Colombia captain James Rodriguez has been admitted to a Minnesota hospital following a health scare during the international break. The veteran playmaker is undergoing medical monitoring for severe dehydration just months before the 2026 World Cup kicks off.
Italy legend Alessandro Del Piero has described the nation's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup as "embarrassing" while endorsing Antonio Conte for a second stint as head coach. The Azzurri’s dream ended in a devastating penalty shoot-out defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina, a result that has already triggered a wave of high-profile resignations within the Italian Football Federation.
World Cup final ticket prices have risen sharply from initial projections. FIFA’s latest sales window lists seats as high as $10,900, with entry-level tickets priced at $5,785. In the original bid, the U.S., Canada and Mexico projected Category 3 tickets starting at $695 and capped at $1,550, marking a significant increase.
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has lifted the veil on one of the darkest moments of his international career, revealing the depth of his distress following Euro 2020. The World Cup winner admitted he nearly retired from France duty due to a barrage of racist abuse.
Ex-France manager Raymond Domenech has suggested that England are not "serious" contenders to win the 2026 World Cup. Thomas Tuchel's side have widely been billed as one of the favourites for glory at the tournament in North America, but Domenech does not believe the Three Lions will shake their "loser" image.
Gianluigi Buffon has officially stepped down from his position as the delegation chief of the Italy national team following the Azzurri’s devastating failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The legendary former goalkeeper confirmed his departure shortly after FIGC President Gabriele Gravina also resigned from his post.
A unique quality possessed by Max Dowman has been used as a reason why the 16-year-old Arsenal wonderkid should be included in England’s 2026 World Cup squad. The talented teenager is yet to start a Premier League fixture, but has become that division’s youngest goal-scorer during one of three outings off the bench. Bryan Robson is among those that believe Dowman could be a useful wildcard for England this summer.
The road to the 2026 World Cup has officially taken a brick-built turn as football’s biggest icons have been transformed into LEGO form. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo lead an all-star cast that includes Real Madrid duo Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr in a new advert that is certain to break the internet.
Brad Friedel has explained to GOAL why Mauricio Pochettino will never have been open to the idea of a “dual job” that saw him coach both Tottenham and the USMNT. Spurs recently found themselves back in the market for a new manager after bringing Igor Tudor’s ill-fated 44-day tenure to a close. Former fan favourite Pochettino saw a return to north London speculated on, but he has World Cup plans to focus on this summer.
Gianluigi Donnarumma was one of just a number of Italy players reduced to tears by Tuesday's World Cup play-off loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina - but the penalty shootout defeat in Zenica hit the goalkeeper harder than most. This wasn't the first time he'd been involved in a failed attempt to qualify - it was the third. Despite his devastation, though, Donnarumma remained defiant.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has delivered a chilling ultimatum to Italy, warning that the nation could be stripped of its Euro 2032 hosting rights if drastic improvements are not made to its crumbling stadium infrastructure. The threat comes at a time of unprecedented crisis for the Azzurri following their third consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup.
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has opened up about his journey with his mental health, revealing how professional support transformed his career shortly before the 2022 World Cup. He is now using his platform to encourage the next generation to prioritise their psychological well-being.
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