Harambee Stars head coach has sent a defiant message to South Africa ahead of their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Despite his deep personal ties to his home nation, the legendary striker is determined to ensure the Harambee Stars are not humiliated when they meet on the pitch.
Former international Benson Mhlongo has sent a clear message to South Africa coach regarding the national team selection for the upcoming global showpiece. As the deadline for the final roster approaches, the retired player believes the tactician must remain open to rewarding late surges in form.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has backed teenage talisman Lamine Yamal to illuminate the upcoming World Cup despite his recent fitness struggles. Speaking after unveiling his 26-man squad, the coach emphasised that the tournament represents a defining career milestone for the Barcelona forward, who is currently recovering from a hamstring injury.
The Brazilians captain has broken his silence regarding his future at Chloorkop following the club's historic CAF Champions League triumph. The veteran midfielder remains a focal point of the Masandawana dynasty, but questions regarding his longevity have surfaced as his contract nears its conclusion.
The midfielder believes the recent domestic and continental success of South Africa's biggest clubs will provide a massive psychological lift for Hugo Broos' team. With the FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the Masandawana star feels the winning momentum at club level is exactly what the national team needs to make an impact on the global stage.
Canada boss Jesse Marsch expects Alphonso Davies to feature at the World Cup despite the Bayern Munich defender continuing his recovery from a hamstring tear. However, the left-back is unlikely to be fit for the tournament opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast and feature series counting down to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. This week, we look at why Brazil turned toward the most decorated club coach on the planet, Carlo Ancelotti, how this decision reflects years of confusion in the national project, and why Ancelotti’s bond with players like Kaka and Vinicius Jr shaped their choice...
The landscape of the 2026 World Cup is shifting as geopolitical tensions spill over into the world of sport. Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum has officially confirmed that Iran’s national team are set to relocate its base of operations from the United States to Mexico ahead of the tournament.
For every USMNT player who gets the World Cup call, another is left to process the one that never comes. GOAL spoke to players and coaches about the pain of missing out, and why it can linger for years.
As the season reached its climax this past weekend, with the Orlando Pirates duo wrapping up the campaign in championship glory, PSL has kept the celebrations rolling as standout performers continue to shine. The Moroccan tactician, Bloemfontein-born shot-stopper, and Sekhukhune United' star all rose to the occasion in May, stealing the spotlight and walking away with individual monthly accolades after a blistering run of form.
Lamine Yamal has provided a glimpse into the raw emotion shared between team-mates after Gavi received his official call-up for the 2026 World Cup with Spain. The Barcelona midfielder’s inclusion marks the end of a gruelling journey back from a serious knee injury that threatened to derail his international ambitions.
Michael Owen has, during an exclusive interview with GOAL, picked two players from England’s ‘Golden Generation’ that would improve the Three Lions’ class of 2026 and aid their bid for World Cup glory. The ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid striker has also debated whether Harry Kane and Declan Rice could oust the likes of Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard from an iconic team of the past.
Taegeuk Warriors boss has admitted that physical conditioning will be the greatest obstacle for his side at upcoming global showpiece, citing the punishing effects of high altitude. The Asian giants are taking no chances as they prepare for a difficult Group A campaign that includes a meeting with Hugo Broos’ South Africa, at altitude in Guadalupe.
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.
Luis de la Fuente has officially named his 26-man Spain squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Lamine Yamal one of eight Barcelona stars to make the final cut. The Blaugrana's fortunes contrasted wildly with their arch-rivals, Real Madrid, who do not have a single representative in the final list for the first time ever.
The Al-Ettifaq winger has opened up on social media following a turbulent period that saw him lose his place in the national team setup for the upcoming global tournament after picking up a serious knee injury in training with his club.
Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White has hit out at his omission from Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup squad, claiming he has done "more than enough" to warrant a place on the plane. The 26-year-old was a shock absentee from the final selection despite a career-best campaign in the Premier League.
Lionel Messi has sparked major injury fears just weeks before the 2026 World Cup after asking to come off during Inter Miami's chaotic 10-goal thriller against Philadelphia Union. The Argentina captain headed straight for the tunnel with a suspected muscle issue, prompting the Herons boss to deliver a crucial update on his star player's fitness.
The former PSL coach has offered his verdict on the national team’s goalkeeping debate ahead of the global showpiece, insisting there is very little to distinguish the leading contenders. The experienced tactician believes the race for the back up goalkeeper spots remains finely balanced, adding that the quality gap between the current Kaizer Chiefs and Siwelele goalkeepers is virtually non-existent.
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