World Cup news

As 40-year-old Edin Dzeko enters the late twilight of his career, Bosnian football has a new potential superstar to carry it forward. Kerim Alajbegovic hadn't even been born when the revered striker made his international debut 19 years ago, but the pair are set to shoulder their country's hopes at the 2026 World Cup in North America this summer.

After a week of speculation about Lionel Messi's fitness, Argentina received good news Thursday: the 38-year-old was named to Lionel Scaloni's 26-man World Cup squad. Messi exited Inter Miami's final match before the World Cup break with what the club described as left hamstring muscle overload. His inclusion puts a record sixth World Cup within reach.

Mexico face Australia at the Rose Bowl in a key World Cup tuneup as Javier Aguirre weighs final roster decisions before El Tri unveil their 26-man squad.

Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Junior has admitted that Lionel Messi's presence makes Argentina one of the favourites to win the World Cup again this summer. The Selecao winger believes Messi's unpredictable style of play can still give their arch-rivals an edge when they defend their global crown in North America.

Santos have issued an official statement to clear up a medical dispute regarding Neymar Jr.’s calf injury ahead of the 2026 World Cup. While the club initially diagnosed the problem as a minor oedema, Brazil national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar revealed a more serious grade 2 muscle strain. Consequently, the star forward will miss Brazil's upcoming warm-up friendlies against Panama and Egypt as a race against time begins for the tournament opener.

A Sweden national team doctor has delivered a new update on Dejan Kulusevski amid the Tottenham and Sweden star's year-long injury absence. Despite Kulusevski missing the entire 2025-26 season, the medical staff provided positive reassurance that he will eventually return to the pitch.

The 38-year-old defender wrote himself off years ago, and plenty of others have done the same since then. He is still here, though, against all odds for one final run.

France legend Frank Leboeuf has delivered a scathing assessment of Kylian Mbappe’s leadership credentials as Les Bleus look ahead to the 2026 World Cup. The 1998 world champion believes the Real Madrid superstar is "too selfish" to captain the national side to glory in North America this summer.

There was no real concern about recent rumors in USMNT camp as players, coaches and executives lock in on World Cup preparation

GOAL breaks down Jesse Marsch’s tactics, leadership style and growing influence as Canada prepare for the 2026 World Cup on home soil.

Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton has insisted he will not "sit and cry" after being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming World Cup. Despite a fine individual campaign at Selhurst Park, the 22-year-old midfielder was the high-profile absentee from the 26-man travelling party announced last week.

In an exclusive interview with GOAL, Brazil legend Kaka reflects on winning the World Cup at 20, the pressure now facing Vini Jr. and Neymar, and why the Selecao’s sixth-star dream still feels alive.

Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for what is almost certainly his final dance on the World Cup stage, but his role within the Portugal national team is once again under intense scrutiny. As the Al-Nassr striker eyes the only trophy missing from his glittering cabinet, former USMNT star Taylor Twellman has suggested that his presence actually hinders a squad packed with world-class talent.

The Amakhosi defender is ignoring the social media noise surrounding his inclusion in the Bafana Bafana squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As the only representative from the Glamour Boys to make Hugo Broos’ final cut, the 25-year-old is choosing to block out the external chatter in favour of professional focus.

Pep Guardiola is reportedly open to taking over as England manager in the future as he begins his life after Manchester City. The legendary coach, who has just ended a trophy-laden decade at the Etihad Stadium, is viewed as the ultimate 'dream' candidate for the Football Association.

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

South African national team coach has officially unveiled his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the return of Masandawana striker serving as the biggest talking point. The forward finds himself back in the international limelight after a difficult period that saw him sidelined during the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.