The USMNT World Cup squad is here, but now comes the next question: who starts? GOAL looks at who could line up in Mauricio Pochettino’s XI when the tournament kicks off in June.
Ronald Koeman has officially confirmed his 26-man Netherlands squad for the upcoming World Cup, and the big talking point remains the high-profile omission of Jeremie Frimpong. The wing-back has been left at home as the Oranje boss prioritises reliability and specific tactical profiles for the tournament.
Chelsea striker Joao Pedro has made a sensational claim regarding his club team-mate Cole Palmer, suggesting the England playmaker would be the perfect fit to inherit Neymar's iconic No.10 shirt for Brazil. Both players are facing a summer away from the international spotlight after being left out of their respective final squads for the 2026 World Cup.
Vinicius Junior has opened up on the emotional return of Neymar to the Brazil national team, hailing the Santos forward as a true inspiration for the Selecao. The Real Madrid star revealed the depth of his teammate's struggles during a period of exclusion and injury before finally being named in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Real Madrid star Federico Valverde has opened up about the explosive training-ground incident involving team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni, admitting that the physical confrontation was a difficult learning experience. The Uruguay international, who is now preparing for the 2026 World Cup, expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support he received from the Bernabeu faithful during the fallout.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been tipped to defy the ageing process by competing in the 2030 World Cup with Portugal, potentially alongside his son, at the age of 45. The Al-Nassr forward has received the backing for a "perfect ending" to his career from his ex-Manchester United team-mate Eric Djemba-Djemba.
Brazil superstar Neymar has laughed off suggestions that his latest fitness setback could jeopardise his participation in the 2026 World Cup. The Santos forward was in the stands to support his club side in a Copa Sudamericana clash with Deportivo Cuenca on Tuesday night, where he faced questions regarding a calf issue.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has admitted that captain Lionel Messi will not be "fully fit" when he joins up with the national team for their 2026 World Cup defence. The Inter Miami superstar picked up a hamstring issue in his latest MLS outing, sparking panic among Argentina fans just weeks out from the summer tournament in North America.
NEW YORK -- USMNT captain Tyler Adams was all in on his native New York Knicks after they secured their first NBA Finals berth in 27 years, wrapping up a sweep of the Cavaliers on Monday night. While discussing basketball, New York sports culture and the World Cup, the proud New Yorker hyped up his team with a confident prediction: “Knicks in four.”
USMNT fans exploded online after the leaked World Cup roster surfaced, with Diego Luna’s omission and Gio Reyna’s inclusion fueling intense debate ahead of Mauricio Pochettino’s official squad announcement.
NEW YORK -- USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino launched an ardent defense of his decision to not personally call players after they were left off his World Cup roster in a press conference on Tuesday evening. The head coach circulated emails to the 20+ players who didn't make the final cut, and acknowledged that he wouldn't want to hear from a coach who made a similar decision.
Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT World Cup squad is set, and GOAL breaks down the key takeaways, including major trust in Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie, and one lingering goalkeeper question.
GOAL breaks down the biggest winners and losers of Mauricio Pochettino's World Cup squad, including the bold decisions to include Alejandro Zendejas and Gio Reyna.
U.S. Men's National Team boss Mauricio Pochettino has officially confirmed his 26-player squad for the World Cup as U.S. Soccer announced the final roster in New York on Tuesday. The squad features many of the usual heavy-hitters in players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tyler Adams, while Diego Luna, Tanner Tessmann, and Aidan Morris were among the notable exclusions from the final team.
Mohamed Salah has officially said his goodbyes to the Anfield faithful, bringing the curtain down on one of the most decorated individual eras in Liverpool's modern history. The Egyptian forward took to social media to share a poignant message following his final appearance for the Reds, describing the experience as the most difficult evening of his career.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has backed teenage talisman Lamine Yamal to illuminate the upcoming World Cup despite his recent fitness struggles. Speaking after unveiling his 26-man squad, the coach emphasised that the tournament represents a defining career milestone for the Barcelona forward, who is currently recovering from a hamstring injury.
Canada boss Jesse Marsch expects Alphonso Davies to feature at the World Cup despite the Bayern Munich defender continuing his recovery from a hamstring tear. However, the left-back is unlikely to be fit for the tournament opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast and feature 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 look at why Brazil turned toward the most decorated club coach on the planet, Carlo Ancelotti, how this decision reflects years of confusion in the national project, and why Ancelotti’s bond with players like Kaka and Vinicius Jr shaped their choice...
The landscape of the 2026 World Cup is shifting as geopolitical tensions spill over into the world of sport. Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum has officially confirmed that Iran’s national team are set to relocate its base of operations from the United States to Mexico ahead of the tournament.
For every USMNT player who gets the World Cup call, another is left to process the one that never comes. GOAL spoke to players and coaches about the pain of missing out, and why it can linger for years.
Lamine Yamal has provided a glimpse into the raw emotion shared between team-mates after Gavi received his official call-up for the 2026 World Cup with Spain. The Barcelona midfielder’s inclusion marks the end of a gruelling journey back from a serious knee injury that threatened to derail his international ambitions.
Michael Owen has, during an exclusive interview with GOAL, picked two players from England’s ‘Golden Generation’ that would improve the Three Lions’ class of 2026 and aid their bid for World Cup glory. The ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid striker has also debated whether Harry Kane and Declan Rice could oust the likes of Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard from an iconic team of the past.
Scott McTominay's legendary status in Scottish football has reached a new level after his iconic overhead kick against Denmark was chosen to feature on a new limited edition £20 banknote. The Bank of Scotland revealed the unique design to celebrate the national team's successful qualification for the World Cup, marking their first appearance at the tournament in 28 years.
Luis de la Fuente has officially named his 26-man Spain squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Lamine Yamal one of eight Barcelona stars to make the final cut. The Blaugrana's fortunes contrasted wildly with their arch-rivals, Real Madrid, who do not have a single representative in the final list for the first time ever.
Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White has hit out at his omission from Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup squad, claiming he has done "more than enough" to warrant a place on the plane. The 26-year-old was a shock absentee from the final selection despite a career-best campaign in the Premier League.
Lionel Messi has sparked major injury fears just weeks before the 2026 World Cup after asking to come off during Inter Miami's chaotic 10-goal thriller against Philadelphia Union. The Argentina captain headed straight for the tunnel with a suspected muscle issue, prompting the Herons boss to deliver a crucial update on his star player's fitness.
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