The 2026 World Cup is almost upon us. In just over a week, the time for talking will stop, and teams will have to prove their credentials with their performances on the pitch in North America. All roads, whether through the United States, Mexico or Canada, will lead to New Jersey on July 19, and the biggest football match on the planet: the World Cup final.
Scott McTominay is heading into the 2026 World Cup on the back of the most transformative year of his career, fueled by a Scudetto win and a new life in Naples. The Scotland international has been recharging his batteries alongside partner Cam Reading before joining up with his national team-mates for the global showpiece.
Scott McTominay has revealed he is showing no mercy to Napoli team-mate Rasmus Hojlund following Scotland’s dramatic path to the 2026 World Cup. The midfielder, who has become a cult hero in Italy, admitted he and Billy Gilmour have been relentlessly reminding the Danish striker of the spectacular overhead kick that helped seal Scotland's qualification at Denmark's expense.
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.
Scotland's World Cup preparations have been dealt a massive blow with the news that Billy Gilmour has been ruled out of the tournament. The Napoli midfielder suffered a serious knee injury during the national team's final send-off victory over Curacao on Saturday.
Miami has experienced Lionel Messi mania since the Argentine GOAT made his way to MLS, with the Sunshine State now preparing for a Scottish invasion during the 2026 World Cup. Robert Snodgrass expects that party to be just as special, if not even more raucous, with the Tartan Army hoping to see history made on North American soil this summer.
FIFA has confirmed the key dates and squad regulations for the 2026 World Cup. Nations must submit their final player lists by June 1, with strict rules in place regarding injuries, replacements and goalkeeper selections.
Steve Clarke has officially committed his future to Scotland by signing a long-term contract extension that will see him lead the national team through to the 2030 World Cup. The news comes as a massive boost to the Tartan Army just as the squad prepares to embark on their first World Cup adventure in nearly three decades this summer in the United States.
Scott McTominay's legendary status in Scottish football has reached a new level after his iconic overhead kick against Denmark was chosen to feature on a new limited edition £20 banknote. The Bank of Scotland revealed the unique design to celebrate the national team's successful qualification for the World Cup, marking their first appearance at the tournament in 28 years.
Wrexham captain Dominic Hyam has explained how the club ensures that documentary cameras do not become a distraction during a Premier League promotion push, with “celebrities” being asked to “get out the dressing room”. Famous faces pass through the Racecourse Ground on a regular basis, with Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac at the helm, but Phil Parkinson’s squad have learned how to block out the “noise”.
UEFA is set to freeze ticket prices broadly for Euro 2028, ensuring football remains accessible across the UK and Ireland. This commitment is in direct contrast to FIFA’s widely criticised pricing strategy for the 2026 World Cup in North America. By prioritising affordability and larger allocations for national associations, European football's governing body aims to protect fans from the hyper-inflation currently seen in global sports.
Manchester United continue to face questions over why they allowed Scott McTominay to move on, with ex-Scotland international Andy Gray telling GOAL why a 2024 transfer left him “flabbergasted”. The Red Devils agreed to part with a home-grown star when sanctioning a £26 million ($35m) move to Napoli - with that decision coming back to haunt them as McTominay has starred in Italy.
Manchester United’s decision to sell Scott McTominay in 2024 remains a “big surprise”, with the all-action midfielder thriving in Italy with Napoli. The history books have been rewritten there, with former Scotland international Gary McAllister telling GOAL why a break from tradition by the Red Devils has generated some uncomfortable questions at Old Trafford.
Football charity Street Soccer is proving that the game can still be beautiful, channelling the sport to tackle homelessness head on. They have released their first-ever collaborative jersey, connecting football with art and social impact to raise funds for an important cause.
World Cup chiefs have been given a four-week deadline to resolve a stadium funding row which could see both England and Scotland have matches moved if the matter is not resolved. The stadium in question is the Gillette Stadium just outside Boston, with local Foxborough authorities setting the deadline to receive a £6million ($8m) payment to cover manpower and infrastructure costs at the 66,000-capacity stadium.
Football fans across the United Kingdom have received a major boost ahead of the 2026 World Cup after the government confirmed a significant relaxation of licensing laws. Pubs in England and Wales will be permitted to extend their operating hours for knockout matches. This legislative victory ensures supporters can stay at their locals into the early hours as the tournament unfolds across North America.
England and Scotland games at the 2026 World Cup are under threat, with Gillette Stadium in Foxborough yet to be granted the license required to stage FIFA fixtures. The iconic venue on the outskirts of Boston, which is home to the New England Patriots franchise in NFL circles, is due to host seven matches at this summer’s global showpiece.
England have been handed a brutal draw on their return to the top table of Nations League football. The Three Lions will take on Spain, Croatia, and Czechia in what could be seen as a Group of Death for Thomas Tuchel's men, who will first attempt to win the World Cup this summer.
Scotland
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