
Legends Take Their Final Bow at the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup saw several iconic players conclude their international careers, blending triumphs and tears as a new generation stepped forward.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Riyad Mahrez across Soccer, Football.

The 2026 World Cup saw several iconic players conclude their international careers, blending triumphs and tears as a new generation stepped forward.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup marked the swan songs of several soccer icons, from Ronaldo’s sixth tournament at 41 to Messi’s chase for a second title, as emotional farewells unfolded across venues in North America.

Innovations such as VAR, semi‑automated offside systems and microchipped balls are transforming how matches are officiated and played, as illustrated by Portugal’s recent victory over Croatia.

From the streets of Paris to the pitches of Qatar, French‑born players are reshaping the tournament, blending diverse backgrounds with rigorous training.

From colonial past to World Cup triumphs, African football's story blends historic resistance with modern stardom, yet the continent's domestic structures remain challenged.

A look at Matchday 21 drama, key player performances and the forecasts for the upcoming Round of 32 fixtures.

France tops the standings with Kylian Mbappe leading the scoring, Mexico advances unbeaten, and several under‑dogs prepare for decisive matches.

A combination of on‑field controversy, travel restrictions and domestic unrest shaped the aftermath of Iran's early departure from the 2026 tournament.

Iran's campaign was marked by a disallowed goal, a dramatic final swing, and off‑field challenges that defined their brief but memorable presence on football's biggest stage.

A 3-3 stalemate between Algeria and Austria produced a cascade of goals in the dying minutes, propelling both nations into the last 16 while consigning Iran to an early exit.

A 3‑3 stalemate at Arrowhead Stadium saw Algeria and Austria progress to the Round of 32, with late goals, historic references and a packed crowd of 69,045.

From a mulch-and-sand flag to shared training sessions, Lawrence’s residents have opened their hearts to Algeria’s World Cup side, even as the country faces human‑rights questions and a high‑profile detention case.

The Athletic’s interactive Pick’Em feature delivers daily forecasts for the tournament, blending analyst insight, algorithmic models, and even a dog’s intuition to guide fans through the knockout stage.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with Kansas City among the host cities. The tournament is projected to generate billions in economic activity, create thousands of jobs and showcase the rising popularity of soccer in America, highlighted by the participation of reigning champions Argentina and their star players.

With 98 players in the tournament, including stars like Mbappé and Dembélé, France's squad draws on a rich street‑football heritage centered in Paris, while veterans such as Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimović highlight its influence.

With 98 World Cup participants, including stars like Mbappé and Dembélé, France’s urban roots are redefining the tournament’s landscape.

From France’s showdown with Senegal to Argentina’s final dance with Algeria, today’s predictions mix statistical rigor with whimsical guesses, while recapping a dramatic matchday five that saw surprising draws.

The Algerian national team has arrived in Lawrence, Kansas, for a series of warm‑up activities ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including a public training session and a debut match against Argentina at Arrowhead Stadium.

The upcoming World Cup matches in Santa Clara and other Bay Area venues will feature ten standout athletes, each bringing distinct backgrounds and achievements to the global stage.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Al‑Nassr have clinched the Saudi Pro League championship, securing the Portuguese star's eighth league title while the league navigates controversies and a shifting focus toward younger talent.