This is Legacy, GOAL’s feature and podcast series counting down to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. This week, we explore what England must learn from their failure to claim glory in 2002, and why Thomas Tuchel’s task ahead is not about tactics, but about belief, identity, and courage on the biggest stage.
Neymar has been named in Brazil’s World Cup squad despite doubts over his fitness. Carlo Ancelotti backed the veteran forward’s experience as several attacking players missed out on selection, including Chelsea forward Joao Pedro.
The die has apparently been cast in the battle for the goalkeeper's spot at the 2026 World Cup. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has reportedly informed Oliver Baumann that he plans to name Manuel Neuer as his first-choice goalkeeper.
Corentin Tolisso has expressed his deep disappointment at missing out on a place in Didier Deschamps' France squad for the 2026 World Cup despite enjoying his most productive season to date. The Lyon captain finds himself in the wilderness alongside several other high-profile stars as Les Bleus prepare to challenge for football's biggest prize this summer.
Brazil legend Cafu believes the Selecao have hindered their own pursuit of a sixth world title by placing an unfair burden of responsibility on Neymar for over a decade. The legendary full-back argued that the lack of a supporting cast around the Santos forward has been the primary reason for the nation’s 24-year trophy drought on the global stage.
Lamine Yamal is reportedly set to miss the start of Spain's World Cup campaign as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury. The Barcelona superstar will definitely sit out the Euro 2024 winners' first group game in North America, and he is a major doubt for the second, with the Spain coaching staff taking cautious steps regarding his integration.
Fermin Lopez has seen his World Cup dreams go up in smoke after Barcelona confirmed the midfielder requires surgery on a fractured metatarsal. The 23-year-old was forced off during the Blaugrana's 3-1 La Liga victory over Real Betis, leaving Spain boss Luis de la Fuente with a major selection headache just days before naming his squad.
Neymar could not contain his emotions on Sunday as he broke down in tears during the Brazilian national anthem prior to Santos' Serie A clash with Coritiba. With the Selecao's 2026 World Cup squad announcement scheduled for Monday, the legendary forward appears fully aware of the stakes surrounding his potential inclusion.
Former Germany international Thomas Hitzlsperger believes that Manuel Neuer's calf injury has forced national team manager Julian Nagelsmann to delay announcing the goalkeeper's return until after this weekend.
Neymar has reiterated his burning desire to represent Brazil at the 2026 World Cup as he faces a nervous wait for Carlo Ancelotti’s squad announcement. The Santos superstar also took time to explain the story behind an eye-catching yellow jacket he wore after his latest match, revealing it was a personal gift from Sir David Beckham's son Romeo.
This is terrible news! Haris Tabakovic has apparently suffered a serious injury and is likely to miss Bosnia and Herzegovina's World Cup campaign as a result.
A fan has his say! One sharp football mind delivers a masterclass in selection: A balanced, ruthless lineup built for 2026 dominance. You may not agree with every name, but you can’t ignore the logic.
USMNT center back Chris Richards, a presumptive starter at the World Cup, needed help walking off the field after Crystal Palace's match against Brentford on Sunday afternoon. Manager Oliver Glasner later confirmed that Richards sustained an ankle injury after colliding with Brentford striker Igor Thiago. Richards is expected to recover within a week.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has expressed his belief that Luke Shaw deserves a place in Thomas Tuchel's final England squad for the 2026 World Cup. After overcoming severe injury struggles, the resilient left-back has been remarkably consistent, starting every Premier League match this season and proving his immense value for the Red Devils.
Lionel Messi might be entering the twilight of his legendary career, but the Inter Miami superstar has no intention of slowing down ahead of the 2026 World Cup. His club and international team-mate Rodrigo de Paul has revealed that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is currently undergoing a gruelling physical transformation to ensure he is in peak condition for Argentina's title defence.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has addressed the mounting speculation regarding Neymar’s place in the Selecao squad for the 2026 World Cup. The Italian tactician faces a monumental decision as the nation’s all-time record goalscorer battles for fitness ahead of the tournament's kick-off next month.
With the World Cup just weeks away, the DFB squad's goalkeeping spot is still up for grabs, prompting Stefan Effenberg to offer some advice to Oliver Baumann.
Julian Nagelsmann has intentionally avoided clarifying the international future of Manuel Neuer ahead of Germany's World Cup squad announcement. Despite the veteran goalkeeper’s previous retirement, reports suggest a dramatic U-turn could see the Bayern Munich legend reclaim the number one shirt for the upcoming tournament in North America.
Manuel Neuer appears set to return to the Germany squad, a move that would cast Oliver Baumann into the role of unfortunate spectator—a situation for which coach Julian Nagelsmann would bear the blame. The Bayern Munich goalkeeper's comeback would also undermine the national coach's credibility, creating a communications disaster that could have been avoided with clearer planning. An editorial.
German football icons Lothar Matthaus, Didi Hamann, and Michael Ballack have weighed in on the polarising debate surrounding Manuel Neuer’s potential World Cup return. While Matthaus acknowledges Neuer is still the nation’s best, he labelled the lack of communication with current No. 1 Oliver Baumann a "slap in the face" as the countdown to Julian Nagelsmann’s final squad announcement on Thursday begins.
The iconic Manuel Neuer is set to pull on the Germany jersey once again after agreeing to come out of international retirement for the 2026 World Cup. Despite stepping away from the national team in 2024, the Bayern Munich veteran has been convinced by Julian Nagelsmann to reclaim his spot as the number one.
With Canada’s World Cup squad deadline looming, Jesse Marsch faces major decisions as injuries cloud the status of stars like Alphonso Davies and Moïse Bombito. GOAL breaks down the CanMNT roster by tiers, from locked-in starters such as Jonathan David and Stephen Eustàquio to bubble players battling for the final spots.
Manuel Neuer came off the pitch early during Bayern Munich's match against 1. FC Köln. Nevertheless, Bayern have no cause for alarm, according to the goalkeeper. His remarks about the national team speak volumes.
Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt has seen his season and World Cup dreams come to an end after undergoing surgery on a persistent back injury. The Netherlands international, who has been sidelined since November, had recently returned to light training but has now been forced to go under the knife to resolve the issue.
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