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World Cup

World Cup news

Argentina claim victory as CONMEBOL chief trolls Spain and UEFA

CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez has sensationally declared Argentina "two-time champions" of the Finalissima. The South American chief hit out at Spain and UEFA after the highly anticipated clash between the continental kings was officially scrapped.

BVB star's absence: Club legend criticises Nagelsmann

Roman Weidenfeller is missing one particular Borussia Dortmund player from national team manager Julian Nagelsmann’s March squad.

FC Bayern München v Atalanta BC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg

'Looks like a seasoned pro' - Bayern youngster tipped for World Cup after rapid Germany rise

Dietmar Hamann has urged Julian Nagelsmann to ensure Bayern Munich starlet Lennart Karl is on the plane for the upcoming World Cup, claiming the teenage sensation already plays like a veteran. The former Liverpool and Germany midfielder believes the 18-year-old offers a unique threat that the national team simply cannot do without on the biggest stage.

Kane for Ballon d'Or? Bayern & England star ‘in the discussion’

Harry Kane is “in the discussion” for Ballon d’Or honours, but may need to win the Champions League with Bayern Munich and star for England at the 2026 World Cup in order to land the Golden Ball. Emile Heskey admits as much, with the former Three Lions forward telling GOAL how his fellow striker can earn the prestigious billing of best player on the planet.

Long-serving international: conversation with Nagelsmann "not great"

Matthias Ginter of SC Freiburg has once again failed to make the German national team squad – and is, naturally, disappointed.

Why Nike x Jordan's Brazil collab is a seismic moment

We already knew Nike had built something special through their Jordan Brand and Paris Saint-Germain collaboration, with the 'Jumpman' logo replacing the 'Swoosh' on the French giants’ shirts for the past eight years - but they've entered another stratosphere after linking up with the Brazilian federation.

Mexico v Canada - International Friendly

Marsch says he turned down Leicester expecting USMNT job

Canada head coach Jesse Marsch says he was close to becoming the U.S. Men's National Team coach in 2023, but that the job was suddenly and surprisingly taken off the table. That decision came after Marsch says he turned down an offer from Leicester City with the expectation of taking the USMNT gig.

Newcastle United FC v Qarabag FK - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg

Rooney slams South Africa 2010 World Cup as 'worst' in history

Former England captain Wayne Rooney has caused a stir by labeling the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa as the worst edition in the history of the tournament. The Manchester United legend’s assessment comes years after a campaign defined by frustration both on and off the pitch for the Three Lions.

World Cup: Will Iran boycott the US? Infantino: "FIFA cannot resolve geopolitical conflicts"

The FIFA president does not appear particularly concerned about the conflict in the Middle East ahead of the World Cup in the US

An intriguing detail about Nmecha: Is Nagelsmann doing an about-turn?

National coach Julian Nagelsmann has announced his final squad ahead of the World Cup squad selection. Jonas Urbig and Lennart Karl have deservedly made the cut, whilst a U-turn could be on the cards in midfield.

Nagelsmann clarifies the situation regarding Undav: "Call me first before selecting him"

Deniz Undav made headlines in the run-up to the DFB squad announcement. Contact with Julian Nagelsmann had recently been deliberately kept to a minimum.

Character traits? This is how Nagelsmann explains Stiller’s silence

For Julian Nagelsmann, the World Cup squad is not yet set in stone, even after the March selection. Nevertheless, it will be difficult for VfB Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller – who has once again been left out – to get back in the running.

France v Ukraine - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

France squad: from Maignan to Kalulu, the selections

Three tough decisions in the DFB squad

For the upcoming training camp, Julian Nagelsmann has left out three top-class Bundesliga players from his squad, among others.

Two newcomers: Nagelsmann’s first squad in the World Cup year

The German national team kicks off the World Cup year. The national coach’s first squad selection comes as little surprise.

Explained: Vital World Cup role Turner could fill for USMNT

Matt Turner may have fallen down the USMNT’s goalkeeping depth chart, but Brad Friedel has explained to GOAL why the New England Revolution shot-stopper could still have a vital role to play at the 2026 World Cup. Matt Freese is considered to be leading the race for starting duties at this summer’s global gathering in North America, but Mauricio Pochettino will want an able back-up at his disposal.

Betting spotlight

Everton vs Chelsea predictions: Hoping to bounce back from poor run

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Nagelsmann has selected these players for the DFB squad

Who will make it into the German national team’s final squad ahead of the crucial World Cup phase, and which DFB stars will have to stay at home? Spox has all the answers.

ICONS: Why Germany wore red in 7-1 Brazil thrashing

In the summer of 2014, Germany didn’t just win the World Cup on Brazilian soil - they left behind one of the most powerful and unexpected symbols of unity football has ever seen. Beyond the unforgettable 7–1 semi-final victory over the hosts, a match that shocked the world, a red and black jersey came to represent something deeper than victory or defeat: respect, empathy, and an unlikely bond between two footballing nations. This is Icons, a GOAL feature and podcast series that revisits the last 10 World Cups through the moments, characters, and controversies that defined them, bringing the spirit of each tournament back to life.

World Cup hopeful missing from the DFB squad for the friendlies

Despite a long spell on the sidelines due to injury, Jamal Musiala is one of the DFB team’s main hopes for the World Cup. However, he is now set to miss some key friendlies.

Neymar 'upset' amid fear he could miss his 'last World Cup'

Neymar has admitted he is feeling "sad" and "upset" after being left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s latest Brazil squad for the upcoming international break. The Santos forward, who is documentation his daily life in a new YouTube series, has acknowledged that the 2026 tournament represents his final chance at World Cup glory.

After the World Cup: Rangnick is apparently planning a spectacular return

Ralf Rangnick is hoping to make a big impression with Austria at the World Cup. What happens after the tournament remains to be seen.

Manchester United v Aston Villa - Premier League

Carrick backs Man Utd trio for England recall at World Cup

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has expressed a strong desire to see Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo handed England recalls when Thomas Tuchel reveals his latest squad selections. The German tactician, who succeeded Gareth Southgate, has yet to select a single player from Old Trafford since taking charge at the start of last year.

World Cup Host Committees remain focused as political tensions rise

The World Cup has brought all sorts of political and logistical problems, but those involved in planning remain committed to putting on a show.

Ibrahimovic lands 2026 World Cup role

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has officially been announced as a pundit for the 2026 World Cup, representing a bold new chapter in the Swedish icon’s career. Despite retiring from professional football in 2023 following an emotional farewell at AC Milan, the 44-year-old remains one of the most bankable and charismatic personalities in the world.

Because Hoeneß is contradicting himself! A VfB Stuttgart hero faces a bitter fate at the hands of the DFB

Hardly any other player embodies VfB Stuttgart’s meteoric rise under manager Sebastian Hoeneß – from relegation candidates to a top-flight club – more than Maximilian Mittelstädt. Yet this summer, the success story faces a bittersweet conclusion.

Stones to MISS World Cup? Tuchel urged to drop Man City star

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 President Gianni Infantino Attends US Conference Of Mayors In Washington, DC

FIFA and YouTube strike World Cup deal

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.

Iran v Qatar: Semi Final - AFC Asian Cup

Iran 'negotiating with FIFA' to move World Cup matches from U.S. to Mexico

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.

Ex-Spain coach reveals confusion after Luis Enrique sacked him

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.

LEGACY: Canada's World Cup rebirth

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.

Frequently asked questions

: Arsenal have won the FA Cup 14 times, more than any other club. Their most recent victory came in 2020, but there is a club from Manchester hot on their heels...
: A total of 745 clubs will be participating in the 2024-25 FA Cup, spanning from the Premier League down to Level 9 of the English football league system, with teams from the Level 10 acting as stand-ins in case a team from the aforementioned levels drops out from the competition. The inaugural FA Cup in 1871-82 had just 15 teams participating in it.
: Former Liverpool defender Ian Callaghan, with 88 appearances, is FA Cup's record-appearance maker in history.
: The all-time top scorer in the FA Cup is Ian Rush, with 41 goals in 62 games, primarily scored during his time as a centre forward for Liverpool.
: Paris Hamilton-Downes became the youngest player to ever feature in the FA Cup, debuting at 13 years, 11 months, and one day.for Carshalton Athletic in 2019.
: The FA Cup has featured many football legends, including Steven Gerrard, Ryan Giggs, Thierry Henry, Eric Cantona, and Frank Lampard. Modern-day superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, and Sergio Aguero have also made their mark on the competition.
: Legendary managers such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho, and Pep Guardiola have guided their teams to success in the FA Cup. Notably, Wenger holds the record for most FA Cup victories as a manager, with seven titles to his name.

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