Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi has expressed serious doubts over Dejan Kulusevski's ability to represent Sweden at the upcoming World Cup. Despite the winger's public determination to recover from a long-term knee injury, his club boss admits it is difficult to see him featuring in the tournament after such a lengthy spell on the sidelines. De Zerbi also delivered an update on Richarlison's fitness ahead of Spurs' crucial Premier League clash with Leeds.
Lionel Messi has thrown his weight behind former team-mate Neymar, insisting the Santos superstar "deserves" to be part of Brazil's World Cup squad despite his recent struggles with injury. The Inter Miami captain described his close friend as a "very special" talent who remains one of the finest players on the planet.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has opened the door for the 74-year-old to extend his stay as national team head coach beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite the veteran Belgian previously indicating his intention to retire after the global showpiece, the door remains firmly open for him to lead the national team into their next chapter of continental football.
Neymar Jr. proved once again that Vila Belmiro is his backyard by leading Santos to a 2-0 victory over Red Bull Bragantino. In an inspired performance, the number 10 not only scored a goal but also took an important step towards potentially securing his place on the final list of players called up for the Brazil national team for the 2026 World Cup.
Nico OâReilly has been tipped to nail down Englandâs left-back berth for âthe next decadeâ, with Michael Gray explaining to GOAL why the Manchester City star is an âincredible talentâ. With the versatile 21-year-old expected to become a mainstay in the Three Lionsâ defence over the course of a 10-year period, what does that mean for United full-back Luke Shaw?
Spainâs World Cup preparations have suffered a devastating blow after Nico Williams was forced off with a muscular injury during Athletic Club's La Liga match against Valencia. Coming just weeks before the tournament and following Lamine Yamal's season-ending injury, the winger's distress on the pitch has sparked major fears over his availability for the national squad.
Weston McKennie has declared that he is ready to transform the immense pressure of a home World Cup into a historic performance for the United States men's national team. The Juventus midfielder insists that while the "butterflies" are inevitable, he feels no fear heading into the 2026 tournament, viewing the global spotlight as a unique opportunity to elevate American soccer to unprecedented heights.
Arsenalâs Premier League title charge and Englandâs World Cup preparations have been dealt a massive blow following a significant injury to Ben White. The versatile defender was forced to withdraw during the first half of Sunday's clash against West Ham United, leaving both Mikel Arteta and Thomas Tuchel sweating over his fitness.
Nicolas Tagliafico has revealed that Argentina are determined to provide Lionel Messi with the ultimate farewell by defending their crown at the 2026 World Cup. The defender insists that while "nobody will be ready" for the day the captain eventually retires, the squad is fully committed to supporting their leader until the very end.
Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has provided a reassuring update on Lamine Yamalâs fitness as the teenage sensation races against time to be ready for the 2026 World Cup. Despite being sidelined for the remainder of the domestic season with a muscle tear, Yamal is expected to be a focal point for Luis de la Fuenteâs Spain side this summer.
The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has thrown the 2026 World Cup into the spotlight by issuing a strict 10-point ultimatum to the host nations. Despite qualifying for the tournament, Tehran has warned that their participation depends on specific security and visa guarantees following recent diplomatic friction.
Lionel Messi has officially weighed in on the meteoric rise of Lamine Yamal, naming the Barcelona teenager as his natural successor. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner believes the La Masia graduate is already operating at a level that puts him above the rest of the pack in world football.
The Golden Arrows tactician has spotted what he believes could be the final jigsaw piece in Hugo Broosâ Bafana blueprint, with the global spectacle looming on the horizon. The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach has been outspoken about the national sideâs defensive frailties, and is now casting his eye toward Durban in search of a possible solution to shore up the backline.
Lionel Messi has provided a surprising assessment of the international landscape ahead of the 2026 World Cup, suggesting that several nations are currently better equipped than Argentina to lift the trophy. The Inter Miami superstar identified four specific rivals he believes are entering the tournament in superior form compared to the defending champions, including Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Bafana Bafana international is on the move once again after the Belgian side reached a final decision regarding his future at the club. Despite the promise shown during his time in Africa, the winger's European dream has hit a significant speed bump in the Jupiler Pro League.
The Glamour Boys boss has publicly challenged Bafana Bafana head coach over the continued absence of Amakhosi stars from the national team setup. With the tournament fast approaching, the Tunisian tactician believes the domestic form of his players can no longer be ignored by the national team selectors.
George Lebese believes the Buccaneers 21-year-old star has outgrown the 'youngster' tag after a sensational turnaround in form in a more central role under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has seen him become the heartbeat of the Bucs' title charge.
The Association has secured a transformative agreement with the top European league, marking a major milestone for the growth of the local game. This historic collaboration is set to open unprecedented doors for young talent across the country while strengthening technical and commercial ties with one of Europe's elite leagues.
U.S. Men's National Team midfielder Tanner Tessmann will miss the final two games of Lyon's Ligue 1 season after suffering a muscle injury, manager Paulo Fonseca revealed Friday. The injury comes just weeks ahead of the World Cup, with Tessmann widely expected to be in contention for a starting USMNT role this summer.
The South African legend has identified the three players he believes should replace the talented centre-back if he fails to recover in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With the former Kaizer Chiefs defender struggling for fitness following a series of injury setbacks in Romania, North America might come too soon for the 28-year-old.
Cristiano Ronaldo could grace the 2030 World Cup, former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen has told GOAL, as a home finals in Portugal are ânot too farâ away for the history-making GOAT. The Al-Nassr superstar may be 41 years of age, but the evergreen frontman has proved over the course of his remarkable career that anything is possible and he likes nothing more than making a mockery of biological and sporting logic.
Real Madrid starlet Endrick has taken French football by storm, but it isn't just his prowess on the pitch that is making headlines. The teenage sensation recently stunned fans and media alike by conducting a full interview in fluent French, despite having only joined Lyon on loan just over four months ago.
Christian Pulisic has hit back at critics questioning his recent form, labelling concerns over his 2026 goal drought as "bad questions" ahead of the World Cup. The AC Milan forward, who recently featured as a cover star for Time magazine, remains confident in his ability to deliver for the USMNT as they prepare to co-host the tournament.
Donald Trump admitted that he would be reluctant to pay the reportedly high prices for World Cup tickets in an interview with the New York Post. The U.S. president conceded that he "did not know" tickets were being sold for more than $1,000 for the USMNT's opening fixture against Paraguay and noted that he "wouldn't pay" such fees to see a World Cup game.
Sixteen years after the global phenomenon of 'Waka Waka', Shakira is set to take centre stage again for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The Colombian singer has released a snippet of the official song for the tournament titled 'Dai Dai', a collaborative project with Nigerian artist Burna Boy.
Antonio Cassano has revealed Lionel Messi's retirement timeline after meeting the Argentina icon in Florida. Despite approaching his 39th birthday, the Inter Miami superstar appears to have no immediate intention of hanging up his boots as he eyes further success in MLS and potentially on the international stage.
Curacao became the smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup, and their historic achievement has offered a moment of unity for an island long shaped by racial tension.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino joked he would personally deliver hot dogs and soft drinks to anyone paying $2 million for a World Cup final ticket. The comment comes as resale listings for the 2026 showpiece reach extraordinary levels, sparking criticism over affordability.
Landon Donovan has issued blunt advice to Gio Reyna as the United States build towards the 2026 World Cup on home soil. The former USMNT star says the talented playmaker must focus on football and team unity if he wants to play a leading role in the tournament.
The Brazilians boss has launched a scathing attack on the match officials after seeing his side drop crucial points in a dramatic draw against the Glamour Boys at Loftus Versfeld. The result has revitalised the Betway Premiership title race, handing a massive lifeline to rivals Orlando Pirates.
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