EXCLUSIVE: England 1966 legend Terry Paine has recalled his win bonus after winning the World Cup, and said he still dreams of the Three Lions winning football's top competition 60 years later
Full preview of South Korea for the 2026 World Cup, including squad breakdown, key players, and tactical analysis of their chances. South Korea enters the 2026 tournament having secured an impressive 11th consecutive appearance on the global stage. Ranked 25th internationally, the Taegeuk Warriors bring a roster that blends experienced European-based talent with an evolving tactical system. Among the FIFA World Cup 2026 teams, South Korea stands out for its disciplined approach and top-tier individual quality. Head coach Hong Myung-bo recently shifted the team to a back-three system, sparking discussions about their defensive stability and attacking fluidity. With star forward Son Heung-min preparing for what could be his final international showpiece, expectations remain high. He is joined by standout players like Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in. Drawn into Group A alongside co-host Mexico, South Africa, and Czechia, the team aims to advance past the initial phase. This World Cup 2026 team preview explores their tactical approach, personnel, and path to the knockout rounds. Team profile CoachHong Myung-boCaptainSon Heung-minNicknameTaegeuk Warriors, Tigers of AsiaFIFA ranking25thConfederationAFCGroupGroup ABest World Cup resultFourth place (2002)World Cup appearances12Last World Cup appearance2022 How South Korea play A thorough South Korea tactical analysis reveals a team built on relentless work rate and quick transitions. Historically, the team does not dominate possession against top-tier opponents. They averaged just 48% possession during the 2022 tournament. Instead, they rely on a disciplined mid-block that frustrates technical sides and creates counter-attacking opportunities. Under Hong Myung-bo, the South Korea formation has recently shifted toward a three-at-the-back system. This structure aims to maximize the offensive runs of their wing-backs while maintaining defensive solidity. Kim Min-jae anchors the backline, providing the recovery speed necessary to execute a higher pressing game when required. In midfield, Lee Kang-in offers elite vision and passing range, giving the team a creative outlet beyond relying solely on fast breaks. However, vulnerabilities exist within this setup. The team faces a perceived lack of depth in the full-back positions. Their defensive resilience will also face stern tests against the elite international soccer teams 2026 has to offer. If they can balance their defensive shape with efficient counter-attacks, this tactical approach could make them a difficult opponent in the knockout rounds. Hong Myung-bo: The coach behind South Korea Hong Myung-bo returned for his second stint as the South Korea coach in July 2024. Widely regarded as one of Asiaâs greatest players, he famously captained the national team to a historic fourth-place finish in 2002. His coaching resume includes leading the under-23 squad to an Olympic bronze medal in 2012. He also found domestic success with Ulsan HD, securing back-to-back league titles in 2022 and 2023. Myung-Bo Hong, Head Coach of South Korea (Lars Baron/Getty Images). Despite his status as a national icon, his recent appointment faced scrutiny from supporters demanding more transparency. Critics sometimes label him as tactically rigid, especially when his preferred systems fail to produce immediate results. His leadership and tournament experience will be tested as he attempts to guide this talented roster deep into the competition. Key player: Son Heung-min Son Heung-min remains the undisputed focal point among South Korea key players. The 33-year-old forward, who moved to Los Angeles FC in 2025, brings immense experience to the national side. Having debuted in 2010, Son has accumulated 142 caps and 54 goals. He has evolved from a rapid winger into a versatile attacker capable of dictating the offensive tempo. His two-footed finishing makes him a constant threat inside the penalty area. As the longti
South Korea begin their World Cup campaign against Czechia on June 11, and Son Heung-min is excited to once again represent his nation. The post Son âfeels like a young boy againâ ahead of World Cup opener appeared first on SoccerNews.
Two camps who will get their respective World Cup adventures underway in the early hours of Friday, South Korea and the Czech Republic will meet in Guadalajara. Ahead of what looks set to be a blockbuster summer from North America, there are plenty of intriguing betting promotions and bonuses available. Verdict: Draw Best Odds: 11/4 [âŠ] The post Prediction: South Korea vs Czech Republic appeared first on SoccerNews.
Maxime Crepeau will be Canada's starting goalkeeper at the FIFA World Cup. Canada coach Jesse Marsch announced the decision at a press conference Thursday, handing Crepeau the No. 1 job after a months-long battle with Dayne St. Clair.
Dusan Vlahovic's four-and-a-half-year spell with Juventus is set to come to an end, with the club unwilling to meet his salary demands. The post Vlahovic to leave Juventus on a free transfer, confirms Chiellini appeared first on SoccerNews.
The Inter Miami and LAFC stars are the highest-paid players in the league by a distance, while other new arrivalsâ numbers are revealed for the first timeLionel Messi is receiving even more on his second MLS contract, as unveiled in the MLS Players Associationâs latest drop of player salary information. The union drops offer a fascinating lens into MLS squad construction, a chance to play sporting director and give pass/fail verdicts on roster construction across the 30-team circuit.The Argentinian â whose take-home figure does not include additional amounts earned via Apple streaming subscriptions or jersey sales through Adidas and Fanatics â remains far and away MLSâs top earner, receiving $28.3m in his fourth season with Inter Miami. Son Heung-min ranks second, with Los Angeles FC paying the Tottenham icon $11.2m, while Rodrigo De Paul joins Messi on the podium not as his bodyguard but as the earner of a $9.7m income. Continue reading...
Houston Dynamo midfielder Jack McGlynn has his sights set on a place in the United Statesâ World Cup squad, ahead of Wednesdayâs visit to Real Salt Lake. McGlynn scored twice on Sunday as the Dynamo cruised to a 4-1 away win over Los Angeles FC. McGlynn stunned the home fans at BMO Stadium with an [âŠ] The post Real Salt Lake v Houston Dynamo: McGlynn targets World Cup after dismantling LAFC appeared first on Soccer News.
Toluca will host LAFC for the second leg of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals. Hereâs everything you need to know about the date, venue, kickoff time, and how to watch or stream the match live in the United States. Here are all of the details of where you can watch Toluca vs LAFC on US television and via legal streaming: WHO Toluca vs LAFC WHAT CONCACAF Champions Cup WHEN 10:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM PT âą Tuesday, February 3, 2026 WHERE Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling, FS1, TUDN, UniMĂĄs and ViX STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview With only a one-goal margin separating the sides, everything remains on the line as the series heads to Mexico for the decisive second leg. Toluca will look to capitalize on their home-field advantage and the energy of their supporters as they aim to overturn the deficit and keep their hopes alive. In the opening matchup, Los Angeles FC showed resilience and efficiency, securing a hard-fought 2-1 win that gives them a slight edge but far from breathing room. With the aggregate score still within reach for either side, expect a high-intensity battle where every moment could prove decisive. More details of how to watch With Fubo, you can watch Toluca vs LAFC and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast. Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC (in select cities), CNBC, USA, FOX (in select cities), FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Telemundo, Universo and Galavision. Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Womenâs World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more. The Fubo app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One. If youâre planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Fubo soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service. How to watch anywhere with VPN If youâre abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talkâs guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer. Free resources available to you World Soccer Talk is the number one destination in the United States for soccer television and streaming information. We recommend that you bookmark our soccer games on TV today page as well as subscribing to our free daily email newsletter that includes TV schedules and the latest soccer news and opinion from around the world. Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide, which features details on where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV and streaming. To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Marc Dos Santos delivered strong criticism of Major League Soccer over the alleged lack of support for Los Angeles FC. Major League Soccer found itself in the spotlight this week following controversial comments from Marc Dos Santos. The Los Angeles FC head coach expressed frustration with certain decisions, arguing there is not enough support for league teams to succeed at the continental level. âThe schedule is a scandal. Itâs a scandal,â Dos Santos said this week, referring to LAFCâs domestic fixture list, which has put them in a difficult position while competing in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Those complaints stem from the congested schedule the California club is currently facing. They defeated Toluca 2-1 in the first leg of the tournamentâs semifinals last Wednesday. Before playing the decisive match in Mexico next week, LAFC must now travel to face San Diego FC in MLS action this Saturday. âI donât understand, who is the guy in the office that says, yeah, this is a good idea to have them play in San Diego. They donât want us in the final? Like MLS has to help MLS teams,â the coach added. LAFC coach Marc Dos Santos. In that context, Dos Santos even joked about his teamâs upcoming league match: âMikey Varas, head coach of San Diego. If you are listening. Mikey, donât worry, there will be rotation because we have to give everyone rest and we have to be ready for Toluca.â Dos Santos compares MLS to other leagues Marc Dos Santosâ request is for MLS to take into account the needs of clubs competing at the continental level and provide some flexibility when scheduling domestic matchesâsomething that does happen in other leagues around the world. âI see it in South America when Palmeiras, Flamengo arrive in the quarterfinals, semifinal, they get help. They change the game. They put another in the schedule,â the coach explained. âPSG, many of their games in France have been moved.â By contrast, Dos Santos pointed to LAFCâs packed schedule. âSaturday we have to go to San Diego and you have to go there to win. And then we have to go at home against Houston, then St. Louis, then Nashville,â he said. âWeâve been playing for 10 weeks, Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday, and sometimes Saturday at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. Guys, who is the genius in the meeting that says, âI have a good ideaâ? I wanna meet that guy.â Whatâs next for LAFC? After visiting San Diego FC in MLS play this Saturday, LAFC will travel to Mexico next week for the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals against Toluca, looking to defend their 2-1 advantage from the first meeting. They will then return to the United States to host Houston Dynamo on Sunday, May 10. In addition to LAFC, the other MLS club still alive in continental competition is Nashville SC. They are in the other semifinal against Tigres UANL. In the first leg at Geodis Park, the Mexican side earned a 1-0 win and will now defend that advantage at home next Tuesday.
In just three months at San Jose Earthquakes, Timo Werner was named as April Player of the Month, a feat not even Lionel Messi at Inter Miami wasn't able to achieve. Timo Werner has become a vital piece for a San Jose Earthquakes side currently dominating the 2026 MLS season, with the German star claiming his first Player of the Month award just three months after joining. With such an immediate impact, Werner has managed to establish himself as a dominant force on the pitch even faster than Lionel Messi did upon joining Inter Miami. After logging just 13 minutes across three Bundesliga matches for RB Leipzig in the first half of the 2025-26 season, Werner sought a move away from Germany during the winter transfer window. On January 29th, he was officially announced as the newest member of the SJ Earthquakes, taking one of the clubâs Designated Player spots. While his league debut started slowly, tallying 200 minutes in his first four appearances and missing three others, April proved to be his breakthrough. With a league-high seven goal contributions (four goals and three assists) in April, Werner was voted the MLS Player of the Month. The Earthquakes enjoyed a formidable run in April, pulling off five consecutive wins while outscoring opponents 16-5. The German star returned from injury against Los Angeles FC with a goal and an assist in a 4-1 win, continued his streak against Austin FC, and finally netted a brace with an assist to spark a 3-2 comeback road victory over St. Louis City. Player of the Month â°đïž | #Quakes74 Forward Timo Werner Named MLS Player of the Month for April 2026âĄïž https://t.co/M3j6wWrh4b pic.twitter.com/Pzq1N3XL6gâ San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) April 30, 2026 Just three months since his January arrival, Werner has already etched his name into the MLS history books. By winning the Player of the Month award for April, he became only the second German player to earn the honor, joining Nashville SCâs Hany Mukhtar, who has won the award twice. How long did it take Messi to win his first MLS POTM? Lionel Messi currently sits tied for 5th all-time with five MLS Player of the Month awards, level with Luciano Acosta and trailing only legend Chris Wondolowski, who holds the record with seven. However, in terms of immediate impact from his debut, Werner has actually outpaced the Inter Miami ace. Following the expiration of his PSG contract, Messi joined Inter Miami on July 15, 2023, with more than half of the season already completed. The Argentine made his MLS debut against the New York Red Bulls on August 26, but he was limited to just five more appearances that campaign due to recurring injuries. After regaining full fitness and settling in with Inter Miami, Messiâs first MLS Player of the Month award arrived in April 2024. During that month, he recorded a staggering six goals and four assists in just four matches. While Messi claimed his first award in his fifth month of active league competition (accounting for the unified Feb/March window), Werner secured his in just his second.
James RodrĂguez arrived as a marquee signing for Minnesota United, aiming to gain competitive rhythm ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, he has not enjoyed much prominence, which has led Willington Ortiz to strongly criticize his move to MLS. James RodrĂguez has not managed to regain stability since his departure from Real Madrid. While he won the MVP award at the 2024 Copa AmĂ©rica, he failed to shine at Rayo Vallecano, moving to Club LeĂłn, also leaving at the end of the season. After several months, he arrived as a marquee signing for Minnesota United. Due to his lack of prominence, Colombian legend Willington Ortiz has decided to criticize his move to MLS via Bolavip US. âI think the mistake is when a coach doesnât want you and you still go to that team. Youâre not part of his group or the players he trusts, so heâs not going to play you because youâre not his choice. Thatâs the mistake⊠Heâs at a club where the coach doesnât want him, didnât bring him in, so he doesnât playâjust a few minutes. Itâs not serious, disrespecting a player of his caliber,â Willington Ortiz said in an exclusive interview with Bolavip US. After confirming his arrival in February 2026 to Minnesota United, James RodrĂguez has only managed to play six matches for the MLS side, remaining without any offensive contributions. Despite his undeniable talent, head coach Cameron Knowles has kept him as a regular substitute, even after he impressed in his first MLS start against Los Angeles FC. As a result, the 34-year-old midfielder is at risk of arriving at the 2026 FIFA World Cup without competitive rhythm for Colombia. Willington Ortizâs criticism is not directly aimed at James but rather at his questionable career decisions. At his last six clubs, he has not been a direct request from his coaches, which has led to his relegation to secondary roles. Since he is neither a box-to-box midfielder nor a pace-driven winger, his profile is more difficult to fit into many tactical systems, making it harder for him to secure a consistent role if the manager does not consider him essential. James RodrĂguez #10 of Minnesota United. James RodrĂguez no longer Colombiaâs cornerstone for 2026 World Cup Over the past 12 years, James RodrĂguez has been the cornerstone of Colombia, emerging as a standout player at the 2014 World Cup and the 2024 Copa AmĂ©rica. However, he is no longer in his prime, and is no longer the undisputed star of his team. Given his continued and solid performances, head coach Nestor Lorenzo plans to keep him in the starting lineup for the 2026 edition, though he will no longer be the teamâs central figure. Luis DĂaz has established as one of the best players in the world. Shining with Bayern Munich, he is set to be the central figure for Colombia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With this structure, James would shift into a role focused on enhancing the 29-year-old starâs performance, aiming to elevate his output both in goalscoring and creativity. In light of this, the 34-year-old is expected to take on more of a leadership role, while still competing for a place in the starting lineup.
LAFC receive Toluca in the first leg of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals, and hereâs everything you need to know about the date, venue, kickoff time, and viewing options, including live stream details in the United States. Here are all of the details of where you can watch LAFC vs Toluca on US television and via legal streaming: WHO LAFC vs Toluca WHAT CONCACAF Champions Cup WHEN 10:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM PT âą Wednesday, April 29, 2026 WHERE DirecTV Stream, DirecTV Stream, FS1, TUDN, UniMĂĄs and ViX STREAM FREE TRIAL Match overview Everything points to a must-watch semifinal as Toluca and Los Angeles FC collide with a place in the final hanging in the balance. Toluca enter in ruthless form after dismantling LA Galaxy by a 7-2 aggregate scoreline, winning both legs with authority. On the other hand, LAFC punched their ticket by taking down Cruz Azul 4-1 over two games. With both teams firing on all cylinders, this matchup shapes up as a high-tempo, attack-minded battle packed with intensityâmake sure you donât miss a minute of the action. More details about watching the game on DirecTV Stream With DirecTV Stream, you can watch LAFC vs Toluca and tons more Liga MX games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick as well as Google TV, Samsung and Peloton. DirecTV Stream offers a free trial, and often shares with you a variety of different packages to choose from, so you can pick what suits you the best. That also includes packages filled with sports other than soccer including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and more. DirecTV Stream has 140+ channels of live TV and unlimited DVR. That includes all of the most important soccer-related channels such as NBC, FOX, ESPN, TNT, CBS as well as more niche soccer channels including FOX Deportes, Telemundo, Univision, TUDN and GolTV. If youâre planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full DirecTV Stream soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service. How to watch anywhere with VPN If youâre abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talkâs guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer. Useful links Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide, which features details on where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV and streaming. To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
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