A unique quality possessed by Max Dowman has been used as a reason why the 16-year-old Arsenal wonderkid should be included in England’s 2026 World Cup squad. The talented teenager is yet to start a Premier League fixture, but has become that division’s youngest goal-scorer during one of three outings off the bench. Bryan Robson is among those that believe Dowman could be a useful wildcard for England this summer.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns star has issued a stark warning to the Buccaneers midfielder, saying the playmaker risks becoming a permanent 'what if' in South African football. Despite his natural talent, Mbule has struggled for consistency and has recently been left out of Hugo Broos’ national team plans.
The road to the 2026 World Cup has officially taken a brick-built turn as football’s biggest icons have been transformed into LEGO form. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo lead an all-star cast that includes Real Madrid duo Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr in a new advert that is certain to break the internet.
Brad Friedel has explained to GOAL why Mauricio Pochettino will never have been open to the idea of a “dual job” that saw him coach both Tottenham and the USMNT. Spurs recently found themselves back in the market for a new manager after bringing Igor Tudor’s ill-fated 44-day tenure to a close. Former fan favourite Pochettino saw a return to north London speculated on, but he has World Cup plans to focus on this summer.
Gianluigi Donnarumma was one of just a number of Italy players reduced to tears by Tuesday's World Cup play-off loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina - but the penalty shootout defeat in Zenica hit the goalkeeper harder than most. This wasn't the first time he'd been involved in a failed attempt to qualify - it was the third. Despite his devastation, though, Donnarumma remained defiant.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has delivered a chilling ultimatum to Italy, warning that the nation could be stripped of its Euro 2032 hosting rights if drastic improvements are not made to its crumbling stadium infrastructure. The threat comes at a time of unprecedented crisis for the Azzurri following their third consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup.
The former English Premier League player has leapt to the defence of the Burnley forward after he was criticised by his national team coach. The striker, who previously turned out for Orlando Pirates, has come under scrutiny over his performances for the national side. Despite the criticism, he continues to shoulder the nation’s hopes of being prolific at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has opened up about his journey with his mental health, revealing how professional support transformed his career shortly before the 2022 World Cup. He is now using his platform to encourage the next generation to prioritise their psychological well-being.
The retired South African defender has urged fans to remain patient with the Bafana head coach, backing his long-term vision despite a disappointing friendly defeat to Panama and expressing confidence that the team is still on the right path towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
U21 international striker Nicolo Tresoldi could play for as many as three major footballing nations and is reportedly looking to move clubs again this summer. Which national team manager will be the first to call him? And what’s the situation with BVB?
Kylian Mbappe was only 19 when he turned the 2018 World Cup into his personal announcement to the world - breaking French records and matching feats last seen in Pele’s era, all while powering Les Bleus to a title that felt like the beginning of something historic. For the latest edition of Icons, GOAL's podcast and feature series that revisits the last 10 World Cups through the moments, characters, and controversies that defined them, bringing the spirit of each tournament vividly back to life, we look back on how Mbappe ran the show in Russia for France...
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