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. Today we dive into how Canada stopped waiting for permission, learned to believe again, and transformed a World Cup dream into a defining moment - with an even bigger stage now waiting for them on home soil.
Following his stellar performance against Manchester City, Federico Valverde has suddenly found himself in the spotlight as never before. The Uruguayan is a worthy successor to Toni Kroos – even if his style of play is quite different.
Aston Villa legend Andy Gray has told GOAL why domestic, and potentially continental rivals will be “knocking on the door” for Morgan Rogers during the summer transfer window. The 23-year-old playmaker has seen his stock soar, to the point that he could be a starter for England at the 2026 World Cup. Chelsea and Manchester United are among those to have already been credited with interest.
Bayer Leverkusen have ignited the mind games ahead of their Champions League decider at the Emirates by poking fun at Arsenal’s set-piece reliance. Following a cagey 1-1 draw in the first leg of their round of 16 tie, the German side’s social media team shared a provocative image aimed at the Gunners' tactical "supremacy" from corners.
Neymar has expressed his deep disappointment after being left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s latest Brazil squad. Although he recently managed to play the full 90 minutes for Santos, the legendary forward faces a race against time to prove his fitness for the 2026 World Cup.
The father of Arsenal starlet Max Dowman has launched a stinging public attack on a youth coach for allegedly "cashing in" on his son's record-breaking success. Following Dowman’s historic goal against Everton, tensions boiled over on social media regarding who truly deserves credit for the 16-year-old’s development. The dispute has highlighted the intense scrutiny facing the Premier League’s youngest-ever goalscorer.
Tempers are boiling over at AC Milan following a chaotic trip to the capital, with Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic at the centre of a brewing storm. While TV cameras caught Leao’s animated outbursts directed at the USMNT star during the match, the friction reportedly followed them down the tunnel. Reports suggest the tension exploded behind closed doors, with Leao continuing his tirade in a "livelier than usual" dressing room showdown as the star duo demanded answers from one another.
Russell Martin has opened up about his turbulent 123-day tenure as Rangers manager, insisting he holds no bitterness about his October dismissal. Despite overseeing a massive squad overhaul and enduring a poor run of form that left the club eighth in the Scottish Premiership, the 40-year-old remains defiant, viewing the immense pressure as a valuable learning experience.
Alvaro Arbeloa confirmed that Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe have returned to the Real Madrid squad ahead of the trip to face Manchester City in the Champions League. Both players have been dealing with fitness issues but the head coach says they are now ready to travel with the team, with Mbappe available to play while Bellingham is close to making his return.
Carlo Ancelotti has omitted Neymar from his latest Brazil squad for the upcoming high-profile friendlies against France and Croatia. Despite the Santos forward returning to domestic football at the weekend after a lengthy injury, the Italian tactician believes the 34-year-old superstar is not yet at the physical level required to represent the national team.
With the World Cup less than three months out, Canada have revealed their new World Cup kits designed by Nike. Titled 'Full Tilt,' the kits are meant to embody the country's extreme landscapes and confident culture. It also follows Canada Soccer's 'True North' theme - which the team says is shaped by authenticity, resilience and ambition. Canada will debut their new kits during their March fixtures.
Ousmane Dembele played down speculation over his future at Paris Saint‑Germain after his agent was reportedly seen with a Manchester City director. The 28-year-old said contract decisions are not in his hands and insisted he remains focused on performing on the pitch despite uncertainty surrounding his deal running until 2028.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has issued a stark warning to Arne Slot, suggesting the Dutchman may have reached a point of no return with the Anfield faithful. The Reds were booed off following a frustrating 1-1 draw with Tottenham, leaving their season in jeopardy and the manager's relationship with the supporters fractured.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior is set to hold urgent face-to-face talks with the PGMOL this week following a controversial 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United. The scheduled meeting comes after a bizarre pre-match incident where Blues players were seen forming a huddle around the referee, sparking intense scrutiny and debate over the squad's unusual on-pitch conduct.
Portland Hearts of Pine and Vermont Green are two of New England’s most compelling community-built clubs, and their U.S. Open Cup meeting brings a battle of brands to the pitch.
Arsenal icon Thierry Henry revealed his physical reaction to seeing Max Dowman find the net, admitting the youngster's performance left him stunned. Dowman, aged just 16, scored his first ever Premier League goal after a remarkable solo run that saw him beat two Everton defenders before finishing past Jordan Pickford to seal a vital 2-0 win.
Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has addressed the fallout from his controversial collision with Diego Rico during Los Blancos' recent 1-0 defeat to Getafe. The German international was under intense scrutiny after appearing to drive his knee into the face of a grounded Rico, an action that many pundits and fans felt was worthy of a lengthy suspension.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has challenged teenage sensation Max Dowman to remain grounded following his historic Premier League goal against Everton at the weekend. As the Gunners prepare to host Bayer Leverkusen at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow in their Champions League last-16 second leg, following a 1-1 draw in Germany, the coach insists past achievements matter little as focus turns to the future.
Windsor John, the general secretary of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), has confirmed that Iran remain on track to compete in the World Cup being hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The official addressed the mounting uncertainty that has surrounded the team’s involvement due to the volatile geopolitical landscape, even though Iran's sports minister has already ruled out competing in North America.