World Soccer Talk: Latest Football News & Analysis (RSS)

Cristiano Ronaldo delivers 7-word message to Portugal after record-setting performance vs. Hungary

Following the record-setting performance against Hungary, Cristiano Ronaldo issued a 7-word message to Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo wrapped up September’s international break with Portugal on a high note in the UEFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers, helping his team claim the top of Group F with a perfect record. After his record-setting performance against Hungary on Tuesday, the forward delivered a 7-word message to Portugal. Fresh off Portugal’s Nations League triumph in June, Ronaldo returned to lead his country’s World Cup qualifying campaign. The Seleção opened with a dominant 5-0 win over A..

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 23:37:27 -0400

CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying top scorers: South America’s goal leaders

Ranking the top scorers in South American World Cup qualifiers, including FIFA’s all-time records and the 2026 cycle. The CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying top scorers list is filled with legends of South American soccer. From Lionel Messi to Luis Suarez, the race for goals has defined the path to the FIFA World Cup across generations. In every edition, heroes rise and rewrite history. Some extend their dominance and leave their mark despite setbacks, while new stars push their nations forward, keeping the qualifiers’ top scorers race alive. All figures are accurate as of the conclusion of ..

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 22:22:03 -0400

Bolivia defeat Brazil and move closer to World Cup qualification: When are the playoffs and who will they face?

Bolivia are close to reaching the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 32 years after defeating Brazil — but they’ll still have to earn their spot through the playoffs. This Tuesday marked the official end of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While the six teams earning direct qualification had already been confirmed last week, Bolivia secured seventh place after beating Brazil and will now play a playoff for a chance to return to soccer’s biggest stage for the first time since 1994. Despite entering the final matchday behind Venezuela in the standings, everything ..

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 22:10:26 -0400

Lionel Messi’s Argentina to lose two-year FIFA record to Spain after World Cup qualifiers defeat to Ecuador

Without Lionel Messi, Argentina lost to Ecuador in the World Cup qualifiers and dropped below Spain in a key FIFA ranking. Argentina’s 1–0 defeat to Ecuador, without Lionel Messi in the lineup, marked the end of the South American World Cup qualifiers — and also the final official match of 2025 for Lionel Scaloni’s team. The result will cost Argentina a significant FIFA record to Spain. Following the conclusion of the September international break, Spain will overtake Argentina at the top of the FIFA world rankings. The ranking system assigns points to every national team based on results ..

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 21:32:26 -0400

Lionel Messi’s key teammate Nicolas Otamendi could miss World Cup opener with Argentina after red card vs. Ecuador

Nicolas Otamendi received a red card against Ecuador, and now Lionel Messi could be without him for Argentina’s 2026 World Cup opener. Argentina has already secured its spot in the 2026 World Cup and is eager to defend the trophy won in Qatar in 2022. However, Lionel Messi may already face a setback as veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi risks missing the tournament’s opening match after being sent off against Ecuador. To close out their CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying campaign, La Albiceleste traveled to Guayaquil to face Ecuador on Matchday 18. The game took a turn in the 31st minute when En..

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 21:00:23 -0400

Why is Raphinha not playing for Brazil vs. Bolivia in the last CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier?

After drawing attention during the international break, Raphinha has been left out of Brazil’s starting lineup against Bolivia in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. Brazil travel to the high altitude of El Alto to face Bolivia in their final match of the CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, with their ticket to the tournament already secured. For the Selecão’s last competitive game of 2025, the most notable absence from the starting lineup was Raphinha, who began the match on the bench. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti’s decision regarding Raphinha sparked discussion, particularly among Barcelona..

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 20:06:16 -0400

Ecuador vs Argentina: Confirmed lineups for World Cup 2026 Qualifier

With Lionel Messi absent, Lautaro Martínez will start for Argentina against Ecuador in the final World Cup qualifier in Guayaquil. The final matchday of the South American World Cup qualifiers brings a fresh storyline for Argentina. With Lionel Messi absent, coach Lionel Scaloni has opened the door for players like Lautaro Martinez to step into the spotlight. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 PM ET. Argentina traveled without Messi, who was left out of the squad by Scaloni. In the previous match against Venezuela, it was Franco Mastantuono who got the chance in the starting lineup, but this time..

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 19:03:27 -0400

Why isn’t Lionel Messi playing today? Argentina face Ecuador in 2026 World Cup Qualifier

Argentina face Ecuador in the final matchday of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. With qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup already secured by both teams, Ecuador and Argentina will meet this Tuesday at Estadio Monumental in Guayaquil for the final Matchday of the South American qualifiers. Lionel Messi will not be part of the squad and won’t be on the bench either. After shining with a brace against Venezuela in his last official appearance on Argentine soil, Messi announced that he would not travel to Ecuador for the second game of the international break. The decision, according to hi..

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 19:01:44 -0400

With James Rodríguez, confirmed lineups for Venezuela vs Colombia in World Cup 2026 Qualifier

La Vinotinto sits 7th with 18 points and must beat Colombia to qualify directly, though they could still advance if Bolivia fails to beat Brazil. The South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are entering their final stretch, and the drama is far from over. While six teams have already secured direct tickets to the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the battle for the playoff spot remains wide open. On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, Venezuela will face Colombia in Maturín in what could be a historic night for La Vinotinto. For Venezuela, this match is nothing sho..

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 18:56:25 -0400

Bolivia vs Brazil: Confirmed lineups for last CONMEBOL qualifier game prior to World Cup

With Brazil already qualified and Bolivia still chasing a playoff spot, the two sides will meet in the final match of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. Brazil will close out their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in South America with Matchday 18 against Bolivia at the Estadio Municipal de El Alto. With one team already securing their ticket and the other still fighting to qualify, all eyes are on the last competitive game before the 2026 World Cup. La Canarinha have already secured their place in the tournament, with Carlo Ancelotti at the helm as head coach. Brazil come into the match..

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 18:51:51 -0400

Federico Valverde starts: Confirmed lineups for Chile vs Uruguay in World Cup 2026 Qualifier

With just two wins in 17 qualifiers and no goals in their last five matches, Chile enters the final round with confidence at historic lows. The last round of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup brings a symbolic but very different matchup in Santiago. On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, Chile will host Uruguay, with Fede Valverde at front, at the Monumental David Arellano Stadium. For La Roja, the game is little more than a formality, as they have already been eliminated from contention. For Uruguay, already qualified, it’s a chance to fine-tune their squad ahead of the Wo..

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 18:51:39 -0400

Peru vs. Paraguay: Confirmed lineups for Matchday 18 of CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers

With both nations having their fate sealed, Peru and Paraguay will clash for the last CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifier game. Peru will host Paraguay in Matchday 18 of the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers at Estadio Nacional in Lima. With both nations’ fates already decided, each side will look to close out the campaign with a morale-boosting victory in their final competitive game before 2026. Peru’s hopes of reaching the World Cup officially ended earlier this window. La Blanquirroja needed back-to-back wins in September to keep their slim playoff chances alive, but those aspirations were c..

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 18:37:22 -0400

How to watch Honduras vs Nicaragua match in the USA: Live Stream and TV for CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers

Honduras face Nicaragua in a Matchday 2 clash of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers third round. Fans in the USA can catch all the action live, with coverage offered on both television and streaming platforms. Here are all of the details of where you can watch Honduras vs Nicaragua on US television and via legal streaming: WHO Honduras vs Nicaragua WHAT CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers WHEN 10:00pm ET / 7:00pm PT • Tuesday, September 9, 2025 WHERE Universo, Paramount+, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and Peacock Premium STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview Group C of the CONCACAF World C..

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 18:00:00 -0400

Erling Haaland nets five for Norway: How does he compare to Messi and Ronaldo on the international stage?

Erling Haaland delivered a masterclass for Norway, scoring five goals in the 11-1 victory over Moldavia, a performance that sparked comparisons with legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Erling Haaland once again showcased his remarkable scoring ability, this time netting five goals for Norway in an 11-1 rout of Moldova in the UEFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers. His astonishing performance has reignited comparisons with the greatest goalscorers of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Norway entered Matchday 5 of Group I needing a win to maintain their spot at the top, facing a M..

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 17:29:36 -0400

Video: Haaland runs riot with five goals as Norway crush Moldova 11-1

With this record-breaking performance, Haaland has cemented his status as the most dominant striker in world soccer heading into the 2026 World Cup. Erling Haaland continues to rewrite the record books with every match he plays. The Manchester City striker, already regarded as one of the most lethal forwards in modern soccer, delivered a performance for the ages during Norway’s 11-1 demolition of Moldova in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. In front of the Oslo crowd, Haaland scored five goals, including four inside the first 55 minutes, cementing his place among the sport’s all-time great ..

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 17:27:22 -0400

Kylian Mbappe surpasses Thierry Henry in second place: Who is France’s all-time top scorer?

From Platini to Henry, from Giroud to Mbappé, France has produced some of the most iconic forwards in soccer history, but the new generation led by Mbappé seems destined to rewrite the record books. Kylian Mbappé has officially matched and then surpassed Thierry Henry, reaching 52 goals for the French national team, a milestone that cements his status as one of the most prolific forwards in Les Bleus’ history. The Paris-born striker continues to climb the all-time list at an extraordinary pace, sparking debate about when—not if—he will claim the top spot. At just 26 years old, Mbappé’s asc..

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 17:24:23 -0400

How to watch Mexico vs South Korea match in the USA: Live Stream and TV for International friendly

Mexico will face South Korea in a 2025 international friendly. Here’s all the essential information about the match, including kickoff time and how to watch on TV or stream in the USA. Here are all of the details of where you can watch Mexico vs South Korea on US television and via legal streaming: WHO Mexico vs South Korea WHAT International Friendly WHEN 9:00pm ET / 6:00pm PT • Tuesday, September 9, 2025 WHERE Univision, TUDN, FOX Deportes, ViX, Fubo, and DirecTV Stream STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview Mexico are back in action after a frustrating 0-0 draw with Japan, ..

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 17:00:00 -0400

Video: Cristiano Ronaldo scores from the penalty spot for Portugal vs Hungary in World Cup qualifier

Portugal defeated Hungary 3–2 in the World Cup qualifiers, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring one of the goals. Portugal and Hungary played their second match in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with a 3–2 win for the reigning UEFA Nations League champions. Cristiano Ronaldo scored one of his team’s goals from the penalty spot. After starting their road to the United States, Canada, and Mexico 2026 with a dominant 5–0 win over Armenia in their opener, Portugal faced a much tougher challenge on Tuesday. Against Hungary, and away from home, Roberto Martinez’s team had to deal with significantly mo..

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 16:57:29 -0400

Cristiano Ronaldo becomes all-time top scorer in World Cup Qualifiers, setting a record out of Lionel Messi’s reach

After scoring against Hungary, Cristiano Ronaldo became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup Qualifiers, setting a record that Lionel Messi can no longer reach. Cristiano Ronaldo has defined the global soccer stage alongside Lionel Messi for more than two decades, pushing each other to unprecedented heights with record after record. Now, with Portugal, Ronaldo has achieved a milestone Messi will never touch, becoming the all-time leading scorer in World Cup qualifiers. Portugal faced Hungary on Tuesday in Matchday 2 of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers ahead of the 2026 tournament in the U..

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 16:16:09 -0400

Real Madrid reportedly make controversial decision ahead of Ballon d’Or 2025 ceremony

Just days before the Ballon d’Or 2025 ceremony, Real Madrid reportedly made a bold decision. On Monday, September 22, in Paris, the Ballon d’Or 2025 award ceremony will take place, organized by France Football magazine. As one of the most prestigious individual trophies in soccer, fans around the world will be watching closely. However, Real Madrid have reportedly made an eye-opening decision regarding the event. “Real Madrid is not expected to be in Paris for the Ballon d’Or ceremony on September 22 at the Théâtre du Châtelet,” L’Equipe confirmed on Tuesday. The decision stems from disagr..

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 16:09:18 -0400

World Cup 2026 under scrutiny: Report warns it could be the last in North America

The study suggests FIFA may need to move the World Cup to cooler months, similar to Qatar 2022, to protect players and fans. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is already raising alarms—not for what will happen on the pitch, but for what could happen in the stands and under the summer sun. A new study titled “Pitches in Peril” highlights the potential dangers of extreme heat, warning that as many as 10 of the 16 stadiums selected may not meet recommended climate guidelines. The report, produced by Football for Future, Common Goal, and cl..

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 16:04:15 -0400

‘Unequal treatment’: Ancelotti sparks controversy over Brazil stars from Barcelona and Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti’s first Brazil squad sparked debate after he excluded all Real Madrid stars but called up Barcelona winger Raphinha. Carlo Ancelotti has begun his tenure as head coach of the Brazilian national team with promising results. In his first three matches, the Italian manager has guided Brazil to two wins and a draw without conceding a single goal, rekindling optimism among fans of the Seleção. Yet while Brazilian media have praised his early success, his squad decisions have stirred controversy in Spain, where his past as Real Madrid coach continues to color the debate. For the ..

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 15:50:35 -0400

Is Camp Nou ready? First home match of new La Liga season: Barcelona reveals where it will host Valencia

The question “Is Camp Nou finally ready?” has been hovering for months. The long wait was supposed to end this weekend. Barcelona fans had circled the date when their club would finally make its long-anticipated return home. But as uncertainty lingered, the club had to make a decision — and it wasn’t the one most expected. Instead of reopening their iconic ground, Barcelona will play their first La Liga home match of the season at a very different venue. The question “Is Camp Nou finally ready?” has been hovering for months. The stadium, closed since 2023 for a massive $1.75 billion renova..