+18 | Commercial Content | T&C's Apply | Play Responsibly | Publishing Principles

World Cup

World Cup news

Santos v Corinthians - Brasileirao 2026

Neymar 'upset' amid fear he could miss his 'last World Cup'

Neymar has admitted he is feeling "sad" and "upset" after being left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s latest Brazil squad for the upcoming international break. The Santos forward, who is documentation his daily life in a new YouTube series, has acknowledged that the 2026 tournament represents his final chance at World Cup glory.

Manchester United v Aston Villa - Premier League

Carrick backs Man Utd trio for England recall at World Cup

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has expressed a strong desire to see Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo handed England recalls when Thomas Tuchel reveals his latest squad selections. The German tactician, who succeeded Gareth Southgate, has yet to select a single player from Old Trafford since taking charge at the start of last year.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Ibrahimovic lands 2026 World Cup role

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has officially been announced as a pundit for the 2026 World Cup, representing a bold new chapter in the Swedish icon’s career. Despite retiring from professional football in 2023 following an emotional farewell at AC Milan, the 44-year-old remains one of the most bankable and charismatic personalities in the world.

FBL-ENG-PR-BRIGHTON-MAN CITY

Stones to MISS World Cup? Tuchel urged to drop Man City star

John Stones is facing a fight to save his international career after former Premier League defender Anton Ferdinand sensationally called for the Manchester City man to be axed from England's World Cup squad. The treble-winner has endured a nightmare period with fitness, leading to questions over whether he can still be trusted on the biggest stage.

Advertisement
FIFA President Gianni Infantino Attends US Conference Of Mayors In Washington, DC

FIFA and YouTube strike World Cup deal

FIFA has officially announced a landmark partnership with YouTube ahead of the 2026 World Cup, aimed at revolutionising how the tournament reaches a digital-first audience. The deal will allow official rights holders to leverage the world’s largest video platform to showcase live action and classic content to fans across the globe.

Iran v Qatar: Semi Final - AFC Asian Cup

Iran 'negotiating with FIFA' to move World Cup matches from U.S. to Mexico

The Iranian Football Federation has entered urgent discussions with FIFA to relocate its 2026 World Cup group-stage fixtures from the United States to Mexico. Citing severe security concerns following a dramatic escalation in geopolitical tensions, Iranian officials claim they cannot ensure the safety of their squad on American soil. This unprecedented request threatens to disrupt the logistics of the first-ever expanded 48-team tournament.

Legacy Canada GFX

LEGACY: Canada's World Cup rebirth

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. Today we dive into how Canada stopped waiting for permission, learned to believe again, and transformed a World Cup dream into a defining moment - with an even bigger stage now waiting for them on home soil.

Neymar

Ancelotti Delays Neymar’s Brazil Return but Keeps World Cup Door Open

Carlo Ancelotti has omitted Neymar from his latest Brazil squad for the upcoming high-profile friendlies against France and Croatia. Despite the Santos forward returning to domestic football at the weekend after a lengthy injury, the Italian tactician believes the 34-year-old superstar is not yet at the physical level required to represent the national team.

Alphonso Davies, Canada kit

Canada and Nike release 'Full Tilt' 2026 World Cup kits

With the World Cup less than three months out, Canada have revealed their new World Cup kits designed by Nike. Titled 'Full Tilt,' the kits are meant to embody the country's extreme landscapes and confident culture. It also follows Canada Soccer's 'True North' theme - which the team says is shaped by authenticity, resilience and ambition. Canada will debut their new kits during their March fixtures.

2022-World-Cup-Match-Between-USA-And-Iran-in-Qatar

Iran can still compete at World Cup, says AFC chief

Windsor John, the general secretary of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), has confirmed that Iran remain on track to compete in the World Cup being hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The official addressed the mounting uncertainty that has surrounded the team’s involvement due to the volatile geopolitical landscape, even though Iran's sports minister has already ruled out competing in North America.

Ancelotti-Vinicius

Ancelotti backs Vinicius to shine for Madrid and Brazil

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has showered praise on his former Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr, highlighting his exceptional mentality and consistency on the biggest stages. Emphasising his Brazilian flair, humility and joy, the coach dismissed any concerns over past frustrations, throwing his full support behind the winger ahead of a demanding World Cup campaign.

GFX Lamine Yamal Mohamed Salah

Spain and Egypt schedule friendly after Finalissima axe

Following the disappointing cancellation of the highly anticipated Finalissima against Argentina due to geopolitical tensions, Spain have rapidly reorganised their March international schedule. La Roja will now face Egypt in a thrilling friendly, stepping in after a previously planned tournament in Qatar was also abandoned, ensuring crucial preparation ahead of the World Cup.

Hamburger SV v Borussia Dortmund - Bundesliga

Chukwuemeka receives Austria call-up after snubbing England

Former Chelsea and England youth star Carney Chukwuemeka has officially switched his international allegiance to Austria. Thriving in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund, the 22-year-old earned his first senior call-up from Ralf Rangnick and could play a key role in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. He is now poised to make his senior international debut after being named in the 28-man squad for friendlies against Ghana and South Korea.

Derby County v West Bromwich Albion - Sky Bet Championship

USMNT striker Agyemang in demand as EPL duo eye summer transfer

Crystal Palace have emerged as serious contenders to sign USMNT star Patrick Agyemang as they look to overhaul their attacking options. The Eagles are actively planning for life after Jean-Philippe Mateta, who nearly departed for AC Milan in January and is widely expected to find a new home this summer. Despite the presence of Jorgen Strand Larsen and Eddie Nketiah, Palace view Agyemang as a versatile profile that can bolster their front line.

USMNT kit

U.S. Soccer unveils new kits ahead of USMNT's upcoming World Cup

U.S. Soccer has unveiled the federation's new kits that will be worn by the U.S. men's national team at this summer's World Cup. The two kits, nicknamed the "Stars" and "Stripes" kit will be debuted this month in Atlanta for the USMNT's friendlies. Both kits will be worn across all 27 U.S. Soccer National Teams.

Thomas Tuchel Max Dowman Rio Ngumoha

Dowman & Ngumoha are too special for Tuchel to ignore

Thomas Tuchel will name his England squad for the March internationals on Friday, with the Three Lions reconvening for the final time before the end of the 2025-26 club season. This, effectively, will be the last chance for those on the fringes of the squad to impress without immediate fear of losing their World Cup place. But it will also be Tuchel's last opportunity to experiment with systems and players he thinks could help win the trophy.

Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid Super Cup 2026

Mbappe caught up in club-versus-country row

Real Madrid face a dilemma over Kylian Mbappe's fitness ahead of their Champions League clash with Manchester City clash as France and Nike demand his presence for international friendlies. The World Cup winner may be called upon by his country despite sitting out matches at club level.

World Cup trophy

What does the World Cup symbolise?

Everyone wants to win the World Cup, but what does the trophy actually symbolise? GOAL takes a deep dive into the meaning behind the grandest prize in football.

Weston McKennie Juventus 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

McKennie opens up on Juve exit saga

Weston McKennie has established himself as one of the most reliable performers for Juventus this season, a far cry from the period when he seemed destined for a permanent exit. The American midfielder has reflected on his resilience and the mental strength required to fight for his place in the Bianconeri starting XI when the club’s hierarchy had other plans.

World Cup most goals

Who scored the most goals at a World Cup?

Ever wondered who holds the record for most goals scored at a single World Cup, and which teams have been the most prolific in tournament history? GOAL has you covered.

Frequently asked questions

Los Angeles Galaxy have claimed the MLS title six times, more than any other club in the league's history. They first triumphed in 2002, and later went on to secure victories in 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2024, solidifying their dominance in Major League Soccer.

There are 30 teams in Major League Soccer as of the 2025 season. The league has seen steady expansion since its inception in 1996, when it began with just 10 teams. Over the years, it has added clubs across the US and Canada to reach its current size.

Nick Rimando holds the record for the most MLS appearances, having played 514 matches over the course of his career, which spanned from 2000 to 2019 with clubs like D.C. United, Miami Fusion, and Real Salt Lake.

Chris Wondolowski holds the record as the all-time top scorer in Major League Soccer, with 171 goals to his name. His scoring prowess helped establish him as one of the league's most iconic forwards during his career.

Landon Donovan leads the league's all-time assist charts with 136 assists. His playmaking ability was a key factor in his team's success over the years.

Pat Onstad is the oldest player to have ever featured in Major League Soccer, appearing in the league at the age of 43 years, 2 months, and 22 days. The game was when he featured in goal for DC United.

Cavan Sullivan made history as the youngest-ever player in MLS, debuting for his team at the age of 14 years and 293 days. His introduction to professional football at such a young age has set the stage for a promising future.

Famous players who have played in MLS include stars like David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney, Kaka, David Villa, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Andrea Pirlo.

MLS' most famous managers include renowned figures like Bruce Arena, Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry, Frank de Boer, and Tata Martino.

The Bank of America Stadium, originally inaugurated as Ericsson Stadium in 1996, stands as the largest venue in Major League Soccer, boasting an impressive capacity of 75,412 seats. It is home to Charlotte FC.

Argentine World Cup-winning attacking midfielder Thiago Almada is the most expensive MLS signing of all-time. Atlanta United bought Almada from Velez Sarsfield for around $16 million, in 2022.