World Cup

World Cup news

International friendlies: Koopmeiners and Dumfries impress. Ghedjemis: a star is born

Results and key players from tonight’s international football fixtures.

Maguire credits Man Utd boss Carrick for England recall

Harry Maguire has opened up on his emotional return to the England setup, admitting that Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick played a pivotal role in reviving his international career. After 18 months in the wilderness, the veteran defender is back in the fold and started the Three Lions' World Cup warm-up clash against Uruguay.

Nagelsmann issues Musiala World Cup warning

Julian Nagelsmann has warned Jamal Musiala that time is fast running out for him to prove his fitness ahead of the upcoming World Cup. The Bayern Munich sensation has been forced to sit out Germany’s latest round of international friendlies as he continues to struggle with a persistent ankle problem.

Thomas Tuchel Trent Alexander-Arnold England 2026

Truth behind rumoured fallout between Tuchel & Trent - revealed

Reports have surfaced regarding the relationship between Thomas Tuchel and Trent Alexander-Arnold following a cryptic social media post by the Real Madrid defender. This latest snub for the friendlies against Uruguay and Japan means the former Liverpool man has only played one game for his country since Tuchel took charge in March 2025.

A World Cup without Messi? Argentina’s national coach makes waves

With months to go before the opening match, there still appears to be a question mark over Lionel Messi’s participation in the World Cup.

Adu explains why Reyna's unique skillset is crucial to USMNT

Freddy Adu has told GOAL why Gio Reyna’s unique skillset could be crucial to the USMNT cause at a home World Cup. The United States is, alongside Mexico and Canada, preparing to play host to FIFA’s flagship event in 2026. Reyna is hoping to play a prominent role at that event but, having endured form and fitness issues at club level, has been informed of what he needs to bring to Mauricio Pochettino’s squad in order to make the cut.

'That's what's on my mind' - Weah eyes next World Cup moment

GOAL sat down with the American star to discuss career-defining moments, how he's grown as a person, and why his USMNT teammates matter so much to him

"Not normal": Vuskovic shocks Diaz's Colombians too

Luka Vuskovic has now captivated his home country of Croatia too. The local press is full of praise for the Bundesliga rising star.

Italy v Northern Ireland - FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs

Bosnia v Italy: 90 minutes end in a draw – extra time or penalties? The rules

The World Cup play-off rules regarding extra time and penalties: what would happen if Bosnia v Italy ended in a draw after 90 minutes.

Italy at the World Cup? Teams and fixtures – everything you need to know about the group

The itinerary for Canada, Mexico and the USA

Yamal & the NXGN wonderkids to watch at the World Cup

The World Cup is now just two-and-a-half months away, with teams currently making their final preparations for the finals, while others look to book the final few spots in North America during the March international break. Once the tournament does eventually get under way, the stage will be set for a whole host of players to make themselves national heroes, including some of the most exciting youngsters in the game today.

Cooling breaks or momentum killers? Deschamps sounds alarm for World Cup

France manager Didier Deschamps has issued a stern warning to FIFA regarding the use of mandatory cooling breaks following his side's hard-fought victory over Brazil in the United States. Despite the positive result on the pitch in Massachusetts, the World Cup-winning coach was left frustrated by the constant interruptions to the game's rhythm and flow.

LABUBU x FIFA World Cup 2026 collectibles revealed

A playful crossover bringing viral characters into football’s biggest global moment

How England's new kits have captured the mood of a nation

Could 2026 finally, FINALLY be England’s year?! Nike have got us believing after dropping the Three Lions’ home and away kits with the World Cup fast approaching. Harnessing the power of the national team at a major tournament, they have captured the mood of a country that is crying out for a unifying moment. Bring on June.

Bielsa's Uruguay are in complete chaos ahead of England meeting

Wherever Marcelo Bielsa has gone in his managerial career, he has left a trail of wonder. It's not always wonder in a positive sense, but it's whimsical and mystifying all the same. From revolutionising Newell's Old Boys to the Argentine national team, from Athletic Club and the Basque Country to Leeds United in West Yorkshire, you will find people deeply touched by the impact of 'El Loco' to differing, extreme degrees.

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.

Apostas em destaque

Odds de rebaixamento da Premier League: palpites de valor em meio à crise dos Spurs e do West Ham

See more betting articles

Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina - FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO Play-off

Wales and Ireland's World Cup dreams ended!

It was a night of equal misfortune for Wales and the Republic of Ireland, who were eliminated from World Cup qualifying. Both teams lost leads in the final minutes before losing painful penalty shootouts to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Czechia, respectively.

Tuchel sends blunt 'pressure' warning to Palmer

Thomas Tuchel has issued a blunt "pressure" warning to Cole Palmer, warning the Chelsea superstar that his place in the England starting XI for the World Cup is far from guaranteed. The German coach insists that the playmaker must prove his worth in the international setup following an injury-hit campaign.

Real Madrid CF v Atletico de Madrid - LaLiga EA Sports

Tuchel tells Trent 'he just has to accept' England squad snub

Thomas Tuchel has delivered a blunt verdict on Trent Alexander-Arnold's international future, insisting the Real Madrid defender "just has to accept" his latest exclusion from the England setup. Despite the former Chelsea boss admitting the decision could be viewed as "unfair", he has prioritised other defensive options for the upcoming World Cup preparation.

Messi still yet to confirm 2026 World Cup participation - Scaloni

Lionel Scaloni has indicated that Lionel Messi has still not confirmed he will lead Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. The national team boss was quick to deflect pressure away from the Inter Miami superstar, reiterating that the decision rests entirely with the player himself.

‘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

Frequently asked questions

: Spain are the most successful side in the European Championship, having lifted the coveted title four times. Their first-ever title came in 1964. After a long wait of 44 years, La Roja won the trophy in 2008 and successfully defended it in 2012 under the-then boss Vicente del Bosque. They won the most recent edition in 2024 and set a record of winning every single game en route to glory.
: There are 24 teams in the European Championships ever since the expansion in 2016. Initially there were only four teams in the Euros, before that number was doubled to eight in 1980, and then to 16 countries in 1996.
: Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo has made 30 appearances in the European Championship, having featured in six consecutive editions. He won the tournament in 2016.
: No player has scored more goals in the European Championship than the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo. The 39-year-old has scored 14 goals in 30 games in total, five more than any other player.
: Portugal centre-back Pepe was aged 41 years and 130 days when his team took on France in the quarter-final of the 2024 edition, thus becoming the oldest player to ever feature in the European Championship.
: Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal has been creating a host of records since breaking out at Barcelona in 2023. He was a crucial contributor in Spain's EURO 2024 victory, and also became the youngest player ever to feature in the European Championship finals, making his debut in the tournament at the age of 16 years and 338 days.
: Paolo Maldini, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, Manuel Neuer, Andres Iniesta, Iker Casillas, Eden Hazard, Michel Platini, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Gareth Bale are some of the most prominent names to have represented their nations at the European Championship.
: Roberto Mancini, Ronald Koeman, Guus Hiddink, Dino Zoff, Antonio Conte, Andriy Shevchenko, Luis Enrique, Miguel Munoz, Kevin Keegan, Frank Rijkaard, Arrigo Sacchi, Julian Nagelsmann, etc are some of the most famous managers to have managed in the European Championship.

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