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World Cup

World Cup news

Thomas Tuchel Announced As New England Manager

'The mission is very clear' - Tuchel & England arrive in USA

Thomas Tuchel’s England squad has touched down in Florida to begin a hot-weather training camp ahead of the upcoming World Cup tournament. Captain Harry Kane has firmly embraced the manager's collective ethos, insisting that the clear expectation for the Three Lions is to finally cross the line and bring home football's ultimate prize.

England squads GFX

Golden Generation or Class of '26? England squads ranked

'Golden Generation'. Football has Adam Crozier, the former chief of the Football Association, to blame for the term, after he famously dubbed the England team as such following their 5-1 battering of Germany in a World Cup qualifier in Munich. It was a remarkable performance, but also a potentially catastrophic turn of phrase.

Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal World Cup portrait GFX 1:1

Ronaldo needs a World Cup to match his legendary status

The tears began to flow down Cristiano Ronaldo's cheeks as soon as the full-time whistle blew at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha on the night of December 10, 2022. The forward was so upset by Portugal's shock World Cup quarter-final loss to Morocco he couldn't even bring himself to acknowledge his side's supporters. The pain was too great. So great, in fact, that he wasn't able to properly express his devastation until the following day - and even then only in a social media post.

World Cup missing stars GFX

Biggest stars who failed to qualify for World Cup 2026

We are now just over a week out from the 2026 World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with all 48 teams making their way to North America with dreams of glory driving them. All of the pre-qualifying favourites made it safely through, including Spain, Brazil, England, France and defending champions Argentina.

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Legacy Morocco GFX

LEGACY: From Mexico to Qatar - Morocco's World Cup journey

This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast and feature series that is 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 revisit the matches that shaped Morocco's identity, the coaches and players who carried the hope of a nation, and the moment that proved nothing is impossible when a country decides to dream together.

FBL-AFR-2025-MATCH 28-ZWE-RSA

Mokoena fatigue debate justified ahead of WC - 'The level is different'

A former Orlando Pirates star has voiced growing alarm over the physical condition of the CAF Champions League-winning star, as South Africa gears up for their historic global showpiece. The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder has been pushed to the limit across a demanding blend of domestic and international commitments, with a gruelling schedule sparking growing fears of burnout even before the tournament kicks off.

Danny Jordaan and SAFA NEC members

SAFA sackings demanded over Bafana visa blunder - 'Heads must roll'

The deputy Sport, Arts and Culture minister has launched a scathing attack on the South African Football Association following a humiliating administrative error that delayed the national team’s departure for the World Cup. Hugo Broos' charges were left grounded on Sunday when it emerged that several players and technical staff had not been granted visas for their trip to Mexico.

Reece James England 2025

Why James hasn’t looked to sister Lauren for ‘winning’ advice

As Reece James prepares to lead England's defensive line at the upcoming World Cup, the 26-year-old is determined to finally make his mark on the global stage after the heartbreak of missing out on Qatar 2022. While his sister, Lauren James, has already tasted international success with the Lionesses, the Blues skipper insists he has his own blueprint for success.

Portugal v Spain - UEFA Nations League 2025 Final

Martinez backs Ronaldo for 2030 World Cup

Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has sensationally refused to rule out Cristiano Ronaldo featuring in the 2030 World Cup. Despite the Al-Nassr superstar being 41 years old, his international manager believes his unique mental drive could see him competing when the tournament reaches Portuguese shores.

Lionel Messi Argentina GFX

Messi completed football - so why play another World Cup?

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni included Lionel Messi in his 2026 World Cup squad on Thursday, even though his captain isn't "fully fit". Of course, neither revelation was particularly surprising. Messi was widely expected to be a part of his the Albiceleste's title defence - just as it was always unlikely that he'd been in optimal physical condition.