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World Cup draw winners and losers GFX

Biggest winners & losers of the World Cup draw

The draw for the 2026 World Cup is finally over! After what seemed like an eternity, the real business finally got underway in Friday's ceremony in Washington DC, with Rio Ferdinand leading the way and sporting icons such as Tom Brady, Shaquille O'Neal and Wayne Gretzky teaming up to throw up some intriguing groups for next summer's tournament in North America.

Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo 2025

Ronaldo vs Messi ‘retirement match’: World Cup final claim

Cristiano Ronaldo versus Lionel Messi in the 2026 World Cup final would likely become a “retirement match” for two all-time greats, admits Pedro Mendes. A couple of GOATs are preparing for another shot at global glory, with Messi having already added that prize to his collection with Argentina. The end is approaching for both, and it could be that they enjoy the “perfect finish” next summer.

Argentina v France: Final - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Messi expecting 'extraordinary' World Cup in United States

Lionel Messi has made it clear that he's anticipating the United States will be up to the task, along with the other host nations Mexico and Canada, of delivering an "extraordinary" World Cup. The Inter Miami superstar, who won the tournament with Argentina in 2022, is expected to play in what could well be his last major international tournament as North America takes centre stage in 2026 ⬆️

Lionel Messi Barcelona

Barcelona won’t ‘fuel controversies’ with Messi return talk

Barcelona have reiterated that they will not “fuel controversies or speculation” when it comes to a possible playing return to Camp Nou for Lionel Messi. The Liga giants are still planning the most “beautiful tribute” to their all-time leading goalscorer, but the Argentine GOAT is under contract in MLS with Inter Miami and appears unlikely to grace European football again.

Lionel Messi Barcelona 2007 El Clasico

Messi reveals shock 'childhood dream'

Lionel Messi has lifted the lid on a shock "childhood dream" that was scotched by his Barcelona debut. Messi’s life pivoted sharply when Barcelona chose to take a chance on him at a moment when Argentine clubs, including giants River Plate, backed away from the cost of treating his growth hormone condition.

Lionel Messi World Cup trophy

Messi airs WC ‘hope’ & rules out Finalissima clash with Yamal

Lionel Messi has aired his 2026 World Cup “hope”, with there still a chance that he will grace that competition, but has ruled himself out of a meeting with Spain and Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal in the next Finalissima. Argentina are hoping to have their talismanic captain available for the defence of a global title next summer, but will be without him if a clash with the reigning champions of Europe is confirmed.

Harry Kane Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo 2025

England stars will want to avoid Messi & Ronaldo until WC final

England stars will, if they are being honest, want to avoid Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for as long as possible at the 2026 World Cup, says Nigel Winterburn. The ex-Three Lions defender has, in an exclusive interview with GOAL, been discussing the chances of bringing 60 years of pain to a close ahead of the group-stage draw taking place on December 5.

Lionel Messi Barcelona Inter Miami 2025

'He could contribute' - Barca chief addresses Messi homecoming

Barcelona sporting director Deco has addressed transfer speculation linking club legend Lionel Messi with a return to the Catalan club. The World Cup winner left the Catalan giants in acrimonious fashion back in 2021 as their financial woes meant he could not be offered a new contract, but the hope of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner returning to Camp Nou has not left Barca fans even with Messi turning 38 in the summer.

Frequently asked questions

Erling Haaland is an archetypal striker, a proper fox in the box, and relishes being fed while he uses his intelligent off the ball movement inside the penalty area.

Although he is a Norwegian, Erling Haaland was born in Leeds, West Yorkshire, in England, given that his father, Alfie Haaland was plying his trade for Leeds United at the time.

Erling Haaland has been wearing the No.9 jersey for Manchester City, mainly featuring as a traditional striker for the Premier League giants.

Erling Haaland is among the tallest forwards in the top five European leagues, standing at 1.95m (6ft 4in). Inspite his tall frame, he is renowned for his speed.

The mighty Norwegian forward weighs 88kg (194 lbs), and yet he is arguably the fastest out and out striker in the business at the moment.

Erling Haaland moved to his hometown, Bryne, at the age of three and joined the academy of Bryne at the age of five in 2005. He spent almost the entirety of his youth career at Bryne.

No, Erling Haaland doesn't have any children yet.

The former Borussia Dortmund striker is yet to marry, but he is currently in a relationship with Isabel Haugseng Johansen, who is a woman footballer herself. The duo reportedly started dating when Haaland was playing for Borussia Dortmund.