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World Cup

World Cup news

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.

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.

Betting spotlight

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

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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.

'I can't keep this quiet' - Neymar speaks out after Brazil squad omission

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.

Ancelotti Delays Neymar’s Brazil Return but Keeps World Cup Door Open

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.

Frequently asked questions

: Bayern Munich are the most decorated team in the history of Bundesliga with 32 top-flight titles to their name. Their most recent title came in the 2022-23 season, which was their 11th straight league title.
: There are 18 teams in the current format of the Bundesliga. Bundesliga, as we know it today, was formed in 1962 with the 1963-64 season being the first-ever season. It began with 16 teams, but was expanded to 18 teams ahead of the 1965-66 season.
: Karl-Heinz 'Charly' Korbel, with 602 appearances to his name, holds the record for making the most appearances in Bundesliga history. The defender achieved this feat with just one club: Eintracht Frankfurt.
: Gerd Muller, inarguably the greatest German forward of all-time, is Bundesliga's all-time leading goalscorer with 365 goals to his name in 427 appearances. All his goals came in a Bayern Munich jersey.
: Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller has registered the most assists in Bundesliga history, with 207 and counting.
: Former German defender Klaus Fitchel is the oldest player ever to play in the Bundesliga. Fitchel was aged 43 years and 184 days when he played for Schalke on the final matchday of the 1987-88 campaign.
: Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Youssoufa Moukoko, at 16 years and one day, became the youngest player in Bundesliga history to play in the league, when he came on for Erling Haaland in the 2020-21 season in a game against Hertha Berlin.
: Robert Lewandowski, Marco Reus, Ilkay Gundogan, Stefan Effenberg, Toni Kroos, Gerd Muller, Franz Beckenbauer, Manuel Neuer, Antonio Rudiger, and Arjen Robben are some of the most famous players to have played in the Bundesliga.
: Xabi Alonso, Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti, Jurgen Klopp, Julian Nagelsmann, Jupp Heynckes, Ralf Rangnick, Thomas Tuchel, Otto Rehhagel, Matthias Sammer, and Giovanni Trapattoni are some of the most famous managers to have managed a Bundesliga club.
: Borussia Dortmund's electrifying stadium Signal Iduna Park is the biggest stadium in the Bundesliga with a capacity of 81.365.
: Harry Kane's €95 million move from Tottenham Hotspur to Bayern Munich in 2023 is Bundesliga's most expensive transfer of all-time.

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