FIFA approved a landmark financial package for the 2026 World Cup on Friday, confirming a record USD 727 million in prize money for the expanded 48-team tournament. The decision, made by the FIFA Council ahead of this weekendâs Intercontinental Cup final in Qatar, was described by FIFA as part of a broader series of measures shaping the future of the World Cup and global youth football.
GOAL's Front Three are going back for a new lesson, this time for Football School. Their strict teacher, Juwon (aka Mr Janos), puts his pupils' ball knowledge to the test. But who will come top of the class and who will fail? đ€
Stars and Stripes icon Megan Rapinoe is never afraid to voice her opinion and has taken aim at the USMNT's new slogan ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The tournament will be hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada next summer, with Mauricio Pochettino's side hoping that home advantage can help them make a real impact in the competition.
After a 1-1 draw against a 10-man Sunderland side at the Stadium of Light on September 21, Aston Villa were languishing in the relegation zone and questions were being asked over Unai Emery's position as manager. The Villans finished fourth and sixth, respectively, in Emery's first two full seasons at the helm, but were winless after the opening five games of the 2025-26 campaign with only one goal on their record.
Brazilian superstar Neymar has reportedly "reached an understanding" with Santos to extend his stay at the club until the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The 33-year-old returned to his boyhood team in January, following an injury-plagued spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal, but has been linked with an exit as his current contract expires at the end of the month.
FIFA have been forced into an embarrassed climbdown over World Cup ticket prices, introducing a new tier of cheaper tickets at ÂŁ45 ($60) for supporters following widespread outrage and significant pressure from fan groups and national football associations. The initial pricing structure, which included the cheapest final tickets at over ÂŁ3,000, was described as "laughable" and a "monumental betrayal" for fans.
FIFA has introduced a $60 âSupporter Entry Tierâ for every match at the 2026 World Cup, distributing tickets through national federations to loyal fans. The move follows widespread criticism of high prices, dynamic pricing plans, and refund policies tied to team elimination.
England are being advised to drop Jude Bellingham from their starting XI at the 2026 World Cup, with the Real Madrid superstar being informed that Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers currently has âmore of an influenceâ on games. Thomas Tuchel has warned all of those at his disposal that no places in his plans for a shot at global glory next summer are guaranteed.
Despite all that's happened in American soccer in the 23 years since an unforgettable 2002 World Cup, it's still worth wondering: 'What if they called that damn handball?' There was no VAR in the summer back then, no pathway for the referees to change course. Torsten Frings' hand struck the ball - imagine what could have happened if it was acknowledged on the day, and not just 23 years later?
Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes is all set for talks with Scotland boss Steve Clarke over switching allegiance from England ahead of World Cup 2026. Barnes, who was born in Burnley, has Scottish connections from his mother's side and is thus eligible to represent their national team. The 28-year-old has featured only once for England back in 2020 against Wales.
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 Selecaoâs first foreign head coach, and officials are keen to secure continuity as Brazil target global glory.
Landon Donovan took issue with Australia manager Tony Popovicâs reaction to the 2026 World Cup draw, calling the confidence he projected âunusual.â The USMNT legend said Popovicâs response suggested Australia view Group D as winnable, with the Americans joined by Paraguay and a UEFA playoff winner. Donovan added that Popovicâs 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 âextraordinaryâ 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 âoutrageousâ World Cup ticket prices, with the cheapest seats for the final costing over ÂŁ3,000 and a full run following the Three Lions exceeding ÂŁ5,000. Fan groups have already condemned the pricing as a betrayal, leaving the FA under pressure to challenge footballâs global governing body.
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! âŹïž
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 âŹïž
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 Statesâ 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 USMNTâs favor.
Neymar is all set to visit the 'miracle doctor' in Brazil in a bid to overcome injury and make it to Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad in North America next summer. Neymar has struggled for fitness throughout the calendar year; however, he saw a late resurgence into the season as he scored and helped Santos avoid relegation, finishing 12th in the Brazilian top division league.
A formal complaint has been submitted to FIFA regarding issues related to political neutrality during last weekâs World Cup draw. FairSquare, a non-profit advocacy organization, sent an eight-page letter to FIFAâs Ethics Committee outlining four alleged infringements by FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the event, including the presentation of the FIFA Peace Prize.
Cristiano Ronaldo could, if he extends his international career beyond the 2026 World Cup, be in line for a reunion with Jose Mourinho. That is because the self-anointed âSpecial Oneâ is considered to be a guaranteed pick as next manager of the Portugal national team. Mourinho is currently with Benfica, with his recent struggles on the trophy-winning front being explained.
Lionel Messi is considered to be âbetter than everâ as questions continue to be asked of his participation at the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine superstar is yet to confirm his involvement, but the door will always be left open for him. Ariel Ortega sees no reason why the eight-time Ballon dâOr winner cannot form part of a global title defence, with any fears regarding his presence in MLS being calmed.
Next summerâs tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be the first with an expanded group stage, but could we see an extra country qualify?
Neymar's second spell at Santos has, for the most part, been a disappointment. The injury problems that have plagued the Brazilian's career followed him back home, and as a result, he has been unable to build up any proper rhythm. He only featured in 20 of Santos' 38 Serie A games in the 2025 season, scoring eight goals, and is still waiting for a recall to the Brazil national team squad after a two-year absence.
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