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

World Cup

World Cup news

Adu explains why Reyna's unique skillset is crucial to USMNT

Freddy Adu has told GOAL why Gio Reyna’s unique skillset could be crucial to the USMNT cause at a home World Cup. The United States is, alongside Mexico and Canada, preparing to play host to FIFA’s flagship event in 2026. Reyna is hoping to play a prominent role at that event but, having endured form and fitness issues at club level, has been informed of what he needs to bring to Mauricio Pochettino’s squad in order to make the cut.

'That's what's on my mind' - Weah eyes next World Cup moment

GOAL sat down with the American star to discuss career-defining moments, how he's grown as a person, and why his USMNT teammates matter so much to him

"Not normal": Vuskovic shocks Diaz's Colombians too

Luka Vuskovic has now captivated his home country of Croatia too. The local press is full of praise for the Bundesliga rising star.

Italy v Northern Ireland - FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs

Bosnia v Italy: 90 minutes end in a draw – extra time or penalties? The rules

The World Cup play-off rules regarding extra time and penalties: what would happen if Bosnia v Italy ended in a draw after 90 minutes.

Italy at the World Cup? Teams and fixtures – everything you need to know about the group

The itinerary for Canada, Mexico and the USA

Yamal & the NXGN wonderkids to watch at the World Cup

The World Cup is now just two-and-a-half months away, with teams currently making their final preparations for the finals, while others look to book the final few spots in North America during the March international break. Once the tournament does eventually get under way, the stage will be set for a whole host of players to make themselves national heroes, including some of the most exciting youngsters in the game today.

Cooling breaks or momentum killers? Deschamps sounds alarm for World Cup

France manager Didier Deschamps has issued a stern warning to FIFA regarding the use of mandatory cooling breaks following his side's hard-fought victory over Brazil in the United States. Despite the positive result on the pitch in Massachusetts, the World Cup-winning coach was left frustrated by the constant interruptions to the game's rhythm and flow.

LABUBU x FIFA World Cup 2026 collectibles revealed

A playful crossover bringing viral characters into football’s biggest global moment

How England's new kits have captured the mood of a nation

Could 2026 finally, FINALLY be England’s year?! Nike have got us believing after dropping the Three Lions’ home and away kits with the World Cup fast approaching. Harnessing the power of the national team at a major tournament, they have captured the mood of a country that is crying out for a unifying moment. Bring on June.

Bielsa's Uruguay are in complete chaos ahead of England meeting

Wherever Marcelo Bielsa has gone in his managerial career, he has left a trail of wonder. It's not always wonder in a positive sense, but it's whimsical and mystifying all the same. From revolutionising Newell's Old Boys to the Argentine national team, from Athletic Club and the Basque Country to Leeds United in West Yorkshire, you will find people deeply touched by the impact of 'El Loco' to differing, extreme degrees.

World Cup trophy Robert Lewandowski Poland Sandro Tonali Italy

World Cup 2026 play-offs: Fixtures, results & how to watch

The six remaining places at the 2026 World Cup will be decided through two play-off tournaments, featuring the likes of Italy, Poland, Jamaica and DR Congo, among others.

Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina - FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO Play-off

Wales and Ireland's World Cup dreams ended!

It was a night of equal misfortune for Wales and the Republic of Ireland, who were eliminated from World Cup qualifying. Both teams lost leads in the final minutes before losing painful penalty shootouts to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Czechia, respectively.

Tuchel sends blunt 'pressure' warning to Palmer

Thomas Tuchel has issued a blunt "pressure" warning to Cole Palmer, warning the Chelsea superstar that his place in the England starting XI for the World Cup is far from guaranteed. The German coach insists that the playmaker must prove his worth in the international setup following an injury-hit campaign.

Real Madrid CF v Atletico de Madrid - LaLiga EA Sports

Tuchel tells Trent 'he just has to accept' England squad snub

Thomas Tuchel has delivered a blunt verdict on Trent Alexander-Arnold's international future, insisting the Real Madrid defender "just has to accept" his latest exclusion from the England setup. Despite the former Chelsea boss admitting the decision could be viewed as "unfair", he has prioritised other defensive options for the upcoming World Cup preparation.

Messi still yet to confirm 2026 World Cup participation - Scaloni

Lionel Scaloni has indicated that Lionel Messi has still not confirmed he will lead Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. The national team boss was quick to deflect pressure away from the Inter Miami superstar, reiterating that the decision rests entirely with the player himself.

‘Most important camp’ - USMNT players know nothing is guaranteed

Just two friendlies stand between the U.S. and a World Cup roster, which means that the pressure is on in those friendlies

Betting spotlight

Premier League top 6 odds: Chelsea crisis means there is betting value

See more betting articles

Santos v Vasco Da Gama - Brasileirao 2026

Neymar 'not a tremendous professional' like Messi or CR7, says Brazil icon

Brazil legend Zico has delivered an honest assessment of Neymar’s career, suggesting the Santos star has failed to match the professionalism of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite acknowledging his compatriot's immense natural ability, Zico believes off-field habits have hindered the forward’s longevity and consistency.

On probation: Rüdiger must shine in a completely new role

Antonio Rüdiger has lost his role as the DFB team’s defensive leader. Recently, injuries, scandals and poor performances in the national team’s colours have dominated the headlines. With the World Cup approaching, time is running out for him.

Who will make Ecuador's squad for the 2026 World Cup?

All you need to know about Ecuador's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Argentinian referee Horacio Elizendo (L)

Which player has the most red cards in World Cup history?

Everything you need to know about the disciplinary history of the World Cup, ahead of the 2026 tournament in the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada. There have been notable dismissals in almost every tournament to date, from sending offs in World Cup finals, to games that saw both teams lose their heads, and more than a few players...

Wales v Montenegro - UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B4

📽️ | Bellamy shuts down reporter's Salah-themed question

Craig Bellamy produced a classic no-nonsense moment during his latest media briefing, shutting down a reporter who attempted to ask a question relating to Mohamed Salah's Liverpool exit. The Wales boss made it clear that his only priority is the upcoming World Cup play-off.

Netherlands v Malta - FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifier

Who will make Netherlands' squad for the 2026 World Cup?

All you need to know about Netherlands' squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

USMNT legend rules out Ronaldo to MLS

Cristiano Ronaldo has long been linked with a glamorous move to Major League Soccer to wrap up his legendary career, but one USMNT icon believes that ship has sailed. As the Portuguese superstar continues his journey in the Saudi Pro League, questions are being asked about whether he has the physical longevity to ever touch down in North America.

World Cup 2026: Which players will make the Brazil squad?

All you need to know about Brazil's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

World Cup kit Rondo: Which is the best? Is Brazil away a classic?

The World Cup jerseys are now all officially on the market, and our GOAL writers debate who did the best job ahead of the summer

Shearer snubs Bellingham in England World Cup XI

Premier League legend Alan Shearer has caused a stir by omitting Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer from his predicted England starting line-up for the 2026 World Cup. The former Three Lions striker has instead opted for a selection based on current form and tactical balance.

"He's got a screw loose": Müller jokes about Nagelsmann

Thomas Müller has humorously ruled out a return to the German national team ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

FA slammed for 'bizarre' new Tuchel contract

The Football Association has come under fire for their "desperate" decision to hand Thomas Tuchel a contract extension before he has even led England into a major tournament. Former Three Lions midfielder Danny Murphy has questioned the logic behind the move, suggesting the FA has left itself wide open to a PR disaster if the 2026 World Cup ends in failure.

Gimenez has a ‘special market’ so will Milan listen to offers?

Santiago Gimenez is considered to have a “special market”, so will AC Milan listen to offers for the misfiring Mexico international striker during the summer transfer window of 2026? The 24-year-old frontman has found the going tough in Italy, with just one goal being recorded this season, and Rossoneri legend Massimo Ambrosini has told GOAL what the future could hold.

'They play with fear' - Capello issues England warning to Tuchel

Former England manager Fabio Capello has issued a scathing assessment of the Three Lions' mental fortitude, claiming that the squad is consistently held back by a paralysing "fear" on the big stage. The Italian tactician, who experienced his own World Cup heartbreak in 2010, warned Thomas Tuchel that psychological barriers and physical exhaustion remain the primary threats to England's hopes of ending their long wait for silverware.

Frequently asked questions

: Al-Hilal are the most successful Saudi Pro League side ever, having won an astonishing 19 league titles. Their first-ever league title came at the end of the 1976-77 campaign. Currently, they are also the defending champions, having gone all the way in the 2023-24 season.
: Currently, there are 18 teams in the Saudi Pro League. In the first season ever, which took place in 1976-77, there were just eight teams. The number increased to 10 in the following season. Ahead of the 1981-82, Saudi Premier League and Saudi First Division merged to form one single league for the 1982 FIFA World Cup qualification process. However, from the 1984-85 season, the number teams reverted to 12.
: Legendary Saudi Arabian goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Deayea holds the record for most appearances in the Saudi Pro League. Al-Deayea played for Al-Taee and Al-Hilal and managed 406 appearances inthe league.
: Majed Abdullah, also known as the Arabian Pele, is the league's all-time leading topscorer with 189 goals in 194 league games, all of them coming with Al-Nassr in a 21-year span. He is Al-Nassr's record goalscorer, with 259 goals in just 266 games.
: Former Syrian midfielder Jehad Al-Hussain has registered the most assists in Saudi Pro League history, setting up 50 goals for his teammates in 208 games.
: Former Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El Hadary is the oldest player to ever feature in Saudi Pro League. El Hadary was 45 years and 81 days old when he featured for Al-Taawoun in April 2018.
: Teenage sensation Talal Haji, who plays for Al-Ittihad, is the youngest player to ever play in Saudi Pro League. Haji achieved this feat at the age of 16 years and five days when he came on as a substitute for Romarinho in Al-Ittihad's 2-1 win over Al-Fateh in September 2023.
: Cristiano Ronaldo, Riyad Mahrez, Karim Benzema, Roberto Firmino, N'Golo Kante, Sadio Mane, Yassine Bounou, Nacho, Aymeric Laporte, and Fabinho are among the most famous players to have played in the Saudi Pro League.
: Steven Gerrard, Laurent Blanc, and Stefano Pioli are some of Saudi Pro League's most prominent managers in history.
: The King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, which is home to Al-Shabab and Al-Riyadh, is the biggest stadium in Saudi Pro League. It has a capacity of 68,752.
: Neymar is the most expensive player in Saudi Pro League history, costing a whopping £77.6 million when Al-Hilal bought him from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.

Older