World Cup news

With FA president Gilbert Martina - once a fish farm investor and health-care CEO - at the helm, Curacao have risen fast. GOAL explores how a near-impossible dream came true.

FIFA are all set to push ahead with a major VAR rule change for the 2026 World Cup despite facing initial rejection from stakeholders and members. The new changes in the law will be applicable for VAR checks on corner kicks during the flagship competition. The International Football Association Board convened a meeting in October, where they reached an agreement that VAR could be expanded.

Mexico have officially confirmed upcoming friendlies against Portugal and Belgium as part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The match against the Portuguese side is set for March 28 at the newly renovated Estadio Banorte (Azteca), while the clash with Belgium will take place on March 31 at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Enzo Fernandez has been reflecting on how he helped Lionel Messi to complete “unfinished business”, with an “incredible” experience being savoured at the 2022 World Cup. The Albiceleste captured a global crown at that tournament, allowing their talismanic captain to complete his medal collection and emulate the achievements of fellow GOATs Pele and Diego Maradona.

Carlo Ancelotti has warned Neymar and Vinicius Junior that they must be at "100 per cent" to make Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad. The manager delivered his clearest message yet to Brazil’s biggest names, insisting that neither reputation nor past achievements will secure anyone a seat on the plane to the United States, Canada and Mexico. His comments arrive at a particularly delicate moment for Neymar, whose turbulent return to Santos has been overshadowed by persistent physical setbacks.

Former USMNT star Brad Friedel has, in an exclusive interview with GOAL, explained why “workaholic” Mauricio Pochettino could walk away from international management after the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine tactician holds the honour of leading the United States into another major tournament on home soil, but inevitable questions are being asked of his future.

Brentford have a remarkable record when it comes to replacing their star players. Over the last six years, the Bees have continued to progress despite seeing the likes of Ezri Konsa, Ollie Watkins, Said Benrahma, Neal Maupay, David Raya and Ivan Toney all move on, thanks to the meticulous work of the club's recruitment department. Their latest success story is Brazilian powerhouse Igor Thiago, who has emerged as a genuine rival to Erling Haaland for the Premier League's Golden Boot during the first half of the 2025-26 campaign.

Harry Kane’s unique talent has been explained by Wes Brown in an exclusive interview with GOAL. The Bayern Munich striker is one of the most fearsome No.9s in world football, with the record books being rewritten in domestic and international competition. Kane is currently waiting to discover who England will face in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo could play for Portugal beyond the 2026 World Cup, Wes Brown has said in an exclusive interview with GOAL. Ahead of the group stage draw for next summer’s finals, a former Manchester United team-mate of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has explained why he could have more Hollywood storylines and another major tournament left in him.

Captain Ronald Araujo has been granted indefinite leave by Barcelona following a request for a period of absence. The Uruguay international's representatives held discussions with club sporting director Deco on Monday after the defender was not part of the matchday squad for Saturday's 3-1 La Liga victory over Alaves at Spotify Camp Nou.

The USMNT have been told what represents a successful 2026 World Cup, with Brad Friedel looking ahead to the tournament in an exclusive interview with GOAL. Mauricio Pochettino’s side are being challenged to reach the knockout stages on home soil, but there will be “no shame” in falling short if they come unstuck against a heavyweight rival such as England or Brazil.

Troy Parrott has become a “cult hero” with the Republic of Ireland, but will he be back in England by the time a bid to reach the 2026 World Cup is completed? That question has been put to Stephen Carr, with the former Tottenham defender discussing future plans for the in-form striker and collective efforts to reach a first global gathering since 2002.

Enzo Fernandez is staking a claim to be Lionel Messi’s successor with the Argentina national team. The Chelsea midfielder is not looking to become the Albiceleste’s next iconic No.10, but admits that he would welcome the opportunity to inherit captaincy duties from his iconic countryman. That position will soon be up for grabs, with Messi building towards what would be his last World Cup.

England have not savoured World Cup glory since 1966, but Wes Brown has exclusively told GOAL - ahead of the group stage draw for the 2026 event - that “nobody will want to play” the Three Lions when chasing down a global crown. Thomas Tuchel’s side will head to the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer sat among the favourites to go all the way.

Lionel Messi has been urged to abandon the "parody of football" that is MLS and enjoy a pre-World Cup "detox". According to Fernando Signorini, who once worked with Diego Maradona, Messi needs to make Argentina’s defence of a global title next summer his top priority - which means taking a break with his family and potentially securing a short-term loan away from Inter Miami.

Iran has announced they will boycott the event in Washington next month due to the U.S. denying visas to several members of its delegation, but will not withdraw from the World Cup itself, at this time. The U.S. has long-standing, strict visa restrictions on citizens from certain countries, including Iran, for claimed political and security reasons.

Iran have announced they will skip the FIFA World Cup 2026 final draw in Washington, D.C. after several members of their delegation were denied U.S. visas, according to state news agency IRNA. The federation said the decision is connected to issues beyond football and has asked FIFA to intervene. The draw is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 5, 2025.