Carlo Ancelotti has responded to the growing noise surrounding Neymar’s international future with Brazil. Despite the Santos forward’s ongoing absence from the national team, a host of legends and current stars have demanded his inclusion for the 2026 World Cup.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has hailed Lamine Yamal as a singular talent who has been "touched by magic", reinforcing the 18-year-old's status as the crown jewel of the national team. De la Fuente spoke glowingly of the Barcelona winger’s character and development, highlighting the RFEF's long-standing commitment to securing his international future.
Fabinho has backed Neymar to make Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad, claiming the Santos star remains his country's "most talented player" despite his ongoing fitness struggles. As Carlo Ancelotti’s current squad prepares for a high-profile friendly against France, the debate surrounding Neymar’s physical condition and international future continues to dominate the narrative.
Arsenal legend Theo Walcott has issued a heartfelt warning to Gunners starlet Max Dowman regarding a potential fast-track into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad. The 16-year-old forward has become the talk of the Premier League after a historic goalscoring breakthrough under Mikel Arteta. However, Walcott believes that accepting a place on the plane for the 2026 World Cup could hinder the youngster's long-term development.
During an interview with Sky Sports in October 2024, Trent Alexander-Arnold was asked about his remaining career goals and whether he would rather win another Champions League, become Liverpool captain, lift a trophy with England or win the Ballon d'Or. The right-back went with the latter, the most unrealistic - and unimportant - option.
He's only gone and done it again! A year after becoming the first player to win NXGN twice, Lamine Yamal has finished top of GOAL's annual list of the top teenagers in world football for the third time in a row. It's not as if the outcome of the 2026 vote was ever in any doubt either. Yamal is no longer just the most talented young player in the game today. He's also its most talented player, full stop.
Romelu Lukaku has officially withdrawn from the upcoming Belgium squad for their international friendlies against the United States and Mexico. The experienced Napoli striker is recovering from a long-term hamstring injury and has chosen to stay in Italy to focus on regaining his full fitness ahead of this summer's highly anticipated World Cup tournament.
Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich has warned that Germany cannot be considered among the top favourites for the 2026 World Cup. As the captain prepares his squad for their upcoming friendly against Switzerland, he insists that past tournament failures mean the four-time world champions must prove themselves all over again on the global stage.
Brazil national team manager Carlo Ancelotti has compared his squad's footballing DNA to the vibrant energy of Carnival ahead of the upcoming World Cup. While the Italian tactician praised his team's incredible attacking talent and promised an entertaining style of play, he also openly addressed a concerning lack of depth in the traditional full-back positions.
Didier Deschamps is preparing to step down as the manager of the France national team following the 2026 World Cup in North America. After 14 years in charge, he is leaving his options open regarding his next career move, while legendary former Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to take over the managerial reins this summer.
Tottenham forward Dejan Kulusevski is set to link up with the Sweden national team ahead of their 2026 World Cup playoff despite his ongoing injury struggles. The winger has been sidelined for nearly a year following a serious knee injury suffered last season.
Neymar allegedly spent almost an entire day playing "high-stakes" poker while sidelined from his duties at Santos due to "load management". The Brazilian icon was ruled out of his club's latest game against Cruzeiro, but his activities off the pitch have sparked a fresh debate regarding his professional commitment.
Italy is once again fearing for its World Cup hopes; the pressure on the four-time world champions is immense ahead of the decisive matches for one of the last places.
Who will make it into the German national team’s final squad ahead of the crucial World Cup phase, and which DFB stars will have to stay at home? Spox has all the answers.
United States men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has dropped a significant hint regarding a future return to the Premier League. The Argentine, who enjoyed five years in north London at Tottenham, confessed his deep affection for the English game and revealed that Spurs previously attempted to re-hire him during his tenure at Paris Saint-Germain.
Mauricio Pochettino has hit back at Thierry Henry, labelling the Arsenal legend's criticism of his Paris Saint-Germain tenure as "disrespectful". The current USMNT boss specifically addressed claims that he failed to utilize Lionel Messi correctly during his time at the Parc des Princes.
Brazil legend Romario has demanded that Carlo Ancelotti "pay attention" following Neymar's omission from the latest Selecao squad. Romario insisted that the Santos forward remains an indispensable asset for the national team as they ramp up their preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast following the road to the 2026 World Cup. Every week, we revisit the stories, moments, and myths that shaped the global game. In the latest episode, we return to one of the most defining moments in American soccer history: Landon Donovan’s stoppage-time winner against Algeria in 2010. It was the goal that stopped a nation, ignited the first true viral soccer moment in the United States, and transformed casual viewers into lifelong believers. From heartbreak to hysteria, from Pretoria to living rooms across America, this is the story of the instant that changed the USMNT forever.
Antonio Rudiger has hit back at accusations that his highly aggressive defensive style makes him a liability for his clubs and country. Following severe backlash over an unpunished challenge during a recent La Liga match against Getafe, the veteran defender firmly defended his on-pitch mentality while also acknowledging that he occasionally crosses the line and must take responsibility.
It was actually supposed to be all about his role as a TV pundit. But when asked about rumours regarding Real Madrid and a potential departure from Red Bull, Jürgen Klopp got worked up.
Trent Alexander-Arnold made his England debut in 2018 but has only taken his tally of caps to 34, with Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel taking to snubbing Real Madrid’s former Liverpool defender on a regular basis. Michael Owen, who also spent time at Anfield and Santiago Bernabeu in his playing days, has told GOAL why the buccaneering full-back may have seen his 2026 World Cup dream dashed.
Cristiano Ronaldo has taken to social media to provide a positive update on his fitness as he continues his rehabilitation from a muscle injury. The Al-Nassr superstar is currently sidelined after picking up a thigh problem, but his latest activity suggests that a return to action is not far away.
Ollie Watkins has revealed he expected to be left out of the England squad for March's friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. The Aston Villa striker has struggled for form throughout the 2025-26 season so far but has bounced back with recent goals against West Ham United and Lille and could yet be included in the Three Lions' roster for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
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