+18 | Play Responsibly | T&C's Apply | Commercial Content | Publishing Principles | What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit.

World Cup

World Cup news

England outsiders GFX

10 England outsiders who can still earn World Cup spots

The clock is ticking down to a potentially tenure-defining decision for Thomas Tuchel, who will be putting the final touches to his England squad for the 2026 World Cup. However, there is still time for those on the fringes to make a late push into the manager's thinking as the season enters his final weeks. Some, though, stand a much better chance than others.

Messi Ronaldo split 2025

Messi and Ronaldo branded the Federer and Nadal of football

Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry has weighed in on the eternal debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, refusing to separate the two icons. Speaking at a recent event, the former striker compared their enduring rivalry to tennis greats Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, insisting that both superstars exist in their own footballing galaxy.

South Korea v Brazil - International Friendly

Estevao returns to Palmeiras for injury rehabilitation

Chelsea starlet Estevao Willian has returned to his native Brazil to continue his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury at the facilities of his former club, Palmeiras. The 19-year-old winger is facing a desperate race against time to prove his fitness ahead of the upcoming World Cup, with his place in Carlo Ancelotti's squad currently in serious jeopardy.

lamine yamal

Boost for Spain! Yamal ALREADY back training on grass

Lamine Yamal has taken a major step in his recovery after returning to grass training at Barcelona’s facilities. The teenage forward is following a strict rehabilitation programme after suffering a muscle tear in April. Spain boss Luis de la Fuente is hopeful the winger will still play a key role at the 2026 World Cup.

Spain v Egypt - International Friendly

Henry 'amazed' by Yamal's footballing 'intelligence'

France legend Thierry Henry has lauded Barcelona and Spain sensation Lamine Yamal, admitting he is "amazed" by the teenager's decision-making on the pitch. Speaking ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the former Barcelona striker expressed his desire to see the La Roja wonderkid at his absolute "peak" at the tournament, as he battles back from a serious injury.

Advertisement
Legacy Senegal GFX

LEGACY: Senegal's resurgent World Cup journey

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 week, we follow Senegal's Lions of Teranga across two decades of triumph, turbulence and transformation - from the thunderbolt of 2002, to the cruel fair-play exit of 2018, to the continental rise that brought them back stronger in Qatar.

San Lorenzo v Santos - Copa CONMEBOL Sudamericana 2026

Casemiro says Neymar will accept bench role for Brazil at World Cup

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has thrown his weight behind Neymar making Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad, suggesting the forward is willing to sacrifice his starting spot to chase the trophy. With the Seleção's final roster set to be announced on May 18, the veteran midfielder believes the Santos star still has a vital role to play under Carlo Ancelotti.

Phil Foden Morgan Gibbs-White England

Foden & MGW miss out! England legend picks three WC No.10s

Phil Foden and Morgan Gibbs-White have been warned to brace for World Cup heartache, with Chris Waddle telling GOAL which playmakers he would pick if stepping into Thomas Tuchel’s shoes as England boss. The Three Lions are blessed with an abundance of creative options, such as Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, meaning that some big names are going to be left disappointed.

Brazilian striker Neymar (R) gives the t

'Technically better than CR7 & Messi' - Neymar gets World Cup backing from Cafu

Brazil icon Cafu has sensationally claimed that Neymar is technically superior to both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as he backed the forward to lead the Selecao at the upcoming World Cup. The legendary right-back, who remains the only man to play in three consecutive World Cup finals, believes a fit Neymar remains the ultimate difference-maker for the Brazil national team.

Harry Maguire England 2026

Tuchel urged to rethink World Cup plans on ‘perfect’ Maguire

Thomas Tuchel has been urged to rethink his World Cup plans when it comes to Harry Maguire, with former England full-back Michael Gray explaining to GOAL why the Manchester United centre-half is worth his “weight in gold” to the Three Lions cause. German tactician Tuchel has some big selection calls to make ahead of a global gathering in North America this summer.

FBL-EUR-C1-PSG-BAYERN MUNICH

Why Kane can win Ballon d'Or as Bayern trio likened to ‘MSN’

Alan Shearer suggests Harry Kane could secure the Ballon d’Or this year regardless of England’s World Cup success following a record-breaking campaign with Bayern Munich. The legendary striker believes the chemistry between Kane, Luis Diaz, and Michael Olise mirrors the iconic 'MSN' partnership that once dominated European football at Barcelona.

San Lorenzo v Santos - Copa CONMEBOL Sudamericana 2026

Explained: ‘Absurd’ reason why Neymar missed Santos’ derby date

Neymar has once again sidelined himself for a major fixture due to his long-standing and vocal opposition to artificial playing surfaces. The Brazilian icon sat out Santos’ high-profile derby against Palmeiras to avoid the synthetic pitch at the Allianz Parque, a decision that comes at a critical time as he fights to prove his fitness to Carlo Ancelotti.

Cole Palmer Morgan Gibbs-White GFX

Palmer risks losing World Cup spot to in-form Gibbs-White

Struggling to find his flow and still battling fitness issues at the end of an injury-plagued season, Cole Palmer will on Monday go head to head with the player who poses an existential threat to his World Cup dream in Morgan Gibbs-White. The Chelsea talisman and the resurgent Nottingham Forest star form part of an intense fight for the No.10 shirt in Thomas Tuchel's England squad.

FBL-WC-2022-MATCH58-CRO-BRA

'Most talented player' - Antony hails 'extraordinary' Neymar

Antony has expressed his immense admiration for Neymar, describing the Santos forward as the most gifted individual he has ever witnessed on a football pitch. Now enjoying a career resurgence with Real Betis, the former Manchester United winger is hopeful that both he and his "extraordinary" compatriot can secure their places in Brazil's squad for the upcoming World Cup.

FBL-EUR-NATIONS-FRA-CRO

Deschamps warned Mbappe shouldn't be France leader

Kylian Mbappe has been told he lacks the technical brilliance of Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele as questions arise over his suitability as France’s primary leader. Despite his prolific goalscoring record for Les Bleus, former international Jerome Rothen believes the Real Madrid star should no longer be considered the technical focal point of Didier Deschamps' side.

World Cup injured players GFX

Biggest stars to have been ruled out of the World Cup

The 2026 World Cup is almost here. After years of build-up, dramatic qualifiers and numerous good - and bad - news stories surrounding FIFA's flagship finals, players and coaches from around the world are completing their last preparations before descending on the United States, Mexico and Canada in June for the biggest international football tournament to ever have been staged.

San Lorenzo v Santos - Copa CONMEBOL Sudamericana 2026

Ex-Brazil star claims Neymar would be 'headless chicken' in PSG-Bayern thriller

Neymar has been told he no longer possesses the intensity required to compete at the highest level of world football following his latest display for Santos. Former Brazil international Walter Casagrande has suggested that Neymar "doesn't deserve" a World Cup spot while claiming the forward would be an anonymous figure in a game at the level of Paris Saint-Germain's 5-4 Champions League win over Bayern Munich.

Christian Pulisic Lionel Messi USMNT Inter Miami 2026

World Cup round USMNT ‘need’ to help Pulisic & Messi grow game

The USMNT have been informed of the round they “need” to reach at the 2026 World Cup in order to help Christian Pulisic, Lionel Messi and MLS grow the game across America. Joe Cole spent time in the States towards the end of his playing career and the former England international has told GOAL why soccer is more appealing than American football to an ever-growing number of youngsters.

Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid Champions League 2025-26

Will UCL & Ballon d’Or luck change for ‘black cat’ Mbappe?

Kylian Mbappe has been unable to get his hands on Champions League and Ballon d’Or prizes, but former France international Louis Saha has used Cristiano Ronaldo as an example of why fortunes can change quickly for a “black cat”. Luck has not been on Mbappe’s side, despite being a World Cup-winning superstar, but the most prestigious of honours are expected to come his way eventually.

Frequently asked questions

The PSL was founded in 1996 after the National Soccer League and the National Professional Soccer League agreed to merge into one body.

In July 2024 it was announced that Betway would take over from DSTV as the naming rights sponsor for the league in a deal reported to be worth R900 million over 3 years.

16 teams are licensed to participate in the PSL league.

The Board of governors elects the chairman and the executive committee who are appointed in an election process that takes place every four years.

Mamelodi Sundowns have won the league 14 times, including the last 7 titles in a row.

Kaizer Chiefs scored 73 goals in the 2010-2011 season.

Mamelodi Sundowns earned 73 points while winning the league title in the 2023-24 season.

Collins Mbesuma for Kaizer Chiefs in the 2004-05 season.

Edries Burton made 316 appearances for Santos Cape Town, Cape Town Spurs and AmaZulu.