World Cup news

In the third episode of The Black Stars Podcast, we examine how diaspora players impact Ghana's football ambitions and the broader issues of identity, preparation and infrastructure that influence their decisions.

Gio Reyna has been told what he must do in order to make the USMNT World Cup squad, with the highly-rated playmaker determined to grace a major tournament on home soil in the summer of 2026. Questions are still being asked of his involvement after suffering “injury after injury after injury”, but Brad Friedel is among those backing the 22-year-old to come good.

Eric Dier admits that memories of breaking his trophy duck, while helping Harry Kane to lift his silverware curse, still gives him goosebumps. The versatile England international became a title winner alongside his close friend and fellow former Tottenham star when helping Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga crown in 2024-25. Memories of that success will live with Dier forever.

Former Italy defender Fabio Cannavaro is all set to take up a shock new international job ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The Ballon d'Or winning ex-Juventus star was without a job since Dinamo Zagreb parted ways with him in April this year. However, Cannavaro is now set to return to football management to lead Uzbekistan in their maiden appearance at the 2026 World Cup.

Álvaro Fidalgo, one of Liga MX’s standout talents, could be eligible to represent Mexico in March 2026 after five years in the country and obtaining citizenship. The Club América midfielder’s vision and control could provide the creativity El Tri currently lacks beyond Marcel Ruiz. The Spaniard began his career at Real Madrid.

The likes of Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer, who saw fitness concerns rule them out of the latest England squad, have been handed a World Cup warning by Thomas Tuchel. The Three Lions boss claims he is prepared to leave the most talented players at his disposal out of a bid for global glory in 2026 as “the team” is more important than any individual.

Harry Kane has been advised to spend another “two or three years” at Bayern Munich, with Alan Shearer offering transfer advice to the England captain in an ongoing bid to retain his Premier League goals record. Ex-Blackburn and Newcastle frontman Shearer is aware that prolific former Tottenham striker Kane may have one eye on returning to his homeland and adding another entry to the history books.

Martin Odegaard and Arsenal have been given a concerning injury update after seeing the midfielder suffer medial collateral ligament damage. The Norway international picked up that knock during a Premier League clash with West Ham. In what has been a frustrating season on the fitness front for the Gunners captain, he is now facing another spell on the sidelines.

Wayne Rooney has hit back at Steven Gerrard's claim that England's 'Golden Generation' were "egotistical losers". The Liverpool legend has attempted to explain why a star-studded group of players failed to savour international success. Manchester United icon Rooney also formed part of that squad for a while, and he is not convinced that fierce club divisions were to blame for the Three Lions struggling to roar when it mattered most.

England can secure their qualification for the 2026 World Cup with two matches to spare if they beat Latvia on Tuesday, with Thomas Tuchel's side taking the trip at Daugava Stadium boasting a 100% record in their qualifying campaign thus far. Victory would secure the Three Lions' place at the tournament in North America next summer, while a draw would all-but seal qualification due to a superior goal difference over second-placed Albania.

Mark Bellingham, the father of Jude and Jobe, has seen some of his behaviour branded “an absolute joke” by England legend Sir Geoff Hurst. Bellingham senior has been billed as “the most powerful man in English football”, given the prominence of his two sons, but has also generated lively debate with his antics behind the scenes - with officials at Borussia Dortmund being confronted at one stage after Jobe was substituted at half-time.

Erling Haaland is a menace in competitive action and during training, with the Manchester City striker leaving fans in hysterics after being mic’d up for a session alongside his international team-mates. The prolific frontman was put through his paces ahead of a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Israel. Unsurprisingly, the larger-than-life 25-year-old made a point of dominating proceedings and teasing his colleagues.

Germany's current No. 1, Oliver Baumann, has dismissed speculation over a sensational Manuel Neuer return as "unhelpful" to the team. With Marc-Andre ter Stegen injured, Baumann has stepped in but insists he will support the Barcelona star upon his return, while Neuer's incredible club form sparks contract talks and fuels the international debate.

Former national team player Alexi Lalas raised concerns about USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino’s experimentation with the team's roster, acknowledging the coach’s right to try options, but saying he's surprised there is not yet a settled starting XI ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Pochettino's side drew Ecuador and beat Australia over the last week.

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has set his sights on achieving "what every Brazilian dreams of: winning the World Cup after 24 years." The Italian manager spoke about next year's tournament and explained the reasons behind accepting such a high-profile international job. Ancelotti spent four years at Real Madrid before calling curtains on his chapter in Spain at the end of last season.

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham all earned nods from Harry Kane in an exclusive quickfire question session with GOAL that saw the Bayern Munich striker name the best player he has played against and his boyhood idol. The England captain also picked out the best passer of a ball that he has ever seen and the young talent that he is most excited about watching develop.

Lionel Messi is “nearing the end of a wonderful story”, admits Javier Saviola, but the Argentine GOAT is considered to have one more World Cup left in him. Messi has played cards close to his chest regarding possible involvement at the 2026 finals, but the expectation is that he will form part of the Albiceleste squad when they stage a defence of their global crown next summer.