Friendlies news

England World Cup 2026 Camp Thomas Tuchel

Why Tuchel is 'worried' after seeing journalist's photo

England manager Thomas Tuchel has admitted to feeling worried and concerned after viewing a journalist's photograph of the playing surface ahead of his side's World Cup warm-up against New Zealand. However, the German tactician insisted that the newly relaid pitch at the Raymond James Stadium will not alter his pre-determined selection plans.

Brazil v Panama - International Friendly

Neymar back in Brazil training 'next week' in massive World Cup boost

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti remains optimistic that injured talisman Neymar will recover from a calf injury in time to feature at the 2026 World Cup. The Italian tactician confirmed that the 34-year-old forward is making excellent progress individually and will undergo a decisive medical scan on Monday before potentially rejoining full squad training next week.

USMNT World Cup notebook: Can McKennie continue Juventus form?

GOAL takes a look at the big storylines and takeaways from the team's pre-Germany preparation in the latest installment of the USMNT notebook.

Will Tillman make his case to start? Five keys for USMNT vs. Germany

Fresh off a win over Senegal, the USMNT face their toughest pre-World Cup test yet against Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz and Germany. GOAL breaks down five key storylines.

Fidalgo, Gutierrez lead as Mexico put five past Serbia in tune-up

Mexico recovered from an early scare in Toluca to overwhelm Serbia, with Alvaro Fidalgo and Brian Gutierrez among the standouts as El Tri wrapped up their World Cup preparations in style.

Aguirre’s last look: Five keys as Mexico host Serbia before WC

With Mexico’s World Cup opener against South Africa looming, El Tri’s friendly vs Serbia gives Javier Aguirre one last chance to settle his XI, sharpen the attack and answer key questions around Alvaro Fidalgo, Alexis Vega, Roberto Alvarado, and Guillermo Ochoa.

Cherki delivers but France fall short in Ivory Coast loss

Rayan Cherki scored a memorable goal, but a much-changed France side couldn't hold onto the lead as they dropped their first World Cup warmup game to the Ivory Coast, 2-1. Manager Didier Deschamps made plenty of changes, yet still named a strong side. Despite some bright moments, Les Bleus weren't able to piece together a complete performance - and were made to pay.

Neymar misses Brazil friendly as injury treatment intensifies

Brazil will have to face the friendly against Egypt - their final World Cup warm-up – without their talismanic figurehead, as Neymar has been officially ruled out of the upcoming trip to Cleveland. The Santos star is set to remain at the national team's training base to undergo intensive physiotherapy in a desperate race against time.

Netherlands slammed for being 'too nice' in shock Algeria defeat

Netherlands suffered a disappointing defeat to Algeria in their World Cup warm-up, prompting a furious response from Ronald Koeman. The Oranje boss criticised his side's lack of aggression and discipline, while Donyell Malen came under scrutiny after missing several clear chances before the visitors struck a late winner.

England player not named in World Cup squad set for debut

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.

Chris Wood makes history as New Zealand ripped apart by Haiti

Nottingham Forest star Chris Wood endured a bittersweet evening in Fort Lauderdale as he officially became the most-capped player in New Zealand men's football history. However, the veteran striker's record-breaking night against Haiti was completely overshadowed by a shambolic performance from the All Whites.

Lukaku scores his 90th Belgium goal in win over Croatia

Romelu Lukaku reached yet another historic milestone as Belgium secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Croatia in their preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The Napoli striker came off the bench to silence any doubts over his match fitness, netting a landmark 90th goal for his country to seal the result in Rijeka.

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USMNT notebook: Richards update, Aaronson's wedding and more

GOAL takes a look at the big storylines and takeaways from camp in the latest installment of the USMNT notebook.

USMNT Rondo: Did Pulisic show he's World Cup ready?

A big 3-2 win over Senegal showed that the USMNT might just be ready for bigger games - and are prepared for the World Cup.

'About seeing the reality' - Pepi, Pulisic's brilliance lift USMNT

GOAL breaks down who stood out and who has work to do after the U.S. win

Injuries mount, attacking questions: Five keys for Canada friendlies

Canada face Uzbekistan and Republic of Ireland in their final pre-World Cup friendlies, with Jesse Marsch managing injury concerns after Marcelo Flores’ heartbreaking setback and searching for goals from Jonathan David and Cyle Larin.

Pulisic is back as American dominates Senegal in WC tune up

Christian Pulisic looked back to his best, Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun impressed, and the USMNT offered real reason for World Cup optimism against Senegal.

McTominay 'devastated' to see injury dash Gilmour's WC dream

Scotland's World Cup preparations have been rocked by a "cruel" injury to midfield anchor Billy Gilmour, leaving his team-mates and coaching staff in a state of shock. The Napoli star was forced off during the 4-1 friendly victory over Curacao, with Scott McTominay leading the tributes to a player who has become central to the Tartan Army's ambitions.

Ancelotti: Brazil lack stars like Pele and Ronaldo

Carlo Ancelotti has delivered a blunt assessment of his current Brazil squad, suggesting the Selecao no longer boast the individual icons of years gone by. The Italian tactician claims that the five-time world champions must now lean on a collective effort rather than expecting a single superstar to carry the nation to glory.

USMNT notebook: Here's why Pochettino chose Ream as captain

GOAL takes a look at the big storylines and takeaways from the team's pre-Senegal preparation in the latest installment of the USMNT notebook.

Can Pulisic get back to form? Five keys for USMNT vs. Senegal

The USMNT's World Cup squad takes the field together for the first time as players battle for roles and momentum ahead of a friendly against Senegal.

Italy warned off of hiring Guardiola and Fabregas as interim slams 'scammers'

Interim Italy manager Silvio Baldini has launched a fiery critique against the administration of the national game while warning the federation against pursuing unrealistic managerial targets. The veteran coach expressed deep frustration over systemic issues ahead of the national team's upcoming friendly fixtures, calling for local leadership to rebuild the setup.

Gilberto Mora shines as Mexico tops Ghana in World Cup tune-up

Luis Romo and rising star Gilberto Mora impressed as Mexico beat Ghana 2-0 in Puebla ahead of the World Cup.

Mexico vs Ghana five keys: Can ex-USMNTer Gutierrez shine?

Brian Gutierrez’s growing role, Raul Rangel’s No. 1 case, and Edson Alvarez’s fitness are among the key storylines as Mexico face Ghana in Puebla on Friday. GOAL looks at five keys to watch in El Tri’s first pre-World Cup friendly.

Athletic Club v Valencia CF - LaLiga EA Sports

Nico Williams avoids serious injury before World Cup

Nico Williams has received incredibly positive news regarding the hamstring injury sustained during Athletic Club's recent clash with Valencia. While initial fears suggested the winger could miss the upcoming World Cup, medical tests have confirmed he should be fit in time for the tournament in North America.