World Cup news

FIFA has reversed its controversial decision to ban fans from bringing reusable water bottles into World Cup stadiums after widespread criticism from supporters, campaign groups and politicians. Concerns over fan welfare, soaring temperatures and the cost of refreshments at venues intensified pressure on the governing body, ultimately forcing a policy U-turn.

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti remains optimistic that injured talisman Neymar will recover from a calf injury in time to feature at the 2026 World Cup. The Italian tactician confirmed that the 34-year-old forward is making excellent progress individually and will undergo a decisive medical scan on Monday before potentially rejoining full squad training next week.

Everything you need to know about how to watch Republic of Ireland in friendlies and all major competitions.

Germany's World Cup preparations have been hit by a devastating blow after teenage forward Lennart Karl was ruled out of the upcoming tournament. The 18-year-old Bayern Munich prodigy sustained a severe thigh injury during Die Mannschaft's final training session, forcing national team manager Julian Nagelsmann to call up a late replacement.

Brazil are in a bad way. We know this because Neymar's fitness has been a topic of national debate for the past few months. Believe it or not, there are a significant number of Brazilians that believe that the Selecao has no chance of winning this summer's World Cup without a 34-year-old forward who has neither been fit nor good enough to play for his country since 2023.

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.

Germany defender Lennart Karl has broken his silence with an emotional statement after his bitter World Cup exit.

All you need to know about Argentina's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Thomas Tuchel has been handed a contract extension by the Football Association without proving his worth at a first major tournament, with Robbie Fowler telling GOAL that the German tactician “has to win” the 2026 World Cup in order to justify that show of faith. The former Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich boss was appointed by the Three Lions due to his track record of delivering tangible success.

Harry Kane does not need to savour World Cup glory with England in order to become the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner, Robbie Fowler has told GOAL, with remarkable goalscoring exploits at Bayern Munich ensuring that he is “in the conversation”. The prolific No.9 is hoping to be named the best player on the planet after maintaining stunning individual standards with club and country.

Excitement is building ahead of the start of the latest installment of the greatest show on earth - the World Cup. Throughout the showpiece tournament in North America, GOAL, in association with eToro, is tracking the value of 10 of the world's most sought-after talents. Will their price rise or plummet? Follow our unique player value tracker to find out...

England have never come up against Lionel Messi, and Robbie Fowler has told GOAL why the 2026 World Cup could be the perfect occasion in which to cross paths with the Argentine GOAT. The ex-Three Lions frontman says the 2022 champion should not scare Thomas Tuchel’s side, while a reunion with old adversaries Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal should also be embraced.

From Uruguay, the first ever World Cup host, to Qatar, the most recent.

Declan Rice is “up there” with the best midfielders that England have ever produced, Peter Reid has told GOAL, as the Arsenal talisman has joined a talent bracket that includes the likes of Steven Gerrard and Bryan Robson. That is a big billing, but the newly-crowned Premier League title winner will want to justify it when starring at the 2026 World Cup.

Luka Modric could be considered unique, given all that he has achieved, but Ivan Perisic has told GOAL that Croatia are capable of producing another Ballon d’Or winner in the future. The most decorated performer to emerge from that part of the world collected a prestigious Golden Ball in 2018. More “great talent” continues to drop off the production line, leaving hopes high when it comes to creating another member of the global elite.

Graham Potter has leapt to the defence of his star striking duo Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak, insisting that both players remain elite talents despite receiving mixed reviews in England. The Sweden head coach, who is preparing for a World Cup campaign after a dramatic qualification play-off, believes the external perception of his forwards doesn’t match the reality of their contributions.