Platini among former players to accuse captain of creating distraction as Deschamps defends captain’s right to speak

Argentina returned to the top of the world rankings on ​Thursday right in time for their ‌World Cup title defence as France dropped two spots to third.

The 2026 World Cup draw didn't just set matchups—it set tax bills. See how Mbappé and Ronaldo face wildly different U.S. tax outcomes for the same tournament.

It's nearly time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to kick off across America. Action gets underway in Mexico on Thursday, while games arrive in Canada and the United States on Friday in the newly expanded 48-team field featuring more games,

Our writers continued the countdown to the World Cup ahead of the opening ceremony on Thursday

Kylian Mbappé, left, arrives with his teammates on the France national soccer team at Logan Airport, Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in Boston, ahead of the World Cup soccer tournament. (AP