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.

Betting spotlight

Premier League top 6 odds: Chelsea crisis means there is betting value

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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

: Bayern Munich are the most decorated team in the history of Bundesliga with 32 top-flight titles to their name. Their most recent title came in the 2022-23 season, which was their 11th straight league title.
: There are 18 teams in the current format of the Bundesliga. Bundesliga, as we know it today, was formed in 1962 with the 1963-64 season being the first-ever season. It began with 16 teams, but was expanded to 18 teams ahead of the 1965-66 season.
: Karl-Heinz 'Charly' Korbel, with 602 appearances to his name, holds the record for making the most appearances in Bundesliga history. The defender achieved this feat with just one club: Eintracht Frankfurt.
: Gerd Muller, inarguably the greatest German forward of all-time, is Bundesliga's all-time leading goalscorer with 365 goals to his name in 427 appearances. All his goals came in a Bayern Munich jersey.
: Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller has registered the most assists in Bundesliga history, with 207 and counting.
: Former German defender Klaus Fitchel is the oldest player ever to play in the Bundesliga. Fitchel was aged 43 years and 184 days when he played for Schalke on the final matchday of the 1987-88 campaign.
: Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Youssoufa Moukoko, at 16 years and one day, became the youngest player in Bundesliga history to play in the league, when he came on for Erling Haaland in the 2020-21 season in a game against Hertha Berlin.
: Robert Lewandowski, Marco Reus, Ilkay Gundogan, Stefan Effenberg, Toni Kroos, Gerd Muller, Franz Beckenbauer, Manuel Neuer, Antonio Rudiger, and Arjen Robben are some of the most famous players to have played in the Bundesliga.
: Xabi Alonso, Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti, Jurgen Klopp, Julian Nagelsmann, Jupp Heynckes, Ralf Rangnick, Thomas Tuchel, Otto Rehhagel, Matthias Sammer, and Giovanni Trapattoni are some of the most famous managers to have managed a Bundesliga club.
: Borussia Dortmund's electrifying stadium Signal Iduna Park is the biggest stadium in the Bundesliga with a capacity of 81.365.
: Harry Kane's €95 million move from Tottenham Hotspur to Bayern Munich in 2023 is Bundesliga's most expensive transfer of all-time.

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