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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.

Former Real Madrid player and manager Jose Antonio Camacho has publicly defended Kylian Mbappe following another turbulent week of heavy media scrutiny. The French superstar has faced intense criticism regarding his off-pitch choices and squad reactions, prompting the club legend to speak out against the escalating narrative surrounding the forward.

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.

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

Former Real Madrid attacker Eden Hazard has opened up about the immense pressure and external narratives that surrounded his high-profile move to Spain. The Belgian playmaker dismissed long-standing comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo, revealing that he actively sought a completely different squad number upon his arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Lautaro Martinez has named Harry Kane as the best centre-forward in world football ahead of Erling Haaland. The Inter Milan captain praised Kane’s all-round game while also reflecting on his partnership with Marcus Thuram and his own development in Italy.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly been left furious after news of his impending summer departure was leaked prematurely. The Spanish tactician, who has guided the club through a trophy-laden decade, felt compelled to address his squad directly during an unexpected late-night group call to confirm the bombshell news ahead of a crucial fixture.

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.

Manchester City striker Khadija Shaw has been crowned the Women's Super League Player of the Season following an exceptional domestic campaign. The prolific forward also secured the Golden Boot after netting 21 goals in 22 appearances to guide her team to a first league title in a decade.

Roy Keane criticised Manchester United’s players for focusing on Bruno Fernandes’ assist record during their match with Nottingham Forest. The former captain said he was “raging” at the reaction to the milestone and labelled the team’s behaviour a “circus act”.

Napoli manager Antonio Conte is reportedly prepared to terminate his contract at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona by mutual consent at the end of the current campaign. The former Chelsea and Juventus tactician is said to have set his sights on securing a second stint with the Italy national team after their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Ella Toone is back in the Lionesses squad for the first time in 2026 after recovering from a hip injury that has forced her to miss England's last two camps. Aggie Beever-Jones has also returned to the fold to offer another timely boost to Sarina Wiegman's side, as they prepare to face Spain in a decisive World Cup qualifier next month.

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

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.

Manchester City are reportedly approaching a definitive resolution in their long-running legal battle with the Premier League over 115 alleged financial breaches. Legal experts suggest that the independent commission is currently drafting its final decision, which is expected to be delivered shortly after the current domestic campaign finishes.

Patrick Vieira believes several members of Arsenal’s current squad would break into the legendary ‘Invincibles’ team. The former captain selected five modern stars in a combined XI, including Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.

Ruben Amorim could soon return to management after his difficult spell at Manchester United. The Portuguese coach is being lined up to replace Jose Mourinho at Benfica, offering him the chance to rebuild his reputation back home.

Ajax have been forced to relocate their crucial European play-off semi-final to FC Volendam's modest Kras Stadion due to a clashing Harry Styles concert series at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. The logistical headache has escalated dramatically into a major sporting crisis as their opponents, FC Groningen, threaten a total boycott of the fixture.

Vinicius Junior has confirmed his separation from influencer Virginia Fonseca after a year together. The Real Madrid winger shared an emotional message on social media thanking her for their time together. Fonseca had previously revealed the split days earlier.

Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez has explicitly committed his long-term future to the club, revealing a desire to retire at San Siro eventually. The prolific Argentine striker has been strongly linked with Barcelona, but now insists that he cannot envision playing his football anywhere else.

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

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.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi believes that the collective desire of rival supporters wanting to see his club relegated should serve as immense motivation for his players. Spurs currently find themselves embroiled in a tense battle for Premier League survival with only two matches remaining in their campaign.

Could this be the moment that Chelsea's fortunes finally change under the beleaguered BlueCo ownership? The club has pulled off what looks like a seismic coup by luring Xabi Alonso to Stamford Bridge despite their continued struggles, somehow convincing the revered 44-year-old former Real Madrid boss to take the reins ahead of what now promises to be an era-defining summer.

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.

The 2025-26 campaign has been a testing one for Chelsea, but who deserves to see their contribution recognised as the club’s Player of the Year? Former Blues defender Gary Cahill has made his pick during an exclusive interview with GOAL. Joao Pedro, on the back of his £60 million ($80m) transfer to Stamford Bridge, is considered to have outperformed the likes of Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez.

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.