World Cup

World Cup news

New Zealand v Australia - International Friendly

Viral stunt sees 'least-known' World Cup player shoot to stardom

New Zealand defender Tim Payne has seen his social media presence explode after a viral stunt transformed him into an internet sensation ahead of the World Cup. Orchestrated by a prominent Argentine influencer, the online campaign has rapidly propelled the veteran full-back's Instagram follower count to a staggering 2.5 million users.

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Scotland fans World Cup Miami

‘On the beach’ - After Messi mania, Scotland invasion hits Miami

Miami has experienced Lionel Messi mania since the Argentine GOAT made his way to MLS, with the Sunshine State now preparing for a Scottish invasion during the 2026 World Cup. Robert Snodgrass expects that party to be just as special, if not even more raucous, with the Tartan Army hoping to see history made on North American soil this summer.

Michael Olise Lamine Yamal Bayern Munich Barcelona 2025-26

World’s best right winger? Why Olise is a ‘step below’ Yamal

Michael Olise and Lamine Yamal are two of the best right wingers in world football, but Marcel Desailly has told GOAL when Bayern Munich’s superstar Frenchman remains a “step below” Barcelona’s teenage wonderkid. Both forwards continue to post remarkable numbers for club and country, with their awe-inspiring skill sets about to illuminate the 2026 World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo Roy Keane Gary Neville Manchester United

‘He was crying!’ - How Neville & Keane made Ronaldo a ‘robot’

The role that Gary Neville and Roy Keane played in turning Cristiano Ronaldo into a footballing “robot” has been explained to GOAL by Eric Djemba-Djemba, with the Portuguese icon wiping away tears while heading down the path to superstardom. Some rough treatment was handed out during his first spell at Manchester United, but the all-time great has never been the type to back down from a challenge.

Ricardo Pepi Folarin Balogun USMNT 2026

PL prediction: Balogun with ‘big boys’ & Pepi at ‘mid team’

USMNT strikers Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi have become the subject of Premier League transfer predictions, with Brad Friedel telling GOAL that both could end up in the English top-flight. It is suggested that the former may link up with one of the “big boys”, while the latter would benefit from using “mid to lower teams” as another career stepping stone.

Spain v Germany: Quarter-Final - UEFA EURO 2024

Neuer 'aura' lifts Germany squad

Manuel Neuer’s return to Germany’s squad has lifted confidence inside the national team camp ahead of the World Cup. Team-mates Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck admitted the Bayern Munich veteran’s reputation alone changes how opponents approach games.

FBL-EURO-2024-MD-1-POR-TRAINING

Dalot targets World Cup fairytale for Ronaldo

Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot believes that leading Portugal to ultimate glory at the 2026 World Cup would provide a fittingly beautiful finale to Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic career. The versatile full-back emphasised that the entire footballing world, not just their home nation, will be uniting to support the veteran forward's quest.