World Cup news

Andorra v England - European Qualifiers Group K - FIFA World Cup 2026

Kane & Bellingham boots stolen as England left with ONE ball!

England's World Cup preparations have been thrown into absolute chaos following an audacious heist on their official team equipment. Key items belonging to Thomas Tuchel's squad, including the match boots of superstars Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, were stolen in transit, leaving the frustrated camp with just a single training football.

Wrexham AFC v Stoke City - Sky Bet Championship

Reynolds and Mac to strengthen four positions in record Wrexham window

Wrexham are prepared to leverage their Hollywood wealth once again in what is shaping up to be a transformative summer transfer window. After narrowly missing out on the Championship play-offs, owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac are reportedly ready to sanction a fresh spending spree to ensure the club continues its meteoric rise toward the Premier League.

Six reasons why England will NOT win the World Cup

After 'thirty years of hurt' for the England national team, football was meant to come 'home' in 1996. And yet 30 years on, the Three Lions still haven't won a major trophy since the 1966 World Cup. Might the most infamous title drought in international football be about to come to an end, though? England qualified for this summer's World Cup by winning all of their matches and without conceding a single goal, meaning there's a legitimate sense of optimism surrounding Thomas Tuchel's team.

Can any of the four World Cup debutants cause a shock in '26?

Four nations will debut at the World Cup this summer, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan all set to grace the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It's 16 years since a newcomer made it into the knockout stages of the tournament, when Slovakia stunned holders Italy to eliminate them in South Africa. So do any of this year's debutants have the potential to replicate such heroics?

Don't write Wirtz off! World Cup ideal stage to silence doubters

During Liverpool's historically poor run of results last autumn, Florian Wirtz's form became the subject of much debate. Gary Lineker was among those that felt that the No.10 might benefit from being taken out of Arne Slot’s starting line-up, and thus the spotlight. "Don’t think he isn’t suffering at the moment with this," the former England international said on 'The Rest is Football' podcast.

Team Portugal Airport Arrival - FIFA World Cup 2026

'Haven't you been watching?!' - Ronaldo dismisses fitness fears

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has robustly dismissed lingering concerns regarding his physical condition at the 2026 World Cup. The legendary forward, who enjoyed a prolific domestic campaign in Saudi Arabia, confidently promised to deliver success and bring immense joy to the Portuguese public.

Brazil v Panama - International Friendly

When will Neymar’s World Cup start? Another injury update on Brazil superstar

Neymar will not feature in Brazil’s opening World Cup match against Morocco after Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the forward is still recovering from a calf injury. While the Selecao remain hopeful of welcoming him back to training next week, growing concerns over his fitness have raised doubts about his availability beyond the tournament opener.

Pulisic dazzles as Balogun powers USMNT World Cup statement

Christian Pulisic dazzled, Folarin Balogun delivered and the USMNT made a World Cup statement. GOAL breaks down the winners and losers vs Paraguay.

Brazil vs Morocco FIFA World Cup 2026 Preview

GOAL brings you everything you need to know about Brazil vs Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

USA v Paraguay: Group D - FIFA World Cup 2026

'Hoping that it's nothing' - Pulisic revealed kick was behind sub

Christian Pulisic revealed he suffered a kick, which ultimately led to his substitution ahead of the second half of the USMNT's 4-1 thrashing over Paraguay in their World Cup home opener. Despite the star winger missing the second half, Mauricio Pochettino's side padded their lead and scored the most World Cup goals in team history.

Balogun brace fuels USMNT’s record-scoring night, sparks belief

It was a near-perfect World Cup opener for Mauricio Pochettino's side as they swept away their opponents in a way that will be remembered for a long, long time.

Larin proves clutch, David's slump reaches worrying levels

Canada finally have their first men’s World Cup point, but after Cyle Larin’s late rescue act against Bosnia and Herzegovina, GOAL picks winners and losers from a tense opener.

Betting spotlight

World Cup 2026 winner odds: Predictions and betting analysis

See more betting articles

Los Angeles Football Club v Colorado Rapids

Barcelona reportedly interested in Rapids' young star Herrington

Lucas Herrington, 18, has been one of Major League Soccer’s breakout stars this year, emerging as a defensive standout for the Colorado Rapids. His rise has reportedly attracted interest from abroad, including from La Liga champions Barcelona. The center back’s strong form has also earned him a place on Australia’s World Cup roster.

Larin bails out dire David to earn Canada first World Cup point

Cyle Larin came off the bench to spare Jonathan David's blushes by earning Canada a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina in their 2026 World Cup opener on Friday. The Canucks were the better side for the majority of the match but looked set to slump to a seventh consecutive finals defeat after Lovo Jukic headed in a near-post flick from Sead Kolasinac midway through the first half.

Zidane-esque? Why Cherki deserves comparison with French GOAT

Rayan Cherki has been earning plenty of plaudits at Manchester City, with Frank Leboeuf telling GOAL why the mercurial playmaker deserves to be compared with Zinedine Zidane - the GOAT of French football. That is some billing, but two magical midfielders are considered to share a number of traits - including on-field skill sets and off-pitch ticket-selling qualities.

Japan FIFA World Cup 2026 kits

Get a first look at Japan’s 2026 kits ahead of the FIFA World Cup

Australia FIFA World Cup 2026 kits

Australia 2026 kits revealed - from honouring tradition to vivid colours for the future

Explore the top game-day foods from 2026 World Cup Groups D, E, and F

Explore the top game-day foods from 2026 World Cup Groups D, E and F, plus NYC restaurants to watch matches and sample global flavors.

‘Phenomenal’ Kane urged to ignore familiar England debate

Harry Kane has been urged to ignore the familiar debate that his role in England’s team continues to generate, with Chris Waddle telling GOAL why the record-shattering striker should be granted complete freedom to do whatever he wants. The Three Lions’ talismanic captain does pose their greatest goal threat, but there is no pressure on him to operate in and around the penalty area at all times.

Vini running out of time to make this Brazil team his

Vinicius Jr promised that he would do it "10x" if he had to. Those were his words after he did not win the 2024 Ballon d'Or despite a stellar individual season. In fairness, the Brazilian had a fair claim to the trophy - Rodri may have deserved it, but few would have complained if Vinicius got his hands on the Golden Ball.

Scotland FIFA World Cup 2026 kits revealed

adidas delivers fresh Scotland looks ahead of a long-awaited World Cup return.

Lamine Yamal Michael Olise Spain France 2026

‘Simply the best’ - Real-linked Olise ranked above Yamal

Michael Olise is considered to be “simply the best” right winger in world football at the moment, with Frank Leboeuf telling GOAL why the Bayern Munich star can currently be ranked above Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal. A French World Cup winner from 1998 is hoping to see a talismanic performer in the present inspire Les Bleus to global glory in 2026.

United States FIFA World Cup 2026 kits revealed

Nike revive Waldo stripes as USMNT unveil 2026 World Cup kits.

Netherlands FIFA World Cup 2026 kits

Netherlands 2026 kits revealed - from a new version of the iconic orange to a sleek new away strip.

'Going to go far' - Morgan is betting on the USMNT this World Cup

In a GOAL exclusive, USWNT legend Alex Morgan backs the U.S. men to make noise at the World Cup and shares her advice for handling the pressure.

Inside Brazil's Main Training Camp for FIFA World Cup 2026

Klopp criticises 'tactically poor' World Cup opener

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has slammed the opening match of the 2026 World Cup as "tactically poor" despite co-hosts Mexico securing a 2-0 win over South Africa. The Red Bull Global Head of Soccer highlighted glaring defensive frailties and a bizarre flurry of red cards that marred the showpiece event at the Azteca Stadium.

adidas FIFA World Cup 2026 kit - Germany

Germany FIFA World Cup 2026 kits revealed

A modern classic: Germany’s 2026 World Cup kit echoes legendary past victories.

Curaçao FIFA World Cup 2026 kits

Curaçao 2026 kits revealed - jerseys that celebrate the island's debut at the World Cup.

Paraguay FIFA World Cup 2026 kits

Paraguay 2026 kits revealed - from the classic stripes to a new camouflage print.

World Cup 2026 Golden Ball Power Rankings

The 2026 World Cup is finally underway as all 48 teams begin to fight it out for the universally coveted trophy. While the collective prize is the main objective for all competitors, some are already making their claim as the best player of the entire tournament. Lionel Messi is the current top candidate after a sublime hat-trick against Algeria, but the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise are hot on his tail after the first week.

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