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

Croatia news

England v Costa Rica - International Friendly

Ex-Arsenal star: England have 'so many players better than Saka'

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has launched a scathing attack on Bukayo Saka, claiming the winger does not deserve to start for England at the World Cup. Despite the Gunners winning the Premier League, Petit believes the forward's form has dipped, managing 11 goals in 49 games this season. He insists far better options are available as the Three Lions prepare to kick off their tournament.

England MD-1 Training and Press Conference

Huge blow for Tuchel! England star ruled OUT of World Cup

England defender Tino Livramento has been ruled out of the 2026 World Cup following a devastating fitness setback on the eve of their tournament opener. The versatile Newcastle United full-back is struggling with a calf injury, which has forced manager Thomas Tuchel into a late squad alteration ahead of the Three Lions' clash with Croatia.

Tuchel-Maguire

Maguire opens up on 'awkward' Tuchel FaceTime call

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has opened up on the "awkward" FaceTime call from Thomas Tuchel that ended his 2026 World Cup dreams. Despite suffering a contentious omission from the Three Lions squad, the veteran centre-back has firmly decided against retiring from international football as his country begins its campaign for global glory.

Luka Modric World Cup GFX

England, beware - 40-year-old Modric isn't done yet!

In the lead-up to England's semi-final showdown with Croatia at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, repeated references were made to the fact that Zlatko Dalic's ageing side had been taken to extra-time in their two previous matches. The feeling was among certain sections of the English press that fatigue might be a massive factor in the game at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Manchester City v Sunderland - Premier League

Gvardiol and Man City in agreement over long-term contract

Josko Gvardiol has reportedly reached an agreement with Manchester City over a lucrative new contract that will extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium until 2031. The versatile Croatian international has decided to commit his long-term future to the Premier League champions, effectively ending a period of intense speculation regarding his career.

FBL-CRO-BEL-FRIENDLY-WC-2026

Modric remains defiant ahead of England clash

Luka Modric has sent a defiant message to his rivals ahead of Croatia's high-stakes World Cup opener against England, insisting that his side does not fear anyone. The AC Milan midfielder, who is appearing in his fifth global tournament, remains the heartbeat of a nation looking to replicate their deep runs in 2018 and 2022. While questions regarding his club future and potential retirement continue to swirl, the veteran midfielder is keeping his focus firmly on the pitch.

Jude Bellingham Paul Gascoigne Glenn Hoddle

Generational talent? Bellingham gets Hoddle & Gazza treatment

Jude Bellingham may have been billed as a generational talent, but David James has told GOAL why England are right to treat the Real Madrid superstar in the same manner as Glenn Hoddle and Paul Gascoigne. The Three Lions have not always built around their most gifted players, with Thomas Tuchel seemingly adopting that stance again in 2026.

England v Costa Rica - International Friendly

England World Cup theft saw £13.5k-worth of items stolen

The full extent of the security breach that rocked the England camp has been revealed, with two men officially charged in connection with the theft of £13,500 worth of equipment. Prosecutors in Jackson County have identified the suspects as two drivers for the trucking company responsible for moving the squad's gear across the United States.

England MD-1 Training and Press Conference

Kane & Bellingham boot theft suspects detained

Police in Missouri have taken two individuals into custody following a shocking theft of England national team equipment ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The incident has left Thomas Tuchel’s squad facing an unexpected crisis just days before their tournament opener against Croatia.

Curacao World Cup qualifying 2025

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.

World Cup kits GFX

RANKED: Top 20 kits at the 2026 World Cup

There's just a few hours to go until the biggest show on earth gets underway, with the 2026 World Cup kicking off in Mexico City on Thursday. If you haven't already caught a serious case of World Cup fever, what better way to get in the mood than by checking out the very best kits that will be on show in North America this summer.

World Cup NXGN GFX

Yamal & the NXGN wonderkids to watch at the World Cup

The World Cup is now just a few hours away, with teams currently making their final preparations for the tournament in North America. The stage is set for a whole host of players to make themselves national heroes, including some of the most exciting youngsters in the game today.

Bukayo Saka-england-202511

Is Saka World Cup-ready for England? ‘Take care’ update

England head coach Thomas Tuchel has provided a crucial fitness update on Bukayo Saka ahead of the final World Cup warm-up clash against Costa Rica. The winger missed the recent victory over New Zealand following a gruelling, title-winning campaign with Arsenal, prompting the national team staff to carefully manage his minutes to ensure he is fully prepared.

mainoo

Why Rice is ‘sceptical’ about one area of Mainoo’s game

Declan Rice is reportedly harbouring doubts regarding Kobbie Mainoo's productivity off the ball, as the Manchester United midfielder aims to secure a starting spot alongside the Arsenal star in England's World Cup squad. Meanwhile, United boss Michael Carrick is plotting a midfield overhaul to unlock the youngster's full attacking potential next season.

World Cup flops GFX

GOAL writers predict which teams will flop at the World Cup

It's so close we can almost taste it. The 2026 World Cup is now just a two days away, with the best players from around the globe descending on the United States, Mexico and Canada for what promises to be a superb summer of football. While some teams will solely harbour dreams of getting out of the groups, others know that anything other than a trophy parade in late-July will go down as failure. We're set, then, for five-and-a-half weeks of drama, filled with joy and heartbreak in equal measure.

World Cup Power Rankings GFX

WC26 Power Rankings: Spain stay No.1 as Brazil & U.S. climb

There really is nothing like the World Cup. Even just qualifying generates a level of nationwide excitement that the club game simply cannot match, which is why we witnessed truly joyous scenes all across the globe as one country after another secured a spot at this summer's festival of football in North America. The final six participants were confirmed in March, with Sweden, Turkiye, Czechia and Bosnia & Herzegovina taking the four remaining slots in Europe, while Iraq and DR Congo came out of the inter-confederation play-offs.