Antonio Conte has admitted he is "flattered" by links to the Italy national team job, opening the door to a second spell managing his country. The Napoli boss suggested that systemic changes are required to fix the Azzurri following their latest World Cup qualification failure.
It was one of those passes that only Trent Alexander-Arnold could play. Liverpool had struggled to break down Tottenham in December 2024, Spurs holding strong for 23 minutes despite waves of pressure. And then, Alexander-Arnold delivered the killer ball. He drifted in from the right wing, created the ideal angle, and whipped a cross in between two centre-backs, right onto Luis Diaz's head.
This is Legacy, GOAL’s feature and podcast series tracking 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 focus on Egypt, travelling across nine decades of footballing triumphs, heartbreaks, miracles, and rebirth; from silent years that tested a nation’s patience, to the unforgettable return in 1990, and the rise of a boy from Nagrig who carried a continent’s dreams on his shoulders: Mohamed Salah.
The coaching position on the national team continues to be a subject of speculation. The current holder had previously stated he would step down after the World Cup finals, but recently made a contrasting statement. However, Mzansi's most decorated tactician continues to be linked with the position, as many believe his return would inspire Bafana.
South Africa's underwhelming performance in the Africa Cup of Nations is still fresh in the minds of many fans. Despite the high expectations that the supporters placed in the team, Mzansi were knocked out by Cameroon in the Round of 16. Ahead of the global showpiece, fans are managing their confidence and hoping the team will surprise them with a good performance.
Antony's career revival at Real Betis has hit a significant roadblock just as the 2026 World Cup approaches. After a promising start to life in Spain, the Manchester United flop is struggling for consistency and fitness, leaving his chances of a major tournament appearance with Brazil this summer hanging by a thread.
Chelsea captain Reece James is reportedly on track to return from a significant hamstring injury by early May, handing Thomas Tuchel a major boost ahead of England's World Cup campaign. The versatile defender, who has been sidelined since last month, is making rapid progress in his rehabilitation to alleviate fears that he would miss the remainder of the domestic season.
South Africa's Sports, Arts and Culture Minister has delivered a blunt response to the Bafana Bafana super fan after she approached FIFA's president for funding for a trip to North America for the global tournament.
The Brazilians head coach has offered a glass-half-full assessment of South Africa’s chances at the upcoming quadrennial tournament. As Hugo Broos' men prepare to return to the global stage in North America, the Portuguese tactician believes the national team has the quality to progress beyond the opening round.
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has joined the long list of sporting icons left in awe of Lionel Messi’s genius on the pitch. The Red Bull driver believes the Argentina and Inter Miami maestro possesses a unique ability to read the game that renders tactical preparation almost useless.
Hearts sensation Claudio Braga has seen his stock rise meteorically this season, and the 26-year-old striker now finds himself on the verge of a dream Portugal call-up. As Roberto Martinez monitors the forward's progress in Scotland ahead of the 2026 World Cup, a unique conundrum has emerged regarding his goal celebration, which he copied from Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 21-year-old attacker made a triumphant return to the Faris Ad-Dahna starting line-up on Sunday, playing a pivotal role in his side’s hard-fought 3-2 victory over their rivals. The South African winger had been out of the first-team picture since late February but proved he remains a vital asset for the Saudi club despite rumours of a move to European football swirling.
'Nyoso', as he is commonly referred to, played a crucial role in helping his team advance to the quarter-final of the Libyan Cup on Sunday afternoon at the Misrata Stadium as his team secured a 4-1 victory. It was another impressive outing for the former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns attacker, who has been excellent since his move to North Africa.
Santos head coach Cuca has lifted the lid on a specialized medical roadmap designed to propel Brazil icon Neymar toward the 2026 World Cup in peak physical condition. The 34-year-old superstar used the recent international break to undergo a regenerative knee procedure, as the club looks to fill his tank for a gruelling run of fixtures ahead of the tournament in North America.
Tennis world number one Jannik Sinner has admitted he would be willing to sacrifice one of his prestigious titles if it meant seeing the Italian national team back at the World Cup. The Azzurri’s footballing crisis reached a new low this week as they failed to qualify for a third consecutive tournament, leaving fans and sporting icons across the country in a state of shock.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates star has continued from where he stopped while with Wydad Athletic Club in the Botola Pro league. He was on target on Sunday afternoon as the 39-year-old South African tactician guided the Libyan heavyweights to a big win in his debut in the North African country.
As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup begins, Brazilian tennis sensation Joao Fonseca has publicly backed Neymar Jr. for a place in the national squad. Despite recent fitness Santos, the teenager believes the veteran’s immense experience is vital for the Selecao’s success. This endorsement serves as a timely reminder for Carlo Ancelotti regarding the unique intangible qualities the former Barcelona playmaker still offers.
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