World Cup news

The 73-year-old tactician has been with the national team since 2021 and helped them to compete in two Africa Cup of Nations finals, winning a bronze in the 2023 edition before falling in the Round of 16 in the most recent one. However, the biggest achievement, arguably, was to help South Africa qualify for the global competition.

Thomas Tuchel has been given three reasons why Jude Bellingham, who is nursing an injury at Real Madrid, has to make England’s 2026 World Cup squad. The all-action midfielder may be forced to sit out international action during the March round of friendlies, but Lee Sharpe has told GOAL that the talented 22-year-old is one of those that should be picked on reputation alone.

The highly-anticipated Finalissima clash between reigning European champions Spain and South American counterparts Argentina, scheduled for March 27 in Doha, has been thrown into serious doubt. Following recent geopolitical developments, including Iranian strikes on bases within the country and an escalation of conflict across the Middle East, Qatar has taken the drastic step of halting all sporting activity.

Real Madrid star Rodrygo has made his feelings crystal clear regarding the composition of the Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup, sending a direct message to manager Carlo Ancelotti. As the Selecao continues its transition under the Italian tactician, questions have consistently circled around the role of Neymar. However, for Rodrygo, the veteran playmaker remains an indispensable figure if the South American giants are to reclaim their throne on the global stage.

Manchester United are ramping up their search for a permanent managerial appointment to lead the club into the 2026-27 campaign, and a familiar face from the Premier League has emerged as a serious contender. Roberto Martinez, currently at the helm of the Portugal national team, has reportedly been identified by the Old Trafford hierarchy as a potential candidate to take over the reigns.

When the football association confirmed that South Africa will face the Central American side, questions were raised. Many wanted to see the national team face stronger sides, either from within Africa or from Europe. However, SAFA's decision to secure the friendly has continued to get support among known figures in the football circle.

At the very start of the year, it looked like Endrick's dream of making Brazil's World Cup squad was dead in the water. The Real Madrid youngster only played 99 minutes for the club in the first half of the season, with then-Blancos boss Xabi Alonso favouring homegrown forward Gonzalo Garcia ahead of him, and a move away became inevitable in the winter transfer window.

Mauricio Pochettino has left the door open to a spectacular return to Tottenham following the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine will leave his role as USMNT boss following the showpiece event in North America this summer, and he's been linked with a switch to Spurs as a long-term replacement for Thomas Frank at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

USMNT star Brenden Aaronson is being tipped to spark “silly money” transfer talk if club form in the Premier League at Leeds United can be carried over into international duty at the 2026 World Cup. Ex-Elland Road midfielder Lee Sharpe has told GOAL why a playmaker that is full of confidence could have some big decisions to make on his future this summer.

The midfielder has arrived in Minnesota in pursuit of a World Cup dream, but he isn't the first to follow that path

Calls for the 21-year-old defender to be included in the National Team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup continue to grow louder, with some believing he has done enough to earn his place in the squad. The centre-back has steadily built his profile during his three years in the United States, gaining valuable experience in a competitive environment. Crucially, he has tested himself against some of the best attacking talents in the game, such as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

Former England star Stuart Pearce has named his "first name on the teamsheet" for this summer's World Cup, and has snubbed both Declan Rice and Harry Kane. The Arsenal and Bayern Munich stars are almost certain to be heavily involved in the Three Lions' bid to end 60 years of hurt, but Pearce has instead picked a Manchester City star as the most important in the squad.

Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive Maheta Molango has warned Chelsea that Cole Palmer is facing "burnout". The Blues star is set to feature heavily in the Blues' run-in as the club attempt to qualify for the Champions League, and is also likely to travel to World Cup 2026 in North America, Mexico and Canada with England in the summer.

A decade into Gianni Infantino’s presidency, FIFA has expanded globally while becoming more polarizing, shaped by growth, controversy and constant change.

After a disappointing campaign in the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, South Africa's focus is on the 2026 global football showpiece. Already, preparations have started in earnest as the football association has revealed the team's training base. The Belgian tactician has given reasons why the chosen training base will be the best for his players.

EXCLUSIVE: The former NFL star discusses launching GOAL’s The Late Run with Ochocinco and the roots of his love for the beautiful game.

FootballCo and OchoCinco Productions have partnered to launch The Late Run with Ochocinco, a brand new weekly podcast hosted by NFL legend and diehard soccer fan Chad Johnson. The first season, which kicks off on Feb. 26, will feature a star-studded list of guests ranging from legends like Rio Ferdinand and Gerard Pique to rapper Rick Ross and comedian Bert Kreischer, all talking about their experience with the beautiful game.