
World Cup 2026 Fuels MLS Ambitions
The recent World Cup brought over a thousand players to the continent, exposing them to MLS facilities and sparking discussions about top talent potentially joining the league.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Elijah Just across Soccer, Football.

The recent World Cup brought over a thousand players to the continent, exposing them to MLS facilities and sparking discussions about top talent potentially joining the league.

Despite off‑field disputes, the 2026 World Cup has become the most‑watched soccer event in U.S. history, showcasing a roster of charismatic stars from De Paul to Bellingham, each with a unique story.

From viral sensations to fashion collaborations, the tournament showcases a new generation of talent that is reshaping soccer culture.

A 5‑1 victory over New Zealand propels Belgium to the top of Group G, with De Bruyne scoring his first tournament goal and Lukaku breaking a national record, while manager Rudi Garcia urges focus on the upcoming round‑of‑32 clash.

Ousmane Dembélé's first‑half hat‑trick, Pape Gueye's double‑assist, and Spain's flawless group run highlight a day of surprising results and record‑breaking performances.

The Athletic’s daily World Cup predictions combine seasoned analysis, youthful flair, and even a canine voice to preview key matchups and emerging storylines.

The Athletic's comprehensive rankings dissect each of the 2026 World Cup fixtures, spotlighting historic wins, record‑breaking scores and the players who defined the competition.

The Athletic offers daily forecasts for the tournament, featuring expert insights, fan predictions and a unique leaderboard that tracks accuracy.

New Zealand's fully fit squad, led by Elijah Just and Chris Wood, faces Egypt in a high‑stakes match on Monday night, with UK viewers tuning in on ITV.

The opening round of the 2026 World Cup delivered 24 matches and 75 goals, highlighting Argentina’s dominant form, France’s dynamic duo, and the USMNT’s attractive display, while several teams faced unexpected setbacks.

Lionel Messi's three goals against Algeria placed him level with the all‑time World Cup scoring record, while Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Cristiano Ronaldo delivered standout displays that promise a fiercely contested tournament.

Lionel Messi's three goals against Algeria placed him at the summit of the all‑time World Cup scoring list, while Kylian Mbappé surpassed Pelé's record and Erling Haaland added a brace, heralding an early goal‑scoring frenzy.

Lionel Messi delivered a hat‑trick in Argentina's opening match, tying the all‑time World Cup scoring record, while Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Cristiano Ronaldo each turned heads with standout performances that set the stage for a fierce Golden Boot battle.

Lionel Messi's three goals against Algeria matched Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup tally, while Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and others delivered standout displays that promise an exhilarating finish to the tournament.

The Iranian national team’s World Cup game against New Zealand in Los Angeles sparked intense personal and political reflections among fans and players alike.

The match in Los Angeles ended 2-2, reflecting the complex loyalties of the Iranian diaspora and the broader geopolitical strain between Tehran and Washington.

Iran rallied from two deficits to tie New Zealand 2-2 in a World Cup Group G clash at SoFi Stadium, amid protests and political commentary.