FIFA said Friday that it received five million ticket requests in the first 24 hours of the third phase of ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup, underscoring what the governing body described as âextraordinaryâ global demand despite mounting backlash from supporter groups over ticket prices.
The FA are reportedly set to raise formal concerns with FIFA after England supporters reacted with fury to âoutrageousâ World Cup ticket prices, with the cheapest seats for the final costing over ÂŁ3,000 and a full run following the Three Lions exceeding ÂŁ5,000. Fan groups have already condemned the pricing as a betrayal, leaving the FA under pressure to challenge footballâs global governing body.
GOAL's Front Three have created the ultimate 26-man World Cup squad, based on teams that have qualified for the 2026 edition in North America. The options for each position are literally endless, with so many world-class superstars vying for a spot. Find out who makes the cut, and who gets left at home, by watching the video above! âŹïž
Karim Benzema has reignited one of the most compelling storylines of his extraordinary career by revealing he remains fully open to representing France at the 2026 World Cup, despite a turbulent international history that has long suggested his time with Les Bleus is over. Didier Deschamps' men will be looking to regain the global crown in North America spearheaded by the likes of Kylian Mbappe, and Benzema is willing to lend a helping hand to the cause.
The USMNT will play Senegal on May 31 in its second-to-last World Cup warmup friendly, U.S. soccer announced Thursday morning. The 19th-ranked African side will travel to Charlotte, North Carolina to face off Mauricio Pochettino's side, a week before the U.S. host Germany in Chicago. The two teams have never played in an international competition.
GOAL's FanZone puts five Premier League fans up against a US sports fanatic in the ultimate debate ahead of next summer's World Cup. Does football clear the NFL and Super Bowl, or is the NBA a bigger sport? Do Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's names carry more weight than LeBron James and Michael Jordan? See how the debate plays out in the video above âŹïž
Santos president Marcelo Teixeira has confirmed that renewing Neymar's contract is a major priority, days after the Brazil international admitted he was unsure where his future lies. The former Barcelona star returned to his boyhood team at the start of the year and helped them avoid what would have been an embarrassing relegation from Serie A, but his current deal is now set to expire.
England have confirmed their opponents for the March international break, which they are set to play their final games before Thomas Tuchel picks his final squad for the 2026 World Cup. They have been drawn in Group L and will face Croatia, Panama and Ghana at the finals, where they will be looking to break their major trophy curse, which has extended to 60 years.
Thierry Henry offered a measured assessment of the United Statesâ World Cup prospects, acknowledging that Group D is favorable but still far from simple. He noted that host nations often ride energy and momentum to deep runs, and said a fast start and a strong connection with home support could tilt the tournament in the USMNTâs favor.
Neymar is all set to visit the 'miracle doctor' in Brazil in a bid to overcome injury and make it to Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad in North America next summer. Neymar has struggled for fitness throughout the calendar year; however, he saw a late resurgence into the season as he scored and helped Santos avoid relegation, finishing 12th in the Brazilian top division league.
A formal complaint has been submitted to FIFA regarding issues related to political neutrality during last weekâs World Cup draw. FairSquare, a non-profit advocacy organization, sent an eight-page letter to FIFAâs Ethics Committee outlining four alleged infringements by FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the event, including the presentation of the FIFA Peace Prize.
Cristiano Ronaldo could, if he extends his international career beyond the 2026 World Cup, be in line for a reunion with Jose Mourinho. That is because the self-anointed âSpecial Oneâ is considered to be a guaranteed pick as next manager of the Portugal national team. Mourinho is currently with Benfica, with his recent struggles on the trophy-winning front being explained.
Lionel Messi is considered to be âbetter than everâ as questions continue to be asked of his participation at the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine superstar is yet to confirm his involvement, but the door will always be left open for him. Ariel Ortega sees no reason why the eight-time Ballon dâOr winner cannot form part of a global title defence, with any fears regarding his presence in MLS being calmed.
Next summerâs tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be the first with an expanded group stage, but could we see an extra country qualify?
Neymar's second spell at Santos has, for the most part, been a disappointment. The injury problems that have plagued the Brazilian's career followed him back home, and as a result, he has been unable to build up any proper rhythm. He only featured in 20 of Santos' 38 Serie A games in the 2025 season, scoring eight goals, and is still waiting for a recall to the Brazil national team squad after a two-year absence.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has apologised to Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni after a bizarre mix-up at the 2026 World Cup draw forced the reigning world champion coach to wear gloves before touching the trophy. The incident caused confusion and frustration, prompting FIFA to stage a corrective ceremony the next day to make amends publicly.
England's World Cup 2026 kick-off times and venues have been finally confirmed as Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions are set to face Croatia, Panama and Ghana in the group stage next summer. England learned their opponents during the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, DC, on Friday evening. The European Championship runners-up side will play their three group games in three different cities.
The draw delivered clarity, confidence and a challenge. Now Pochettino and his players know the route - and, inspired by Herb Brooks and the Miracle on Ice, theyâre daring to dream big.
Erling Haaland has given a candid response to Norwayâs daunting World Cup draw, admitting on social media that he faces a brutal challenge in what supporters are already calling the tournamentâs 'group of death'. Next summerâs World Cup will be the largest ever staged, expanding to 48 teams across 12 groups as FIFA introduces a round of 32 for the first time. Yet even within a broadened field, one Group I stands out for its sheer competitiveness.
Carlo Ancelotti says he doesn't "owe" anyone a place in his Brazil 2026 World Cup squad after once again being asked about Santos star Neymar's prospects. The Brazil icon has repeatedly been left out of recent national squads due to injury issues, but after scoring a hat-trick for his club last time out, speculation over his World Cup place is intensifying. However, the Italian made it clear he will not be pressured into certain picks.
Thomas Tuchel believes England's 2026 World Cup draw is "tough" and claimed that the group stage is "always the most difficult". The German coach, who will lead the Three Lions into a major tournament for the first time next summer, stressed that Group L - featuring Croatia, Ghana and Panama - provides no margin for complacency.
England boss Thomas Tuchel has hinted that the glitz and glamour of the 2026 World Cup ceremony was rather unnecessary. The Three Lions eventually found out that they will face Croatia, Ghana, and Panama at next year's competition in North America. However, those watching the draw had to wait a long time to find out the results, something Tuchel believes they could have "done without".
Ghana boss Otto Addo has urged Antoine Semenyo to take the "next step" and leave Bournemouth amid links with Liverpool and Manchester City. The 25-year-old has a ÂŁ65 million ($87m) release clause, which is only active until a specific date in the January transfer window. As teams consider a move for him, his national manager thinks it is "natural" for the flying winger to secure a transfer away.
Former England defender Rio Ferdinand gives his instant reaction to the 2026 World Cup draw and the challenge facing the Three Lions in the group stage after helping present the ceremony at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on Friday. Thomas Tuchel's squad will face Croatia, Panama and Ghana in Group L as they look to end 60 years of hurt by lifting the trophy in North America next summer.
There were nods of approval and even a sigh of relief after the World Cup draw was concluded and England appeared to have avoided some of the major potential banana skins as the pots were drawn to decide the group stages. But, as the dust settled, it became clear that Englandâs route to the World Cup final in New Jersey next July would be anything but straight forward. GOAL plots the path Thomas Tuchel's side will (most likely) need to navigate on their way to the ultimate title glory.
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