Lionel Messi is set to play his final World Cup qualifier in Argentina on Thursday, while four South American teams are still competing for the remaining automatic places at the 2026 tournament in what could be a dramatic climax.

The 38-year-old Argentina captain will take to the pitch at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires to face Venezuela in what he describes as a very special match, with his family set to be in attendance, including his wife, children, parents and siblings.

How to watch Messi's last World Cup qualifier in Argentina

In one of the strangest national team stories in recent memory, Borussia Mönchengladbach and USMNT defender, Joe Scally, was reportedly left off the U.S. men’s national team’s September roster… for doing donuts in a golf cart. 

Yes, you read that right. 

Joe Scally golf cart rumor

Neymar will miss Brazil's final two World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia next week, extending his absence from international duty to nearly two years.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti left the Santos star out of his 23-man squad announced on Monday, citing a minor leg muscle injury sustained last week as the reason for his latest omission. Brazil have already secured their place at the 2026 World Cup.

Last time Neymar played for Brazil

The Hannah Hampton water bottle incident should be a lesson to all goalkeepers out there. If you’re keeping notes about penalty shootouts, DON’T put them on your water bottle.

Hampton was the hero of England’s 2025 Euro final penalty shootout against Spain making two saves to help the Lionesses claim back-to-back European titles. The 24-year-old revealed to TalkSport that she also did something sneaky to help her side claim the title.

Hampton threw Spanish keeper Cata Coll’s water bottle into the stands during the shootout.

He's the truth, folks.

16-year-old Mexican phenom, Gilberto Mora, continues to light up the soccer world, etching his name further into the Concacaf history books with a dazzling brace against LA Galaxy in Thursday night's 2025 Leagues Cup clash at Dignity Health Sports Park.

Embed from Getty Images

Las Vegas is set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, according to an ESPN report on Tuesday.

When is World Cup draw?

Sources told the outlet that the date of the draw would be Friday, Dec. 5 and that Las Vegas was selected over cities in Canada and Mexico. FIFA officials have not confirmed the date or site.

Las Vegas will host the 2026 World Cup draw on Dec. 5, according to ESPN.