As the world’s best tennis players turn their focus to the grass-court season, many will also have an eye on manicured lawns thousands of miles away as the United States, Mexico and Canada host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

At a much more relaxed level, soccer finds a home each year on the players’ lawn at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, with ATP and WTA stars working in a soccer ball to their warm-up routines or moments of relaxation. It’s not unusual for impromptu ‘friendlies’ to break out at other times.

This past March Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka delighted fans when they went through their fitness paces together with a soccer ball. Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Casper Ruud, Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina were among the many stars to have a kickabout.

With an expanded field of 48 countries in action at the World Cup, interest among tennis players will be at an all-time high… with the possible exception of Italian players after the 2006 champion nation failed to qualify.

Casper Ruud, who will be cheering on Norway and striker Erling Haaland in his World Cup debut, couldn’t help but take a friendly dig at Sinner after falling to the World No. 1 in the Rome final.

"Italy is doing very well in tennis, but in football it's another story," Ruud joked during the trophy ceremony. 

Separately, Sinner was asked if he would trade one of his titles if it meant Italy qualified for this year’s World Cup. “I'd like to make this exchange because it's a simple thing," Sinner said. "Many young people and kids haven't seen the World Cup yet, especially with Italy not being there." 

The World Cup began June 11 and culminates July 19 at East Rutherford, New Jersey.