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World Cup news

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'Most talented player' - Antony hails 'extraordinary' Neymar

Antony has expressed his immense admiration for Neymar, describing the Santos forward as the most gifted individual he has ever witnessed on a football pitch. Now enjoying a career resurgence with Real Betis, the former Manchester United winger is hopeful that both he and his "extraordinary" compatriot can secure their places in Brazil's squad for the upcoming World Cup.

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Deschamps warned Mbappe shouldn't be France leader

Kylian Mbappe has been told he lacks the technical brilliance of Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele as questions arise over his suitability as France’s primary leader. Despite his prolific goalscoring record for Les Bleus, former international Jerome Rothen believes the Real Madrid star should no longer be considered the technical focal point of Didier Deschamps' side.

San Lorenzo v Santos - Copa CONMEBOL Sudamericana 2026

Ex-Brazil star claims Neymar would be 'headless chicken' in PSG-Bayern thriller

Neymar has been told he no longer possesses the intensity required to compete at the highest level of world football following his latest display for Santos. Former Brazil international Walter Casagrande has suggested that Neymar "doesn't deserve" a World Cup spot while claiming the forward would be an anonymous figure in a game at the level of Paris Saint-Germain's 5-4 Champions League win over Bayern Munich.

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Christian Pulisic Lionel Messi USMNT Inter Miami 2026

World Cup round USMNT ‘need’ to help Pulisic & Messi grow game

The USMNT have been informed of the round they “need” to reach at the 2026 World Cup in order to help Christian Pulisic, Lionel Messi and MLS grow the game across America. Joe Cole spent time in the States towards the end of his playing career and the former England international has told GOAL why soccer is more appealing than American football to an ever-growing number of youngsters.

Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid Champions League 2025-26

Will UCL & Ballon d’Or luck change for ‘black cat’ Mbappe?

Kylian Mbappe has been unable to get his hands on Champions League and Ballon d’Or prizes, but former France international Louis Saha has used Cristiano Ronaldo as an example of why fortunes can change quickly for a “black cat”. Luck has not been on Mbappe’s side, despite being a World Cup-winning superstar, but the most prestigious of honours are expected to come his way eventually.

Harry Kane Wayne Rooney Alan Shearer England

‘England’s greatest No.9’ - Kane has eclipsed Rooney & Shearer

Harry Kane is considered to have become “England’s greatest No.9”, with Joe Cole explaining to GOAL why the prolific Bayern Munich striker has eclipsed the efforts of Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer. As the Three Lions’ all-time leading goalscorer, and ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Kane is currently in the process of chasing down Champions League and Ballon d’Or honours.

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IFAB: Players who cover mouths to hide abuse face red cards

Players who cover their mouths in confrontations with opponents will be shown red cards starting at the World Cup, the International Football Association Board confirmed Tuesday. The decision comes in the wake of a high-profile incident between Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr and Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni, after the latter was handed a six-game ban for anti-gay conduct directed towards the Brazilian.

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World's best Kane must seize his shot at immortality

Harry Kane could be on the cusp of greatness, if such a title isn't already guaranteed. Bayern Munich will be looking to the England captain to score the goals that will give them the edge over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals, while another Bundesliga title is already wrapped up, the World Cup is fast approaching and he is already in the box seat for the Ballon d'Or. It promises to be a gilded season for the 32-year-old.

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LEGACY: How Brazil came to rely solely on Neymar

This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast and feature series following the countdown 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 the rise, the fractures, the fading aura and the new stars who still haven’t claimed the spotlight for Brazil, and the question hanging over this World Cup cycle: what remains for Neymar - and for a national team that spent 20 years depending on him?

Rodrygo Kylian Mbappe Vinicius Junior Jude Bellingham Real Madrid 2025-26

‘Healthy competition’ between Rodrygo & Real ‘Galacticos’

Rodrygo has explained to GOAL how “healthy competition” between the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid helps to make “everyone better”. With the Blancos forever in the hunt for major honours at home and abroad, it is important for the highest of standards to be set by ‘Galactico’ performers behind the scenes.