World Cup news

Frank Lampard would be an ideal successor to Thomas Tuchel when the England manager’s job next becomes available, former Coventry striker Matt Jansen has exclusively told GOAL. The Three Lions legend is in the process of rebuilding his reputation as a coach with Championship promotion hopefuls and could be a contender to step into a prominent international post at some stage.

Brazil endured their worst qualification campaign ever for the 2026 World Cup, finishing fifth in the CONMEBOL standings on just 28 points from 18 matches. The Selecao lost home and away to arch-rivals Argentina, with a 4-1 drubbing at the Estadio Monumental ultimately costing Dorival Junior his job as manager, and they were also handily beaten by Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay and Bolivia. But hope for the 2026 finals remains high, with Carlo Ancelotti now holding the reins for the most successful national team in history.

Germany's current No. 1, Oliver Baumann, has dismissed speculation over a sensational Manuel Neuer return as "unhelpful" to the team. With Marc-Andre ter Stegen injured, Baumann has stepped in but insists he will support the Barcelona star upon his return, while Neuer's incredible club form sparks contract talks and fuels the international debate.

Erling Haaland is a menace in competitive action and during training, with the Manchester City striker leaving fans in hysterics after being mic’d up for a session alongside his international team-mates. The prolific frontman was put through his paces ahead of a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Israel. Unsurprisingly, the larger-than-life 25-year-old made a point of dominating proceedings and teasing his colleagues.

Mark Bellingham, the father of Jude and Jobe, has seen some of his behaviour branded “an absolute joke” by England legend Sir Geoff Hurst. Bellingham senior has been billed as “the most powerful man in English football”, given the prominence of his two sons, but has also generated lively debate with his antics behind the scenes - with officials at Borussia Dortmund being confronted at one stage after Jobe was substituted at half-time.

Accusations of Harry Kane stat-padding for England by filling his boots against lesser opposition have been rubbished by former Three Lions striker Chris Sutton. Bayern Munich frontman Kane, who continues to captain his country, has taken his historic tally of international goals to 74. He will be looking to join Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in an exclusive club by reaching 100.

England can secure their qualification for the 2026 World Cup with two matches to spare if they beat Latvia on Tuesday, with Thomas Tuchel's side taking the trip at Daugava Stadium boasting a 100% record in their qualifying campaign thus far. Victory would secure the Three Lions' place at the tournament in North America next summer, while a draw would all-but seal qualification due to a superior goal difference over second-placed Albania.

There may soon be a new qualification process for the World Cup and European Championships, as UEFA are reportedly considering adopting a Champions League-style format to combat declining fan interest in the current qualifiers. The move to a league-style format would open the door for bigger games to take place, while smaller nations still get to enjoy lucrative clashes with big names. Using the Nations League as part of qualifying has also been considered.

Folarin Balogun’s performance in a 1-1 draw with Ecuador marked his true breakthrough moment with the USMNT, according to ESPN analyst Herculez Gomez. The former USMNT forward praised Balogun’s intelligent movement and composed finishing, saying the display cemented his place as the frontrunner for the starting striker role heading into the 2026 World Cup.

Former USMNT star Alexi Lalas praised midfielder Diego Luna for his substitute appearance against Ecuador in a 1-1 draw on Friday, highlighting the Real Salt Lake star’s unique flair and presence in midfield. Lalas noted that Luna offers a different look than No. 10 Malik Tillman, bringing a commanding touch to the U.S. attack.

Rangers star Max Aarons has set his sights on an England call-up despite his domestic struggles as the 2026 World Cup looms. The 25-year-old right-back insists that representing the Three Lions is still the biggest ambition of his career, and he’s determined not to let his early issues in Glasgow derail that vision.

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso and captain Gianluigi Donnarumma both attended the inauguration of the new museum of football at Coverciano on Wednesday. Gattuso was meant to donate the boots he wore in the 2006 World Cup final win over France but revealed that his mother refused to give them up.

Wayne Rooney has hit back at Steven Gerrard's claim that England's 'Golden Generation' were "egotistical losers". The Liverpool legend has attempted to explain why a star-studded group of players failed to savour international success. Manchester United icon Rooney also formed part of that squad for a while, and he is not convinced that fierce club divisions were to blame for the Three Lions struggling to roar when it mattered most.

The unfortunate deduction of three points by FIFA for fielding Teboho Mokoena when he was suspended dropped South Africa to second in Group C on goal difference. But qualification is still in reach if the team wins against Zimbabwe and Rwanda, and can score a few goals while doing it.

Will he or won't he? Lionel Messi has a massive decision to make and, just eight months before the start of the 2026 World Cup, we still don't know whether he'll lead Argentina's title defence. "At my age, it's only logical to think I might not," the 38-year-old told TyC Sports just last month. But, let's face it, there's never really anything logical about Messi's career.

Legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is in stunning form and could now extend his stay at Bayern Munich beyond his 40th birthday. With contract talks planned for December and Marc-Andre Ter Stegen injured, speculation is also mounting over a sensational return to the Germany squad for the 2026 World Cup despite the shot stopper having retired from international duty.

Morgan Rogers was delighted to make the most of his opportunity to impress for England against Wales, with the Aston Villa playmaker aware that "people will take your role" if the demands of head coach Thomas Tuchel are not met. Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham is among those to have missed out on a place in the latest Three Lions squad, with competition for places now fierce across all areas of the field.