World Cup news

June 25, 1982 was, according to The Times, "the day that sportsmanship died". What was expected to be a fiercely competitive fixture between West Germany and Austria became a 'non-aggression pact' between two teams who effectively stopped playing during the second half of their World Cup group game in Gijon to ensure that both progressed to the second round.

Canada head coach Jesse Marsch has admitted that captain Alphonso Davies was never truly ready to play in the crucial 2-1 World Cup defeat to Switzerland, revealing he used the superstar as a "decoy" to disrupt the opposition's preparations. Despite the pre-match comments, the Bayern Munich man remained an unused substitute as the Canucks fell to second place in Group B.

Neymar admitted that nervousness took over during his long-awaited return to the Brazilian national team after a hiatus of almost a thousand days away from international football. The Santos star entered the second half of the 3-0 victory over Scotland, sealing the end of a long recovery that began with a serious knee injury in 2023.

Morocco has officially made it to the World Cup knockouts. Here’s how you can secure your tickets

Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has expressed his frustration with the current World Cup scheduling format, claiming his side are being unfairly penalised for securing top spot in Group E. The tactical mastermind revealed that a highly compressed turnaround time forces his analytical backroom staff into a frantic race against the clock.

Vinicius Jr has revealed he is expecting a special reward from Carlo Ancelotti after performing the "impossible" during Brazil's dominant victory over Scotland. The Real Madrid superstar was the standout performer as the Selecao secured top spot in Group C to march into the World Cup knockout rounds.

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand has launched a passionate defence of the national team following their frustrating 0-0 draw against Ghana at the 2026 World Cup. The Manchester United legend hit back at what he perceives as a knee-jerk media reaction to Thomas Tuchel's side after they failed to follow up their opening-day victory with another win.

Here’s exactly how you can secure tickets to Jordan vs Argentina at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Manchester United have identified Scotland international goalkeeper Angus Gunn as a surprise summer transfer target to bolster their restructuring squad. The 30-year-old shot-stopper is available on a free transfer following his recent departure from Nottingham Forest, as Old Trafford chiefs actively look to strengthen their defensive department.

Experienced Netherlands central defender Stefan de Vrij is on the verge of completing an unexpected move to Panathinaikos. The 34-year-old is departing Inter on a free transfer following a successful eight-year spell with the club, with advanced negotiations currently taking place to finalise the remaining details of his switch to Athens.

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has offered a unique perspective on the 2026 World Cup's controversial hydration breaks, breaking ranks with several high-profile critics. While fans and players have voiced frustrations over the frequent stoppages, the German tactician believes they serve a practical purpose both on and off the pitch.

Comprehensive match preview of South Africa vs Canada at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more ahead of this round of 32 clash in Los Angeles.

South Africa take on Canada next in the World Cup. Here’s how you can secure your tickets

Frenkie de Jong has bitten back at critics of his game, but does the Barcelona midfielder occupy the same talent pool as Declan Rice and Vitinha? Former Netherlands international Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has answered that question for GOAL, with a man that can divide opinion among supporters and pundits being told where he needs to improve in order to become truly elite.

England fans have seen Cole Palmer produce the goods for the national team before. Indeed, he almost saved an otherwise poor performance in the Euro 2024 final, scoring an equalising goal and providing a spark when the Three Lions looked dead in the water against Spain. They did, of course, still go on to lose that game, as they have done at countless tournaments over the years.

GOAL brings you everything you need to know about Paraguay vs Australia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

GOAL brings you everything you need to know about Japan vs Sweden at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.