The prospect of Neymar joining his former Barcelona team-mates in Major League Soccer is heating up as the Brazilian superstar considers his next move away from Santos. While a reunion with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami remains a romantic possibility, the playmaker is also being linked with a surprise switch to Ohio.
From Landon Donovan’s Algeria heroics to Tim Howard’s unforgettable stand against Belgium, GOAL picks the USMNT stars who have defined America’s World Cup history.
Luis de la Fuente has hailed the incredible work ethic of Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal as the teenager battles to be fit for the 2026 World Cup. Despite being sidelined for the remainder of the domestic season, the Spain manager is confident that the winger will return in time to make a big impact on the international stage.
FIFA have extended Gianluca Prestianni's ban for homophobic conduct globally, meaning he could now miss Argentina's first two games at the 2026 World Cup. The Benfica winger, who was sanctioned following a high-profile clash with Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, will now see his club-level suspension apply to international competitive fixtures.
The clock is ticking down to a potentially tenure-defining decision for Thomas Tuchel, who will be putting the final touches to his England squad for the 2026 World Cup. However, there is still time for those on the fringes to make a late push into the manager's thinking as the season enters his final weeks. Some, though, stand a much better chance than others.
Tim Weah has always been more than a footballer. He sat down with GOAL to discuss art, identity, storytelling and the role he hopes to play at a home World Cup.
Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry has weighed in on the eternal debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, refusing to separate the two icons. Speaking at a recent event, the former striker compared their enduring rivalry to tennis greats Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, insisting that both superstars exist in their own footballing galaxy.
Chelsea starlet Estevao Willian has returned to his native Brazil to continue his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury at the facilities of his former club, Palmeiras. The 19-year-old winger is facing a desperate race against time to prove his fitness ahead of the upcoming World Cup, with his place in Carlo Ancelotti's squad currently in serious jeopardy.
Lamine Yamal has taken a major step in his recovery after returning to grass training at Barcelona’s facilities. The teenage forward is following a strict rehabilitation programme after suffering a muscle tear in April. Spain boss Luis de la Fuente is hopeful the winger will still play a key role at the 2026 World Cup.
France legend Thierry Henry has lauded Barcelona and Spain sensation Lamine Yamal, admitting he is "amazed" by the teenager's decision-making on the pitch. Speaking ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the former Barcelona striker expressed his desire to see the La Roja wonderkid at his absolute "peak" at the tournament, as he battles back from a serious injury.
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. This week, we follow Senegal's Lions of Teranga across two decades of triumph, turbulence and transformation - from the thunderbolt of 2002, to the cruel fair-play exit of 2018, to the continental rise that brought them back stronger in Qatar.
Manchester United have reached a surprising agreement with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to rest star forward Matheus Cunha for the remainder of the Premier League season. The move comes as a major boost for Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti, who has been sweating over the fitness of several key players ahead of the World Cup.
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has thrown his weight behind Neymar making Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad, suggesting the forward is willing to sacrifice his starting spot to chase the trophy. With the Seleção's final roster set to be announced on May 18, the veteran midfielder believes the Santos star still has a vital role to play under Carlo Ancelotti.
Phil Foden and Morgan Gibbs-White have been warned to brace for World Cup heartache, with Chris Waddle telling GOAL which playmakers he would pick if stepping into Thomas Tuchel’s shoes as England boss. The Three Lions are blessed with an abundance of creative options, such as Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, meaning that some big names are going to be left disappointed.
Brazil icon Cafu has sensationally claimed that Neymar is technically superior to both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as he backed the forward to lead the Selecao at the upcoming World Cup. The legendary right-back, who remains the only man to play in three consecutive World Cup finals, believes a fit Neymar remains the ultimate difference-maker for the Brazil national team.
Chelsea interim manager Calum McFarlane has launched a passionate defence of Cole Palmer amid an injury-hit season for the England international. Despite a recurring groin problem, the 23-year-old remains a pivotal figure for the Blues as he looks to find his best rhythm ahead of this summer's World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel has been urged to rethink his World Cup plans when it comes to Harry Maguire, with former England full-back Michael Gray explaining to GOAL why the Manchester United centre-half is worth his “weight in gold” to the Three Lions cause. German tactician Tuchel has some big selection calls to make ahead of a global gathering in North America this summer.
Former United States star Alexi Lalas has weighed in on the psychological makeup of Christian Pulisic after the AC Milan forward was labelled "sensitive" by his club manager. As the USMNT prepares for a historic home World Cup under Mauricio Pochettino, the debate over the talisman's temperament has taken center stage.
Alan Shearer suggests Harry Kane could secure the Ballon d’Or this year regardless of England’s World Cup success following a record-breaking campaign with Bayern Munich. The legendary striker believes the chemistry between Kane, Luis Diaz, and Michael Olise mirrors the iconic 'MSN' partnership that once dominated European football at Barcelona.
Neymar has once again sidelined himself for a major fixture due to his long-standing and vocal opposition to artificial playing surfaces. The Brazilian icon sat out Santos’ high-profile derby against Palmeiras to avoid the synthetic pitch at the Allianz Parque, a decision that comes at a critical time as he fights to prove his fitness to Carlo Ancelotti.
Struggling to find his flow and still battling fitness issues at the end of an injury-plagued season, Cole Palmer will on Monday go head to head with the player who poses an existential threat to his World Cup dream in Morgan Gibbs-White. The Chelsea talisman and the resurgent Nottingham Forest star form part of an intense fight for the No.10 shirt in Thomas Tuchel's England squad.
Antony has expressed his immense admiration for Neymar, describing the Santos forward as the most gifted individual he has ever witnessed on a football pitch. Now enjoying a career resurgence with Real Betis, the former Manchester United winger is hopeful that both he and his "extraordinary" compatriot can secure their places in Brazil's squad for the upcoming World Cup.
Kylian Mbappe has been told he lacks the technical brilliance of Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele as questions arise over his suitability as France’s primary leader. Despite his prolific goalscoring record for Les Bleus, former international Jerome Rothen believes the Real Madrid star should no longer be considered the technical focal point of Didier Deschamps' side.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has hinted that Lamine Yamal could be utilised as a high-impact substitute during the 2026 World Cup. The Barcelona sensation is currently sidelined for the remainder of the domestic season with a hamstring injury, forcing the national team to reconsider his workload for this summer's tournament in North America.
Neymar has been told he no longer possesses the intensity required to compete at the highest level of world football following his latest display for Santos. Former Brazil international Walter Casagrande has suggested that Neymar "doesn't deserve" a World Cup spot while claiming the forward would be an anonymous figure in a game at the level of Paris Saint-Germain's 5-4 Champions League win over Bayern Munich.
Cristiano Ronaldo has candidly admitted that the final whistle on his legendary career is approaching fast. The Portuguese icon, now 41, remains the driving force behind Al-Nassr’s pursuit of silverware, but has acknowledged that his time at the top is naturally reaching its conclusion.
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