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

World Cup

World Cup news

England v Costa Rica - International Friendly

Tuchel urges Anderson to 'stay humble' amid Man City links

England boss Thomas Tuchel has urged Elliot Anderson to "stay humble" as the Nottingham Forest star continues to be linked with a British record move to Manchester City. The 23-year-old is expected to be a cornerstone of the Three Lions' midfield when they begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia next week, and Tuchel doesn't want him to be distracted by transfer noise.

Mexico Ratings GFX

Lift off for Mexico! Quinones & Jimenez ensure perfect start

Mexico made the perfect start to their 2026 World Cup campaign as the co-hosts ran out 2-0 winners over South Africa in the opening game of the tournament on Thursday. Goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez ensured a routine victory for the Group A favourites in a game that featured three red cards in the second half.

Advertisement
Germany Training Session - FIFA World Cup 2026

'Should just retire!' - Nagelsmann given incredible advice by Germany legend

German football icon Lothar Matthaus has mapped out two distinct paths that could see national team manager Julian Nagelsmann exit his post early despite holding a contract until 2028. Speaking ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the 1990 World Cup winner insisted that the 38-year-old's future hinges entirely on performance, outlining both an immediate dismissal in the event of a group-stage disaster and a voluntary departure to club football should Germany lift the trophy.

Spain v Iraq - International Friendly

Barca & Spain star Yamal named UNICEF ambassador

Barcelona and Spain superstar Lamine Yamal has officially been named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. The 18-year-old sensation will use his global platform to advocate for children's rights, specifically focusing on the essential need for safe environments to play and develop.

FBL-WC-2026-SAMERICA-QUALIFIERS-COL-PAR

Rodriguez backs Diaz for Ballon d'Or bid

Colombia captain James Rodriguez believes international teammate Luis Diaz is a genuine contender for the upcoming Ballon d'Or following a spectacular season with Bayern Munich. The iconic midfielder insists a deep run on the global stage would validate the winger's world-class status, sparking intense excitement ahead of the nation's return to the tournament.

Thomas Tuchel England 2026

‘Waste of time’ - Tuchel warned he’s ‘done nothing’ so far

Thomas Tuchel has “done nothing” so far as England manager, Michael Owen has told GOAL, with World Cup “par” for the Three Lions being explained after breezing through another “waste of time” qualification campaign. Another bid for global glory is about to be opened, with the man calling shots from the dugout already being awarded a contract extension.

Alphonso Davies Canada GFX

Phonzy's fight to ensure World Cup doesn't pass him by

There’s a running group that trots through the streets of Toronto on Monday nights, swallowing up sidewalks with expansive crowds, especially when summer temperatures take over the city. On a recent evening, the group passed outside Toronto Stadium, adorned with FIFA's World Cup branding and ready to host six games during the 2026 tournament.

Spain v Cabo Verde: Group H - FIFA World Cup 2026

How have debutant teams performed at the FIFA World Cup?

Four nations will make debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan set to grace the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It will be the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and all will have ambitions of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages.

Bukayo Saka England 2026 Costa Rica

Be like Salah! Seven-goal Saka told what he needs to improve

Bukayo Saka has registered just 13 Premier League goals for Arsenal across the last two campaigns, with ex-England winger Chris Waddle telling GOAL where the Gunners forward needs to improve - with Mohamed Salah being held up as inspiration. There has never been any doubting Saka’s creative instincts, but his game could be taken to another level if end product were to be delivered in greater numbers.

Jeremy Doku Belgium 2026

‘Doku is pure football’ - Qualities that make winger ‘dangerous’

Toby Alderweireld has told GOAL why Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku is “pure football”, with the tricky forward considered to be a “dangerous” operator that can illuminate the 2026 World Cup with Belgium. Fans across the globe are looking for creative performers of that ilk to get them off their seats as the best players on the planet descend on North America and prepare to compete for ultimate glory.