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World Cup

World Cup news

Banyana, Bafana, Amajimbos & Amajita, GFX

South African soccer has never had it so good

South Africa is entering a Golden Era as they prepare to participate in the 2025 AFCON and 2026 World Cup after a long barren spell of failures and disappointments. With Banyana Banyana and Amajita winning silverware, and Amajimbos showing promise and the PSL title race tightening up, it's easy to get excited about local soccer right now.

Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup European Championship

Ronaldo told he's lying & WILL be annoyed if doesn’t win World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo claims to not be overly fussed about winning the World Cup, with his GOAT status already secure, but former Premier League rival Clinton Morrison has exclusively told GOAL that the Portuguese is lying and will want to match Lionel Messi. CR7 will get another shot at savouring glory in 2026, as part of his ongoing efforts to reach 1,000 career goals.

Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr HIC

Debunking out-of-touch CR7's claims from latest interview

Piers Morgan loves to massage Cristiano Ronaldo's ego. The outspoken British journalist is an insatiable status hunter, and reeled in his biggest fish some time ago with endless public declarations of admiration, eventually building a bromance that has earned him exclusive access to a footballing icon. But it is not one built on the foundation of truth.

Harry Kane Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo

Kane backed to emulate CR7 & Messi by playing close to 40s

Harry Kane is being backed to emulate the longevity of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by playing on close to his 40s. Former Tottenham forward Fraizer Campbell, in an exclusive interview with GOAL, has explained why the Bayern Munich striker can play “for a good while longer” as he has shown no sign of slowing down on domestic and international fronts.

Cristiano Ronaldo Lionel Messi 2025

Messi to match Ronaldo? Argentine backed to reach 1,000 goals

Lionel Messi is being backed to emulate the achievements of eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo by also reaching 1,000 career goals. Portuguese superstar CR7 is closing in on that figure while plying his club trade for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. Argentine GOAT Messi is also being tipped to hit that notable milestone after signing a contract extension in MLS with Inter Miami.

Ronwen Williams of Mamelodi Sundowns

Pirates legend convinced Williams 'is too overconfident, that might be our downfall at the World Cup'

Despite never playing his club football outside South Africa, the Masandawana vice-captain has earned global recognition for his consistent performances between the sticks. His name now features among the world’s top goalkeepers, which is proof of his qualities. The custodian who hails from the Eastern Cape is part of the Brazilians squad that has players who helped the team participate in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

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Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Bafana Bafana, October 2025

FIFA slaps Mbokazi with heavy sanctions after Bafana incident

From making his professional debut for the Buccaneers in March 2025 to earning his maiden Bafana Bafana call-up three months later, the 20-year-old from KwaZulu-Natal’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. The defender has dished out performances, and with the kind of maturity beyond his years. His rapid rise has become one of South Africa's feel-good football’s most exciting breakthroughs of 2025. But just as he enjoyed being at the top of his game, he has now found himself in hot water with the world football governing body.

Jude Bellingham England 2025

England squad: Bellingham & Foden return alongside Scott

Jude Bellingham has been recalled by England for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania. The Real Madrid superstar was left out of Thomas Tuchel's selection in October, amid questions of his character, but has been drafted back into the Three Lions fold for November internationals. Phil Foden has also been selected, while there is a shock first call-up for Alex Scott.

Hugo Broos and Helman Mkhalele, Bafana Bafana

Bafana legend picks the man he believes 'is someone that can be trusted' as Broos' successor

Major technical changes are expected to take place within the South Africa setup next year, ushering the dawn of a new era for the national side. SAFA might need to begin the process of appointing a new coach to ensure continuity, stability and long-term planning. That is seen as crucial to maintaining the momentum the team has built in recent years under the outgoing Belgian coach.

Jude Bellingham England 2025

Bellingham decision! Tuchel makes huge England selection call

Thomas Tuchel has reportedly decided to draft Jude Bellingham back into his England squad for the November internationals. The Real Madrid superstar was surprisingly left out of the Three Lions’ ranks in October after recovering from shoulder surgery and returning to action at club level. The expectation is that he will figure in 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania.

Lionel Messi Argentina 2025

Participation hint? Messi expecting 'extraordinary' World Cup

Lionel Messi has hinted that he will form part of Argentina’s squad at the 2026 World Cup, with the all-time great expecting that event to be “extraordinary”. Questions have been asked of whether Messi, who will turn 39 next summer, will grace another international tournament. He is, however, excited about what the United States, Canada and Mexico have to offer.

Mauricio Pochettino USMNT

Poch 'missing' the Premier League and 'thinking' about return

Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that he “misses” the Premier League and hopes to return to club football after leading the United States Men's National Team at the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine is preparing to guide the USMNT through their home tournament, but confessed that the intensity and competition of England’s top flight remain unmatched, and he’s eager for another crack at it.

Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup European Championship

‘World Cup is the ultimate' - Messi hits back at Ronaldo claim

Lionel Messi has responded to Cristiano Ronaldo’s claim that winning the World Cup is not something that he is overly concerned about, as success in that competition will not define his legacy. Messi has savoured success on the grandest of stages and considers his triumph with Argentina at Qatar 2022 to be the “ultimate” accolade in his record-shattering career.

GIMENEZ

Mexico return to iconic green with Aztec-inspired WC kit

Mexico have revealed the jersey they’ll wear at the 2026 World Cup, marking a return to the traditional green that fans have long associated with El Tri. Inspired by the nation’s cultural roots, the kit features subtle Aztec motifs and will debut on Nov. 15 against Uruguay in Torreón - months before Mexico open the tournament on home soil.

FBL-ENG-PR-MAN CITY-MAN UTD

Revealed: Man Utd set to miss out on £10m due to 2026 World Cup

Manchester United are reportedly staring at a major financial headache ahead of next summer, with the club set to miss out on around £10 million ($13m) due to the scheduling of the 2026 World Cup in North America. The global showpiece event, kicking off on June 11, 2026, just 18 days after the Premier League season concludes, has thrown United's pre-season blueprint into disarray.

Go Ahead Eagles v Aston Villa FC - UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3

England international suffers devastating long-term injury

England international and Aston Villa star Tyrone Mings suffered a devastating injury against Liverpool that will keep him out of action until 2026. The news comes as a huge blow for the centre-back ahead of the World Cup next summer, as his chances of returning to the England squad have been further diminished. Mings last played for the Three Lions in 2023.

Ronaldo-Messi

CR7 insists matching Messi's World Cup success won't 'define' his legacy

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo insists his football legacy will not be "defined" by whether he matches Lionel Messi's success at the World Cup. The Al-Nassr star appears to have performed a U-turn based on his latest interview, after initially claiming it would be a "dream" to lift the famous trophy before retiring. However, the icon has now insisted it does not matter what happens at next summer's tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup trophy

Nani predicts Ronaldo retirement date & emulating Becks in MLS

Cristiano Ronaldo’s former Manchester United and Portugal team-mate Nani believes that his fellow countryman will retire if World Cup glory is savoured in 2026, despite still being under contract at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. The all-time great is also being tipped to explore the option of emulating David Beckham by moving into club ownership with an MLS franchise.

Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup European Championship

Ronaldo 'not even close'! Messi sees GOAT status validated

Cristiano Ronaldo has been told that his GOAT battle with eternal rival Lionel Messi is “not even close”, with former Brazil international Filipe Luis explaining why Argentina’s iconic No.10 is the undisputed greatest of all-time. The ex-Atletico Madrid and Chelsea defender has faced plenty of iconic figures down the years, and considers Messi to be the pick of the bunch.

Neymar Brazil 2023

Injury-plagued Neymar omitted from Brazil squad AGAIN

Neymar has been snubbed by Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti again, with the injury-ravaged Santos superstar missing out on selection for upcoming friendly dates against Senegal and Tunisia. The 33-year-old playmaker has made no secret of the fact that he wants to represent his country at next summer’s World Cup, but faces a race against time to prove his worth.

FBL-KOR-BRA

Ancelotti reveals dream World Cup final

Carlo Ancelotti has conquered everything club football has to offer but his biggest dream now lies on the world stage. As Brazil’s head coach, the Italian tactician is chasing the one title missing from his glittering resume, the FIFA World Cup. With the 2026 tournament looming, Ancelotti’s mission is as emotional as it is historic, to end Brazil’s 24-year drought and perhaps, face his homeland, Italy, in the final.

Lionel Messi Argentina Qatar 2022

Messi reveals 'desire' to play at 2026 World Cup with Argentina

Lionel Messi has expressed his strong desire to compete in the 2026 World Cup with Argentina next summer, saying it would be "wonderful" to get the chance to defend his nation's title of World Champions and play in the tournament for the sixth time in his glittering career. But the Inter Miami superstar explained that he wants to feel good about himself physically if he is to take part, so that he can "contribute and be important" for Lionel Scaloni's side.

Inter Miami CF v Nashville SC - 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs

Saudi chief claims they turned down Messi

A senior sports official claims that Saudi Arabia has turned down an offer to sign Lionel Messi on a short-term stint ahead of the World Cup. The MLS season is currently at its playoff stage and will run until early December, and is expected to return again next February for the 2026 season. The season will then go on a break next summer for the showpiece event before resuming in August.

Chelsea FC v SL Benfica - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2

'So full of yourself' - Garnacho sent brutal warning

Alejandro Garnacho has been sent a stern warning by Argentina World Cup winner Oscar Ruggeri and been told what he must do to earn a recall to the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Once touted as one of Manchester United’s brightest gems, Garnacho’s career has suddenly hit a roadblock. After months of tension and fractured relationships at Old Trafford, Garnacho’s move to Chelsea this summer was supposed to provide him with a reset. However, that has not been the case yet with the forward.