We're now just hours away from the start of the 2026 World Cup, with teams currently making their final preparations ahead of the big kick-off in the United States, Mexico and Canada on Thursday. This is the biggest World Cup ever, with 48 teams having qualified, meaning there are a whole host of players making their first appearance on the global stage.
It's so close we can almost taste it. The 2026 World Cup is now just days away, with the best players from around the globe descending on the United States, Mexico and Canada for what promises to be a superb summer of football. While some teams will solely harbour dreams of getting out of the groups, others know that anything other than a trophy parade in late-July will go down as failure. We're set, then, for five-and-a-half weeks of drama, filled with joy and heartbreak in equal measure.
FIFA has announced a significant protocol modification that will see every squad member take part in the pre-match national anthems at the upcoming World Cup. Moving away from traditional sporting custom, football's global governing body has mandated that both starting line-ups and substitutes congregate together on the pitch ahead of kick-off.
The World Cup has had no shortage of iconic moments across nearly 100 years of history. Every four years, billions of fans congregate to watch a tournament that has provided more drama, heartbreak and joy than any other event in sporting history. Football's grandest stage, the World Cup has always offered a platform for legends to be born, but it has also seen reputations destroyed and the downfall of so many famous faces.
FIFA has confirmed the key dates and squad regulations for the 2026 World Cup. Nations must submit their final player lists by June 1, with strict rules in place regarding injuries, replacements and goalkeeper selections.
The World Cup has been the home of some of the very best players in football's history so it is little surprise that the subject of the best goal at the tournament is so hotly debated. Diego Maradona, Pele, and even Benjamin Pavard would put forward their own arguments for the prize, but which of them come out on top, if any?! GOAL guides you through the 15 best goals in the World Cup finals.
James Rodriguez says he has no intention of retiring after representing Colombia at this summer's World Cup. Reports had said that the veteran midfielder would call it quits after the upcoming tournament, but Rodriguez, who started the MLS season with Minnesota United on a short-term deal, says he expects to play on.
James Rodriguez's brief, underwhelming spell with Minnesota United appears to be nearing an abrupt end. Apple TV's Michele Giannone and The Athletic reported that the Colombian star will leave next week to join his national team for the World Cup and is not expected to return after the tournament. The midfielder has made just four league appearances for the club.
Sixteen years after the global phenomenon of 'Waka Waka', Shakira is set to take centre stage again for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The Colombian singer has released a snippet of the official song for the tournament titled 'Dai Dai', a collaborative project with Nigerian artist Burna Boy.
In the 44th minute of Bayern Munich's Bundesliga clash with St. Pauli on November 29, Luis Diaz ended up prone in the penalty area. However, while the winger had lost his balance, he'd not lost control of the ball - and somehow managed to flick it up off the floor and into the path of Joshua Kimmich to score. It was an extraordinary piece of skill - but Bayern boss Vincent Kompany wasn't in the least bit surprised by it.
GOAL sits down with former Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina to discuss Colombia’s new generation, his place within it, and the weight of expectation ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
James Rodriguez is determined to reach the 2026 World Cup in peak condition. The Colombian playmaker made his first Major League Soccer start for Minnesota United on Saturday, silencing any doubts about his fitness. Despite a narrow loss to LAFC, he showcased glimpses of his former glory before making a vow to Colombia fans ahead of their World Cup campaign this summer.
Minnesota United have provided a positive update on James Rodriguez following his recent emergency hospitalization. The Colombian superstar has returned to the club’s training facility after a health scare while on international duty.
Colombia captain James Rodriguez has been admitted to a Minnesota hospital following a health scare during the international break. The veteran playmaker is undergoing medical monitoring for severe dehydration just months before the 2026 World Cup kicks off.
Liverpool and Newcastle United have reportedly entered a fierce battle to secure the signature of Sporting CP forward Luis Suarez ahead of the summer transfer window. The Colombian international has enjoyed a prolific campaign in Portugal, attracting elite Premier League interest following a string of dominant displays. With a significant release clause in place, any potential suitor will need to break the bank for the 28-year-old.
Colombia
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