FootXtra – Football News & Updates FootXtra brings you the latest football news, live updates, match previews, transfer stories, and in-depth analysis from leagues and tournaments around the world. Stay connected to the beautiful game every day.

With the 2026 World Cup less than a year away, Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT enters a defining phase of its preparation. The team faces Ecuador on Friday night at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, in what may be described as a friendly — but the stakes feel anything but casual. At the center of pre-match speculation is Christian Pulisic, Milan’s in-form forward and the unquestionable heartbeat of the American attack. Will Christian Pulisic play?

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini admits he ‘can’t stand VAR’ as it distances him from ‘football as I’ve always understood it’ and hits back at doping accusations from his time at Atalanta: ‘An insult to the club, the players and myself.’

Italy U20 Carmine Nunziata praises his players despite a Round of 16 elimination in the U20 World Cup, claiming that USA’s 3-0 win was a ‘misleading result.’

Despite not shining in the 2025 UEFA Nations League, France displayed resilience in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, overcoming Ukraine and Iceland. Now, they turn their attention to hosting Azerbaijan, looking to maintain their unbeaten run and strengthen their hold on Group D. With Kylian Mbappe‘s status uncertain, fans are keenly watching for any updates on the star player potential presence in the starting lineup.

Anthony Taylor admits José Mourinho’s behaviour influenced angry Roma fans after the 2023 Europa League Final as the English referee was insulted by fans while walking at the Budapest Airport with his family: ‘The worst situation in terms of abuse.’

When Canada steps out at Stade Saputo on Friday to face Australia, the energy will be electric. The Montreal crowd will roar for Jesse Marsch’s side, which has been on a strong unbeaten run, and yet, one notable name will be missing from the lineup. Alphonso Davies, the team’s brightest star, will not feature against the Socceroos.

Nicaragua was set to host Haiti on Thursday night for Matchday 3 of the CONCACAF 2026 World Cup qualifiers. However, a sudden issue at the Nicaragua National Football Stadium forced the game to be temporarily suspended in the first half.

Benjamin Cremaschi has emerged as the breakout star of the U.S. Youth National Team at the U-20 World Cup, continuing his strong form with a brace in the round of 16 against Italy. After adding two more goals to his tally, the former Inter Miami midfielder is now closing in on the record held by his ex-teammate and legend, Lionel Messi.

Honduras will host Costa Rica at the Estadio Francisco Morazán for Matchday 3 of Group C in the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers. With both national teams fighting for a ticket to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, an intense matchup is expected in San Pedro Sula.

Since Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival in the Saudi Pro League at the end of 2022, many other stars have followed suit in the seasons since. Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has received offers to do the same, and reportedly has made a decision about it.

Lionel Messi will be playing one of his final friendly matches with the Argentina national team ahead of what is expected to be his last World Cup in 2026. With the friendly against Venezuela approaching, the forward has received an important boost as head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that a key player has fully recovered from injury.

This Friday, Hard Rock Stadium in Miami will host the first of two matches Argentina will play on U.S. soil during the October international break. Venezuela will be the opponent for Lionel Scaloni’s squad, and it’s still unclear what role Lionel Messi will play in this game.

Kylian Mbappe has firmly established himself as a pivotal figure in modern soccer, highlighted by his 2018 FIFA World Cup triumph. Since making his debut for France in 2017, this prodigious striker has consistently demonstrated his dazzling talent, emerging as a team leader despite his youth. During the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Mbappe not only dazzled on the pitch but also boldly expressed his ambition to surpass Olivier Giroud’s all-time record with France.

Even though Christian Pulisic missed the 2025 Gold Cup, USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino has called him up for the friendlies against Ecuador and Australia. Pulisic is in peak form after his impressive performances with AC Milan in Serie A. However, the spotlight has shifted to his national team colleague, Weston McKennie. The midfield star, a standout in Italy, has surprised many by reportedly considering a move to MLS.

The World Cup is, along with the Olympic Games, the most important sporting event on the planet. Millions of fans from every continent turn their eyes to the tournament every four years — and they’ll undoubtedly do so again in 2026, when it takes place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. However, FIFA president Gianni Infantino addressed potential changes for the future.