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World Cup winners GFX

GOAL writers predict the winners of the 2026 World Cup

It's so close we can almost taste it. The 2026 World Cup is now just hours away, with the best players on the planet having descended on the United States, Canada and Mexico for what promises to be a superb summer of football. While some teams will solely harbour dreams of getting out of the groups, others know that anything other than a trophy parade in late-July will go down as failure. We're set, then, for five-and-a-half weeks of drama, filled with joy and heartbreak in equal measure.

Lamine Yamal

Spain wait on Yamal return as RFEF allay Barca fears

Spain are prepared to exercise patience regarding the fitness of Lamine Yamal, with Football Federation (RFEF) technical director Aitor Karanka insisting the national team will not rush the Barcelona sensation back into action. With just five days remaining until La Roja’s World Cup opener, concerns had grown over the teenager's availability following a period on the sidelines.

Lamine Yamal Barcelona 2025-26

Why Barcelona are ‘worried about Yamal’ at World Cup

Barcelona are reportedly feeling a sense of dread regarding the fitness of Lamine Yamal as the teenage sensation prepares to lead Spain’s charge at the World Cup. Despite the forward’s significance to the national team, officials at the Blaugrana are concerned that the recovery process for their crown jewel is being rushed to meet international deadlines.

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GOAL writers predict which teams will flop at the World Cup

It's so close we can almost taste it. The 2026 World Cup is now just a two days away, with the best players from around the globe descending on the United States, Mexico and Canada for what promises to be a superb summer of football. While some teams will solely harbour dreams of getting out of the groups, others know that anything other than a trophy parade in late-July will go down as failure. We're set, then, for five-and-a-half weeks of drama, filled with joy and heartbreak in equal measure.

Gavi Rodri Spain

De la Fuente defends Gavi over Rodri tackle

Luis de la Fuente has robustly defended Gavi after the Barcelona youngster faced a backlash for a heavy challenge on team-mate Rodri during a Spain training session. Despite the tackle causing a brief injury scare for the Manchester City anchor, the national team boss insisted he has no desire to see the midfielder tone down his aggressive style.

Spain v Georgia - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Cucurella jokes about shaving hair if Spain win World Cup

Marc Cucurella is no stranger to making bold promises when it comes to international success, and the Chelsea defender has now hinted at his biggest sacrifice yet. After famously dyeing his hair red following Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, the full-back has suggested a much more permanent change could be on the cards for the 2026 World Cup.

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Six biggest selection debates facing the World Cup favourites

We are now just days away, and World Cup fever is gripping the globe as teams from 48 countries descend on the United States, Mexico and Canada for the biggest tournament FIFA have ever staged. Managers are making their final plans ahead of the opening round of group games, but for some there are still massive decisions to be made.

GFX Lionel Messi Lamine Yamal

Genius Yamal was touched by God, says Spain boss

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has hailed Lamine Yamal as a player who was "born for this," comparing the Barcelona sensation's natural talent to that of Lionel Messi. As La Roja prepare for the World Cup, the manager believes his young winger possesses a rare quality only seen in the game's true geniuses.

Gavi Rodri Spain

Gavi leaves Rodri in pain with brutal training ground tackle

Spain's World Cup preparations have been rocked by an incident involving Barcelona star Gavi and Manchester City midfield anchor Rodri. During a training session in the United States, the young midfielder’s trademark aggression resulted in a challenge that left his veteran teammate crumpled on the turf in significant pain.

Spain vs Iraq - Friendlies

Explained: Why ALL squad players must join World Cup pre-match anthems

FIFA has announced a significant protocol modification that will see every squad member take part in the pre-match national anthems at the upcoming World Cup. Moving away from traditional sporting custom, football's global governing body has mandated that both starting line-ups and substitutes congregate together on the pitch ahead of kick-off.

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Rodri admits Ballon d'Or was never a dream as he backs 'beast' Yamal

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has conceded that winning the Ballon d'Or was never a personal childhood dream because he simply deemed the achievement impossible. The Spain international reflected on his historic individual triumph while tipping international team-mate Lamine Yamal to eventually claim football's ultimate individual accolade.

Lamine Yamal Spain 2024

Why is Yamal not Spain’s No.10? Olmo addresses 'problems' talk

Barcelona star Dani Olmo has moved to silence speculation regarding potential friction within the Spain camp following the release of squad numbers for the 2026 World Cup. Despite his meteoric rise to global superstardom, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal will not be wearing the iconic No.10 jersey in North America this summer.

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RANKED: 100 most iconic moments in World Cup history

The World Cup has had no shortage of iconic moments across nearly 100 years of history. Every four years, billions of fans congregate to watch a tournament that has provided more drama, heartbreak and joy than any other event in sporting history. Football's grandest stage, the World Cup has always offered a platform for legends to be born, but it has also seen reputations destroyed and the downfall of so many famous faces.

GFX Lamine Yamal Lionel Messi

Yamal sets Messi and Ronaldo goal

Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal has addressed the constant comparisons to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, outlining his personal ambitions as he continues to break records for club and country. The 17-year-old sensation has become the focal point of a new era for Spanish football following his starring role in their Euro 2024 triumph.

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Next stop, England?! Xavi tips Guardiola for international job

Pep Guardiola has officially called time on his legendary stay at Manchester City, leaving a legacy of 20 trophies after a decade of dominance at the Etihad Stadium. While the Catalan tactician is set for a temporary sabbatical, speculation is already mounting regarding his next destination in the dugout. Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez believes that after conquering the club game in Spain, Germany, and England, his former mentor is destined for the international stage.