STORIES

Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup features stories that extend beyond the country’s borders. Among them is that of Raphinha, a nominee for the ‘Ballon d’Or’ award, and that of three other players who have previously had the opportunity to represent other national teams.

The winger shone on his debut for Colombia and scored a crucial goal that helped Bayern Munich dethrone Real Madrid and Barcelona, breaking an incredible record in the history of the World Cup.

At the 2026 World Cup, Brazil and Haiti will face each other once again, with the ‘Amarelinha’ going in as favourites, but with a history of encounters that goes beyond the scorelines. Ahead of the match in Philadelphia, we look back at previous fixtures between the two sides.

Spearheaded by a squad featuring ten players who have previously been nominated for the Ballon d’Or, the Portuguese national team looked set for a comfortable start to the 2026 World Cup following João Neves’ historic goal, but were ultimately thwarted by a well-organised DR Congo side and had to settle for a draw.

The Argentine captain put in an unprecedented performance against Algeria. We take a detailed look at all the historic records that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner equalled or broke in just 90 minutes.

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s victory over Algeria and achieved two incredible milestones in his professional career.

Winner of the Kopa Trophy in 2018, eight-time Ballon d’Or nominee, the France captain scored twice against Senegal on Tuesday at the World Cup to net his 57th and 58th international goals. A brace to break Olivier Giroud's record.

Sweden’s impressive opening to their World Cup adventure put a nationwide concern to rest. Now, it’s the turn of international defenders to be worried.

Backed by a squad featuring Cristiano Ronaldo and nine other players who have previously been nominated for the Ballon d’Or, Portugal begin their 2026 World Cup campaign as the clear favourites in Group K. But how does the Portuguese team compare to the other teams in the group – DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia? Taking into account tradition, star players and historic campaigns, we analyse what each of the four nations brings to the contest for a place in the round of 16.

In an exclusive interview with Ballondor.com, David Trezeguet opens up about his career with the French national team, his time at Juventus, and the World Cup. A tournament our 5-time nominee won in 1998.

In their first ever World Cup, Cape Verde stunned one of the tournament favourites by securing a goalless draw against Spain, in a historic performance led by goalkeeper Vozinha.

Driven by a generation brimming with talent and led by Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese national team begins its 2026 World Cup campaign in pursuit of an unprecedented goal: to win the first World Cup title in its history.

Nominated for the 2025 Kopa Trophy, midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi delivered a solid performance against Brazil (1-1) during his World Cup debut with Morocco.

This summer a record number of brothers will participate in the World Cup, with Kopa nominee Desiré Doue among them.

For the first time in history, Cape Verde has qualified for the World Cup. This is the story of a small nation made up of islands scattered across the globe, whose national team was built on the diaspora, resilience and an identity that transcends borders – and which now dreams of competing on the biggest stage in world football.

As the most successful team and the top goalscorer in World Cup history, Brazil begins its 2026 campaign carrying the weight of a tradition built up over almost a century. Under Ancelotti’s leadership, the Seleção take to the pitch in pursuit of their long-awaited sixth title, whilst seeking to add to a collection of records that already places them at the pinnacle of the tournament’s history.

Since the inception of Ballon d’Or in 1956 there have been 14 reigning recipients of the famed award who have gone to a World Cup, burdened or bolstered by being considered the best player on the planet. Here’s how each fared.

Out of a job since leaving FC Barcelona in 2024, Xavi has agreed to look back for France Football and Ballondor.com (in January 2025) on his footballing philosophy, his ambitions as a manager, Barça, and the Spanish national team. Video interview.

Another successful World Cup campaign will see the Real Madrid star hailed at France’s all-time record goalscorer.

In a world of football without borders, more and more young talents with Brazilian roots are growing up far from home and have to decide which shirt to wear. From Enzo Alves to Renato Marin, and including promising players scattered across Europe, Asia and North America, the CBF faces a new challenge: convincing the next generation to choose the Yellow Jersey.