Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are likely to have taken in their “last dance” at the World Cup finals, former France international Mikael Silvestre has told GOAL. Two all-time greats featured at the 2026 event, as their evergreen exploits thrill audiences across the globe, but Argentina and Portugal may be without their respective GOATs when the 2030 tournament rolls around.
The 2030 World Cup could feature a massive expansion to 64 teams, according to a bold new claim. Following the conclusion of the 48-nation tournament won by Spain, the prospect of an even larger global competition across six host countries is now being openly discussed by high-ranking football executives, setting the stage for a historic centenary celebration.
Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to announce his retirement from international football after one final appearance for Portugal. The forward is expected to bid farewell to the national team in a Nations League match against Wales, concluding a record-breaking career where he became the most capped player and greatest goalscorer in international football history.
Portugal have been warned they could suffer a major loss in attention and revenue once Cristiano Ronaldo ends his international career. A leading marketing expert believes the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) must prepare a new strategy before the five-time Ballon d'Or winner steps away.
CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez has claimed on social media that the 2030 World Cup will expand to an unprecedented 64-team tournament. The bold declaration follows confirmation from Gianni Infantino that FIFA plans to evaluate further expansion after the groundbreaking 48-team 2026 edition in North America.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Instagram account appeared to like an explosive social media post alleging FIFA corruption and claiming officials attempted to hand the 2026 World Cup to Lionel Messi. The viral interaction surfaced before Argentina's final loss to Spain, after a tournament filled with fierce officiating disputes.
And just like that, it's over. After five-and-a-half weeks of breathless action, the 2026 World Cup is beginning to appear in the rearview mirror, the biggest international tournament in football history leaving behind a lifetime of memories while champions Spain continue their own celebrations.
Newly-appointed Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has insisted he will refrain from making wholesale changes to the squad following their premature World Cup exit. The former Al-Nassr manager confirmed that his upcoming selection will closely resemble the previous group, keeping the door firmly open for veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Brazil icon Ronaldo has offered a sobering assessment of Cristiano Ronaldo's longevity, suggesting the veteran forward may no longer be able to cut it at the very highest level of international football. While acknowledging that the Al-Nassr superstar remains a force in the Saudi Pro League, 'O Fenomeno' believes the physical demands of a World Cup are becoming an insurmountable obstacle for the legendary No. 7.
The 2026 World Cup came to a close in New Jersey on Sunday as Spain were deservedly crowned champions after a dour 1-0 win over 10-man Argentina in one of the worst finals in the tournament history. La Roja substitute Ferran Torres scored the only goal of a game that was essentially attack versus defence even before Enzo Fernandez got himself stupidly sent off for a second yellow card in the final minute of normal time.
The 2026 World Cup is over, and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. With the expanded 48-nation tournament coming to a close, following a month of thrilling action in North America, which star has taken home the illustrious award? Here, GOAL lists the tournament's most prolific performers.
Former Liverpool and Fulham defender John Arne Riise has launched a stinging critique of Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting the legendary forward should retire from international football immediately. The Norwegian believes the Al-Nassr star is no longer capable of performing at the highest level and is actively hindering Portugal's progress.
Portugal's new head coach Jorge Jesus has wasted no time in addressing the elephant in the room, confirming that Cristiano Ronaldo remains a fundamental part of his international project. The veteran manager, who recently tasted success with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner in Saudi Arabia, insists the legendary forward will continue to lead the line for the Selecao.
Cristiano Ronaldo appears to have found the perfect remedy for his World Cup heartbreak by escaping on a sunshine getaway with his fiancée Georgina Rodriguez. The Portugal icon was visibly devastated following a narrow round of 16 defeat to Spain, but new images suggest he is embracing a much-needed period of reflection.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that world football's governing body will officially explore expanding the World Cup to a massive 64-team format. Looking ahead to the 2030 tournament, which is set to be primarily hosted in Morocco, Portugal and Spain, Infantino suggested that another 16 nations could be added to the field.
Bruno Fernandes has spoken out for the first time since Portugal were knocked out of the World Cup by Spain. The Manchester United captain admitted he was left "sad, frustrated and disillusioned", while thanking his team-mates, coaches, staff and supporters after a campaign that ended earlier than expected.
Cristiano Ronaldo's dream of World Cup glory has officially come to an end following a heartbreaking defeat to Spain in Dallas. While the veteran forward left the pitch in tears, his former club manager has moved to shield the 41-year-old from the mounting criticism surrounding his final tournament display.
Wayne Rooney described Cristiano Ronaldo's final appearance at a World Cup as "a sad day for football". It wasn't, though. Not really. Ronaldo may be one of the most iconic figures in sporting history, but Spain's victory over an insipid Portugal side, taken in conjunction with Belgium battering the United States, actually made July 6, 2026 a pretty good day for the game.