World Cup news

Former England defender Phil Jones has shown his backing of the Three Lions and captain Harry Kane ahead the World Cup, calling for the Bayern Munich striker to win the Golden Boot in North America this summer and lead England to winning the trophy for the first time since 1966. Speaking exclusively with GOAL, Jones was asked to predict his winners and losers of the tournament and said he believes Germany will 'crash and burn'.

Paul Pogba is being sensationally tipped to make France’s 2026 World Cup squad, with Bacary Sagna telling GOAL why the mercurial midfielder remains in contention for selection by Didier Deschamps. Pogba is now on the books at Monaco, but remains short on match sharpness after serving an 18-month doping ban. He has 91 international caps to his name.

U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino declined to engage in the debate over World Cup ticket prices, stressing that neither he nor his players should comment on FIFA’s decisions. Responding to remarks made by Timothy Weah, Pochettino reiterated that the sole responsibility of the USMNT is to prepare, compete and perform on the pitch.

GOAL breaks down the key takeaways from Pochettino as the U.S. ramp up their World Cup build-up.

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

Rothenberg, who oversaw the planning of the 1994 World Cup, knew nothing about soccer growing up. Yet now, he is a true legend of the American game.

Paul Pogba could line up against his former club Juventus on Wednesday night for the first time since parting ways with the Italian giants under the cloud of a doping ban in 2024. If he's fit, that is, with his highly-anticipated comeback at Monaco - after more than two years out of competitive action - being hampered by niggling injuries. As his former employers come to town, Pogba finds himself at another crossroads.

With Moise Bombito and Derek Cornelius anchoring the backline, Jesse Marsch has a duo of top talents - as long as they can find fitness ahead of the tournament.

Angel Di Maria admits that Cristiano Ronaldo’s professionalism is “by far” greater than that of Lionel Messi, but the former Real Madrid star still considers his fellow Argentine to be the GOAT having been given “a gift from God to be the best”. World Cup winner Di Maria has also been discussing who he considers to be the finest player on the planet in 2026.

This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast following the road to the 2026 World Cup. Every week, we dive into the stories and legacies that shaped football’s greatest nations. Today we look at how one of the game’s most iconic players lost the love of his people, became the most hated man in the land and then won back their hearts in a way only he could. This is the story of David Beckham's rise and fall after England’s dramatic elimination from the 1998 FIFA World Cup...

A positive update has been delivered on Neymar’s recovery from knee surgery, with a return date for the Brazil international said to be “coming soon”. The 33-year-old was forced under the knife after playing through pain towards the end of the 2025 campaign. He has committed to a one-year contract extension at Santos and is hoping to be back in action shortly.

GOAL continues its Meet the USMNT series by examining McKennie, a player at the center of a growing debate as he approaches a career crossroads.

Kylian Mbappe is being backed to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with former France international Bacary Sagna telling GOAL why the Real Madrid superstar is destined to land a prestigious Golden Ball at some stage. He is considered to be the leading contender to claim that prize in a World Cup year, as he prepares to chase down a second global title with Les Bleus.

Harry Kane can achieve GOAT status in 2026, former England striker Teddy Sheringham has told GOAL. The prolific Bayern Munich striker is chasing down more major honours with club and country. If he were to capture the ultimate prize at the 2026 World Cup, then he would undoubtedly go down in history as the greatest player that the Three Lions have ever seen.

Former Argentina international Javier Zanetti considers fellow countryman Lionel Messi to be “the essence of football” as he is capable of doing “crazy things”. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has proved as much over the course of his career, with the South American GOAT still going strong at the age of 38 with MLS Cup winners Inter Miami.

England have found out where they will likely be based for the 2026 World Cup. With the tournament less than six months away, preparations for the showpiece event in North America are beginning to ramp up. Now, the Three Lions have requested to make a base, that cost around £15 million ($21m) to build in Kansas City, their own this summer.

Everton have announced Jack Grealish has suffered a stress fracture to his foot, which could reportedly sideline the winger for around two months. The 30-year-old joined the Toffees on a season-long loan from Manchester City at the start of the season in the hope of earning more regular game time. However, this latest injury has put his dreams of being named in the England squad for the 2026 World Cup in jeopardy.