Brazil legend Romario has demanded that Carlo Ancelotti "pay attention" following Neymar's omission from the latest Selecao squad. Romario insisted that the Santos forward remains an indispensable asset for the national team as they ramp up their preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast following the road to the 2026 World Cup. Every week, we revisit the stories, moments, and myths that shaped the global game. In the latest episode, we return to one of the most defining moments in American soccer history: Landon Donovan’s stoppage-time winner against Algeria in 2010. It was the goal that stopped a nation, ignited the first true viral soccer moment in the United States, and transformed casual viewers into lifelong believers. From heartbreak to hysteria, from Pretoria to living rooms across America, this is the story of the instant that changed the USMNT forever.
Antonio Rudiger has hit back at accusations that his highly aggressive defensive style makes him a liability for his clubs and country. Following severe backlash over an unpunished challenge during a recent La Liga match against Getafe, the veteran defender firmly defended his on-pitch mentality while also acknowledging that he occasionally crosses the line and must take responsibility.
It was actually supposed to be all about his role as a TV pundit. But when asked about rumours regarding Real Madrid and a potential departure from Red Bull, Jürgen Klopp got worked up.
Trent Alexander-Arnold made his England debut in 2018 but has only taken his tally of caps to 34, with Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel taking to snubbing Real Madrid’s former Liverpool defender on a regular basis. Michael Owen, who also spent time at Anfield and Santiago Bernabeu in his playing days, has told GOAL why the buccaneering full-back may have seen his 2026 World Cup dream dashed.
Cristiano Ronaldo has taken to social media to provide a positive update on his fitness as he continues his rehabilitation from a muscle injury. The Al-Nassr superstar is currently sidelined after picking up a thigh problem, but his latest activity suggests that a return to action is not far away.
Ollie Watkins has revealed he expected to be left out of the England squad for March's friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. The Aston Villa striker has struggled for form throughout the 2025-26 season so far but has bounced back with recent goals against West Ham United and Lille and could yet be included in the Three Lions' roster for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Thomas Tuchel has admitted that Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman has a “chance” of making England’s 2026 World Cup squad, but would an opportunity such as that be arriving too early for the 16-year-old forward? GOAL has put that question to Michael Owen, a man that knows all about making a senior breakthrough with the Three Lions as a teen sensation.
Wayne Rooney has expressed his shock after Trent Alexander-Arnold was omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s latest 35-man England squad. The Real Madrid defender is a high-profile absentee for the upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, leading the former Manchester United captain to suggest a deeper issue. Rooney sparked controversy by questioning if the snub is a tactical move to dismantle a perceived "clique" involving Jude Bellingham.
Ricardo Quaresma is tipping Cristiano Ronaldo to get his hands on a long-awaited World Cup trophy as Portugal international team-mates “want” the all-time great to “win that title”. At the age of 41, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo is preparing to grace FIFA’s flagship event for a record-setting sixth time. He is desperate to emulate Lionel Messi by landing the ultimate prize.
Mick McCarthy has reignited his feud with Roy Keane as the ex-Republic of Ireland manager considers Manchester United’s legendary former midfielder to be a “c**t”. The pair endured an infamous falling out ahead of the 2002 World Cup that is now the subject of a film from Steve Coogan. Time does not appear to have been a good healer when it comes to historic divides.
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to chase down 1,000 career goals and another entry in his history books, but Portugal coach Roberto Martinez insists that target has not become an "obsession". There are no fears, at least not in international circles, that all-time great CR7 will stop passing to his team-mates in a bid to ensure that another individual milestone is reached.
Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has dismissed concerns regarding Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham joining their national teams. Despite recent injury scares at the Santiago Bernabeu, the coach insists the superstar duo are ready for both club and country, thus he is happy for them to play over the upcoming international window.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has laid down the gauntlet for Dani Carvajal after the Real Madrid captain was a surprise omission from the latest La Roja squad. The veteran defender faces a race against time to prove his fitness and form ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with Spain going into the tournament as European champions.
Roberto Martinez has named a Portugal squad missing the iconic duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva for the upcoming international fixtures. The Selecao boss has opted for a mix of caution and experimentation as he prepares his side for the road to the 2026 World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel has hinted that Arsenal’s teenage prodigy Max Dowman remains in the frame for a World Cup spot. Despite his omission from the latest Three Lions squad, the 16-year-old’s record-breaking form has placed him firmly on the international radar.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has surprised everyone with an XXL squad for the training camp in March. However, there was no place for a Real Madrid superstar.
Thomas Tuchel has explained the thinking behind picking a larger 35-man England squad for the upcoming international break, revealing that he intends to split the group into two separate camps for the friendlies against Uruguay and Japan as he prepares his final squad assessment ahead of this summer's World Cup, where he will have to trim down to just 25 players.
CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez has sensationally declared Argentina "two-time champions" of the Finalissima. The South American chief hit out at Spain and UEFA after the highly anticipated clash between the continental kings was officially scrapped.
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