World Cup news

Rafael Leao has broken his silence following a shock dismissal during Portugal's World Cup warm-up clash against Chile. The AC Milan forward saw red for violent conduct after an altercation spiralled out of control in first-half stoppage time. Despite the controversy, Selecao boss Roberto Martinez has moved quickly to shield his player from criticism.

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.

We are now just days away, and World Cup fever is gripping the globe as teams from 48 countries descend on the United States, Mexico and Canada for the biggest tournament FIFA have ever staged. Managers are making their final plans ahead of the opening round of group games, but for some there are still massive decisions to be made.

Harry Kane will never have a better chance than this. England's captain arrives at what is likely to be his last-ever World Cup in the form of his life, and he will carry the hopes of a nation in North America. After collective and individual heartbreak in 2018 and 2022, respectively, this simply has to be the tournament where he seizes his moment.

Galatasaray Istanbul's Ilkay Gündogan has defended his much-criticised teammate Leroy Sané ahead of the World Cup.

Spain's young stars, Lamine Yamal (18) and Nico Williams (23), will be fit in time for the start of the World Cup.

Nine people were injured in a shooting near the England team's World Cup base early on Saturday morning.

Christian Eriksen collapsed on the field for the second time in his career, briefly losing consciousness during Denmark's friendly with Ukraine on Sunday afternoon. The FA subsequently announced that Eriksen came around by himself, and was responsive in hospital. The incident came nearly five years after he collapsed at Euro 2021.

How to watch the World Cup match between Haiti and Scotland, as well as kick-off time and team news

How to watch the World Cup match between Germany and Curacao, as well as kick-off time and team news

Moise Bombito will miss the World Cup, with the Canadian center back deemed not fit enough to contribute for Jesse Marsch's side this summer. The defender, who plays his club soccer for Nice, broke his leg in October 2025. After admitting he was "sore" following 30 minutes in a warm-up friendly, Canada decided to prioritize his long-term health.

Canada's World Cup tuneups are complete, but concerns remain. GOAL examines Moïse Bombito's injury setback and the key issues facing Jesse Marsch's side.

A convincing win over Senegal, followed by a spirited defeat to Germany have the USMNT with a clearer idea of who they are ahead of the World Cup

GOAL breaks down who boosted their case, who still has questions to answer, and what Mauricio Pochettino may have learned from the USMNT's final pre-World Cup friendlies.

Bernardo Silva is facing a defining moment in his career as his contract with Manchester City nears its conclusion this month. The Portuguese playmaker has long been linked with a move to La Liga, and his national team manager believes he possesses the unique attributes required to thrive at the highest level.

Anthony Gordon has opened up about his blockbuster £70m move from Newcastle to Barcelona, revealing the private role Marcus Rashford played in the transition. Despite their rivalry for a starting spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England side, the Manchester United forward has been acting as a mentor following his own 2025-26 loan spell with the Catalan giants.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has hailed Lamine Yamal as a player who was "born for this," comparing the Barcelona sensation's natural talent to that of Lionel Messi. As La Roja prepare for the World Cup, the manager believes his young winger possesses a rare quality only seen in the game's true geniuses.