World Cup news

Jurgen Klopp has revealed himself to be an enthusiastic observer at the 2026 World Cup, praising the continued dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The former Liverpool manager was deeply impressed by the way the two veteran stars continue to shape the tournament despite their advanced age.

Kylian Mbappe versus Erling Haaland was billed as the next great footballing rivalry to follow Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's two decades of dominance, but as the France and Norway superstars prepare to go head to head at the 2026 World Cup, it's fair to say that their individual tussle has yet to really take off in the way many people expected.

Harry Kane has become the talismanic captain of England, but what type of leader is he? Former Three Lions star Gary Pallister has delivered his assessment to GOAL, with the record-shattering striker considered to inspire those around him through actions - rather than words, like Chelsea and Manchester United legends John Terry and Roy Keane used to do.

England are sweating on the fitness of right-back Reece James ahead of Saturday's World Cup group encounter against Panama. The Chelsea captain is being closely monitored by medical staff after reporting a tight hamstring, leaving manager Thomas Tuchel facing a potential defensive reshuffle with several alternative backline options on standby.

Kick-off time, team news, head to head record, form guide and more

Kick-off time, team news, head to head record, form guide and more

Mexico witnessed the arrival of a new star in Gilberto Mora and celebrated the career of a legend in Guillermo Ochoa as they secured a 3-0 win over Czechia. For the first time, El Tri finished a World Cup group stage with nine points, and Javier “Vasco” Aguirre now has his team in the best possible shape heading into the knockout rounds.

With first place secured and the U.S. exercising caution over yellow cards and injuries, Mauricio Pochettino is expected to rotate. Here is who GOAL thinks should start.

Vinicius Junior's brace pushed Scotland to the brink of a World Cup exit as Brazil ruthlessly capitalised on their errors in Miami on Wednesday. While the Selecao wrapped up top spot in Group C, the 3-0 defeat means the Scots are unlikely to be one of the best third-placed finishers in their bid to reach the last 32.

NYCFC are reportedly interested in securing the signature of Christian Pulisic, but the MLS side have been informed by the Serie A giants that the American is not for sale. According to reporting in The Athletic, numerous MLS clubs would be interested in bringing Pulisic to North America following the 2026 World Cup. Yet, Milan are reluctant to let him go.

The American winger has been training with his teammates this week after watching the last game-and-a-half from the sidelines with a calf injury.

Check out our soccer expert’s South Africa vs Korea Republic predictions, prior to Wednesday’s 10:00pm ET World Cup clash (6/24).

Explore our soccer expert’s Czechia vs Mexico predictions, pre Wednesday’s 9:00pm ET World Cup clash (6/24).

Neymar is closing in on a highly anticipated return to action for the Selecao, and his father has marked the occasion with a powerful motivational tribute. As Brazil prepare for their crucial World Cup group-stage clash against Scotland, an emotional message has resurfaced to inspire the veteran forward.

How to watch the World Cup match between Scotland and Brazil, as well as kick-off time and team news

Canada are headed to the knockouts, but a costly loss to Switzerland closed their home World Cup run as Promise David impressed and Alphonso Davies worries grew.

The group stage of the World Cup is nearly over, and for the first time in history, it will be followed by a round of 32. But which nations will face each other then? The new rule allowing the eight best third-placed teams to also progress to the knockout stages has complicated the system. Here, you can keep up to date with which third-placed nations would currently qualify and which match-ups will result for the round of 32.