World Cup news

The United States has been warned that talk of the USMNT winning a home World Cup in 2026 “won’t be fair at all”, with a more realistic example of “huge success” being pointed out. Giuseppe Rossi, who qualified to represent the land of his birth but opted to play for Italy, has - while filling a role as vice-chairman and head of soccer at the New York Cosmos - given GOAL his assessment of the so-called ‘Golden Generation’.

Pierluigi Collina has delivered a blunt assessment of the current state of VAR, comparing the technology’s recent struggles to a crumbling relationship. As football prepares for a suite of radical changes to how the game is policed, the man who once struck fear into the world’s best players suggests that the initial love affair with technology has hit a rocky patch.

Thomas Tuchel has been urged to snub the likes of Cole Palmer and Phil Foden by picking “world-beater” Marcus Rashford on the left wing for England at the 2026 World Cup. Former Three Lions star Lee Sharpe has told GOAL the Manchester United academy graduate, who is currently on loan at Barcelona, possesses qualities that his rivals for an international starting berth do not have.

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to chase down 1,000 competitive career goals, but will eternal rival Lionel Messi have the same target in mind? Portuguese superstar CR7 appears destined to get there first, as he turns out for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, and a former team-mate of the Manchester United legend has told GOAL why Inter Miami talisman Messi may care more about Ronaldo’s exploits than he likes to let on.

This is Icons, a GOAL feature and podcast series revisiting the last 10 World Cups through the moments, characters, and controversies that defined them, bringing the spirit of each tournament vividly back to life. This week we look back on vuvuzelas, Jabulanis, a French mutiny and the other 'Hand of God'. The 2010 World Cup was chaos, noise, heartbreak, and pure spectacle; a tournament that shaped football’s modern era in ways few could have predicted.

The road to the 2026 World Cup has hit a significant speed bump for Cristiano Ronaldo, as the Portugal captain is now a major doubt for his nation’s final international camp before the tournament. After limping out of domestic action in Saudi Arabia, the Al-Nassr forward is facing a race against time to prove his fitness to Roberto Martinez.

Brazil and Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison has denied he is planning on sitting out the 2026 World Cup amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Iran has recently come under attack from the United States - one of three co-hosts for this summer's tournament - and Israel, leading to the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

All you need to know about Spain's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Real Madrid star Rodrygo has suffered a devastating knee injury that will keep him sidelined for the remainder of the season. In a cruel twist of fate, the diagnosis also confirms that the forward will miss the 2026 World Cup, a tournament he was expected to light up for Brazil. Following the confirmation of the injury sustained during the La Liga clash against Getafe, Brazil legend Neymar led the tributes with a deeply personal message for his young compatriot.

All you need to know about Portugal's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The build-up to the 2026 World Cup has been hit by a major geopolitical storm as United States president Donald Trump admitted he is indifferent to whether Iran participates in the upcoming tournament. Despite being the first nation to secure qualification for the showpiece event, Iran were the notable absentees from a high-profile FIFA planning meeting held in Atlanta this week. The silence from the Iranian camp has sparked intense speculation regarding their involvement in the tournament, which is set to be hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada this summer.

Real Madrid and Brazil star Rodrygo Goes expressed his heartbreak after a devastating ACL and meniscus tear shattered his 2026 World Cup dreams. Describing it as one of the saddest days of his life and his worst nightmare realised, the resilient forward promised fans he would overcome this massive blow and return stronger.

All you need to know about England's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

All you need to know about France's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Classic inspiration meets modern flair in South Africa’s 2026 kits.

Real Madrid suffered a catastrophic tactical setback after Brazilian forward Rodrygo Goes was diagnosed with a severe anterior cruciate ligament tear. The crushing news, confirmed by medical scans following their La Liga loss to Getafe, effectively ends his domestic season and tragically rules him out of the upcoming World Cup.

GOAL takes a look at the wild storylines that could take centerstage this summer, headlined by predictions involving the sport's biggest stars