Merelinense Overview

adidas drops retro-inspired World Cup 2026 goalkeeper kits

Nostalgia is taking over the penalty box.

WC26 Power Rankings: Spain stay No.1 as Brazil & U.S. climb

There really is nothing like the World Cup. Even just qualifying generates a level of nationwide excitement that the club game simply cannot match, which is why we witnessed truly joyous scenes all across the globe as one country after another secured a spot at this summer's festival of football in North America. The final six participants were confirmed in March, with Sweden, Turkiye, Czechia and Bosnia & Herzegovina taking the four remaining slots in Europe, while Iraq and DR Congo came out of the inter-confederation play-offs.

Netherlands dealt huge World Cup blow as Timber ruled out with injury

Netherlands' World Cup preparations have been rocked by the news that Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has been forced to withdraw from the squad. Despite travelling to the United States with Ronald Koeman's side, the versatile defender has failed to overcome a persistent injury in time for the tournament opener.

GOAL writers predict the World Cup dark horses

It's so close we can almost taste it. The 2026 World Cup is now just 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.

Netherlands vs Japan FIFA World Cup 2026 Preview

GOAL brings you everything you need to know about Netherlands vs Japan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Explained: Why ALL squad players must join World Cup pre-match anthems

FIFA has announced a significant protocol modification that will see every squad member take part in the pre-match national anthems at the upcoming World Cup. Moving away from traditional sporting custom, football's global governing body has mandated that both starting line-ups and substitutes congregate together on the pitch ahead of kick-off.