World Cup news

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has heaped praise on "magnificent" Manchester City midfielder Rodri after Spain’s clinical victory over France secured their spot in the World Cup final. The legendary Swedish striker also suggested that "football won" after seeing Spain's free-flowing style get the better of a disappointing France side.

Nike has unveiled England's kits for the 2026 World Cup, revealing a fresh look for both the home and away jerseys.

Luis de la Fuente has moved to calm fears regarding Lamine Yamal after the teenage sensation appeared to be struggling physically during Spain's World Cup semi-final win over France. The Roja boss also provided a fitness update on Pedro Porro, who was forced off late in the contest as Spain secured their place in the 2026 showpiece.

Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have been hogging headlines for England at the 2026 World Cup, with ex-Three Lions star Gary Pallister telling GOAL who has been an unsung hero for Thomas Tuchel’s side. All-action midfielder Elliot Anderson is considered to fit that bill, with the Manchester City new boy putting in the graft that allows others to deliver guile.

Thomas Tuchel has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of England’s monumental World Cup semi-final clash against Argentina, insisting the Three Lions have the blueprint to nullify Lionel Messi. The German tactician believes that while the Inter Miami superstar remains a unique threat, England’s success in silencing Erling Haaland during the quarter-finals proves they can handle the world's most dangerous attackers.

It’s set to be a jaw-dropping finish to the World Cup 2026 party - with tickets reaching the $10,000 mark

Folarin Balogun has opened up on the "unfortunate" circumstances that saw the United States men's national team thrust into a political storm during the 2026 World Cup. The striker admitted that his team-mates were visibly affected by the outside noise after his red card suspension was sensationally overturned by FIFA, as the USMNT subsequently suffered a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16.

Spain midfielder Rodri has hit out at the officiating standards during La Roja's World Cup semi-final victory over France, claiming teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is not being afforded enough protection. Despite securing a place in the final, the Manchester City star expressed his frustration at the rough treatment handed out to the Barcelona wonderkid.

Didier Deschamps was left fuming with the officiating as France saw their dreams of a third consecutive World Cup final crushed by a clinical Spain side in Texas. The Les Bleus boss pointed the finger at referee Ivan Barton following a controversial first-half penalty that set the tone for a miserable night.

Against all the odds and pre-match conjecture, it is Spain who progressed to the final of the 2026 World Cup after overcoming France and their fabled forward line with alarming ease in Dallas on Tuesday. It was quite incredible just how routine the 2-0 victory was, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele all failing to show up as the tournament favourites bowed out with a whimper.

Thomas Tuchel has moved to dismiss suggestions of a rift within the England camp, insisting there are "no cracks" in his relationship with Jude Bellingham. The Three Lions boss claimed the pair are "closer than ever" despite the Real Madrid superstar publicly challenging his manager's assessment following their dramatic World Cup quarter-final victory over Norway.

Kobbie Mainoo has been surprisingly snubbed by Thomas Tuchel throughout the 2026 World Cup, but Michael Owen has told GOAL why the Manchester United midfielder may yet have a Geoff Hurst role to play for England. The 21-year-old is having to be patient in pursuit of game time at FIFA’s flagship event, but “unlikely heroes” have emerged at previous tournaments.

Comprehensive match preview of England vs Argentina at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more ahead of this semi-final clash in Atlanta.

Michael Owen has - during an exclusive interview with GOAL - lauded the Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne-esque influence of Jude Bellingham on England’s World Cup class of 2026, discussed the Ballon d’Or battle that could soon break out between international team-mates and what the Three Lions need to do in order to bring 60 years of hurt to a close.

Luis de la Fuente has issued a chilling warning to Spain's potential World Cup final opponents, declaring that his side currently feel "unbeatable" following their dominant semi-final triumph over France. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro secured a 2-0 victory in Arlington, booking La Roja's place in the showpiece event in New York this Sunday.

It's testament to the progress that England have made over the last decade that, in the eyes of many, they will be favourites when they come up against World Cup holders Argentina in the semi-finals of the 2026 edition on Wednesday. Of course, a side containing the great Lionel Messi still poses an existential threat to the Three Lions' chances of ending six decades of hurt, but Thomas Tuchel's men have nothing to fear in Atalanta.

England cult hero Dan Burn is more than just a “head it and kick it” centre-half, Gary Pallister has told GOAL, with another defender from the North East explaining why a 2026 World Cup viral sensation was always destined to make it. Burn may have doubted that himself at times, but is now a trophy-winning Premier League regular and vital “finisher” with his country.