World Cup

World Cup news

Spain v Egypt - International Friendly

FIFA probe Spanish FA following Islamophobic incidents in Egypt friendly

FIFA has officially opened disciplinary proceedings against the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following a wave of anti-Muslim chants during last Tuesday's international friendly against Egypt. The match, held at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona, was marred by offensive chanting that has sparked national outrage and a police investigation.

Bologna FC 1909 v Celtic FC - UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD7

Rowe eyes PL return and England World Cup spot

Jonathan Rowe is quickly becoming the leading man at Bologna, but the London-born forward has his sights set on even loftier goals as the 2026 World Cup approaches. After finding his feet in Serie A under Vincenzo Italiano, the former Norwich City starlet is ready to use the European stage to prove he belongs in Thomas Tuchel’s England plans.

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Diaz test will decide Trent's England fate

Trent must lock down Diaz or kiss World Cup hopes goodbye

It was one of those passes that only Trent Alexander-Arnold could play. Liverpool had struggled to break down Tottenham in December 2024, Spurs holding strong for 23 minutes despite waves of pressure. And then, Alexander-Arnold delivered the killer ball. He drifted in from the right wing, created the ideal angle, and whipped a cross in between two centre-backs, right onto Luis Diaz's head.

LEGACY Egypt GFX

LEGACY: Egypt's endless World Cup dream

This is Legacy, GOAL’s feature and podcast series tracking the countdown to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. This week, we focus on Egypt, travelling across nine decades of footballing triumphs, heartbreaks, miracles, and rebirth; from silent years that tested a nation’s patience, to the unforgettable return in 1990, and the rise of a boy from Nagrig who carried a continent’s dreams on his shoulders: Mohamed Salah.

Paris Saint-Germain FC v Chelsea FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg

James return date for Chelsea set as England handed World Cup lift

Chelsea captain Reece James is reportedly on track to return from a significant hamstring injury by early May, handing Thomas Tuchel a major boost ahead of England's World Cup campaign. The versatile defender, who has been sidelined since last month, is making rapid progress in his rehabilitation to alleviate fears that he would miss the remainder of the domestic season.

Santos v Remo - Brasileirao 2026

Santos boss confirms Neymar had knee procedure during international break

Santos head coach Cuca has lifted the lid on a specialized medical roadmap designed to propel Brazil icon Neymar toward the 2026 World Cup in peak physical condition. The 34-year-old superstar used the recent international break to undergo a regenerative knee procedure, as the club looks to fill his tank for a gruelling run of fixtures ahead of the tournament in North America.

Jannik Sinner

Sinner would trade title for Italy World Cup spot

Tennis world number one Jannik Sinner has admitted he would be willing to sacrifice one of his prestigious titles if it meant seeing the Italian national team back at the World Cup. The Azzurri’s footballing crisis reached a new low this week as they failed to qualify for a third consecutive tournament, leaving fans and sporting icons across the country in a state of shock.

Neymar Brazil South Korea World Cup 05 12 2022

Argument for Neymar at World Cup made by Brazilian tennis star

As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup begins, Brazilian tennis sensation Joao Fonseca has publicly backed Neymar Jr. for a place in the national squad. Despite recent fitness Santos, the teenager believes the veteran’s immense experience is vital for the Selecao’s success. This endorsement serves as a timely reminder for Carlo Ancelotti regarding the unique intangible qualities the former Barcelona playmaker still offers.

Frequently asked questions

Los Angeles Galaxy have claimed the MLS title six times, more than any other club in the league's history. They first triumphed in 2002, and later went on to secure victories in 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2024, solidifying their dominance in Major League Soccer.

There are 30 teams in Major League Soccer as of the 2025 season. The league has seen steady expansion since its inception in 1996, when it began with just 10 teams. Over the years, it has added clubs across the US and Canada to reach its current size.

Nick Rimando holds the record for the most MLS appearances, having played 514 matches over the course of his career, which spanned from 2000 to 2019 with clubs like D.C. United, Miami Fusion, and Real Salt Lake.

Chris Wondolowski holds the record as the all-time top scorer in Major League Soccer, with 171 goals to his name. His scoring prowess helped establish him as one of the league's most iconic forwards during his career.

Landon Donovan leads the league's all-time assist charts with 136 assists. His playmaking ability was a key factor in his team's success over the years.

Pat Onstad is the oldest player to have ever featured in Major League Soccer, appearing in the league at the age of 43 years, 2 months, and 22 days. The game was when he featured in goal for DC United.

Cavan Sullivan made history as the youngest-ever player in MLS, debuting for his team at the age of 14 years and 293 days. His introduction to professional football at such a young age has set the stage for a promising future.

Famous players who have played in MLS include stars like David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney, Kaka, David Villa, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Andrea Pirlo.

MLS' most famous managers include renowned figures like Bruce Arena, Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry, Frank de Boer, and Tata Martino.

The Bank of America Stadium, originally inaugurated as Ericsson Stadium in 1996, stands as the largest venue in Major League Soccer, boasting an impressive capacity of 75,412 seats. It is home to Charlotte FC.

Argentine World Cup-winning attacking midfielder Thiago Almada is the most expensive MLS signing of all-time. Atlanta United bought Almada from Velez Sarsfield for around $16 million, in 2022.