World Cup news

The United States men’s national team has been handed a significant injury scare just months before the 2026 World Cup, as Sergino Dest was forced off during PSV’s latest Eredivisie victory. The full-back, who has established himself as a vital component of the USMNT's defensive unit, appeared to suffer a hamstring issue during the second half of Saturday’s clash against AZ Alkmaar.

The veteran midfielder has been out of the South Africa national football team for over a year. His experience was missed during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and could still be valuable as the team looks ahead to the global football tournament. However, he is yet to hit top form at Masandawana, with coach Miguel Cardoso carefully managing his minutes.

After a difficult spell, the former Stellenbosch FC star has been impressive in the second half of the season. With the global football competition approaching, the 24-year-old's name is now in the mix, and a Cameroon legend who graced the quadrennial tournament believes the midfielder's current form aligns perfectly with what the Belgian coach is looking for.

All you need to know about Tunisia's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Christian Pulisic has seen a USMNT-themed “myth” debunked by AC Milan legend Andriy Shevchenko. The United States international has faced accusations of already turning his attention towards a home World Cup this summer, but Shevchenko has refuted those claims and backed Pulisic to rediscover his best form at club level during the 2025-26 run-in.

All you need to know about the Morocco squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

SAFA has been plunged into a fresh crisis after its first NEC meeting of the year erupted into physical violence. What was intended to be a high-level administrative gathering at SAFA House on Saturday quickly deteriorated as officials traded blows, overshadowing crucial discussions regarding the future of the national game.

Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers is facing intense scrutiny over his private life after former partner Leah Taylor went public with claims of infidelity. The Love Island star detailed the breakdown of their whirlwind romance during a recent podcast appearance.

Mauricio Pochettino says that he believes there are between 75 and 80 players who believe they can make the U.S. Men's National Team's World Cup roster. One of the head coach's main priorities has been building out and empowering the player pool, not just the top players, and he believes that the competition for World Cup places is more fierce because of it.

Rodrygo’s injury reshapes Brazil’s offensive line for the World Cup and Real Madrid’s Champions League hopes, creating new betting angles.

Morocco have undergone a shock managerial change just months before the 2026 World Cup. Legend Walid Regragui has stepped down, making way for Under-20 boss Mohamed Ouahbi to lead the nation in North America.

The 23-year-old secured a move from Stellenbosch FC to Europe in September 2024 and has since established himself as a key member of his team. His impressive performances have now earned him a new contract, extending his stay at the club where he also shares the dressing room with a former Kaizer Chiefs captain.

Kylian Mbappe is a World Cup-winning global superstar in his own right, but can the Real Madrid ‘Galactico’ be considered to have eclipsed the legend of fellow Frenchman Thierry Henry? Jeremie Aliadiere - a former Arsenal team-mate of another ‘Invincible’ in north London - has explained why all-time lists will always be influenced by generational favouritism.

The 48-year-old has already had two coaching stints in Europe, although as a backroom staff member. He also built his coaching reputation through spells in the Premier Soccer League and is now in his first role as a national team head coach with Kenya.

The South Africa national football team coach has been encouraging players to pursue careers in Europe to sharpen their game at a higher level. However, he has overlooked a Denmark-based player who has been in outstanding form this season. The coach insists the in-form star simply does not fit into his plans despite his performances abroad.

MLS has been told why retaining home-grown stars such as Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie will remain impossible in the foreseeable future, with “real football” being played in Europe. Giuseppe Rossi - who spent time in England, Italy, Spain and the United States during his playing career - has told GOAL why top American talent will continue to fly the domestic nest.

The United States has been warned that talk of the USMNT winning a home World Cup in 2026 “won’t be fair at all”, with a more realistic example of “huge success” being pointed out. Giuseppe Rossi, who qualified to represent the land of his birth but opted to play for Italy, has - while filling a role as vice-chairman and head of soccer at the New York Cosmos - given GOAL his assessment of the so-called ‘Golden Generation’.