World Cup

World Cup news

‘Most important camp’ - USMNT players know nothing is guaranteed

Just two friendlies stand between the U.S. and a World Cup roster, which means that the pressure is on in those friendlies

Santos v Vasco Da Gama - Brasileirao 2026

Neymar 'not a tremendous professional' like Messi or CR7, says Brazil icon

Brazil legend Zico has delivered an honest assessment of Neymar’s career, suggesting the Santos star has failed to match the professionalism of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite acknowledging his compatriot's immense natural ability, Zico believes off-field habits have hindered the forward’s longevity and consistency.

On probation: Rüdiger must shine in a completely new role

Antonio Rüdiger has lost his role as the DFB team’s defensive leader. Recently, injuries, scandals and poor performances in the national team’s colours have dominated the headlines. With the World Cup approaching, time is running out for him.

Who will make Ecuador's squad for the 2026 World Cup?

All you need to know about Ecuador's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Argentinian referee Horacio Elizendo (L)

Which player has the most red cards in World Cup history?

Everything you need to know about the disciplinary history of the World Cup, ahead of the 2026 tournament in the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada. There have been notable dismissals in almost every tournament to date, from sending offs in World Cup finals, to games that saw both teams lose their heads, and more than a few players...

Wales v Montenegro - UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B4

📽️ | Bellamy shuts down reporter's Salah-themed question

Craig Bellamy produced a classic no-nonsense moment during his latest media briefing, shutting down a reporter who attempted to ask a question relating to Mohamed Salah's Liverpool exit. The Wales boss made it clear that his only priority is the upcoming World Cup play-off.

Netherlands v Malta - FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifier

Who will make Netherlands' squad for the 2026 World Cup?

All you need to know about Netherlands' squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

USMNT legend rules out Ronaldo to MLS

Cristiano Ronaldo has long been linked with a glamorous move to Major League Soccer to wrap up his legendary career, but one USMNT icon believes that ship has sailed. As the Portuguese superstar continues his journey in the Saudi Pro League, questions are being asked about whether he has the physical longevity to ever touch down in North America.

World Cup 2026: Which players will make the Brazil squad?

All you need to know about Brazil's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

World Cup kit Rondo: Which is the best? Is Brazil away a classic?

The World Cup jerseys are now all officially on the market, and our GOAL writers debate who did the best job ahead of the summer

Shearer snubs Bellingham in England World Cup XI

Premier League legend Alan Shearer has caused a stir by omitting Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer from his predicted England starting line-up for the 2026 World Cup. The former Three Lions striker has instead opted for a selection based on current form and tactical balance.

"He's got a screw loose": Müller jokes about Nagelsmann

Thomas Müller has humorously ruled out a return to the German national team ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

FA slammed for 'bizarre' new Tuchel contract

The Football Association has come under fire for their "desperate" decision to hand Thomas Tuchel a contract extension before he has even led England into a major tournament. Former Three Lions midfielder Danny Murphy has questioned the logic behind the move, suggesting the FA has left itself wide open to a PR disaster if the 2026 World Cup ends in failure.

Gimenez has a ‘special market’ so will Milan listen to offers?

Santiago Gimenez is considered to have a “special market”, so will AC Milan listen to offers for the misfiring Mexico international striker during the summer transfer window of 2026? The 24-year-old frontman has found the going tough in Italy, with just one goal being recorded this season, and Rossoneri legend Massimo Ambrosini has told GOAL what the future could hold.

'They play with fear' - Capello issues England warning to Tuchel

Former England manager Fabio Capello has issued a scathing assessment of the Three Lions' mental fortitude, claiming that the squad is consistently held back by a paralysing "fear" on the big stage. The Italian tactician, who experienced his own World Cup heartbreak in 2010, warned Thomas Tuchel that psychological barriers and physical exhaustion remain the primary threats to England's hopes of ending their long wait for silverware.

Christian Pulisic Tyler Adams USMNT captain

Captain America: Who will skipper USMNT at 2026 World Cup?

With the countdown on to a home World Cup in the summer of 2026, who will be chosen to take on captaincy duties for the USMNT? There are several prominent candidates in the running there, with Tyler Adams back in contention having filled the armband at Qatar 2022. Freddy Adu has revealed his pick to GOAL, with a Landon Donovan comparison being used to explain why Christian Pulisic may be overlooked.

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Premier League relegation odds: Value pick amidst Spurs’ and West Ham’s woes

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England v Brazil - International Friendly

'My mum was crying' - Maguire opens up on England recall

Harry Maguire has revealed the emotional toll of his period away from the England squad, admitting that his mother was moved to tears upon hearing news of his recall. The Man Utd defender feared his international days were over after a lengthy absence from the Three Lions set-up.

Lewa, Donnarumma & 11 stars at risk of missing the World Cup

The final international window before the end of the 2025-26 club season is here. For most of the globe's traditional powerhouses, this month is about finetuning ahead of the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. But not every team has the luxury of such forward planning, with several big-hitters still yet to punch their ticket to the tournament.

Mbappe makes big Neymar World Cup claim

Kylian Mbappe has joined the growing debate surrounding Neymar’s international future, insisting that he cannot imagine a World Cup without the Brazilian superstar. As pressure mounts on Selecao boss Carlo Ancelotti to recall the veteran forward, Mbappe has backed his former team-mate to prove his fitness in time for the 2026 tournament.

World Cup trophy Robert Lewandowski Poland Sandro Tonali Italy

World Cup 2026 play-offs: Fixtures, results & how to watch

The six remaining places at the 2026 World Cup will be decided through two play-off tournaments, featuring the likes of Italy, Poland, Jamaica and DR Congo, among others.

Is Neymar's World Cup dream already over?

Neymar found himself back in headlines across Europe last week after he was brought up as a topic of debate on The Overlap. Gary Neville introduced a new 'Unpopular Opinions' segment, and kicked it off with the following statement: "No Premier League player in history is better than a prime Neymar."

Germany v United States - International Friendly

Study: Seventy-five percent of Americans will follow World Cup 2026

A new study conducted by Performance Research, in partnership with Full Circle Research, shows the FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to capture a massive U.S. audience, with 75 percent of Americans planning to follow, and younger, urban fans and families driving momentum - even as ticket prices could keep many watching from home. Interest is also rising, with nearly half of the respondents more engaged than for the 2022 tournament.

Fullkrug doesn't play for Milan, but he could go to the World Cup with Germany

The German striker could be called up ahead of the World Cup in the US.

Donovan calls for Bundesliga players not to play for the USA

Noahkai Banks is eligible to play for both Germany and the USA. The fact that he has pulled out of the World Cup hosts’ current training camp has Landon Donovan fuming.

Players, fans from five WC countries face visa payments of up to $15K

Fans and players from several World Cup countries could have to pay up to $15,000 in order to obtain tourist visas ahead of the World Cup. According to regulations set by President Donald Trump's administration, residents of five countries - Algeria, Cape Verde, Senegal, the Ivory Coast, and Tunisia - have to pay high prices for bonds for visas. And there is no exemption for the World Cup.

FBL-ESP-LIGA-REAL MADRID-ATLETICO MADRID

Mbappe set for Nike split as Adidas and others eye deal

Kylian Mbappe’s long-standing relationship with Nike appears to be reaching its conclusion just as the forward prepares for the biggest summer of his career. The Real Madrid superstar, who has been the face of the American brand’s football division for years, is nearing the end of his current deal with a seismic shift in the sponsorship market looming.

Frequently asked questions

: Manchester United and Liverpool both have 20 top-flight league titles to their name, and are the most successful sides in English history for league wins. With Liverpool securing their second Premier League in the 2024-25 season, they've won two in the Premier League era and 18 prior to its creation. By contrast, Manchester United have won 13 Premier League titles and seven before the league's inception, last winning a Premier League title at the end of the 2012-13 campaign.
: The Premier League in its current format has 20 teams. The first-ever season of the Premier League era in 1992-93 featured 22 teams, which was then reduced to 20 teams ahead of the 1995-96 season.
: Garath Barry leads the way with 653 appearances for four different clubs: Aston Villa, Manchester City, Everton and West Bromwich Albion. James Milner is second with 637, winning PL titles with both Manchester City and Liverpool. He is still playing with Brighton, so could surpass Barry if he carries on. Third is Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs, with 632 appearances.
: Jimmy Greaves, widely regarded as the most prolific English goalscorer ever, but Alan Shearer is the Premier League's top scorer of all time, with 260 goals across a famed career for both Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United.
: Manchester United icon Ryan Giggs holds the record for the most assists in Premier League history. Giggs spent his entire career at Old Trafford, making 672 appearances and registering 162 assists between 1991 and 2014.
: Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri is the youngest player to ever play in the Premier League. Nwaneri was just 15 days and 181 days old when he made his debut for the Gunners against Brentford in the 2022-23 season.
: Stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, David Beckham, Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney, Eric Cantona, Steven Gerrard, Dennis Bergkamp, Didier Drogba and Mohamed Salah (still playing) have all featured in the Premier League era.
: Jose Mourinho, Sir Alex Ferguson, Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola, Thomas Tuchel, Jurgen Klopp, and Arsene Wenger are among the most famous managers to have taken charge of a Premier League club.
: Manchester United's Old Trafford is the biggest stadium in the league with a capacity of 74,310.

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