Ronaldo, who debuted for Portugal at 18 in August of 2003, is comfortably the country's leader in all-time appearances (226, 80 more than Joao Moutinho) and goals (143, 96 more than Pauleta).

The squad lineup featured few surprises, except for the inclusion of rising striker Hamza Abdel Karim. The 18-year-old is on loan from Egyptian giants Al Ahly to Barcelona Atletic, the reserve side of the La Liga champions.

Coach Lionel Scaloni retained the core of the side that won Argentina's third world title, although veteran winger Angel Di Maria was not considered after retiring from international football following the 2024 Copa America.

Weverton was part of the Brazil squad at Qatar 2022, where the Seleçao were eliminated by Croatia in the quarterfinals.

CBF doctor Rodrigo Lasmar delivered the blow ahead of a players' press conference, confirming the 34-year-old forward faces two to three more weeks on the sidelines.

Borussia Monchengladbach attacking midfielder Reyna appeared as a substitute in the USA's friendly defeats to Belgium and Portugal in March after impressing Pochettino during last November's international window.

The 33-year-old forward, once one of the most prolific goalscorers in England at Tottenham Hotspur, has yet to hit the mark for Los Angeles FC in the league so far this season.

Ouahbi, who took up the Moroccan coaching role three months ago, has kept faith with the majority of the squad that took part in the African Cup of Nations.

In his hometown of Santo Domingo, Caicedo's face appears on murals, shirts and even on the shin guards of children who dream of following in his footsteps, such as nine-year-old Julian Hidalgo.

For the Netherlands, it was a golden opportunity to banish the ghosts of back-to-back final defeats in 1974 and 1978

Having notched four goals at the 2022 edition, including a memorable brace in the semi-finals against Croatia, Alvarez is now dreaming of further international glory at this year’s World Cup.

"It’s true that there’s typically a lot expected of Germany because we’re four-time world champions and have been a force to be reckoned with at so many tournaments."

The French team won hearts and minds at the FIFA World Cup in Mexico that year, finishing third, 28 years after securing the bronze at the 1958 edition in Sweden.

Countdowns will be introduced for goal-kicks, throw-ins and substitutions in an attempt to discourage time-wasting.

Norway are in Group I along with France, Senegal and Iraq. It has been billed as one of the World Cup's toughest groups.

England defender Harry Maguire said Thursday he was "shocked and gutted" to have been left out of Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad.

Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was handed a surprise recall to Germany's 26-man World Cup squad on Thursday, coming out of international retirement to play in the tournament for a fifth time.

The true beauty of the World Cup lies in its unpredictability, where the astonishing rise of an underdog leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of football romantics.

Inspire your journey as Neymar Jr. returns to Brazil for the FIFA World Cup 2026, conquering intense career pressure and injury setbacks. Embrace his powerful motivational quotes on mental wellness, rest, and authentic peer support.

Gordon made the roster despite being sidelined since January by a shoulder injury, while Curtis earned his spot after scoring five times in 14 appearances with Kilmarnock on loan from Rangers.