Carlo Ancelotti has conquered everything club football has to offer but his biggest dream now lies on the world stage. As Brazil’s head coach, the Italian tactician is chasing the one title missing from his glittering resume, the FIFA World Cup. With the 2026 tournament looming, Ancelotti’s mission is as emotional as it is historic, to end Brazil’s 24-year drought and perhaps, face his homeland, Italy, in the final.
Lionel Messi has expressed his strong desire to compete in the 2026 World Cup with Argentina next summer, saying it would be "wonderful" to get the chance to defend his nation's title of World Champions and play in the tournament for the sixth time in his glittering career. But the Inter Miami superstar explained that he wants to feel good about himself physically if he is to take part, so that he can "contribute and be important" for Lionel Scaloni's side.
A senior sports official claims that Saudi Arabia has turned down an offer to sign Lionel Messi on a short-term stint ahead of the World Cup. The MLS season is currently at its playoff stage and will run until early December, and is expected to return again next February for the 2026 season. The season will then go on a break next summer for the showpiece event before resuming in August.
Alejandro Garnacho has been sent a stern warning by Argentina World Cup winner Oscar Ruggeri and been told what he must do to earn a recall to the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Once touted as one of Manchester United’s brightest gems, Garnacho’s career has suddenly hit a roadblock. After months of tension and fractured relationships at Old Trafford, Garnacho’s move to Chelsea this summer was supposed to provide him with a reset. However, that has not been the case yet with the forward.
Despite Mexico’s recent struggles on the field, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) remains confident in Javier Aguirre’s leadership as El Tri prepares for the 2026 World Cup. The veteran coach, who took over to stabilize a team in transition, has faced mounting criticism following a series of underwhelming results.
Gio Reyna has opened up about the controversy that marred his 2022 World Cup, reflecting on his fallout with then-U.S. manager Gregg Berhalter and the lessons learned from that turbulent period. The U.S. international admitted he would handle certain moments differently if given the chance but insisted he shouldn’t shoulder all the blame for what unfolded.
Saudi Arabia's efforts to make waves in the sporting world look set to continue when the wealthy Gulf nation hosts the 2034 World Cup. But a football stadium 350 metres off the ground seems ambitious even for them following the viral emergence of concept designs for a brand new venue dubbed the NEOM Stadium. A list of 15 host stadia complete with concept art was first revealed in the summer of 2024.
FIFA began the second phase of World Cup ticket sales on Monday, putting one million tickets into a randomized draw that runs through Friday and includes a domestic priority window for residents of the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Fans worldwide can enter the draw but those in the three host countries who are selected will receive an exclusive time slot.
Christian Pulisic has been told that he is not the captain the USMNT "want or need", with Alexi Lalas claiming Mauricio Pochettino's squad is lacking "bad boys" ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Lalas, never one to mince words, opined that while Pulisic may be the country’s biggest footballing name, leadership requires more than star power.
Lionel Messi has revealed the key criteria that will determine whether or not he lines up for defending champions Argentina at next year’s World Cup. The virtuoso forward is enjoying life in America with Inter Miami, but will turn 39 during next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and his inclusion in the Argentina squad is not guaranteed.
Michel Platini has reignited his war of words with FIFA, claiming he was “massacred” by football’s governing body and a “Swiss mafia” that conspired to block his path to presidency. Speaking at Italy’s Criminal Justice Festival, the former UEFA president reflected on his 10-year legal ordeal and eventual acquittal, accusing FIFA of destroying his reputation.
Cristiano Ronaldo is being tipped to extend his remarkable career beyond the age of 42, with former Manchester United team-mate Danny Simpson making that prediction during an exclusive interview with GOAL. Portuguese GOAT Ronaldo has already passed his 40th birthday and signed a new two-year deal with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, but there are considered to be at least a couple more targets for him to chase down.
FIFA’s ticket pricing for the 2026 World Cup is sparking controversy as New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani calls out dynamic pricing that risks excluding working-class fans. The Arsenal supporter wants fixed ticket prices, resale caps and local allocations to ensure the tournament is accessible, tying the fight to his broader campaign for affordability and fairness in New York City.
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino detailed his philosophy for constructing a competitive national team roster, emphasizing the process as he prepares the team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He highlighted the importance of evaluation before implementing plans designed to foster internal competition and maximize player development.
South Africa have only one AFCON title lifted in 1996 on home soil, but one of the players that delivered that trophy believes another could be close. The retired star has cited various reasons as to why he tips Mzansi to become champions again.
Jamie Carragher has ignored England as he named his favourites for the 2026 World Cup. Thomas Tuchel's side were the first European team to qualify for the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and head into their final two qualifiers already assured of their place; Carragher, though, has picked Argentina, Spain, and France as his favourites.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has again hit back at Barcelona boss Hansi Flick after the German accused the national team of mismanaging Lamine Yamal’s fitness. The teenager’s groin injury has sparked a public row between club and country, with De la Fuente insisting “everyone is condemned by their actions” as tensions escalate ahead of El Clasico.
Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham all earned nods from Harry Kane in an exclusive quickfire question session with GOAL that saw the Bayern Munich striker name the best player he has played against and his boyhood idol. The England captain also picked out the best passer of a ball that he has ever seen and the young talent that he is most excited about watching develop.
Lionel Messi is “nearing the end of a wonderful story”, admits Javier Saviola, but the Argentine GOAT is considered to have one more World Cup left in him. Messi has played cards close to his chest regarding possible involvement at the 2026 finals, but the expectation is that he will form part of the Albiceleste squad when they stage a defence of their global crown next summer.
Harry Kane has, during an exclusive chat with GOAL, named the four retired strikers that would see their faces carved into his sporting Mount Rushmore. Only those who have hung up their boots were in contention for selection, meaning that all-time greats such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are overlooked for now. Some iconic figures did, however, make the cut.
Mexico’s right back position remains unsettled ahead of the 2026 World Cup, but there’s a new glimmer of hope. El Tri striker Santiago Giménez shared an encouraging update on Copenhagen defender Rodrigo Huescas, who’s recovering from a torn ACL. The two came up together in Cruz Azul’s youth academy, where they formed a close bond.
Former Brazil manager Emerson Leao has launched a fierce attack on Neymar, calling him “not an example to anyone” and claiming the forward is “past his prime”. Leao criticised the 33-year-old's lifestyle, fitness and declining form, reigniting debate over the Santos star’s place in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup plans.
Former Brazil goalkeeper and coach Emerson Leao has launched a scathing critique of Carlo Ancelotti's start as Selecao boss, warning the job is "much more difficult" than managing Spanish giants Real Madrid. Leao claims the Brazil national team is getting "worse and worse" and expressed his disappointment with the state of Brazilian coaching as the World Cup approaches.
Graham Potter has been unveiled as Sweden’s new head coach on a short-term five-month deal - less than a month after being sacked by West Ham. The 50-year-old will oversee the team’s final World Cup qualifiers in November, with his contract extending if Sweden reach the playoffs or the tournament itself. The former Chelsea and Brighton boss has revealed that he was ‘humbled’ by Sweden opting to sign him.
Jurgen Klopp warns Germany against fixating on winning the 2026 World Cup, stressing that global competition is fiercer than ever and nations like France, Spain and England cannot be underestimated. He urges patience, pragmatic planning, and development of versatile players, including an Under 21 league to bridge youth-to-senior gaps, emphasising that consistent growth outweighs overreaction to setbacks or early exits.
Wayne Rooney is backing Harry Maguire for a World Cup recall with England after seeing the Manchester United defender come through “bullying” that saw him become a “meme” at one stage. The commanding centre-half has not enjoyed the easiest of times at Old Trafford, but he was given plenty to smile about when netting a dramatic winner against Liverpool last time out.
Mexican Football Federation president Mikel Arriola says El Tri are aiming to face Portugal in the long-awaited reopening of Estadio Azteca, with only a few technical details left to finalize. He also confirmed plans to take the national team to Central America as part of its 2026 World Cup preparations. Mexico have already faced opponents from Asia and South America in their buildup.
The world football governing body is strongly against governments meddling in the running of affairs by football associations. That invites some scrutiny on the way South Africa's sports minister has been interested in the happenings at SAFA. The CAF boss has his say on the issue.
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