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World Cup

World Cup news

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Santos issue statement defending Neymar injury transparency

Santos have issued an official statement to clear up a medical dispute regarding Neymar Jr.’s calf injury ahead of the 2026 World Cup. While the club initially diagnosed the problem as a minor oedema, Brazil national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar revealed a more serious grade 2 muscle strain. Consequently, the star forward will miss Brazil's upcoming warm-up friendlies against Panama and Egypt as a race against time begins for the tournament opener.

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Crystal Palace v Everton - Premier League

Wharton 'not going to sit and cry' over England World Cup snub

Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton has insisted he will not "sit and cry" after being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming World Cup. Despite a fine individual campaign at Selhurst Park, the 22-year-old midfielder was the high-profile absentee from the 26-man travelling party announced last week.

Portugal v Republic of Ireland - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

'Portugal at their best if he doesn't play' - Huge CR7 World Cup claim made

Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for what is almost certainly his final dance on the World Cup stage, but his role within the Portugal national team is once again under intense scrutiny. As the Al-Nassr striker eyes the only trophy missing from his glittering cabinet, former USMNT star Taylor Twellman has suggested that his presence actually hinders a squad packed with world-class talent.

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Casemiro insists Neymar can still be a 'main player' for Brazil at World Cup

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has jumped to the defence of his long-time international team-mate Neymar, insisting the forward remains vital to Brazil's World Cup ambitions. Despite a fresh injury setback hampering the Santos star’s preparations, Casemiro remains confident that the Selecao's all-time record goalscorer can still dictate terms on the world stage.

Corinthians v Botafogo - Brasileirao 2025

Ancelotti reaches agreement to take over Ligue 1 side

Davide Ancelotti has reached a comprehensive agreement to become the new head coach of Ligue 1 outfit Lille, marking his second standalone managerial role. The former Real Madrid assistant will officially succeed Bruno Genesio, who vacated his position at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in late May following the expiration of his contract.

Ralf Rangnick

Rangnick in talks for major AC Milan role

Ralf Rangnick is reportedly in advanced discussions to spearhead a total overhaul at AC Milan, marking a potential return for the coach several years after his move to San Siro famously collapsed. The 67-year-old has met with Rossoneri chiefs to outline his vision for the club as they look to rebuild after a disappointing campaign.

United States v Ecuador - International Friendly

With top club posts filled will Pochettino extend USMNT contract?

Mauricio Pochettino has seen prominent coaching posts filled by leading clubs in Europe, so could he stay on as USMNT boss beyond the end of a home World Cup cycle in 2026? Brad Friedel has explained to GOAL how the Argentine - with spells at Tottenham, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain on his CV - can help American soccer to grow and rival established brands in American football, baseball, basketball and ice hockey.

Scotland v Denmark - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Clarke stays! Scotland boss signs contract extension

Steve Clarke has officially committed his future to Scotland by signing a long-term contract extension that will see him lead the national team through to the 2030 World Cup. The news comes as a massive boost to the Tartan Army just as the squad prepares to embark on their first World Cup adventure in nearly three decades this summer in the United States.

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Brazil set Neymar deadline after fresh calf injury

Brazil have established a firm medical deadline for Neymar to retain his place in Carlo Ancelotti's final World Cup squad following another injury scare. The Santos forward remains a major doubt for upcoming warm-up matches after a grade two calf tear caused significant apprehension during the national team's initial training camp.

Luka Modric Ivan Perisic Croatia 2026

Perisic & Modric ignore club rivalries in Croatia’s ‘big family’

Ivan Perisic has told GOAL how the Croatia squad is able to ignore any club rivalries and build a “big family” at international tournaments. Another “very special” opportunity is about to present itself in 2026, as the World Cup takes centre stage, with one group of vastly experienced performers preparing to catch the eye again on and off the field.

Real Madrid CF v Athletic Club - LaLiga EA Sports

Madrid's Mastantuono faces Argentina World Cup squad chop

Real Madrid starlet Franco Mastantuono faces a nervous wait as he risks being dropped from Argentina's final World Cup squad. Despite reporting for international duty in peak physical condition, the teenage attacker could still be omitted by manager Lionel Scaloni before Sunday's deadline due to purely tactical considerations.

England v Uruguay - International Friendly

Hoddle slams Tuchel for picking Henderson over Wharton

Former England manager Glenn Hoddle has launched a fierce critique against Thomas Tuchel following the omission of Adam Wharton from the World Cup squad. The teenage maestro inspired Crystal Palace to their historic continental victory just days after being overlooked in favour of veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson for the tournament in the United States.

Real Madrid CF v FC Barcelona - LaLiga EA Sports

Vinicius Jr: Yamal can win World Cup single-handedly

Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr has heaped massive praise on Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal ahead of the upcoming World Cup. The Brazil international believes the young Spanish winger possesses such extraordinary talent that he is capable of winning the prestigious international tournament entirely on his own, despite the fierce rivalry between their respective clubs.

SOCCER WORLD CUP 2022 BELGIUM VS CROATIA

Lukaku: Belgium stars wanted Thierry Henry as coach

Romelu Lukaku has sensationally revealed that the Belgium squad lobbied for Thierry Henry to take over as head coach following the departure of Roberto Martinez. The Napoli striker did not hold back in his assessment of the previous regime, suggesting that the tactical approach under former head coach Domenico Tedesco was destined for failure from the start.

Business Leaders Speak At The Semafor World Economy Summit

FIFA hit with subpoenas over World Cup ticket prices

FIFA has been hit with legal subpoenas by authorities in the United States as an investigation is launched into the ticketing practices for the 2026 World Cup. Officials in New York and New Jersey are demanding answers over allegations of "artificially inflating prices" and "misleading fans" ahead of the tournament in North America.