World Cup news

Vinicius Junior has spoken out on his long-term future at Real Madrid as he prepares to enter the final year of his current contract. The Brazilian forward is currently away on international duty with Brazil, but believes he has been living his "best moment" at club level.

Carlo Ancelotti has responded to the growing noise surrounding Neymar’s international future with Brazil. Despite the Santos forward’s ongoing absence from the national team, a host of legends and current stars have demanded his inclusion for the 2026 World Cup.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has hailed Lamine Yamal as a singular talent who has been "touched by magic", reinforcing the 18-year-old's status as the crown jewel of the national team. De la Fuente spoke glowingly of the Barcelona winger’s character and development, highlighting the RFEF's long-standing commitment to securing his international future.

Fabinho has backed Neymar to make Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad, claiming the Santos star remains his country's "most talented player" despite his ongoing fitness struggles. As Carlo Ancelotti’s current squad prepares for a high-profile friendly against France, the debate surrounding Neymar’s physical condition and international future continues to dominate the narrative.

Arsenal legend Theo Walcott has issued a heartfelt warning to Gunners starlet Max Dowman regarding a potential fast-track into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad. The 16-year-old forward has become the talk of the Premier League after a historic goalscoring breakthrough under Mikel Arteta. However, Walcott believes that accepting a place on the plane for the 2026 World Cup could hinder the youngster's long-term development.

The former striker's warning to the current manager: there is already a buzz of excitement in Brazil ahead of the World Cup.

During an interview with Sky Sports in October 2024, Trent Alexander-Arnold was asked about his remaining career goals and whether he would rather win another Champions League, become Liverpool captain, lift a trophy with England or win the Ballon d'Or. The right-back went with the latter, the most unrealistic - and unimportant - option.

He's only gone and done it again! A year after becoming the first player to win NXGN twice, Lamine Yamal has finished top of GOAL's annual list of the top teenagers in world football for the third time in a row. It's not as if the outcome of the 2026 vote was ever in any doubt either. Yamal is no longer just the most talented young player in the game today. He's also its most talented player, full stop.

Romelu Lukaku has officially withdrawn from the upcoming Belgium squad for their international friendlies against the United States and Mexico. The experienced Napoli striker is recovering from a long-term hamstring injury and has chosen to stay in Italy to focus on regaining his full fitness ahead of this summer's highly anticipated World Cup tournament.

Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich has warned that Germany cannot be considered among the top favourites for the 2026 World Cup. As the captain prepares his squad for their upcoming friendly against Switzerland, he insists that past tournament failures mean the four-time world champions must prove themselves all over again on the global stage.

Brazil national team manager Carlo Ancelotti has compared his squad's footballing DNA to the vibrant energy of Carnival ahead of the upcoming World Cup. While the Italian tactician praised his team's incredible attacking talent and promised an entertaining style of play, he also openly addressed a concerning lack of depth in the traditional full-back positions.

Didier Deschamps is preparing to step down as the manager of the France national team following the 2026 World Cup in North America. After 14 years in charge, he is leaving his options open regarding his next career move, while legendary former Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to take over the managerial reins this summer.

Cristiano Ronaldo has some new threads, with PUMA dropping Portugal's new home and away kits ahead of the World Cup this summer. These are the strips that CR7 will wear in what is almost certainly his last dance at a major tournament - a monumental football moment.

The signs that Zinedine Zidane is set to take charge of the French national team are becoming increasingly clear.

Tottenham forward Dejan Kulusevski is set to link up with the Sweden national team ahead of their 2026 World Cup playoff despite his ongoing injury struggles. The winger has been sidelined for nearly a year following a serious knee injury suffered last season.

Neymar allegedly spent almost an entire day playing "high-stakes" poker while sidelined from his duties at Santos due to "load management". The Brazilian icon was ruled out of his club's latest game against Cruzeiro, but his activities off the pitch have sparked a fresh debate regarding his professional commitment.

France have unveiled their kits for the 2026 World Cup - and they’re anything but ordinary.