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World Cup

World Cup news

Danny Dyer Jarrod Bowen 2025-26

'A joke!' - Dyer slams Tuchel over son-in-law snub

Thomas Tuchel has faced a scathing assessment from Danny Dyer after the England manager opted to leave Jarrod Bowen out of his squad for the 2026 World Cup. The legendary actor didn't hold back, labelling the omission of his son-in-law as "ridiculous" while revealing the family had already begun preparing for a trip to the United States.

Rafael Leao Portugal

Leao hits back after red card as Martinez defends star

Rafael Leao has broken his silence following a shock dismissal during Portugal's World Cup warm-up clash against Chile. The AC Milan forward saw red for violent conduct after an altercation spiralled out of control in first-half stoppage time. Despite the controversy, Selecao boss Roberto Martinez has moved quickly to shield his player from criticism.

World Cup dark horses GFX

GOAL writers predict the World Cup dark horses

It's so close we can almost taste it. The 2026 World Cup is now just days away, with the best players from around the globe descending on the United States, Mexico and Canada for what promises to be a superb summer of football. While some teams will solely harbour dreams of getting out of the groups, others know that anything other than a trophy parade in late-July will go down as failure. We're set, then, for five-and-a-half weeks of drama, filled with joy and heartbreak in equal measure.

World Cup selection debates GFX

Six biggest selection debates facing the World Cup favourites

We are now just days away, and World Cup fever is gripping the globe as teams from 48 countries descend on the United States, Mexico and Canada for the biggest tournament FIFA have ever staged. Managers are making their final plans ahead of the opening round of group games, but for some there are still massive decisions to be made.

Harry Kane England GFX

Kane ready to shoulder almost all of England's World Cup hopes

Harry Kane will never have a better chance than this. England's captain arrives at what is likely to be his last-ever World Cup in the form of his life, and he will carry the hopes of a nation in North America. After collective and individual heartbreak in 2018 and 2022, respectively, this simply has to be the tournament where he seizes his moment.

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Moise Bombito

Moise Bombito to miss World Cup after aggravating leg injury

Moise Bombito will miss the World Cup, with the Canadian center back deemed not fit enough to contribute for Jesse Marsch's side this summer. The defender, who plays his club soccer for Nice, broke his leg in October 2025. After admitting he was "sore" following 30 minutes in a warm-up friendly, Canada decided to prioritize his long-term health.

GFX Lionel Messi Lamine Yamal

Genius Yamal was touched by God, says Spain boss

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has hailed Lamine Yamal as a player who was "born for this," comparing the Barcelona sensation's natural talent to that of Lionel Messi. As La Roja prepare for the World Cup, the manager believes his young winger possesses a rare quality only seen in the game's true geniuses.

Gavi Rodri Spain

Gavi leaves Rodri in pain with brutal training ground tackle

Spain's World Cup preparations have been rocked by an incident involving Barcelona star Gavi and Manchester City midfield anchor Rodri. During a training session in the United States, the young midfielder’s trademark aggression resulted in a challenge that left his veteran teammate crumpled on the turf in significant pain.

kane

Keane warns Kane to 'be sensible' over England tactics

Roy Keane has told Harry Kane to curb his playmaking instincts and stay in the final third if England are to have any hope of World Cup glory. Despite the captain securing a narrow victory over New Zealand, the pundit believes tactical discipline will be the deciding factor in the tournament's extreme conditions.

Rio Ngumoha England vs New Zealand

Bellingham leaves Ngumoha 'speechless' after England debut

Liverpool sensation Rio Ngumoha admitted he was left "speechless" after receiving his first senior England cap from Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham following a dream debut for the Three Lions. The 17-year-old winger was introduced as a second-half substitute in the pre-World Cup friendly victory over New Zealand, capping off a remarkable breakthrough season with a maiden international appearance.

William Saliba Croatia v France - UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg One

Saliba injury boost as Deschamps confirms Dembele role

France have received a double boost ahead of their final World Cup warm-up fixture against Northern Ireland, with William Saliba's fitness clear and Ousmane Dembele set for a return. Manager Didier Deschamps has moved to calm fears over his star defender while confirming a tactical shift for his attacking line.

Iran v Gambia - Friendlies ANTALYA, TURKIYE - MAY 29: Players of Iran National Football Team celebrate after their teammate Mehdi Taremi (9) scored a goal during a friendly football match against Gambia at Titanic Mardan Palace Sports Complex in Antalya, Turkiye on May 29, 2026. Orhan Cicek Anadolu Antalya Turkey. Editorial use only. Please get in touch for any other usage. Copyright: x2026xAnadoluxOrhanxCicekx

Iran forced into match-day only US entry as government makes terrorism claim

The 2026 World Cup has been plunged into fresh diplomatic controversy after it was revealed that Iran's national team will be forced to follow strict same-day entry and exit rules for their matches in the United States. Following a series of security claims and heightened geopolitical tensions, the squad has been told they can only step onto American soil on the actual days they are scheduled to play.

Brazil v Panama - International Friendly

Ancelotti 'worried' as injured Brazil star could miss World Cup

Brazil's final World Cup preparations have been rocked by a significant injury scare involving Roma full-back Wesley. The defender was forced off early during the Selecao's 2-1 friendly victory over Egypt, leaving the pitch in visible distress as the tournament approaches. The situation has left manager Carlo Ancelotti concerned about Wesley's condition.

Brazil v Croatia - International Friendly

Endrick makes powerful World Cup vow after Brazil win

Endrick shone brightly in Brazil's last friendly before the World Cup, scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Egypt. The young striker took advantage of the euphoria to send a strong message to Carlo Ancelotti, reaffirming his commitment to the Brazilian National Team.

Lennart Karl Germany 2026

Disaster for Germany as team-mate explains how Karl suffered awful injury

Germany have been dealt a massive blow ahead of the 2026 World Cup with the news that Bayern Munich starlet Lennart Karl has been ruled out of the tournament. The 18-year-old’s dreams were crushed during the final training session before Germany's friendly against the USA, leaving Julian Nagelsmann to find an emergency replacement. Team-mate Deniz Undav later detailed the awful setback.