France news

Erling Haaland has given a candid response to Norway’s daunting World Cup draw, admitting on social media that he faces a brutal challenge in what supporters are already calling the tournament’s 'group of death'. Next summer’s World Cup will be the largest ever staged, expanding to 48 teams across 12 groups as FIFA introduces a round of 32 for the first time. Yet even within a broadened field, one Group I stands out for its sheer competitiveness.

The draw for the 2026 World Cup is finally over! After what seemed like an eternity, the real business finally got underway in Friday's ceremony in Washington DC, with Rio Ferdinand leading the way and sporting icons such as Tom Brady, Shaquille O'Neal and Wayne Gretzky teaming up to throw up some intriguing groups for next summer's tournament in North America.

Join GOAL for live updates from the World Cup 2026 group stage draw, as the biggest names in U.S. and global sport converge upon Washington D.C.

The World Cup 2026 draw has been made, with England set to face Croatia in the group stages, and the USMNT to take on Australia. Brazil have been drawn with Morocco, while France will play Senegal and Argentina must face Austria.

Arsene Wenger revealed his World Cup favourites and shared his verdict on England's chances of breaking their major tournament curse in 2026. In Wenger’s eyes, England stand on the cusp of something special, but does not deem them as outright favourites. For all the painful near misses of recent years, he believes a breakthrough is within touching distance.

England stars will, if they are being honest, want to avoid Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for as long as possible at the 2026 World Cup, says Nigel Winterburn. The ex-Three Lions defender has, in an exclusive interview with GOAL, been discussing the chances of bringing 60 years of pain to a close ahead of the group-stage draw taking place on December 5.

Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez has claimed he did not set out to hurt anyone by singing a controversial song aiming at the France team during Argentina's Copa America celebrations in 2024. The midfielder issued a public apology after footage emerged of several Argentina players singing a song that questioned the heritage of France's black and mixed race players.

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s long-term future at Crystal Palace remains unclear with negotiations over a new contract believed to have stalled. The France international has become one of the best strikers in the Premier League under the stewardship of manager Oliver Glasner, whose own future remains uncertain as his current terms expire at the end of the season.

Patrice Evra has revealed the astonishing extent of his painkiller dependency during his playing days, admitting he took up to 38 pills every single day at the peak of his career. The Manchester United legend opened up about years of masking pain, rarely feeling fully fit, and now wants to warn the next generation after investing in an all-natural alternative.

Dietmar Hamann says Germany's 6–0 rout of Slovakia on Monday – which secured their place at next year’s World Cup – should not mask the team’s shortcomings. The former Germany, Bayern Munich and Liverpool midfielder argued that Julian Nagelsmann’s side still fall short of their strongest European rivals and therefore should not be considered among the favourites for next year's tournament.

Born just outside Marseille to Algerian parents, it was always going to be hard for a footballer as silky as Samir Nasri to avoid comparisons with the great Zinedine Zidane. When he was snapped up by Arsenal in the peak of the 'Wenger-ball' years, it made complete sense. Here was this uber-talented attacking midfielder who could glide past opponents for fun, why wouldn't he be the Gunners' next marquee player?

Manchester City star Rayan Cherki has been warned by a former France manager that he has "no chance" of playing at the 2026 World Cup in North America. After a memorable campaign with Lyon last season, Cherki broke into the France national team and he is now being picked regularly by Didier Deschamps, having made a positive first impression at City after his summer transfer from the Groupama Stadium.

Breaking into Didier Deschamps' France squad is one of the toughest tasks in international football, but Tottenham’s Wilson Odobert is rapidly forcing his way into the conversation. After battling through injuries, thriving under Thomas Frank, and emerging as a decisive presence for Spurs and France’s U21s, the 20-year-old winger is now reportedly on Deschamps' radar and the timing may finally be on his side.