World Cup news

Antonio Rudiger has hit back at accusations that his highly aggressive defensive style makes him a liability for his clubs and country. Following severe backlash over an unpunished challenge during a recent La Liga match against Getafe, the veteran defender firmly defended his on-pitch mentality while also acknowledging that he occasionally crosses the line and must take responsibility.

Thomas Müller is working as a TV pundit during the World Cup. He has a favourite for the tournament – and it isn’t the German national team.

It was actually supposed to be all about his role as a TV pundit. But when asked about rumours regarding Real Madrid and a potential departure from Red Bull, Jürgen Klopp got worked up.

Trent Alexander-Arnold made his England debut in 2018 but has only taken his tally of caps to 34, with Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel taking to snubbing Real Madrid’s former Liverpool defender on a regular basis. Michael Owen, who also spent time at Anfield and Santiago Bernabeu in his playing days, has told GOAL why the buccaneering full-back may have seen his 2026 World Cup dream dashed.

Cristiano Ronaldo has taken to social media to provide a positive update on his fitness as he continues his rehabilitation from a muscle injury. The Al-Nassr superstar is currently sidelined after picking up a thigh problem, but his latest activity suggests that a return to action is not far away.

Ollie Watkins has revealed he expected to be left out of the England squad for March's friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. The Aston Villa striker has struggled for form throughout the 2025-26 season so far but has bounced back with recent goals against West Ham United and Lille and could yet be included in the Three Lions' roster for the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Italy's head coach talks about the play-offs and the decisions ahead of them.

Thomas Tuchel has admitted that Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman has a “chance” of making England’s 2026 World Cup squad, but would an opportunity such as that be arriving too early for the 16-year-old forward? GOAL has put that question to Michael Owen, a man that knows all about making a senior breakthrough with the Three Lions as a teen sensation.

Wayne Rooney has expressed his shock after Trent Alexander-Arnold was omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s latest 35-man England squad. The Real Madrid defender is a high-profile absentee for the upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, leading the former Manchester United captain to suggest a deeper issue. Rooney sparked controversy by questioning if the snub is a tactical move to dismantle a perceived "clique" involving Jude Bellingham.

The Kwasniok chapter has come to an end in Cologne. Much to the delight of Supertalent El Mala, perhaps?

Manager Gattuso will speak at a press conference today ahead of the first training session.

Ricardo Quaresma is tipping Cristiano Ronaldo to get his hands on a long-awaited World Cup trophy as Portugal international team-mates “want” the all-time great to “win that title”. At the age of 41, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo is preparing to grace FIFA’s flagship event for a record-setting sixth time. He is desperate to emulate Lionel Messi by landing the ultimate prize.

Mick McCarthy has reignited his feud with Roy Keane as the ex-Republic of Ireland manager considers Manchester United’s legendary former midfielder to be a “c**t”. The pair endured an infamous falling out ahead of the 2002 World Cup that is now the subject of a film from Steve Coogan. Time does not appear to have been a good healer when it comes to historic divides.

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to chase down 1,000 career goals and another entry in his history books, but Portugal coach Roberto Martinez insists that target has not become an "obsession". There are no fears, at least not in international circles, that all-time great CR7 will stop passing to his team-mates in a bid to ensure that another individual milestone is reached.

Leroy Sané has regained his place in national team manager Julian Nagelsmann’s squad and stands a good chance of making the World Cup squad. Dietmar Hamann takes a very critical view of this.

Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has dismissed concerns regarding Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham joining their national teams. Despite recent injury scares at the Santiago Bernabeu, the coach insists the superstar duo are ready for both club and country, thus he is happy for them to play over the upcoming international window.