5 Key World Cup Storylines To Watch, From Messi And Ronaldo To USA’s Outlook

It’s starting to feel real. In less than a month, fans from around the globe will be tuning in and filling up iconic stadiums for the most popular sporting event in the world: the 2026 FIFA World Cup. And a lot will happen between now and June 11. Rosters will be finalized. Teams will begin … Read more

USA’s ‘Most Important Player’ For The World Cup? McKennie’s Case Over Pulisic

While star winger Christian Pulisic carries the “Captain America” title for USA soccer, one of his teammates carries the title of “most important player.”  As Pulisic grapples with a dip in form and questions regarding his attitude on the pitch, FOX Sports analysts and former USA players Stu Holden, Alexi Lalas and Maurice Edu debated … Read more

No World Cup For Paulo Dybala: Roma Star Excluded From Argentina’s Preliminary Roster

Paulo Dybala’s time with the Argentine national team appears to have reached its conclusion. When head coach Lionel Scaloni submitted his preliminary 55-man roster for the 2026 World Cup on Monday, the Roma forward’s name was omitted.  Scaloni opted to move forward without the 32-year-old playmaker, likely signaling an end to Dybala’s run with La … Read more

World Cup Debutant Curaçao Parts With Coach Amid Reports Advocaat Could Return

World Cup debutant Curaçao parted ways with coach Fred Rutten on Monday amid reports Dutch veteran Dick Advocaat is returning to the team he led through qualifying. The uncertainty around the smallest nation by population ever to qualify for a men’s World Cup comes less than five weeks before a testing opening game against Germany … Read more

USA Midfielder Johnny Cardoso To Miss World Cup Due To Ankle Surgery

United States men’s national team midfielder Johnny Cardoso is set to miss the World Cup because of a right ankle injury that requires surgery. His Spanish club Atlético Madrid announced the surgery on Monday. The procedure usually requires months of recovery time and the World Cup begins in one month. Atlético didn’t give a timetable … Read more

Japan Waits on Star Forward Mitoma’s Fitness For 2026 World Cup After Injury

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu has an anxious wait on the fitness of star forward Kaoru Mitoma before naming a World Cup squad on Friday. Mitoma limped off with an apparent hamstring injury Saturday in the second half of Brighton’s 3-0 win over Wolverhampton in the Premier League. One of Japan’s standout players at the 2022 … Read more

2026 World Cup Golden Ball Odds: Kane Favored to Win Player of the Tournament

Alongside the national pride, it’s the players that make each World Cup special. Let’s check out the odds for the Golden Ball (tournament’s best player) at DraftKings Sportsbook as of May 11, as well as what to know about the early favorites. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you … Read more

‘I Don’t Feel Fear,’ USA’s Weston McKennie Embraces World Cup Pressure

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 … Read more