World Cup news

Legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly was never short of a good quote, but one of his best offered an insight as to how exactly a football team should be run: "A football team is like a piano - you need eight men to carry it and three who can play the damn thing." It’s a punchy line, and in modern-day international football, it rings painfully true.

Erling Haaland has openly embraced his reputation as the footballing equivalent of The Terminator. A few years ago, he even wished all of his followers on social media a 'Happy Haalandween' by sharing an image of himself portrayed as half-man and half-goal-scoring machine. However, to think of Haaland solely as a stone-cold killer in front of goal does a disservice to an emotional and colourful character who has never wanted anything but the best for his native Norway.

How to watch the World Cup match between Mexico and South Africa, as well as kick-off time and team news

El Manawy will head to his fourth World Cup this summer, and after taking on an ambitious journey in 2022, his goals for next month are loftier.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has expressed his complete surprise at the club's abrupt decision to sack manager Arne Slot following a highly disappointing campaign. The veteran defender revealed that the hierarchy did not consult him before parting ways with the Dutch tactician, learning about the sudden dismissal only after the news had leaked to the media on Saturday.

Alphonso Davies has opened up on the psychological toll of his recent injury setbacks as he faces a race against time to be fit for the start of the World Cup. The Bayern Munich star is currently managing a hamstring issue that has cast doubt over his involvement in Canada’s historic opening fixture.

France head coach Didier Deschamps has provided a major boost regarding the fitness of Arsenal defender William Saliba ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Despite suffering a back issue following a gruelling Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, the centre-back has avoided serious injury, though he faces a mental challenge to recover from the heart-breaking loss.

GOAL spoke with the Chicago Fire boss about his plans for this summer, his connection with the team and his memories of 2022

Changing the game this summer, brick by brick.

Former England striker Alan Shearer has urged manager Thomas Tuchel to make a bold decision by starting Morgan Rogers over Jude Bellingham in the coveted number 10 role. Backed by stunning club statistics and a European trophy, the Aston Villa star's exceptional form and superior match fitness could give him the definitive edge heading into the World Cup.

Ollie Watkins has revealed that being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad earlier this year was the catalyst for the best form of his career. The Aston Villa striker saw his World Cup dreams hang in the balance after missing the March camp, but he believes the setback provided the necessary fire to prove his worth on the big stage.

Recently retired England stalwart Kyle Walker has cast doubt on Thomas Tuchel’s maiden tournament squad by naming three players he believes were unfairly omitted. The 36-year-old, who earned 96 caps for the Three Lions, suggested that the German manager has taken a massive gamble on the fitness and form of his defensive line.

Harry Kane will “half want to come back” to the Premier League once his adventure at Bayern Munich is over, Peter Reid has told GOAL. An England icon of the past would like to see one of the present make his way to Everton, but appreciates that may be slightly ambitious and has explained what makes the Three Lions’ all-time leading goalscorer special.

Bayern Munich's rising star Lennart Karl has revealed the unique way he keeps his footballing idol close to him during every match. The Germany international, who is rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about talents in the Bundesliga, has admitted to carrying a secret tribute to Lionel Messi onto the pitch.

Brad Friedel has - during an exclusive interview with GOAL - sought to play down expectations around “poster boy” Christian Pulisic, but considers four other players to sit alongside ‘Captain America’ in the USMNT’s “undroppable” pool. The United States are considered to be working with a ‘Golden Generation’ of talent as a home World Cup is taken in.

France are preparing to head across the Atlantic in search of World Cup glory, but the squad has already managed to go viral before touching down in the United States. During a formal photo session with President Emmanuel Macron, Manchester City star Rayan Cherki stole the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

Thomas Tuchel is preparing to hand Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott his international debut during England's final World Cup preparations. Despite not being named in the final 26-man tournament squad, the 22-year-old has been thrust into the spotlight for the upcoming friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica.