World Cup news

Michael Olise and Lamine Yamal are two of the best right wingers in world football, but Marcel Desailly has told GOAL when Bayern Munich’s superstar Frenchman remains a “step below” Barcelona’s teenage wonderkid. Both forwards continue to post remarkable numbers for club and country, with their awe-inspiring skill sets about to illuminate the 2026 World Cup.

The role that Gary Neville and Roy Keane played in turning Cristiano Ronaldo into a footballing “robot” has been explained to GOAL by Eric Djemba-Djemba, with the Portuguese icon wiping away tears while heading down the path to superstardom. Some rough treatment was handed out during his first spell at Manchester United, but the all-time great has never been the type to back down from a challenge.

With all eyes on Bafana Bafana and the Mzansi faithful hoping for a memorable send-off, things did not go according to script as the national team raised fresh concerns ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after failing to make the most of their final outing in front of home supporters during the friendly encounter.

USMNT strikers Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi have become the subject of Premier League transfer predictions, with Brad Friedel telling GOAL that both could end up in the English top-flight. It is suggested that the former may link up with one of the “big boys”, while the latter would benefit from using “mid to lower teams” as another career stepping stone.

GOAL takes a look at the big storylines and takeaways from the opening two days of the U.S.'s camp in the first installment of the USMNT notebook.

Guillermo Ochoa spoke to GOAL about his dream of chasing a record sixth World Cup, hoping to add one final chapter to a career defined by iconic saves, resilience, and Mexican pride.

The Sea Robbers' assistant coach has expressed his immense pride in the club’s transformation, highlighting the surge of Buccaneers representing the South African national team. Since his arrival, the former Golden Arrows man has overseen a period of unprecedented success and talent development at Mayfair.

If you have a good idea of the hot prospects most likely to make an impact this summer, the World Cup 2026 Young Player Award odds are ideal for you.

AEL Limassol forward has officially broken his silence after being sensationally left out of South Africa's final squad for the World Cup. Despite a resurgent campaign in Cyprus, the 28-year-old was one of the most high-profile omissions when Hugo Broos trimmed his selection down for the global showpiece in North America.

The former England and West Ham goalkeeper will be on co-comms for the Champions League final, and he made his predictions clear in an interview with GOAL

The future of Bafana Bafana international remains shrouded in mystery as his current contract approaches its expiration date this June. After a season of highs and lows at Mayfair, the midfielder's representative has finally addressed the growing speculation surrounding his standing within the squad.

FIFA has confirmed the key dates and squad regulations for the 2026 World Cup. Nations must submit their final player lists by June 1, with strict rules in place regarding injuries, replacements and goalkeeper selections.

The South Africa coach has come under fire after viral footage showed six axed players watching from the sidelines during the national team’s official World Cup send-off. The Bafana Bafana boss opted to take his entire 32-man provisional squad to the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House before confirming his final selection for the tournament.

Manuel Neuer’s return to Germany’s squad has lifted confidence inside the national team camp ahead of the World Cup. Team-mates Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck admitted the Bayern Munich veteran’s reputation alone changes how opponents approach games.

French football legend Michel Platini has defended international captain Kylian Mbappe after the forward publicly warned against the far right taking power in France. While validating the Real Madrid star's societal stance, the former UEFA president offered some stern advice regarding the immense responsibilities and risks of such high-profile exposure.

Masandawana centre-back Grant Kekana has offered a balanced perspective on the shift in power within South African football after the Sea Robbers secured the Betway Premiership title. The Buccaneers' triumph ended an era of unprecedented dominance for the Brazilians, who had held a firm grip on the league trophy for eight consecutive seasons.

One app. One payment. Every match. A new era of World Cup viewing for South African fans thanks to SportyTV.