Italy have sounded out the possibility of appointing Pep Guardiola as their next coach after missing out on this summer’s World Cup, a source told ESPN. The source added that Guardiola’s conversation with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) lasted barely “one minute” because his intention is to take “at least” one year out of the game after leaving Manchester City. Three other national teams have also reached out to Guardiola’s…
Zlatan Ibrahimović announced on air that is he is to quit punditry after the World Cup final. The former forward who played at two World Cups with Sweden, decided to undergo a new challenge this summer, joining Rebecca Lowe, Thierry Henry and Alexi Lalas on Fox Sports as a pundit. And after Spain beat Argentina 1-0 to claim their second title, Ibrahimović said these would be his “last words” while…
Rudi Garcia is to leave his role as Belgium boss. Garcia, 62, was appointed Domenico Tedesco’s successor in February 2025 and guided the Red Devils to the 2026 World Cup. Belgium reached the quarterfinals of the tournament before losing to eventual champions Spain, but the former Roma, Marseille and Napoli boss will leave his position when his contract expires on July 31. Garcia told the Belgium Football Association website: “After…
Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia paid a glowing tribute to captain Lionel Messi for his outstanding contribution to the national team. Defending champions Argentina fell 1-0 in extra time to Spain in Sunday’s final in New Jersey. Messi, who became on Sunday the first player to start three World Cup finals, was unable to deliver against Spain having previously shone with eight goals and four assists in this tournament.…
Rodri hopes to have inspired others to “rise again” having fought back from a significant knee injury to captain Spain to World Cup glory and be crowned player of the tournament. The 30-year-old midfielder was hit by ligament damage in innocuous circumstances in September 2024 — just a month before being named Ballon d’Or winner — and returned the following May. Rodri, in truth, lacked the same quality and influence…
Argentina president Javier Milei has announced there will be a national holiday to celebrate the Albiceleste’s World Cup campaign on a day chosen by the team. Despite losing Sunday’s final, 1-0 in extra time, the players and staff will be celebrated. Milei, who did not attend the title game in New Jersey citing superstition, posted on X: “WORLD CUP CELEBRATIONS. In light of the concerns regarding the celebrations to mark…
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Lionel Messi was left in tears after he was unable to conjure up one more piece of magic to save Argentina from defeat to Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final at MetLife Stadium. Messi could only acknowledge after that Spain had outplayed an Argentina team that was looking to become the first back-to-back men’s World Cup winners since Brazil in 1962. Ferran Torres scored 37 seconds…
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said he will need time to think about his future after his contract expires at the end of 2026. Argentina lost 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup final, with a goal from Ferran Torres in the second half of extra time sealing a second win for Spain in world soccer’s biggest tournament. After the match, Scaloni, who led Argentina to the 2022…