The 2030 World Cup could feature a massive expansion to 64 teams, according to a bold new claim. Following the conclusion of the 48-nation tournament won by Spain, the prospect of an even larger global competition across six host countries is now being openly discussed by high-ranking football executives, setting the stage for a historic centenary celebration.
CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez has claimed on social media that the 2030 World Cup will expand to an unprecedented 64-team tournament. The bold declaration follows confirmation from Gianni Infantino that FIFA plans to evaluate further expansion after the groundbreaking 48-team 2026 edition in North America.
The 2026 World Cup is over, and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. With the expanded 48-nation tournament coming to a close, following a month of thrilling action in North America, which star has taken home the illustrious award? Here, GOAL lists the tournament's most prolific performers.
France head coach Didier Deschamps has confirmed that Kylian Mbappe remains fully focused and mentally strong ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against Morocco. The Les Bleus captain was targeted by vile racist abuse from a Paraguayan politician following France's narrow knockout victory over the South American side.
France captain Kylian Mbappe has issued a scathing response to Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla following a series of vile racist attacks directed at the forward. The Real Madrid star was targeted by the politician on social media after Les Bleus eliminated Paraguay from the 2026 World Cup in a heated last-16 encounter.
The French Football Federation (FFF) has launched an appeal to FIFA in an attempt to have Michael Olise’s yellow card rescinded. The Bayern Munich star was booked during Les Bleus' last-16 victory over Paraguay, leaving him on a disciplinary tightrope ahead of the quarter-finals.
Former Manchester United forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic has admitted he would have struggled to maintain his composure during France’s ill-tempered World Cup victory over Paraguay. The Swedish legend praised Les Bleus for keeping their cool in the face of relentless physical provocation during the knockout encounter.
Kylian Mbappe refused to be distracted after a Paraguay player attempted to scuff the penalty spot before his decisive spot-kick. The France star converted with confidence, drew level with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race and celebrated in front of his opponents as Les Bleus secured their place in the quarter-finals.
Kylian Mbappe has hit back at Paraguay’s physical approach, insisting that France are more than happy to "get their hands dirty" after securing a clinical 1-0 victory in the World Cup round of 16. The Real Madrid-bound superstar dismissed the South Americans' provocations with a smile before dispatching the decisive second-half penalty to set up a quarter-final date with Morocco.
Kylian Mbappe put France through to the World Cup quarter-final with a second-half penalty before tensions boiled over at full-time against Paraguay. Goalkeeper Orlando Gill threw the match ball at the Les Bleus captain after claiming his handshake was ignored, sparking a mass confrontation involving players and coaching staff.
Kylian Mbappe scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot as France progressed to the quarter-finals of the World Cup with a laboured 1-0 win over an aggressive and cynical Paraguay side on Saturday evening. The South Americans, who upset Germany in the previous round, were always expected to make for awkward and uncompromising opponents for the tournament favourites but it was nonetheless surprising just how much Didier Deschamps' stellar forward line struggled to create chances in Philadelphia.
France's World Cup round of 16 clash against Paraguay is facing a potential late delay as FIFA officials monitor deteriorating weather conditions in Philadelphia. Substantial stormy weather is expected to hit the area just as the scheduled kick-off approaches at Lincoln Financial Field.
Lothar Matthaus has endorsed Jurgen Klopp as the ideal candidate to lead a new era for the German national team following Julian Nagelsmann's departure. The legendary former captain believes the German Football Association (DFB) must embrace radical change to avoid repeating the mistakes that led to their recent tournament failures.
Four nations made debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan gracing the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It was the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, before succumbing to Lionel Messi's Argentina in a classic.
Comprehensive match preview of Paraguay vs France at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more ahead of this Round of 16 clash in Philadelphia.
The German Football Association (DFB) has confirmed their intention to open managerial talks with Jurgen Klopp following Julian Nagelsmann's resignation. The governing body announced that the former Liverpool boss has already signalled his willingness to inherit the national team vacancy, opening the door for a sensational return to the dugout.
Kylian Mbappe is capable of completing a clean sweep on the trophy front in 2026, Louis Saha has told GOAL, with the France international in contention for World Cup, Golden Boot, Golden Ball and Ballon d’Hor honours. The Real Madrid forward has been starring on the grandest of stages, with the perfect response being delivered to some “strange criticism”.
Rayan Cherki has issued a defiant battle cry as France gear up for their World Cup round of 16 clash, insisting the squad is more motivated than ever. Despite recent scrutiny regarding his relationship with manager Didier Deschamps, the Manchester City playmaker insists his focus is firmly on their upcoming knockout clash against Paraguay.
Jonathan Tah has opened up on the psychological toll of his missed penalty that confirmed Germany’s shock exit from the 2026 World Cup. The Bayern Munich defender was the man who ultimately failed to convert from 12 yards, but reports have since emerged regarding the reluctance of his team-mates to step up during the high-pressure moment.
Former Bayern Munich and France defender Willy Sagnol has made a stunning declaration regarding Michael Olise, insisting the winger has already eclipsed every other player on the planet. Sagnol believes the 24-year-old’s unselfish nature puts him in a bracket above the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Paraguay
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