The USMNT have been informed of the round they “need” to reach at the 2026 World Cup in order to help Christian Pulisic, Lionel Messi and MLS grow the game across America. Joe Cole spent time in the States towards the end of his playing career and the former England international has told GOAL why soccer is more appealing than American football to an ever-growing number of youngsters.
The football-loving fans in South Africa are anxiously waiting for the experienced, veteran tactician to unveil his squad for the prestigious global competition. After struggles in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), it is interesting to see who will be considered.
Kylian Mbappe has been unable to get his hands on Champions League and Ballon d’Or prizes, but former France international Louis Saha has used Cristiano Ronaldo as an example of why fortunes can change quickly for a “black cat”. Luck has not been on Mbappe’s side, despite being a World Cup-winning superstar, but the most prestigious of honours are expected to come his way eventually.
Harry Kane is considered to have become “England’s greatest No.9”, with Joe Cole explaining to GOAL why the prolific Bayern Munich striker has eclipsed the efforts of Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer. As the Three Lions’ all-time leading goalscorer, and ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Kane is currently in the process of chasing down Champions League and Ballon d’Or honours.
The Buccaneers forward has remained one of the most trusted players under the Belgian coach, even during spells when his form has dipped. Despite his struggles, the tactician has continued to show faith in him. However, it remains to be seen whether he will make the squad for the global football tournament as he battles for consistent game time at the club level.
Former South Africa international Katlego Mphela has delivered a strong message to Hugo Broos regarding his selection for the World Cup squad. The ex-Bafana forward believes the Belgian tactician must broaden his attacking arsenal if the national team is to be truly competitive on football’s biggest stage. Mphela stressed that depth and variety in the final third will be crucial, urging the coach to look beyond his current options and reward in-form forwards who can offer different dimensions to the attack.
Algeria have been hit with a significant injury scare ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with goalkeeper Luca Zidane emerging as a major doubt for the tournament. The Granada shot-stopper, son of France legend Zinedine Zidane, suffered a serious facial injury during a Spanish second-division clash against Almeria on Sunday.
The Masandawana star has become one of the standout figures in the Chloorkop outfit and, indeed, in the Premier Soccer League. Season after season, he continues to prove he has the pedigree to proudly fly the South African flag on football’s biggest stages abroad. Yet, despite the growing speculation, his representative has moved quickly to silence the rumours, insisting that the midfield maestro remains fully committed to the task at hand at Chloorkop.
There were questions when Panama were confirmed as South Africa's opponent during the March FIFA international break. Many argued that the national team ought to have faced a stronger opponent than the Central Americans. However, Bafana failed to beat them, with the first game ending in a draw before a defeat in the second match.
Mzansi will be among the 48 nations that will take part in the increased global competition. Apart from the actual participation on the pitch, there are financial rewards awaiting all the teams that qualified for the showpiece.
Jurgen Klopp has thrown his support behind Germany's Florian Wirtz to become one of the defining figures of the upcoming World Cup in North America. The former Liverpool boss believes his compatriot has already proven his mettle during a challenging debut campaign at Anfield and possesses all the attributes to dominate on the global stage.
One of the players that has been conspicuously missing in Bafana's squad is the former Mamelodi Sundowns star. Even though he has been in good form, especially with Wydad Casablanca before, the 73-year-old head coach has always found a reason to snub the highly rated attacker. So what exactly is the reason why the Al Ittihad player may miss out again on the national call-up?
Santos manager Cuca has jumped to the defence of Neymar following a quiet performance in the Copa Sudamericana, insisting the superstar is finding his rhythm in a bid to make Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad. Despite the frustration of a draw in Argentina, the Peixe boss believes his talisman is sharpening his tools just in time for the international stage.
Players who cover their mouths in confrontations with opponents will be shown red cards starting at the World Cup, the International Football Association Board confirmed Tuesday. The decision comes in the wake of a high-profile incident between Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr and Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni, after the latter was handed a six-game ban for anti-gay conduct directed towards the Brazilian.
Berhalter has hailed rising Mzansi star after the player's standout Major League Soccer debut. The 21-year-old was thrust into the starting XI as the Men in Red ran riot in a 5-0 demolition of rivals Sporting Kansas City, leaving the Chicago Fire mentor glowing over his prospect's immediate impact.
The Buccaneers star is widely expected to be one of Bafana Bafana’s key players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With Themba Zwane still battling to rediscover his top form, the spotlight increasingly shifts to the 21-year-old. That rise in responsibility places significant expectations on his shoulders as he looks to deliver for his country.
The Amakhosi goalkeeper is the man on everyone’s lips after an inspired Soweto Derby display, sparking widespread calls for his inclusion in the upcoming global showpiece. A former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper believes the Glamour Boys' shot-stopper has done enough to earn a place in Hugo Broos’ squad. He went a step further, boldly declaring that Beeza is now firmly in the conversation to become the national team's first choice.
Eder Militao's 2026 World Cup dream is over following the confirmation of a devastating thigh injury that required immediate surgery. The Real Madrid defender reportedly received the heartbreaking diagnosis after consulting with a specialist in Finland, bringing a premature end to his season and his hopes of representing Brazil this summer.
Deniz Undav currently plays a supporting role under Julian Nagelsmann, yet Jurgen Klopp is highly impressed by the VfB Stuttgart striker. The former manager of Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund revealed in an interview with Bild that he is a fan of the striker.
AC Milan and Croatia talisman Luka Modric has undergone successful surgery after suffering a fractured cheekbone just weeks before the World Cup. The legendary midfielder sustained the injury during a bruising Serie A encounter with Juventus, leaving his participation in the summer showpiece under the microscope.
This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast and feature series following the countdown 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 explore the rise, the fractures, the fading aura and the new stars who still haven’t claimed the spotlight for Brazil, and the question hanging over this World Cup cycle: what remains for Neymar - and for a national team that spent 20 years depending on him?
Harry Kane could be on the cusp of greatness, if such a title isn't already guaranteed. Bayern Munich will be looking to the England captain to score the goals that will give them the edge over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals, while another Bundesliga title is already wrapped up, the World Cup is fast approaching and he is already in the box seat for the Ballon d'Or. It promises to be a gilded season for the 32-year-old.
Rodrygo has explained to GOAL how “healthy competition” between the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid helps to make “everyone better”. With the Blancos forever in the hunt for major honours at home and abroad, it is important for the highest of standards to be set by ‘Galactico’ performers behind the scenes.
Real Madrid and Brazil star Rodrygo has told GOAL why he continues to be inspired by fellow countryman Neymar, with hero worship being enjoyed while on international duty. Blancos forward Rodrygo will not be gracing this summer’s World Cup due to an unfortunate injury, but the Selecao’s all-time leading goalscorer remains in contention to earn a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans.
The Masandawana coach has issued a grim warning regarding the fitness of his squad and the potential knock-on effect for the national team. Following a frustrating goalless draw against Richards Bay, the Portuguese tactician highlighted how a relentless fixture pile-up is systematically breaking down his key players.
Neymar’s hopes of securing a place in the Brazil squad for the upcoming World Cup have hit another hurdle following his absence from Santos training on Sunday. The forward was a notable absentee at the CT Rei Pele as the squad prepares for continental action, having been laid low with a viral infection.
Jesse Lingard has backed England to finally end their trophy drought at the 2026 World Cup, insisting Thomas Tuchel's side have everything it takes to go all the way. The former Manchester United midfielder also revealed that he has been in contact with Brazil superstar Neymar after his surprise transfer to Corinthians in March.
Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a catastrophic blow in their fight for Premier League survival following the news that Xavi Simons has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. The Dutch international suffered a serious knee injury during Saturday's clash with Wolves, with subsequent scans confirming the worst-case scenario for both club and country. Simons gave wrote an emotional message regarding the situation he is currently facing, confirming the news that his World Cup dream is also over.
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