After Italy once again failed to qualify for the World Cup, the president of the Italian Football Federation is facing calls for his resignation from politicians.
Tennis legend Novak Djokovic was a surprise guest in the stands as Italy suffered a historic defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina, failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The 24-time Grand Slam winner joined a raucous crowd in Zenica to witness the four-time world champions lose a tense playoff final clash on penalties.
Robert Lewandowski’s dreams of a final World Cup appearance were cruelly extinguished as Poland suffered a dramatic play-off defeat to Sweden in Stockholm. Despite a resilient performance from Jan Urban’s side, a late strike from Viktor Gyokeres secured Sweden's place in this summer's global showpiece, leaving 37-year-old Barcelona striker Lewandowski visibly devastated at the final whistle.
South Africa's head coach has hinted to SAFA that the team should secure high-profile friendly matches against European or Asian opposition during the next international break. The Belgian tactician is eager to refine his squad’s preparations following a challenging double-header against Panama.
Lionel Scaloni has thrown his support behind Lionel Messi to potentially reach the historic 1,000 career goals milestone, while insisting the Argentina captain does have the "desire" to play at the 2026 World Cup. Speaking after a dominant friendly victory against Zambia, the Albiceleste boss emphasized that the Inter Miami star still possesses the hunger to compete at the very highest level despite already achieving his ultimate dream in Qatar.
The road to the 2026 World Cup is almost over for England. The next time the Three Lions convene, they will do so for two pre-tournament friendlies in the United States, against Costa Rica and New Zealand, before kicking-off their tournament against Croatia on June 17. They will do so as one of the favourites to go all the way, with the pressure on Thomas Tuchel and his players to finally end 60 years of hurt.
Leonardo Spinazzola has laid bare the heartbreak within the Italy squad after Bosnia and Herzegovina extinguished their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup. The veteran fullback admitted his own international dream is likely over while expressing his deepest sympathies for a generation of Italian children who have never seen their nation on the biggest stage.
Gabriel Martinelli scored a lovely goal after being teed up by Endrick to complete Brazil's 3-1 victory over Croatia in a confidence-boosting World Cup warm-up clash. The Arsenal man's arrowed finish rounded off the scoring in stoppage time as the Selecao bounced back from last week's friendly defeat to France.
Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso admitted he is in deep pain after the Azzurri failed to qualify for their third consecutive World Cup following a dramatic playoff defeat in the hands of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite the historic failure, the Italian football federation has already moved to clarify the manager's immediate future amid the fallout.
It's never easy with the England men's national team. On paper, they should have enough quality, experience and firepower to blow most sides on this planet to smithereens. Then you sit down, watch them and wonder whether they are actually a team of total strangers assembled purely out of spite to mildly annoy the fans who had hoped so much of them. On the basis of their March friendlies, it would be a fair assumption to make.
Lionel Messi delivered a vintage performance at La Bombonera, recording a goal and an assist as Argentina dismantled Zambia 5-0 in their final home fixture before the 2026 World Cup. The Inter Miami icon captained the world champions to a dominant victory in what is expected to be the last home game he plays for his country.
Thomas Tuchel has refused to entertain suggestions that the weight of the England shirt is getting to his players following a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Japan. The Three Lions were booed off at Wembley after Kaoru Mitoma's first-half strike condemned them to a second underwhelming result in the space of four days.
The German national team’s attack shines even without (and with) Deniz Undav; Lennart Karl is proving himself worthy of more than just a trial run; the defence is holding its own despite the odd wobble; and Julian Nagelsmann’s measures are paying off. The winners and losers at the DFB following the March training camp.
The Mzansi outfit squandered a series of clear-cut chances, allowing Los Canaleros to capitalise and secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory in Tuesday evening’s friendly, just a couple of days after the two sides had played out a 1-1 draw in Durban, ultimately handing the visitors a 3-2 aggregate win over the two matches and marking Hugo Broos' first home defeat in charge.
Ibrahima Konate is reportedly prepared to wait for an offer from Real Madrid as his contract situation at Liverpool continues to stall. The French international is entering a critical phase of his career and appears to have set his sights on a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has doubled down on his commitment to see Iran compete in the 2026 World Cup, despite the escalating military conflict involving the United States. Speaking during a surprise appearance at a friendly match in Turkey, the governing body's chief dismissed suggestions that the team might be relocated or withdrawn from the tournament.
How will tiebreakers work at the 2026 FIFA World Cup? The tournament is moving ever closer, with teams preparing to enter the group stages before embarking on their bid for glory. Here, GOAL breaks down how tie-breakers work, how group stage points are decided, and everything you need to know ahead of the big kick-off.
How many substitutions are allowed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup? "Super-subs" have often played key roles in teams winning the biggest trophies in the game but when exactly can teams make substitutions? How many substitution windows are there in each fixture? GOAL runs you through everything you need to know.
Which goalkeepers have won the FIFA World Cup Golden Glove award across the history of the competition? The award was introduced for the 1994 tournament, meaning plenty of iconic goalkeepers, including the likes of Gordon Banks and the initially eponymous Lev Yashin, missed out on the individual award. GOAL has everything you need to know about the award handed to the standout stopper at any single tournament.
Sam Allardyce has sent a clear message to Harry Maguire, suggesting the Manchester United defender should think twice about representing England at the upcoming World Cup. The former Three Lions boss believes Thomas Tuchel was unnecessarily blunt regarding Maguire's standing in the defensive pecking order.
The three-time CAF Champions League winner has been without a club for over a year since leaving his last team in Iran. During this period, he has been focusing on developing young talent through his football schools. While away from the dugout, he continues to be linked with a number of teams looking to secure his services.
adidas have reawakened the beasts and given us a big dollop of noughties nostalgia by rebooting the iconic Y-3 F50 Tunit Beast Pack, 20 years on from its original release.
For long, Bucs and Masandawana have formed the backbone of the national team. Going into the World Cup finals, the same is expected to happen given the competitive levels of both teams. Now, Broos wants to see that change, and he wants other clubs to step up.
After a 36-year wait, Argentina returned to the summit of world football with their 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar. Though he didn’t feature, Sergio Aguero told GOAL it remains one of the greatest moments of his life, while backing the current squad to carry that same hunger, identity, and competitive edge into the 2026 tournament.
South Africa’s attack has become a growing concern ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with their forwards struggling to find form at club level. Of those players, the Burnley forward has been attracting more attention.
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