Neymarâs homecoming at Santos has turned sour after the Brazil icon was relentlessly booed by his own supporters following a painful 3-2 defeat to Fluminense. The 34-year-old was seen leaving the pitch with his fingers in his ears before taking to social media to deliver an emotional message to his critics.
Former United States international Taylor Twellman has praised two exceptional teenage prospects currently making waves in Major League Soccer. However, the prominent analyst refused to burden these rising American stars with premature comparisons to legendary footballing figures like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, while also outlining the established core needed for a successful 2026 World Cup campaign on home soil.
Wayne Rooney is set to return to the United States this summer as part of the BBCâs broadcast team for the 2026 World Cup. However, despite the Manchester United legend preparing for a major career milestone, reports suggest that his wife Coleen is looking forward to some distance between them following a turbulent period in their marriage.
As the United States prepares to host the 2026 World Cup, the spotlight is firmly fixed on Christian Pulisic. Former USMNT international turned analyst Taylor Twellman has raised concerns over Pulisicâs form as the tournament approaches on home soil. While the AC Milan forward remains the talisman for his country, a dip in production has sparked debate over whether the USMNT can rely on their superstar when it matters most.
Bayern Munich have been dealt a devastating blow following the news that Serge Gnabry is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The German giants confirmed the winger has suffered a serious adductor injury that could see him miss the upcoming World Cup in North America.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation have sent shockwaves through the football community by officially sacking head coach Herve Renard only two months before the 2026 World Cup. Following poor friendly results in March, a former Premier League player is now widely expected to replace the iconic Frenchman and steady the ship before the upcoming tournament.
Carlo Ancelotti has urged Italy to reclaim the defensive identity that once made the nation the most feared in world football. The Brazil boss believes an obsession with modern tactical trends has left the Azzurri fragile and lacking elite standards, resulting in a third straight failure to qualify for the World Cup.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has once again stepped in to defend the astronomical pricing of tickets for the 2026 World Cup. Facing an onslaught of criticism from supporters who have labelled the costs as "shameful," the head of world football's governing body claims the move is a financial necessity.
Following Bayern Munichâs spectacular quarter-final against Real Madrid, pundit Ewald Lienen reserved scathing criticism for Vinicius Junior and also took aim at Antonio RĂźdiger, going so far as to demand consequences for the pair ahead of the World Cup.
National coach Nagelsmann has outlined his tournament squad less than four weeks before the squad is announced. Thanks to âhis Lenaâ, Undav can hope again, while another debate has finally been put to bed.
Sami Khedira has launched a fierce defence of Germany goalkeeper Oliver Baumann following persistent media speculation regarding a potential international return for Manuel Neuer. The 2014 World Cup winner argued that the ongoing debate has actively harmed the squadâs preparation and undermined the confidence of the current first-choice option heading into the summer tournament.
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has issued a formal apology to Deniz Undav after his controversial public assessment of the strikerâs performance last month. The former Bayern Munich boss admitted his comments regarding the VfB Stuttgart star were too blunt and has moved to clarify their relationship ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has dismissed any doubts regarding Iranâs participation in the 2026 World Cup, insisting the nation will be present despite the escalating war involving co-hosts the United States. Football's world governing body chief has moved to provide clarity on Iranâs status after geopolitical tensions led to suggestions that their involvement could be at risk.
In the winter of 2022, under the lights of Lusail, Lionel Messi finally realised the dream he'd carried with him his entire life. After years of unrelenting pressure, bitter heartbreak and agonising near-misses, Argentinaâs captain rose above expectation on footballâs grandest stage to deliver his country the perfect ending - and to fulfill his own destiny. Welcome to the latest episode of Icons - a GOAL podcast that revisits the last 10 World Cups through the moments, characters, and controversies that defined them, bringing the spirit of each tournament vividly back to life.
France national team head coach Didier Deschamps has sent a powerful message to Hugo Ekitike following the announcement of his serious injury. The Liverpool forward, who was enjoying a stellar season in the Premier League, has seen his 2026 World Cup dreams shattered after going down in the Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has taken the extraordinary step of consulting the country's president, Lula, over whether Neymar should be included in the squad for the 2026 World Cup. The Santos forward's international future has become a matter of state importance as he battles recurring fitness issues in his homeland.
U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker is leaving his role to take a similar job with Saudi Arabia. Crocker's exit comes just weeks before the federation opens its brand new training facility ahead of the World Cup on home soil. Crocker is set to leave his role with immediate effect, ending a three-year stay with the federation.
Oliver Kahn insists he has been misinterpreted, and that his remarks about national team player Jamal Musiala possibly missing the World Cup have been taken out of context.
Declan Rice, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are all considered to be Ballon dâOr-worthy talents, but who will be the next Englishman to win the prestigious Golden Ball? Former Three Lions midfielder Gareth Barry has delivered his verdict to GOAL, with Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid superstars eager to be recognised as the best player on the planet.
Max Dowman has made Premier League history at Arsenal, with the 16-year-old wonderkid rewriting the record books, but Gareth Barry has told GOAL why the exciting youngster is likely to miss out on a place in Englandâs 2026 World Cup squad. There has been talk of the teenager becoming a wild card for the Three Lions, but questions are being asked of whether he needs to be fast tracked through that system.
The Ghana Football Association has officially appointed Carlos Queiroz as the new head coach of the Black Stars to lead their 2026 World Cup campaign. The former Manchester United assistant manager replaces Otto Addo just 58 days before the tournament begins, bringing a wealth of elite international experience to the West African giants.
Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has expressed his hope that Neymar will represent Brazil at the 2026 World Cup. The Spain international described the veteran forward as his "idol" and one of footballâs most inspiring entertainers.
This is Legacy, GOALâs podcast following the countdown to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the worldâs game. In this week's episode, we look at how Spain went from defining an era to questioning its very place in the global game. We revisit the brilliance of the golden generation, the abrupt collapse after Brazil 2014, and the struggle of the teams that followed. And we turn to the present: a new coach, new mindset, and a wave of young talent led by Lamine Yamal, the prodigy many believe could carry Spain towards redemption in 2026. This is the journey of a team trying to rediscover itself - and the uncertainty, promise and pressure that comes with chasing a second star.
Brazil veteran Hulk has delivered a surprisingly neutral assessment regarding Neymarâs potential inclusion in Carlo Ancelottiâs squad for the 2026 World Cup. As the legendary forward battles to regain full match fitness following a lengthy injury absence, the lack of an explicit endorsement from his former international team-mate has intensified the selection debate.
Harry Kane is being tipped to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo by playing into his 40s, with ex-England star Gareth Barry telling GOAL why the prolific Bayern Munich striker should be giving no thought to retirement. Kane is only 32, with many years ahead of him, and is expected to offer domestic and international bosses a huge boost by following in the footsteps of fellow all-time greats.
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