World Cup news

Aaronson wedding allows USMNT to reflect on growing together

Brenden Aaronson briefly left USMNT camp for his wedding, giving teammates a chance to reflect on family, growth and the bonds that have shaped this World Cup group.

‘On the beach’ - After Messi mania, Scotland invasion hits Miami

Miami has experienced Lionel Messi mania since the Argentine GOAT made his way to MLS, with the Sunshine State now preparing for a Scottish invasion during the 2026 World Cup. Robert Snodgrass expects that party to be just as special, if not even more raucous, with the Tartan Army hoping to see history made on North American soil this summer.

Michael Olise Lamine Yamal Bayern Munich Barcelona 2025-26

World’s best right winger? Why Olise is a ‘step below’ Yamal

Michael Olise and Lamine Yamal are two of the best right wingers in world football, but Marcel Desailly has told GOAL when Bayern Munich’s superstar Frenchman remains a “step below” Barcelona’s teenage wonderkid. Both forwards continue to post remarkable numbers for club and country, with their awe-inspiring skill sets about to illuminate the 2026 World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo Roy Keane Gary Neville Manchester United

‘He was crying!’ - How Neville & Keane made Ronaldo a ‘robot’

The role that Gary Neville and Roy Keane played in turning Cristiano Ronaldo into a footballing “robot” has been explained to GOAL by Eric Djemba-Djemba, with the Portuguese icon wiping away tears while heading down the path to superstardom. Some rough treatment was handed out during his first spell at Manchester United, but the all-time great has never been the type to back down from a challenge.

PL prediction: Balogun with ‘big boys’ & Pepi at ‘mid team’

USMNT strikers Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi have become the subject of Premier League transfer predictions, with Brad Friedel telling GOAL that both could end up in the English top-flight. It is suggested that the former may link up with one of the “big boys”, while the latter would benefit from using “mid to lower teams” as another career stepping stone.

USMNT WC notebook: Why Poch is fine with one holding midfielder

GOAL takes a look at the big storylines and takeaways from the opening two days of the U.S.'s camp in the first installment of the USMNT notebook.

Mexico v Poland: Group C - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

'Not an easy record to break' - Ochoa's chasing dream of sixth WC

Guillermo Ochoa spoke to GOAL about his dream of chasing a record sixth World Cup, hoping to add one final chapter to a career defined by iconic saves, resilience, and Mexican pride.

Rob Green backs PSG over Arsenal in Champions League final

The former England and West Ham goalkeeper will be on co-comms for the Champions League final, and he made his predictions clear in an interview with GOAL

When are the final World Cup 2026 squads announced?

FIFA has confirmed the key dates and squad regulations for the 2026 World Cup. Nations must submit their final player lists by June 1, with strict rules in place regarding injuries, replacements and goalkeeper selections.

Spain v Germany: Quarter-Final - UEFA EURO 2024

Neuer 'aura' lifts Germany squad

Manuel Neuer’s return to Germany’s squad has lifted confidence inside the national team camp ahead of the World Cup. Team-mates Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck admitted the Bayern Munich veteran’s reputation alone changes how opponents approach games.

'Mbappe right to take a stance!' - Platini backs France hero's political warning

French football legend Michel Platini has defended international captain Kylian Mbappe after the forward publicly warned against the far right taking power in France. While validating the Real Madrid star's societal stance, the former UEFA president offered some stern advice regarding the immense responsibilities and risks of such high-profile exposure.

Germany v Ghana - International Friendly

Germany left-back refuses to rule out Bayern transfer ahead of World Cup

Eintracht Frankfurt defender Nathaniel Brown has refused to distance himself from growing speculation linking him with a summer switch to Bundesliga titans Bayern Munich. The highly-rated Germany left-back is fully focused on his international duties, but his impressive domestic form has reportedly caught the attention of several top European clubs.

Betting spotlight

Haiti vs Scotland Predictions, Lineups, Odds & Tips: A triumphant return to the global stage

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Dalot targets World Cup fairytale for Ronaldo

Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot believes that leading Portugal to ultimate glory at the 2026 World Cup would provide a fittingly beautiful finale to Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic career. The versatile full-back emphasised that the entire footballing world, not just their home nation, will be uniting to support the veteran forward's quest.

Germany Announces FIFA World Cup 2026 Squad

Nagelsmann 'shot himself in the foot' as World Cup bet is revealed

Julian Nagelsmann could be heading for the tattoo studio if Germany win the World Cup. David Raum revealed the Germany boss may have backed himself into a corner after joking about getting matching ink should Die Mannschaft lift the trophy.

Panama v Mexico: Final - CONCACAF Nations League

Panama FIFA World Cup 2026 TV Schedule

Everything you need to know about how to watch Panama in the World Cup.

Portugal v Hungary - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Portugal FIFA World Cup 2026 TV Schedule

Everything you need to know about how to watch Portugal in the World Cup.

Netherlands v Norway - International Friendly

Netherlands FIFA World Cup 2026 TV Schedule

Everything you need to know about how to watch Netherlands in the World Cup.

Norway v Switzerland - International Friendly

Norway FIFA World Cup 2026 TV Schedule

Everything you need to know about how to watch Norway in the World Cup.

Qatar FIFA World Cup 2026 TV Schedule

Everything you need to know about how to watch Qatar in the World Cup.

Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2026 TV Schedule

Everything you need to know about how to watch Saudi Arabia in the World Cup.

Bosnia's teen star set to shine at the World Cup

As 40-year-old Edin Dzeko enters the late twilight of his career, Bosnian football has a new potential superstar to carry it forward. Kerim Alajbegovic hadn't even been born when the revered striker made his international debut 19 years ago, but the pair are set to shoulder their country's hopes at the 2026 World Cup in North America this summer.

Messi called in for a record sixth WC as Argentina announce squad

After a week of speculation about Lionel Messi's fitness, Argentina received good news Thursday: the 38-year-old was named to Lionel Scaloni's 26-man World Cup squad. Messi exited Inter Miami's final match before the World Cup break with what the club described as left hamstring muscle overload. His inclusion puts a record sixth World Cup within reach.

Gutierrez's rise, Alvarez's role: Five keys for Mexico vs. Australia

Mexico face Australia at the Rose Bowl in a key World Cup tuneup as Javier Aguirre weighs final roster decisions before El Tri unveil their 26-man squad.

Vinicius admits Messi fear ahead of 2026 World Cup

Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Junior has admitted that Lionel Messi's presence makes Argentina one of the favourites to win the World Cup again this summer. The Selecao winger believes Messi's unpredictable style of play can still give their arch-rivals an edge when they defend their global crown in North America.

Santos issue statement defending Neymar injury transparency

Santos have issued an official statement to clear up a medical dispute regarding Neymar Jr.’s calf injury ahead of the 2026 World Cup. While the club initially diagnosed the problem as a minor oedema, Brazil national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar revealed a more serious grade 2 muscle strain. Consequently, the star forward will miss Brazil's upcoming warm-up friendlies against Panama and Egypt as a race against time begins for the tournament opener.

Tottenham Hotspur v Everton - Premier League

Kulusevski injury rehab still dragging on after a year as new update given

A Sweden national team doctor has delivered a new update on Dejan Kulusevski amid the Tottenham and Sweden star's year-long injury absence. Despite Kulusevski missing the entire 2025-26 season, the medical staff provided positive reassurance that he will eventually return to the pitch.

How Tim Ream fought Father Time for one more World Cup

The 38-year-old defender wrote himself off years ago, and plenty of others have done the same since then. He is still here, though, against all odds for one final run.

'Too selfish!' - France legend claims Mbappe is 'not a leader'

France legend Frank Leboeuf has delivered a scathing assessment of Kylian Mbappe’s leadership credentials as Les Bleus look ahead to the 2026 World Cup. The 1998 world champion believes the Real Madrid superstar is "too selfish" to captain the national side to glory in North America this summer.

Pochettino-Milan links put USMNT present, future in focus

There was no real concern about recent rumors in USMNT camp as players, coaches and executives lock in on World Cup preparation

Guatemala v Canada - Gold Cup 2025: Quarterfinals

Maplepress and belief: The 101 on Marsch’s Canada project

GOAL breaks down Jesse Marsch’s tactics, leadership style and growing influence as Canada prepare for the 2026 World Cup on home soil.

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