Roberto Martinez has opened up on how Portugal intend to handle Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2026 World Cup, insisting the approach will be "very natural." As the legendary forward prepares for what is expected to be his final appearance on the world stage, his international manager has clarified that traditional club metrics will not apply in the heat of a tournament.
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has revealed that the national team made a formal approach for Bournemouth's teenage sensation Eli Junior Kroupi ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The 19-year-old forward, who boasts an impressive Premier League record this season, ultimately chose to stick with the French setup, ending Portugal's hopes of a high-profile international transfer.
Carlo Ancelotti has integrated Neymar into his 2026 World Cup plans, but the veteran forward has been forced to accept a significantly reduced status within the Selecao camp. The Italian coach held a high-stakes video call with the Santos star to lay down the law before confirming his final 26-man roster.
Neymar could not hold back his tears after being officially named in Brazil's squad for the 2026 World Cup. The emotional veteran forward shared a heartfelt video celebrating the momentous occasion surrounded by his partner Bruna Biancardi and close friends, marking a triumphant return to the international stage following a difficult battle with injury.
Brazil's official 26-man World Cup squad selection has dealt a crushing blow to Chelsea star Joao Pedro. The 24-year-old's closest family members were left utterly devastated, as heart-wrenching footage of their raw reaction to the striker's omission quickly went viral on social media platforms on Monday evening.
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make history after being named in Portugal’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. The 41-year-old captain could appear at a record sixth finals as Roberto Martinez also confirmed several notable omissions from his final selection.
Ronald Koeman has delivered a concerning update on Jurrien Timber’s fitness. The Arsenal defender is battling a groin problem and may miss the Champions League final - with his participation at the World Cup also now uncertain.
Carlo Ancelotti has apologised to Joao Pedro after leaving the Chelsea striker out of Brazil’s World Cup squad. The Italian admitted several players deserved selection as the Selecao boss opted for experience, including the return of Neymar.
Chelsea have named Joao Pedro as their Player of the Season after the forward dominated a fan vote. The honour arrived only hours after he was left out of Brazil’s World Cup squad, adding a bittersweet edge to the recognition.
Vitinha has revealed how Cristiano Ronaldo continues to inspire Portugal’s squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The midfielder says the team hopes to win the tournament alongside - and for - their iconic captain.
This is Legacy, GOAL’s feature and podcast series counting down to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. This week, we explore what England must learn from their failure to claim glory in 2002, and why Thomas Tuchel’s task ahead is not about tactics, but about belief, identity, and courage on the biggest stage.
Neymar has been named in Brazil’s World Cup squad despite doubts over his fitness. Carlo Ancelotti backed the veteran forward’s experience as several attacking players missed out on selection, including Chelsea forward Joao Pedro.
Corentin Tolisso has expressed his deep disappointment at missing out on a place in Didier Deschamps' France squad for the 2026 World Cup despite enjoying his most productive season to date. The Lyon captain finds himself in the wilderness alongside several other high-profile stars as Les Bleus prepare to challenge for football's biggest prize this summer.
Brazil legend Cafu believes the Selecao have hindered their own pursuit of a sixth world title by placing an unfair burden of responsibility on Neymar for over a decade. The legendary full-back argued that the lack of a supporting cast around the Santos forward has been the primary reason for the nation’s 24-year trophy drought on the global stage.
Lamine Yamal is reportedly set to miss the start of Spain's World Cup campaign as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury. The Barcelona superstar will definitely sit out the Euro 2024 winners' first group game in North America, and he is a major doubt for the second, with the Spain coaching staff taking cautious steps regarding his integration.
Fermin Lopez has seen his World Cup dreams go up in smoke after Barcelona confirmed the midfielder requires surgery on a fractured metatarsal. The 23-year-old was forced off during the Blaugrana's 3-1 La Liga victory over Real Betis, leaving Spain boss Luis de la Fuente with a major selection headache just days before naming his squad.
Neymar could not contain his emotions on Sunday as he broke down in tears during the Brazilian national anthem prior to Santos' Serie A clash with Coritiba. With the Selecao's 2026 World Cup squad announcement scheduled for Monday, the legendary forward appears fully aware of the stakes surrounding his potential inclusion.
Neymar has reiterated his burning desire to represent Brazil at the 2026 World Cup as he faces a nervous wait for Carlo Ancelotti’s squad announcement. The Santos superstar also took time to explain the story behind an eye-catching yellow jacket he wore after his latest match, revealing it was a personal gift from Sir David Beckham's son Romeo.
A fan has his say! One sharp football mind delivers a masterclass in selection: A balanced, ruthless lineup built for 2026 dominance. You may not agree with every name, but you can’t ignore the logic.
USMNT center back Chris Richards, a presumptive starter at the World Cup, needed help walking off the field after Crystal Palace's match against Brentford on Sunday afternoon. Manager Oliver Glasner later confirmed that Richards sustained an ankle injury after colliding with Brentford striker Igor Thiago. Richards is expected to recover within a week.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has expressed his belief that Luke Shaw deserves a place in Thomas Tuchel's final England squad for the 2026 World Cup. After overcoming severe injury struggles, the resilient left-back has been remarkably consistent, starting every Premier League match this season and proving his immense value for the Red Devils.
Lionel Messi might be entering the twilight of his legendary career, but the Inter Miami superstar has no intention of slowing down ahead of the 2026 World Cup. His club and international team-mate Rodrigo de Paul has revealed that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is currently undergoing a gruelling physical transformation to ensure he is in peak condition for Argentina's title defence.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has addressed the mounting speculation regarding Neymar’s place in the Selecao squad for the 2026 World Cup. The Italian tactician faces a monumental decision as the nation’s all-time record goalscorer battles for fitness ahead of the tournament's kick-off next month.
Julian Nagelsmann has intentionally avoided clarifying the international future of Manuel Neuer ahead of Germany's World Cup squad announcement. Despite the veteran goalkeeper’s previous retirement, reports suggest a dramatic U-turn could see the Bayern Munich legend reclaim the number one shirt for the upcoming tournament in North America.
German football icons Lothar Matthaus, Didi Hamann, and Michael Ballack have weighed in on the polarising debate surrounding Manuel Neuer’s potential World Cup return. While Matthaus acknowledges Neuer is still the nation’s best, he labelled the lack of communication with current No. 1 Oliver Baumann a "slap in the face" as the countdown to Julian Nagelsmann’s final squad announcement on Thursday begins.
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