World Cup

World Cup news

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Can Italy banish their demons & end World Cup woe?

Italy are World Cup royalty. Only five-time winners Brazil have been crowned champions on more occasions than the Azzurri (four). And yet it's now 20 years since Italy last lifted the trophy. Worse still, they've failed to qualify for the past two tournaments, meaning there's an entire generation that have never seen their country even play in a World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup trophy Portugal

Ronaldo's return date set amid World Cup concerns

Cristiano Ronaldo has been given the green light to return to Al-Nassr training following a successful rehabilitation programme in Madrid and Riyadh. The Portuguese icon, who has been sidelined with a hamstring issue, is expected to feature in Friday’s Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Najma. His recovery provides a timely boost for both his club’s title charge and Portugal’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

Harry Kane Ballon d'Or

‘Strange’ Kane snub surprises England legend Rooney

England legend Wayne Rooney considers it to be “strange” that Harry Kane has never received greater recognition on the Ballon d’Or front. The prolific Bayern Munich striker, who is the all-time leading scorer for Tottenham and the Three Lions, has never finished higher than 10th in any Golden Ball vote. That situation could change in 2026, with Kane considered to be a leading contender for the most prestigious of prizes.

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‘Fantastic captain’ picked as Messi successor with Argentina

Javier Saviola has named the “fantastic captain” that should replace Lionel Messi as Argentina skipper when the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner walks away from international football. That could happen after this summer’s World Cup in North America, with Messi yet to confirm whether he will be chasing down a second global title with the Albiceleste.

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Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal 2025

Martinez reveals what will 'retire' Ronaldo - and it's not age

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has revealed what will “retire” Cristiano Ronaldo, with the evergreen Al-Nassr forward still going strong at 41 years of age. Remarkable individual standards at club level have been maintained by the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus superstar. He is preparing to grace a sixth World Cup finals this summer and has been showing no sign of slowing down.

World Cup 2026 FIFA Trump concerns GFX

Trump, ICE & Iran: Six major concerns ahead of the World Cup

In November, we were treated to the most exhilarating reminder possible of the magic of the World Cup. History was made in Jamaica as Curacao became the smallest nation ever to qualify by holding the Reggae Boys to a 0-0 draw in Kingston. Elsewhere in CONCACAF, Haiti managed to secure a spot at the finals for the first time in 50 years with a 2-0 win over Nicaragua - in spite of the fact that they weren't able to play any games at home because of the ongoing conflict on the Caribbean island.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw - Red Carpet Arrivals

'Checks I've never seen!' - Deschamps fumes at US security

France head coach Didier Deschamps has expressed his frustration with the logistical challenges and "unprecedented" security measures encountered during Les Bleus' tour of the United States. Speaking ahead of Sunday's friendly against Colombia, the World Cup-winner highlighted the difficulties facing international teams as they navigate American infrastructure.

England v Uruguay - International Friendly

Tuchel admits Maguire is low in England pecking order

Thomas Tuchel has shed light on the current defensive hierarchy within the England camp, admitting that several names are currently preferred over Harry Maguire. Despite the Manchester United veteran impressing on his return to the international stage against Uruguay, he faces a significant battle to secure a spot for the upcoming World Cup.

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Lukaku agent seeks Napoli peace

Romelu Lukaku’s relationship with Napoli has reached a critical juncture following his decision to remain in Belgium during the international break. While the club and manager Antonio Conte were left frustrated by his absence from the training ground, new reports suggest a diplomatic effort is underway to repair the damage.

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Maguire credits Man Utd boss Carrick for England recall

Harry Maguire has opened up on his emotional return to the England setup, admitting that Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick played a pivotal role in reviving his international career. After 18 months in the wilderness, the veteran defender is back in the fold and started the Three Lions' World Cup warm-up clash against Uruguay.

Jamal Musiala

Nagelsmann issues Musiala World Cup warning

Julian Nagelsmann has warned Jamal Musiala that time is fast running out for him to prove his fitness ahead of the upcoming World Cup. The Bayern Munich sensation has been forced to sit out Germany’s latest round of international friendlies as he continues to struggle with a persistent ankle problem.

Gio Reyna USMNT 2025

Adu explains why Reyna's unique skillset is crucial to USMNT

Freddy Adu has told GOAL why Gio Reyna’s unique skillset could be crucial to the USMNT cause at a home World Cup. The United States is, alongside Mexico and Canada, preparing to play host to FIFA’s flagship event in 2026. Reyna is hoping to play a prominent role at that event but, having endured form and fitness issues at club level, has been informed of what he needs to bring to Mauricio Pochettino’s squad in order to make the cut.

NXGN World Cup GFX

Yamal & the NXGN wonderkids to watch at the World Cup

The World Cup is now just two-and-a-half months away, with teams currently making their final preparations for the finals, while others look to book the final few spots in North America during the March international break. Once the tournament does eventually get under way, the stage will be set for a whole host of players to make themselves national heroes, including some of the most exciting youngsters in the game today.

Frequently asked questions

Al-Hilal are the most successful Saudi Pro League side ever, having won an astonishing 19 league titles. Their first-ever league title came at the end of the 1976-77 campaign. Currently, they are also the defending champions, having gone all the way in the 2023-24 season.

Currently, there are 18 teams in the Saudi Pro League. In the first season ever, which took place in 1976-77, there were just eight teams. The number increased to 10 in the following season. Ahead of the 1981-82, Saudi Premier League and Saudi First Division merged to form one single league for the 1982 FIFA World Cup qualification process. However, from the 1984-85 season, the number teams reverted to 12.

Legendary Saudi Arabian goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Deayea holds the record for most appearances in the Saudi Pro League. Al-Deayea played for Al-Taee and Al-Hilal and managed 406 appearances inthe league.

Majed Abdullah, also known as the Arabian Pele, is the league's all-time leading topscorer with 189 goals in 194 league games, all of them coming with Al-Nassr in a 21-year span. He is Al-Nassr's record goalscorer, with 259 goals in just 266 games.

Former Syrian midfielder Jehad Al-Hussain has registered the most assists in Saudi Pro League history, setting up 50 goals for his teammates in 208 games.

Former Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El Hadary is the oldest player to ever feature in Saudi Pro League. El Hadary was 45 years and 81 days old when he featured for Al-Taawoun in April 2018.

Teenage sensation Talal Haji, who plays for Al-Ittihad, is the youngest player to ever play in Saudi Pro League. Haji achieved this feat at the age of 16 years and five days when he came on as a substitute for Romarinho in Al-Ittihad's 2-1 win over Al-Fateh in September 2023.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Riyad Mahrez, Karim Benzema, Roberto Firmino, N'Golo Kante, Sadio Mane, Yassine Bounou, Nacho, Aymeric Laporte, and Fabinho are among the most famous players to have played in the Saudi Pro League.

Steven Gerrard, Laurent Blanc, and Stefano Pioli are some of Saudi Pro League's most prominent managers in history.

The King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, which is home to Al-Shabab and Al-Riyadh, is the biggest stadium in Saudi Pro League. It has a capacity of 68,752.

Neymar is the most expensive player in Saudi Pro League history, costing a whopping £77.6 million when Al-Hilal bought him from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.