World Cup news

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Rodrigo De Paul stunned plenty of Argentina fans when he decided to leave Atletico Madrid for Inter Miami with the World Cup less than a year away, but national team manager Lionel Scaloni backed the midfielder’s move to Major League Soccer, stressing he is more concerned with performance than club address.

The Portugal legend broke Ali Daei's record, but he isn't the all-time international top scorer yet...

Mexico can take a major step toward winning Group A when El Tri face South Korea in Guadalajara, where Javier Aguirre's latest rebuild first began to take shape.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Argentina's World Cup title defence began nervously before Lionel Messi reminded everyone he is Lionel Messi. The 38-year-old scored a hat trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria before 69,045 fans at Kansas City Stadium. Messi's three-goal performance also moved him level with Miroslav Klose on 16 career World Cup goals, though Klose reached the mark in fewer matches.

Brazil and Morocco's 1-1 World Cup draw attracted 10.019 million viewers on FOX, making it the most-watched non-USMNT World Cup group-stage telecast in English-language U.S. history. The audience peaked at 13.119 million viewers and more than tripled FOX's average non-USMNT group-stage audience from the 2022 tournament.

Erling Haaland was the predictable protagonist as Norway picked up a crucial 4-1 victory over Iraq in their first World Cup match since 1998 on Tuesday. The Manchester City striker's first-half brace proved to be decisive, helping to ensure the dark horses made a winning start in Boston in the so-called 'Group of Death'.

They made hard work of it, but much-fancied France got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start as they eventually secured a 3-1 victory over Senegal in Group I. After a dire first-half display Les Bleus were transformed, with Kylian Mbappe - who had been particularly poor - delivering a brace either side of Bradley Barcola's fine finish to become his country's record goal-scorer.

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has reached out to Kobbie Mainoo with a heartfelt personal message ahead of the midfielder's World Cup debut for England. The Red Devils' all-time record goalscorer hailed the 21-year-old as a pivotal role model for the next generation of talent at Old Trafford - including his son, Kai.

Roberto Martinez will step down as Portugal manager following this current World Cup campaign. As his contract expires in late July, the Spanish tactician has decided not to renew. This monumental exit leaves fans wondering if legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo will also end his international career, as he chases the one elusive trophy missing from his cabinet.

Thomas Tuchel may have recently signed a contract extension with England, but his long-term future remains tied to immediate success on the world stage. Despite a new deal intended to take him through to Euro 2028, it has emerged that the Football Association has protected itself with specific safeguards.

Lionel Messi possesses the magic to lead Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup title following their 2022 triumph in Qatar. Former team-mate Pablo Zabaleta believes the veteran forward is perfectly supported by his national and Inter Miami colleagues, allowing him to save his energy for crucial moments. Zabaleta says the current tactical setup is ideal for the GOAT.

Cole Palmer has taken to social media to provide a glimpse into his life away from the pitch after being left out of England's squad for the 2026 World Cup. The Chelsea playmaker, who was one of the go-to stars for the Three Lions over the last year, is instead using the summer to recharge his batteries following a demanding domestic campaign.

The Australian media has taken pregame jibes personally, but players aren't falling into the trap set by American pundits

Lamine Yamal has sent a defiant message to Spain supporters following their frustrating goalless draw against Cape Verde in their 2026 World Cup opener. The Barcelona teenager made his anticipated return from a two-month injury layoff as a substitute, injecting crucial attacking rhythm into a side lacking creativity, and remains optimistic for the tournament.

GOAL takes a look at the five best performances by American players at the highest levels of the sport

France international Kylian Mbappe has opened up about his newfound freedom since joining Real Madrid. As he prepares to lead his nation in their 2026 World Cup opener against Senegal, the forward revealed how leaving his homeland has surprisingly allowed him to enjoy a more normal life, despite facing two difficult years on the pitch while his former club dominated Europe.

William Saliba has firmly established himself as a cornerstone of the Arsenal and France defence, but the 25-year-old remains grounded regarding his celebrity status. Despite being considered one of the Premier League's elite performers, the centre-back is quick to differentiate his role from the attacking flair and global superstardom of his international colleagues.