Poland vs Argentina is next as Argentina have a chance to claim top spot in Group D when they take on Poland in the World Cup on Wednesday.
Poland's Robert Lewandowski was the villain on matchday one as he saw a tame penalty saved in the 0-0 draw with Mexico, before redemption as he claimed his first ever World Cup goal in the 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
Lionel Messi scored his penalty in Argentina's first game, though was unable to stop his team from suffering a humiliating 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia, but then his exquisite strike set La Albiceleste on their way to a 2-0 win against Mexico.
These two superstars will surely be front and centre when they clash in their final game of Group C on Wednesday.
Victory for either will confirm their passage to the knockout stage, with a draw also good enough for the Poles.
🗣️ ¿A ver qué tan hincha sos de La Selección? ⚽
😉 Respondé estas preguntas acerca de La Albiceleste en Mundiales 🏆
A defeat would eliminate Argentina, with a draw leaving them sweating on the outcome of Saudi Arabia v Mexico.
History could be on their side, though, with their last meeting at a World Cup coming in 1978, where Argentina won 2-0 before going on to lift the trophy for the first time (Poland won their only other World Cup clash 3-2 in 1974).
#Sub17 Completamos la primera jornada de esta semana en nuestro Predio 🇦🇷
Lionel Scaloni's men will have their work cut out though, with Poland having kept a clean sheet in each of their last three World Cup games, including both in Qatar so far despite facing 27 shots (nine on target).
Poland are looking to qualify from their World Cup group for the first time since the 1986 tournament under Antoni Piechniczek, and they last went unbeaten in all three matches in their first round group in 1982.
Following his match-winning performance against Mexico, Messi said: "Another World Cup started for us today… We can't give up now; we have finals from this point on and can't make a mistake."
Till now, along with the hosts USA, Mexico and Canada, ten other teams have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026. For the first time, 48 teams will participate in the World Cup.
Australia celebrate qualifying for their sixth straight FIFA World Cup 2026.
The participating teams' line-up for the FIFA World Cup 2026 has started taking shape, as Iran and Argentina have booked their place from the qualification round into the finals of the tournament.
In 2022, the FIFA World Cupprovided an unforgettable experience for over 1 billion viewers who tuned in. LionelMessi-led Argentina to victory, giving the nation moments of joy and a fitting tribute to the late Diego Maradona while solidifying his place among players who have won every major trophy.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his team in their bid to improve the quality of the World Cup and promote inclusivity increased the number of teams that will participate in the World Cup from an initial 32 teams to 48 teams.
The teams will be split into 12 groups of 4 teams, with the top 2 of each group and the 8 best third-placed teams progressing to a new Round of 32,
The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and will be jointly hosted by 16 cities in three North American countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The tournament will be the first hosted by three nations and the first North American World Cup since 1994 and will be the first World Cup since 2002 to be hosted by more than one nation.
Qualification for the World Cup is done based on the regions of the World. Each regional Confederation is responsible for its qualification tournament, which will consist of at least one round of competition using the following formats
Confederations can use a League format in which each team in a group plays all other teams in their group twice – once at home and once away.
A single round-robin format in which each team in a group plays all other teams in their group once, with the venues either drawn at random or assigned by the confederation with the agreement of the playing association
A Knockout format in which each team in a round plays one other team over two legs once at home and once away.
With FIFA's permission, a tournament is held in one of the participating nations or neutral territory.
With FIFA's permission, a single-leg knockout format.
Europe has 16 slots, Asia has 8 slots with one extra from playoffs making it 9, Africa has 9 slots with one extra coming from playoffs,South America has 6 with one extra coming from playoffs making a total of 7, North America has 6 slots with 3 already taken due to the host nations.
Teams That Have Qualified
With qualifications still ongoing, the only nations that have qualified are the host nations, namely the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada qualification process for the World Cup will be ongoing till the end of November 2025, and till then, teams will be struggling to qualify.
1. The USA
Despite not predominantly being a football nation, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) has managed to establish a formidable team with the likes of Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun.
The appointment of Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino as their head coach shows some sign of intent that the country intends to go as far as possible in the World Cup.
Mexico has qualified for every World Cup in the past decade, but playing on home soil will give them the advantage of fan support. While they may be without their veteran goalkeeper Ochoa, who has been crucial in past tournaments, they remain a team not to be underestimated.
Canada had a memorable 2022 World Cup in Qatar, highlighted by their surprising win against Belgium. However, they lost their remaining group games to Morocco and Croatia, leading to their early exit from the tournament.
Known for their attacking football, Canada relies on pace in midfield and attack, with Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies being key to their World Cup ambitions.
Teams from the Qualifier Rounds
4. Japan
Japan has become the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup from the qualification round. On March 20, Thursday, Hajime Moriyasu's side beat Bahrain 2-0 in Group C of the AFC World Cup qualifiers.
Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo scored in the second half to inspire the Samurai Blue to ensure their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, guaranteeing a top-two finish in the qualifiers standings.
New Zealand has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the third time with a 3-0 home win over New Caledonia in the OFC Qualifiers Final on Monday, March 24.
Three second-half goals from Michael Boxall, Kosta Barbarouses, and Elijah led New Zealand to a comfortable 3-0 win at Eden Park in Auckland. This win marks the All Whites' return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010 when they registered three draws against Slovakia, Italy, and Paraguay in South Africa.
For the first time, the All Whites qualified directly for a World Cup, as Oceania received an automatic spot in next year’s 48-team tournament, rather than having to go through an intercontinental play-off as they did in the past.
6. Iran
(Image Credit | AFP)
Iran have become the second Asian side to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals following a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan on March 25 in the third round of the AFC World Cup Qualifiers Group A.
Mehdi Taremi's brace secured a point for Iran to stay atop the Group A table with 20 points in 8 matches, securing the guaranteed top two finish in the group stage. On the other hand, Uzbekistan is just one victory away from their inaugural World Cup appearance.
Tino pai to our fantastic national football team🙌 Mean as! Iran has secured its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the third team to qualify after Japan and @NZ_Football Ka mau te wehi 🇮🇷 This marks our fourth consecutive appearance after 2014,2018,and2022!#FIFAWorldCuppic.twitter.com/2RjE9j2gpa
— The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran (@iranembassy_nz) March 25, 2025
Despite the qualification format being made easier for Asia due to the expanded 48-team World Cup, Iran has sealed the passage to their fourth World Cup finals in a row, and seventh in their history.
In the AFC Qualifiers, the top two teams qualify directly for the World Cup, while the teams finishing third and fourth in the three Asian groups will enter an additional qualifying round.
7. Argentina
(Image Credit | EPA)
The reigning World Champions have stormed into the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a 4-1 crushing over eternal rivals Brazil in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers on March 26.
La Albiceleste currently top the table with 31 points in 14 matches, 16 points clear of seventh-placed Venezuela, with the required seven points at this point.
8. Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the 8th team to qualify till now. They have qualified in virtue of finishing in the top two in Group A of the AFC's third-round of qualifiers.
This is the first time they have qualified for the FIFA World Cup. Not only that, they are the first Central Asia country to qualify for the grandest stage of football.
South Korea qualified for their 11th straight FIFA World Cup after finishing in the top two of the AFC third round qualifiers. Tottenham's Son Heung-min, Wolves' Hwang Hee-chan, Bayern Munich's Kim Min-jae and Paris Saint-Germain's Lee Kang-in all will be ready to star for South Korea in the upcoming World Cup.
Ali Olwan scored a hat-trick against Oman to take Jordan to their maiden FIFA World Cup
While South Korea sealed their spot at the FIFA World Cup with that 2-0 victory over Iraq, their win also ensured that Jordan will be playing at their first-ever FIFA World Cup next year.
Ali Olwan's hat-trick has given them a big 3-0 win over Oman, and after South Korea's win, they will now create history at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
In Group B of the AFC Third round qualifiers, Jordan lost only one match and finished in the top two of the group, below South Korea.
Socceroos confirmed their place at a sixth successive FIFA World Cup after beating Saudi Arabia by 2-1 in Saudi Arabia. Connor Metcalfe (42), Mitch Duke (48) scored for the Aussies to help them win after falling behind by a 19-minute goal from Abdulrahman Al-Aboud.
Australia have now confirmed the top spot in Group C in the AFC Third round qualifiers. Japan are leading Group C, which have already qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Brazil continued their run at the FIFA World Cup after ensuring qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026. They are the only team to qualify for every FIFA World Cup.
The Selecao defeated Paraguay by 1-0 as Vinicius Jr. handed a special gift to new Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti for his 66th birthday.
VINIIII JR.!!!!
TINHAA QUE SER ELE!! BELO PRESENTÃO DE ANIVERSÁRIO PARA O MISTER 🇧🇷🇧🇷
11 players who have won the most trophies in football history
Argentine legend Lionel Messi has won the most trophies in football history (46). Here are the other 10 players who follow him on this list most successful football history.
Many great players have taken the football pitch and left the fans in awe. However, only a few players have gone on to win various trophies in their careers. In this special article, we will take a look at an elite list of players who have won the most trophies in football as a player.
But, yes, the below list only counts the major trophies won with teams and only only individual awards. We wanted to be clear with that at the start. With this list of "11 players who have won the most trophies in football history," we will able to judge which player has been a part of a winning team mostly.
Though, it is not always the case that when you win a trophy, you have a big role to play in that. But, in this list, all the players listed always had big contributions to their team's success. So, without further a due, let's checkout the list.
Top 11 players with the most trophies in football:
11. Vitor Baia (34 trophies)
Vitor Baia with the 2004 UEFA Champions League Trophy for FC Porto.
Vitor Baia spent most of his career with FC Porto except playing two years for Barcelona. Baia started his career with FC Porto in 1988 and left the club to join Barcelona in 1996.
Before retiring in 2007, he played for Barcelona in two stints and won the La Liga in 1997-98 season. His most success came his boyhood club FC Porto, where he won the Liga Portugal 10 times.
However, the biggest achievement was to win the UEFA Champions League in 2004 with the Dragons. Under the visionary eyes of Jose Mourinho, they created one of the greatest underdog success stories in European football.
In a total, Baia won 25 trophies with the Porto while adding the rest to his collection of glories for Barcelona. Unfortunately, he was not able to add any trophy while playing for Portugal.
Scottish legend Sir Kenny Dalglish is Liverpool's one of the most legendary players. Apart from playing 13 years for the Reds, he played for Celtic for 8 years at the start of his career.
For Liverpool FC, he won a club record 8 Premier League titles along with three Champions League titles. He had won 7 English Super Cups and 2 FA Cup titles as well.
While playing for Celtic, he became the Scottish Champion four times.
Di Maria kissing the FIFA World CUP 2022 Trophy | Image - Mundo Deportivo
One of the most underrated players in modern football history, Di Maria always had to shine under the shadows of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Di Maria played alongside Lionel Messi for Argentina and then shared club dressing room with Cristiano at Real Madrid.
With his latest trophy for Benfica in the Portuguese Super Cup, he now has won 35 trophies in his career. Di Maria won five Ligue 1 titles with PSG and won his only Champions League title with Real Madrid.
However, just like Lionel Messi, his international success bloomed late in his career. He won the Copa America twice in 2021 and 2024. But, his major success was to win the FIFA World Cup 2022, where he scored an important in the final.
Di Maria retired from international football after the 2024 Copa America final.
#
Achievement
Year(s)
Team
Count
1
World Cup Winner
2022
Argentina
1
2
Copa América Winner
23/24, 20/21
Argentina
2
3
Champions League Winner
13/14
Real Madrid
1
4
Spanish Champion
11/12
Real Madrid
1
5
French Champion
Multiple Years
Paris Saint-Germain
5
6
UEFA Supercup Winner
14/15
Real Madrid
1
7
French Cup Winner
Multiple Years
Paris Saint-Germain
4
8
Spanish Cup Winner
13/14, 10/11
Real Madrid
2
9
French League Cup Winner
Multiple Years
Paris Saint-Germain
4
10
Spanish Super Cup Winner
12/13
Real Madrid
1
11
Portuguese Champion
09/10
SL Benfica
1
12
Portuguese League Cup Winner
Multiple Years
SL Benfica
3
13
Under-20 World Cup Champion
2007
Argentina U20
1
14
CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions Winner
21/22
Argentina
1
15
French Super Cup Winner
Multiple Years
Paris Saint-Germain
5
16
Olympic Medalist
2008
Argentina Olympic Team
1
17
Portuguese Super Cup Winner
2024
SL Benfica
1
Total Titles
35
8. Cristiano Ronaldo (36 trophies)
Arguably one of the greatest players in the history of football, Cristiano Ronaldo has 36 trophies in his cabinet at the moment. The Portuguese legend won his latest trophy for Portugal, as he lifted the UEFA Nations League 2025 for his country.
Ronaldo, who started his club career with Sporting CP, won the Portuguese Super Cup with the club in 2003. That was the start to a historical career which gave football fans joy for over two decades.
The Portuguese legend flourished under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. He then joined Real Madrid, where he won four of his five UEFA Champions League titles. Ronaldo has won a title for every club he has played for so far.
However, one of his biggest achievements as a player was to win the UEFA European Cup with Portugal in 2016. Besides scoring over 900 career goals, Ronaldo's success for every team is what makes him a legend.
#
Achievement
Year(s)
Club/National Team
1
European Champion
2016
Portugal
2
Champions League Winner
17/18, 16/17, 15/16, 13/14, 07/08
Real Madrid, Manchester United
3
FIFA Club World Cup Winner
2018, 2017, 2015, 2009
Real Madrid, Manchester United
4
English Champion
08/09, 07/08, 06/07
Manchester United
5
Spanish Champion
16/17, 11/12
Real Madrid
6
Italian Champion
19/20, 18/19
Juventus FC
7
UEFA Supercup Winner
17/18, 16/17, 14/15
Real Madrid
8
Winner UEFA Nations League
2019, 2025
Portugal
9
English FA Cup Winner
2004
Manchester United
10
Spanish Cup Winner
13/14, 10/11
Real Madrid
11
Italian Cup Winner
20/21
Juventus FC
12
English League Cup Winner
2009, 2006
Manchester United
13
Spanish Super Cup Winner
17/18, 12/13
Real Madrid
14
Italian Super Cup Winner
20/21, 18/19
Juventus FC
15
English Super Cup Winner
07/08
Manchester United
16
Portuguese Super Cup Winner
2003
Sporting CP
17
Arab Club Champions Cup
2023
Al-Nassr
Total Trophies
35
7. Ryan Giggs (37 trophies)
Gigs with the Champions League title for Manchester United.
Ryan Giggs played all his life for one football club; Manchester United. In his 24-year career at the club, he won a total of 37 trophies, a record for the club.
Not only that, with 13 Premier League titles, he is league's most successful player ever. With the Red Devils, he also went on to win two UEFA Champions League title.
For United, he played 963 games and has 168 goals and 265 assists, another record for United.
Busquets showing off his trophies from Treble winning season.
Sergio Busquets, the FC Barcelona and Spain legend is one of the most underrated players ever to play. The central defender was part of one of the greatest international team which won 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2010 Euros for Spain.
The former Barcelona captain won 9 La Liga titles. Not only that, he won 7 Spanish Cups and Spanish Super Cups as well for the Catalan club.
However, his biggest achievement in club football was to win three UCL titles for Barcelona. His latest trophy is the 2024 Supporters’ Shield winners with Inter Miami CF.
Maxwell won four consecutive Ligue 1 titles with PSG.
Maxwell, the Brazilian left back might be the only unknown player on this list. The defender achieved most of his success playing for PSG in France.
However, he found success with FC Barcelona as well. But, joined PSG to find more chances as well.
Maxwell's first trophy was with Cruzeiro, winning the Brazilian Cup in 2000. Soon the joined Ajax, wining two Dutch League titles.
His move to Barcelona via Inter Milan and FC Empoli saw him winning the UEFA Champions League title in 2011. But his most success came with PSG, winning the Ligue 1 four times in a row from 2013 to 2016.
Pique showing off his trophies from Treble winning season.
Another player from that legendary Spanish and Barcelona team, who features in this list. Although known for his career at FC Barcelona, Gerard Pique had success with Manchester United as well.
It might be quite revealing for many that, he played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, against whom he had some tough battles later.
Pique won 9 La Liga titles for Barcelona to go with 3 UCL titles for the club. But before reaching there he had won the Premier League and Champions League for United in the 2007-08 season.
He was also an integral part of the Spanish team which won the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and UEFA Euro in 2012.
Probably the best midfielder of the modern era, Andres Iniesta with 41 trophies is the third most successful footballer ever.
Another important player of that iconic Spanish and Barcelona team, Iniesta found success early in his career. He won his first major trophy with Spain U-17 team winning the U-17 Euros in 2000. He followed that up with the U-19 Euro title next year.
His Barcelona career started in 2002 which continued till 2018. In those 17 year at Barcelona, he won 32 trophies. Post that, he joined Japanese club Viseel Kobe where he won three trophies as well.
Along with all club level success, Iniesta's greatest achievement was to win the 2010 FIFA World Cup alongside lifting the 2008 and 2012 Euro Cup. His goal in the 2010 World Cup final to hand Spain their first-ever World Cup, is regarded as one of the greatest World Cup moments.
Iniesta called it a day in 2024 after spending a year at the Emirates Club.
Dani Alves celebrating the Olympic Gold medal in Tokyo. Image | sportstar
Before Lionel Messi took over as the player with most trophies in football history, it was Dani Alves who had the record. The defender won 23 trophies in eight years at Barcelona.
Dani Alves won six La Liga and three Champions League titles with Barcelona. He then won 19 more titles while playing for Juventus, PSG, and Sao Paulo. He won domestic titles in Italy, France, Brazil and Spain as, which makes him one of the greatest of his era.
The defender won six major titles with his national team, Brazil. He started his Brazil career by winning the U-20 FIFA World Cup in 2003. Alves then won two Copa America titles in 2007 and 2019. He concluded his international career by winning the Olympic gold in 2021.
Despite the recent off-field controversies, with 43 trophies in his cabinet, Dani Alves is one of the greatest ever to play the game.
#
Achievement
Year(s)
Team
1
Copa América Winner
18/19, 06/07
Brazil
2
Champions League Winner
14/15, 10/11, 08/09
FC Barcelona
3
FIFA Club World Cup Winner
2016, 2012, 2010
FC Barcelona
4
Spanish Champion
15/16, 14/15, 12/13, 10/11, 09/10, 08/09
FC Barcelona
5
Italian Champion
16/17
Juventus FC
6
French Champion
18/19, 17/18
Paris Saint-Germain
7
Uefa Supercup Winner
15/16, 11/12, 09/10, 06/07
FC Barcelona, Sevilla FC
8
Uefa Cup Winner
06/07, 05/06
Sevilla FC
9
Spanish Cup Winner
15/16, 14/15, 11/12, 08/09, 06/07
FC Barcelona, Sevilla FC
10
Italian Cup Winner
16/17
Juventus FC
11
French Cup Winner
17/18
Paris Saint-Germain
12
Spanish Super Cup Winner
13/14, 11/12, 10/11, 09/10, 07/08
FC Barcelona, Sevilla FC
13
French League Cup Winner
17/18
Paris Saint-Germain
14
Confederations Cup Winner
2013, 2009
Brazil
15
Under-20 World Cup Champion
2003
Brazil U20
16
French Super Cup Winner
17/18
Paris Saint-Germain
17
Olympic Medalist
2021
Brazil Olympic Team
18.
Copa do Nordeste
2002
Bahia
19.
Campeonato Paulista
2021
São Paulo
Total Titles
43
1. Lionel Messi (46 trophies)
Messi celebrating the FIFA World Cup 2022 victory.
Leo Messi is the player with the most trophies in football history. With his latest triumph at the 2024 Supporters’ Shield winners, the magician from Argentina won his 46th trophy in his career.
Messi won back-to-back four international trophies with Argentina within three years. He won the Copa America 2021 and then went on to win the Finalissima 2022. Then he capped off his greatest achievement by winning FIFA World Cup 2022.
The Argentine maestro has also won the Olympic Gold Medal with his country in 2008. His latest international success came in Copa America 2024.
In club football history, Messi is the most successful player with 41 club trophies to his name. He started his career with his boyhood club Barcelona and played 18 seasons for the club, scoring a record 672 goals.
The 8-time Ballon d'Or winner won four Champions League titles with Barcelona. Alongside European success, he won 10 La Liga titles as well, most for Barcelona. He has also won Spanish Cup seven times.
After his great stint at Barcelona, Messi went to the French League to play for PSG. However, he was unable to bring the UCL to the French giant, he won the French League with them. In addition, he won the French Super Cup for the season 2022-23 with PSG.
#
Achievement
Year(s)
Team
Count
1
World Cup Winner
2022
Argentina
1
2
Copa América Winner
23/24, 20/21
Argentina
2
3
Champions League Winner
Multiple Years
FC Barcelona
4
4
FIFA Club World Cup Winner
Multiple Years
FC Barcelona
3
5
Spanish Champion
Multiple Years
FC Barcelona
10
6
French Champion
22/23, 21/22
Paris Saint-Germain
2
7
UEFA Supercup Winner
Multiple Years
FC Barcelona
3
8
Spanish Cup Winner
Multiple Years
FC Barcelona
7
9
Spanish Super Cup Winner
Multiple Years
FC Barcelona
8
10
Supporters' Shield Winner
23/24
Inter Miami CF
1
11
Leagues Cup Winner
2023
Inter Miami CF
1
12
Under-20 World Cup Champion
2005
Argentina U20
1
13
CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions Winner
21/22
Argentina
1
14
French Super Cup Winner
22/23
Paris Saint-Germain
1
15
Olympic Medalist
2008
Argentina Olympic Team
1
Total Titles
46
Note: Debangshu Biswas first wrote this article and then got updated by Koushik Biswas. Stats are taken from Transfermakrt.com and accurate as of 19-01-2025
10 biggest football transfers from Premier League to La Liga
Discover the 10 biggest football transfers from the Premier League to Laliga, featuring players like Eden Hazard, and Phillipe Coutinho and legends like Luis Suarez and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Laliga clubs regularly own some of the biggest names in the world of football. Many of their top stars have come from abroad, often moving from the Premier League to La Liga. However, some superstars were not so successful in Laliga after the transfers. Trent Alexander Arnold is more likely to be the next biggest football transfer from the Premier League to Laliga. Discover the 10 biggest football transfers from the Premier League to Laliga, featuring players like Eden Hazard, and Phillipe Coutinho and legends like Luis Suarez and Cristiano Ronaldo.
10 biggest football transfers from Premier League to La Liga:
Rank
Player
From
To
Transfer Fee
1
Phillipe Coutinho
Liverpool
FC Barcelona
€142 million
2
Eden Hazard
Chelsea
Real Madrid
€130 million
3
Gareth Bale
Tottenham Hotspurs
Real Madrid
€85 million
4
Cristiano Ronaldo
Manchester United
Real Madrid
€80 million
5
Julian Alvarez
Manchester City
Atletico Madrid
€82 million
6
Luis Suarez
Liverpool
FC Barcelona
€75 million
7
Diego Costa
Chelsea
Atletico Madrid
€57 million
8
Raphinha
Leeds United
FC Barcelona
€67 million
9
Ferran Torres
Manchester City
FC Barcelona
€46 million
10
Conor Gallagher
Chelsea
Atletico Madrid
€35 million
10. Conor Gallagher | Chelsea to Atletico Madrid | €35 million:
Image Credit: Sky Sports
Conor Gallagher was one of the key players for Chelsea in his final season. He is a Chelsea academy player, despite being an academy graduate of Chelsea, the Blues sold him to the Laliga side Atletico Madrid for €35 million and became one of the players with the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga.
He has seemed a perfect fit for Diego Simeone’s managed side, though he has rotated with other midfielders. Gallagher scored an important Champions League goal against Real Madrid, during a round of 16 match in which Atletico was heartbreakingly beaten on penalties.
9. Ferran Torres | Manchester City to FC Barcelona | €46 million:
Image Credit: Barca Universal
FC Barcelona paid €46 million to Ferran Torres from Manchester City in 2022. But he was never able to prove his worth in FC Barcelona, he was one of the failed yet one the biggest transfers from the Premier League to Laliga.
The winger had never scored more than 10 goals in a single campaign for the La Liga giants. Torres played 145 games at Barcelona and has started almost exactly half (73), which shows the coaches he has played under have been aware that he cannot impact games.
8. Raphinha | Leeds United to FC Barcelona | €50 million:
Image Credit: Republic World
Raphinha was not a major signing for FC Barcelona, yet among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. In the first season, Raphinha scored 14 goals and contributed in 15 goals. However, in the 2024/25 season, Raphinha found his lost form under Hansi Flick as he scored 27 goals and delivered 20 assists. Now the Brazilian winger is one of the players who is getting Ballon d'Or shouts in 2025.
7. Diego Costa | Chelsea to Atletico Madrid | €57 million:
Image Credit: Reddit
Costa played for Atletico Madrid on a few different occasions. He had already left once before coming back in 2010 by the time he moved to Chelsea in 2014, and four years later, he was back, with Atletico Madrid paying €57 million for him.
Diego Costa was one of the players also among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. In his final season before leaving for the Premier League, Costa scored 36 goals, and in three seasons at Stamford Bridge, he scored 59 goals and 21 assists. The Spanish forward 81 games in four seasons after his return but scored just 19 goals in that time.
6. Luis Suarez | Liverpool to FC Barcelona | €75 million:
Image Credit: FC Barcelona
Barcelona had seen enough from Suarez in just two and a half seasons at Liverpool to sign him for an initially reported fee of £75million. That he’d move onto bigger things was unsurprising after notching 31 goals and 13 assists in his final season in the Premier League.
Luis Suarez was one of the key players also among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. The Uruguayan forward scored 195 goals and assisted 113 in 283 games, in his second season at Barca, scoring a remarkable 40 La Liga goals, along with 18 assists. Across all competitions that season, Suarez scored 54 goals and assisted 24.
5. Julian Alvarez | Manchester City to Atletico Madrid | €80 million:
Image Credit: X
One of the most recent players to the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga, Julian Alvarez moved to Manchester City for Atletico Madrid in the summer transfer window of the 2024 season. He already has 23 goals and five assists this season, including eight direct goal contributions in the Champions League. So far, the move looks a positive one for Alvarez.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo | Manchester United to Real Madrid | €80 million:
Image Credit: Sporting News
Cristiano Ronaldo was undoubtedly the best move from the Premier League to La Liga in history. He broke new ground with a transfer worth approximately £80million from Manchester United. The previous world-record transfer was Zinedine Zidane to Real Madrid, which had stood for eight years.
Ronaldo was one of the most devastating forwards in the world for his entire spell at Real Madrid, scoring 450 goals and assisting 131 in 438 games. Ronaldo is the most successful and among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017 while he was a Real Madrid player.
3. Gareth Bale | Tottenham Hotspurs to Real Madrid | €85 million:
Image Credit: Sporting News
At the time of his transfer to Real Madrid for approximately £85million, Bale’s was a world-record move. Gareth Bale was among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga.
Bale would win five Champions Leagues with Real, as well as three La Liga titles, among many other honors. Throughout seven seasons, he scored 106 goals and assisted 67 times.
2. Eden Hazard | Chelsea to Real Madrid | €130 million:
Image Credit: Sky Sports
Eden Hazard was one of the failed transfers yet and second-placed in the list of the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. That he never played 20 La Liga games in a single season, showed how much Hazard struggled, and he retired at just 32 years of age, having played just 10 games in his final season. The Belgian failed to match that single-season total in 76 games across his entire Real Madrid career.
1. Phillipe Coutinho | Liverpool to FC Barcelona | €142 million:
Image Credit: Barca Blaugranes
The biggest football transfer from the Premier League to La Liga, Barcelona spent an astonishing £142million to sign the midfielder from Liverpool. At Liverpool, he had become an iconic figure, having a direct hand in 97 goals in 201 games.
After 13 direct goal contributions in his first 18 La Liga games, Coutinho slowed with only seven contributions in the 32 games he played in the season. The Brazilian left for Aston Villa, after only 39 goal contributions in 106 games at Barcelona.
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Argentina vs Brazil FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Argentina smash Brazil by 4-1 in dominating performance
Read the Argentina vs Brazil FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers highlights as the defending World Champions thrashed Brazil by 4-1 at Estadio Mâs Monumental in Argentina.
Hello and welcome to another football LIVE Blog of Sportz Point.
This is Koushik Biswas, who will be staying up with you for this coverage. Tonight, we will be covering the Argentina vs Brazil FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers match at the Estadio Mâs Monumental in Argentina.
Argentina are currently leading the South American Qualifiers points table with 28 points from 13 games. In the meantime, Brazil are at number three with 21 points in the same number of games.
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 26, 2025
Mar 26, 2025, 1:48 AM
82' | Double change
In: Correa, Palacios
Out: Paredes, Alvarez
Mar 26, 2025, 1:47 AM
80' | Save from Bento
Excellent save from Bento as Paredes's right-footed strike from outside of the box nearly went in.
Bento made a full strechted dive to his left to make the save.
Mar 26, 2025, 1:45 AM
78' | Enzo is injured
Enzo Fernandez is injured and is getting a medical attention.
Mar 26, 2025, 1:42 AM
75' | Double change for Argentina
In: Medina, Nico Paz
Out: Tagliafico and Mac Allister
Mar 26, 2025, 1:40 AM
74' | Yellow card
Yellow card for De Paul for a foul.
Mar 26, 2025, 1:39 AM
72' | WHAATTTTT A GOAL | ARG 4-1 BRA
What a finish by Simione!
Tagliafico's cross from the left missed everyone, but it fell onto the feet of Simeone.
Although he had a very tight angle to work with, he hit the net with a powerful strike.
Argentina 4-1 Brazil.
Mar 26, 2025, 1:36 AM
69' | Yellow card
Yellow card for Otamendi for a foul.
Mar 26, 2025, 1:35 AM
69' | Change for Brazil
In: Savinho
Out: Cunha
Mar 26, 2025, 1:34 AM
68' | Change for Argentina
In: Simeone
Out: Almada
Mar 26, 2025, 1:32 AM
64' | Raphinha hits the wall
Brazil earned a free kick close to Argentina’s box, but Raphinha’s effort slammed into the defensive wall before trickling tamely into the arms of Martínez, who dealt with it comfortably.
Mar 26, 2025, 1:27 AM
60' | Chance for Argentina
De Paul caught Brazil napping with a sharp free kick, springing Enzo Fernández free down the right. Fernández delivered a pinpoint cross, but Tagliafico’s glancing header flashed agonizingly wide of the mark.
Mar 26, 2025, 1:25 AM
Banter!
Rodrygo: "You are very bad."
Paredes: "I have 1 World Cup and 2 Copa America's, you have zero." 🥶🥶
The last save from Bento gave the corner to Argentina. After a short corner, Enzo lobbed the ball from right of the box for Mac Allister to come running and get the goal with a clinical finish.
Argentina 3-1 Brazil.
Mar 26, 2025, 12:42 AM
36' | Save from Bento
Bento makes a great save as Almada makes a curling effort from the left of the box. Bento had to dive to his right to make the save.
Mar 26, 2025, 12:41 AM
32' | End-to-end stuff
Even after conceding the opening goal, Brazil haven’t shifted their approach, allowing Argentina to maintain a greater share of possession as the first half-hour unfolds.
Cristian Romero picked up the ball near his own box but fluffed his pass. Matheus Cunha pounced, nicking the ball back before driving forward and unleashing a right-footed strike that zipped past Emiliano Martínez to his right post, pulling the score to Agrentina 2-1 Brazil.
Mar 26, 2025, 12:28 AM
22' | Chance for Argentina
Romero fed the ball to Álvarez in the center, who quickly laid it off to De Paul. De Paul whipped in a cross, and Almada attempted to redirect it back to Álvarez, only for a Brazilian defender to intervene with a crucial, last-ditch clearance.
Mar 26, 2025, 12:28 AM
20' | Bento is injured
The referee halted play after Brazil’s goalkeeper, Bento, went down clutching his face. He signaled for medical help due to a cut, prompting the medical staff to rush onto the pitch for treatment. After a brief pause, the game has now resumed.
Argentina, holding the upper hand, refuse to ease up, relentlessly challenging Brazil for possession. The visitors, meanwhile, struggle to carve out any real threat against the home side’s goal.
Mar 26, 2025, 12:19 AM
13' | Enzo scores the second for Argentina | ARG 2-0 BRA
Nahuel Molina’s cross ricocheted off a Brazilian defender, landing perfectly for Enzo.
The Chelsea midfielder seized the chance, calmly slotting it past a stranded Bento. Argentina are soaring in ecstasy, while Brazil find themselves in serious peril!
Mar 26, 2025, 12:15 AM
This is how Alvarez scored
Gol de Julián Álvarez. No me canso de decir que bueno es. Se los dije siempre.
Following a swift move down the left flank, Nicolás Tagliafico nodded the ball to Thiago Almada. Almada then slipped a pass to Julián Álvarez, who deftly threaded it between two defenders inside the penalty area before firing a shot to make it 1-0.
Subs: Lucas Perri, Weverton, Lucas Beraldo, Alex Sandro, Léo Ortiz, Vanderson, Estêvão, João Gomes, Éderson, Savinho, Endrick, João Pedro.
Mar 25, 2025, 11:12 PM
Lineups | Argentina
Starting XI: E. Martínez, N. Molina, C. Romero, N. Otamendi, N. Tagliafico, L. Paredes, R. de Paul, E. Fernández, A. Mac Allister, T. Almada, J. Álvarez.
Subs: Walter Benítez, Gerónimo Rulli, Juan Foyth, Germán Pezzella, Leonardo Balerdi, Facundo Medina, Exequiel Palacios, Nico Paz, Máximo Perrone, Benjamín Domínguez, Giuliano Simeone, Ángel Correa.
Mar 25, 2025, 11:02 PM
He means it!
🚨🇧🇷| Raphinha’s interview with Romário about the game against Argentina tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/IewIQnm4hT
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 25, 2025
Mar 25, 2025, 10:42 PM
Argentina qualifies for FIFA World Cup 2026
After Bolivia’s goalless draw against Uruguay, the defending champions are now guaranteed a top-six position in the points table. Hence, they have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Argentina vs Brazil 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifiers | Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible Lineups and Fantasy XI Prediction
Read the full match preview, head-to-head stats, possible starting lineups, and Fantasy XI Prediction of the Argentina vs Brazil match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifiers at Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Read the full match preview, head-to-head stats, possible starting lineups, and Fantasy XI Prediction of the Argentina vs Brazil match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifiers at Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires.
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 23, 2025
Argentina:
Argentina will be at their home this time around. They defeated Brazil in their last meeting, and even though it was an away fixture, Lionel Scaloni's managed side secured a win in a close contest. The Argentine squad also secured a win in their previous match against Uruguay. Lionel Scaloni's managed side is at the top of the table, having won nine of their thirteen matches.
Brazil:
Brazil is not in the best forms but are slowly gaining the momentum. They faced Colombia in their last world cup qualifier match and came out on top after Vinicius Junior's late winner. Dorival Junior's lads are in a good form and currently undefeated in the last few matches. Dorival Junior's managed side jumped up to the third spot with a win in their previous counter.
Kick-Off:
Mas Monumental Stadium | Image Credit: WSDG
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Stadium: Mas Monumental
Date: Wednesday, 26 March
Kick-Off time: 5:30 am IST
Recent Form:
Argentina:
Image Credit: Out Look
Uruguay 0-1 Argentina (Away, World Cup qualifiers)
Argentina 1-0 Peru (Home, World Cup Qualifiers)
Paraguay 2-1 Argentina (Away, World Cup Qualifiers)
Argentina 6-0 Bolivia (Home, World Cup Qualifiers)
Venezuela 1-1 Argentina (Away, World Cup Qualifiers)
Brazil:
Image Credit: Hindustan Times
Chile 1-2 Brazil (Away, World Cup qualifiers)
Brazil 4-0 Peru (Home, World Cup qualifiers)
Venezuela 1-1 Brazil (Away, World Cup qualifiers)
Brazil 1-1 Uruguay (Home, World Cup qualifiers)
Brazil 2-1 Colombia (Home, World Cup qualifiers)
Head-to-head stats:
Total Matches: 16
Brazil won: 7
Argentina won: 6
Draw: 3
Injury Updates:
Lautaro Martinez will not be a part of Argentina's squad as he is injured.
Alisson Becker is injured and will not be in action for Brazil.
Predicted Lineup:
Argentina:
Emi Martinez (GK), Nahuel Molina, Christian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Leonardo Pardes, Alexis Mac Allister, Guiliano Simeone, Enzo Fernandez, Angel Correra, Julian Alvarez.