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World Cup

World Cup news

United States v Bolivia - CONMEBOL Copa America USA 2024

FIFA gets record 500M ticket requests for 2026 World Cup

FIFA says it received more than 500 million ticket requests for the 2026 World Cup during its month-long Random Selection Draw application window, highlighting unprecedented global demand for the first-ever 48-team tournament across the United States, Mexico and Canada. The window ran from Dec. 11 through Jan. 13 following December’s World Cup draw and schedule release.

USAMexico
Arsene Wenger offside

Wenger's offside law blow! UEFA & FA against 'radical' plans

Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has hit a setback in plans to push through a new offside revolution. The 76-year-old has proposed a radical change to current rules which would benefit attackers but is now facing opposition from both UEFA and the British FAs. The governing bodies believe Wenger's plans are "too drastic" and would have too much of an impact on how the game is currently played.

A. WengerEngland
France 1998 GFX

LEGACY: France '98 - The birth of a legend

This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast and feature series tracking the countdown to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. Today we look back at France '98; from the heartbreaks of Seville and Bulgaria to the night Zinedine Zidane lifted the trophy in Paris, this is the story of how France broke its curse and forged a winning identity that still defines Les Bleus today.

LegacyFrance
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Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal 2025

Ronaldo faces competition! Portugal reveal World Cup plan

Cristiano Ronaldo will face added competition for places at the 2026 World Cup, Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has revealed. Evergreen 40-year-old CR7 is heading to that tournament, with another birthday being passed along the way, but is not expected to play every minute of every game - despite being captain of his country. Martinez is planning to take three strikers with him to the United States, Canada and Mexico.

C. RonaldoPortugal
Lionel Messi Inter Miami 2025

‘Until he retires’ - Why Messi will remain ‘best in the world’

Lionel Messi remains “the best in the world” and will hold that title “until he retires”, claims the Argentine’s former Barcelona team-mate David Villa. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is now 38 years of age, but he is showing no sign of slowing down and continues to enhance his standing as the most decorated player of all-time while turning out in the United States for Inter Miami.

L. MessiMajor League Soccer
Lionel Messi Argentina 2025

World Cup decision? What Messi discussed in private meeting

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni admits to holding a private meeting with Lionel Messi, with the topics of discussion during that chat being revealed. The Albiceleste are busy piecing together plans for their World Cup title defence. Having captured a global crown at Qatar 2022, the intention is to go back-to-back in 2026. All-time great Messi is expected to form part of that trophy bid.

L. MessiArgentina
Santos v Cruzeiro - Brasileirao 2025

Neymar starts on road to World Cup as recovery begins after surgery

Neymar has officially commenced his rehabilitation program following knee surgery, marking the first step in his bid to secure a place in Brazil's World Cup squad. The 33-year-old was spotted at the Santos training ground on Thursday, looking in good spirits as he began the hard work required to return to the pitch ahead of the new season.

NeymarSantos FC

Scommesse in primo piano

Quote piazzamento Serie A: la scelta di valore nella lotta a tre per il quarto posto
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Harry Kane Ballon d'Or 2025

'Big chance' - Kane told what he needs to win Ballon d'Or

Michael Owen, who remains the last Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or, has told GOAL what Harry Kane needs to do in order to land a prestigious Golden Ball in 2026. The prolific Bayern Munich striker is considered to have a "big chance" of claiming that prize as he chases down Champions League glory at club level and a World Cup crown with England.

H. KaneBayern Munich
FBL-BRA-SANTOS-CRUZEIRO

Neymar signs longer Santos extension than expected

Neymar has signed a longer contract extension than expected with Santos ahead of this year's World Cup. The 33-year-old has been the subject of intense transfer speculation, linked to Brazilian Serie A winners Flamengo and a host of other clubs. But the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star has put pen to paper on a new deal with his boyhood club, while stating he wants to "conquer the dreams that are missing".

NeymarSantos FC
GFX Legacy Brazil

LEGACY: The 24-year World Cup wait that haunts Brazil

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 legacies that shaped football’s greatest nations. This time we turn to Brazil, who are facing an identity crisis as they look to avoid the longest gap between global titles in the country's history. From the magic of 2002 to the heartbreaks that followed, it’s the story of a footballing superpower still searching for itself - and for its next star to lift the weight of a nation.

LegacyBrazil
Neymar Santos 2025

No Messi reunion for Neymar as Santos star signs new contract

Neymar has reportedly ended the speculation linking him with a move to Inter Miami or a return to Europe by agreeing a new contract with Santos. The veteran Brazilian superstar, who retraced steps to his roots in January 2025, is poised to sign fresh terms that will take him through the 2026 World Cup finals and to the end of another calendar year.

NeymarSantos FC

Frequently asked questions

Arsenal have won the FA Cup 14 times, more than any other club. Their most recent victory came in 2020, but there is a club from Manchester hot on their heels...

A total of 745 clubs will be participating in the 2024-25 FA Cup, spanning from the Premier League down to Level 9 of the English football league system, with teams from the Level 10 acting as stand-ins in case a team from the aforementioned levels drops out from the competition. The inaugural FA Cup in 1871-82 had just 15 teams participating in it.

Former Liverpool defender Ian Callaghan, with 88 appearances, is FA Cup's record-appearance maker in history.

The all-time top scorer in the FA Cup is Ian Rush, with 41 goals in 62 games, primarily scored during his time as a centre forward for Liverpool.

Paris Hamilton-Downes became the youngest player to ever feature in the FA Cup, debuting at 13 years, 11 months, and one day.for Carshalton Athletic in 2019.

The FA Cup has featured many football legends, including Steven Gerrard, Ryan Giggs, Thierry Henry, Eric Cantona, and Frank Lampard. Modern-day superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, and Sergio Aguero have also made their mark on the competition.

Legendary managers such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho, and Pep Guardiola have guided their teams to success in the FA Cup. Notably, Wenger holds the record for most FA Cup victories as a manager, with seven titles to his name.

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