World Cup news

La Roja stopped France from registering a single shot on target until the 64th minute of their semi-final victory. Do defences win World Cups?

A bold new look for La Roja: inside Spain’s striking 2026 World Cup shirts.

Kylian Mbappe is considered to be out of the running for Ballon d’Or recognition in 2026, with Jeremie Aliadiere conceding to GOAL that World Cup heartache with France is likely to have dashed those dreams. Les Bleus’ all-time leading goalscorer has never got his hands on the Golden Ball, and will need to wait another 12 months before staking another claim to the most prestigious of individual honours.

Twente youngster Ruud Nijstad has admitted his long-term ambition is to play alongside Pau Cubarsi at Barcelona after being impressed by the Spain international's display against Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the highly rated Dutch defender insists his immediate focus remains on continuing his development with the Eredivisie club.

Argentina’s comeback against England demonstrated the belief surrounding Lionel Messi. Now Spain stand between the holders and a historic second straight World Cup title.

John Barnes has defended Thomas Tuchel's tactical decisions in England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, insisting the German coach made the correct substitutions. The former Liverpool midfielder believes criticism of Tuchel ignores England's standing in world football and the realities of tournament football.

Jude Bellingham has urged England fans to maintain their incredible unity after the Three Lions suffered a devastating 2-1 defeat against Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals. The 23-year-old midfielder admitted he struggled to find the words to process the heartbreak before sharing an uplifting poem given to him by the team's driver, Michael Chandler.

Graeme Souness has pulled no punches in his assessment of Declan Rice following England's agonizing semi-final elimination from the World Cup. The 27-year-old Arsenal midfielder started all but one game during the tournament but fell short as the Three Lions suffered a late 2-1 defeat at the hands of old foes Argentina.

Spain’s World Cup final clash with Argentina will see Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi go head-to-head for a global title and Ballon d’Or honours. Gaizka Mendieta has told GOAL why Barcelona’s teenage wonderkid can get the better of an all-time great. An epic battle is about to play out in New Jersey, with eyes from every corner of the planet descending on MetLife Stadium.

From 1978 to 2022, Argentina’s 2026 home kit honours World Cup history.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta believes the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain will showcase the strength of La Masia, with club legends and rising stars on opposite sides. He hailed Lionel Messi's legacy while backing Lamine Yamal as the future, insisting Barcelona's identity will be at the heart of the showpiece.

England “can’t complain” about being on the receiving end of another masterclass from Lionel Messi as “no-one’s ever been able to stop” the Argentina GOAT, ex-Three Lions international Joleon Lescott has told GOAL. Another bid for international trophy glory has come to a close, in agonising fashion, with semi-final heartache being endured at the 2026 World Cup.

Anthony Gordon has expressed his deep heartbreak following England's dramatic elimination from the World Cup at the hands of Argentina. The Barcelona winger scored the opening goal in the semi-final clash before Thomas Tuchel's side conceded twice late on, shattering the Three Lions' dreams of reaching a first final since 1966.

Kylian Mbappe remains the right man to captain France heading forward, Jeremie Aliadiere has told GOAL, despite admissions that skippers do not “have to be the best player”. That is the case at present with Les Bleus, as their record goalscorer fills the armband, and any questions of character will continue to be ignored as the fearsome frontman leads by example.

The Bafana Bafana defender' stock has soared following a breakout 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, with his representative confirming that several clubs are vying for his signature. The former Orlando Pirates star has established himself as one of South Africa's brightest young talents, attracting growing interest from teams across Europe's top leagues.

The 2026 World Cup is set to feature a historic first, with FIFA confirming that the winning squad will receive NFL-style championship rings alongside their traditional gold medals. Embracing the sporting culture of host nations Canada, Mexico, and the United States, this flashy new addition promises to bring a touch of North American flair to the pinnacle of international football.

Global music icon Shakira has praised Lionel Messi following his inspirational performance in Argentina's World Cup semi-final victory. The Colombian singer took to social media to hail the 39-year-old forward's extraordinary longevity on the pitch, while also reserving a special mention for his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo.