World Cup news

'Most talented player' - Antony hails 'extraordinary' Neymar

Antony has expressed his immense admiration for Neymar, describing the Santos forward as the most gifted individual he has ever witnessed on a football pitch. Now enjoying a career resurgence with Real Betis, the former Manchester United winger is hopeful that both he and his "extraordinary" compatriot can secure their places in Brazil's squad for the upcoming World Cup.

Deschamps warned Mbappe shouldn't be France leader

Kylian Mbappe has been told he lacks the technical brilliance of Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele as questions arise over his suitability as France’s primary leader. Despite his prolific goalscoring record for Les Bleus, former international Jerome Rothen believes the Real Madrid star should no longer be considered the technical focal point of Didier Deschamps' side.

Tim Ream #13 of the United States runs with the ball during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Why are the United States soccer teams called USMNT & USWNT?

Does it have anything to do with the TMNT? Here's how the US soccer teams' abbreviations may have come along

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.

De la Fuente suggests Yamal could play impact sub role for Spain at World Cup

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has hinted that Lamine Yamal could be utilised as a high-impact substitute during the 2026 World Cup. The Barcelona sensation is currently sidelined for the remainder of the domestic season with a hamstring injury, forcing the national team to reconsider his workload for this summer's tournament in North America.

San Lorenzo v Santos - Copa CONMEBOL Sudamericana 2026

Ex-Brazil star claims Neymar would be 'headless chicken' in PSG-Bayern thriller

Neymar has been told he no longer possesses the intensity required to compete at the highest level of world football following his latest display for Santos. Former Brazil international Walter Casagrande has suggested that Neymar "doesn't deserve" a World Cup spot while claiming the forward would be an anonymous figure in a game at the level of Paris Saint-Germain's 5-4 Champions League win over Bayern Munich.

Ronaldo makes 'getting closer to the end of my career' admission

Cristiano Ronaldo has candidly admitted that the final whistle on his legendary career is approaching fast. The Portuguese icon, now 41, remains the driving force behind Al-Nassr’s pursuit of silverware, but has acknowledged that his time at the top is naturally reaching its conclusion.

Canada v Ukraine - International Friendly

How to get tickets to World Cup 2026 matches in Canada

You could be seeing some of the world’s best soccer stars in live action on Canadian soil

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.

Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid Champions League 2025-26

Will UCL & Ballon d’Or luck change for ‘black cat’ Mbappe?

Kylian Mbappe has been unable to get his hands on Champions League and Ballon d’Or prizes, but former France international Louis Saha has used Cristiano Ronaldo as an example of why fortunes can change quickly for a “black cat”. Luck has not been on Mbappe’s side, despite being a World Cup-winning superstar, but the most prestigious of honours are expected to come his way eventually.

Harry Kane Wayne Rooney Alan Shearer England

‘England’s greatest No.9’ - Kane has eclipsed Rooney & Shearer

Harry Kane is considered to have become “England’s greatest No.9”, with Joe Cole explaining to GOAL why the prolific Bayern Munich striker has eclipsed the efforts of Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer. As the Three Lions’ all-time leading goalscorer, and ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Kane is currently in the process of chasing down Champions League and Ballon d’Or honours.

USMNT World Cup roster tiers: Richards in, Reyna faces uphill battle

GOAL breaks down the state of the USMNT player pool just a few weeks before Mauricio Pochettino selects his 26-man squad

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How to find value in dead rubber games for teams in the Big 5 leagues

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Zidane's son Luca suffers fractured jaw as Algeria sweat on World Cup fitness

Algeria have been hit with a significant injury scare ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with goalkeeper Luca Zidane emerging as a major doubt for the tournament. The Granada shot-stopper, son of France legend Zinedine Zidane, suffered a serious facial injury during a Spanish second-division clash against Almeria on Sunday.

FIFA World Cup 2026 - OFC Qualifier Semi Finals: New Zealand v Fiji

How to buy New Zealand World Cup 2026 tickets

The Kiwis are back and here’s how you can book to see them in World Cup action

How to buy Ghana World Cup 2026 tickets

All you need to know about booking tickets to see the Black Stars in action

Japan v Paraguay - International Friendly

How to buy Paraguay World Cup 2026 tickets

You could be in the States this summer to see if Paraguay can pack a punch on the global scene

How to buy Australia World Cup 2026 tickets

The green and golds are back at the biggest tournament on the planet and you could join them there

How to buy Uruguay World Cup 2026 tickets

Here’s how you can secure seats to see one of the South American giants in action

Klopp insists Wirtz has 'shown how good he can be in difficult season'

Jurgen Klopp has thrown his support behind Germany's Florian Wirtz to become one of the defining figures of the upcoming World Cup in North America. The former Liverpool boss believes his compatriot has already proven his mettle during a challenging debut campaign at Anfield and possesses all the attributes to dominate on the global stage.

Santos boss says Neymar 'getting stronger' despite Copa Sudamericana struggles

Santos manager Cuca has jumped to the defence of Neymar following a quiet performance in the Copa Sudamericana, insisting the superstar is finding his rhythm in a bid to make Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad. Despite the frustration of a draw in Argentina, the Peixe boss believes his talisman is sharpening his tools just in time for the international stage.

IFAB: Players who cover mouths to hide abuse face red cards

Players who cover their mouths in confrontations with opponents will be shown red cards starting at the World Cup, the International Football Association Board confirmed Tuesday. The decision comes in the wake of a high-profile incident between Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr and Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni, after the latter was handed a six-game ban for anti-gay conduct directed towards the Brazilian.

Frequently asked questions

: Bayern Munich are the most successful team in the history of the DFB-Pokal. The Bavarians have triumphed in the competition in 20 times.
: A total of 64 teams feature in the annual DFB-Pokal competition. The tournament is spread across six rounds to determine the winners. Bayer Leverkusen are the current holders of the title.
: Defensive midfielder Miroslav Votava holds the record for most appearances in DFB-Pokal history with 79 appearances.
: Bayern Munich legend Gerd Muller holds the record for most goals in the DFB-Pokal with an astonishing record of 78 goals in just 62 appearances.
: Marco Reus, Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, Mats Hummels, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Kevin De Bruyne, Thomas Muller, Gerd Muller, Manuel Neuer, Franz Beckenbauer, and Oliver Kahn are among the most famous players in DFB-Pokal history.
: Jupp Heynckes, Pep Guardiola, Julian Nagelsmann, Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti, Peter Bosz, Louis van Gaal and Hansi Flick are some of the prominent managers to have featured in the DFB-Pokal.

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