The 33-year-old forward, once one of the most prolific goalscorers in England at Tottenham Hotspur, has yet to hit the mark for Los Angeles FC in the league so far this season.

Ouahbi, who took up the Moroccan coaching role three months ago, has kept faith with the majority of the squad that took part in the African Cup of Nations.

In his hometown of Santo Domingo, Caicedo's face appears on murals, shirts and even on the shin guards of children who dream of following in his footsteps, such as nine-year-old Julian Hidalgo.

For the Netherlands, it was a golden opportunity to banish the ghosts of back-to-back final defeats in 1974 and 1978

Having notched four goals at the 2022 edition, including a memorable brace in the semi-finals against Croatia, Alvarez is now dreaming of further international glory at this year’s World Cup.

"It’s true that there’s typically a lot expected of Germany because we’re four-time world champions and have been a force to be reckoned with at so many tournaments."

The French team won hearts and minds at the FIFA World Cup in Mexico that year, finishing third, 28 years after securing the bronze at the 1958 edition in Sweden.

Countdowns will be introduced for goal-kicks, throw-ins and substitutions in an attempt to discourage time-wasting.

Norway are in Group I along with France, Senegal and Iraq. It has been billed as one of the World Cup's toughest groups.

England defender Harry Maguire said Thursday he was "shocked and gutted" to have been left out of Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad.

Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was handed a surprise recall to Germany's 26-man World Cup squad on Thursday, coming out of international retirement to play in the tournament for a fifth time.

The true beauty of the World Cup lies in its unpredictability, where the astonishing rise of an underdog leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of football romantics.

Inspire your journey as Neymar Jr. returns to Brazil for the FIFA World Cup 2026, conquering intense career pressure and injury setbacks. Embrace his powerful motivational quotes on mental wellness, rest, and authentic peer support.

Gordon made the roster despite being sidelined since January by a shoulder injury, while Curtis earned his spot after scoring five times in 14 appearances with Kilmarnock on loan from Rangers.

German tabloid Bild claimed coach Julian Nagelsmann had informed players, including prospective number one Oliver Baumann, that the 40-year-old would be included in the World Cup squad, which will be announced on Thursday.

The Dutch, who have finished runners-up three times at the tournament, play Japan in their opening Group F game before facing Sweden and Tunisia.

After decades of coming up short against European opposition in the latter stages of the World Cup, Brazil have turned to one of European football’s greatest ever coaches to end the 24-year wait for a sixth star upon the famous yellow jersey.

It will be Neymar’s fourth World Cup appearance, though few expected the journey back to end this way.

Football history remembers certain matches for breathtaking goals, dramatic comebacks, or unforgettable spectacle. Yet there are also games that survive in memory for an entirely different reason — as stains upon the sport itself.

"Physically, I feel great. I've been improving with every game," Neymar told reporters after Santos' 3-0 defeat by Coritiba on Sunday.