Japan news

2026 World Cup group stage draw: Fixtures and broadcasters

Discover the group stage draw and match schedule for the 2026 World Cup.

2026 World Cup fixtures and broadcasters

Discover the 2026 World Cup dates, match schedule, group standings, results and every channel broadcasting the tournament.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw - Red Carpet Arrivals

England confirm opponents for March international break

England have confirmed their opponents for the March international break, which they are set to play their final games before Thomas Tuchel picks his final squad for the 2026 World Cup. They have been drawn in Group L and will face Croatia, Panama and Ghana at the finals, where they will be looking to break their major trophy curse, which has extended to 60 years.

World Cup dark horses, ranked: Colombia, South Korea or USMNT?

From Colombia to the USMNT, GOAL ranks the teams most likely to make a dark horse run at the 2026 World Cup - and possibly even go all the way

IN FULL: World Cup 2026 group-stage draw

The World Cup 2026 draw has been made, with England set to face Croatia in the group stages, and the USMNT to take on Australia. Brazil have been drawn with Morocco, while France will play Senegal and Argentina must face Austria.

adidas FIFA World Cup 2026 home kit launch

adidas reveals 2026 FIFA World Cup home kits

adidas drops their largest ever collection of home kits ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026

Brazil international bids to help Vasco sign Spurs & Newcastle stars

Brazil international Paulo Henrique joked that he is trying to help Vasco da Gama lure Tottenham and Newcastle stars to the Serie A from the Premier League. The 29-year-old winger made the light-hearted confession after Brazil’s embarrassing 3-2 defeat to Japan in Tokyo, a friendly that went from cruise control to complete calamity in the second half.

Martinelli's good work ruined as Brazil capitulate in Japan

Brazil surrendered a two-goal lead as a complete second-half collapse resulted in a humiliating 3-2 friendly defeat to Japan in Tokyo on Tuesday. Carlo Ancelotti's side had looked supremely comfortable at the break courtesy of fine strikes from Paulo Henrique and Gabriel Martinelli, but they conspired to throw away their advantage - crumbling under pressure from their spirited hosts. The second defeat of his tenure already, Ancelotti has his work cut out as preparations for the 2026 World Cup ramp up.

Japan vs Brazil: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

How to watch the friendly match between Japan and Brazil, as well as kick-off time and team news.

Japan vs Paraguay: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

How to watch the international friendly match between Japan and Paraguay, as well as kick-off time and team news.

Mauricio Pochettino, Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun

USMNT Rondo: What are World Cup ramifications of Japan win?

GOAL US writers evaluate the state of the USMNT after a 2-0 loss to South Korea and subsequent 2-0 victory over Japan

Folarin Balogun, Alejandro Zendejas, Antonio Freeman

USMNT Stock Up, Stock Down: Zendejas, Balogun seize chances

Some players moved closer to Mauricio Pochettino's World Cup squad in September friendlies, but others now challenged

Betting spotlight

Chelsea vs Manchester City Predictions: Chelsea left feeling blue

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'Not as much drama' - Pulisic makes statement on, off pitch

Could this game, one that offered some semblance of momentum, be a defining moment for Pochettino and the USMNT?

Rapid response: Zendejas, Balogun deliver much-needed win

In need of a big performance, the U.S. turned in the team's best shift of the Pochettino era, even against a rotated Japan side

WATCH: USMNT's Zendejas stuns Japan with incredible volley

The American winger has struggled for call ups and playing time, but showed his quality with incredible opening goal

New England Revolution v New York Red Bulls - Eastern Conference Final - Leg 1

Thierry Henry calls on USMNT to 'solve issues' ahead of 2026

The Premier League legend expressed his hopes that Mauricio Pochettino's side can find form in the wake of a disappointing run

Mexico v Honduras - Gold Cup 2025: Semifinal

Santi to start? Projecting Aguirre's starting XI vs. South Korea

El Tri will face South Korea at GEODIS Park in Nashville after a disappointing 0-0 draw with Japan

Head coach-Javier Aguirre-Mexico-20250702

Aguirre expects improvement from Mexico against South Korea

The “Vasco” admitted he is aware of the criticism he has received over his team’s performances.

Saudi Arabia v United States - Gold Cup 2025

WATCH: All-access with Pochettino, U.S. ahead of Japan match

USMNT posted video highlighting the Argentine’s training methods ahead of the team's friendly against Japan

Christian Pulisic, Chris Richards, Tyler Adams

'We know we need the results' - USMNT seek answers vs Japan

With a World Cup looming, Mauricio Pochettino and his squad are facing legitimate questions - can they answer vs Japan?

United States v Costa Rica - Gold Cup 2025: Quarterfinals

Gomez knocks Pochettino for 'abysmal performance' vs Korea

The former U.S. star was critical of the national team after their disappointing display against South Korea

'Stick with the plan' - Pochettino focused on long-term gains

The USMNT boss swatted away criticism, says lack of World Cup qualification allows him freedom to build depth in player pool

USMNT Rondo: What immediate changes must Pochettino make?

GOAL US writers analyze the USMNT's 2-0 loss to South Korea and debate whether Pochettino's side can rally against Japan

It's time for Pochettino to stop experimenting, start winning

With a World Cup looming and losses piling up, those on the outside are finding it difficult to trust Pochettino's process

'This is a failure' - Davies calls out Pochettino's decisions

Tony Meola added that the USMNT have made no progress since Pochettino replaced the fired Gregg Berhalter

United States v South Korea - International Friendly

'More questions than answers' - Holden calls out Poch's tactics

Holden questioned both tactical and lineup decisions by Pochettino, pointing to the Tim Ream and Tristan Blackmon pairing

Frequently asked questions

A young group of players who lived around Marabastad in Pretoria, most notably Frank Motsepe, Roy Fischer, Ingle Singh and Bernard Hartze, formed the club in the 1960s.

Mining magnate Patrice Motsepe bought into Sundowns in 2003 and less than a year later raised his stake from 51% to 100% and renamed the club 'Mamelodi' Sundowns.

The club play home games at either Loftus Versfeld Stadium in central Pretoria, or Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.

The club have a variety of nicknames, including: Bafana ba Style, Masandawana, Ka bo Yellow, Shoe Shine and Piano, and The Brazilians.

31 domestic trophies plus one Caf Champions League (2016), one Caf Super Cup (2017) and the African Football League (2023)

The club have won a total of 17 league titles under the auspices of the PSL (14) and NSL (3).

Daniel Mudau with 390.

Daniel Mudau with 172.

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