World Cup

World Cup news

Italy, no playoffs for Verratti: another injury setback

The midfielder will be unable to respond to Gattuso's call-up due to a new physical problem.

Iran withdraw from World Cup, sports minister says

Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup has been thrown into serious doubt following explosive comments from the country’s sports minister. With the tournament in the US, Canada, and Mexico set to kick off in just three months, Ahmad Donyamali told state television that the team would not travel due to the ongoing military conflict involving the United States and Israel.

Mexico v Honduras - Gold Cup 2025: Semifinal

Mexico, the goalkeeper knocked out: Ochoa dreams of a World Cup record

The former Salernitana goalkeeper can keep Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo company.

📽️ | The Ultimate Brazilian GOAT? Estevao decides!

Chelsea's sensational teenage winger Estevao Willian has surprisingly snubbed his modern idol in a captivating quick-fire elimination game. Despite his deep admiration for the current generation, the young forward ultimately crowned the legendary three-time World Cup winner as the absolute greatest Brazilian footballer of all time following a series of tough choices.

Meet the USMNT: Reyna remains American soccer's most-debated player

GOAL continues its Meet the USMNT series by examining the ongoing debate surrounding the team's most hard-to-assess star.

'Indisputable!' - Silva backs Neymar to make Brazil World Cup squad

Thiago Silva has thrown his significant weight behind Neymar as an "indisputable" pick for Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad. Despite persistent struggles with fitness that have hindered his momentum at club level with Santos, the veteran defender believes Neymar is still capable of being a difference-maker for the Selecao on the world stage.

Kane pays emotional tribute as Walker retires from England duty

England captain Harry Kane has led the tributes to Kyle Walker after the veteran defender announced his retirement from international football. The 35-year-old Burnley full-back has decided to end his Three Lions career after earning 96 caps and representing his country at five major tournaments, spanning a 14-year period at the very highest level of the game.

Santos v Vasco Da Gama - Brasileirao 2026

'Very complicated to be me!' - Neymar fires back at 'made-up stories'

Neymar has hit back at his critics and "made-up stories" concerning his fitness after he was a notable absentee from Santos' 2-2 draw with Mirassol. The 34-year-old was expected to feature in the Brasileirão clash but was ultimately left out of the matchday squad to undergo a specific workload management program, sparking a fresh wave of speculation regarding his physical condition ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Iran v Syria: Round Of 16 - AFC Asian Cup

Iran announces: "We will not participate in the World Cup in the USA"

Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali said the country’s national team cannot participate in the 2026 World Cup following recent military conflict involving the United States and Israel. Speaking on Iranian state television, Donyamali said the current circumstances mean participation in the tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, is not possible.

Cassano: "Football isn't about Inzaghi and Allegri"

The former striker speaks harshly about the current state of Italian football, not sparing Inzaghi and Allegri from his criticism.

USMNT set World Cup base camp in Irvine's Great Park

The U.S. Men's National Team will be based in the city of Irvine during the World Cup, having selected the Great Park as the team's official base camp. The U.S. will train at the Great Park Championship Soccer Stadium, home of USL Championship side Orange County SC.

President of World Cup participant hints at boycott

The president of the Iranian Football Federation has once again questioned the men's national team's participation in the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

End of an England era as Walker confirms retirement

After an illustrious international journey spanning 15 years, legendary defender Kyle Walker has officially announced his retirement from the England national team. The 35-year-old Burnley star leaves behind a remarkable legacy of 96 caps, having played a pivotal role in transforming the Three Lions' fortunes across five major tournaments and multiple historic finals.

Eze takes centre stage as New Balance drop dazzling new boot pack

With the countdown on to the main event in the United States, Canada and Mexico, New Balance have got us bang in the mood for the 2026 World Cup with their latest boot drop ready for the biggest stage, with fresh paintjobs for the Furon, Tekela and 442.

McKennie lifts lid on USMNT dressing room characters & leaders

Weston McKennie has told GOAL what leadership means to him, as a captaincy candidate with Juventus and the USMNT, while discussing the kind of characters that he likes to work alongside. The all-action midfielder is enjoying a productive 2026, with a new contract being signed in Turin, and is counting down the days to a home World Cup on American soil.

‘Big surprise’ - McTominay transfer decision still shocks

Manchester United’s decision to sell Scott McTominay in 2024 remains a “big surprise”, with the all-action midfielder thriving in Italy with Napoli. The history books have been rewritten there, with former Scotland international Gary McAllister telling GOAL why a break from tradition by the Red Devils has generated some uncomfortable questions at Old Trafford.

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Chukwuemeka SWITCHES from England to nation coached by ex-Man Utd boss

Former Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka has officially committed his international future to Austria. The Borussia Dortmund star, who represented England at youth level, is now set to link up with former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick.

LEGACY: Gijon to Porto Alegre - Algeria's World Cup journey

This is Legacy, GOAL’s feature and podcast series that counts 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 time we look back at one of football’s most emotional journeys: Algeria’s road from Gijon to Porto Alegre. From the heartbreak of 1982 to the pride of 2014, it’s the story of a team that turned injustice into identity, and showed the world that, for Algeria, the dream never dies.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino Attends US Conference Of Mayors In Washington, DC

Infantino: World Cup will be a ‘total party’

FIFA President Gianni Infantino insists the 2026 World Cup will be a flawless global celebration, brushing aside mounting anxieties over escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Despite the USA and Israel conflict with Iran disrupting football calendars, causing widespread visa chaos, and forcing Iraq to request a delay, FIFA remains solely focused on record ticket sales.

Ancelotti names Neymar in Brazil squad

Neymar has been included in Brazil's expansive preliminary squad for the upcoming friendlies, giving the Santos star a lifeline ahead of the 2026 World Cup. However, with Carlo Ancelotti watching, the legendary forward faces immense pressure. Missing the next match for load control, he has just one game left to prove his fitness and secure his spot in the final selection.

Iraq urge FIFA to delay WC play-off amid war

Iraq head coach Graham Arnold has issued an urgent plea to football’s international governing body to postpone his team’s intercontinental qualifier for the World Cup because of disruptions caused by the escalating Iran war. The Lions of Mesopotamia are currently scheduled to face either Suriname or Bolivia in a winner-takes-all play-off on March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico, but the logistical mountain has become too steep to climb.

adidas drop throwback to iconic 1994 USMNT jersey as Lalas models

adidas have thrown it back to the 1994 World Cup and gotten us bang in the mood for the 2026 edition by dropping a jersey inspired by an iconic USMNT look from the last time the tournament was hosted in the United States.

'Things will go my way again' - How adversity is shaping Musah

GOAL Exclusive: The American midfielder discusses adversity, gratitude, and why this year’s challenges have prepared him to fight for a World Cup spot.

USMNT star McKennie embraces 'pressure' of home World Cup

Weston McKennie admits that the USMNT will be under “pressure” to deliver at a home World Cup, but considers that level of expectation to bring with it “extra motivation”. The United States is counting down the days to another major tournament on American soil, with McKennie explaining to GOAL how Mauricio Pochettino’s squad will handle the demands of heat and travel.

PSV Eindhoven v FC Bayern München - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8

Dest issues update after limping off injured in latest PSV outing

The United States men’s national team has been handed a significant injury scare just months before the 2026 World Cup, as Sergino Dest was forced off during PSV’s latest Eredivisie victory. The full-back, who has established himself as a vital component of the USMNT's defensive unit, appeared to suffer a hamstring issue during the second half of Saturday’s clash against AZ Alkmaar.

Who will make Tunisia's squad for the 2026 World Cup?

All you need to know about Tunisia's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

2026 FIFA World Cup, Qualifier - South Africa v Nigeria

Who will make South Africa's squad for the 2026 World Cup?

All you need to know about South Africa's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Pulisic's USMNT-themed 'myth' debunked by Milan legend

Christian Pulisic has seen a USMNT-themed “myth” debunked by AC Milan legend Andriy Shevchenko. The United States international has faced accusations of already turning his attention towards a home World Cup this summer, but Shevchenko has refuted those claims and backed Pulisic to rediscover his best form at club level during the 2025-26 run-in.

Who will make Morocco's squad for the 2026 World Cup?

All you need to know about the Morocco squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Bolivia v Colombia - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Who will make Colombia's squad for the 2026 World Cup?

All you need to know about Colombia's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

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