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Legacy England 2002 GFX

LEGACY: How England 'losers' blew 2002 World Cup hopes

This is Legacy, GOAL’s feature and podcast series counting 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 explore what England must learn from their failure to claim glory in 2002, and why Thomas Tuchel’s task ahead is not about tactics, but about belief, identity, and courage on the biggest stage.

FBL-FRA-LIGUE1-LYON-AUXERRE

'Best season of my career' - Lyon star reacts to France World Cup snub

Corentin Tolisso has expressed his deep disappointment at missing out on a place in Didier Deschamps' France squad for the 2026 World Cup despite enjoying his most productive season to date. The Lyon captain finds himself in the wilderness alongside several other high-profile stars as Les Bleus prepare to challenge for football's biggest prize this summer.

Santos v Bragantino - Brasileirao 2026

Brazil relied on Neymar for ‘too long’, says Cafu

Brazil legend Cafu believes the Selecao have hindered their own pursuit of a sixth world title by placing an unfair burden of responsibility on Neymar for over a decade. The legendary full-back argued that the lack of a supporting cast around the Santos forward has been the primary reason for the nation’s 24-year trophy drought on the global stage.

Spain v Egypt - International Friendly

Revealed: How many Spain matches Yamal is likely to miss at World Cup

Lamine Yamal is reportedly set to miss the start of Spain's World Cup campaign as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury. The Barcelona superstar will definitely sit out the Euro 2024 winners' first group game in North America, and he is a major doubt for the second, with the Spain coaching staff taking cautious steps regarding his integration.

Neymar - Romeo Beckham

Neymar reveals Brazil jacket gift from Beckham's son Romeo

Neymar has reiterated his burning desire to represent Brazil at the 2026 World Cup as he faces a nervous wait for Carlo Ancelotti’s squad announcement. The Santos superstar also took time to explain the story behind an eye-catching yellow jacket he wore after his latest match, revealing it was a personal gift from Sir David Beckham's son Romeo.

Chris Richards Crystal Palace 2025-26

Chris Richards helped off pitch with suspected ankle injury

USMNT center back Chris Richards, a presumptive starter at the World Cup, needed help walking off the field after Crystal Palace's match against Brentford on Sunday afternoon. Manager Oliver Glasner later confirmed that Richards sustained an ankle injury after colliding with Brentford striker Igor Thiago. Richards is expected to recover within a week.

Manchester United v Nottingham Forest - Premier League

Carrick insists 'fantastic' Shaw deserves England World Cup spot

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has expressed his belief that Luke Shaw deserves a place in Thomas Tuchel's final England squad for the 2026 World Cup. After overcoming severe injury struggles, the resilient left-back has been remarkably consistent, starting every Premier League match this season and proving his immense value for the Red Devils.

Argentina v Zambia - International Friendly

Double training for Messi! How Argentine GOAT is preparing for 2026 World Cup

Lionel Messi might be entering the twilight of his legendary career, but the Inter Miami superstar has no intention of slowing down ahead of the 2026 World Cup. His club and international team-mate Rodrigo de Paul has revealed that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is currently undergoing a gruelling physical transformation to ensure he is in peak condition for Argentina's title defence.

Ancelotti-Neymar

Ancelotti weighs up 'bombshell' Neymar World Cup call

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has addressed the mounting speculation regarding Neymar’s place in the Selecao squad for the 2026 World Cup. The Italian tactician faces a monumental decision as the nation’s all-time record goalscorer battles for fitness ahead of the tournament's kick-off next month.

Julian Nagelsmann Manuel Neuer

Nagelsmann refuses to answer Neuer World Cup question

Julian Nagelsmann has intentionally avoided clarifying the international future of Manuel Neuer ahead of Germany's World Cup squad announcement. Despite the veteran goalkeeper’s previous retirement, reports suggest a dramatic U-turn could see the Bayern Munich legend reclaim the number one shirt for the upcoming tournament in North America.

Germany Training Session In Herzogenaurach

'A slap in the face' - Matthaus hits out at Neuer World Cup return

German football icons Lothar Matthaus, Didi Hamann, and Michael Ballack have weighed in on the polarising debate surrounding Manuel Neuer’s potential World Cup return. While Matthaus acknowledges Neuer is still the nation’s best, he labelled the lack of communication with current No. 1 Oliver Baumann a "slap in the face" as the countdown to Julian Nagelsmann’s final squad announcement on Thursday begins.

FBL-GER-BUNDESLIGA-WOLFSBURG-BAYERN MUNICH

Neuer to end retirement for World Cup

The iconic Manuel Neuer is set to pull on the Germany jersey once again after agreeing to come out of international retirement for the 2026 World Cup. Despite stepping away from the national team in 2024, the Bayern Munich veteran has been convinced by Julian Nagelsmann to reclaim his spot as the number one.

Canada Tiers (05.16.2026)

Canada roster tiers: Davies injury clouds World Cup plans

With Canada’s World Cup squad deadline looming, Jesse Marsch faces major decisions as injuries cloud the status of stars like Alphonso Davies and Moïse Bombito. GOAL breaks down the CanMNT roster by tiers, from locked-in starters such as Jonathan David and Stephen Eustàquio to bubble players battling for the final spots.