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• Robert Lewandowski undecided on international future after World Cup blow

  Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski expressed deep uncertainty regarding his international future following Poland’s heartbreaking 2026 World Cup playoff defeat to Sweden. ​Robert Lewandowski faces an uncertain future with the Polish national team after a devastating World Cup playoff loss to Sweden. Following the match, the Barcelona forward was unable to confirm if he would continue his international career, simply stating, “I still don’t know.” The defeat is particularly stinging as the 2026 tournament likely represented the 37-year-old’s final chance to compete on the world stage. ​Reflecting on the cruel nature of the narrow defeat, Lewandowski noted the emotional toll of missing out. “It’s hard to say anything after a game like that,” he admitted, adding that the team truly believed they could win. While he plans to return to club football to finish the season, he intends to “reflect” before making any official statement regarding his retirement from Poland.

• Iraq qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending 40-year wait

  Iraq secured its first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1986 after defeating Bolivia 2-1 in a dramatic intercontinental playoff final on Wednesday morning.

  ​Iraq booked its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Bolivia 2-1 in the intercontinental playoff final.

  Ali Al Hamadi opened the scoring early before Moises Paniagua equalized for the South Americans. However, Aymen Hussein’s 53rd-minute strike proved decisive, capping a grueling 28-month qualification campaign.

  The historic victory marks the Lions of Mesopotamia’s first return to football’s biggest stage in forty years.

  ​The win triggered massive celebrations as Iraq joined the final field of 48 teams.

  They are now set to compete in Group I, where they will face formidable opponents including France, Norway, and Senegal.

  After 21 matches of intense qualification, the Iraqi squad has finally realized their dream. The Middle Eastern nation now prepares for a high-stakes summer tournament across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

• Final playoff teams secure 2026 FIFA World Cup spots

  The 2026 FIFA World Cup field is finalized following dramatic playoff wins by DR Congo, Iraq, and four UEFA nations, setting the stage for the 48-team tournament across North America this June.

  ​The 48-team field for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is complete after a thrilling final night of playoffs.

  In the inter-confederation brackets, Axel Tuanzebe’s 100th-minute strike lifted DR Congo over Jamaica, securing their first appearance since 1974.

  Meanwhile, Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1 in Monterrey to end a 40-year drought, joining France, Norway, and Senegal in a highly competitive Group I.  

  ​UEFA’s final slots were claimed by Türkiye, Czechia, Sweden, and Bosnia & Herzegovina, who famously eliminated Italy on penalties.

  The result marks a third consecutive missed tournament for the Italians.

  For the hosts, the path is now clear: Mexico kicks off the tournament June 11 against South Africa, while the USMNT prepares for a Group D finale against Türkiye on June 25.  

  ​Preparation now shifts to 16 host cities as the expanded 104-match schedule looms.

  Captain Chancel Mbemba remains grounded following DR Congo’s historic qualification, stating, “We’ll stay humble, keep our feet on the ground, and continue to work.”

  With global giants like Brazil and Argentina facing hungry newcomers, the largest World Cup in history promises a “different feel and vibe” across three nations.  

• Heartbreak for Robert Lewandowski as World Cup 2026 hopes ended by Sweden

  Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski will miss the 2026 World Cup following Poland’s heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Sweden in Tuesday night’s high-stakes European playoff final.

  ​Robert Lewandowski’s aspirations for a final World Cup appearance ended in heartbreak as Poland suffered a 3-2 defeat against Sweden.

  Despite equalizing twice through Nicola Zalewski and Karol Swiderski, Poland was undone by a late winner from Sweden’s Viktor Gyökeres.

  While the result marks a devastating exit for the veteran striker, it secures tournament progression for his Barcelona teammate Roony Bardghji and the Swedish side.

  ​The disappointment comes at a pivotal moment for Lewandowski, whose future at Barcelona remains uncertain with his contract set to expire this summer.

  Sweden now moves forward to join Tunisia, the Netherlands, and Japan in the tournament’s group phase.

  For the 37-year-old Pole, the loss likely signals the end of his international tournament career as he weighs his next professional move beyond the Catalan club.

• Viktor Gyokeres sends Sweden into the FIFA World Cup since 2006 with Poland win

  Viktor Gyökeres scored an 88th-minute decisive goal to lead Sweden to a 3-2 victory over Poland, securing their place in the 2026 World Cup for the first time since 2018.

  ​Sweden clinched a spot in the 2026 World Cup following a thrilling 3-2 playoff final victory over Poland on Tuesday.

  Anthony Elanga and Gustaf Lagerbielke provided goals for the hosts, but Poland equalized twice through Nicola Zalewski and Karol Świderski.

  The stalemate lasted until the 88th minute when star forward Viktor Gyökeres struck the winner, sending the Scandinavian nation back to the global stage.

  ​The victory marks a successful qualifying campaign for Sweden, who missed out on the 2022 tournament.

  Having defeated Ukraine 3-1 in the semi-finals last Thursday, they now move into World Cup Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia.

  Their tournament begins in Monterrey, Mexico, on June 14, followed by group fixtures in Houston and Arlington as they aim to replicate their 2018 success.