World Cup news

The World Cup was actually becoming somewhat enjoyable. After the almost complete removal of jeopardy from the group stage caused by the tournament's farcical format, the overdue start of knockout football has unsurprisingly provided us with some genuine excitement - so much so, in fact, that you've probably already forgotten how disgracefully Iran were treated by the United States. Or that referee Omar Artan - along with millions of other Africans - wasn't even allowed to attend.

Declan Rice has dismissed concerns over the thinning air of Mexico City after England survived a chaotic night at the Azteca Stadium to secure their place in the World Cup quarter-finals. Despite a hostile atmosphere, the Three Lions emerged -3-2 victors to set up a mouth-watering clash against Norway.

The battle to host the 2030 World Cup final is heating up as Spain officially throws its weight behind the Santiago Bernabeu and the newly renovated Camp Nou. While Morocco remains a serious contender with its ambitious infrastructure projects, Spanish football officials are adamant that the tournament's climax belongs on Iberian soil.

Barcelona star Pedri has hailed the "crazy" form of Lionel Messi at the 2026 World Cup while admitting he dreams of a blockbuster final showdown against the Argentine icon. The Spain international is currently preparing for a titanic round of 16 clash against Portugal, but his eyes are already drifting toward a potential reunion with the man he considers the greatest of all time.

Comprehensive match preview of Argentina vs Egypt at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more ahead of this round of 16 clash in Atlanta.

Alphonso Davies has opened up on the physical and emotional toll of Canada’s World Cup exit, describing the tournament as one of the most difficult periods of his professional life. Despite high expectations for the co-hosts, the Bayern Munich star was largely reduced to a spectator role as injury curtailed his involvement on the global stage.

UEFA has launched a scathing attack on FIFA following the governing body's shock decision to allow USMNT striker Folarin Balogun to escape an automatic suspension. The European governing body claimed the move "crossed a red line" and warned that the integrity of the World Cup is now at stake after the Monaco forward was cleared to face Belgium.

Brazil superstar Vinicius Junior has broken his silence following the Selecao's shock World Cup exit at the hands of Norway, addressing the controversy surrounding a missed penalty. With the match poised at 0-0, the Real Madrid forward opted not to take a crucial spot-kick, a decision that has sparked intense debate after team-mate Bruno Guimaraes failed to convert.

Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a defiant message to his critics while confirming that the 2026 World Cup will indeed be his final appearance on football's grandest stage. Speaking ahead of Portugal's high-stakes knockout clash with Spain, the 41-year-old insisted that he remains the master of his own destiny.

Manchester United have moved swiftly to silence mounting speculation that their pursuit of Atalanta star Ederson was on the verge of collapse. Despite reports in South America suggesting the deal had hit a stumbling block, the Red Devils reportedly remain confident that the Brazilian midfielder will be the first major signing of the Michael Carrick era.

GOAL’s complete Brazil FIFA World Cup 2026 viewing guide, including how to watch for free and without cable!

We're set for an Iberian derby thriller in the World Cup Round of 16. Here's how you can secure your tickets.

USA and Belgium have made it to the Round of 16. Here's how you can secure your World Cup tickets.

The meteoric rise of young stars like Lamine Yamal has reignited the debate about who could inherit the throne left by the two greatest legends of modern football. However, former player Tonito warns that reaching the level of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo requires a consistency that few in history have managed to demonstrate over decades.

Thomas Tuchel has aimed a sarcastic jab at FIFA’s disciplinary process, joking that England captain Harry Kane should perhaps lobby US President Donald Trump to resolve the Three Lions' Jarell Quansah suspension headache. The comments come in the wake of a stunning decision that saw USMNT star Folarin Balogun cleared to play despite a straight red card earlier in the tournament.

Well, it was never going to be easy, was it? If England were to win at the Azteca - something that only two teams had managed before in a competitive fixture - there were going to be bumps, bruises and a fair few scares. What probably wasn't accounted for, though, was total chaos. And that's what this was: a back and forth, gutsy, often brilliant, consistently nerve-wracking and, ultimately, glorious 3-2 win over Mexico that provided an immense boost to England's World Cup hopes.

Jude Bellingham has hailed England's dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico as the proudest moment of his international career, urging supporters back home to skip school and work to celebrate the result. The Real Madrid star struck twice in a pulsating encounter at the Azteca Stadium to help Thomas Tuchel's side overcome a Jarell Quansah red card and secure a spot in the quarter-finals.