World Cup news

The Masandawana defender has insisted that his omission from the Bafana squad in their past few camps is not a concern for him as he focuses on helping his club achieve its targets. The defender has developed into one of the most reliable figures in Miguel Cardoso’s set-up this season, battling back from an injury-hit spell to re-establish himself at the core of Sundowns’ defensive unit.

United States President Donald Trump insisted that the Iranian soccer team are welcome to come to the U.S. for the World Cup this summer, despite the political tensions between the two nations - while warning that traveling to the United States could put their “life and safety” at risk. The U.S. have repeatedly bombed the country in recent weeks, and Iranian officials admitted the team 'cannot' participate in the tournament.

GOAL Exclusive: Chris Richards reflects on the journey he once thought was impossible, the bond inside the USMNT and the life-changing opportunity ahead.

Graham Potter has committed his long-term future to Sweden despite failing to win a single match since taking charge. The former Chelsea manager has signed a deal until 2030 as the nation prepares for a do-or-die World Cup play-off with Ukraine.

Dietmar Hamann has voiced his strong opposition to Arsene Wenger's proposed "clear daylight" offside rule, which will be trialed in North America. The former Liverpool midfielder believes the change is "absolute nonsense" and will unfairly penalise defenders while disrupting the tactical balance of the game.

Thierry Henry has leapt to the defence of Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe, insisting his fellow Frenchman has been unfairly criticised in his career due to the high standards expected of him. Mbappe rose to stardom with AS Monaco before securing a nine-figure move to Paris Saint-Germain and winning the World Cup with France as a key starter while still a teenager. To date, Mbappe has scored 365 times in 460 club appearances, while he has also grabbed 55 goals in 94 caps for France, second to only Olivier Giroud in Les Bleus' all-time leading scorers list. Despite these many accolades, Mbappe has never won the Champions League as a player, and despite being tipped to take home many Ballon d'Or awards in an era after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's duopoly, he has yet to claim a Golden Ball for himself.

Younes Ebnoutalib could be a surprise addition to Germany's World Cup squad. Will he play for Morocco instead?

Former national player Michael Ballack has been highly critical of former national coach Joachim Löw regarding his serious injury in the run-up to the 2010 World Cup.

Neymar has hinted at injuries forcing him to retire at the end of 2026, but a fellow Brazilian is tipping the 34-year-old playmaker to make the “truly massive” call of joining Lionel Messi in MLS. Neymar previously worked with the Argentine GOAT at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, with Kleberson telling GOAL why a reunion at Inter Miami remains a distinct possibility.

The midfielder will be unable to respond to Gattuso's call-up due to a new physical problem.

The shot-stopper has been in fine form for the Glamour Boys this season, ensuring the likes of Bruce Bvuma and Fiacre Ntwari don't get a chance. However, he suffered a setback a couple of weeks ago that has seen him miss two Premier Soccer League matches in a row. It was a blow for him as an individual, considering the personal ambitions set.

Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup has been thrown into serious doubt following explosive comments from the country’s sports minister. With the tournament in the US, Canada, and Mexico set to kick off in just three months, Ahmad Donyamali told state television that the team would not travel due to the ongoing military conflict involving the United States and Israel.

The former Salernitana goalkeeper can keep Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo company.

Chelsea's sensational teenage winger Estevao Willian has surprisingly snubbed his modern idol in a captivating quick-fire elimination game. Despite his deep admiration for the current generation, the young forward ultimately crowned the legendary three-time World Cup winner as the absolute greatest Brazilian footballer of all time following a series of tough choices.

GOAL continues its Meet the USMNT series by examining the ongoing debate surrounding the team's most hard-to-assess star.

The football lovers in the country are looking forward to the global competition that will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The tournament is scheduled to start on Thursday, June 11, and run until Sunday, July 19, where 48 teams around the globe are set to feature. Mzansi are among the nine nations that got a direct ticket after topping their respective qualifying groups.

Thiago Silva has thrown his significant weight behind Neymar as an "indisputable" pick for Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad. Despite persistent struggles with fitness that have hindered his momentum at club level with Santos, the veteran defender believes Neymar is still capable of being a difference-maker for the Selecao on the world stage.