Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk has expressed his frustration with the mandatory hydration breaks introduced for the 2026 World Cup. Speaking after his side's dramatic 2-2 draw with Japan, the veteran defender questioned the necessity of the stoppages in air-conditioned environments.
Didier Deschamps has downplayed France's status as the leading contenders for the World Cup crown, instead pointing towards a European rival as the team to beat. Speaking ahead of Les Bleus' opening fixture against Senegal, the veteran coach insisted that while his side harbours domestic ambitions, they do not currently hold the mantle of the world's strongest team.
Luka Modric has sent a defiant message to his rivals ahead of Croatia's high-stakes World Cup opener against England, insisting that his side does not fear anyone. The AC Milan midfielder, who is appearing in his fifth global tournament, remains the heartbeat of a nation looking to replicate their deep runs in 2018 and 2022. While questions regarding his club future and potential retirement continue to swirl, the veteran midfielder is keeping his focus firmly on the pitch.
Brazil are facing the prospect of navigating the entire World Cup group stage without Neymar as the medical staff prioritises his long-term fitness. The Selecao talisman is battling to recover from a significant muscle injury, with coaching staff now focusing on a return for the knockout rounds.
The opening fixture between Brazil and Morocco delivered on safety, but there are questions to be raised about the matchday experience at such a major venue
Germany legend Lothar Matthaus has hit out at Jurgen Klopp for his recent comments regarding Julian Nagelsmann’s tactical choices, insisting that the former Liverpool boss was wrong to "interfere" from the sidelines. Despite Klopp issuing a public apology for his remarks following Germany's dominant 7-1 World Cup opening victory against Curacao, Matthaus believes the damage was already done.
Tunisia have sensationally sacked head coach Sabri Lamouchi just one game into their 2026 World Cup campaign. The decision comes in the wake of a devastating 5-1 defeat at the hands of Sweden in their Group F opener on Sunday.
Harry Kane is already striking fear into his opponents before a ball has even been kicked in England's World Cup opener. Croatia defender Duje Caleta-Car has showered the Three Lions captain with praise, admitting the striker's intelligence makes him one of the most difficult players to nullify in world football.
Harry Kane has never made a secret of his desire to swap the football pitch for the gridiron, and now one of the NFL's biggest stars has given the England captain his seal of approval. Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey, who made a similar transition from professional soccer, believes the Three Lions legend possesses the "elite" striking ability required to reach the top of American football.
Eberechi Eze has declared he will not abandon his trademark stuttered penalty run-up if called upon to take a spot-kick for England at the 2026 World Cup. Despite the pain of a recent miss in the Champions League final with Arsenal, the playmaker remains steadfast in his approach ahead of the tournament in North America.
The national team winger has issued a rallying cry to his teammates following a bruising start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. After a disciplinary meltdown and a clinical performance from Mexico left the team reeling, the youngster has identified exactly where Hugo Broos’ side must find another gear.
Jordan Henderson has leapt to the defence of England team-mate Jude Bellingham, admitting he finds it "hard to read" the constant media scrutiny aimed at the Real Madrid superstar. The veteran midfielder believes Bellingham possesses a unique "X-factor" that will be vital for England's 2026 World Cup hopes in North America.
Jude Bellingham may have been billed as a generational talent, but David James has told GOAL why England are right to treat the Real Madrid superstar in the same manner as Glenn Hoddle and Paul Gascoigne. The Three Lions have not always built around their most gifted players, with Thomas Tuchel seemingly adopting that stance again in 2026.
The Sundowns goalkeeper has leaped to the defence of the national team coach following a wave of criticism in the wake of South Africa's opening World Cup defeat. The Belgian mentor has come under fire for his tactical approach after the national team slumped to a 2-0 loss against tournament co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
Bafana Bafana's long-awaited return to the world stage didn't go according to plan, as they slumped to a 2-0 defeat against co-hosts Mexico. Central to the fallout was the Tondela midfielder, whose high-profile errors and subsequent red card turned him into a lightning rod for criticism.
Jordan Pickford has stated his desire to take a penalty for England, but would the Everton goalkeeper be picked to step up in a shootout if a 2026 World Cup fixture went the distance? Former Three Lions shot-stopper David James has told GOAL what Thomas Tuchel’s stance is likely to be, with history dictating that plans do need to be drawn up in that department.
Ricardo Goss has expressed his deep frustration with the level of criticism aimed at the national team following their difficult start to the 2026 World Cup. Speaking from the team base in Mexico, the shot-stopper directed his ire specifically at television analysts, many of whom are former professionals and ex-teammates of the current squad.
Bayern Munich are on the verge of completing a blockbuster deal for Ismael Saibari, with the PSV Eindhoven winger reportedly agreeing to a move worth €55 million. The Morocco international was one of the standout performers in the Eredivisie last season and is now set to undergo a medical with the German giants.
Graham Potter’s World Cup debut as Sweden manager was a dream on the pitch but the former Chelsea boss was left nursing a bloodied ear following a dominant 5-1 victory over Tunisia. While his side moved to the top of Group F with a ruthless attacking display, Potter sustained a mystery injury during the post-match celebrations.
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