World Cup news

John Barnes has defended Thomas Tuchel's tactical decisions in England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, insisting the German coach made the correct substitutions. The former Liverpool midfielder believes criticism of Tuchel ignores England's standing in world football and the realities of tournament football.

Jude Bellingham has urged England fans to maintain their incredible unity after the Three Lions suffered a devastating 2-1 defeat against Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals. The 23-year-old midfielder admitted he struggled to find the words to process the heartbreak before sharing an uplifting poem given to him by the team's driver, Michael Chandler.

Graeme Souness has pulled no punches in his assessment of Declan Rice following England's agonizing semi-final elimination from the World Cup. The 27-year-old Arsenal midfielder started all but one game during the tournament but fell short as the Three Lions suffered a late 2-1 defeat at the hands of old foes Argentina.

Spain’s World Cup final clash with Argentina will see Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi go head-to-head for a global title and Ballon d’Or honours. Gaizka Mendieta has told GOAL why Barcelona’s teenage wonderkid can get the better of an all-time great. An epic battle is about to play out in New Jersey, with eyes from every corner of the planet descending on MetLife Stadium.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta believes the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain will showcase the strength of La Masia, with club legends and rising stars on opposite sides. He hailed Lionel Messi's legacy while backing Lamine Yamal as the future, insisting Barcelona's identity will be at the heart of the showpiece.

England “can’t complain” about being on the receiving end of another masterclass from Lionel Messi as “no-one’s ever been able to stop” the Argentina GOAT, ex-Three Lions international Joleon Lescott has told GOAL. Another bid for international trophy glory has come to a close, in agonising fashion, with semi-final heartache being endured at the 2026 World Cup.

Anthony Gordon has expressed his deep heartbreak following England's dramatic elimination from the World Cup at the hands of Argentina. The Barcelona winger scored the opening goal in the semi-final clash before Thomas Tuchel's side conceded twice late on, shattering the Three Lions' dreams of reaching a first final since 1966.

Kylian Mbappe remains the right man to captain France heading forward, Jeremie Aliadiere has told GOAL, despite admissions that skippers do not “have to be the best player”. That is the case at present with Les Bleus, as their record goalscorer fills the armband, and any questions of character will continue to be ignored as the fearsome frontman leads by example.

The 2026 World Cup is set to feature a historic first, with FIFA confirming that the winning squad will receive NFL-style championship rings alongside their traditional gold medals. Embracing the sporting culture of host nations Canada, Mexico, and the United States, this flashy new addition promises to bring a touch of North American flair to the pinnacle of international football.

Global music icon Shakira has praised Lionel Messi following his inspirational performance in Argentina's World Cup semi-final victory. The Colombian singer took to social media to hail the 39-year-old forward's extraordinary longevity on the pitch, while also reserving a special mention for his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo.

It was a surprise, in truth, that it took reporters so long to ask Harry Kane about his future. The England striker stood there in the mixed zone, after a devastating 2-1 loss to Argentina, faced with the damning end to a remarkable season. And not until the third question did someone ask the England captain what might be next for him.

Pep Guardiola will not yet have grown bored of life outside of management, following his departure from Manchester City, with Joleon Lescott telling GOAL why any kneejerk decisions on Thomas Tuchel’s future as England boss need to be avoided. The German tactician is facing some uncomfortable questions following the Three Lions’ World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina.

When Lionel Messi was pushed onto his weaker foot by Nico O'Reilly and Djed Spence on the right side of the box in the 92nd minute of stoppage time, England fans held their breath in unison. The Three Lions had four of their tallest players hovering around the six-yard area, and the Argentina captain needed a perfect delivery to reach Lautaro Martinez at the back post (his only realistic target) - but as we all know, Messi can conjure up perfection at any moment.

England led through Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute strike in the World Cup semi-final against Argentina, only for Thomas Tuchel’s subsequent defensive substitutions to leave the Albiceleste players privately stunned and free to chase a dramatic late victory. The decision to drop deeper and deeper rather than stretch the game with pace proved decisive, allowing Lionel Scaloni’s side to equalise through Enzo Fernandez in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martinez struck the winner in stoppage time.

Comprehensive match preview of France vs England at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more ahead of this third place playoff clash in Miami.

Two days before the biggest World Cup Final of our lifetime, Trevor Noah pulls up to The Late Run. He tells the story behind the photo of Messi bathing baby Lamine Yamal nearly two decades before they meet in a World Cup Final, explains why the whole world is rooting for Spain on Sunday, and calls out England for playing scared.

President Donald Trump will attend Sunday’s World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, the White House confirmed Thursday afternoon. Last year, Trump presented Chelsea FC with the FIFA Club World Cup trophy and has built a well-known friendship with Gianni Infantino. The American President, however, found himself in controversy as he acknowledged reaching out to FIFA about Folarin Balogun's red card - which was ultimately suspended.