World Cup news

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has told Lionel Messi he should “never retire” as the Argentina star continues to weigh up whether to compete at the 2026 World Cup. The Inter Miami forward remains undecided over whether he will turn up in North America next summer, but he has now been told he can be the difference maker for the defending champions.

Former Real Madrid star James Rodriguez is reportedly close to agreeing a move to MLS outfit the Columbus Crew as he aims to remain in shape ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The Colombian midfielder has left Leon in Liga MX and while he initially planned to remain in Mexico, he now looks set to move to the United States instead.

Javier Zanetti insists that Lionel Messi is still capable of leading Argentina into the 2026 World Cup and says he has "no doubt" that the Inter Miami star will shine at the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Messi is now 38 but appears poised to have one last crack at international glory, as Argentina aim to defend their crown.

This is Legacy, GOAL's feature and podcast series following the road to the 2026 World Cup. Every week, we dive into the stories and the legacies that shaped football’s greatest nations. This time we turn to Germany, a nation once famed for producing the world’s deadliest strikers. From Gerd Müller to Miroslav Klose, the No.9 shirt was a symbol of power, precision, and pride. But since 2014, it’s become a question mark, a reflection of a team still searching for its next great finisher, and perhaps, for its own identity.

New Year's Eve is almost upon us, meaning 2025 is about to be consigned to the past - but how will it be remembered by the football world? It was certainly an unforgettable year for some players, coaches and clubs. Paris Saint-Germain, for example, finally got their hands on the trophy they craved above all others, the Champions League, thus vindicating a sensible change in recruitment strategy by the club's owners, who went from signing superstars to investing millions in youth.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has generated unprecedented demand, with approximately 150 million ticket requests submitted during the first half of the current Random Selection Draw ticketing phase. Interest from fans in more than 200 countries means the tournament - hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico - is oversubscribed by a factor of roughly 30.

Book your seats to see Mo Salah, Omar Marmoush and others in World Cup action this summer

Check out how you can go and see Morocco in action in North America this summer

Barcelona midfielder Gavi is refusing to let a brutal injury spell derail his biggest ambitions, with the teenager targeting a February return and keeping his World Cup 2026 dream firmly alive. Recovering step by step from knee surgery, the Barca No.6 insists everything is on track as he watches a flying team from the sidelines and vows to come back stronger.

Manchester United youngster Ayden Heaven has taken a major step toward defining his international future after deciding against a switch to Ghana, despite World Cup eligibility. The 19-year-old defender is instead focused on representing England at the senior level, a stance that reflects his growing confidence after an impressive run of performances at Old Trafford.

Lamine Yamal’s love of the game knows no bounds as the Barcelona wonderkid was spotted playing beach football with a group of children while enjoying his Christmas time off. The teenage sensation has been taking in plenty of sun, sea and sand while holidaying in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with Spanish football having shut down for the winter break.

Mason Mount believes "there’s an opportunity" to still make England's 2026 World Cup squad as the Manchester United midfielder enjoys a resurgence under Ruben Amorim. After years disrupted by injury, inconsistency and a painful separation from Chelsea, the 26-year-old is finally enjoying a sustained run of starts that feels like progress rather than promise.

Paul Pogba has been told that he has virtually no chance of making France’s World Cup squad, despite returning to action at Monaco, with Frank Leboeuf rating the former Manchester United and Juventus star as a “five per cent” shot to get the call from Didier Deschamps. A man that captured a global crown in 1998 has jokingly told GOAL that Zinedine Zidane stands as much chance of getting the nod as Pogba does.

Frank Leboeuf knows what it takes to win the World Cup and he has told GOAL that he hopes 2026 “is dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo” when it comes to another bid for global glory. FIFA’s flagship event is heading to the United States, Canada and Mexico, with Portugal being advised on how best to handle their evergreen frontman when it comes to collective efforts to steal a prestigious trophy away from Lionel Messi and Argentina.

Kylian Mbappe has been told, during GOAL’s exclusive interview with Frank Leboeuf, why he “cannot compare” to Zinedine Zidane in any discussion regarding the GOAT of French football. Even a second World Cup win, while becoming Les Bleus’ all-time leading scorer, may not be enough to lift the current Real Madrid superstar above the Blancos “icon” of the past.

With the 2026 World Cup just months away, GOAL looks at the state of USMNT coaching and infrastructure ahead of next summer.

Former Liverpool star John Arne Riise believes that Jurgen Klopp "would love" to take charge of England, and has tipped the German to move into international management. The Champions League-winning coach may have stepped away from the Anfield dugout, but the gravitational pull of his reputation continues to link with a potential return to the touchline.