World Cup news

This is Legacy, GOAL's feature and podcast series following the road to the 2026 World Cup. Every week, we dive into the stories and the legacies that shaped football’s greatest nations. This time it's a look at Italy’s long and painful fall from grace. From Berlin 2006 to the heartbreaks that followed, this is the story of a four-time world champion lost in footballing exile.

The 2026 World Cup will offer plenty of chances for some legends to be born, but will also be a platform on which big stars might burn out.

The December 2025 FIFA Men’s World Ranking has been released, showing little movement at the top. Spain remain first after overtaking Argentina in September, with the world champions second and France completing an unchanged podium. The United States climbed two spots to 14th, overtaking Mexico to finish 2025 as CONCACAF’s highest-ranked nation.

Premier League legend Emile Heskey has warned England’s established stars that Morgan Rogers is fast becoming impossible to ignore ahead of the 2026 World Cup. After a blistering festive run for Aston Villa, the in-form midfielder has been tipped to force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s starting XI, putting serious pressure on the likes of Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer.

Wayne Rooney is tipping Declan Rice to be the next England captain, with the Arsenal midfielder considered to be “irreplaceable” for club and country. The all-action 26-year-old has become a talismanic presence for the Gunners and Three Lions. He is being billed as a natural heir to Harry Kane on the international stage, with the prolific Bayern Munich striker poised to pass up a prominent armband at some point.

Daryl Dike has explained to the ‘Beast Mode On’ podcast what makes USMNT star Christian Pulisic special. The AC Milan forward is fondly known as ‘Captain America’ in his homeland and does take on skipper duties at times. He is a source of inspiration to many of those around him, with an unassuming character taking to leading through action rather than words.

Daryl Dike has explained why he pledged international allegiance to the USMNT over Nigeria. The powerful striker, who is of African heritage, has seen his brother Bright and sister Courtney commit to the Super Eagles. Dike opted to tread a different path, with 10 caps being earned for the United States. He has discussed that decision with the ‘Beast Mode On’ podcast.

A domestic opponent of Lionel Messi in the United States has explained how the Argentine GOAT has a ”nasty side” and enjoys engaging in “verbals” with MLS rivals. The most decorated player of all-time is considered to have a switch that can be turned on whenever moments of inspiration are required, with those qualities making him the “best player ever”.

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has come to the aid of Bruno Fernandes, saying the midfielder is only on the receiving end of “lazy” criticism because he is in the spotlight as the club’s talisman. The Red Devils captain has been told he - like Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo - is an easy target for scorn because of his “enormous” contribution at Old Trafford.

The most comprehensive guide to the upcoming international windows in men's and women's soccer.

Cristiano Ronaldo will, much like eternal rival Lionel Messi, want to be "the number one" when the day comes to retire. Former Real Madrid striker Alvaro Negredo admits as much, with Portuguese GOAT CR7 not ready for the "last word" just yet. He still has targets to chase down, with the plan being to compete for World Cup glory in the summer of 2026.

Gary Lineker has responded to reports of his World Cup deal with Netflix, and the potential to front future Premier League programming, being a "revenge" mission against former employers at the BBC. The ex-Tottenham and England striker has a reported £14 million ($19m) agreement in place to front The Rest Is Football podcast on American soil next summer. He insists talk of getting one over on the Beeb is "utter nonsense".

There are plenty of top talents, from the United States and abroad, who are expected to make their mark for the first time at the 2026 World Cup

Harry Kane has revealed his highlight of 2025 as well as his New Year’s “wish”. The Bayern Munich and England striker has lifted his fabled trophy curse, with the Bundesliga title being secured, and is eager to land more major silverware with club and country. There will be plenty of opportunities for him to do just that in 2026, with Champions League and World Cup crowns up for grabs.

A brand-new version of the popular FIFA gaming franchise is in the pipeline, with world football’s governing body announcing an exciting partnership with streaming giants Netflix. Said production will hope to rival EA FC, with FIFA having split from Electronic Arts in 2023. The latest release will be made available ahead of the 2026 World Cup finals.

The prospect of Harvey Barnes switching allegiances to play for Scotland has repeatedly cropped up in recent years.

Thiago Silva is a free agent again at the age of 41, with the veteran Brazilian defender agreeing to the early termination of his contract at Fluminense. Having spent 18 months back at his boyhood club, the classy centre-half is said to be eyeing a return to Europe - where he has previously represented AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.