World Cup news

Thiago Silva has thrown his significant weight behind Neymar as an "indisputable" pick for Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad. Despite persistent struggles with fitness that have hindered his momentum at club level with Santos, the veteran defender believes Neymar is still capable of being a difference-maker for the Selecao on the world stage.

England captain Harry Kane has led the tributes to Kyle Walker after the veteran defender announced his retirement from international football. The 35-year-old Burnley full-back has decided to end his Three Lions career after earning 96 caps and representing his country at five major tournaments, spanning a 14-year period at the very highest level of the game.

Neymar has hit back at his critics and "made-up stories" concerning his fitness after he was a notable absentee from Santos' 2-2 draw with Mirassol. The 34-year-old was expected to feature in the Brasileirão clash but was ultimately left out of the matchday squad to undergo a specific workload management program, sparking a fresh wave of speculation regarding his physical condition ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali said the country’s national team cannot participate in the 2026 World Cup following recent military conflict involving the United States and Israel. Speaking on Iranian state television, Donyamali said the current circumstances mean participation in the tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, is not possible.

The former striker speaks harshly about the current state of Italian football, not sparing Inzaghi and Allegri from his criticism.

The U.S. Men's National Team will be based in the city of Irvine during the World Cup, having selected the Great Park as the team's official base camp. The U.S. will train at the Great Park Championship Soccer Stadium, home of USL Championship side Orange County SC.

The president of the Iranian Football Federation has once again questioned the men's national team's participation in the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

After an illustrious international journey spanning 15 years, legendary defender Kyle Walker has officially announced his retirement from the England national team. The 35-year-old Burnley star leaves behind a remarkable legacy of 96 caps, having played a pivotal role in transforming the Three Lions' fortunes across five major tournaments and multiple historic finals.

With the countdown on to the main event in the United States, Canada and Mexico, New Balance have got us bang in the mood for the 2026 World Cup with their latest boot drop ready for the biggest stage, with fresh paintjobs for the Furon, Tekela and 442.

Weston McKennie has told GOAL what leadership means to him, as a captaincy candidate with Juventus and the USMNT, while discussing the kind of characters that he likes to work alongside. The all-action midfielder is enjoying a productive 2026, with a new contract being signed in Turin, and is counting down the days to a home World Cup on American soil.

Manchester United’s decision to sell Scott McTominay in 2024 remains a “big surprise”, with the all-action midfielder thriving in Italy with Napoli. The history books have been rewritten there, with former Scotland international Gary McAllister telling GOAL why a break from tradition by the Red Devils has generated some uncomfortable questions at Old Trafford.

Former Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka has officially committed his international future to Austria. The Borussia Dortmund star, who represented England at youth level, is now set to link up with former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick.

This is Legacy, GOAL’s feature and podcast series that counts down to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. This time we look back at one of football’s most emotional journeys: Algeria’s road from Gijon to Porto Alegre. From the heartbreak of 1982 to the pride of 2014, it’s the story of a team that turned injustice into identity, and showed the world that, for Algeria, the dream never dies.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino insists the 2026 World Cup will be a flawless global celebration, brushing aside mounting anxieties over escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Despite the USA and Israel conflict with Iran disrupting football calendars, causing widespread visa chaos, and forcing Iraq to request a delay, FIFA remains solely focused on record ticket sales.