Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that deciding whether to include Neymar in his squad for the 2026 World Cup is weighing heavily on his mind. Despite the Santos forward’s legendary status, the Italian tactician is balancing the player's recent fitness struggles against his undeniable talent as the tournament approaches.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest ever edition of the tournament. GOAL brings you all you need to know about which teams have qualified for the summer showpiece.
Which player has the most assists in World Cup history ahead of the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada? The tournament has been graced by some of the most mercurial players to ever play the game, but which of them have laid on the most goals for their team-mates? And could there be a new assists king come the end of the summer?
The World Cup has been the home of some of the very best players in football's history so it is little surprise that the subject of the best goal at the tournament is so hotly debated. Diego Maradona, Pele, and even Benjamin Pavard would put forward their own arguments for the prize, but which of them come out on top, if any?! GOAL guides you through the 15 best goals in the World Cup finals.
Sebastian Soria is on the verge of making World Cup history as the Qatar veteran has been named in Julen Lopetegui's preliminary squad for the 2026 tournament. At 42 years old, the forward is poised to eclipse the long-standing record held by Cameroon icon Roger Milla as the oldest outfield player to ever grace the competition, opening the door for Cristiano Ronaldo.
The midfielder remains at the center of one of American soccer’s fiercest debates, and he has now had his say before that debate gets something of an answer soon.
Playing for the biggest club in the world and captaining his country naturally brings a level of scrutiny that few humans will ever experience. Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe has opened up about the surreal reality of living as a global icon, acknowledging that while fame has stripped away his privacy, he refuses to wallow in the negatives.
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has opened up on the relentless drive of Cristiano Ronaldo. Approaching the twilight of his career, the legendary forward remains fiercely dedicated. Martinez insists the veteran is no longer motivated by financial rewards or adding to his vast trophy cabinet, but rather by an insatiable, unique hunger for continuous personal improvement.
The FOX analyst is about to cover his ninth World Cup, and remains the leading voice in American soccer - despite being admittedly controversial along the way
Thomas Tuchel has officially submitted his provisional 55-man England squad to FIFA ahead of the 2026 World Cup, offering several exiled stars a final chance to board the plane to North America. Despite missing out on recent friendly selections, big names are back in the frame as the Three Lions prepare for the biggest stage of all.
The finality of the international stage has struck a cruel blow for Dejan Kulusevski, as the Tottenham midfielder is officially set to miss the upcoming World Cup. Despite a year-long battle with a devastating knee injury, the Sweden international was unable to prove his fitness in time to make Graham Potter’s final selection.
Arsenal have been dealt a devastating injury blow as Ben White has reportedly been ruled out of the upcoming Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. The defender is also facing a race against time to be fit for England’s World Cup campaign this summer after suffering a serious knee injury during Sunday's victory over West Ham.
Arsenal midfielder Christian Norgaard has confirmed his retirement from international football with Denmark. The 32-year-old ends his national team career after the country failed to qualify for the upcoming World Cup. He revealed family priorities and the emergence of new talent influenced his decision.
Former Portugal manager Paulo Bento has admitted his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo deteriorated during their time together with the national team. The coach says he refused to compromise his principles despite tensions with the star forward.
This is Legacy, GOAL's feature and podcast series that counts down to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world's game. In this edition, we dive into how Julian Nagelsmann is trying to make Germany... Germany again. For years, the national team has drifted away from the identity that made them world champions in Brazil just 12 years ago. Now, their head coach is determined to restore it.
Bournemouth teenager Rayan has described his first experience with the Brazilian national team as a dream come true, revealing how senior figures like Casemiro and Vinícius Júnior welcomed him into the fold. As Carlo Ancelotti prepares to announce his final 26-man World Cup squad on May 18, the former Vasco da Gama forward remains hopeful that his brief cameo in March was enough to secure a seat on the plane to North America.
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