World Cup
Latest World Cup news freshly curated for you as of 6 p.m. ET Oct. 18. Learn more about innovative developments, discover emerging trends and read expert perspectives.
Today's Highlights
- Soccer legend Lionel Messi played his final game for Argentina, scoring in a 3-0 win and ending a storied 21-year international career with 126 goals in 208 appearances.
- The English Premier League found Manchester City guilty of financial rule breaches, leading to threats from the UAE to pull investments from Britain if sanctions are imposed.
- USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino is rebuilding for the 2030 World Cup, calling up 12 new players, including 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan, for upcoming friendlies.
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In The Spotlight
Dive deeper into key discussions within the world of World Cup with a curated selection of important articles offering valuable perspectives.
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The Challenges Facing Former Soccer Players-Turned-Pundits
Former teammates Landon Donovan and Eddie Johnson are involved in a public feud. The dispute began when Donovan said Americans love to overhype young players.
Contributor
Why Toronto And Montreal Keep Falling Behind In MLS
Canada's three Major League Soccer teams have experienced vastly different fortunes in recent years despite operating in major media markets.
Contributor
Highest-Paid Soccer Players 2026: Messi Hits A New High But Can’t Touch Ronaldo
After Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's World Cup swan song, Forbes ranks soccer's highest-paid players. See how much star footballers are making on and off the field.
ByHank Tucker,
Forbes Staff
Retiring World Cup Referee Ismail Elfath A U.S. Soccer All-Time Great
Elfath officiated the 2026 World Cup semifinal between England and Argentina, becoming the first American official to referee such a match.
Contributor
MLS Has A New Sales Pitch: Next Generation Of U.S. Stars Already Here
After a perfect run of international friendlies, the league has an opportunity to turn national team momentum into club loyalty and ticket sales.
Contributor
Why Mexico’s Soccer Team (Mostly) Plays In The U.S.
The games have become a business model central to the finances of the Mexican Football Federation. As a result, the U.S. provides the team with a home away from home.
Contributor
Billionaire Soccer Legend Lionel Messi Plays Final Game For Argentina—See Photos
The soccer legend scored the game’s final goal from the penalty box and then delivered an emotional speech after the game to over 85,000 in attendance.
Forbes Staff
Inside Lionel Messi’s Final Game For Argentina
His international career includes 126 goals, 208 caps, 21 years of play, a World Cup lifted in 2022 and two Copa America titles.
Contributor
Jesse Marsch’s USMNT Ire Is Good For Concacaf, But Maybe Not Canada
Marsch has pulled no punches against his home country and the national team he made two appearances for. But it's not clear that it's helping Canada's development.
Contributor
Soccer Gets Geopolitical As Abu Dhabi Threatens Britain Over Manchester City Case
The English Premier League's ruling that Mancheter City has beached its financial rules is set to become one the most contentious issues in club football history, as geopolitics, money, power and fans clash.