World Cup news

With just weeks until Mexico face Portugal in a high-profile friendly, Portuguese media report growing concern over renovation delays at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca, now renamed Estadio Banorte. While organizers insist the venue will be ready for March 28, uncertainty has sparked speculation about a potential change of site for the match - and even future World Cup fixtures.

Athletic Club have been rocked by a major fitness blow as star winger Nico Williams has been sidelined indefinitely to deal with a persistent pubalgia issue. The Euro 2024 hero has been struggling with the abdominal problem since the start of the season. Despite attempts to manage the injury through a combination of tailored training and match minutes, the club finally decided to pull the 23-year-old out of action following the recent match against Real Oviedo.

Oleksandr Zinchenko has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a serious injury on his first home appearance for Dutch giants Ajax. Zinchenko was named in the starting XI for the Eredivisie side for the first time since his arrival from Arsenal at the start of February but his full debut was cut short as he was forced off with just minutes on the clock.

Wayne Rooney has outlined how Thomas Tuchel’s new England contract, which is due to take him through to the summer of 2028, will impact international stars such as Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden. The former Three Lions captain believes that the demanding German tactician is now less likely to make contentious decisions in his World Cup squad selection.

Ivan Toney has sent a World Cup message to England manager Thomas Tuchel, reminding the German tactician that he is still “hungry” for goals and international recognition after leaving the Premier League for a stint in the Saudi Pro League. The former Brentford striker has been competing with Portuguese GOAT Cristiano Ronaldo for Golden Boot honours in the Middle East.

Tottenham have been warned that bringing Mauricio Pochettino back to north London may not be the best option this summer, with the USMNT disrupting the plans of the Premier League strugglers. Spurs are in the market for a new head coach after sacking Thomas Frank, with Bobby Zamora in an interview with GOAL about what happens next.

Aymeric Laporte admits that “everyone is afraid” of Spain international team-mate Lamine Yamal, with the Barcelona wonderkid having rivals running scared. At just 18 years of age, the teen sensation continues to see his stock soar. He has earned another comparison to Argentine GOAT Lionel Messi, with their dribbling ability considered to occupy a similar talent pool.

England and Scotland games at the 2026 World Cup are under threat, with Gillette Stadium in Foxborough yet to be granted the license required to stage FIFA fixtures. The iconic venue on the outskirts of Boston, which is home to the New England Patriots franchise in NFL circles, is due to host seven matches at this summer’s global showpiece.

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez believes Cristiano Ronaldo could play "on and on and on" if he wanted to, as questions over the 41-year-old's future in the game intensify with each passing day. Ronaldo is almost certain to lead his country at the 2026 World Cup this summer in what is likely to be his international swansong, but it's still unclear when he will retire from the game entirely.

If it wasn't already clear, Jude Bellingham is the new face of adidas in men's football - taking on the mantle from Lionel Messi as he follows the path trodden by the likes of David Beckham and Zinedine Zidane to become a true icon of the Three Stripes. Like those former greats, his relationship with the German sportswear giant looks certain to stretch well beyond his playing days.

Michael Owen has delivered tactical advice to Harry Kane and England manager Thomas Tuchel, with the former Three Lions striker telling GOAL why the “best finisher in the world” needs to heed advice when it comes to doing his “job”. As the ultimate team player Kane is happy to drop wide and deep, but that takes him away from areas where he can cause the most damage.

England manager Thomas Tuchel admits that Jude Bellingham faces a “race against time” when it comes to proving his fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The Real Madrid midfielder is nursing a hamstring injury picked up at club level. He has not been ruled out of March internationals, but may require his head coach with the Three Lions to make a selection based on reputation this summer.

Brazil are on the verge of securing their long-term future as Carlo Ancelotti prepares to put pen to paper on a contract extension. The former Real Madrid boss, who took the reins last summer, has agreed fresh terms that will see him lead the Selecao until the 2030 World Cup, ending speculation over a potential return to Europe this summer.

By his own admission, Cole Palmer still isn't fully fit as he grapples with a niggling groin issue that has plagued him all season long. The scary thing is, we're starting to see the Chelsea talisman at something close to his best despite his ongoing injury troubles, and the timing of his recent uptick in form could be perfect as he eyes a place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Michael Owen has told GOAL of the key striker decision that Thomas Tuchel must make when piecing together his England squad for the 2026 World Cup. Harry Kane, as captain of his country, is a guaranteed selection if fit. Questions continue to be asked of who should join the Three Lions’ all-time leading scorer in a star-studded party heading to North America.

National anthems are a feature of international football and GOAL takes a look at the one the Three Lions seek to take inspiration from

The Italian anthem is one of the most popular at tournaments and it has a long, interesting history