World Cup news

John Stones is facing a fight to save his international career after former Premier League defender Anton Ferdinand sensationally called for the Manchester City man to be axed from England's World Cup squad. The treble-winner has endured a nightmare period with fitness, leading to questions over whether he can still be trusted on the biggest stage.

FIFA has officially announced a landmark partnership with YouTube ahead of the 2026 World Cup, aimed at revolutionising how the tournament reaches a digital-first audience. The deal will allow official rights holders to leverage the world’s largest video platform to showcase live action and classic content to fans across the globe.

The Iranian Football Federation has entered urgent discussions with FIFA to relocate its 2026 World Cup group-stage fixtures from the United States to Mexico. Citing severe security concerns following a dramatic escalation in geopolitical tensions, Iranian officials claim they cannot ensure the safety of their squad on American soil. This unprecedented request threatens to disrupt the logistics of the first-ever expanded 48-team tournament.

Former Spain assistant coach Robert Moreno has broken his silence on the "tsunami" that followed his high-profile sacking by Luis Enrique. Moreno opened up about the personal toll of being branded a villain after Luis Enrique's return to the national team.

This is Legacy, GOAL’s feature and podcast series that counts down to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. Today we dive into how Canada stopped waiting for permission, learned to believe again, and transformed a World Cup dream into a defining moment - with an even bigger stage now waiting for them on home soil.

Neymar has expressed his deep disappointment after being left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s latest Brazil squad. Although he recently managed to play the full 90 minutes for Santos, the legendary forward faces a race against time to prove his fitness for the 2026 World Cup.

Carlo Ancelotti has omitted Neymar from his latest Brazil squad for the upcoming high-profile friendlies against France and Croatia. Despite the Santos forward returning to domestic football at the weekend after a lengthy injury, the Italian tactician believes the 34-year-old superstar is not yet at the physical level required to represent the national team.

With the World Cup less than three months out, Canada have revealed their new World Cup kits designed by Nike. Titled 'Full Tilt,' the kits are meant to embody the country's extreme landscapes and confident culture. It also follows Canada Soccer's 'True North' theme - which the team says is shaped by authenticity, resilience and ambition. Canada will debut their new kits during their March fixtures.

Windsor John, the general secretary of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), has confirmed that Iran remain on track to compete in the World Cup being hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The official addressed the mounting uncertainty that has surrounded the team’s involvement due to the volatile geopolitical landscape, even though Iran's sports minister has already ruled out competing in North America.

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has showered praise on his former Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr, highlighting his exceptional mentality and consistency on the biggest stages. Emphasising his Brazilian flair, humility and joy, the coach dismissed any concerns over past frustrations, throwing his full support behind the winger ahead of a demanding World Cup campaign.

Following the disappointing cancellation of the highly anticipated Finalissima against Argentina due to geopolitical tensions, Spain have rapidly reorganised their March international schedule. La Roja will now face Egypt in a thrilling friendly, stepping in after a previously planned tournament in Qatar was also abandoned, ensuring crucial preparation ahead of the World Cup.

Pierre Littbarski, the 1990 World Cup winner, has spoken out clearly against Leroy Sané being selected for the World Cup.

Former Chelsea and England youth star Carney Chukwuemeka has officially switched his international allegiance to Austria. Thriving in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund, the 22-year-old earned his first senior call-up from Ralf Rangnick and could play a key role in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. He is now poised to make his senior international debut after being named in the 28-man squad for friendlies against Ghana and South Korea.

Crystal Palace have emerged as serious contenders to sign USMNT star Patrick Agyemang as they look to overhaul their attacking options. The Eagles are actively planning for life after Jean-Philippe Mateta, who nearly departed for AC Milan in January and is widely expected to find a new home this summer. Despite the presence of Jorgen Strand Larsen and Eddie Nketiah, Palace view Agyemang as a versatile profile that can bolster their front line.

U.S. Soccer has unveiled the federation's new kits that will be worn by the U.S. men's national team at this summer's World Cup. The two kits, nicknamed the "Stars" and "Stripes" kit will be debuted this month in Atlanta for the USMNT's friendlies. Both kits will be worn across all 27 U.S. Soccer National Teams.

Thomas Tuchel will name his England squad for the March internationals on Friday, with the Three Lions reconvening for the final time before the end of the 2025-26 club season. This, effectively, will be the last chance for those on the fringes of the squad to impress without immediate fear of losing their World Cup place. But it will also be Tuchel's last opportunity to experiment with systems and players he thinks could help win the trophy.

The 23rd FIFA World Cup is gearing up in the USA, Canada and Mexico, but how many other countries have hosted the famous tournament?