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World Cup

World Cup news

Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup trophy Portugal

‘They want Cristiano to win that title’ - CR7 World Cup claim

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 Roy Keane 2002

Feud reignited! Keane brutally labelled a 'c**t' by McCarthy

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 Portugal 2025

Ronaldo’s 1,000-goal 'obsession': Will GOAT stop passing?

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.

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Villarreal CF v Real Madrid CF - LaLiga EA Sports

Arbeloa speaks out on Mbappe and Bellingham's call-ups

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.

Dani Carvajal Spain 2023

Carvajal told by Spain manager how he can return to squad

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.

Themba Zwane, South Africa, March 2026

Broos reveals fears he had over Themba Zwane - 'I thought his career was over'

The Masandawana skipper has battled serious injuries in the recent past, and given his advanced age, there were fears that he might not fully recover. The 36-year-old last played for the national team in 2024, and he has a chance of wearing the national team colours again this month. South Africa coach has expressed his delight that the playmaker is back after being sidelined for a very long time.

Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana

Broos blasts CAF over decision to declare Morocco 2025 AFCON champions

In a decision that shocked the world, the CAF Appeals Board awarded the 2025 finals' hosts the trophy. The decision divided the opinion right in the middle, with some arguing that the board followed what the law stipulates, while others say the interpretation of the provisions was wrong. One of those who have responded to the decision is the South Africa coach, who says the delay makes the whole process questionable.

Thomas Tuchel

Tuchel reveals plan to 'split' 35-man England squad

Thomas Tuchel has explained the thinking behind picking a larger 35-man England squad for the upcoming international break, revealing that he intends to split the group into two separate camps for the friendlies against Uruguay and Japan as he prepares his final squad assessment ahead of this summer's World Cup, where he will have to trim down to just 25 players.

Harry Kane Ballon d'Or 2025

Kane for Ballon d'Or? Bayern & England star ‘in the discussion’

Harry Kane is “in the discussion” for Ballon d’Or honours, but may need to win the Champions League with Bayern Munich and star for England at the 2026 World Cup in order to land the Golden Ball. Emile Heskey admits as much, with the former Three Lions forward telling GOAL how his fellow striker can earn the prestigious billing of best player on the planet.

Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana

Broos seeks ‘charter flight’ for World Cup campaign

The 73-year-old has already begun mapping out South Africa's journey to the 2026 global tournament with a series of logistical demands aimed at giving his side the best chance of success. The Belgian tactician is leaving nothing to chance as he looks to avoid the pitfalls of heavy travel schedules and high-altitude exhaustion in North America.