World Cup

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Lionel Messi Lionel Scaloni Argentina

Scaloni backs Messi for 1,000 career goals and World Cup last dance

Lionel Scaloni has thrown his support behind Lionel Messi to potentially reach the historic 1,000 career goals milestone, while insisting the Argentina captain does have the "desire" to play at the 2026 World Cup. Speaking after a dominant friendly victory against Zambia, the Albiceleste boss emphasized that the Inter Miami star still possesses the hunger to compete at the very highest level despite already achieving his ultimate dream in Qatar.

L. MessiArgentina
GOAL England Squad GFX

Trent & Watkins in, Foden out: GOAL's ideal England squad

The road to the 2026 World Cup is almost over for England. The next time the Three Lions convene, they will do so for two pre-tournament friendlies in the United States, against Costa Rica and New Zealand, before kicking-off their tournament against Croatia on June 17. They will do so as one of the favourites to go all the way, with the pressure on Thomas Tuchel and his players to finally end 60 years of hurt.

OpinionEngland
World Cup missing stars GFX

Biggest stars who failed to qualify for World Cup 2026

We are now just over two months out from the 2026 World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with all 48 teams now locked in following the culmination of the various play-offs during the March international break. All of the pre-tournament favourites made it safely through qualifying, including Spain, Brazil, England, France and defending champions Argentina.

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Jude must start for England - but Kane is the key to WC26 glory

It's never easy with the England men's national team. On paper, they should have enough quality, experience and firepower to blow most sides on this planet to smithereens. Then you sit down, watch them and wonder whether they are actually a team of total strangers assembled purely out of spite to mildly annoy the fans who had hoped so much of them. On the basis of their March friendlies, it would be a fair assumption to make.

Winners & LosersEngland
Goretzka, Stiller

Stiller is no match for Goretzka and his special status

The German national team’s attack shines even without (and with) Deniz Undav; Lennart Karl is proving himself worthy of more than just a trial run; the defence is holding its own despite the odd wobble; and Julian Nagelsmann’s measures are paying off. The winners and losers at the DFB following the March training camp.

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Apostas em destaque

Palpite Cruzeiro x Atlético-MG- Campeonato Brasileiro - 02/05/2026
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Ibrahima Konate Liverpool 2025-26

Konate waiting for Real Madrid move

Ibrahima Konate is reportedly prepared to wait for an offer from Real Madrid as his contract situation at Liverpool continues to stall. The French international is entering a critical phase of his career and appears to have set his sights on a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

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Gianni Infantino

Infantino insists Iran WILL play at the 2026 World Cup

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has doubled down on his commitment to see Iran compete in the 2026 World Cup, despite the escalating military conflict involving the United States. Speaking during a surprise appearance at a friendly match in Turkey, the governing body's chief dismissed suggestions that the team might be relocated or withdrawn from the tournament.

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Lionel Messi World Cup Trophy

How FIFA World Cup Tiebreakers Work

How will tiebreakers work at the 2026 FIFA World Cup? The tournament is moving ever closer, with teams preparing to enter the group stages before embarking on their bid for glory. Here, GOAL breaks down how tie-breakers work, how group stage points are decided, and everything you need to know ahead of the big kick-off.

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substitution

How many substitutions are allowed at the World Cup?

How many substitutions are allowed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup? "Super-subs" have often played key roles in teams winning the biggest trophies in the game but when exactly can teams make substitutions? How many substitution windows are there in each fixture? GOAL runs you through everything you need to know.

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List of World Cup Golden Glove winners

Which goalkeepers have won the FIFA World Cup Golden Glove award across the history of the competition? The award was introduced for the 1994 tournament, meaning plenty of iconic goalkeepers, including the likes of Gordon Banks and the initially eponymous Lev Yashin, missed out on the individual award. GOAL has everything you need to know about the award handed to the standout stopper at any single tournament.

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Maguire advised to reject England's World Cup call-up

Sam Allardyce has sent a clear message to Harry Maguire, suggesting the Manchester United defender should think twice about representing England at the upcoming World Cup. The former Three Lions boss believes Thomas Tuchel was unnecessarily blunt regarding Maguire's standing in the defensive pecking order.

H. MaguireEngland
Sergio Aguero, Lionel Messi, Argentina

'Made me feel part of it' - Aguero on 2022 WC, Messi's future

After a 36-year wait, Argentina returned to the summit of world football with their 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar. Though he didn’t feature, Sergio Aguero told GOAL it remains one of the greatest moments of his life, while backing the current squad to carry that same hunger, identity, and competitive edge into the 2026 tournament.

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Harry Maguire England 2026

Tuchel accused of insulting Maguire with fifth-choice stance

England boss Thomas Tuchel stands accused of insulting Harry Maguire with his claim that the Manchester United defender could be fifth-choice centre-half in his 2026 World Cup plans. Maguire has been drafted back into the Three Lions fold for international friendly action, but has been warned that he may struggle to earn another major tournament spot.

H. MaguireEngland
Portugal v Spain - UEFA Nations League 2025 Final

Ronaldo fitness concerns addressed by Martinez

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has moved to ease fears regarding Cristiano Ronaldo’s fitness after a hamstring injury sidelined the legendary forward from the March international camp. The 41-year-old remains central to the Selecao’s plans as he prepares for a record sixth World Cup campaign in North America. Martinez emphasised that the captain’s elite mentality and remarkable goalscoring record ensure his place remains secure.

C. RonaldoPortugal

Frequently asked questions

Los Angeles Galaxy have claimed the MLS title six times, more than any other club in the league's history. They first triumphed in 2002, and later went on to secure victories in 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2024, solidifying their dominance in Major League Soccer.

There are 30 teams in Major League Soccer as of the 2025 season. The league has seen steady expansion since its inception in 1996, when it began with just 10 teams. Over the years, it has added clubs across the US and Canada to reach its current size.

Nick Rimando holds the record for the most MLS appearances, having played 514 matches over the course of his career, which spanned from 2000 to 2019 with clubs like D.C. United, Miami Fusion, and Real Salt Lake.

Chris Wondolowski holds the record as the all-time top scorer in Major League Soccer, with 171 goals to his name. His scoring prowess helped establish him as one of the league's most iconic forwards during his career.

Landon Donovan leads the league's all-time assist charts with 136 assists. His playmaking ability was a key factor in his team's success over the years.

Pat Onstad is the oldest player to have ever featured in Major League Soccer, appearing in the league at the age of 43 years, 2 months, and 22 days. The game was when he featured in goal for DC United.

Cavan Sullivan made history as the youngest-ever player in MLS, debuting for his team at the age of 14 years and 293 days. His introduction to professional football at such a young age has set the stage for a promising future.

Famous players who have played in MLS include stars like David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney, Kaka, David Villa, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Andrea Pirlo.

MLS' most famous managers include renowned figures like Bruce Arena, Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry, Frank de Boer, and Tata Martino.

The Bank of America Stadium, originally inaugurated as Ericsson Stadium in 1996, stands as the largest venue in Major League Soccer, boasting an impressive capacity of 75,412 seats. It is home to Charlotte FC.

Argentine World Cup-winning attacking midfielder Thiago Almada is the most expensive MLS signing of all-time. Atlanta United bought Almada from Velez Sarsfield for around $16 million, in 2022.

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