Post-World Cup 2026: Vinicius undergoes a transformation, Inter Miami without Messi.
While Vinicius surprised everyone with his new look after surgery, Inter Miami faced difficulties without the duo of Messi and De Paul. The football world also mourned the passing of legend Kevin Keegan.
The excitement surrounding the 2026 World Cup hasn't subsided even though the tournament has ended. Behind-the-scenes developments, crucial personnel decisions, and major losses are reshaping the face of world football before national leagues begin.
Vinicius and his impressive new look.
Immediately after finishing his campaign with the Brazilian national team, striker Vinicius Jr. decided to undergo cosmetic surgery on his chin. This is seen as a step to reshape the face of the Real Madrid star. The first images of the striker after his recovery quickly went viral on social media platforms.
Most fans have given positive reviews. Many believe that his new look makes Vinicius appear more mature, masculine, and somewhat sharper than before. While it's not uncommon for football stars to take care of their appearance after major tournaments, Vinicius's noticeable transformation is still a topic that attracts significant attention.
Inter Miami suffers major setback: Messi and De Paul absent.
In the US, Inter Miami is facing a major personnel challenge at the start of the 2026/27 MLS season. According to FIFA regulations, players who participated in the World Cup final must have a minimum of 21 days of rest. This means Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will certainly miss at least the first two matches.
More worryingly, the Argentine captain's absence could be longer than expected. Messi currently needs to spend time with his family as his father's health is deteriorating. This is a huge challenge for Inter Miami's ambitions as they have to start the new season without their brightest star.
Changes on the coaching bench and Scaloni's future
In South America, Lionel Scaloni's future with the Argentina national team remains uncertain. Despite having a contract until December 2026, the strategist has yet to make a long-term commitment after leading the team to the World Cup runner-up position. Key negotiations with the Argentine Football Association (AFA) are expected to take place in September.
Meanwhile, Europe witnessed contrasting developments. Croatia showed absolute confidence in Slaven Bilic with a modest four-year contract worth €1 million per year, aiming to rebuild the team for the 2030 World Cup. Conversely, the Belgian national team officially parted ways with coach Rudi Garcia, despite him leading the "Red Devils" to the semi-finals, signaling a comprehensive overhaul.
Professional statistics: The contrast between goalkeepers
FIFA's post-World Cup 2026 technical report revealed some interesting statistics about the goalkeeping position. Orlando Gill of Paraguay became a phenomenon as the most active goalkeeper in the tournament, playing a major role in helping the South American team reach the Round of 16.
| Goalkeeper | Team | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Orlando Gill | Paraguay | Most saves, widest range of operations. |
| Unai Simon | Spain | To concede the fewest goals (1 goal), and to have the least amount of work to do. |
In contrast to Gill, Unai Simon of the Spanish champions admitted he had a relatively "easy" tournament. The solidity of their defense meant Simon only had to pick the ball out of the net once throughout their title-winning campaign.
Farewell to legend Kevin Keegan
The football world has just received sad news as Kevin Keegan, a legend of Liverpool and the England national team, has passed away at the age of 75 after a long battle with cancer. He was the only English player in history to have won the Ballon d'Or twice (1978, 1979).
Keegan's passing has left football fans with immeasurable grief. In his illustrious career, he not only won countless titles with Liverpool but also left a lasting mark as a coach at Newcastle and the England national team. A symbol of passion and talent has officially left the pitch forever.
