World Cup news

Declan Rice’s £105 million ($139m) switch to Arsenal is considered to have helped him step up “two or three levels”, with ex-England captain Terry Butcher telling GOAL why a big-money transfer helped a Three Lions star of the present to join the global elite. Rice is considered to sit inside that talent pool as a Premier League title winner, World Cup hopeful, Ballon d’Or contender and future skipper of his country.

The knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup are upon us. We’ve got three Brazil vs Japan predictions for their clash on Monday, 29 June.

Three South Africa vs Canada predictions for their World Cup knockout game on Sunday, including value on if there will be a penalty shootout bet.

Three Colombia vs Portugal predictions for their final World Cup group game on Sunday morning, including value on the anytime goalscorer bet.

Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman has singled out Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi as the primary threat ahead of their World Cup knockout showdown against Morocco. The Oranje camp is preparing for an incredibly intense battle in Mexico against the reigning African champions to secure a place in the quarter-finals.

Manchester City have taken a massive step toward securing their midfield future by agreeing a staggering British record transfer fee for Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson. The England international is set to become one of the highest earners at the Etihad as the club prepares for life after Pep Guardiola.

USA take on Bosnia and Herzegovina next in the World Cup. Here’s how you can secure your tickets

Netherlands take on Morocco next in the World Cup. Here’s how you can secure your tickets

Chelsea winger Pedro Neto has been grabbing headlines for more than just his performances on the pitch at the 2026 World Cup. The Portugal international has found himself the subject of significant social media attention after being unofficially crowned the most handsome player at the tournament.

Nicolas Pepe rolled back the years with a magnificent individual performance to fire Ivory Coast into the World Cup knockout stage. The experienced attacker netted a historic brace against Curacao to ensure the Elephants progressed beyond the tournament's group stage for the first time in their footballing history.

The Brazilian FA (CBF) has taken the extraordinary step of filing a formal complaint to FIFA following refereeing controversy in their World Cup clash with Scotland. Despite securing a 3-0 victory, the Selecao hierarchy are furious over a disallowed Vinicius Jr goal and are demanding that the match official never takes charge of their games again.

Real Madrid are weighing up an audacious transfer strategy that could see former academy star Nico Paz act as the key to unlocking a deal for Inter's Alessandro Bastoni. Jose Mourinho is desperate to bolster his defensive line at the Bernabeu, and a complex series of negotiations involving the Argentine midfielder may provide the perfect solution.

Germany legend Lothar Matthaus has launched a scathing critique of Julian Nagelsmann's tactical setup following the national team's bitter World Cup setback against Ecuador. The iconic former captain vehemently argued that current skipper Joshua Kimmich is being severely restricted by his controversial deployment in the right-back role.

RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande has officially addressed the mounting speculation regarding his future as Liverpool step up their pursuit of the Ivorian starlet. The 19-year-old winger has become one of the most sought-after properties in world football following a breakout season in the Bundesliga and a series of dazzling performances at the World Cup.

Jurgen Klopp has delivered a scathing assessment of Germany's tactical approach following their unexpected 2-1 World Cup defeat against Ecuador. The former Liverpool manager warned that Die Mannschaft will not coast through the knockout rounds unless they dramatically alter their current playing style and psychological application.

Real Madrid defender Eder Militao has hailed the tactical flexibility of Carlo Ancelotti as Brazil gear up for the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup. Despite being sidelined through injury, the centre-back has closely monitored the Selecao’s progression and believes the veteran coach has successfully ironed out early frailties.

Germany striker Deniz Undav has issued a rallying cry to his team-mates, insisting his team-mates must become more "nasty" to survive in the World Cup knockout rounds. The Stuttgart forward’s assessment comes in the wake of a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Ecuador, a result that has sparked a difference in opinion between the playing squad and manager Julian Nagelsmann.