World Cup news

Italy's head coach talks about the play-offs and the decisions ahead of them.

Thomas Tuchel has admitted that Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman has a “chance” of making England’s 2026 World Cup squad, but would an opportunity such as that be arriving too early for the 16-year-old forward? GOAL has put that question to Michael Owen, a man that knows all about making a senior breakthrough with the Three Lions as a teen sensation.

Wayne Rooney has expressed his shock after Trent Alexander-Arnold was omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s latest 35-man England squad. The Real Madrid defender is a high-profile absentee for the upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, leading the former Manchester United captain to suggest a deeper issue. Rooney sparked controversy by questioning if the snub is a tactical move to dismantle a perceived "clique" involving Jude Bellingham.

The Kwasniok chapter has come to an end in Cologne. Much to the delight of Supertalent El Mala, perhaps?

There have been questions about the best position for the versatile attacker, who has been excellent for the Buccaneers since getting his chance late in the 2022/23 campaign under the then-coach Jose Riveiro. He is an established South Africa international expected to lead the nation in the 2026 World Cup.

Manager Gattuso will speak at a press conference today ahead of the first training session.

Ricardo Quaresma is tipping Cristiano Ronaldo to get his hands on a long-awaited World Cup trophy as Portugal international team-mates “want” the all-time great to “win that title”. At the age of 41, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo is preparing to grace FIFA’s flagship event for a record-setting sixth time. He is desperate to emulate Lionel Messi by landing the ultimate prize.

Mick McCarthy has reignited his feud with Roy Keane as the ex-Republic of Ireland manager considers Manchester United’s legendary former midfielder to be a “c**t”. The pair endured an infamous falling out ahead of the 2002 World Cup that is now the subject of a film from Steve Coogan. Time does not appear to have been a good healer when it comes to historic divides.

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to chase down 1,000 career goals and another entry in his history books, but Portugal coach Roberto Martinez insists that target has not become an "obsession". There are no fears, at least not in international circles, that all-time great CR7 will stop passing to his team-mates in a bid to ensure that another individual milestone is reached.

The Masandawana star is starting to play week in and week out again after he was sidelined by a lengthy injury before. The few minutes he has been given by the Downs' technical bench saw the attacking midfielder return to the national team fold. The big concern now is whether the 36-year-old will be fit beyond the season and play in the World Cup finals.

Leroy Sané has regained his place in national team manager Julian Nagelsmann’s squad and stands a good chance of making the World Cup squad. Dietmar Hamann takes a very critical view of this.

Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has dismissed concerns regarding Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham joining their national teams. Despite recent injury scares at the Santiago Bernabeu, the coach insists the superstar duo are ready for both club and country, thus he is happy for them to play over the upcoming international window.

South Africa has been leaking at the back in recent outings, especially in the concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Morocco. With the global competitions about three months away, the Belgian tactician has been advised to consider an experienced defender who is currently struggling with fitness.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has laid down the gauntlet for Dani Carvajal after the Real Madrid captain was a surprise omission from the latest La Roja squad. The veteran defender faces a race against time to prove his fitness and form ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with Spain going into the tournament as European champions.

The Arsenal defender can't wait to return to the national team.

Nike has unveiled England's kits for the 2026 World Cup, revealing a fresh look for both the home and away jerseys, as well as the goalkeeper strip most likely to be worn by Everton star Jordan Pickford.