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World Cup injured players GFX

Biggest stars to have been ruled out of the World Cup

The 2026 World Cup is almost here. After years of build-up, dramatic qualifiers and numerous good - and bad - news stories surrounding FIFA's flagship finals, players and coaches from around the world are completing their last preparations before descending on the United States, Mexico and Canada in June for the biggest international football tournament to ever have been staged.

Christian Pulisic Lionel Messi USMNT Inter Miami 2026

World Cup round USMNT ‘need’ to help Pulisic & Messi grow game

The USMNT have been informed of the round they “need” to reach at the 2026 World Cup in order to help Christian Pulisic, Lionel Messi and MLS grow the game across America. Joe Cole spent time in the States towards the end of his playing career and the former England international has told GOAL why soccer is more appealing than American football to an ever-growing number of youngsters.

Mauricio Pochettino Tottenham

Pochettino confirms desire to return to Tottenham

Mauricio Pochettino has admitted that he would like to return to Tottenham in the future. The current United States men's national team head coach remains one of the most beloved figures in Spurs' recent history after a transformative five-year spell at the club between 2014 and 2019.

US soccer fans

Report: USMNT World Cup opener vs Paraguay ticket sales lagging

Ticket sales for the USMNT’s 2026 World Cup opener against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium are trailing several other matches at the same venue, according to a document distributed to organizers. FIFA disputes the figures, but high ticket prices and resale listings have raised questions about demand for the United States men’s national team’s first match.

Legacy Spain 3 GFX (withouw WCHQ)

LEGACY: How Beckham legitimised MLS & U.S. soccer

This is Legacy, GOAL’s feature and podcast series that counts down until 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 dive into the moment MLS stopped thinking small - because one global icon decided to go first...

Seattle Sounders FC v New England Revolution

USMNT superstars of the future: Twellman names two ‘special’ prospects

Former United States international Taylor Twellman has praised two exceptional teenage prospects currently making waves in Major League Soccer. However, the prominent analyst refused to burden these rising American stars with premature comparisons to legendary footballing figures like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, while also outlining the established core needed for a successful 2026 World Cup campaign on home soil.

Christian Pulisic Milan 2026

Are USMNT ‘alarm bells ringing’ for Pulisic ahead of World Cup?

As the United States prepares to host the 2026 World Cup, the spotlight is firmly fixed on Christian Pulisic. Former USMNT international turned analyst Taylor Twellman has raised concerns over Pulisic’s form as the tournament approaches on home soil. While the AC Milan forward remains the talisman for his country, a dip in production has sparked debate over whether the USMNT can rely on their superstar when it matters most.

Frequently asked questions

One of the oldest football clubs in the world, Middlesbrough were formed in 1876 by members of the Middlesbrough Cricket Club at the Albert Park Hotel.

British entrepreneur Steve Gibson is the owner as well as chairman of Middlesbrough, acquiring the reins in 1994.

Middlesbrough play their games at the Riverside Stadium, which replaced Ayresome Park in 1995 as the club's main home venue.

Riverside Stadium's capacity stands at 34,742 and has been the home of Middlesbrough since 1995. From 1879 to 1903, the club played their games at Linthorpe Road, before moving to Ayresome Park in 1903. Middlesbrough played at this venue for 92 years till 1995.

Middlesbrough have won just one honour throughout their history, the League Cup title in the 2003-04 season.

Middlesbrough have not won a single English top flight title yet.

Former English goalkeeper Tim Williamson holds the record of making the most appearances for Middlesbrough, playing 602 games between 1902 and 1923.

George Camsell, a ruthless striker for Middlesbrough between 1925 and 1939, scored a club-record 325 goals in 419 games, which also includes 59 goals in 37 league games in the 1926-27 season.

Brian Clough, Gareth Southgate, Adama Traore, Marcus Tavernier, Alvaro Negredo, Victor Valdes, and Shay Given are some of Middlesbrough's most famous players ever.

Terry Venables, Michael Carrick, and Gareth Southgate are some of the most famous managers to have managed Middlesbrough.

Boro, the shortened version of the club name, is Middlesbrough's nickname. They have also been called The Teessiders and The Smoggies.