World Cup news

A domestic opponent of Lionel Messi in the United States has explained how the Argentine GOAT has a ”nasty side” and enjoys engaging in “verbals” with MLS rivals. The most decorated player of all-time is considered to have a switch that can be turned on whenever moments of inspiration are required, with those qualities making him the “best player ever”.

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has come to the aid of Bruno Fernandes, saying the midfielder is only on the receiving end of “lazy” criticism because he is in the spotlight as the club’s talisman. The Red Devils captain has been told he - like Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo - is an easy target for scorn because of his “enormous” contribution at Old Trafford.

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Cristiano Ronaldo will, much like eternal rival Lionel Messi, want to be "the number one" when the day comes to retire. Former Real Madrid striker Alvaro Negredo admits as much, with Portuguese GOAT CR7 not ready for the "last word" just yet. He still has targets to chase down, with the plan being to compete for World Cup glory in the summer of 2026.

Gary Lineker has responded to reports of his World Cup deal with Netflix, and the potential to front future Premier League programming, being a "revenge" mission against former employers at the BBC. The ex-Tottenham and England striker has a reported £14 million ($19m) agreement in place to front The Rest Is Football podcast on American soil next summer. He insists talk of getting one over on the Beeb is "utter nonsense".

There are plenty of top talents, from the United States and abroad, who are expected to make their mark for the first time at the 2026 World Cup

Harry Kane has revealed his highlight of 2025 as well as his New Year’s “wish”. The Bayern Munich and England striker has lifted his fabled trophy curse, with the Bundesliga title being secured, and is eager to land more major silverware with club and country. There will be plenty of opportunities for him to do just that in 2026, with Champions League and World Cup crowns up for grabs.

A brand-new version of the popular FIFA gaming franchise is in the pipeline, with world football’s governing body announcing an exciting partnership with streaming giants Netflix. Said production will hope to rival EA FC, with FIFA having split from Electronic Arts in 2023. The latest release will be made available ahead of the 2026 World Cup finals.

Thiago Silva is a free agent again at the age of 41, with the veteran Brazilian defender agreeing to the early termination of his contract at Fluminense. Having spent 18 months back at his boyhood club, the classy centre-half is said to be eyeing a return to Europe - where he has previously represented AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.

Even today, there still exists that moment during World Cup victory celebrations when every carefully choreographed event suddenly becomes anarchic and no longer follows a script: Gennaro Gattuso, suddenly striding across the turf of Berlin's Olympic Stadium in his underpants after Italy’s triumph in 2006, having given away all his remaining clothes to the tifosi in the stands; Iker Casillas kissing his then-girlfriend, TV journalist Sara Carbonero, on the mouth during a supposedly professional interview after Spain's triumph in 2010; the shameful moments when Turkish chef Salt Bae suddenly feels like an Argentine player in Qatar in 2022 and snatched the trophy from the hands of the likes of Lionel Messi and Co.

FIFA approved a landmark financial package for the 2026 World Cup on Friday, confirming a record USD 727 million in prize money for the expanded 48-team tournament. The decision, made by the FIFA Council ahead of this weekend’s Intercontinental Cup final in Qatar, was described by FIFA as part of a broader series of measures shaping the future of the World Cup and global youth football.

How to get your hands on tickets to see the South American nation in summer action

GOAL's Front Three are going back for a new lesson, this time for Football School. Their strict teacher, Juwon (aka Mr Janos), puts his pupils' ball knowledge to the test. But who will come top of the class and who will fail? 🤔

Stars and Stripes icon Megan Rapinoe is never afraid to voice her opinion and has taken aim at the USMNT's new slogan ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The tournament will be hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada next summer, with Mauricio Pochettino's side hoping that home advantage can help them make a real impact in the competition.

After a 1-1 draw against a 10-man Sunderland side at the Stadium of Light on September 21, Aston Villa were languishing in the relegation zone and questions were being asked over Unai Emery's position as manager. The Villans finished fourth and sixth, respectively, in Emery's first two full seasons at the helm, but were winless after the opening five games of the 2025-26 campaign with only one goal on their record.

Brazilian superstar Neymar has reportedly "reached an understanding" with Santos to extend his stay at the club until the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The 33-year-old returned to his boyhood team in January, following an injury-plagued spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal, but has been linked with an exit as his current contract expires at the end of the month.

FIFA have been forced into an embarrassed climbdown over World Cup ticket prices, introducing a new tier of cheaper tickets at £45 ($60) for supporters following widespread outrage and significant pressure from fan groups and national football associations. The initial pricing structure, which included the cheapest final tickets at over £3,000, was described as "laughable" and a "monumental betrayal" for fans.