World Cup news

The South African side's head coach has laid down a formidable challenge for his defenders as the race for places in the global showpiece squad intensifies. With a wealth of options at his disposal, the Belgian tactician has lifted the lid on the non-negotiable physical attributes required to thrive at the highest level of international football.

Katlego Mphela has turned up the heat regarding the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach's future, claiming South African football is losing its spark without the iconic tactician in the dugout. He believes that a return for the serial winner is essential to restore the entertainment factor to the domestic landscape.

The 27-year-old's extraordinary season in Denmark reached new heights this week as the wing-back produced another standout performance in a high-stakes title clash but, despite his domestic dominance, the former Cape Town City man remains on the outside of the South Africa national team.

Find out everything you need to know about how FIFA World Cup groups are decided ahead of this summer's big kick-off in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

Antony has expressed his immense admiration for Neymar, describing the Santos forward as the most gifted individual he has ever witnessed on a football pitch. Now enjoying a career resurgence with Real Betis, the former Manchester United winger is hopeful that both he and his "extraordinary" compatriot can secure their places in Brazil's squad for the upcoming World Cup.

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture is facing a social media backlash following his latest announcement regarding South Africa's presence at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While Bafana Bafana prepare for their trip to North America, the Minister has confirmed plans to send 20 local musicians to perform at the global showpiece with no room for superfan Mama Joy who clashed with the minister over funding for her proposed trip to the finals.

Kylian Mbappe has been told he lacks the technical brilliance of Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele as questions arise over his suitability as France’s primary leader. Despite his prolific goalscoring record for Les Bleus, former international Jerome Rothen believes the Real Madrid star should no longer be considered the technical focal point of Didier Deschamps' side.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has hinted that Lamine Yamal could be utilised as a high-impact substitute during the 2026 World Cup. The Barcelona sensation is currently sidelined for the remainder of the domestic season with a hamstring injury, forcing the national team to reconsider his workload for this summer's tournament in North America.

Neymar has been told he no longer possesses the intensity required to compete at the highest level of world football following his latest display for Santos. Former Brazil international Walter Casagrande has suggested that Neymar "doesn't deserve" a World Cup spot while claiming the forward would be an anonymous figure in a game at the level of Paris Saint-Germain's 5-4 Champions League win over Bayern Munich.

Cristiano Ronaldo has candidly admitted that the final whistle on his legendary career is approaching fast. The Portuguese icon, now 41, remains the driving force behind Al-Nassr’s pursuit of silverware, but has acknowledged that his time at the top is naturally reaching its conclusion.

The USMNT have been informed of the round they “need” to reach at the 2026 World Cup in order to help Christian Pulisic, Lionel Messi and MLS grow the game across America. Joe Cole spent time in the States towards the end of his playing career and the former England international has told GOAL why soccer is more appealing than American football to an ever-growing number of youngsters.

The football-loving fans in South Africa are anxiously waiting for the experienced, veteran tactician to unveil his squad for the prestigious global competition. After struggles in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), it is interesting to see who will be considered.

Kylian Mbappe has been unable to get his hands on Champions League and Ballon d’Or prizes, but former France international Louis Saha has used Cristiano Ronaldo as an example of why fortunes can change quickly for a “black cat”. Luck has not been on Mbappe’s side, despite being a World Cup-winning superstar, but the most prestigious of honours are expected to come his way eventually.

Harry Kane is considered to have become “England’s greatest No.9”, with Joe Cole explaining to GOAL why the prolific Bayern Munich striker has eclipsed the efforts of Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer. As the Three Lions’ all-time leading goalscorer, and ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Kane is currently in the process of chasing down Champions League and Ballon d’Or honours.

GOAL breaks down the state of the USMNT player pool just a few weeks before Mauricio Pochettino selects his 26-man squad

The Buccaneers forward has remained one of the most trusted players under the Belgian coach, even during spells when his form has dipped. Despite his struggles, the tactician has continued to show faith in him. However, it remains to be seen whether he will make the squad for the global football tournament as he battles for consistent game time at the club level.

Former South Africa international Katlego Mphela has delivered a strong message to Hugo Broos regarding his selection for the World Cup squad. The ex-Bafana forward believes the Belgian tactician must broaden his attacking arsenal if the national team is to be truly competitive on football’s biggest stage. Mphela stressed that depth and variety in the final third will be crucial, urging the coach to look beyond his current options and reward in-form forwards who can offer different dimensions to the attack.