World Cup news

France national team head coach Didier Deschamps has sent a powerful message to Hugo Ekitike following the announcement of his serious injury. The Liverpool forward, who was enjoying a stellar season in the Premier League, has seen his 2026 World Cup dreams shattered after going down in the Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has taken the extraordinary step of consulting the country's president, Lula, over whether Neymar should be included in the squad for the 2026 World Cup. The Santos forward's international future has become a matter of state importance as he battles recurring fitness issues in his homeland.

U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker is leaving his role to take a similar job with Saudi Arabia. Crocker's exit comes just weeks before the federation opens its brand new training facility ahead of the World Cup on home soil. Crocker is set to leave his role with immediate effect, ending a three-year stay with the federation.

GOAL sat down to talk with the Mexico striker to discuss his journey, the challenges he's faced, and what's motivating him at this year's World Cup.

Oliver Kahn insists he has been misinterpreted, and that his remarks about national team player Jamal Musiala possibly missing the World Cup have been taken out of context.

Declan Rice, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are all considered to be Ballon d’Or-worthy talents, but who will be the next Englishman to win the prestigious Golden Ball? Former Three Lions midfielder Gareth Barry has delivered his verdict to GOAL, with Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid superstars eager to be recognised as the best player on the planet.

Max Dowman has made Premier League history at Arsenal, with the 16-year-old wonderkid rewriting the record books, but Gareth Barry has told GOAL why the exciting youngster is likely to miss out on a place in England’s 2026 World Cup squad. There has been talk of the teenager becoming a wild card for the Three Lions, but questions are being asked of whether he needs to be fast tracked through that system.

The Ghana Football Association has officially appointed Carlos Queiroz as the new head coach of the Black Stars to lead their 2026 World Cup campaign. The former Manchester United assistant manager replaces Otto Addo just 58 days before the tournament begins, bringing a wealth of elite international experience to the West African giants.

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has expressed his hope that Neymar will represent Brazil at the 2026 World Cup. The Spain international described the veteran forward as his "idol" and one of football’s most inspiring entertainers.

This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast following the countdown to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. In this week's episode, we look at how Spain went from defining an era to questioning its very place in the global game. We revisit the brilliance of the golden generation, the abrupt collapse after Brazil 2014, and the struggle of the teams that followed. And we turn to the present: a new coach, new mindset, and a wave of young talent led by Lamine Yamal, the prodigy many believe could carry Spain towards redemption in 2026. This is the journey of a team trying to rediscover itself - and the uncertainty, promise and pressure that comes with chasing a second star.

Brazil veteran Hulk has delivered a surprisingly neutral assessment regarding Neymar’s potential inclusion in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. As the legendary forward battles to regain full match fitness following a lengthy injury absence, the lack of an explicit endorsement from his former international team-mate has intensified the selection debate.

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Harry Kane is being tipped to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo by playing into his 40s, with ex-England star Gareth Barry telling GOAL why the prolific Bayern Munich striker should be giving no thought to retirement. Kane is only 32, with many years ahead of him, and is expected to offer domestic and international bosses a huge boost by following in the footsteps of fellow all-time greats.

A recent surge in racism at Spanish football stadiums has brought this sensitive issue back into the spotlight.

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