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World Cup

World Cup news

Peter Shalulile and Bathusi Aubaas, Mamelodi Sundowns vs Orlando Pirates

Sundowns star faces World Cup heartbreak

Masanadawana face an anxious wait over the fitness of one of their key midfielders as the national team prepares to name their preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With the global showpiece on the horizon, injury concerns have emerged at the worst possible time for a player once considered a certainty for the Belgian mentor's selection.

Athletic Club v Valencia CF - LaLiga EA Sports

Nico Williams avoids serious injury before World Cup

Nico Williams has received incredibly positive news regarding the hamstring injury sustained during Athletic Club's recent clash with Valencia. While initial fears suggested the winger could miss the upcoming World Cup, medical tests have confirmed he should be fit in time for the tournament in North America.

Lionel Messi Argentina 2025

Messi makes the squad! Argentina announce provisional World Cup team

Lionel Scaloni has officially unveiled Argentina's massive 55-man provisional squad for the 2026 World Cup, headlined by legendary captain Lionel Messi. As the Albiceleste prepare to defend their global crown in North America, the manager has mixed established icons with rising stars from the Premier League and beyond. However, the announcement has caused a stir across the footballing world as several high-profile names, including a 40-cap Serie A veteran, found themselves entirely omitted from the longlist.

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Benni McCarthy, Harambee Stars

McCarthy sets record straight on Bafana job

The former Orlando Pirates striker has finally addressed the growing speculation linking him with the national team head coach position once Hugo Broos departs. The South African legend admitted that the current squad possesses the talent necessary to achieve something special on the international stage.

Tottenham Hotspur FC v Nottingham Forest FC - Premier League

Spurs boss De Zerbi assesses Kulusevski's World Cup chances

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.

Nico O'Reilly England 2026

O’Reilly backed to nail down England role for ‘next decade’

Nico O’Reilly has been tipped to nail down England’s left-back berth for “the next decade”, with Michael Gray explaining to GOAL why the Manchester City star is an “incredible talent”. With the versatile 21-year-old expected to become a mainstay in the Three Lions’ defence over the course of a 10-year period, what does that mean for United full-back Luke Shaw?

Athletic Club v Valencia CF - LaLiga EA Sports

First Yamal, now Williams! Another major injury scare for Spain

Spain’s 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 USMNT Belgium 2026

‘I don’t feel fear’ - USMNT star McKennie embraces World Cup ‘butterflies’

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.

Lionel Messi Argentina

Argentina plan fitting finale to Messi’s World Cup story

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.

FC Barcelona v RCD Espanyol de Barcelona - LaLiga EA Sports

‘He’ll be in good shape’ - World Cup boost for Yamal fans

Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has provided a reassuring update on Lamine Yamal’s 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 Fuente’s Spain side this summer.

2022-World-Cup-Match-Between-USA-And-Iran-in-Qatar

Iran issues 10-point World Cup ultimatum

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.

GFX Lamine Yamal Lionel Messi

Messi picks Barca star Yamal as his heir

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.

GFX Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo

Messi backs Ronaldo's Portugal over Argentina for World Cup

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.

Cassius Mailula, KV Kortrijk

Mailula learns fate at Kortrijk

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.

Bayer 04 Leverkusen v RB Leipzig - Bundesliga

SAFA strike historic Bundesliga deal

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.