Napoli have released a scathing official statement after Romelu Lukaku failed to report back to training following the international break. The Belgian striker remains in his homeland despite club orders, leaving the Partenopei hierarchy considering drastic disciplinary measures.
England boss Thomas Tuchel stands accused of insulting Harry Maguire with his claim that the Manchester United defender could be fifth-choice centre-half in his 2026 World Cup plans. Maguire has been drafted back into the Three Lions fold for international friendly action, but has been warned that he may struggle to earn another major tournament spot.
The players’ quest to secure places at the global football tournament continues, but the coach says he has already made up his mind about the bulk of the squad he intends to select. He insisted that even if some players deliver below expectations against Panama on Tuesday, they would still form part of his final selection.
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has moved to ease fears regarding Cristiano Ronaldo’s fitness after a hamstring injury sidelined the legendary forward from the March international camp. The 41-year-old remains central to the Selecao’s plans as he prepares for a record sixth World Cup campaign in North America. Martinez emphasised that the captain’s elite mentality and remarkable goalscoring record ensure his place remains secure.
The iconic duo of Ronaldo and Rivaldo made a surprise appearance at Brazil’s training base to inspire a squad currently struggling for form. As the Selecao face growing scrutiny following a 2-1 friendly defeat to France, Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has admitted that the weight of the nation's 2002 World Cup success remains a heavy burden for the modern generation.
UEFA is set to freeze ticket prices broadly for Euro 2028, ensuring football remains accessible across the UK and Ireland. This commitment is in direct contrast to FIFA’s widely criticised pricing strategy for the 2026 World Cup in North America. By prioritising affordability and larger allocations for national associations, European football's governing body aims to protect fans from the hyper-inflation currently seen in global sports.
Nine nations are competing for the title but there can only be one winner! GOAL's Front Three host a special Battle Royale-style football quiz to determine who has the best ball knowledge
Bafana Bafana are in action once again against the Central African state on Tuesday, as the 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations intensify. Both nations will be chasing the crown in the global tournament that will be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States from June 11 to July 19.
South Africa return to action for a second match in four days, hosting the Central Americans in an international friendly match at Cape Town Stadium on Tuesday. After the two sides played to a 1-1 draw at Moses Mabhida Stadium last Friday, at stake is victory, a morale-boosting result as they both gear up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Gary Lineker has questioned Thomas Tuchel’s decision to omit Trent Alexander-Arnold from his latest England squad. The former Three Lions striker believes the snub might be "personal" rather than tactical as the Real Madrid star remains frozen out.
Ronald Araujo admits that Uruguay may require divine intervention when facing Lamine Yamal and Spain at the 2026 World Cup, telling his international colleagues: “If they know how to pray, they better.” Araujo knows all about the threat that the teenage wonderkid will pose when they lock horns on the grandest of stages at a major tournament this summer.
The German national team’s two friendly wins were accompanied by plenty of discussion about Julian Nagelsmann’s decisions, actions and comments. In the end, the national coach was largely proven right!
England's World Cup group stage opponents Ghana have taken the ruthless decision to sack head coach Otto Addo just 10 weeks before the tournament begins. The Black Stars announced the departure of the former Borussia Dortmund assistant following a narrow 2-1 friendly defeat to Germany in Stuttgart.
Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior has been urged to abandon Brazil’s iconic number 10 shirt following a series of underwhelming performances for the Selecao. Critics suggest that the winger is struggling under the psychological weight of the jersey, which is traditionally reserved for "creative geniuses" like Neymar. Amid a lack of goals for his country, a former international defender has delivered a blunt reality check regarding his role in the national setup.
You cannot fault Thomas Tuchel when it comes to honesty. This is a coach who said on national radio that his mother finds star player Jude Bellingham "repulsive", who told England fans at Wembley off for being "silent" in a friendly against Wales and said Bukayo Saka's goal tally for the Three Lions, the highest of any Arsenal player in history, was not good enough.
The Neymar chants began just moments after Hugo Ekitike put France 2-0 up on Brazil at the Gillette Stadium. It was the last thing Carlo Ancelotti would have wanted to hear, but probably the first thing he would have expected in the circumstances. The Italian's decision to leave out the Selecao's all-time leading goal-scorer from his latest squad had dominated the build-up to Thursday's high-profile friendly in Foxborough.
This is Legacy, GOAL’s feature and podcast series following the road to the 2026 World Cup, and every week, we revisit the stories, moments, and myths that shaped the global game. This week, we revisit the extraordinary, turbulent and often unbelievable road to England's triumph in 1966. This is the rise, the redemption, and the lasting weight of '66 - the story of the only time football truly 'came home'...
Neymar has detailed the immense emotional burden while toiling for full fitness at Santos. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain superstar says the pressure to perform in his homeland is "crushing" as he eyes a World Cup spot with Brazil. Despite the weight of expectation, the veteran forward took time to laud former team-mate Kylian Mbappe’s elite finishing.
First on the bench, then the match-winner, and finally an emotional leader too: Deniz Undav has made the most of his role as a substitute. Still, he shouldn’t get his hopes up too much.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has dismissed the possibility of a replacement team entering the 2026 World Cup, insisting there is "no plan B" if Iran decide to withdraw. Despite escalating geopolitical conflict and direct threats of withdrawal from Iranian officials, the governing body remains committed to the Asian nation’s involvement. Infantino confirmed that discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump have taken place to ensure the squad is welcomed on North American soil this June.
National coach Julian Nagelsmann has warned the DFB squad to adapt their style of play ahead of the World Cup, following their 2-1 victory in a friendly against Ghana.
Despite being a regular starter for VfB Stuttgart, Deniz Undav is nothing more than a permanent substitute when wearing the DFB jersey. Julian Nagelsmann explains his decisions, whilst Undav provides the perfect response.
The former Amakhosi star has pointed out what Hugo Broos must sort out before it is too late. The national team is in camp for a second friendly game against Panama, which is a preparation for the upcoming global showpiece.
Three-and-a-half years ago, Lionel Messi 'completed football' by leading Argentina to glory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. It was a joy for every neutral to see the Barcelona legend finally lift the one trophy that had eluded him for so long, capping an amazing career that will almost certainly never be emulated.
The Burnley star led Bafana Bafana's attacking line against Panama on Friday but failed to deliver. He was one of the players who were highly criticised, especially because of the chances he wasted. After the friendly encounter, doubts arise whether the 25-year-old striker is capable of delivering for Mzansi in the World Cup.
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