Depay has chance to break Dutch scoring record

Striker Memphis Depay is fit to play for the Netherlands in their World Cup qualifier at home to Poland on Thursday, giving him the opportunity to become the country's top goalscorer, Reuters reported.

The 31-year-old equalled Robin van Persie's record of 50 goals in their last outing in June when the Dutch beat Malta 8-0 as they won a second match in Group G.

There had been some doubt over Depay's fitness for Thursday's match in Rotterdam as he only recently returned to club action for Corinthians in Brazil, but coach Ronald Koeman told a Wednesday press conference the striker was fit and in line to start the match, according to Reuters.

World Cup title next year is our goal, says Germany coach Nagelsmann

Four-time world champions Germany have set their sights firmly on winning the 2026 World Cup, coach Julian Nagelsmann said on Wednesday ahead of their first qualifier against Slovakia on Thursday, Reuters reported.

Germany kick off their World Cup Group A qualifying campaign in Bratislava before next hosting Northern Ireland on September 7 in Cologne.

Nagelsmann said they were eager to make a winning start in their bid to qualify for the tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico next year, according to Reuters.

Tielemans named as new Belgium captain

Belgium have picked Youri Tielemans to be their captain, with coach Rudi Garcia choosing the Aston Villa midfielder over several more experienced players in the squad, Reuters reported.

Following Garcia’s appointment earlier this year, he rotated the captaincy as he said he was searching for the right leader for the squad but on Wednesday announced the 28-year-old would be taking charge.

“Youri Tielemans will be our permanent captain,” Garcia told a press conference on the eve of Thursday’s World Cup qualifier in Liechtenstein, according to Reuters.

FIFA World Cup 2026 presale opens next week with 1 million tickets

Dynamic pricing will be in operation during the first phase of ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup, with fans paying different prices according to market demand and seats starting at $60, FIFA said on Wednesday, Reuters reported.

Fans will have their first chance to secure tickets for next year's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico during the Visa Presale Draw, opening on September 10, at 1100 ET (1500 CET) and running until September 19.

Open to qualifying Visa cardholders, tickets for group-stage matches will start at $60, with pricing for later stages, including the final, reaching up to $6,730, FIFA said, according to Reuters.