World Cup news

You could be in North America in the summer to see the Three Lions roar

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has issued a formal apology to Deniz Undav after his controversial public assessment of the striker’s performance last month. The former Bayern Munich boss admitted his comments regarding the VfB Stuttgart star were too blunt and has moved to clarify their relationship ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

Here’s how you can see the current World Cup champions in action

With the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly presumably disappearing into the rearview mirror, the battle for the Ballon d'Or hasn't felt so open for the best part of 20 years, with countless players now beginning each campaign believing they have a chance of claiming the most prestigious individual prize football has to offer. Ousmane Dembele emerged from a career plagued by injuries and inconsistencies to win the Golden Ball in 2025, and he is among a crowded field of contenders one year on.

Canada’s 2026 World Cup kits finally deliver identity, ambition and standout design

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has dismissed any doubts regarding Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, insisting the nation will be present despite the escalating war involving co-hosts the United States. Football's world governing body chief has moved to provide clarity on Iran’s status after geopolitical tensions led to suggestions that their involvement could be at risk.

This summer’s World Cup final will feature the first-ever half-time show, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced.

In the winter of 2022, under the lights of Lusail, Lionel Messi finally realised the dream he'd carried with him his entire life. After years of unrelenting pressure, bitter heartbreak and agonising near-misses, Argentina’s captain rose above expectation on football’s grandest stage to deliver his country the perfect ending - and to fulfill his own destiny. Welcome to the latest episode of Icons - a GOAL podcast that revisits the last 10 World Cups through the moments, characters, and controversies that defined them, bringing the spirit of each tournament vividly back to life.

France national team head coach Didier Deschamps has sent a powerful message to Hugo Ekitike following the announcement of his serious injury. The Liverpool forward, who was enjoying a stellar season in the Premier League, has seen his 2026 World Cup dreams shattered after going down in the Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.

The South African star is among the players who are doing well in the ongoing season and has been described as national team material. However, to get a call to Bafana, he has been advised that continued impressive performance against the PSL 'Big Three' is a must for him to earn the coach's attention.

When one moves from one workstation to another, naturally, one will need time to familiarise oneself with the environment before things start to flow quite easily. In such circumstances, one will need help and guidance from an experienced individual there in order to feel at home. This is exactly what the South African star faced, and he has revealed who gave him the helping hand.

The star has been a regular face in the Bafana Bafana set-up under Hugo Broos. Going by precedence, the 21-year-old has high chances of flying the country's flag in the June/July competition. Given how important the global bonanza is for players, South African stars are expected to give their best for the country and even for their careers.

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has taken the extraordinary step of consulting the country's president, Lula, over whether Neymar should be included in the squad for the 2026 World Cup. The Santos forward's international future has become a matter of state importance as he battles recurring fitness issues in his homeland.

South Africa are stepping up their preparations for the upcoming global football tournament, with recent international friendlies serving as a key measure of their progress. Their performances against Central American opponents have come under scrutiny. A former Orlando Pirates player has weighed in, checking the squad’s readiness.