Carlo Ancelotti is already feeling the heat as Brazil manager before a ball has even been kicked at the 2026 World Cup. The Italian's decision to include veteran star Neymar in his final squad has been labelled "absurd" by a former Selecao international, who has called the Santos star's recent performance levels into question.
Neymar's return to the Brazilian national team was not just a sporting milestone, but a moment of profound personal emotion for the number 10. The Santos star opened up about the intensity of his feelings upon securing his place in the squad that will compete in the 2026 World Cup under the command of Carlo Ancelotti.
Luiz Felipe Scolari opened up about the eternal rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, revealing previously unknown details of his relationship with the Portuguese captain. The former national team coach explained the emotional and professional reasons behind his choices in the polls for the best player in the world.
Emiliano Martinez has confirmed he played through a broken finger during Aston Villa’s Europa League final win over Freiburg. The Argentina international goalkeeper is now racing against time to be fully fit for the World Cup after avoiding surgery.
Iran has successfully lobbied FIFA to relocate its 2026 World Cup training headquarters from the United States to Mexico. The decision comes as regional tensions and security logistics prompted the Iranian federation to seek an alternative to their original plans in Arizona.
The Democratic Republic of Congo have sensationally rejected a demand from the United States government to enter a 21-day isolation period ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Despite threats that the team could be denied entry into the country following an Ebola outbreak in the African nation, Congolese officials insist their preparation schedule will remain unchanged.
Odsonne Edouard has opened up on his decision to turn down a guaranteed place at the upcoming World Cup finals. The former Paris Saint-Germain and Celtic forward was offered the chance to represent Haiti on the global stage but opted to decline the invitation for selfless reasons.
The U.S. Men's National Team's 26-player roster for the World Cup has been revealed, with several notable omissions ahead of this summer's tournament. Among those included are attacking midfielders Alejandro Zendeja and Gio Reyna, while holding midfielders Tanner Tessmann and Aidan Morris have reportedly missed out.
Thomas Tuchel has revealed that England will implement heightened security measures at their World Cup training base to prevent any "Spygate" scandals during the tournament in the United States. Following the shock expulsion of Southampton from the Championship play-offs for spying on Middlesbrough, the Three Lions boss is determined to protect his tactical secrets from group-stage rivals Croatia, Panama and Ghana.
Germany legends Lothar Matthaus and Roman Weidenfeller have both publicly endorsed Julian Nagelsmann's shock decision to restore Manuel Neuer as the nation’s primary goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup. The Bayern Munich veteran has sensationally stepped out of international retirement to lead Die Mannschaft in North America, displacing Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann in the process.
Marcelo Bielsa has dropped a major hint that his tenure as Uruguay head coach is reaching its final chapter. The former Leeds United boss, who remains a deity in West Yorkshire, suggested that his time with La Celeste will conclude following the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Manchester City fans are still reeling from the news that their legendary leader is finally moving on, but a familiar voice has already mapped out a sensational next step. Oasis star Noel Gallagher believes that after conquering the club game, the tactical genius will set his sights on the one major trophy missing from his cabinet: the World Cup.
Harry Maguire’s family has launched a scathing attack on Thomas Tuchel after the Manchester United defender was sensationally omitted from England’s 2026 World Cup squad. The veteran centre-back, who had been a cornerstone of the Three Lions' defence for nearly a decade, saw his international future thrown into doubt as the German tactician's uncompromising squad shake-up.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has offered a justification for dropping Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer from his final 26-man World Cup squad. The German tactician stood firm on his strict anti-reputation selection policy, stating that the versatile forward had simply failed to perform at an elite level for the national team.
Thomas Tuchel has finalised his travel plans for England's upcoming North American venture by naming the fourth youth addition to his senior preparation camp. While some fans expected a sensational call-up for Max Dowman, the German tactician has instead put his faith in the Arsenal starlet's team-mate Ethan Nwaneri.
Former England defender Kyle Walker has admitted his shock after Thomas Tuchel omitted Phil Foden, Harry Maguire and Trent Alexander-Arnold from his World Cup squad. The trio were the headline casualties of Friday's 26-man selection for the tournament in North America, with Walker left questioning several of the manager's major tactical decisions.
Thomas Tuchel has been warned that failing to secure World Cup glory should result in his immediate dismissal following a series of controversial squad selections. Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has heavily criticised the German tactician for leaving out established superstars in favour of a group he describes as a "B-team."
England head coach Thomas Tuchel has admitted that tactical uncertainty regarding Phil Foden’s best position drove the decision to drop the Manchester City star from his World Cup squad. The German asserted that bringing the versatile attacker to North America and potentially being played out of position would have resulted in possible camp discontent.
Gio Reyna has reportedly been named to the U.S. men's national team's World Cup roster, while Real Salt Lake star Diego Luna has been left off. Reyna is reportedly joined by the likes of Matt Turner, Sebastian Berhalter, Brenden Aaronson, and Mark McKenzie among the early roster leaks, while Luna's RSL teammate, Zavier Gozo, has also missed out.
England have named their squad for the 2026 World Cup, but can they go on to achieve what the so-called ‘Golden Generation’ could not and deliver a long-awaited international title? Michael Owen formed part of several trophy bids in the 1990s and 2000s, with the ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid striker telling GOAL of the failures that were toughest to stomach.
Martin Odegaard has faced criticism at times over the last couple of seasons, but he is now a Premier League title winner at Arsenal and fellow countryman John Arne Riise has told GOAL why he is “shocked and surprised” that anybody has ever doubted an “amazing” talent. The Norway international remains a key cog in Mikel Arteta’s well-oiled machine at Emirates Stadium.
Erling Haaland has been informed of what he will require in order to become a Ballon d’Or winner, with John Arne Riise telling GOAL that the Manchester City superstar needs a “sh*tload of goals” before being recognised as the best player on the planet. The Norwegian striker has tended to deliver on that front, and has long been billed as a natural heir to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Golden Ball-winning department.
As the 2026 World Cup arrives on home soil, Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, Tyler Adams and the USMNT’s 2022 squad reflect on the goals, memories, heartbreak and brotherhood that still shape them.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has admitted his surprise at Harry Maguire’s reaction after the veteran defender was omitted from the Three Lions' 26-man World Cup squad. The German coach heavily praised the centre-back’s exceptional seasonal form but defended his ultimate selection blueprint, which relies on a core group of established tournament leaders.
Marcus Rashford called his England recall a “full-circle moment” after overcoming recent setbacks to make Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad. The forward thanked Unai Emery and Hansi Flick for helping revive his career, but made no mention of Manchester United.
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