Lionel Messi is likely playing in his final World Cup. He’s one of a handful of players that you should keep an eye on as the ...

Two of soccer's all-time greats will likely make their final bows on the sport's biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup. Lionel ...

As part of our buildup to the 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, we are publishing excerpted chapters from The Soccer 100, The Athletic’s definitive book on the 100 ...

From legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, to in-their-prime superstars like Kylian Mbappe, to electrifying youngsters like Lamine Yamal, this World Cup will be defined by its stars.