World Cup news

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has warned that comparing Lamine Yamal to footballing icons like Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona is a "mistake" that could hinder the teenager's development. Despite the caution, the La Roja boss admitted the Barcelona star belongs in a rare category of "geniuses" alongside historical figures like Michelangelo and Salvador Dali.

GOAL brings you everything you need to know about Japan vs Sweden at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Arsenal's set-piece revolution shows the masterplan behind their dominance has now gone international. While the Gunners' prowess from dead-ball situations has been a hallmark of Mikel Arteta's tactical setup, it is the specific transformation of Declan Rice into a corner-kick specialist that is currently paying dividends for both club and country.

Brazil have received a massive boost at the 2026 World Cup as talismanic forward Neymar has returned to the training pitch. After missing the first two fixtures due to a calf problem, the Santos superstar is now being fast-tracked for a return to action in the final Group C match against Scotland.

GOAL brings you everything you need to know about Ecuador vs Germany at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Jude Bellingham took it all in after the full-time whistle had blown. He looked up at the stands, an impressive wall of England fans who had travelled 'across the pond' into the boiling metropolis of Dallas, and the supporters were singing. Oasis' 'Wonderwall' filled the air - helped by the acoustics at the indoor Dallas Stadium - and Bellingham allowed a brief smile to flicker across his lips. He had made the difference against Croatia, and he knew it.

Cody Gakpo inspired the Netherlands to a statement 5-1 victory over Sweden, leaving Liverpool fans wondering why they don't see this version of the winger more often. The 27-year-old was the architect of a Dutch masterclass in Houston, proving once again that he is a completely different beast when wearing the famous Oranje shirt.

Journalist France Pierron apologized on Saturday following a controversial segment on the L'Equipe television channel. She had strongly criticized Belgian winger Jeremy Doku's decision to temporarily leave the 2026 World Cup to be present for the birth of his first child.

Eloy Room produced the performance of a lifetime to help Curacao secure their first-ever World Cup point in a gritty 0-0 draw against Ecuador on Saturday. The Miami FC goalkeeper was in impenetrable form, matching ex-USMNT star Tim Howard's legendary record as he single-handedly kept the South Americans at bay during an evening of historic defiance in Kansas City.

There's no sporting event bigger than the World Cup. It's the pinnacle of professional football, where global superstars are born, dreams die and legends live forever. Sometimes, with just one goal, one pass, one tackle, one block or one save, a previously little-known player can become a national hero, a name eternally etched in the memory of a country's collective consciousness.

William Saliba has admitted that he has already put Arsenal’s Champions League final heartbreak behind him as he shifts his focus to international glory. The Frenchman was a key figure for the Gunners during their run to the showpiece event in Budapest, only to suffer a painful defeat against Paris Saint-Germain.

Gary Lineker made a sensational return to free-to-air television on Saturday night, appearing on ITV's World Cup coverage just weeks after his high-profile departure from the BBC. The former England captain joined the rival broadcaster as a studio guest for the Group E showdown between Germany and Ivory Coast, appearing alongside host Laura Woods and even cheekily hijacking the broadcast.

The USMNT are into the knockouts, but Seattle’s “Country Roads” singalong after the Australia win may be remembered as the moment belief truly took hold.

Deniz Undav scored twice off the bench as Germany came from behind to beat Ivory Coast to an absorbing World Cup Group E encounter in Toronto on Saturday evening. The four-time champions began brightly, with Kai Havertz looking likely up front, but The Elephants were a constant threat on the break and took the lead after half an hour when a dangerous cross from the impressive Yan Diomande led to Franck Kessie slotting home from close range.

Thomas Tuchel’s England preparations have been handed a significant lift ahead of their second World Cup Group L fixture against Ghana. Both Marcus Rashford and Declan Rice have returned to full training in Kansas City, easing fears over potential injury absences following their opening victory over Croatia.

Netherlands secured a spectacular 5-1 victory over Sweden in their second World Cup group-stage match on Saturday night, but the triumph was clouded by significant fitness scares for Virgil van Dijk. Liverpool's captain revealed a frightening moment during the clash where he temporarily lost feeling in his upper leg following a heavy blow to the hip.

Ronald Koeman has offered a mixed review of his Netherlands side following their dominant 5-1 victory over Sweden at the World Cup. While the Oranje boss was delighted with the impact of Brian Brobbey, he insisted there are still significant areas for improvement within the team.