World Cup news

Curacao became the smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup, and their historic achievement has offered a moment of unity for an island long shaped by racial tension.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino joked he would personally deliver hot dogs and soft drinks to anyone paying $2 million for a World Cup final ticket. The comment comes as resale listings for the 2026 showpiece reach extraordinary levels, sparking criticism over affordability.

Landon Donovan has issued blunt advice to Gio Reyna as the United States build towards the 2026 World Cup on home soil. The former USMNT star says the talented playmaker must focus on football and team unity if he wants to play a leading role in the tournament.

With the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly presumably disappearing into the rearview mirror, the battle for the Ballon d'Or hasn't felt so open for the best part of 20 years, with countless players now beginning each campaign believing they have a chance of claiming the most prestigious individual prize football has to offer. Ousmane Dembele emerged from a career plagued by injuries and inconsistencies to win the Golden Ball in 2025, and he is among a crowded field of contenders one year on.

Canada national team head coach Jesse Marsch has launched a scathing attack on Tottenham Hotspur boss Roberto De Zerbi, labelling the Italian "a real a*shole." The outburst stems from De Zerbi's controversial treatment of midfielder Ismael Kone during their brief shared tenure at Marseille.

The prospect of Neymar joining his former Barcelona team-mates in Major League Soccer is heating up as the Brazilian superstar considers his next move away from Santos. While a reunion with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami remains a romantic possibility, the playmaker is also being linked with a surprise switch to Ohio.

From Landon Donovan’s Algeria heroics to Tim Howard’s unforgettable stand against Belgium, GOAL picks the USMNT stars who have defined America’s World Cup history.

Luis de la Fuente has hailed the incredible work ethic of Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal as the teenager battles to be fit for the 2026 World Cup. Despite being sidelined for the remainder of the domestic season, the Spain manager is confident that the winger will return in time to make a big impact on the international stage.

FIFA have extended Gianluca Prestianni's ban for homophobic conduct globally, meaning he could now miss Argentina's first two games at the 2026 World Cup. The Benfica winger, who was sanctioned following a high-profile clash with Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, will now see his club-level suspension apply to international competitive fixtures.

The clock is ticking down to a potentially tenure-defining decision for Thomas Tuchel, who will be putting the final touches to his England squad for the 2026 World Cup. However, there is still time for those on the fringes to make a late push into the manager's thinking as the season enters his final weeks. Some, though, stand a much better chance than others.

Tim Weah has always been more than a footballer. He sat down with GOAL to discuss art, identity, storytelling and the role he hopes to play at a home World Cup.

Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry has weighed in on the eternal debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, refusing to separate the two icons. Speaking at a recent event, the former striker compared their enduring rivalry to tennis greats Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, insisting that both superstars exist in their own footballing galaxy.

Chelsea starlet Estevao Willian has returned to his native Brazil to continue his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury at the facilities of his former club, Palmeiras. The 19-year-old winger is facing a desperate race against time to prove his fitness ahead of the upcoming World Cup, with his place in Carlo Ancelotti's squad currently in serious jeopardy.

Lamine Yamal has taken a major step in his recovery after returning to grass training at Barcelona’s facilities. The teenage forward is following a strict rehabilitation programme after suffering a muscle tear in April. Spain boss Luis de la Fuente is hopeful the winger will still play a key role at the 2026 World Cup.

France legend Thierry Henry has lauded Barcelona and Spain sensation Lamine Yamal, admitting he is "amazed" by the teenager's decision-making on the pitch. Speaking ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the former Barcelona striker expressed his desire to see the La Roja wonderkid at his absolute "peak" at the tournament, as he battles back from a serious injury.

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. This week, we follow Senegal's Lions of Teranga across two decades of triumph, turbulence and transformation - from the thunderbolt of 2002, to the cruel fair-play exit of 2018, to the continental rise that brought them back stronger in Qatar.

Manchester United have reached a surprising agreement with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to rest star forward Matheus Cunha for the remainder of the Premier League season. The move comes as a major boost for Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti, who has been sweating over the fitness of several key players ahead of the World Cup.