Recent World Cup ticket buyers have raised concerns that they were misled by seating maps that suggested better placement than what they ultimately received, according to a report by The Athletic. Category 1 purchasers have been at the center of the complaints, with some saying they were assigned seats in lower-tier sections. FIFA, meanwhile, has said the maps were intended as guidance rather than exact seat locations.
Manuel Neuer remains the world's best after a vintage display in Bayern’s 2-1 win over Real Madrid. While experts demand his World Cup return, it has been claimed Julian Nagelsmann is blocking the legend's international comeback. Despite the pressure, the coach's stance prevents Neuer from reversing his retirement for the tournament.
Gabriele Gravina may be on his way out as president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), but he is refusing to go quietly after Italy's latest World Cup qualification disaster. Following his resignation last week, the outgoing chief has published a scathing 11-page manifesto detailing the "structural deficiencies" that have left the Azzurri in the wilderness.
Mic'd Up: The USMNT are coming off a duo of friendly losses, but Maurice Edu, who was a USMNT regular in his playing days, asserts that hope remains for the World Cup
The US President is seeking to strengthen his influence in the world of football.
This strategic push, though light on specifics so far, is being watched closely by stakeholders across the sport. From domestic leagues to international governing bodies, officials are weighing how the White House might leverage diplomatic, economic, and cultural levers to expand American interests on and off the pitch.
In recent years, football—or soccer, as it is known in the United States—has emerged as a powerful soft-power tool for nations seeking to project influence, attract investment, and build global partnerships. The world’s most popular sport commands billions of fans, making it an attractive arena for political leaders aiming to amplify their messages and forge new alliances.
While the details of the President’s plan remain unclear, several potential avenues are under consideration. These include hosting high-profile tournaments, investing in youth development programs, and using the sport as
Doubts surround the Iranian national team ahead of the World Cup. As the final whistle approaches for football’s showpiece event, observers in Tehran and beyond sense a palpable unease about the team’s readiness. Concerns range from the squad’s defensive fragility to the lingering effects of domestic political pressures that have shadowed its preparations. Analysts point out that the side has struggled to find consistency in high-profile friendlies, and the coaching staff’s public silence only amplifies the uncertainty. Fans, who have seen their team qualify for a record sixth consecutive tournament, now wonder whether the squad can silence the sceptics when the first match kicks off.
Arsenal’s victory over Sporting CP on Tuesday night was overshadowed by a fresh injury concern for captain Martin Odegaard. The Norwegian playmaker was forced off in the second half of the Champions League quarter-final first leg clash, leaving fans and pundits alike sweating over his fitness at a critical juncture of the season.
In the Champions League match against Real Madrid, Manuel Neuer proved to be the match-winner for FC Bayern Munich with a series of brilliant saves. Afterwards, the 40-year-old skilfully deflected questions about a return to the German national team.
FIFA has officially opened disciplinary proceedings against the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following a wave of anti-Muslim chants during last Tuesday's international friendly against Egypt. The match, held at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona, was marred by offensive chanting that has sparked national outrage and a police investigation.
Jonathan Rowe is quickly becoming the leading man at Bologna, but the London-born forward has his sights set on even loftier goals as the 2026 World Cup approaches. After finding his feet in Serie A under Vincenzo Italiano, the former Norwich City starlet is ready to use the European stage to prove he belongs in Thomas Tuchel’s England plans.
U.S. men's national team striker Patrick Agyemang will miss the World Cup after suffering an Achilles injury, Derby County confirmed. The injury occurred on Monday when the forward was stretchered off against Stoke City.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has surprisingly stated he would allow Antonio Conte to take charge of the Italy national team if requested. However, the Napoli owner paired that admission with a scathing critique of the current state of Italian football governance.
Antonio Conte has admitted he is "flattered" by links to the Italy national team job, opening the door to a second spell managing his country. The Napoli boss suggested that systemic changes are required to fix the Azzurri following their latest World Cup qualification failure.
It was one of those passes that only Trent Alexander-Arnold could play. Liverpool had struggled to break down Tottenham in December 2024, Spurs holding strong for 23 minutes despite waves of pressure. And then, Alexander-Arnold delivered the killer ball. He drifted in from the right wing, created the ideal angle, and whipped a cross in between two centre-backs, right onto Luis Diaz's head.
This is Legacy, GOAL’s feature and podcast 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. This week, we focus on Egypt, travelling across nine decades of footballing triumphs, heartbreaks, miracles, and rebirth; from silent years that tested a nation’s patience, to the unforgettable return in 1990, and the rise of a boy from Nagrig who carried a continent’s dreams on his shoulders: Mohamed Salah.
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