I think that's something he brought in, a very competitive group of players, that if you want to play, you have to show why."]]>
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					<![CDATA[‘Kylian Mbappe Out’: Petition Reaches Almost 70 Million Signatures Amid Real Madrid Crisis]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/kylian-mbappe-out-petition-reaches-almost-seventy-million-signatures-amid-real-madrid-crisis</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/kylian-mbappe-out-petition-reaches-almost-seventy-million-signatures-amid-real-madrid-crisis</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Kylian Mbappe's dream move to Real Madrid is rapidly turning into a nightmare as the Frenchman struggles to find his feet in the Spanish capital.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sat, 09 May 2026 22:17:33 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Kylian Mbappe's dream move to Real Madrid is rapidly turning into a nightmare as the Frenchman struggles to find his feet in the Spanish capital. Despite arriving as the final piece of the Galactico puzzle, his presence has coincided with a dip in form for Alvaro Arbeloa's side, leading to unprecedented backlash from the global football community. Frustration boils over at the Bernabeu The honeymoon period for Mbappe at Real Madrid has officially ended, replaced by a sense of urgency and frustration that few could have predicted when he was unveiled in front of a packed Santiago Bernabeu last summer. As Los Blancos struggle to keep pace in La Liga and show vulnerability in the Champions League, the finger of blame is increasingly being pointed at the former Paris Saint-Germain superstar. Tactical imbalances have plagued Arbeloa since Mbappe's arrival, with the spanish coach struggling to fit both the Frenchman and Vinicius Junior into a cohesive front line. This shift has affected more than the team's defensive stability, having also led to a perceived lack of chemistry in the final third that has left fans demanding immediate structural changes to save their season. A digital protest of historic proportions The depth of this dissatisfaction has manifested in a staggering digital protest, with an While the authenticity of every signature on such platforms can be difficult to verify, the sheer scale of the movement highlights a massive PR crisis for the player and a growing divide within the Madridista fan base. The "Mbappe Out" movement has gained significant traction on social media, fuelled by viral clips of the striker's perceived lack of defensive work rate and missed clear-cut chances in high-stakes matches. What lies ahead for the Frenchman? Despite the noise and the tens of millions of digital signatures, Real Madrid’s hierarchy remains officially committed to making the Mbappe era a success. Florentino Perez spent years chasing the 25-year-old, and a departure so soon after his arrival remains highly improbable from a financial and political standpoint. However, the player himself is now under more pressure than ever to perform and silence his detractors on the pitch. With crucial fixtures on the horizon, Mbappe must adapt his game to the rigors of Spanish football and show the sacrificial side of his play that fans are currently demanding. El Clasico looms for Los Blancos Despite the off-field drama and the millions of fans calling for his exit, Mbappe is expected to lead the line in the upcoming El Clasico. Madrid are desperate to delay the Catalan side's title celebrations, and having their star forward available is a significant, if controversial, boost. Medical tests have indicated he should be fit to face Barcelona despite his recent fitness concerns. The match serves as a high-stakes crossroads for the club. A victory could provide a temporary reprieve from the "Kylian Mbappe out" movement as tensions rise at the capital club.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Lionel Messi Shatters MLS Milestone Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/messi-reaches-mls-milestone-2026-fifa-world-cup</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/messi-reaches-mls-milestone-2026-fifa-world-cup</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Lionel Messi reaches MLS milestone as fastest MLS player to notch 100 goal contributions following Inter Miami's 4-2 win over Toronto FC.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sat, 09 May 2026 21:13:03 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Lionel Messi made MLS history in his third season with Inter Miami, becoming the league’s fastest player to reach 100 regular‑season goal contributions. The accomplishment came in Inter Miami's 4-2 win over Toronto FC, where Messi contributed one goal and two assists. Inter Miami bounced back from last weekend's 4-3 loss at home to Orlando City and have now improved with a six-game win streak on the road. Miami's four-goal victory will tee them up for another road match to face Cincinnati FC on May 13. The win marks 59 goals and 41 assists in 64 regular-season matches for Messi, breaking the previous record of 95 matches set by Toronto’s Sebastian Giovinco. Messi has now scored 87 goals and added 57 assists in 101 career appearances in all competitions. The 38-year-old forward hit the milestone just a month shy of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, where Argentina will look to defend their 2022 title. Messi is expected to be a focal point for Argentina heading into the largest World Cup to date, should he officially commit to playing. Through Messi's 26 World Cup matches with Argentina, he's recorded 13 goals, eight assists, a 2022 title and the Golden Boot, awarded to the tournament's most valuable player. Argentina will open up their tournament run on June 16 vs. Algeria, June 22 vs. Austria and June 27 vs. Algeria. 2026 FIFA World Cup: How To Watch From June 11 through July 19, 2026, FOX Sports presents its largest World Cup production and broadcast slate to date featuring all 104 matches live across FOX (69) and FS1 (35) with every match live-streaming on FOX One and the FOX Sports App. All 104 tournament matches will air live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every match streaming live and on-demand within both the FOX One and the FOX Sports apps. A record 40 matches, more than one-third of the tournament, will air in prime time across FOX (21) and FS1 (19).]]>
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					<![CDATA[Lionel Messi Tracker: Messi Makes MLS History]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mls/lionel-messi-goals-world-cup-argentina-assists-mls-inter-miami-stats</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mls/lionel-messi-goals-world-cup-argentina-assists-mls-inter-miami-stats</guid>
				<category>mls</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[We're tracking Lionel Messi's goals and top moments for Inter Miami and the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Here's the latest.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sat, 09 May 2026 17:55:36 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Lionel Messi has some high expectations for Inter Miami for 2026. He'll aim to lead the Herons to consecutive MLS Cup titles during a season in which they'll be playing at their new Miami Freedom Park stadium. The bigger story for La Pulga may be if Messi can also captain Argentina to back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles this summer, when the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off across North America. All season, we'll be tracking Messi's game-by-game performances, as the GOAT looks to have another epic season. Here's the latest: May 9: Messi Scores, Becomes Fastest MLS Player to 100 Goal Contributions Messi and Inter Miami are back in the win column, defeating Toronto FC 4-2. On top of the win, Messi reached a major MLS milestone with his one goal and two assists – he becomes the fastest MLS player to reach 100 goal contributions in the regular season. Messi’s effort gives him 59 goals and 41 assists in 64 regular-season matches, shattering the previous record of 95 set by Toronto’s Sebastian Giovinco. Messi has piled up 87 goals and 57 assists in 101 career appearances in all competitions. De Paul set up Messi for his ninth goal — one off the league lead — in the 75th minute to make it 4-0. De Paul has three assists after collecting his first four in 11 appearances last season. Inter Miami now moved to 0-1-3 and still seek a win on their new turf since its opening in April. May 2: Messi Scores, But Inter Miami Blows 3-0 Lead Lionel Messi and Inter Miami had a 3-0 lead over rival Orlando City, looking poised to finally get what would be a historic first win inside the team’s new stadium. History was indeed made — by Orlando City, that is. Martin Ojeda scored three goals, Tyrese Spicer had the go-ahead goal in the third minute of stoppage time and Orlando City stunned Inter Miami 4-3 on Saturday night — becoming just the third team in MLS history to rally from a 3-0 deficit and get a victory. Messi had a goal and two assists in his 100th appearance for the club, and somehow that wasn’t enough against a team that came into the night near the bottom of the MLS standings. Inter Miami fell to 0-1-3 at its new stadium, and the defending champions are one of only three teams in MLS winless at home so far this season. April 25: Messi, Inter Miami Still Searching for 1st win at new stadium Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are still waiting for their first win in their new home. Germán Berterame scored off a rebound in the 76th minute and Inter Miami finished in a 1-1 tie with the New England Revolution on Saturday night, keeping the defending MLS Cup champions winless in three matches at their new Miami stadium. The Herons are 0-0-3 in the new building — compared with 5-1-1 in MLS road matches this season. Inter Miami is now unbeaten (5-0-4) in its last nine MLS matches following a season-opening loss at LAFC, and unbeaten in its last 11 matches (5-0-6) across all competitions. Former MLS MVP Carles Gil scored in the 56th minute for New England, which had lost each of its last four meetings with Inter Miami. April 22: Messi held scoreless in win over Real Salt Lake After netting a brace against the Colorado Rapids last week, Messi couldn't find the back of the net, but his friends managed to keep Miami near the top of MLS' Eastern Conference. Messi made an attempt at goal in the first half, when his one-on-one opportunity against RSL keeper Rafael Cabral was saved. Messi had one last chance to score in the 89th minute, but his free kick was also saved by Cabral. Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suárez scored within a minute of each other late in the second half to secure the victory for Inter Miami. April 18: Lionel Messi scores twice in win against Colorado Rapids Messi had two goals in Inter Miami's 3-2 win over the Rapids on Saturday to extend the team's unbeaten streak to seven games. Messi, who opened the scoring when he converted a penalty kick in the 13th minute, scored the go-ahead goal in the 79th minute. After a Colorado turnover near midfield, Messi cut back near the right corner of the penalty box and flicked a rising shot that split a pair of defenders and slipped inside the back post. Messi has seven goals this season, tied with Sam Surridge and Petar Musa for the most in MLS. Miami (4-1-3) hasn’t lost since a season-opening 3-0 defeat to Los Angeles FC. April 11: Messi held scoreless in win against New York Red Bulls In the second match played at Inter Miami's new stadium, Nu Stadium, the defending MLS Cup champions settled for their second draw in a row, this time against the Red Bulls, on Saturday night. In the 55th minute, Messi drew four defenders toward him and helped set up Germán Berterame for a second-half goal that gave Inter Miami its first lead. Messi had a couple golden chances, too. He had a stellar run but then slipped on his attempt as his shot was deflected out of bounds. In the 94th minute, Messi almost found the back of the net, but his free kick was ultimately deflected by New York goalkeeper Ethan Horvath. April 5: ‘Nu’ Era underway as Messi nets goal in Inter Miami's new stadium Messi scored on the long-awaited opening night in his new home stadium, and Luis Suárez found a way to tie things up late in the second half. Messi scored on a header in the 10th minute, Suarez hammered home a volley in the 82nd minute and Inter Miami escaped with a 2-2 tie against Austin FC in the defending MLS champions' first match at their still-under-construction stadium near Miami International Airport on Saturday night. Named "Nu Stadium", the venue already has a stand named for Messi — a rare honor for an active player to already have a section of the stadium dedicated to him. MLS Commissioner Don Garber was at the match, lauding the work that David Beckham, who picked Miami 13 years ago, did to get to this day. Inter Miami, which is in its seventh MLS season and third with Messi, has played home matches in Fort Lauderdale until now. Beckham had another legend in attendance with him as Brazil great Ronaldo joined the festivities. Garber touted the stadium opening as the latest sign of growth for MLS. "I think our best days are still ahead," he said. "David shined a light on our league, and Leo’s taking that torch, and he’s showing it around. And we’re getting calls from players around the world." March 31: Messi scores in perhaps last Argentina home match? It didn't take long for Messi to get on the scoresheet in Argentina's 5-0 victory over Zambia at the historic Bombonera in Buenos Aires. Messi assisted Atlético Madrid's Julián Álvarez with an early strike in the fourth minute in what could be the GOAT's final home match for his home country. He wasn't done yet, as Messi would double La Albiceleste's lead himself before the break. Messi had an opportunity to complete a hat-trick when Argentina was awarded a penalty early in the second half. Instead of stepping up and taking the penalty himself, he handed the ball to veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi, allowing him a scoring opportunity in his final home game. Otamendi announced that he will retire the national team following the summer's World Cup. March 27: Messi comes on in second half, held scoreless vs. Mauritania Messi was back in action with Argentina for the FIFA international break. It was the final time the team would play together before the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins later in the summer. Of course, reigning champions Messi and Argentina are expected to be among the heavy favorites to win it all. Before that happens, a couple of friendlies in Buenos Aires against two teams from Africa. Messi started on the bench during Argentina's 2-1 victory over Mauritania and didn't manage to score in the final 45 minutes. Argentina's goals came from Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Paz, but Messi was the one receiving endless cheers from fans in one of the nation's most historic venues, La Bombonera. March 22: Messi scores key goal in win against NYCFC Inter Miami took home the win against NYCFC on Sunday, with Messi scoring the equalizer. At the 61-minute mark, Messi received a free kick, after what most fans believed was a "soft call." He successfully converted in this opportunity, tying the game and putting the Herons back in contention for a win that night. The first goal of the night came from Gonzalo Lujan, with this also being his first career goal. The game was then iced in the 74th minute by Micael after a set-up by Messi's corner kick. March 18: 900 career goals, but eliminated from CONCACAF Champions Cup What a milestone for the superstar, who has now reached the 900-goal mark in his illustrious club career that has spanned Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, as well as his international duty with Argentina. Messi scored the goal in Wednesday's Champions Cup match against Nashville SC, taking a pass in the middle of the box in the seventh minute, controlled the ball, spun and lined a low shot through a maze of defenders and into the far corner of the net. Despite the historic goal, Nashville tied Inter Miami 1-1, advancing to the tournament quarterfinals on an away-goal tiebreaker. The teams played to a 0-0 tie in Nashville last week in the opening leg of the Round of 16. Messi is second on the all-time goal scoring list behind Cristiano Ronaldo (965), with those two the only ones who are in that stratosphere. Officially, the duo are followed by Romário (765), Pelé (762) and Ference Puskás (725). The next-highest active player is Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski (690). There's some controversy about Pelé's count. Different sources, counting different sets of games, list the Brazilian icon's goal totals anywhere from around 650 in league matches to somewhere near 1,300 in all matches — some against low-level competition. March 14: Messi sits out Inter Miami draw vs. Nashville SC Messi was rested for this game, as coach Javier Mascherano chose to save his energy for the second CONCACAF Champions Cup leg against Nashville SC. In his place, Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez received his first start of the MLS season. Though Saturday ended in a scoreless draw, the game itself stayed spirited. In a heated exchange, Mascherano received a red card in stoppage time. As he protested the booking, he was sent off for foul and offensive language. Ever a lively personality, he sarcastically clapped at the crowd. March 11: Messi stuck at 899 goals after another draw Inter Miami and Messi faced off against Nashville SC in the Herons' first game of the CONCACAF Champions Cup of the season. The Round of 16 ended in a scoreless draw, with Messi staying silent on the statsheet.  He attempted one shot in the 55th minute, but 24-year-old Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake came up with the save. March 7: Messi scores in win over D.C. United after White House visit Messi scored in the 27th minute, and Inter Miami held on for a 2-1 victory over D.C. United on Saturday night in front of 72,026 at the home of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens. The game was held in downtown Baltimore instead of at D.C. United's smaller venue in Washington. It's the second game this season where Inter Miami's opponents held the match at a larger stadium. LAFC did so in February by changing the game to the L.A. Memorial Coliseum. It was an eventful week for Messi and his team, which visited the White House on Thursday. Inter Miami opened the scoring in the 17th minute when De Paul collected the ball about 15 yards from the goal and struck a shot into the far side of the net. Messi then scored his third goal of the young MLS season, slipping behind the D.C. defense to receive Mateo Silvetti's pass, then flicking the ball with one touch past goalie Sean Johnson. March 1: Messi scores twice in comeback win over rival Orlando City Nothing like scoring twice against your in-state rivals. Especially after being initially down by two. Messi had two second-half goals and an assist in Inter Miami's 4-2 win over Orlando City. It was his first two goals of the 2026 MLS season and the Herons' first win. It was part of a four-goal rally by Inter Miami in the second half, which also included goals by Mateo Silvetti and Telasco Segovia (who also had two assists). Marco Pasalic and Martín Ojedahad initially gave the Lions the lead before Messi and Miami came out with a full head of steam after halftime. Messi's second was a particular beauty as it came off a free kick in the final moments of the game in Orlando. Messi, ever the master at gamesmanship, decided to troll the Orlando faithful by mockingly giving them an autograph. Feb. 26: Messi knocked over by pitch invader in Puerto Rico A curiously timed match between Inter Miami and Ecuadorian club Independiente Del Valle at Puerto Rico's Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel saw Messi convert a penalty and later tackled by an overzealous pitch invader. The game in Bayamón was supposed to be played in Inter Miami's preseason on Feb. 13 but was moved back due to Messi's hamstring injury. Inter Miami honored the rescheduled match after having already played its MLS season opener. Messi entered at halftime and was cheered loudly anytime he touched the ball. His penalty came in the 70th minute, which sealed the 2-1 victory in the unofficial match. As the game came to a wrap, a pitch invader got tangled up with Messi and a security guard, taking the superstar to the ground. He appeared to be fine as he got up and walked away. Feb. 21: Messi held scoreless in MLS opener Inter Miami began its season with a 3-0 loss at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum against Son Heung-min and LAFC in front of an announced crowd of 75,672 — the second-highest game attendance in MLS history and highest for a season-opening game ever. After the game, a video posted on social media showed Messi following the referees through the tunnel and into a locker room. A visibly angry Messi appeared to be held back by teammate Luis Suárez with the two then exiting the area. The league said that Messi did not violate any policy and that he would not face any suspension. The Associated Press contributed to this report.]]>
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					<![CDATA[FOX Sports, Cosm Team Up to Bring 40 Matches of FIFA World Cup 2026 to Cosm Venues]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/fox-sports-cosm-team-up-bring-40-games-fifa-world-cup-2026-cosm-venues</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/fox-sports-cosm-team-up-bring-40-games-fifa-world-cup-2026-cosm-venues</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[FOX Sports and Cosm team up to bring 40 games of FIFA World Cup 2026 to Cosm Venues in Los Angeles, Dallas and Atlanta.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 17:25:22 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Can't make it to a FIFA World Cup 2026 match? Soccer fans now have a chance to experience the stadium energy. FOX Sports and Cosm have teamed up to bring select live matches to Cosm venues throughout the tournament. Cosm’s 40 total matches will be broadcast at their immersive entertainment venues across Los Angeles, Dallas and Atlanta. For fans, Cosm's 87-foot-diameter, 12K+ LED domes will bring the in-match atmosphere to life. To kick off their coverage, Cosm will broadcast 11 group stage matches, including all three of the United States’ group stage matches against Paraguay, Türkiye and Australia and the tournament’s opening match of Mexico vs. South Africa live from Mexico City on June 11. Following the group stages, Cosm will transition into the majority of the knockout stages, and will close out their coverage with all Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals matches and the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final, live from East Rutherford, NJ. on Sunday, July 19. For the largest World Cup to date, spanning across 37 days, 104 matches and 48 qualified teams, Cosm and FOX Sports have come together to deliver what could be a historic tournament. Could Cosm help capture what could be Lionel Messi’s and Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cups? How will Spain do with 18-year-old Lamine Yamal coming off an injury? Will USA successfully advance out of the group stage? Cosm’s shared reality experience will help fans across the country dive into the largest sporting event in the World this summer. A full schedule of the 11 Group Stage matches to be shown at Cosm in Shared Reality can be found below.]]>
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					<![CDATA[FIFA Waives Two More One-Game Bans Following Unprecedented Ronaldo Ruling]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/fifa-waives-one-game-bans-for-otamendi-caicedo-world-cup</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/fifa-waives-one-game-bans-for-otamendi-caicedo-world-cup</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi and Ecuador midfielder Moises Caicedo will not have to serve one-game bans at the World Cup despite being sent off in their teams’ last qualifying game.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 13:31:45 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi and Ecuador midfielder Moises Caicedo will not have to serve one-game bans at the World Cup despite being sent off in their last qualifying games. The unprecedented decisions on Friday are part of an amnesty of all but the most severe disciplinary sanctions stemming from World Cup qualifiers instigated by the FIFA Bureau — a panel consisting of FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the presidents of the six continental soccer bodies. "Single yellow cards and pending one- or two-match suspensions . . . are not carried over to the final competition," FIFA said in a statement, adding it wanted to ensure teams "can compete with their strongest possible squads on the biggest stage of men’s international football." It follows a previous unprecedented FIFA disciplinary ruling that ensured Cristiano Ronaldo will not miss any World Cup games despite a red card for using his elbow to strike an Ireland opponent in Portugal's second-to-last qualifier in November. The remaining two games of Ronaldo's three-game ban were deferred for a one-year probation period. Otamendi and Caicedo both were shown red cards in Ecuador's 1-0 win over Argentina in September. Otamendi got a direct red card for fouling an attacker running clear on goal and Caicedo got a second yellow card for a hard tackle. Their mandatory one-game bans should now be served in another competition after the World Cup. Argentina opens the defense of its World Cup title against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City. If selected, the 38-year-old Otamendi likely will be playing at his fourth and last World Cup. The Benfica center back also went to the tournaments in 2010, 2018 and 2022 when he played every minute of all seven Argentina games in Qatar. Ecuador starts against Ivory Coast on June 14 in Philadelphia. The 24-year-old Chelsea midfielder Caicedo also played in Qatar four years ago. The FIFA decision on Friday also benefits Qatar defender Tarek Salman, who was sent off against United Arab Emirates in October. FIFA disciplinary judges imposed a two-game ban. The 28-year-old Salman, who was on the host nation's squad in 2022, was cleared to open Qatar's World Cup campaign against Switzerland on June 13 at the San Francisco 49ers' stadium. Reporting by The Associated Press.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Croatia's Josko Gvardiol Back in Time for World Cup, 4 Months After Broken Leg]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/josko-gvardiol-returns-man-city-training-world-cup-croatia</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/josko-gvardiol-returns-man-city-training-world-cup-croatia</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Manchester City star Joško Gvardiol is back in training after four months out with a broken leg and Pep Guardiola hopes the defender is ready to “make a good World Cup" with Croatia.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 13:02:25 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Manchester City star Josko Gvardiol is back in training after four months out with a broken leg, with Pep Guardiola saying Friday he hopes the defender is ready to "make a good World Cup" with Croatia. Gvardiol underwent surgery after sustaining a fracture to his right leg in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League on Jan. 4. It left in doubt Gvardiol's availability for the World Cup starting June 11, but Guardiola said the versatile defender is "feeling good" after being seen taking part in a practice session on Thursday. "Last season he was the important player for us when we had many injuries — he played all the games and, in the end, the body says enough is enough," Guardiola said. "Happy he is back. Hopefully he can help us in the last part of the season and make a good World Cup with Croatia and next season we can have him again at his best." City plays Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday and Guardiola said there was a chance Rodri might be back after a hamstring injury caused the Spain midfielder to miss the last three games, including the costly 3-3 draw at Everton on Monday. That left second-place City five points behind Arsenal, with a game in hand. Arsenal has three matches remaining and has regained pole position in the title race. City also plays Chelsea in the FA Cup final on May 16. Reporting by The Associated Press.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Canada Star Alphonso Davies Injures Hamstring With a Month To Go Before World Cup]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/alphonso-davies-injury-udpate-timeline-canada-world-cup</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/alphonso-davies-injury-udpate-timeline-canada-world-cup</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Canada left back Alphonso Davies has injured his hamstring with just over month to go before his country co-hosts the World Cup.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 12:53:13 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Canada left back Alphonso Davies has injured his hamstring with just over month to go before his country co-hosts the World Cup, Bayern Munich said Friday. The club says team doctors expect Davies to be out "for several weeks," with Canada starting the World Cup on June 12 against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto. Bayern said Davies hurt his left hamstring during Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain that knocked the German team out of the Champions League semifinals. The 25-year-old Davies is one of Canada’s top players, having scored 15 goals in 58 appearances. He has helped Bayern win seven Bundesliga titles as well as the 2020 Champions League. Bayern, which has already won the German league, finishes its season with the German Cup final on May 23 against Stuttgart. Reporting by The Associated Press.]]>
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					<![CDATA[U.S. Midfielder Tanner Tessmann Has Muscle Injury With World Cup Looming]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/usmnt-midfielder-tanner-tessmann-injury-news-world-cup</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/usmnt-midfielder-tanner-tessmann-injury-news-world-cup</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Lyon coach Paulo Fonseca says U.S. midfielder Tanner Tessmann will not play any more games for the French team this season because of a muscle strain.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 12:46:20 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[U.S. midfielder Tanner Tessmann will not play any more games for Lyon this season because of a muscle strain, coach Paulo Fonseca said Friday, in another injury concern for the Americans ahead of the World Cup. It wasn't immediately clear how serious Tessmann's injury is, with barely a month until the start of the tournament being co-hosted by the United States. Tessmann, who can also fill in at center back, would be a likely selection for the U.S. squad, which is being announced May 26. The Americans begin training the following day in Fayetteville, Georgia. "Tanner has a muscle strain," Fonseca said on Lyon's official website, "he will not play until the end of the season." Lyon has two league games remaining, at Toulouse on Sunday and at home to Lens on May 17. The Americans received an injury blow on Thursday when Atletico Madrid said U.S. midfielder Johnny Cardoso sprained his right ankle in practice and will undergo rehab. The Spanish club did not give a timetable for his return. The U.S. opens its World Cup campaign on June 13 against Paraguay in Inglewood, California. Mauricio Pochettino 's team also will play Australia and Turkey in Group D. Reporting by The Associated Press.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Former Italy Star Cassano Shares Messi's Retirement Plans After Miami Visit]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/antonio-cassano-reveals-lionel-messis-retirement-timeline-after-meeting-argentine-goat-at-inter-miami-training-base</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/antonio-cassano-reveals-lionel-messis-retirement-timeline-after-meeting-argentine-goat-at-inter-miami-training-base</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Antonio Cassano has revealed Lionel Messi's retirement timeline after meeting the Argentina icon in Florida.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 21:41:46 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Antonio Cassano has revealed Lionel Messi's retirement timeline after meeting the Argentina icon in Florida. Despite approaching his 39th birthday, the Inter Miami superstar appears to have no immediate intention of hanging up his boots as he eyes further success in MLS and potentially on the international stage. A private meeting in Miami Former Italy international Cassano recently visited Inter Miami’s training base, where he spent significant time with Messi and his family. The encounter left a lasting impression on the former Real Madrid and Roma forward, who admitted to being starstruck by the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner despite his own illustrious career in Europe. Speaking on the Viva El Futbol podcast, Cassano detailed the warmth of the reception he received in Florida. "He spent an hour and 40 minutes with me and my family. We talked about many things. He treated me in a way I never expected. He’s the only person that, when I see him, I can’t speak, I can’t say anything," Cassano revealed. The GOAT's humble perspective During their conversation, Cassano made sure to remind Messi of his standing in the game. He asked the Argentine legend: "Leo, do you even realize that you are the greatest player the history of soccer has ever seen?" However, the response from the World Cup winner highlighted the humble nature that has defined his career outside of the pitch. Messi dismissed the need for rankings or individual validation, telling Cassano: "Antonio, whether I’m the No. 1, No. 2, No. 5, No. 10 or No. 15, what difference does it make to me? It changes nothing for me. I don’t listen to whether I’m first, second or third. I have passion and love for soccer." How many years are left for Messi? The most significant takeaway from the meeting was Messi's admission regarding his physical condition and his desire to keep playing. While fans have been speculating about his retirement since he moved to MLS, the forward seems energized by his current environment and his love for the sport. Messi told Cassano: "I can play three or four more years. I do it for the love of soccer, I enjoy it." With a contract at Inter Miami that already runs through December 31, 2028, these comments suggest that the Argentine could potentially remain active until he is 41 years old, covering the duration of his stay in the United States and perhaps even beyond. Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup While Messi's commitment to Inter Miami seems firm, the question of his international future with Argentina remains a topic of intense debate. Although he hasn't officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 World Cup, fans are expecting him to be the first name in manager Lionel Scaloni's squad list once again as Argentina defend their global crown in North America.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Cristiano Ronaldo Scores 100th Saudi Pro League Goal]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/cristiano-ronaldo-scores-his-100th-saudi-pro-league-goal</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/cristiano-ronaldo-scores-his-100th-saudi-pro-league-goal</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Cristiano Ronaldo has scored his 100th Saudi Pro League goal as Al-Nassr beat Al-Shabab 4-2 to move five points clear at the top of the table.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 21:05:23 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 100th Saudi Pro League goal on Thursday as Al-Nassr beat Al-Shabab 4-2 to move five points clear at the top of the table. The 41-year-old forward converted a Sadio Mané cross at the near post with 15 minutes remaining to record the 971st goal of his career. It was also his 26th league goal of the season. "Ronaldo is always dangerous going forward and we saw that again today," Al-Nassr coach Jorge Jesus said. João Félix, signed from Chelsea in July, scored three goals for the league leaders. The win took Al-Nassr to 82 points from 32 games, five ahead of Al-Hilal, which has three matches, one more than Nassr, left to play. Al-Hilal meets Al-Kholood on Friday and faces Nassr on Tuesday in what could be a title decider against its Riyadh rival. "Now we have a derby match against our rival, which is a difficult encounter," Jesus said. "We are fully aware of its importance, and we are dealing with it with complete focus as we know that small details could decide the result." Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, has yet to secure a major trophy in Saudi Arabia since signing with Al-Nassr in December 2022. The Associated Press contributed to this report.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Why Tim Ream's World Cup Leadership is Universal 'With or Without the Armband']]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/usas-tim-reams-leadership-universal-same-without-armband</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/usas-tim-reams-leadership-universal-same-without-armband</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[U.S. national team defender Tim Ream discussed USA's World Cup outlook and his leadership impact.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 19:47:05 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[As one of the United States' most consistent leaders at 38 years old, U.S. national team defender Tim Ream is expected to be at the World Cup as one of the many veterans carried over from the 2022 squad. Ream joined First Things First on Wednesday to discuss everything from USA's tournament outlook and the impact of his leadership on the pitch. "There’s so many guys who would love to be in that position, to wear the armband and represent your country… I don’t look at it as extra pressure, it’s more like how can I help the guys around me be better each day,"  Ream said. "I try not to think about the extras and the extra responsibilities. I’m the same with or without the armband. If someone else wants it, I’ll be happy to stand right there next to them and help them out." The St. Louis native remains a central figure in the United States’ leadership and defensive structure. Ream earned the captain’s armband in 2023 and has led the group ever since. He debuted for the national team in 2010 and has logged over 80 caps. Notably, Ream has been part of the 2022 World Cup squad and was part of the USA's 2-0 win over Mexico in the Concacaf Nations League Final in 2024. Ream is in his third MLS season with Charlotte FC, arriving in 2024 after playing in England for clubs Bolton and Fulham for nine seasons. Heading into his second World Cup, Ream’s preparation on home soil is crucial – especially as the 38-year-old enters the tournament with a lingering injury from last month. "Make sure you’re getting into the gym in the morning &amp; not necessarily lifting, but doing activation exercises… As you get older, you have to do it more &amp; more &amp; add more &amp; more. I don’t think there’s a day that goes by where we don’t feel 100 percent, so there’s always something we can work on." Ream recently suffered a groin injury in April that set him back from training and playing for a few weeks, forcing him to miss key matches with Charlotte FC leading up to the World Cup. Even at 38, Ream remains a vital part of USA's roster and will play a big role in bringing USA out of the group stages. The United States will kick off their World Cup run with their 26-man roster announced on May 26, and their first game against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles. 2026 FIFA World Cup: How To Watch From June 11 through July 19, 2026, FOX Sports presents its largest World Cup production and broadcast slate to date featuring all 104 matches live across FOX (69) and FS1 (35) with every match live-streaming on FOX One and the FOX Sports App. All 104 tournament matches will air live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every match streaming live and on-demand within both the FOX One and the FOX Sports apps. A record 40 matches, more than one-third of the tournament, will air in prime time across FOX (21) and FS1 (19).]]>
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					<![CDATA[How Johnny Cardoso’s Injury Could Affect the USA's World Cup Roster]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/usmnt-world-cup-roster-stock-watch-johnny-cardoso-injury</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/usmnt-world-cup-roster-stock-watch-johnny-cardoso-injury</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Will somebody come out of nowhere and play themselves onto the United States' World Cup roster over the next few weeks?]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 18:19:32 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Back in March, on the day Mauricio Pochettino named the United Sates’ penultimate roster before this summer’s FIFA World Cup, I asked the U.S. men’s national team coach how he’d weigh the more consequential decisions looming two months later: if making his 26-player World Cup squad would depend more on their form and fitness in late May, or how they’d performed for the Stars and Stripes since the former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager arrived in 2024. "It's an art, because every single player is different and can add different things to the team," Pochettino said. "Different characters, different profiles, different quality, different talent. We cannot follow some rule, because I think it's not fair to judge all [of them] in the same way." We’ll soon see how the Argentine judges the 35 "or maybe a few more" players in contention for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to participate in a World Cup on home soil. (The U.S., which opens against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles, is co-hosting the 48-team international soccer extravaganza with Canada and Mexico.) Surely, star forward Christian Pulisic remains a locked-in starter for Pochettino despite a goal drought that has now reached 17 games for AC Milan and 19 overall. The status of attacking midfielder Malik Tillman is less clear; Tillman has barely featured for German club Bayer Leverkusen over the last two months and might no longer be the World Cup roster shoo-in he seemed like at the end of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. Tillman's untimely drop-off could help Gio Reyna, who has logged more playing time at Borussia Mönchengladbach lately, or open the door for another attacker – someone like Houston Dynamo midfielder Jack McGlynn, who U.S. assistant coach Jesús Pérez will watch play in person this Sunday. Two of the national team’s all-time greats — Landon Donovan and Tim Howard — recently predicted that Pochettino wouldn’t pick Johnny Cardoso, who last week became just the fourth American player ever to appear in a UEFA Champions League semifinal. (This was before Cardoso injured his ankle in training with Atlético Madrid on Thursday.) But a surprise or two is possible. Maybe even likely. Donovan was famously left home for the 2014 World Cup by then-coach Jürgen Klinsmann. In 2022, Shaq Moore made the roster and two substitute appearances in Qatar, something nobody predicted beforehand. Same in 2010, when strikers Edson Buddle and Herculez Gomez made the U.S. team on the strength of timely goal-scoring streaks alone. Will somebody come out of nowhere and play themselves onto the World Cup roster over the next few weeks? Here's who's trending up (and down) with Pochettino's announcement now less than three weeks away. Stock Up The USA’s back line anchor will play for another trophy as Palace – last season's FA Cup winner – finished off Shakhtar Donetsk on Thursday in London to advance to the UEFA Conference League final. The Eagles and Spanish club Rayo Vallecano face off on May 27 in Leipzig, Germany. The Americans’ pre-World Cup camp begins earlier the same day at the new Arthur M. Blank National Training Center outside of Atlanta. Possibly the most irreplaceable player that Pochettino has, Adams is nearing full fitness at exactly the right time. The veteran destroyer, 27, made his first Premier League start in two months in last weekend’s 3-0 win over Palace. (Richards, who started both legs against Shakhtar, entered in the second half.) Adams had been limited to a role as a substitute in his first three games for the Cherries after returning from the hamstring ailment that sidelined him for club and country in March. When he suffered his own hamstring strain in March, Dest insisted he’d return before season’s end. He kept that promise last weekend, entering off the bench for the final 30 minutes of the Dutch champions' 2-2 tie with rivals Ajax. PSV has two league games remaining, beginning with Sunday’s trip to the gloriously named Go Ahead Eagles. The 22-year-old lefty, who has made 12 of his 13 career U.S. appearances under Pochettino, has been out of sight and mind since undergoing foot surgery last fall. Now he’s back on the field, having made his first start of 2026 in last week’s 1-0 win over Colorado. He’s back in the World Cup mix, too. A day after taking in RSL-FCD in Texas, Pérez will be in Southern California for McGlynn’s match at LAFC. One of the most consistent Americans employed overseas in 2025-26, Morris could benefit if Cardoso can't go. Capping his club campaign in style could help. The Columbus Crew product will help 'Boro compete for a Premier League spot over the next five days, with the opening match of its home-and-home, total-goals-wins series against Southampton on Saturday. The decisive second leg is on Tuesday. In his 37th appearance of the season, Trusty helped Celtic beat Hibernian and keep pace with Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts — setting up a potential title decider between the teams on May 16, the final day of the campaign. First, the experienced left-footed center back will look to extend his streak of starts to six straight games in Sunday’s Old Firm derby with chief nemesis Rangers. There’s a lot of hype around the 19-year-old, who notched his third goal (to go with four assists) of the MLS season last Saturday against Portland. Pérez, Poch’s top deputy, will be at RSL’s game in Dallas on May 9, too, ostensibly to see Diego Luna (who also scored vs. the Timbers). Considering his inexperience, the uncapped Gozo probably remains a long shot for this World Cup. But if he balls out with Pérez watching and someone else gets injured, who knows? Stock Down On Tuesday, Johnny and Atléti failed to beat Arsenal on Tuesday and advance to the UEFA Champions League final. On Thursday, Cardoso’s week got worse: The Spanish titans announced that the 24-year-old had suffered "a high grade ankle sprain" in training, the awful timing of which could seemingly dash his World Cup dreams. While no timetable was given, the USA's first game is a mere 36 days away. Another week, another game without a goal for Pulisic, who has now also lost his starting spot for Milan boss Maxi Allegri. The 27-year-old was on the bench to start the Rossoneri’s eventual 2-0 loss to Sassuolo on May 3, and while he entered (as a striker) in the 59th minute he couldn’t get Milan any closer. Up next? A trip to Genoa on Sunday, with just one more Serie A game remaining, at home to Cagliari on May 24, after that. When the playmaker logged almost the final half-hour of Leverkusen’s 2-1 win over Cologne on April 25, it looked like Tillman was inching closer to winning back his starting job. Instead, he made just a five-minute cameo versus RB Leipzig last Saturday, well after the outcome was in doubt. He has a total of 42 minutes of action for the club since March 21. After suffering what Charlotte coach Dean Smith called "a setback" in his recovery from the groin injury he suffered on April 18, Ream missed his fourth consecutive MLS match last weekend. The Crown host FC Cincinnati on Saturday. Robinson also hasn’t played since April 18, having missed FCC’s last three league games with an undisclosed leg ailment. He could feature in Charlotte, though, having returned to full training earlier this week.]]>
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					<![CDATA[2026 World Cup Odds: Could Messi, Yamal Meet in Generational Final?]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/2026-world-cup-odds-england-spain-world-cup-final-lionel-messi-lamine-yamal</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/2026-world-cup-odds-england-spain-world-cup-final-lionel-messi-lamine-yamal</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Check out the odds for which nations have the best chance to meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, including a potential dream matchup.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 14:44:49 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[The 2026 FIFA World Cup is closer than you think, and the betting markets are already shaping up for what could become one of the biggest sporting events in history. After 103 matches across North America take place, the tournament will officially culminate on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in Rutherford, New Jersey in what should be a historic World Cup final. Now, the "Name the Final" betting markets have officially opened and oddsmakers believe England and Spain have the best chance to meet in the championship game. The two nations previously faced off in the 2024 European Championship title game, and Spain topped England 2-1 to win its fourth Euros title. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. There are also several dream matchups that fans around the world would love to see. Could the tournament deliver a generational showdown between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal if Argentina and Spain meet in the final? Or could the sport get one final historic chapter between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo? A World Cup final between Argentina and Portugal in what could potentially be the final World Cup appearances for both legends would instantly become one of the most anticipated matches in sports history. Let's take a look at the full odds at DraftKings Sportsbook as of May 7. Name the 2026 World Cup final odds England &amp; Spain: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)Argentina &amp; Spain: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)Brazil &amp; Spain: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total) Portugal &amp; Spain: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total) England &amp; France: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total) Brazil &amp; France: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total) France &amp; Spain: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total) Argentina &amp; France: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total) France &amp; Portugal: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total) England &amp; Germany: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total) Germany &amp; Spain: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total) Germany &amp; Portugal: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total) Brazil &amp; Germany: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total) France &amp; Germany: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total) Argentina &amp; Germany: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total) France &amp; Norway: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total) England &amp; Netherlands: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total) Argentina &amp; England: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)Brazil &amp; Netherlands: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total)Argentina &amp; Portugal: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total)Argentina &amp; Netherlands: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total)England &amp; Portugal: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total) One important factor bettors need to understand when wagering on exact World Cup final matchups is that the two favorites to win the tournament often have a much lower chance of actually meeting in the final than many realize because of the bracket structure. For example, while France and Spain are currently the two favorites to lift the trophy, they only hold the sixth-best odds to meet in the World Cup title game. That is because if both nations win their respective groups, they would land on the same side of the knockout bracket and could potentially face each other in the semifinals rather than the final itself.]]>
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				<title>
					<![CDATA[Brief History Of USA Coaches At The Men's World Cup]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/usmnt-coaches-world-cup-pochettino-bradley-arena-klinsmann-sampson</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/usmnt-coaches-world-cup-pochettino-bradley-arena-klinsmann-sampson</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[A brief history on all the managers who have led the U.S. men's national team at the World Cup.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 21:03:49 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[It may surprise some of the newer fans of the U.S. men's national team that its history with the World Cup actually stretches back to the very first edition of soccer's most prestigious tournament. The U.S. was one of 13 teams who participated in the inaugural event in 1930 in Uruguay. A second appearance occurred in 1950, but then a 40-year drought saw the U.S. not return to soccer's biggest stage until 1990. Leading these World Cup squads were managers who made their mark on American soccer. From a surprise semifinal run to breaking a decades-long drought, to reaching quarterfinals and building golden generations, the men who have stood on the USA sideline have written the story of a program still chasing its ceiling. Let's look at the managers who have led the U.S. men's team at the World Cup: Robert Millar (1930 World Cup) USA Manager Tenure: 1928-1930 The first coach to lead the U.S. men's national team to a World Cup was the Scottish-born Millar, who moved to the United States in 1911. He played with some of the earliest created soccer clubs in New York and Philadelphia and even played two matches for the national team in 1928 before retiring as player. But Millar's greatest contribution to the game was taking over as manager of the U.S. for the inaugural 1930 World Cup in Uruguay. Two surprise wins in their group stage against Belgium and Paraguay led to a surprise appearance in the semifinals, where the Americans lost to Argentina. It's still the best finish for the men's team in history. Resume Highlights: William Jeffrey (1950 World Cup) USA Manager Tenure: 1950 After the 1930 appearance, the U.S. missed out in the next two editions with the tournament also being on pause during World War II. When the tournament was held in 1950 in Brazil, it was another Scottish-American who was in charge this time. Jeffrey moved to the United States at an early age, growing up in Altoona, Pennsylvania. He became coach of Penn State's soccer team in 1926, a position that he would hold for 27 years. The U.S. Soccer Federation asked Jeffrey to take over managerial duties for the 1950 World Cup. It was at that tournament in Brazil where the U.S. famously beat England, 1-0, in what was considered one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history. Resume Highlights: Bob Gansler (1990 World Cup) USA Manager Tenure: 1989-1991 Gansler is a Hungarian-born American coach who led the U.S. national team at the 1990 World Cup. This was the team's first appearance at the tournament since 1950. His defining moment came before the tournament even began. The high point of his tenure was the upset victory in Trinidad on November 19, 1989, that sent the United States into the World Cup for the first time in 40 years. He took a team made up primarily of college and amateur players, as the United States did not have a top division outdoor soccer league at the time as the North American Soccer League folded in 1985. At the club level, Gansler coached both the Kansas City Wizards of Major League Soccer and the Milwaukee Rampage of the A-League to league titles, and was named MLS Coach of the Year in 2000. Resume Highlights: Bora Milutinović (1994 World Cup) USA Manager Tenure: 1991-1995 Velibor "Bora" Milutinović is famous for coaching five different national teams in five straight FIFA World Cup tournaments – Mexico in 1986, Costa Rica in 1990, the United States in 1994, Nigeria in 1998, and China in 2002 – earning him the nickname "Miracle Worker." With the USA, Milutinović coached the U.S. at the 1994 World Cup hosted in the United States, where the team recorded its first World Cup win since 1950 and progressed to the knockout round for the first time since the 1930s. His preparation was equally remarkable. Milutinović combed through the U.S. college system, extended central contracts to 30 players, and set up residency in Southern California, devising a schedule of 91 friendlies to give his newly assembled squad a crash course in international football. Resume Highlights: Steve Sampson (1998 World Cup) USA Manager Tenure: 1994-1998 Steve Sampson stepped in as interim coach after Milutinović's departure and eventually claimed the job permanently after leading the team to fourth place at the 1995 Copa América. Though he shed the interim tag after that strong Copa América showing, the team's group stage exit at the 1998 World Cup meant he was out of a job soon after. The 1998 campaign in France was a low point for the program as the Americans lost all three group games and scored just one goal, with internal tensions and the controversial exclusion of captain John Harkes adding to the chaos. Despite the disastrous World Cup, Sampson's 26 wins as USMNT head coach place him fifth all-time in program history. Resume Highlights: Bruce Arena (1998 World Cup) USA Manager Tenure: 1998-2006, 2016-2017 Bruce Arena is the most successful coach in United States history by most measures: most international wins, longest home shut-out, and the best World Cup showing since 1930 – reaching the quarterfinals at the 2002 World Cup before a narrow defeat to Germany. The journey began with a stunning 3-2 defeat of heavily favored Portugal, Arena's system of high-pressure defense and quick counter-attacks produced an early 3-0 lead, before a famous 2-0 win over rivals Mexico in the Round of 16. In his stint in charge, Arena guided the USA to two Gold Cup crowns in 2002 and 2005. He returned to the job in 2016 after Jürgen Klinsmann was fired in the middle of the World Cup qualifying campaign for the 2018 edition in Russia. Despite winning the 2017 Gold Cup, Arena couldn't get the U.S. into the 2018 World Cup thanks to an infamous loss at Trinidad &amp; Tobago. At the club level, Arena holds a record five MLS Cup titles and shares the all-time record with three MLS Coach of the Year honors. Resume Highlights: Bob Bradley (2010 World Cup) Bob Bradley coached the USA to a second-place finish at the 2009 Confederations Cup (which included a win over powerhouse Spain), a Round of 16 exit at the 2010 World Cup, and the final of the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup before he was fired. His 2010 World Cup run was particularly memorable as the U.S. topped their group for the first time since 1930, powered by Landon Donovan's iconic stoppage-time goal against Algeria. Bradley is one of only three coaches to post a winning percentage over 60% for the U.S. across at least 20 games. Given that he did not have such a great group of players to work with compared to some other coaches, the fact that he is third all-time for wins with 43 is nothing short of remarkable. Resume Highlights: Jürgen Klinsmann (2014 World Cup) USA Manager Tenure: 2011-2016 Klinsmann arrived as one of the most decorated hires in American soccer history. He played for powerhouse clubs like Inter Milan, Tottenham, and Bayern Munich before becoming the manager of the German national team from 2004 to 2006. As the USA's most high-profile head coach before Pochettino, Klinsmann promised a tactical revolution. Though a run to the Round of 16 in the 2014 World Cup was a highlight, things began to come off the rails with defeats to Mexico and Costa Rica in World Cup qualifying, forcing U.S. Soccer to fire him in November 2016 and bringing back Bruce Arena to try and salvage the ill-fated campaign for Russia 2018. Klinsmann's emphasis on recruiting dual nationals and pushing American players to compete abroad had a lasting impact on the program's culture. Resume Highlights: Gregg Berhalter (2022 World Cup) USA Manager Tenure: 2018–2022, 2023–2024 Berhalter finished his managerial career with a 68.2% win rate– the highest of any manager in team history among those with at least 20 games coached. He guided the USA into a new era, overseeing the rise of what many called the "golden generation" – Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, and company. The team won the inaugural CONCACAF Nations League in 2021 with a 3-2 victory over Mexico in the final, and won a third CONCACAF Nations League title in March 2024. His contract lapsed after the 2022 World Cup, but he was re-hired to lead a second World Cup qualifying cycle. However, that was cut short and his tenure ended on a sour note: the U.S. was eliminated in the group stage of the 2024 Copa América, becoming the first host nation not to advance to the knockout stage since the group format was introduced in 1975. Resume Highlights: Mauricio Pochettino (2026 World Cup) USA Manager Tenure: 2024–Present Pochettino, appointed in September 2024 on a contract through the 2026 World Cup, serves as the current head coach and the first South American-born manager to lead the team. Pochettino's résumé includes a Ligue 1 title, a Premier League runners-up finish, and a UEFA Champions League final appearance. Pochettino has publicly outlined his objectives for 2026 which is primarily to reach the quarterfinals of the expanded World Cup, at minimum. With a World Cup on home soil and the most talented American generation (led by star forward Christian Pulisic and midfielder Weston McKennie) ever assembled, the pressure, and the opportunity, has never been greater. Resume Highlights: ___ How To Watch The 2026 FIFA World Cup The World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament matches will air live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every match streaming live and on-demand within both the FOX One and the FOX Sports apps. A record 40 matches, more than one-third of the tournament, will air in prime time across FOX (21) and FS1 (19).]]>
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					<![CDATA[Brief History Of The FIFA World Cup Ball: From 1930 To 2026's 'TRIONDA']]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/history-world-cup-match-balls-from-1930-unveiling-2026-trionda</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/history-world-cup-match-balls-from-1930-unveiling-2026-trionda</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[What's made each of the official match balls for the FIFA World Cup so unique? We take a look.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 21:03:46 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[The beauty of each World Cup is the attention to detail and how each edition weaves in the traditions and characteristics of the host nations. And that's especially true with the official match ball. Take for instance the recently released TRIONDA ball, which all eyes will be on next year at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in three nations — Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Since 1970, Adidas has supplied the official match ball for the World Cup. Before then, the match balls were provided by manufacturers from the host countries. Get a low down on each ball from 1930. Let's take a deeper dive into each World Cup ball, including how they got their names and what made them stand out, starting with the earliest version at the inaugural tournament: 1930 – Tiento/T-Model (Uruguay) The tournament had no official ball as multiple ones were used throughout the games. And the final itself between the neighboring rivals of Uruguay and Argentina included an argument over which ball to use. The compromise? Argentina’s "Tiento" for the first half and Uruguay’s heavier "T-Model" for the second half. Argentina were 2-1 up before Uruguay scored three goals with their larger ball to win 4-2. 1934 – Federale 102 (Italy) The Italian ECAS (Ente Centrale Approvvigionamento Sportivi, the government's bureau for sport supplies) produced the ball that had 12 hand-stitched leather panels with visible laces. It also marked FIFA’s first standardized World Cup ball. The laces were made of softer material to make them lighter and more manageable, especially for headers. 1938 – Allen (France) Produced by a French manufacturer, the Allen ball used 13 leather panels hand-stitched with cotton laces and a visible seam. It also had to be hand-stitched and hand-inflated to get the spherical finish. 1950 – Superball Duplo T (Brazil) The return of the World Cup tournament after a 12-year absence due to World War II featured a ball that had 12 hand-stitched panels – but introduced hidden laces with a rubber valve that could be inflated with a single hand pump. It was the first World Cup ball that did not require reinflation through an external seam during play. 1954 – Swiss World Champion (Switzerland) This 18-panel ball made by Kost Sport removed laces entirely, featuring interlocking panels for a truer, more consistent shape. FIFA approved it as an official match standard, setting the stage for the modern, seamless football era to come. 1958 – Top Star (Sweden) Selected from over 100 submissions, the Top Star (made by machine manufacturer Sydlader AB) was made of high-grade leather with 18 panels and no laces. Its consistent bounce and lighter feel allowed for faster, more precise play – fitting the tournament that introduced Pelé to the world. But France forward Just Fontaine is more synonymous with this ball, having scored 13 goals in six matches, a record for a single tournament that still stands. 1962 – Crack (Chile) The Crack featured 18 panels with a deeper seam pattern to help aerodynamics. It was golden-brown in color and locally manufactured by Señor Custodio Zamora of San Miguel, but the inconsistent quality of each ball led to complaints. 1966 – Slazenger Challenge 4-Star (England) Made by Slazenger, this 25-panel hand-stitched leather ball had no laces with a bright orange version used for visibility on television and for the final. It utilized a latex valve and was selected by tournament officials in a blind test before the tournament. 1970 – Telstar (Mexico) Named after a U.S. satellite, this ball was the first that featured the now-iconic black-and-white "truncated icosahedron" panel design, which helped it stand out on televisions. The 32-panel Telstar combined leather with revolutionary visibility and became the most recognizable ball design globally. 1974 – Telstar Durlast (West Germany) The Durlast featured a new coating to protect against water absorption. The design remained black-and-white for visibility on TV and marked a leap forward in ball technology from the tournament four years prior. 1978 – Tango (Argentina) One of the most iconic balls in all sport, the Tango (named after the traditional dance in the host nation) introduced a bold, elegant design with interconnected triads, giving the illusion of 12 identical circles across 20 panels. It became Adidas’ flagship look for decades and also helped improve the visibility of the ball for players. 1982 – Tango España (Spain) Building on 1978’s Tango, the España featured stronger waterproofing and polyurethane coating, enhancing performance in variable Spanish conditions. It was also the last ball to be fully leather before synthetic materials became the norm. 1986 – Azteca (Mexico) The first fully synthetic World Cup ball, Azteca incorporated polyurethane for consistent touch, durability, and reduced water absorption. Its 32-panel design drew inspiration from Aztec murals and architecture, paying tribute to Mexico’s heritage. 1990 – Etrusco Unico (Italy) The first ball with an internal layer of black polyurethane foam for greater responsiveness and durability. Its design paid homage to Italy’s Etruscan history, featuring lions’ heads in classical motifs across its 20 triangular panels. 1994 – Questra (United States) The Questra utilized a space-themed design that celebrated the quest for stardom by being inspired by NASA’s Apollo missions and America’s space legacy. It also followed the "Tango" design that had been used in previous editions and utilized pentagonal designs. 1998 – Tricolore (France) The first multicolored World Cup ball, Tricolore integrated France’s national blue, white, and red. It also symbolized modernity, national pride, and a willingness to depart from traditional monochrome styles. It was also the last of the "Tango" designs that had been in use for the World Cup since 1978. 2002 – Fevernova (Japan/South Korea) Breaking away from previous patterns, Fevernova introduced a radical triangular flame design in gold and red that ws inspired by a Japanese "tomoe" symbol. It also included red streaks meant to resemble the ancient art of calligraphy. 2006 – Teamgeist (Germany) The ball (German for "team spirit") revolutionized ball construction with just 14 curved panels, creating a rounder, more seamless surface for consistency. Its white design with black-and-gold accents fit the host nation's aesthetic. It was the first ball to have a different version used for the knockout stages. 2010 – Jabulani (South Africa) The Jabulani ball had only eight thermally bonded panels but was noted for some of its aerodynamic quirks when in flight. Decorated with African-inspired designs with the name from a Zulu phrase of "be happy," it symbolized South Africa’s culture and remains among the most iconic. A special gold-accented version was introduced for the final in Johannesburg. 2014 – Brazuca (Brazil) The Brazuca (the name was decided by a public vote) was made from six bonded panels and was inspired by Bahia lembrança bands, the traditional Brazilian good luck bracelets composed as colorful pieces of cloth and given as gifts. A special version was used in the final with the green, red and blue accents replaced by green, gold and black. 2018 – Telstar 18 (Russia) A modern homage to the 1970 Telstar, it featured pixelated black graphics referencing Russia’s digital era. Equipped with a chip inside, it was the first smart World Cup ball. It was composed of six panels that provided for a smoother surface, with a differently designed "Mechta" version of the ball utilized during the knockout rounds. 2022 – Al Rihla (Qatar) Meaning "The Journey" in Arabic, Al Rihla included 20 panels and featured a suspended chip inside the ball that tracked in-game data. Its design drew inspiration from Qatari culture and maritime traditions, with the bonded bails hearkening to the Dhow boats found in the Persian Gulf waters. It also was the first official ball produced entirely with water-based inks. 2026 - Trionda (Canada/Mexico/USA) The official match ball highlights and features the three nations – Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. – that will host the tournament. The colors on the ball's panels (red, green, and blue) coincide with the three host nations, while being accented with gold to represent the FIFA World Cup trophy. The ball's graphics also represent the three nations (a star for the U.S., an eagle for Mexico, and a maple leaf for Canada), which are used in embossed symbols across the surface.  The name is an amalgamation of the term "tri-" (for the co-hosts) and the Spanish word onda, meaning wave or vibe.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Brief History Of The 1994 World Cup In The United States]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/1994-world-cup-united-states-history-host</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/1994-world-cup-united-states-history-host</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Defying skeptics, the 1994 World Cup set an all-time attendance record and transformed American sports culture forever.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 21:03:42 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[In 1994, the United States proved global critics wrong as hosts of the World Cup. Skeptics in Europe and South America argued that a country without a top-tier professional league, paired with a population that supposedly didn't "understand" the game, was a questionable choice for the world’s biggest sporting event. But what unfolded over the course of the summer was a memorable tournament witnessed by massive crowds at stadiums that were known more for the other kind of football. American soccer had its long-awaited defining moment. Let's take a look back on the summer of soccer took over the United States. How did the USA perform in the 1994 World Cup? If you remember or have seen clips of the U.S. men's national team at the 1994 World Cup, a couple of things stood out. One was the amazing hairstyles. You had Alexi Lalas. Cobi Jones. Marcelo Balboa. Tony Meola. All American soccer icons rocking such a unique blend of looks. Building on its appearance at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, in which it went winless in three games, the USA wanted to ensure that it would make a better impression as hosts. The United States men's national team opened the group stage against Switzerland at the Pontiac Silverdome — then home to the NFL's Detroit Lions — on a temporary grass pitch. The first match in World Cup history to be played indoors, the stadium had been designed to keep the winter weather out and was not equipped with air conditioning. USA midfielder Thomas Dooley later called it "the worst place I have ever played at." But it was thanks to a wonder-goal against the Swiss by the USA star Eric Wynalda that made the game memorable, even if the game ended in a 1-1 draw. After splitting points in the opener against Switzerland, the U.S. stunned a heavily favored Colombia team in a 2‑1 victory at the Rose Bowl. But that followed a 1-0 loss in the same stadium to group winners Romania, thus relegating the U.S. to a third-place finish in the group and a Round of 16 date with Brazil. On a sunny July 4 afternoon, the USA took on mighty Brazil at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto. A rough and tumble match that saw the Brazilians play part of the match a man down due to a red card, the USA couldn't break down the more talented South American squad. Brazil ended the Americans' dream with a 1‑0 victory. Who won the 1994 World Cup? Brazil went on to lift the country’s fourth World Cup by defeating Italy, breaking a 24-year drought and its first championship since Pelé last lifted his third and final trophy of his illustrious career in 1970. Brazil were led by legendary strikers Romario and Bebeto, who finished with a combined eight goals. It was Bebeto who scored the game-winner against the USA in the Round of 16. A quarterfinal win over the Dutch then set up a semifinal victory over Sweden, in which Romario scored the decider. Despite the historic setting at the Rose Bowl, the final itself had relatively few memorable moments. After 120 minutes of scoreless play, it became the first World Cup final to be decided on penalties. If there was a lasting image of the final, it would be Italy star Roberto Baggio sailing over the crossbar his penalty attempt over the crossbar and into the crowd. Heartbreak for the Italys, but an elusive fourth title for Brazil. What were some of the 1994 World Cup tournament's top moments? The tournament provided its fair share of legendary players. It was the last tournament where we saw players like Diego Maradona, who had helped Argentina win it all in 1986, and Germany icon Jürgen Klinsmann, who led his country to the 1990 title. But Maradona's abrupt exit from the World Cup would prove to be one of the most shocking moments in World Cup history. After one final iconic goal and a wild-eyed celebration against Greece, he was sent home in disgrace after failing a drug test. Just days after Maradona’s exit, Russia’s Oleg Salenko etched his name into the record books in a way no one saw coming. In a group stage match against Cameroon at Stanford Stadium, Salenko scored a record five goals in a single game. To this day, he remains the only player in World Cup history to achieve that feat in one match. Ironically, despite this historic feat, Russia was eliminated in the opening round. Who won the 1994 World Cup Golden Ball? The Golden Ball is awarded to the tournament's best player, and Brazil's Romario was certainly a deserving one. Scoring five goals throughout the tournament, he made his mark by scoring in each of the group-stage matches and then two more during the knockout rounds. He also assisted Bebeto on the sole goal of the 1-0 win over the USA in the Round of 16. Who won the Golden Boot? Who won the Golden Glove? The 1994 tournament remains the only time the Golden Boot award, which is given to the top goalscorers, was shared by two players: Russia's Oleg Salenko and Bulgaria's Hristo Stoichkov. Both players finished the tournament with six goals each. Salenko made history by scoring a record five goals in a single match against Cameroon, while adding another against Sweden. Salenko’s record-setting day did go a long way toward him becoming the only player in World Cup history to win the Golden Boot despite only participating in the first round. Not bad for a guy who played in four fewer matches than Stoichkov. Stoichkov’s brilliance led Bulgaria on a fairy-tale run to the semifinals, highlighted by a stunning free-kick that helped eliminate the defending champions Germany. He started the tourney with two penalties against Greece and also scored against Mexico in the Round of 16. Belgian goalkeeper Michel Preud'homme took home the inaugural Golden Glove award (then known as the Lev Yashin Award) at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the USA. Even though the Belgians only made it to the Round of 16, Preud'homme kept clean sheets against Morocco and the Netherlands. He allowed one against Saudi Arabia before his team bowed out 3-2 to the Germans. What was the legacy of the 1994 World Cup? The 1994 World Cup changed U.S. sports culture and proved soccer could draw large crowds in the land of the Super Bowl. It turned a "questionable choice" into the highest attended tournament in FIFA history, proving that the United States was ready to define the game on its own terms. Before the tournament, skeptics predicted empty stadiums, cultural indifference and general confusion. Instead, 3.6 million spectators filled venues from Los Angeles to New York, still the all‑time World Cup attendance record. The domestic popularity of the tournament led to the birth of Major League Soccer, a league that still stands today, including 30 professional soccer teams, across 25 American and three Canadian cities. MLS provided the U.S. Soccer Federation with a much deeper talent pool than what was available over 30 years ago. As the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup, it does so in a much different position than it did over 30 years ago. 2026 FIFA World Cup: How To Watch The World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament matches will air live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every match streaming live and on-demand within both the FOX One and the FOX Sports apps. A record 40 matches, more than one-third of the tournament, will air in prime time across FOX (21) and FS1 (19).]]>
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					<![CDATA[Eating W’s All Summer Long: Jameis Winston Joins FOX Sports for 2026 World Cup]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/jameis-winston-2026-world-cup</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/jameis-winston-2026-world-cup</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston returns to FOX Sports as a World Cup Correspondent.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 18:41:13 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[He’s back! But only this time he’s trading the gridiron for the global soccer stage. New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston will return to FOX Sports as a World Cup Correspondent. Winston spent Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans with FOX Sports as a digital correspondent, where he roamed the Big Easy highlighting the culture and excitement around the big game. Now, Winston returns to fuel the hype around the largest World Cup yet, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. - FIFA World Cup 2026: All 104 games on FOX One. Start your free trial today. While several members of FOX’s World Cup team have won various soccer titles — Zlatan Ibrahimović has multiple league championships, Thierry Henry has a World Cup win and Golden Boot honors — how many have a Heisman Trophy and a college football national championship win? In college, Winston led Florida State to an undefeated 14-0 season and a national championship as a redshirt freshman in 2013. That same year, Winston lifted the Seminoles' third Heisman Trophy. Drafted No. 1 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015, Winston played five seasons there before he signed with the New Orleans Saints. After four years in New Orleans, Winston signed a one-year contract with the Cleveland Browns in 2024, then headed to the Big Apple to sign with the Giants. Winston joins a star-studded broadcast team for the tournament that includes Ibrahimović, Henry, former Danish goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, Mexico's all-time leading scorer Javier Hernández and many more on the pitch and in the studio. 2026 FIFA World Cup: How To Watch From June 11 through July 19, 2026, FOX Sports presents its largest World Cup production and broadcast slate to date featuring all 104 matches live across FOX (69) and FS1 (35) with every match live-streaming on FOX One and the FOX Sports App. All 104 tournament matches will air live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every match streaming live and on-demand within both the FOX One and the FOX Sports apps. A record 40 matches, more than one-third of the tournament, will air in prime time across FOX (21) and FS1 (19).]]>
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					<![CDATA['These Things Happen': Neymar Apologizes for Rift With Robinho’s Son at Santos Training]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/these-things-happen-neymar-apologizes-rift-robinhos-son-santos-training</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/these-things-happen-neymar-apologizes-rift-robinhos-son-santos-training</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Neymar has apologized for a training ground rift with Santos teammate Robinho Jr. in an incident that could further dent his already slim chances of playing for Brazil at the World Cup.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 15:42:07 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Neymar has apologized for a training ground rift with Santos teammate Robinho Jr. in an incident that could further dent his already slim chances of playing for Brazil at the World Cup. Robinho Jr., the 18-year-old son of former Brazil star Robinho, had alleged this week that he was slapped by the 34-year-old Neymar during team training. On Tuesday night, Neymar scored in Santos' 1-1 draw at Deportivo Recoleta in Paraguay in a Copa Sudamericana match, but media attention was on what he had to say about the scuffle earlier this week. "These things happen in soccer," Neymar told reporters. "It should have been solved by us two. It was a disagreement we had during training, I had a reaction and exaggerated a little. Soon after I apologized, we talked in the dressing room and came to an understanding." Neymar, Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals, has not played for the national team since an ACL injury in October 2023. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to announce his World Cup squad on May 18. Reporting by The Associated Press.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Mexican Federation Threatens To Exclude Liga MX-Based Players From 2026 World Cup]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/mexican-soccer-federation-threatens-exclude-liga-mx-based-players-from-world-cup</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/mexican-soccer-federation-threatens-exclude-liga-mx-based-players-from-world-cup</guid>
				<category>soccer</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[The Mexican Football Federation has threatened to exclude any Liga MX-based player from the World Cup roster if they fail to report for national team duty by Wednesday night.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 15:16:23 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[The Mexican Football Federation has officially threatened to exclude any Liga MX-based player from the World Cup roster if they fail to report for national team duty by Wednesday night. On Tuesday, Aguirre revealed his 20-player squad for a pre-World Cup training camp, with all players remaining in camp through the competition. The Mexican Football Federation had a news conference for Wednesday afternoon to clear the air. "Today, the World Cup begins for us," Aguirre said. "Whoever doesn't come will be out of the World Cup. That is something we cannot be flexible about, not in the least." Liga MX clubs defy orders Signs of trouble surfaced Tuesday when Toluca stars Jesús Gallardo and Alexis Vega remained with their club ahead of Wednesday's Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal against LAFC rather than reporting to camp. By Tuesday night, Chivas owner Amaury Vergara—who saw his club fall behind 3-1 in the Liga MX quarterfinal first leg against Tigres without five starters due to call-ups — broke his silence and ordered his stars home. "Agreements are only valid when all parties respect them," Vergara said in a social media post. "I instructed the sporting directors that our players should report to the club facilities tomorrow." Aguirre responded to club owners Wednesday, reiterating the agreement has not been broken. "I do want to give thanks, especially to the clubs and the owners who received us very well and contributed ideas. This project was presented a long time ago. It was approved. It is a pact, a project that has not been broken. I want to thank all the clubs, and specifically mention Chivas and Toluca. "Chivas, because they were obviously affected by the sheer number of players involved, and Toluca, because they are currently competing in a continental tournament." Federation responds to Liga MX owners On Wednesday, Mexico released a statement with an ultimatum that puts every player's World Cup dreams on the line. "As instructed by the coaching staff, any player who does not attend the training camp today will be left off the World Cup roster," the statement read. The "Priority" Conflict This collision course was set late last year when the Federation decided that Javier Aguirre’s national team preparations would take priority over club schedules. Aguirre and the federation aimed for a five-week head start for El Tri while most other nations wait for European club seasons to conclude. However, with the Liga MX playoffs kicking off this week, the federation's demand is being tested in real-time. This squad consists exclusively of Liga MX-based players, 12 of whom have secured their places in the team for the approaching World Cup. Mexico's World Cup preperations For now, the initial 12-man domestic list is expected to begin training with Aguirre Wednesday night, with European-based stars scheduled to arrive later this month. In Liga MX, the quarterfinals began on May 2 and will close out with the second leg of the final on May 24. Before kicking off the World Cup, Aguirre and his men will take part in exhibitions against Ghana on May 22, Australia on May 30 and Serbia on June 4. Mexico will begin the group stage of the World Cup against South Africa on June 11, they'll then face South Korea on June 18 and Czechia on June 24.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Hear That Thunder? Combine Likely OKC Title with MLB, NHL, World Cup Plays]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nba/oklahoma-city-thunder-nba-title-mlb-nhl-world-cup-odds</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nba/oklahoma-city-thunder-nba-title-mlb-nhl-world-cup-odds</guid>
				<category>nba</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[OKC is "on another level," so sportsbooks are handicapping their title odds accordingly. With that, Sammy P has some ideas on how you can capitalize.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 14:49:55 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Barring a catastrophic injury, the Oklahoma City Thunder will hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy for a second straight season. The reigning champions have breezed through the first five games of this year’s NBA postseason with victories by 9, 12, 13, 18 and 35 points. And you could make the case they didn’t play well in a couple of those games. Scary, isn’t it? This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. Oklahoma City is already as high as -200 to win it all. "I would be surprised if they didn’t win the title," Westgate SuperBook vice president of risk management Jeff Sherman told me. "They’re on another level and their closest ‘competition’ comes from a youthful, inexperienced San Antonio team. The Spurs must go through the learning process to reach the success the Thunder have already achieved." If the Thunder take on San Antonio in the Western Conference finals, Sherman estimates the price would be OKC -250 in a best-of-seven series. The price would be even steeper if the Minnesota Timberwolves advanced. As for the NBA Finals, think bigger. "I make OKC -350 against the Knicks," Sherman admitted. With a sweep over the Luka Dončić-less Lakers feeling imminent, now would be the time to buy some Oklahoma City title stock if you’re on the fence. If you don’t want to lay the -170 at Caesars or DraftKings, let’s get creative. Consider wheeling the Thunder with other things. An OKC title parlay with the Colorado Avalanche winning the Stanley Cup pays out over 3/1. That’s a pretty decent shake for two things that are likely to happen, and you’ve converted two favorites into a $3 underdog. Want more? How about a parlay with the Thunder, Avalanche and Portugal to win the World Cup? France is the betting favorite and Portugal is a little down the board at 11/1, but that price explodes the three-teamer to almost 50/1. The best part about that parlay is that the basketball and hockey postseasons will end during group play of the World Cup. So if the Thunder and Avalanche take care of their business, you’ll be in a great spot. You could add a couple other teams to win the World Cup and have three live bullets. Just sayin.’ Earlier this week, I built a four-teamer with Oklahoma City to win the NBA title, Colorado to win the Stanley Cup, Scottie Scheffler to win the PGA Championship and the Chicago White Sox to make the playoffs. That's 250/1. I’m generally against parlays on a day-to-day basis because of the volatility and the unlikeliness of four or five things all happening in the same day. And don’t get me started on four or five things happening in the same game. Sportsbooks love when you bet those. That said, starting a futures parlay with something that Las Vegas already believes is going to happen is a step in the right direction. I highly recommend the Thunder-Avalanche parlay and if you want to add more, be my guest. Thunder up.]]>
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