USMNT fans exploded online after the leaked World Cup roster surfaced, with Diego Luna’s omission and Gio Reyna’s inclusion fueling intense debate ahead of Mauricio Pochettino’s official squad announcement.
NEW YORK -- USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino launched an ardent defense of his decision to not personally call players after they were left off his World Cup roster in a press conference on Tuesday evening. The head coach circulated emails to the 20+ players who didn't make the final cut, and acknowledged that he wouldn't want to hear from a coach who made a similar decision.
Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT World Cup squad is set, and GOAL breaks down the key takeaways, including major trust in Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie, and one lingering goalkeeper question.
GOAL breaks down the biggest winners and losers of Mauricio Pochettino's World Cup squad, including the bold decisions to include Alejandro Zendejas and Gio Reyna.
U.S. Men's National Team boss Mauricio Pochettino has officially confirmed his 26-player squad for the World Cup as U.S. Soccer announced the final roster in New York on Tuesday. The squad features many of the usual heavy-hitters in players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tyler Adams, while Diego Luna, Tanner Tessmann, and Aidan Morris were among the notable exclusions from the final team.
The Bucs star should be celebrating a stellar season with the Sea Robbers, but a looming financial dispute behind the scenes has cast a shadow over his move. Despite his heroics on the pitch, a former club has sensationally claimed that they are still waiting for their share of the transfer fee paid by the Soweto giants.
Mohamed Salah has officially said his goodbyes to the Anfield faithful, bringing the curtain down on one of the most decorated individual eras in Liverpool's modern history. The Egyptian forward took to social media to share a poignant message following his final appearance for the Reds, describing the experience as the most difficult evening of his career.
Harambee Stars head coach has sent a defiant message to South Africa ahead of their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Despite his deep personal ties to his home nation, the legendary striker is determined to ensure the Harambee Stars are not humiliated when they meet on the pitch.
Former international Benson Mhlongo has sent a clear message to South Africa coach regarding the national team selection for the upcoming global showpiece. As the deadline for the final roster approaches, the retired player believes the tactician must remain open to rewarding late surges in form.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has backed teenage talisman Lamine Yamal to illuminate the upcoming World Cup despite his recent fitness struggles. Speaking after unveiling his 26-man squad, the coach emphasised that the tournament represents a defining career milestone for the Barcelona forward, who is currently recovering from a hamstring injury.
The Brazilians captain has broken his silence regarding his future at Chloorkop following the club's historic CAF Champions League triumph. The veteran midfielder remains a focal point of the Masandawana dynasty, but questions regarding his longevity have surfaced as his contract nears its conclusion.
The midfielder believes the recent domestic and continental success of South Africa's biggest clubs will provide a massive psychological lift for Hugo Broos' team. With the FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the Masandawana star feels the winning momentum at club level is exactly what the national team needs to make an impact on the global stage.
Canada boss Jesse Marsch expects Alphonso Davies to feature at the World Cup despite the Bayern Munich defender continuing his recovery from a hamstring tear. However, the left-back is unlikely to be fit for the tournament opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast and feature series counting down to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. This week, we look at why Brazil turned toward the most decorated club coach on the planet, Carlo Ancelotti, how this decision reflects years of confusion in the national project, and why Ancelotti’s bond with players like Kaka and Vinicius Jr shaped their choice...
The landscape of the 2026 World Cup is shifting as geopolitical tensions spill over into the world of sport. Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum has officially confirmed that Iran’s national team are set to relocate its base of operations from the United States to Mexico ahead of the tournament.
For every USMNT player who gets the World Cup call, another is left to process the one that never comes. GOAL spoke to players and coaches about the pain of missing out, and why it can linger for years.
As the season reached its climax this past weekend, with the Orlando Pirates duo wrapping up the campaign in championship glory, PSL has kept the celebrations rolling as standout performers continue to shine. The Moroccan tactician, Bloemfontein-born shot-stopper, and Sekhukhune United' star all rose to the occasion in May, stealing the spotlight and walking away with individual monthly accolades after a blistering run of form.
Lamine Yamal has provided a glimpse into the raw emotion shared between team-mates after Gavi received his official call-up for the 2026 World Cup with Spain. The Barcelona midfielder’s inclusion marks the end of a gruelling journey back from a serious knee injury that threatened to derail his international ambitions.
Michael Owen has, during an exclusive interview with GOAL, picked two players from England’s ‘Golden Generation’ that would improve the Three Lions’ class of 2026 and aid their bid for World Cup glory. The ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid striker has also debated whether Harry Kane and Declan Rice could oust the likes of Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard from an iconic team of the past.
Taegeuk Warriors boss has admitted that physical conditioning will be the greatest obstacle for his side at upcoming global showpiece, citing the punishing effects of high altitude. The Asian giants are taking no chances as they prepare for a difficult Group A campaign that includes a meeting with Hugo Broos’ South Africa, at altitude in Guadalupe.
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