FIFA has confirmed the key dates and squad regulations for the 2026 World Cup. Nations must submit their final player lists by June 1, with strict rules in place regarding injuries, replacements and goalkeeper selections.
Manuel Neuer’s return to Germany’s squad has lifted confidence inside the national team camp ahead of the World Cup. Team-mates Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck admitted the Bayern Munich veteran’s reputation alone changes how opponents approach games.
French football legend Michel Platini has defended international captain Kylian Mbappe after the forward publicly warned against the far right taking power in France. While validating the Real Madrid star's societal stance, the former UEFA president offered some stern advice regarding the immense responsibilities and risks of such high-profile exposure.
Eintracht Frankfurt defender Nathaniel Brown has refused to distance himself from growing speculation linking him with a summer switch to Bundesliga titans Bayern Munich. The highly-rated Germany left-back is fully focused on his international duties, but his impressive domestic form has reportedly caught the attention of several top European clubs.
Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot believes that leading Portugal to ultimate glory at the 2026 World Cup would provide a fittingly beautiful finale to Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic career. The versatile full-back emphasised that the entire footballing world, not just their home nation, will be uniting to support the veteran forward's quest.
Julian Nagelsmann could be heading for the tattoo studio if Germany win the World Cup. David Raum revealed the Germany boss may have backed himself into a corner after joking about getting matching ink should Die Mannschaft lift the trophy.
As 40-year-old Edin Dzeko enters the late twilight of his career, Bosnian football has a new potential superstar to carry it forward. Kerim Alajbegovic hadn't even been born when the revered striker made his international debut 19 years ago, but the pair are set to shoulder their country's hopes at the 2026 World Cup in North America this summer.
After a week of speculation about Lionel Messi's fitness, Argentina received good news Thursday: the 38-year-old was named to Lionel Scaloni's 26-man World Cup squad. Messi exited Inter Miami's final match before the World Cup break with what the club described as left hamstring muscle overload. His inclusion puts a record sixth World Cup within reach.
Mexico face Australia at the Rose Bowl in a key World Cup tuneup as Javier Aguirre weighs final roster decisions before El Tri unveil their 26-man squad.
Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Junior has admitted that Lionel Messi's presence makes Argentina one of the favourites to win the World Cup again this summer. The Selecao winger believes Messi's unpredictable style of play can still give their arch-rivals an edge when they defend their global crown in North America.
Santos have issued an official statement to clear up a medical dispute regarding Neymar Jr.’s calf injury ahead of the 2026 World Cup. While the club initially diagnosed the problem as a minor oedema, Brazil national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar revealed a more serious grade 2 muscle strain. Consequently, the star forward will miss Brazil's upcoming warm-up friendlies against Panama and Egypt as a race against time begins for the tournament opener.
A Sweden national team doctor has delivered a new update on Dejan Kulusevski amid the Tottenham and Sweden star's year-long injury absence. Despite Kulusevski missing the entire 2025-26 season, the medical staff provided positive reassurance that he will eventually return to the pitch.
The 38-year-old defender wrote himself off years ago, and plenty of others have done the same since then. He is still here, though, against all odds for one final run.
France legend Frank Leboeuf has delivered a scathing assessment of Kylian Mbappe’s leadership credentials as Les Bleus look ahead to the 2026 World Cup. The 1998 world champion believes the Real Madrid superstar is "too selfish" to captain the national side to glory in North America this summer.
Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton has insisted he will not "sit and cry" after being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming World Cup. Despite a fine individual campaign at Selhurst Park, the 22-year-old midfielder was the high-profile absentee from the 26-man travelling party announced last week.
In an exclusive interview with GOAL, Brazil legend Kaka reflects on winning the World Cup at 20, the pressure now facing Vini Jr. and Neymar, and why the Selecao’s sixth-star dream still feels alive.
Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for what is almost certainly his final dance on the World Cup stage, but his role within the Portugal national team is once again under intense scrutiny. As the Al-Nassr striker eyes the only trophy missing from his glittering cabinet, former USMNT star Taylor Twellman has suggested that his presence actually hinders a squad packed with world-class talent.
Pep Guardiola is reportedly open to taking over as England manager in the future as he begins his life after Manchester City. The legendary coach, who has just ended a trophy-laden decade at the Etihad Stadium, is viewed as the ultimate 'dream' candidate for the Football Association.
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has jumped to the defence of his long-time international team-mate Neymar, insisting the forward remains vital to Brazil's World Cup ambitions. Despite a fresh injury setback hampering the Santos star’s preparations, Casemiro remains confident that the Selecao's all-time record goalscorer can still dictate terms on the world stage.
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