Friendlies News

Messi insists he made the right decision to retire from Argentina

Lionel Messi reflects on his emotional Argentina farewell, confident he made the right decision as he prepares to support the national team from the sidelines.

9 October 2026

Burkina Faso face potential FIFA suspension over government takeover threat

Burkina Faso risk a worldwide FIFA suspension after military leader Ibrahim Traore threatened to take control of the national football federation following a 7-0 friendly defeat to Argentina and growing concerns over the team's mismanagement.

9 October 2026

Messi reflects on emotional end to Argentina career

Lionel Messi looked back on his unforgettable international journey, thanking his family, teammates, clubs and Diego Maradona as he confirmed that ending his Argentina career was the right decision.

7 October 2026

Scaloni hails ‘inimitable’ Messi after emotional Argentina farewell

Lionel Scaloni paid tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentina captain delivered a goal and two assists in his final appearance for the national team, calling him the greatest and most irreplaceable player in football history.

7 October 2026

Messi: Playing for the Argentina is the best thing that can happen to you

Lionel Messi reflected on his emotional farewell to Argentina, thanking the supporters and describing representing his country as the best thing that ever happened to him.

7 October 2026

Messi scores and provides two assists as Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in his farewell

Lionel Messi scored from the penalty spot and provided two assists in his final appearance for Argentina, helping the Albiceleste beat Benin 3-0 at the Monumental in Buenos Aires.

7 October 2026

Messi receives honorary doctorate from the University of Buenos Aires ahead of Argentina farewell

Lionel Messi has received an honorary doctorate from the University of Buenos Aires in recognition of his extraordinary football career, his achievements with Argentina and his role in representing the country on the international stage, just ahead of his final appearance for the national team.

6 October 2026

Scaloni backs Argentina to thrive beyond Messi

Lionel Scaloni says Argentina can remain among the world’s elite after Lionel Messi’s final appearance for the national team, despite the emotional farewell.

6 October 2026

Lionel Messi prepares for Argentina farewell against Benin

Lionel Messi joins Argentina’s squad ahead of his farewell friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires, bringing his illustrious 21-year international career to a close.

5 October 2026

Scaloni admits Argentina will never be the same without Messi

Lionel Scaloni says Argentina will feel a permanent void when Lionel Messi ends his international career, praising the captain’s unique influence, work ethic and legacy ahead of his final appearance for the national team.

4 October 2026

Lionel Messi to receive honorary doctorate before Argentina farewell

Lionel Messi is set to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Buenos Aires on October 6, just hours before his expected final appearance for Argentina.

1 October 2026

Scaloni pushed for Messi farewell match amid uncertainty over future

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said he pushed to bring Lionel Messi back for a farewell match because he was unsure whether he would remain in charge long enough to arrange it later.

25 September 2026

Romero named Argentina’s new captain after Messi’s departure

Cristian Romero will take over as Argentina’s captain following Lionel Messi’s departure from the national team, with Lionel Scaloni confirming the defender as the new skipper.

25 September 2026

Patrick Vieira appointed as new Senegal head coach

France legend Patrick Vieira has been named the new head coach of Senegal’s senior national team, taking charge of the Teranga Lions after previous managerial spells across Europe.

18 August 2026

Xavi: “You could say I am a son of Dutch football”

Xavi says his Barcelona training, shaped by Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, gives him a special connection to Dutch football as he begins his new role as Netherlands coach.

13 August 2026

Xavi appointed new Netherlands head coach

Xavi Hernández has officially been appointed as the new Netherlands head coach after reaching an agreement with the Dutch Football Federation.

12 August 2026

Maldini reveals Guardiola was close to becoming Italy coach

Paolo Maldini has revealed that Pep Guardiola came close to taking charge of Italy, with the pair even discussing player lists, line-ups and financial terms before Guardiola ultimately stepped away due to exhaustion. Maldini also revealed he wanted Andrea Pirlo as an alternative, but the federation rejected the proposal.

9 August 2026

Pitso Mosimane approved as new Bafana Bafana head coach

SAFA has approved Pitso Mosimane’s return as South Africa’s national team coach, with the official announcement expected next week.

8 August 2026

Messi’s retirement decision still remains open

Argentina FA president Claudio Tapia says Lionel Messi should decide for himself when to retire, praising the 39-year-old star’s outstanding 2026 World Cup performance.

8 August 2026

Gianfranco Zola appointed to lead Italy's youth development overhaul

FIGC has confirmed Gianfranco Zola as Italy's new youth activity coordinator, joining Roberto Mancini and Claudio Ranieri in the national team's restructuring.

5 August 2026

Renard returns as Ivory Coast coach ahead of AFCON 2027

Herve Renard has been reappointed as Ivory Coast coach, returning 12 years after leading the Elephants to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations title, with the 57-year-old set to lead their AFCON 2027 campaign.

4 August 2026

U.S. Soccer extends Mauricio Pochettino's contract through 2030

The U.S. Soccer Federation has confirmed a new long-term deal for Mauricio Pochettino, keeping the Argentine in charge of the USMNT through 2030 while expanding his role to support youth development, coaching education, and the broader technical direction of American soccer.

3 August 2026

Ancelotti rejects Italy approach, commits future to Brazil

Carlo Ancelotti confirmed he turned down Italy’s offer to become head coach, saying he remains committed to Brazil after the country welcomed him and extended his contract through the 2030 World Cup. The Italian manager also hinted at a squad rebuild following Brazil’s disappointing World Cup exit.

30 July 2026

Neymar announces Brazil retirement after World Cup exit and denies bullying claims

Neymar has confirmed his retirement from international football after Brazil’s disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign, while rejecting reports that he mistreated younger Santos teammates. The Brazilian star says he leaves the Selecao with no regrets and will now focus on his club career.

29 July 2026

BREAKING: Italy reappoints Roberto Mancini as national team head coach

The Italian Football Federation has confirmed Roberto Mancini's return as Italy head coach for a second spell, while Claudio Ranieri has been appointed Technical Director.

28 July 2026

Zidane’s France dream finally comes true: “I turned down everything for this moment”

Zinedine Zidane begins a new chapter as France head coach, revealing he rejected several club offers while waiting for his dream job. The 1998 World Cup winner says leading Les Bleus was always his ultimate ambition.

28 July 2026

BREAKING: Zinedine Zidane appointed as new France head coach

Zinedine Zidane is set to take over as France’s new head coach, returning to the national team setup in a highly anticipated move.

28 July 2026

Maldini and Leonardo resign as Mancini emerges as Italy’s top candidate

Paolo Maldini and Leonardo leave their roles at the FIGC after the Pirlo appointment reversal, with Roberto Mancini now the leading option to take over the Azzurri. Giorgio Chiellini is also being considered for a key technical role in the federation’s restructuring.

27 July 2026

Pirlo’s Italy manager bid cancelled after Fonbet controversy

Andrea Pirlo has been ruled out of the race to become Italy’s next head coach after controversy surrounding his links with Russian betting company Fonbet forced his candidacy to collapse. Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte are now among the leading candidates for the role.

27 July 2026

Pirlo breaks silence after Italy coach controversy

Andrea Pirlo has responded after controversy surrounding his partnership with a Russian betting company derailed his chances of becoming Italy's next head coach, insisting his commercial work carried no political meaning.

27 July 2026