World Cup news

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.