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 after descending on the United States, Mexico and Canada for the biggest international football tournament to ever have been staged.
The 2026 World Cup is set to be a historic tournament, unlike any that have come before it. Expanded to 48 teams for the first time and spread across three countries - the United States, Canada and Mexico - it promises to be the biggest spectacle in the competition’s near-100-year history.
Thomas Tuchel has downplayed a moment of apparent friction between Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon during England's final World Cup warm-up match. The Real Madrid superstar appeared ready to take a second-half penalty before being told to hand the ball over to the Barcelona's new winger.
England have been waiting 60 years for football to “come home”, so could that finally happen in 2026? Michael Owen has told GOAL that a trophy will be secured at some point, with Thomas Tuchel considered to have taken inspiration from Sir Gareth Southgate as he endeavours to guide the Three Lions one stage further than his predecessor managed.
It's so close we can almost taste it. The 2026 World Cup is now just hours away, with the best players on the planet having descended on the United States, Canada and Mexico for what promises to be a superb summer of football. While some teams will solely harbour dreams of getting out of the groups, others know that anything other than a trophy parade in late-July will go down as failure. We're set, then, for five-and-a-half weeks of drama, filled with joy and heartbreak in equal measure.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has declared his squad fully prepared for the upcoming World Cup following a comprehensive 3-0 warm-up victory over Costa Rica in Orlando. The German tactician praised the immense cohesion and team spirit within the camp as the Three Lions look to end their 60-year wait for global silverware.
England completed their World Cup preparations with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Costa Rica in their rain-delayed final warm-up friendly on Wednesday. It was a bruising encounter against a physical opponent, but Thomas Tuchel's men kept their cool to dominate in the sweltering Orlando heat courtesy of goals from Declan Rice, Anthony Gordon and Ollie Watkins.
Thomas Tuchel has urged his England players to remain focused after their final World Cup warm-up match against Costa Rica was hit by severe weather disruption in Florida. The Three Lions saw their preparations thrown into chaos when a massive storm in Orlando forced a delay to their final outing before the tournament begins.
England's preparations for the World Cup have hit a literal stumbling block after their final warm-up fixture against Costa Rica was delayed due to severe weather conditions. A massive tropical storm has battered Orlando, Florida, leaving the pitch flooded and sparking serious safety concerns just hours before the scheduled kick-off.
Former England defender Jamie Carragher expects Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham to be benched in favour of Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers at the upcoming World Cup. The pundit warned manager Thomas Tuchel that omitting such a high-profile figure could easily trigger a massive media storm and completely dominate the airwaves throughout the national team's tournament this summer.
Aston Villa sensation Morgan Rogers has addressed the growing speculation linking him with a blockbuster move to Arsenal. The 23-year-old, currently preparing for the 2026 World Cup in Florida, insisted that while the "noise" is impossible to ignore, his focus remains firmly on chasing global glory with England and proving he can thrive alongside Jude Bellingham.
Micah Richards has hit back at suggestions that Jude Bellingham’s place in the England starting XI should be under threat, labelling the Real Madrid midfielder a "genuine superstar." Despite Thomas Tuchel warning that no one is guaranteed a spot, the former Three Lions defender insists the 22-year-old remains the nation’s best player heading into the 2026 World Cup.
It's so close we can almost taste it. The 2026 World Cup is now just a day away, with the best players on the planet descending on the United States, Mexico and Canada for what promises to be a superb summer of football. While some teams will solely harbour dreams of getting out of the groups, others know that anything other than a trophy parade in late-July will go down as failure. We're set, then, for five-and-a-half weeks of drama, filled with joy and heartbreak in equal measure.
John Terry has delivered a scathing assessment of Thomas Tuchel's England squad, claiming that nearly half of the 26-man group is not up to the standard required to win the World Cup. The former Three Lions captain believes the German manager has made critical errors by leaving several experienced stars at home ahead of the tournament in North America.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel has provided a crucial fitness update on Bukayo Saka ahead of the final World Cup warm-up clash against Costa Rica. The winger missed the recent victory over New Zealand following a gruelling, title-winning campaign with Arsenal, prompting the national team staff to carefully manage his minutes to ensure he is fully prepared.
England captain Harry Kane believes the upcoming World Cup presents the greatest chance of his career to secure international glory. Heading into his third global tournament in peak physical condition and boasting incredible goalscoring numbers, the prolific striker is determined to capture the ultimate prize and firmly cement his status as the nation's greatest ever player.
Declan Rice is reportedly harbouring doubts regarding Kobbie Mainoo's productivity off the ball, as the Manchester United midfielder aims to secure a starting spot alongside the Arsenal star in England's World Cup squad. Meanwhile, United boss Michael Carrick is plotting a midfield overhaul to unlock the youngster's full attacking potential next season.
Harry Kane has addressed concerns regarding England's perceived overreliance on his goalscoring exploits as the Three Lions prepare for the 2026 World Cup. The captain enters the tournament in the form of his life, having smashed records during a prolific title-winning season in Germany with Bayern Munich.
Manchester United legend Roy Keane has hilariously threatened to leave the country permanently if England win the World Cup this summer. The outspoken Irishman admitted his anxiety spikes whenever the Three Lions progress deep into major tournaments, revealing he would choose emigration over witnessing the ultimate English footballing celebration.
It's so close we can almost taste it. The 2026 World Cup is now just a two days away, with the best players from around the globe descending on the United States, Mexico and Canada for what promises to be a superb summer of football. While some teams will solely harbour dreams of getting out of the groups, others know that anything other than a trophy parade in late-July will go down as failure. We're set, then, for five-and-a-half weeks of drama, filled with joy and heartbreak in equal measure.
Thomas Tuchel has no shortage of world-class talent to choose from within England's squad for the 2026 World Cup. But while the presence of players such as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice mean that the Tuchel's team are among the favourites, it's worth imagining a world where every England-eligible player at the tournament opted to represent the Three Lions.
Kobbie Mainoo continues to establish himself as one of the most technically gifted players in the England setup, even leaving his teammates in awe during training. The Manchester United midfielder has been singled out for his incredible close control as Thomas Tuchel’s side prepares for World Cup action in the United States.
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