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World Cup

World Cup news

Messi's Argentina knocked off top of FIFA rankings

Lamine Yamal's Spain have stormed back to the summit of international football, claiming top spot from Lionel Messi's Argentina in the latest FIFA men's world rankings for the first time since 2014. Their rise comes after victories over Turkey and Bulgaria in World Cup qualifying, ending the world champions' two-year reign at the top, as they slip to third following a costly defeat to Ecuador, with France moving up to second.

U.S., Mexico fall as Canada continue climb in FIFA rankings

The United States, Mexico and Canada - the three 2026 World Cup hosts - had mixed fortunes in the latest FIFA men’s world rankings, the first update since July. The USMNT slipped one spot to 16th following a loss to South Korea and a win over Japan. Mexico dropped to 14th, while Canada climbed to 26th after back-to-back victories.

Spain threatens to BOYCOTT 2026 World Cup if Israel qualify

Spain have reportedly threatened to boycott the 2026 World Cup if Israel qualify. After a United Nations commission of inquiry stated that Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza this week, Spanish government officials say they will "assess" the situation if Ran Ben-Shimon's team make it to next year's tournament in North America.

Holden 'encouraged by the sense of urgency' by WC task force

Former USMNT midfielder Stu Holden says travel and security are the two major priorities ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The FOX Sports analyst joined former USMNT player Alexi Lalas in consulting with the White House task force for the event, saying, “we want this to be remembered as the best World Cup ever."

Hundreds of clubs added to FIFA's $355M WC payments plan

Hundreds of soccer clubs worldwide will share in a $355 million fund from FIFA’s multi-billion 2026 World Cup revenues, compensating them for releasing players to national teams during the tournament. FIFA has long paid clubs for World Cup participants but announced this week that the plan now extends to players in qualifiers as well.

‘Stakes remain high’ - Holden on Reyna's revival, World Cup

Mic'd Up: Holden discussed Reyna's move to Gladbach, Pochettino's evolving tactics and nation set to be 'consumed by the World Cup'

Vargas: No contact with Aguirre over future El Tri call-ups

Seattle Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas is in top form, but it hasn’t earned him a call from Javier Aguirre, who he says he hasn’t spoken with about a spot. Vargas has 2,183 MLS minutes this season plus 1,107 across the Club World Cup, Champions Cup and Leagues Cup. Yet the Alaska-born 20-year-old has just one Mexico cap, with only three FIFA dates left before 2026.

Como sensation Paz trying to 'replicate' Messi YouTube videos

Como sensation Nico Paz admits to watching Lionel Messi videos on YouTube as he attempts to “replicate” what the Inter Miami superstar is capable of. Paz is now an Argentina international team-mate of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, but continues to use his illustrious fellow countryman as a source of inspiration when it comes to enhancing his own game.

GOAL's Hall of Fame: Roberto Baggio - The Divine Ponytail

Describing Roberto Baggio to those who did not experience him is a sort of generational challenge, an arduous attempt at conveying something that is too difficult to explain in words. But we will try - because Roberto Baggio was, especially for Italians, a symbol, a standard-bearer, an icon and an emotion.

Messi will 'easily' make 2026 World Cup with Argentina

Lionel Messi’s presence at the 2026 World Cup has been called into question, but Argentina team-mate Cristian Romero claims the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will “easily” make it to that event. The all-time great has, at 38 years of age, conceded that fitness concerns could lead to him missing out on the defence of a global title in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Endrick's progression stalled at Real due to Vini, Rodrygo

Carlo Ancelotti admits that Endrick’s development at Real Madrid stalled due to the presence of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, with the Italian tactician having to decide whether the teenage forward is deserving of a place in his Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup. Spots in that selection remain up for grabs less than a year out from the tournament itself.

Ronaldo will play on with Portugal for 'as long as he wants'

Cristiano Ronaldo will play on with Portugal for “as long as he wants”, says Ricardo Carvalho, with the 40-year-old frontman expected to lead his country at the 2026 World Cup. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has earned 223 caps, remains available for international duty after signing a two-year contract extension with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr.

Apostas em destaque

Palpite Athletico-PR x Botafogo - Campeonato Brasileiro - 29/03/2026

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Ex-Barca star announces retirement at 31 in emotional post

Samuel Umtiti has officially announced his retirement from football at just 31 years old, bringing an end to a career that saw him win the 2018 World Cup with France and multiple trophies at Barcelona. The defender, once regarded as one of the best centre-backs in Europe, has been forced to hang up his boots after years of knee problems limited his playing time.

Ancelotti to Madrid again? Brazil boss opens door to third spell

Carlo Ancelotti's club career was believed to be over when he joined Brazil at the end of last season. However, the legendary Italian head coach does not rule out a Real Madrid return for a third spell, claiming that Los Blancos are the only team which would tempt him to prolong his 30-year long career in football management upon ending his international adventure.

Ancelotti discusses plans beyond the 2026 World Cup

Carlo Ancelotti discussed his future with the Brazil national team beyond the 2026 World Cup as the legendary ex-Real Madrid boss revealed if he plans to stay as Selecao coach after the tournament is over. Ancelotti signed a one-year contract with CBF in the summer after leaving Los Blancos at the end of the 2024-25 La Liga campaign. He was replaced by Xabi Alonso at Santiago Bernabeu.

Lalas: World Cup task force focused on security, visas, optics

Lalas says he's consulted with the administration's task force for the 2026 event, stresses need for 'welcoming environment'

Mexico v South Korea - International Friendly

Mexico to face Uruguay in November friendly during FIFA window

El Tri will play on November 15 at Torreón’s Estadio TSM Corona.

Lalas praises Freese but doubts he’ll remain USMNT No. 1

The former USMNT defender has shared his assessment of Freese's status, suggesting the position remains unsettled despite recent performances

Mexico v Valencia - International Friendly

Guillermo Ochoa signs with AEL Limassol in Cyprus

The Mexican goalkeeper had been a free agent after his deal with Burgos FC collapsed

Suite holders granted World Cup access at Estadio Banorte

FIFA reached an agreement with Estadio Banorte to allow suite holders to attend 2026 World Cup games at no additional cost

Mauricio Pochettino, Christian Pulisic, Malik Tillman

USMNT World Cup Projection: Pulisic back, questions in midfield

With the World Cup just nine months away, GOAL looks at how the U.S. squad might look next summer

United States v Bolivia - CONMEBOL Copa America USA 2024

'I'll be there' - Reyna confident of making USMNT's World Cup squad

Gio Reyna is confident he will be at the 2026 World Cup after joining Borussia Monchengladbach, insisting he’s ready to reach a higher level.

United States v Japan - International Friendly

Gomez says pressure affecting Pochettino despite USMNT victory

The former USMNT striker highlighted the significance of the national team's victory over Japan, noting signs of pressure on the coach

Spotify x Cactus Jack x FC Barcelona Merchandise Goes On Sale At Spotify Camp Nou

Henry drops huge hint on identity of next France manager

Zinedine Zidane will become the next France boss, taking over from Didier Deschamps, according to Les Bleus and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.

Al Ahli v Kawasaki Frontale: AFC Champions League Elite Final

Toney not giving up on World Cup dream despite England omission

Ivan Toney is not ready to give up on his World Cup dream despite being left out of the latest England squad without any warning from Thomas Tuchel. Since swapping Brentford for Al-Ahli last summer, the striker has impressed in Saudi Arabia. Last season, he rattled in 23 league goals in 30 games, finishing just two shy of Cristiano Ronaldo’s tally, while forming a deadly strike force alongside Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez.

Frequently asked questions

: Bayern Munich are the most decorated team in the history of Bundesliga with 32 top-flight titles to their name. Their most recent title came in the 2022-23 season, which was their 11th straight league title.
: There are 18 teams in the current format of the Bundesliga. Bundesliga, as we know it today, was formed in 1962 with the 1963-64 season being the first-ever season. It began with 16 teams, but was expanded to 18 teams ahead of the 1965-66 season.
: Karl-Heinz 'Charly' Korbel, with 602 appearances to his name, holds the record for making the most appearances in Bundesliga history. The defender achieved this feat with just one club: Eintracht Frankfurt.
: Gerd Muller, inarguably the greatest German forward of all-time, is Bundesliga's all-time leading goalscorer with 365 goals to his name in 427 appearances. All his goals came in a Bayern Munich jersey.
: Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller has registered the most assists in Bundesliga history, with 207 and counting.
: Former German defender Klaus Fitchel is the oldest player ever to play in the Bundesliga. Fitchel was aged 43 years and 184 days when he played for Schalke on the final matchday of the 1987-88 campaign.
: Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Youssoufa Moukoko, at 16 years and one day, became the youngest player in Bundesliga history to play in the league, when he came on for Erling Haaland in the 2020-21 season in a game against Hertha Berlin.
: Robert Lewandowski, Marco Reus, Ilkay Gundogan, Stefan Effenberg, Toni Kroos, Gerd Muller, Franz Beckenbauer, Manuel Neuer, Antonio Rudiger, and Arjen Robben are some of the most famous players to have played in the Bundesliga.
: Xabi Alonso, Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti, Jurgen Klopp, Julian Nagelsmann, Jupp Heynckes, Ralf Rangnick, Thomas Tuchel, Otto Rehhagel, Matthias Sammer, and Giovanni Trapattoni are some of the most famous managers to have managed a Bundesliga club.
: Borussia Dortmund's electrifying stadium Signal Iduna Park is the biggest stadium in the Bundesliga with a capacity of 81.365.
: Harry Kane's €95 million move from Tottenham Hotspur to Bayern Munich in 2023 is Bundesliga's most expensive transfer of all-time.

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