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World Cup

World Cup news

Neymar Ancelotti

Ancelotti blasted for 'absurd' Neymar 2026 World Cup call-up

Carlo Ancelotti is already feeling the heat as Brazil manager before a ball has even been kicked at the 2026 World Cup. The Italian's decision to include veteran star Neymar in his final squad has been labelled "absurd" by a former Selecao international, who has called the Santos star's recent performance levels into question.

FBL-BRA-SANTOS-CORITIBA

World Cup tears! Neymar ‘cried all night’ while wife slept

Neymar's return to the Brazilian national team was not just a sporting milestone, but a moment of profound personal emotion for the number 10. The Santos star opened up about the intensity of his feelings upon securing his place in the squad that will compete in the 2026 World Cup under the command of Carlo Ancelotti.

Messi Ronaldo split 2025

Scolari reveals why he prefers 'genius' Ronaldo over Messi

Luiz Felipe Scolari opened up about the eternal rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, revealing previously unknown details of his relationship with the Portuguese captain. The former national team coach explained the emotional and professional reasons behind his choices in the polls for the best player in the world.

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Qatar v IR Iran - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Iran move World Cup base to Mexico

Iran has successfully lobbied FIFA to relocate its 2026 World Cup training headquarters from the United States to Mexico. The decision comes as regional tensions and security logistics prompted the Iranian federation to seek an alternative to their original plans in Arizona.

FBL-AFR-2025-MATCH 43-ALG-DRC

DR Congo defiant over USA World Cup warning

The Democratic Republic of Congo have sensationally rejected a demand from the United States government to enter a 21-day isolation period ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Despite threats that the team could be denied entry into the country following an Ebola outbreak in the African nation, Congolese officials insist their preparation schedule will remain unchanged.

FBL-FRA-LIGUE1-LENS-MONACO

Edouard explains classy World Cup snub

Odsonne Edouard has opened up on his decision to turn down a guaranteed place at the upcoming World Cup finals. The former Paris Saint-Germain and Celtic forward was offered the chance to represent Haiti on the global stage but opted to decline the invitation for selfless reasons.

England v Japan - International Friendly

Tuchel confirms England security plans to avoid Spygate

Thomas Tuchel has revealed that England will implement heightened security measures at their World Cup training base to prevent any "Spygate" scandals during the tournament in the United States. Following the shock expulsion of Southampton from the Championship play-offs for spying on Middlesbrough, the Three Lions boss is determined to protect his tactical secrets from group-stage rivals Croatia, Panama and Ghana.

Germany Public Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA EURO 2024

'He's the best!' - Nagelsmann defended over controversial Neuer claim

Germany legends Lothar Matthaus and Roman Weidenfeller have both publicly endorsed Julian Nagelsmann's shock decision to restore Manuel Neuer as the nation’s primary goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup. The Bayern Munich veteran has sensationally stepped out of international retirement to lead Die Mannschaft in North America, displacing Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann in the process.

Noel Gallagher Pep Guardiola Man City 2018

Oasis legend Gallagher backs Guardiola for England job

Manchester City fans are still reeling from the news that their legendary leader is finally moving on, but a familiar voice has already mapped out a sensational next step. Oasis star Noel Gallagher believes that after conquering the club game, the tactical genius will set his sights on the one major trophy missing from his cabinet: the World Cup.

Tunisia v England: Group G - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

'Disgraceful!' - Maguire family blast Tuchel over World Cup snub

Harry Maguire’s family has launched a scathing attack on Thomas Tuchel after the Manchester United defender was sensationally omitted from England’s 2026 World Cup squad. The veteran centre-back, who had been a cornerstone of the Three Lions' defence for nearly a decade, saw his international future thrown into doubt as the German tactician's uncompromising squad shake-up.

Tuchel

Tuchel told he should be SACKED if England fail to win World Cup

Thomas Tuchel has been warned that failing to secure World Cup glory should result in his immediate dismissal following a series of controversial squad selections. Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has heavily criticised the German tactician for leaving out established superstars in favour of a group he describes as a "B-team."

Bournemouth v Manchester City - Premier League

Tuchel unsure what Foden's position is as he explains World Cup omission

England head coach Thomas Tuchel has admitted that tactical uncertainty regarding Phil Foden’s best position drove the decision to drop the Manchester City star from his World Cup squad. The German asserted that bringing the versatile attacker to North America and potentially being played out of position would have resulted in possible camp discontent.

Real Salt Lake v Houston Dynamo FC

Report: Reyna reportedly in, Luna out of USMNT squad for World Cup

Gio Reyna has reportedly been named to the U.S. men's national team's World Cup roster, while Real Salt Lake star Diego Luna has been left off. Reyna is reportedly joined by the likes of Matt Turner, Sebastian Berhalter, Brenden Aaronson, and Mark McKenzie among the early roster leaks, while Luna's RSL teammate, Zavier Gozo, has also missed out.

Michael Owen England Portugal Euro 2004

Biggest regrets? Owen picks two tournaments England should’ve won

England have named their squad for the 2026 World Cup, but can they go on to achieve what the so-called ‘Golden Generation’ could not and deliver a long-awaited international title? Michael Owen formed part of several trophy bids in the 1990s and 2000s, with the ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid striker telling GOAL of the failures that were toughest to stomach.

Martin Odegaard Arsenal 2025-26

Boring to amazing! Odegaard critics at Arsenal shock & surprise

Martin Odegaard has faced criticism at times over the last couple of seasons, but he is now a Premier League title winner at Arsenal and fellow countryman John Arne Riise has told GOAL why he is “shocked and surprised” that anybody has ever doubted an “amazing” talent. The Norway international remains a key cog in Mikel Arteta’s well-oiled machine at Emirates Stadium.

Erling Haaland Ballon d'Or

‘Sh*tload of goals’ - What Haaland needs for Ballon d’Or win

Erling Haaland has been informed of what he will require in order to become a Ballon d’Or winner, with John Arne Riise telling GOAL that the Manchester City superstar needs a “sh*tload of goals” before being recognised as the best player on the planet. The Norwegian striker has tended to deliver on that front, and has long been billed as a natural heir to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Golden Ball-winning department.