The 2026 World Cup is almost here. After years of build-up, dramatic qualifiers and numerous good - and bad - news stories surrounding FIFA's flagship finals, players and coaches from around the world are completing their last preparations after descending on the United States, Mexico and Canada for the biggest international football tournament to ever have been staged.
Chelsea attackers Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro have surprised football fans by making unexpected cameo appearances in a bizarre new short film directed by pop icon Madonna. Following a difficult domestic season and being snubbed for the upcoming World Cup, the two stars appear briefly in a bathroom scene in the 14-minute project, titled Confessions II.
Nike has unveiled its new "Rip the Script" campaign ahead of the 2026 World Cup, bringing together some of football's biggest names and global celebrities. Cole Palmer, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior headline the film, which promotes creativity and instinctive play while showcasing the brand's latest football innovations.
Cole Palmer appears to be making the most of his unexpected summer break, having been spotted relaxing in Ibiza alongside Wayne Lineker following his omission from the England squad. The Chelsea star was a high-profile absentee from Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man selection for the upcoming World Cup.
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.
Chelsea are facing severe financial pressures this summer, and new manager Xabi Alonso might need to sacrifice top talent to fund his desired signings. With Manchester United reportedly interested, the Blues have set a massive asking price for Cole Palmer. Any potential suitors have been told the exact figure required just to begin negotiations for the talented playmaker.
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.
So there we have it: England's 2026 World Cup squad is confirmed and it will go down as one of the most contentious of all time. Manager Thomas Tuchel has made it abundantly clear from the outset that he isn't afraid to ruffle some feathers with his decisions, and he has stayed true to his word with his divisive selections for the Three Lions' latest bid to end an agonising wait for a first major trophy since 1966.
Thomas Tuchel has defended his decision to leave Harry Maguire, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer out of England’s World Cup squad. The England boss admitted the calls were “painfully difficult” but insisted he wanted a balanced group built on “hunger and excitement”.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has named his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Jude Bellingham and Noni Madueke among those to get the nod as Phil Foden and Cole Palmer miss out. Harry Kane captains the Three Lions in their bid to bring 60 years of international trophy heartache to a close, with Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins and Marcus Rashford providing support and competition in the attacking department.
Cole Palmer and Phil Foden are reportedly set to miss out on England's 2026 World Cup squad, with Thomas Tuchel's final 26-man list being leaked ahead of Friday's official announcement. Luke Shaw is also expected to join Manchester United team-mate Harry Maguire in being omitted from the squad for the tournament in North America.
It's finally decision time for Thomas Tuchel, who is set to name his final England squad for the 2026 World Cup. Tuchel's brief for the role was quite simple when he began work in March 2025: ensure the Three Lions lift the trophy for the first time in 60 long years. Now, the German tactician must pick the 26 players who he believes can get the job done in North America as the tournament looms large.
Ryan Giggs has endorsed a potential summer transfer swoop for Chelsea forward Cole Palmer, identifying the playmaker as a decent addition for Manchester United. The 24-year-old has reportedly emerged as a target for the Red Devils as they look to bolster their final third options and ease the heavy creative burden currently resting on Bruno Fernandes.
Former Chelsea defender William Gallas has questioned the hype surrounding Cole Palmer after his breakthrough season at Stamford Bridge in 2023-24. The Frenchman believes expectations have risen too quickly and insists the Blues still have major issues, particularly in defence.
Chelsea have been advised to brace themselves for Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez transfer bids, with Tony Dorigo telling GOAL that domestic and European rivals will be ready to test the Blues’ “resolve”. Failure to secure qualification for continental competition in 2026-27 will leave the Premier League heavyweights vulnerable to raids from afar, with key men already attracting admiring glances.
Cole Palmer would “want them to listen” if Chelsea were presented with an eye-watering, £150 million ($204m) transfer bid this summer, claims Glen Johnson. The former Blues defender has told GOAL why the England international playmaker may be considering a move elsewhere, with a return to his Manchester roots at United being heavily speculated on.
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