Gabriel Martinelli scored a lovely goal after being teed up by Endrick to complete Brazil's 3-1 victory over Croatia in a confidence-boosting World Cup warm-up clash. The Arsenal man's arrowed finish rounded off the scoring in stoppage time as the Selecao bounced back from last week's friendly defeat to France.
Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso admitted he is in deep pain after the Azzurri failed to qualify for their third consecutive World Cup following a dramatic playoff defeat in the hands of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite the historic failure, the Italian football federation has already moved to clarify the manager's immediate future amid the fallout.
It's never easy with the England men's national team. On paper, they should have enough quality, experience and firepower to blow most sides on this planet to smithereens. Then you sit down, watch them and wonder whether they are actually a team of total strangers assembled purely out of spite to mildly annoy the fans who had hoped so much of them. On the basis of their March friendlies, it would be a fair assumption to make.
Lionel Messi delivered a vintage performance at La Bombonera, recording a goal and an assist as Argentina dismantled Zambia 5-0 in their final home fixture before the 2026 World Cup. The Inter Miami icon captained the world champions to a dominant victory in what is expected to be the last home game he plays for his country.
Thomas Tuchel has refused to entertain suggestions that the weight of the England shirt is getting to his players following a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Japan. The Three Lions were booed off at Wembley after Kaoru Mitoma's first-half strike condemned them to a second underwhelming result in the space of four days.
The German national teamâs attack shines even without (and with) Deniz Undav; Lennart Karl is proving himself worthy of more than just a trial run; the defence is holding its own despite the odd wobble; and Julian Nagelsmannâs measures are paying off. The winners and losers at the DFB following the March training camp.
Ibrahima Konate is reportedly prepared to wait for an offer from Real Madrid as his contract situation at Liverpool continues to stall. The French international is entering a critical phase of his career and appears to have set his sights on a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has doubled down on his commitment to see Iran compete in the 2026 World Cup, despite the escalating military conflict involving the United States. Speaking during a surprise appearance at a friendly match in Turkey, the governing body's chief dismissed suggestions that the team might be relocated or withdrawn from the tournament.
How will tiebreakers work at the 2026 FIFA World Cup? The tournament is moving ever closer, with teams preparing to enter the group stages before embarking on their bid for glory. Here, GOAL breaks down how tie-breakers work, how group stage points are decided, and everything you need to know ahead of the big kick-off.
How many substitutions are allowed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup? "Super-subs" have often played key roles in teams winning the biggest trophies in the game but when exactly can teams make substitutions? How many substitution windows are there in each fixture? GOAL runs you through everything you need to know.
Which goalkeepers have won the FIFA World Cup Golden Glove award across the history of the competition? The award was introduced for the 1994 tournament, meaning plenty of iconic goalkeepers, including the likes of Gordon Banks and the initially eponymous Lev Yashin, missed out on the individual award. GOAL has everything you need to know about the award handed to the standout stopper at any single tournament.
Sam Allardyce has sent a clear message to Harry Maguire, suggesting the Manchester United defender should think twice about representing England at the upcoming World Cup. The former Three Lions boss believes Thomas Tuchel was unnecessarily blunt regarding Maguire's standing in the defensive pecking order.
adidas have reawakened the beasts and given us a big dollop of noughties nostalgia by rebooting the iconic Y-3 F50 Tunit Beast Pack, 20 years on from its original release.
After a 36-year wait, Argentina returned to the summit of world football with their 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar. Though he didnât feature, Sergio Aguero told GOAL it remains one of the greatest moments of his life, while backing the current squad to carry that same hunger, identity, and competitive edge into the 2026 tournament.
Napoli have released a scathing official statement after Romelu Lukaku failed to report back to training following the international break. The Belgian striker remains in his homeland despite club orders, leaving the Partenopei hierarchy considering drastic disciplinary measures.
England boss Thomas Tuchel stands accused of insulting Harry Maguire with his claim that the Manchester United defender could be fifth-choice centre-half in his 2026 World Cup plans. Maguire has been drafted back into the Three Lions fold for international friendly action, but has been warned that he may struggle to earn another major tournament spot.
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has moved to ease fears regarding Cristiano Ronaldoâs fitness after a hamstring injury sidelined the legendary forward from the March international camp. The 41-year-old remains central to the Selecaoâs plans as he prepares for a record sixth World Cup campaign in North America. Martinez emphasised that the captainâs elite mentality and remarkable goalscoring record ensure his place remains secure.
The iconic duo of Ronaldo and Rivaldo made a surprise appearance at Brazilâs training base to inspire a squad currently struggling for form. As the Selecao face growing scrutiny following a 2-1 friendly defeat to France, Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has admitted that the weight of the nation's 2002 World Cup success remains a heavy burden for the modern generation.
UEFA is set to freeze ticket prices broadly for Euro 2028, ensuring football remains accessible across the UK and Ireland. This commitment is in direct contrast to FIFAâs widely criticised pricing strategy for the 2026 World Cup in North America. By prioritising affordability and larger allocations for national associations, European football's governing body aims to protect fans from the hyper-inflation currently seen in global sports.
Nine nations are competing for the title but there can only be one winner! GOAL's Front Three host a special Battle Royale-style football quiz to determine who has the best ball knowledge
Gary Lineker has questioned Thomas Tuchelâs decision to omit Trent Alexander-Arnold from his latest England squad. The former Three Lions striker believes the snub might be "personal" rather than tactical as the Real Madrid star remains frozen out.
Ronald Araujo admits that Uruguay may require divine intervention when facing Lamine Yamal and Spain at the 2026 World Cup, telling his international colleagues: âIf they know how to pray, they better.â Araujo knows all about the threat that the teenage wonderkid will pose when they lock horns on the grandest of stages at a major tournament this summer.
The German national teamâs two friendly wins were accompanied by plenty of discussion about Julian Nagelsmannâs decisions, actions and comments. In the end, the national coach was largely proven right!
England's World Cup group stage opponents Ghana have taken the ruthless decision to sack head coach Otto Addo just 10 weeks before the tournament begins. The Black Stars announced the departure of the former Borussia Dortmund assistant following a narrow 2-1 friendly defeat to Germany in Stuttgart.
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