World Cup

World Cup news

UEFA issue legal threat to FIFA & Infantino after botched World Cup sale

UEFA has reportedly launched a scathing legal offensive against FIFA president Gianni Infantino, warning the embattled chief not to destroy any documents related to his failed plan to sell off stakes in the World Cup. The European governing body has issued formal notice that it is considering lawsuits and regulatory complaints following the collapse of the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme.

UEFA 'accelerate' plans to topple Infantino as FIFA president after WC plan U-turn

Gianni Infantino is facing the most significant threat to his decade-long reign as FIFA president after a botched attempt to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup sparked a global backlash. European governing body UEFA is now reportedly moving at pace to find a way to remove the Swiss official from power following a policy collapse.

Report: NWSL to change season start date

The NWSL is reportedly planning to begin its 2027 season on Feb. 11, the earliest opening day in league history, before pausing for the World Cup in Brazil, according to The Athletic. Teams would begin preseason in January, while the playoffs and championship would remain in November, with the altered calendar designed to accommodate the June 24-July 25 tournament in South America.

FIFA scraps Infantino’s World Cup sell-off after revolt

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has abandoned his controversial proposal to sell a stake in the commercial operation of the World Cup and other tournaments to private investors after a fierce global backlash, a threatened UEFA boycott and open revolt from senior officials inside the governing body. His own future is now reportedly in serious doubt.

CONCACAF 'rejects' Infantino's plan to sell off parts of FIFA

CONCACAF is the latest confederation to come out against FIFA's shock plan to sell off part of its commercial rights to private investors. The confederation, which covers 41 football associations in North and Central America, released a statement Thursday afternoon saying they had 'rejected' the plan. Their move comes hours after UEFA boycotted FIFA competitions.

UEFA agrees to boycott FIFA competitions over Infantino plan

UEFA has asserted that its 55 member associations will not participate in FIFA competitions as long as Gianni Infantino's shock plan to sell off parts of World Cup rights to private investors exists. Their emphatic move comes after a series of statements and mixed reactions from football federations around the world - who were reportedly kept in the dark as to FIFA's decision-making.

PSG chief rejects UEFA pressure to fight Infantino presidency amid WC plan

Paris Saint-Germain chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi has reportedly rejected calls from UEFA to launch a bid for the FIFA presidency. Despite growing friction between European football's governing body and Gianni Infantino over a controversial World Cup project, Al-Khelaifi is not looking to move into the top job in world football.

FIFA World Cup 2026 International Broadcast Center Grand Opening

FIFPRO 'will never support' Infantino's World Cup sell-off plan

World football is standing on the precipice of a civil war as FIFPRO Europe joins a growing revolt against FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The players’ union has formally condemned a radical proposal to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup to private investors, warning it could destroy the integrity of the sport.

Bayern boss blasts Infantino over 'disgusting' FIFA plans

Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has launched a scathing attack on FIFA president Gianni Infantino, expressing his disgust at proposals to involve private investors in the World Cup. The outspoken Bavarian chief suggested that the global governing body has lost its way, prioritising commercial gain over the integrity of the sport.

Infantino’s power play puts soccer’s soul for sale

Gianni Infantino’s move to sell stakes in FIFA’s commercial rights is part of a disheartening trend stripping the soul from professional sports.

Infantino offers $40m incentive to FIFA members to back World Cup plan

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has presented member federations with a massive financial incentive to approve his controversial plan to sell stakes in the World Cup. The 211 associations face a strict September 19 deadline to accept the proposal, which has already sparked severe backlash from major European governing bodies.

FIFA aims to sell stakes in major competitions to investors

FIFA has confirmed it is exploring a proposal to create a $20 billion company that would combine commercial rights and event operations across its men's, women's and youth tournaments. The new entity would sell minority stakes to private investors while, FIFA says, leaving control of competitions, governance and the international match calendar with soccer's global governing body.

Temwa Chawinga to Barbra Banda - NWSL stars to follow at WAFCON

Ten NWSL players, including Barbra Banda and Temwa Chawinga, headline WAFCON, with continental glory and 2027 World Cup qualification at stake.

Ime Okon vows to bring World Cup experience back to club football

The South Africa international has returned to club duties at Hannover 96 following a historic global showpiece in North America with the national team. The promising young defender is eager to translate the lessons learned from the tournament into a successful domestic season in Germany.

Pirates backed to match Sundowns with 2nd star in CAF CL

Former Buccaneers winger Innocent Chikoya has thrown his weight behind the club’s recent recruitment drive, suggesting they are finally ready to challenge the Brazilians' dominance. Following a successful season that yielded three domestic trophies, the Soweto giants have remained aggressive in the market to bolster their squad for continental competition.

Parker admits he 'still has a lot of school fees to pay' as TS Galaxy head coach

The tactician has opened up about the daunting challenge of leading The Rockets into the new South African domestic campaign. The former Bafana Bafana star admits that while the head coaching role may have arrived sooner than expected, he is fully prepared to embrace the pressure of the touchline.

Danny Jordaan, Safa president, September 2022

Sono on Jordaan vs Zungu SAFA race

The South African football legend has broken his silence on the upcoming SAFA presidential elections, providing a candid assessment of the battle between the incumbent and the challenger. The iconic former Bafana Bafana coach offered his unique perspective on the leadership race while making his own intentions for the future clear.

Renaldo Leaner, Sekhukhune United, April 2026

Khune hails Leaner signing - 'I wish he could wear number 32'

The Amakhosi legend has officially given his blessing to the club's latest acquisition. The veteran shot-stopper expressed his immense pride in the club's decision to secure the 28-year-old goalkeeper and insisted there is no room for jealousy as the squad evolves.

Cristiano Ronaldo Christine Sinclair Lionel Messi split

More goals than Ronaldo: Meet Christine Sinclair

The Portugal legend broke Ali Daei's record, but he isn't the all-time international top scorer yet...

Kekana hails Okon & Mbokazi after WC exploits

The Mamelodi Sundowns veteran has heaped praise on the Bafana Bafana stars Ime Okon and Mbekezeli Mbokazi for their breakout performances at the ongoing global showpiece. The Brazilians stalwart believes the national team’s defensive future is in safe hands after the duo emerged as two of the tournament's most promising talents.

Chelsea legend backs Chiefs to end PSL title drought

The former Premier League and Ivory Coast star Salomon Kalou has thrown his weight behind The Glamour Boys reclaiming their status as the kings of South African football. The Champions League winner believes that a resurgence from Amakhosi is exactly what the domestic game needs to elevate the standard of the Betway Premiership.

Czechia v South Africa: Group A - FIFA World Cup 2026

Mahlangu identifies a four-man shortlist for Bafana coaching job

Former South Africa international striker has called for a swift transition in the Bafana Bafana dugout, urging the South African Football Association to appoint a high-profile local technical team. With Hugo Broos' tenure nearing its end, the Orlando Pirates legend believes a quartet of homegrown coaches is best equipped to lead the national team into its next era.

Middendorp identifies what's holding SA back - ‘We don't have one main coach’

The former Kaizer Chiefs coach has provided a blueprint for Mzansi football to elevate itself to the level of the world's elite following Bafana Bafana's recent exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The German tactician believes that a fundamental shift in how the country identifies and develops talent is the only way to ensure more than just a fleeting presence on the grandest stage.

Mia Hamm explains why the World Cup is unlike any other

USWNT legend Mia Hamm tells GOAL why the FIFA Men's World Cup is unlike any other tournament and reflects on making history with U.S. Soccer.

One year out: Five biggest stories for 2027 Women's World Cup

One year out from the 2027 Women's World Cup, five storylines are already shaping Brazil’s big moment, the USWNT’s title hopes and the chasing pack.

England v Portugal - UEFA Women's Nations League 2024/25 Grp A3 MD5

England Women in 2026: Fixtures, results & how to watch

A complete guide to England women's year, including how to watch games live and more

Lionesses' World Cup qualifying path confirmed in play-off draw

England will face Greece in the first round of Women's World Cup qualifying play-offs in October, having failed to secure direct entry into next summer's tournament. Defeat to Spain in June proved extremely costly for the Lionesses, allowing the world champions to top the qualifying group instead, and now Sarina Wiegman's side must navigate two rounds of two-legged play-offs instead, starting against Greece.

How to bet on Germany following their World Cup demolition of Curacao

Germany thumped Curacao 7-1 in their opening game of the 2026 World Cup. Today, we’ll look at what that could mean for their trophy hopes.

Alexia Putellas Leah Williamson Sam Kerr split

Women's World Cup 2027: Full list of qualified teams

GOAL tracks all the qualification campaigns for the 2027 Women's World Cup, breaking down which teams have qualified and which nations could soon join them

Beth Mead Georgia Stanway England Women 2025

Who are the Lionesses' all-time top goalscorers?

England's Lionesses have always had great goalscorers. Even before the team was the major contender it is now, winning back-to-back European Championships under Sarina Wiegman and reaching a first Women's World Cup final, they could boast some incredible attacking talent, with Arsenal icon Kelly Smith, widely considered the Lionesses' greatest ever player, a prime example.

Older