If the idea in hiring Gennaro Gattuso to replace the fired Luciano Spalletti was to restore order and discipline to Italy’s under-pressure squad — which is still facing the possibility of failing to qualify for a third straight World Cup — there’s still plenty of work to be done.
Memphis Depay became the Netherlands' outright all-time top scorer with two goals in a 3-2 win at Lithuania in World Cup qualifying on Sunday.
Cristiano Ronaldo's quest to play in a record sixth World Cup began in typical fashion with two goals as Portugal made a winning start to its qualifying campaign by routing Armenia 5-0.
Kylian Mbappé was back in World Cup action on Friday, scored again and this time France won. France beat Ukraine 2-0 to open their qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup.
Under-pressure Italy will be without injured striker Gianluca Scamacca for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Israel. Scamacca was sent home from the Azzurri training camp on Thursday with a knee issue.
European soccer now focuses on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup with recent champions France, Germany and Spain among the nations starting a six-game, 11-week sprint to advance to the tournament being played across North America.
Robert Lewandowski will return to Poland as its captain after a row with the previous coach led the Barcelona star to quit the national team.
Ballon d’Or holder Rodri and Real Madrid veteran Dani Carvajal have been recalled by Spain for upcoming World Cup qualifiers after long absences because of knee injuries.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was left out by England for its upcoming World Cup qualifiers in the national team’s first squad announcement since the right back left Liverpool to join Real Madrid.
Though we’re still a year out from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, that doesn’t mean teams haven’t already punched their ticket to Canada, the United States and Mexico
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