World Cup news

At the 2002 World Cup, Ronaldo arrived looking for redemption. While sporting one of the most unique haircuts in football history, the Brazil striker found exactly what he was searching for. This is ICONS - a GOAL podcast and feature series that revisits the last 10 World Cups from unique perspectives, bringing the spirit of the tournament back to life...

Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Argentine National Team, led by Lionel Scaloni, will be based in Kansas City for much of the competition. They will play their first match of the tournament against Algeria on June 16th in the city. Although their other two matches will be in Dallas, the Albiceleste chose Kansas City for its convenient location and climate.

James Rodriguez is reportedly nearing a deal to sign with Minnesota United, which would be a perfect short term agreement for both parties ahead of the World Cup

With the World Cup just five months away, GOAL takes a look at how El Tri’s squad could shape up next summer.

Pep Guardiola has launched a stinging attack on U.S. president Donald Trump’s administration following the deaths of Renee Good and nurse Alex Pretti at the hands of ICE agents. The Manchester City manager delivered an impassioned defence of human rights during a press conference, breaking his usual silence to condemn "genocide" in Palestine and demand compassion for migrants crossing the English Channel.

ITV plans to take advantage of the BBC's cut-price coverage to win the battle of the broadcasters at this summer's World Cup. While the BBC will not have a studio in North America for the group stage, their rivals have decided to base themselves in the heart of New York from the outset, and they plan to have an all-star cast of pundits to 'blow their competitors out of the water'.

Yazbek tells GOAL why Australia is circling the USMNT clash, how MLS has changed him, and why the World Cup feels within reach.

Lionel Messi has reportedly given the “green light” to a sensational transfer that would include a “no away games” stipulation. The Argentine GOAT has extended his contract at MLS Cup winners Inter Miami through 2028, but wants to ensure that he is ready for World Cup duty in 2026. That could mean returning to Europe on a short-term deal, with Galatasaray ready to throw open their doors.

Could we expect something bold for the Morocco strips from PUMA?

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has sparked fresh controversy by declaring that Russia’s ban from international football should "definitely" be lifted. In a wide-ranging and explosive interview, the Swiss official argued that the exclusion has failed to achieve its goals and has only created "frustration," while also doubling down on his decision to award United States president Donald Trump a bespoke "peace prize."

Lionel Messi is yet to officially confirm his participation at the 2026, but Inter Miami boss and fellow countryman Javier Mascherano appears to have revealed that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will form part of Argentina’s plans. The expectation has always been that Messi, who captured a global crown in 2022, will grace at least one more major tournament as captain of his country.

This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast and feature 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 dive into Saudi Arabia’s journey: from Saeed Al-Owairan’s unforgettable, Diego Maradona-like run in 1994, to that stunning night in Qatar when the Green Falcons humbled Lionel Messi and Argentina. This is a story of belief, resilience and a legacy that never dies...

With the World Cup just months away, GOAL looks at how the Canada squad might look in the summer.

AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez has jokingly declared that he is prepared to “kill” club colleague Christian Pulisic if Mexico cross paths with the USMNT on 2026 World Cup duty. The pair have struck up quite the bond at San Siro, as they regularly watch NFL action together, but friendship will be put to one side if they lock horns in the international arena.

Enigmatic Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez has seen his behaviour criticised again, with supposed “arrogance” on the Argentine’s part being called out by an international goalkeeping rival. Uruguayan shot-stopper Sergio Rochet does not “like the way” a fellow South American is - despite the World Cup winner being considered “phenomenal” at his job.

Jude Bellingham has suffered a serious injury scare during England’s countdown to the 2026 World Cup. The Real Madrid midfielder was left clutching at his hamstring during a La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano. He was clearly in some pain, after crumpling to the turf, and has handed untimely fitness concerns to Blancos boss Alvaro Arbeloa and Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel.

Endrick has addressed speculation over his long-term future after the striker opened up on his “almost perfect” start to life at Lyon following his loan move from Real Madrid. The Brazil international has well and truly hit the ground running in Ligue 1, scoring four goals in just three games, leading to talk his temporary spell in France could even be extended.