World Cup news

Everything you need to know about the historic World Cup Golden Boot, including past winners and the rules of the award.

The Iranian football federation has issued a defiant response to Donald Trump after the United States president suggested their presence at the 2026 World Cup would be "inappropriate" for their own safety. Tensions have reached a breaking point following the commencement of military strikes in the region, leaving Team Melli’s participation in the upcoming tournament on American soil unlikely.

Brazil have officially unveiled a revolutionary partnership with Jordan Brand, marking the first time the iconic 'Jumpman logo will appear on a national team football kit. The historic threads are set for a high-profile debut at the end of March in a glamour friendly in the build-up to the 2026 World Cup.

United States President Donald Trump insisted that the Iranian soccer team are welcome to come to the U.S. for the World Cup this summer, despite the political tensions between the two nations - while warning that traveling to the United States could put their “life and safety” at risk. The U.S. have repeatedly bombed the country in recent weeks, and Iranian officials admitted the team 'cannot' participate in the tournament.

GOAL Exclusive: Chris Richards reflects on the journey he once thought was impossible, the bond inside the USMNT and the life-changing opportunity ahead.

Graham Potter has committed his long-term future to Sweden despite failing to win a single match since taking charge. The former Chelsea manager has signed a deal until 2030 as the nation prepares for a do-or-die World Cup play-off with Ukraine.

Dietmar Hamann has voiced his strong opposition to Arsene Wenger's proposed "clear daylight" offside rule, which will be trialed in North America. The former Liverpool midfielder believes the change is "absolute nonsense" and will unfairly penalise defenders while disrupting the tactical balance of the game.

Thierry Henry has leapt to the defence of Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe, insisting his fellow Frenchman has been unfairly criticised in his career due to the high standards expected of him. Mbappe rose to stardom with AS Monaco before securing a nine-figure move to Paris Saint-Germain and winning the World Cup with France as a key starter while still a teenager. To date, Mbappe has scored 365 times in 460 club appearances, while he has also grabbed 55 goals in 94 caps for France, second to only Olivier Giroud in Les Bleus' all-time leading scorers list. Despite these many accolades, Mbappe has never won the Champions League as a player, and despite being tipped to take home many Ballon d'Or awards in an era after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's duopoly, he has yet to claim a Golden Ball for himself.

Younes Ebnoutalib could be a surprise addition to Germany's World Cup squad. Will he play for Morocco instead?

Former national player Michael Ballack has been highly critical of former national coach Joachim Löw regarding his serious injury in the run-up to the 2010 World Cup.

Neymar has hinted at injuries forcing him to retire at the end of 2026, but a fellow Brazilian is tipping the 34-year-old playmaker to make the “truly massive” call of joining Lionel Messi in MLS. Neymar previously worked with the Argentine GOAT at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, with Kleberson telling GOAL why a reunion at Inter Miami remains a distinct possibility.

The midfielder will be unable to respond to Gattuso's call-up due to a new physical problem.

Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup has been thrown into serious doubt following explosive comments from the country’s sports minister. With the tournament in the US, Canada, and Mexico set to kick off in just three months, Ahmad Donyamali told state television that the team would not travel due to the ongoing military conflict involving the United States and Israel.

The former Salernitana goalkeeper can keep Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo company.

Chelsea's sensational teenage winger Estevao Willian has surprisingly snubbed his modern idol in a captivating quick-fire elimination game. Despite his deep admiration for the current generation, the young forward ultimately crowned the legendary three-time World Cup winner as the absolute greatest Brazilian footballer of all time following a series of tough choices.

GOAL continues its Meet the USMNT series by examining the ongoing debate surrounding the team's most hard-to-assess star.

Thiago Silva has thrown his significant weight behind Neymar as an "indisputable" pick for Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad. Despite persistent struggles with fitness that have hindered his momentum at club level with Santos, the veteran defender believes Neymar is still capable of being a difference-maker for the Selecao on the world stage.