World Cup news

Check out how you could be part of the flamboyant Dutch crowd during the World Cup 2026

Erling Haaland has been put in an exclusive club, with the Manchester City striker considered to be one of few players that are capable of chasing down Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo when it comes to goal output. Messi and Ronaldo, who continue to dominate GOAT debates, are considered to have "changed the game" and put down serious markers for the next generation.

Carlo Ancelotti could remain in charge of Brazil long after the 2026 World Cup in North America, with the Confederacao Brasileira de Desportos (CBF) now locked in advanced talks over a contract extension. The Italian has impressed since becoming the Selecao’s first foreign head coach, and officials are keen to secure continuity as Brazil target global glory.

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Landon Donovan took issue with Australia manager Tony Popovic’s reaction to the 2026 World Cup draw, calling the confidence he projected “unusual.” The USMNT legend said Popovic’s response suggested Australia view Group D as winnable, with the Americans joined by Paraguay and a UEFA playoff winner. Donovan added that Popovic’s comments made him wish he could return to face the Socceroos.

FIFA said Friday that it received five million ticket requests in the first 24 hours of the third phase of ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup, underscoring what the governing body described as “extraordinary” global demand despite mounting backlash from supporter groups over ticket prices.

The FA are reportedly set to raise formal concerns with FIFA after England supporters reacted with fury to “outrageous” World Cup ticket prices, with the cheapest seats for the final costing over £3,000 and a full run following the Three Lions exceeding £5,000. Fan groups have already condemned the pricing as a betrayal, leaving the FA under pressure to challenge football’s global governing body.

Brazil are short in key areas, while Belgium's golden generation has been and gone - but they're not the only ones who might struggle

GOAL's Front Three have created the ultimate 26-man World Cup squad, based on teams that have qualified for the 2026 edition in North America. The options for each position are literally endless, with so many world-class superstars vying for a spot. Find out who makes the cut, and who gets left at home, by watching the video above! ⬆️

Karim Benzema has reignited one of the most compelling storylines of his extraordinary career by revealing he remains fully open to representing France at the 2026 World Cup, despite a turbulent international history that has long suggested his time with Les Bleus is over. Didier Deschamps' men will be looking to regain the global crown in North America spearheaded by the likes of Kylian Mbappe, and Benzema is willing to lend a helping hand to the cause.

The USMNT will play Senegal on May 31 in its second-to-last World Cup warmup friendly, U.S. soccer announced Thursday morning. The 19th-ranked African side will travel to Charlotte, North Carolina to face off Mauricio Pochettino's side, a week before the U.S. host Germany in Chicago. The two teams have never played in an international competition.

GOAL's FanZone puts five Premier League fans up against a US sports fanatic in the ultimate debate ahead of next summer's World Cup. Does football clear the NFL and Super Bowl, or is the NBA a bigger sport? Do Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's names carry more weight than LeBron James and Michael Jordan? See how the debate plays out in the video above ⬆️

Santos president Marcelo Teixeira has confirmed that renewing Neymar's contract is a major priority, days after the Brazil international admitted he was unsure where his future lies. The former Barcelona star returned to his boyhood team at the start of the year and helped them avoid what would have been an embarrassing relegation from Serie A, but his current deal is now set to expire.

England have confirmed their opponents for the March international break, which they are set to play their final games before Thomas Tuchel picks his final squad for the 2026 World Cup. They have been drawn in Group L and will face Croatia, Panama and Ghana at the finals, where they will be looking to break their major trophy curse, which has extended to 60 years.

Thierry Henry offered a measured assessment of the United States’ World Cup prospects, acknowledging that Group D is favorable but still far from simple. He noted that host nations often ride energy and momentum to deep runs, and said a fast start and a strong connection with home support could tilt the tournament in the USMNT’s favor.

From Colombia to the USMNT, GOAL ranks the teams most likely to make a dark horse run at the 2026 World Cup - and possibly even go all the way