Liverpool are sensationally weighing up a move to bring England’s World Cup breakout star Djed Spence to Anfield this summer. The Tottenham defender has seen his stock skyrocket after a series of dominant displays in North America, prompting the Reds to consider a major defensive reinforcement.
Gianni Infantino is facing explosive new allegations after leaked documents suggested he was involved in discussions to bring the European Super League under FIFA’s umbrella. While the broader football community opposed the breakaway project in 2021, reports indicate the FIFA president explored the possibility of branding the competition as the "FIFA Super League."
The Argentine Football Association has officially declared July 15 as 'National Football Teams Day' to commemorate their historic 2026 World Cup semi-final triumph over England. The date immortalises a dramatic comeback in Atlanta where the Albiceleste scored twice in the final minutes to shatter English dreams and secure their place in a second consecutive final.
David Raya is the “most unfortunate goalkeeper in world football”, ex-Arsenal shot-stopper Graham Stack has told GOAL, but the Spain international is also considered to be the “best” that the Premier League has to offer. Raya savoured title glory with the Gunners last season, winning another Golden Glove, but remained rooted to the bench during a triumphant World Cup campaign at international level.
Barcelona midfielder Gavi has unveiled a shocking new pink hairstyle to fulfil a promise he made for Spain winning the World Cup. The 22-year-old showed off his radical new look on social media just before returning for pre-season training under Hansi Flick.
It's been sad to watch a generational talent decline so rapidly, and the veteran forward risks doing irreparable damage to his legacy as his attitude threatens to derail his club
Brazil have won the World Cup five times, more than any other country. They first lifted the trophy in 1958, before successfully defending their title four years later. They then made it three in 1970, while also emerging victorious in 1994 and 2002 to show what they're made of.
How many teams are in the World Cup?
The most recent edition of the World Cup, which took place in Qatar in 2022, featured 32 teams. However, from the upcoming edition in 2026, as many as 48 teams will be contesting for the ultimate prize in international football. The number of teams that will be featuring has almost quadrupled since the inaugural edition in 1930, which hosted 13 teams.
Who has made the most World Cup appearances ever?
Lionel Messi holds the record of making the most appearances in World Cups, having represented Argentina 26 times across five editions.
Who is the all-time World Cup topscorer?
Germany's Miroslav Klose tops the all-time goalscoring charts in World Cups, having scored an incredible 16 goals in 24 games across four consecutive editions from 2002 to 2014.
Who is the oldest World Cup player and how old was he?
Egyptian legend Essam El Hadary is the oldest player to have ever featured in a World Cup game. The goalkeeper was 45 years and 161 days old when he participated in Egypt's 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia at the 2018 World Cup.
Who is the youngest World Cup player and how old was he?
Former Manchester United man Norman Whiteside is the youngest player ever to play a World Cup game. The midfielder was just 17 years and 41 days old when he featured for Northern Ireland in a game against Yugoslavia at the 1982 World Cup.
Which famous footballers have featured at the World Cup?
Pele, Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, Gerd Muller, Roberto Baggio, Ronaldo, Romario, Eusebio, Johan Cruyff, David Villa, Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo among others are some of the biggest legends in footballing history who have graced the pitch during World Cups.
Which famous managers have led teams at the World Cup?
The likes of Didier Deschamps, Franz Beckenbauer, Luiz Felipe Scolari, Vicente del Bosque, Vittorio Pozzo, Louis van Gaal, Sven-Goran Eriksson, and Ivica Osim are some of the most accomplished individuals to have managed at the World Cup finals.