World Cup news

Matt Turner may have fallen down the USMNT’s goalkeeping depth chart, but Brad Friedel has explained to GOAL why the New England Revolution shot-stopper could still have a vital role to play at the 2026 World Cup. Matt Freese is considered to be leading the race for starting duties at this summer’s global gathering in North America, but Mauricio Pochettino will want an able back-up at his disposal.

In the summer of 2014, Germany didn’t just win the World Cup on Brazilian soil - they left behind one of the most powerful and unexpected symbols of unity football has ever seen. Beyond the unforgettable 7–1 semi-final victory over the hosts, a match that shocked the world, a red and black jersey came to represent something deeper than victory or defeat: respect, empathy, and an unlikely bond between two footballing nations. This is Icons, a GOAL feature and podcast series that revisits the last 10 World Cups through the moments, characters, and controversies that defined them, bringing the spirit of each tournament back to life.

Despite a long spell on the sidelines due to injury, Jamal Musiala is one of the DFB team’s main hopes for the World Cup. However, he is now set to miss some key friendlies.

Neymar has admitted he is feeling "sad" and "upset" after being left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s latest Brazil squad for the upcoming international break. The Santos forward, who is documentation his daily life in a new YouTube series, has acknowledged that the 2026 tournament represents his final chance at World Cup glory.

Ralf Rangnick is hoping to make a big impression with Austria at the World Cup. What happens after the tournament remains to be seen.

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has expressed a strong desire to see Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo handed England recalls when Thomas Tuchel reveals his latest squad selections. The German tactician, who succeeded Gareth Southgate, has yet to select a single player from Old Trafford since taking charge at the start of last year.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has officially been announced as a pundit for the 2026 World Cup, representing a bold new chapter in the Swedish icon’s career. Despite retiring from professional football in 2023 following an emotional farewell at AC Milan, the 44-year-old remains one of the most bankable and charismatic personalities in the world.

Hardly any other player embodies VfB Stuttgart’s meteoric rise under manager Sebastian Hoeneß – from relegation candidates to a top-flight club – more than Maximilian Mittelstädt. Yet this summer, the success story faces a bittersweet conclusion.

John Stones is facing a fight to save his international career after former Premier League defender Anton Ferdinand sensationally called for the Manchester City man to be axed from England's World Cup squad. The treble-winner has endured a nightmare period with fitness, leading to questions over whether he can still be trusted on the biggest stage.

FIFA has officially announced a landmark partnership with YouTube ahead of the 2026 World Cup, aimed at revolutionising how the tournament reaches a digital-first audience. The deal will allow official rights holders to leverage the world’s largest video platform to showcase live action and classic content to fans across the globe.

The Iranian Football Federation has entered urgent discussions with FIFA to relocate its 2026 World Cup group-stage fixtures from the United States to Mexico. Citing severe security concerns following a dramatic escalation in geopolitical tensions, Iranian officials claim they cannot ensure the safety of their squad on American soil. This unprecedented request threatens to disrupt the logistics of the first-ever expanded 48-team tournament.

Former Spain assistant coach Robert Moreno has broken his silence on the "tsunami" that followed his high-profile sacking by Luis Enrique. Moreno opened up about the personal toll of being branded a villain after Luis Enrique's return to the national team.

This is Legacy, GOAL’s feature and podcast series that counts down to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. Today we dive into how Canada stopped waiting for permission, learned to believe again, and transformed a World Cup dream into a defining moment - with an even bigger stage now waiting for them on home soil.

Neymar has expressed his deep disappointment after being left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s latest Brazil squad. Although he recently managed to play the full 90 minutes for Santos, the legendary forward faces a race against time to prove his fitness for the 2026 World Cup.

Carlo Ancelotti has omitted Neymar from his latest Brazil squad for the upcoming high-profile friendlies against France and Croatia. Despite the Santos forward returning to domestic football at the weekend after a lengthy injury, the Italian tactician believes the 34-year-old superstar is not yet at the physical level required to represent the national team.

With the World Cup less than three months out, Canada have revealed their new World Cup kits designed by Nike. Titled 'Full Tilt,' the kits are meant to embody the country's extreme landscapes and confident culture. It also follows Canada Soccer's 'True North' theme - which the team says is shaped by authenticity, resilience and ambition. Canada will debut their new kits during their March fixtures.

Windsor John, the general secretary of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), has confirmed that Iran remain on track to compete in the World Cup being hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The official addressed the mounting uncertainty that has surrounded the team’s involvement due to the volatile geopolitical landscape, even though Iran's sports minister has already ruled out competing in North America.