World Cup news

GOAL breaks down the biggest winners and losers of Mauricio Pochettino's World Cup squad, including the bold decisions to include Alejandro Zendejas and Gio Reyna.

U.S. Men's National Team boss Mauricio Pochettino has officially confirmed his 26-player squad for the World Cup as U.S. Soccer announced the final roster in New York on Tuesday. The squad features many of the usual heavy-hitters in players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tyler Adams, while Diego Luna, Tanner Tessmann, and Aidan Morris were among the notable exclusions from the final team.

Mohamed Salah has officially said his goodbyes to the Anfield faithful, bringing the curtain down on one of the most decorated individual eras in Liverpool's modern history. The Egyptian forward took to social media to share a poignant message following his final appearance for the Reds, describing the experience as the most difficult evening of his career.

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has backed teenage talisman Lamine Yamal to illuminate the upcoming World Cup despite his recent fitness struggles. Speaking after unveiling his 26-man squad, the coach emphasised that the tournament represents a defining career milestone for the Barcelona forward, who is currently recovering from a hamstring injury.

Canada boss Jesse Marsch expects Alphonso Davies to feature at the World Cup despite the Bayern Munich defender continuing his recovery from a hamstring tear. However, the left-back is unlikely to be fit for the tournament opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast and feature series counting down to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. This week, we look at why Brazil turned toward the most decorated club coach on the planet, Carlo Ancelotti, how this decision reflects years of confusion in the national project, and why Ancelotti’s bond with players like Kaka and Vinicius Jr shaped their choice...

The landscape of the 2026 World Cup is shifting as geopolitical tensions spill over into the world of sport. Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum has officially confirmed that Iran’s national team are set to relocate its base of operations from the United States to Mexico ahead of the tournament.

For every USMNT player who gets the World Cup call, another is left to process the one that never comes. GOAL spoke to players and coaches about the pain of missing out, and why it can linger for years.

Lamine Yamal has provided a glimpse into the raw emotion shared between team-mates after Gavi received his official call-up for the 2026 World Cup with Spain. The Barcelona midfielder’s inclusion marks the end of a gruelling journey back from a serious knee injury that threatened to derail his international ambitions.

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

Michael Owen has, during an exclusive interview with GOAL, picked two players from England’s ‘Golden Generation’ that would improve the Three Lions’ class of 2026 and aid their bid for World Cup glory. The ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid striker has also debated whether Harry Kane and Declan Rice could oust the likes of Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard from an iconic team of the past.

Scott McTominay's legendary status in Scottish football has reached a new level after his iconic overhead kick against Denmark was chosen to feature on a new limited edition £20 banknote. The Bank of Scotland revealed the unique design to celebrate the national team's successful qualification for the World Cup, marking their first appearance at the tournament in 28 years.

Luis de la Fuente has officially named his 26-man Spain squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Lamine Yamal one of eight Barcelona stars to make the final cut. The Blaugrana's fortunes contrasted wildly with their arch-rivals, Real Madrid, who do not have a single representative in the final list for the first time ever.

Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White has hit out at his omission from Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup squad, claiming he has done "more than enough" to warrant a place on the plane. The 26-year-old was a shock absentee from the final selection despite a career-best campaign in the Premier League.

Lionel Messi has sparked major injury fears just weeks before the 2026 World Cup after asking to come off during Inter Miami's chaotic 10-goal thriller against Philadelphia Union. The Argentina captain headed straight for the tunnel with a suspected muscle issue, prompting the Herons boss to deliver a crucial update on his star player's fitness.

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