National coach Nagelsmann has outlined his tournament squad less than four weeks before the squad is announced. Thanks to “his Lena”, Undav can hope again, while another debate has finally been put to bed.
Sami Khedira has launched a fierce defence of Germany goalkeeper Oliver Baumann following persistent media speculation regarding a potential international return for Manuel Neuer. The 2014 World Cup winner argued that the ongoing debate has actively harmed the squad’s preparation and undermined the confidence of the current first-choice option heading into the summer tournament.
After a remarkable outing with Orlando Pirates, the defender made a move that left many debating whether it was the right career decision. His national team coach Hugo Broos was one of the vocal voices that raised concern over a move to Major League Soccer. The Belgian believed that the youngster should have stayed a little with the Sea Robbers and signed for a club in Europe at least.
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has issued a formal apology to Deniz Undav after his controversial public assessment of the striker’s performance last month. The former Bayern Munich boss admitted his comments regarding the VfB Stuttgart star were too blunt and has moved to clarify their relationship ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has dismissed any doubts regarding Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, insisting the nation will be present despite the escalating war involving co-hosts the United States. Football's world governing body chief has moved to provide clarity on Iran’s status after geopolitical tensions led to suggestions that their involvement could be at risk.
In the winter of 2022, under the lights of Lusail, Lionel Messi finally realised the dream he'd carried with him his entire life. After years of unrelenting pressure, bitter heartbreak and agonising near-misses, Argentina’s captain rose above expectation on football’s grandest stage to deliver his country the perfect ending - and to fulfill his own destiny. Welcome to the latest episode of Icons - a GOAL podcast that revisits the last 10 World Cups through the moments, characters, and controversies that defined them, bringing the spirit of each tournament vividly back to life.
France national team head coach Didier Deschamps has sent a powerful message to Hugo Ekitike following the announcement of his serious injury. The Liverpool forward, who was enjoying a stellar season in the Premier League, has seen his 2026 World Cup dreams shattered after going down in the Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
The South African star is among the players who are doing well in the ongoing season and has been described as national team material. However, to get a call to Bafana, he has been advised that continued impressive performance against the PSL 'Big Three' is a must for him to earn the coach's attention.
When one moves from one workstation to another, naturally, one will need time to familiarise oneself with the environment before things start to flow quite easily. In such circumstances, one will need help and guidance from an experienced individual there in order to feel at home. This is exactly what the South African star faced, and he has revealed who gave him the helping hand.
The star has been a regular face in the Bafana Bafana set-up under Hugo Broos. Going by precedence, the 21-year-old has high chances of flying the country's flag in the June/July competition. Given how important the global bonanza is for players, South African stars are expected to give their best for the country and even for their careers.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has taken the extraordinary step of consulting the country's president, Lula, over whether Neymar should be included in the squad for the 2026 World Cup. The Santos forward's international future has become a matter of state importance as he battles recurring fitness issues in his homeland.
South Africa are stepping up their preparations for the upcoming global football tournament, with recent international friendlies serving as a key measure of their progress. Their performances against Central American opponents have come under scrutiny. A former Orlando Pirates player has weighed in, checking the squad’s readiness.
U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker is leaving his role to take a similar job with Saudi Arabia. Crocker's exit comes just weeks before the federation opens its brand new training facility ahead of the World Cup on home soil. Crocker is set to leave his role with immediate effect, ending a three-year stay with the federation.
Oliver Kahn insists he has been misinterpreted, and that his remarks about national team player Jamal Musiala possibly missing the World Cup have been taken out of context.
Declan Rice, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are all considered to be Ballon d’Or-worthy talents, but who will be the next Englishman to win the prestigious Golden Ball? Former Three Lions midfielder Gareth Barry has delivered his verdict to GOAL, with Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid superstars eager to be recognised as the best player on the planet.
The West African nation are among the 10 teams that will represent the continent of Africa in the prestigious global competition to be played from June 11. Co-hosts Mexico will play South Africa's Bafana Bafana in the opening fixture in what will be a repeat of the 2010 edition that Mzansi hosted.
Max Dowman has made Premier League history at Arsenal, with the 16-year-old wonderkid rewriting the record books, but Gareth Barry has told GOAL why the exciting youngster is likely to miss out on a place in England’s 2026 World Cup squad. There has been talk of the teenager becoming a wild card for the Three Lions, but questions are being asked of whether he needs to be fast tracked through that system.
The Ghana Football Association has officially appointed Carlos Queiroz as the new head coach of the Black Stars to lead their 2026 World Cup campaign. The former Manchester United assistant manager replaces Otto Addo just 58 days before the tournament begins, bringing a wealth of elite international experience to the West African giants.
The 21-year-old emerged as a generational talent in South African football, with his performances drawing widespread admiration. His rise has, however, also placed local fans on high alert, wary of the pressures and distractions that often come with such early acclaim. There is a growing concern that, like many gifted players before him, he could fall victim to the very pitfalls that have derailed other highly talented careers.
Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has expressed his hope that Neymar will represent Brazil at the 2026 World Cup. The Spain international described the veteran forward as his "idol" and one of football’s most inspiring entertainers.
This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast following the countdown to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. In this week's episode, we look at how Spain went from defining an era to questioning its very place in the global game. We revisit the brilliance of the golden generation, the abrupt collapse after Brazil 2014, and the struggle of the teams that followed. And we turn to the present: a new coach, new mindset, and a wave of young talent led by Lamine Yamal, the prodigy many believe could carry Spain towards redemption in 2026. This is the journey of a team trying to rediscover itself - and the uncertainty, promise and pressure that comes with chasing a second star.
Former Amakhosi star and outspoken pundit Junior Khanye has sent a clear message to Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos regarding his defensive selections. Following a commanding continental performance, Khanye believes two Mamelodi Sundowns stars have proved they are indispensable for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Brazil veteran Hulk has delivered a surprisingly neutral assessment regarding Neymar’s potential inclusion in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. As the legendary forward battles to regain full match fitness following a lengthy injury absence, the lack of an explicit endorsement from his former international team-mate has intensified the selection debate.
The 31-year-old playmaker has quickly become a key figure in the Soweto giants’ midfield since joining the side led by co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef earlier this season. The ex-Mamelodi Sundowns star has been in fine form at Naturena, earning widespread praise from both the Amakhosi faithful and the technical team for how seamlessly he has settled into life at the club.
Harry Kane is being tipped to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo by playing into his 40s, with ex-England star Gareth Barry telling GOAL why the prolific Bayern Munich striker should be giving no thought to retirement. Kane is only 32, with many years ahead of him, and is expected to offer domestic and international bosses a huge boost by following in the footsteps of fellow all-time greats.
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