The USMNT have been informed of the round they “need” to reach at the 2026 World Cup in order to help Christian Pulisic, Lionel Messi and MLS grow the game across America. Joe Cole spent time in the States towards the end of his playing career and the former England international has told GOAL why soccer is more appealing than American football to an ever-growing number of youngsters.
Kylian Mbappe has been unable to get his hands on Champions League and Ballon d’Or prizes, but former France international Louis Saha has used Cristiano Ronaldo as an example of why fortunes can change quickly for a “black cat”. Luck has not been on Mbappe’s side, despite being a World Cup-winning superstar, but the most prestigious of honours are expected to come his way eventually.
Harry Kane is considered to have become “England’s greatest No.9”, with Joe Cole explaining to GOAL why the prolific Bayern Munich striker has eclipsed the efforts of Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer. As the Three Lions’ all-time leading goalscorer, and ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Kane is currently in the process of chasing down Champions League and Ballon d’Or honours.
Algeria have been hit with a significant injury scare ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with goalkeeper Luca Zidane emerging as a major doubt for the tournament. The Granada shot-stopper, son of France legend Zinedine Zidane, suffered a serious facial injury during a Spanish second-division clash against Almeria on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp has thrown his support behind Germany's Florian Wirtz to become one of the defining figures of the upcoming World Cup in North America. The former Liverpool boss believes his compatriot has already proven his mettle during a challenging debut campaign at Anfield and possesses all the attributes to dominate on the global stage.
Santos manager Cuca has jumped to the defence of Neymar following a quiet performance in the Copa Sudamericana, insisting the superstar is finding his rhythm in a bid to make Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad. Despite the frustration of a draw in Argentina, the Peixe boss believes his talisman is sharpening his tools just in time for the international stage.
Players who cover their mouths in confrontations with opponents will be shown red cards starting at the World Cup, the International Football Association Board confirmed Tuesday. The decision comes in the wake of a high-profile incident between Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr and Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni, after the latter was handed a six-game ban for anti-gay conduct directed towards the Brazilian.
Eder Militao's 2026 World Cup dream is over following the confirmation of a devastating thigh injury that required immediate surgery. The Real Madrid defender reportedly received the heartbreaking diagnosis after consulting with a specialist in Finland, bringing a premature end to his season and his hopes of representing Brazil this summer.
Deniz Undav currently plays a supporting role under Julian Nagelsmann, yet Jurgen Klopp is highly impressed by the VfB Stuttgart striker. The former manager of Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund revealed in an interview with Bild that he is a fan of the striker.
AC Milan and Croatia talisman Luka Modric has undergone successful surgery after suffering a fractured cheekbone just weeks before the World Cup. The legendary midfielder sustained the injury during a bruising Serie A encounter with Juventus, leaving his participation in the summer showpiece under the microscope.
Harry Kane could be on the cusp of greatness, if such a title isn't already guaranteed. Bayern Munich will be looking to the England captain to score the goals that will give them the edge over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals, while another Bundesliga title is already wrapped up, the World Cup is fast approaching and he is already in the box seat for the Ballon d'Or. It promises to be a gilded season for the 32-year-old.
This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast and feature series following the countdown 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 explore the rise, the fractures, the fading aura and the new stars who still haven’t claimed the spotlight for Brazil, and the question hanging over this World Cup cycle: what remains for Neymar - and for a national team that spent 20 years depending on him?
Rodrygo has explained to GOAL how “healthy competition” between the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid helps to make “everyone better”. With the Blancos forever in the hunt for major honours at home and abroad, it is important for the highest of standards to be set by ‘Galactico’ performers behind the scenes.
Real Madrid and Brazil star Rodrygo has told GOAL why he continues to be inspired by fellow countryman Neymar, with hero worship being enjoyed while on international duty. Blancos forward Rodrygo will not be gracing this summer’s World Cup due to an unfortunate injury, but the Selecao’s all-time leading goalscorer remains in contention to earn a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans.
Neymar’s hopes of securing a place in the Brazil squad for the upcoming World Cup have hit another hurdle following his absence from Santos training on Sunday. The forward was a notable absentee at the CT Rei Pele as the squad prepares for continental action, having been laid low with a viral infection.
Jesse Lingard has backed England to finally end their trophy drought at the 2026 World Cup, insisting Thomas Tuchel's side have everything it takes to go all the way. The former Manchester United midfielder also revealed that he has been in contact with Brazil superstar Neymar after his surprise transfer to Corinthians in March.
Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a catastrophic blow in their fight for Premier League survival following the news that Xavi Simons has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. The Dutch international suffered a serious knee injury during Saturday's clash with Wolves, with subsequent scans confirming the worst-case scenario for both club and country. Simons gave wrote an emotional message regarding the situation he is currently facing, confirming the news that his World Cup dream is also over.
James Rodriguez is determined to reach the 2026 World Cup in peak condition. The Colombian playmaker made his first Major League Soccer start for Minnesota United on Saturday, silencing any doubts about his fitness. Despite a narrow loss to LAFC, he showcased glimpses of his former glory before making a vow to Colombia fans ahead of their World Cup campaign this summer.
Neymar has been the face of Brazilian football for over a decade, but the mercurial forward has suffered a major blow ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The 34-year-old has been officially omitted from the iconic Panini sticker album, marking the first time in four editions that he will not be featured among the world's elite players.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has set his sights on delivering the 2026 World Cup for Cristiano Ronaldo as the ultimate tribute to the iconic forward's career. The midfielder believes winning the global showpiece would be the perfect way to reward his long-time team-mate for his unparalleled contribution to the sport.
Real Madrid are facing a nervous wait over the fitness of Kylian Mbappe after the superstar forward limped out of Friday's 1-1 draw with Real Betis. While initial tests have offered a glimmer of hope to the Bernabeu faithful, the Frenchman remains a major doubt for the season's defining fixtures and this summer's World Cup.
Real Madrid and Brazil have been hit with a devastating injury blow as defender Eder Militao has been ruled out of the 2026 World Cup. According to reports, a recurrence of a hamstring injury suffered against Alaves will require surgery, ending his season and his hopes of representing the Selecao this summer.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has provided a reassuring update on Lamine Yamal following the news that the teenage star will miss the remainder of the domestic season. Despite the hamstring blow suffered against Celta Vigo, Flick is confident the 18-year-old will recover in time for Spain’s 2026 World Cup campaign.
Real Madrid legend Fernando Hierro has identified the unique trait that allows Cristiano Ronaldo to remain a dominant force in world football as he nears his sixth World Cup finals. The former Al-Nassr sporting director insists that the 41-year-old’s professional discipline makes him a certainty to lead the Portugal attack during the upcoming tournament.
Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White is reportedly mounting a serious challenge for a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad following a spectacular run of form. Despite being omitted from the recent 35-man provisional group, the 26-year-old’s recent hat-trick against Burnley has reignited the debate regarding his inclusion ahead of the summer tournament.
Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus has provided a candid assessment of his international standing as he fights to secure a place in Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad. The 28-year-old admitted that a lack of regular game time at the Emirates Stadium has complicated his path back into the Selecao setup.
Brazil's 1994 World Cup winner Rai has cast doubt over Neymar's suitability for the 2026 tournament, claiming the Santos forward is no longer at the physical level required for the international stage despite his undeniable technical brilliance. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star is still struggling to build up his fitness with Santos ahead of his country's bid for glory in North America this summer.
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