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EXPLAINED: 8 | Vintage Vibes

How are the World Cup favourites shaping up?

With the start of the 2026 World Cup in North America now three weeks away, AFP Sport has written up an overview of the leading contenders at the first-ever 48-team finals (world ranking in brackets):

Bangkok Post

Cristiano Ronaldo Sets Outrageous Record With World Cup Inclusion

The Real Madrid legend will lead Portugal in North America this summer.

Sports Illustrated

Who will Pep Guardiola manage next? The leading contenders to hire Manchester City head coach

Pep Guardiola is set to leave Manchester City at the end of the season, but where could he go next?

FourFourTwo

From analysis to the latest developments in health,
read the most diverse news in one place.

Shakira's Tax Battle Ends After 8 Years and €55 Million — Spain Ordered to Refund the Singer

Shakira wins €55M tax fraud case in Spain as court rules she wasn't a resident in 2011. Discover the details of her legal battle and its implications for celebrity tax cases.

International Business Times UK

Lionel Messi tour organiser files complaint against ex-Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas, former top cop for 'sabotaging' event

Lionel Messi tour organiser Satadru Dutta has filed a police complaint. He alleges former West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas and others caused chaos at the Salt Lake stadium. Dutta claims he was made a scapegoat. The new sports minister has ordered a fresh probe into the incident. Dutta seeks…

The Economic Times

MLS Power Rankings: Nashville SC Dominate, Multiple Managers Fired and More After Matchday 14

MLS teams will play one more match before the international break for the 2026 World Cup.

Sports Illustrated

Soccer Slang Explained: Popular Terms Every Fan Should Know

From “tiki-taka” to “Total Football,” these are the soccer slang terms every fan should know.

Sports Illustrated

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The player who chugged a beer on the field and Phil Neville returns to Miami: MLS weekend wrap

Also: Guilherme helps Houston lift off, Wilfried Zaha strikes back and Orlando City bide their time as Antoine Griezmann waits

The Guardian - US

Shakira tax fraud case: Massive relief for Colombian singer as Spain's High Court clears her in tax evasion charges

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and other footballers and sports celebrities have also been in trouble with Spanish tax authorities.

The Economic Times

Grading Inter Miami’s First Home Victory Amid Eerie Fan Protests

Inter Miami supporters were silent on Sunday, as Inter Miami picked up its first win at Nu Stadium.

Sports Illustrated

Messi’s Intense World Cup Training Regimen—Revealed

The Argentine superstar is expected to compete in his sixth World Cup this summer, seeking back-to-back trophies.

Sports Illustrated

The Four Burning Questions the USMNT Must Answer Ahead of the World Cup

The USMNT open the 2026 World Cup against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles.

Sports Illustrated

Best Soccer Tattoos Ever: The Stories Behind the Game’s Most Famous Ink

Tattoos are now synonymous with soccer players, but some stand out as far more memorable and eye-catching than others.

Sports Illustrated

The last dance: Messi and Ronaldo get ready for sixth and final World Cup

Football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are set for their sixth World Cup appearances. This marks their final tournament as they aim to add to their storied careers. Messi continues to excel, while Ronaldo remains Portugal's captain. Both players are chasing individual and team glory in this historic event.…

The Economic Times

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Sports Illustrated

The Players with the Most League Titles in Europe’s Top Five Leagues

These players weren’t content with winning just one major league title.

Sports Illustrated

Top 10 Soccer Players Sponsored by Adidas in 2026

Adidas sponsors some of the biggest soccer players in the world, who wear the German brand’s gear exclusively both on and off the field.

The Guardian - AU

How MLS has become a key proving ground for Socceroos World Cup hopefuls

A sizeable contingent of Australian players in the US adds intrigue to the upcoming Group D clash between the two nations

Sports Illustrated

Argentina 2026 World Cup Preview: Defending Champions Hunt Legendary Feat

Only two nations have ever successfully defended the World Cup, but Argentina is more than up for the task this summer.

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Sports Illustrated

Premier League-Bound Cavan Sullivan, Julian Hall Stun in Historic MLS Showings

Two of the brightest young stars in MLS took big steps on Wednesday night.

Sports Illustrated

Grading Inter Miami’s Theatrical Win Over FC Cincinnati As Messi Records Hat Trick

The Argentinian soccer legend was on fire Wednesday night.

Sports Illustrated

The Most Likely Player From Every MLS Team to Play in the World Cup

MLS is expected to set a record for the most World Cup players from the league this summer.

Sports Illustrated

The 10 MLS Clubs With the Most Expensive Payrolls—Inter Miami Reign Supreme

Lionel Messi’s salary alone puts Inter Miami’s payroll through the roof.

FourFourTwo

Adidas' £50m World Cup commercial: here's everyone who features in the ad

Adidas athletes Jude Bellingham, Lamine Yamal and Trinity Rodman join forces with Timothee Chalamet for new commercial

The Independent UK

Lionel Messi’s staggering Inter Miami salary revealed

IN FULL

The Independent UK

Lionel Messi tops Son Heung Min as highest paid MLS players revealed

Messi earns more than the whole squad of 28 of the 29 other MLS teams

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