World Cup news

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 ‘Special One’ 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 “better than ever” 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 d’Or winner cannot form part of a global title defence, with any fears regarding his presence in MLS being calmed.

Next summer’s 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.

The World Cup draw, which is supposed to be a celebration of soccer, instead turned into a tribute to Donald Trump

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has apologised to Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni after a bizarre mix-up at the 2026 World Cup draw forced the reigning world champion coach to wear gloves before touching the trophy. The incident caused confusion and frustration, prompting FIFA to stage a corrective ceremony the next day to make amends publicly.

The World Cup draw yielded a number of fascinating groups - and the hype for the 2026 tournament can truly build

The USA, Canada and Mexico will host the biggest sporting event in the world, with 48 different nations about to lock horns for the gold.

England's World Cup 2026 kick-off times and venues have been finally confirmed as Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions are set to face Croatia, Panama and Ghana in the group stage next summer. England learned their opponents during the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, DC, on Friday evening. The European Championship runners-up side will play their three group games in three different cities.

The draw delivered clarity, confidence and a challenge. Now Pochettino and his players know the route - and, inspired by Herb Brooks and the Miracle on Ice, they’re daring to dream big.

Erling Haaland has given a candid response to Norway’s daunting World Cup draw, admitting on social media that he faces a brutal challenge in what supporters are already calling the tournament’s 'group of death'. Next summer’s World Cup will be the largest ever staged, expanding to 48 teams across 12 groups as FIFA introduces a round of 32 for the first time. Yet even within a broadened field, one Group I stands out for its sheer competitiveness.

Carlo Ancelotti says he doesn't "owe" anyone a place in his Brazil 2026 World Cup squad after once again being asked about Santos star Neymar's prospects. The Brazil icon has repeatedly been left out of recent national squads due to injury issues, but after scoring a hat-trick for his club last time out, speculation over his World Cup place is intensifying. However, the Italian made it clear he will not be pressured into certain picks.

Thomas Tuchel believes England's 2026 World Cup draw is "tough" and claimed that the group stage is "always the most difficult". The German coach, who will lead the Three Lions into a major tournament for the first time next summer, stressed that Group L - featuring Croatia, Ghana and Panama - provides no margin for complacency.

England boss Thomas Tuchel has hinted that the glitz and glamour of the 2026 World Cup ceremony was rather unnecessary. The Three Lions eventually found out that they will face Croatia, Ghana, and Panama at next year's competition in North America. However, those watching the draw had to wait a long time to find out the results, something Tuchel believes they could have "done without".

Ghana boss Otto Addo has urged Antoine Semenyo to take the "next step" and leave Bournemouth amid links with Liverpool and Manchester City. The 25-year-old has a £65 million ($87m) release clause, which is only active until a specific date in the January transfer window. As teams consider a move for him, his national manager thinks it is "natural" for the flying winger to secure a transfer away.

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand gives his instant reaction to the 2026 World Cup draw and the challenge facing the Three Lions in the group stage after helping present the ceremony at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on Friday. Thomas Tuchel's squad will face Croatia, Panama and Ghana in Group L as they look to end 60 years of hurt by lifting the trophy in North America next summer.

There were nods of approval and even a sigh of relief after the World Cup draw was concluded and England appeared to have avoided some of the major potential banana skins as the pots were drawn to decide the group stages. But, as the dust settled, it became clear that England’s route to the World Cup final in New Jersey next July would be anything but straight forward. GOAL plots the path Thomas Tuchel's side will (most likely) need to navigate on their way to the ultimate title glory.