World Cup news

Thomas Tuchel has spent more than a year trying to figure out his best England starting XI, but with the Three Lions about to kick-off their 2026 World Cup campaign, things have remained up in the air until the last few days before England clash with Croatia in Dallas.

GOAL brings you everything you need to know about Uzbekistan vs Colombia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

GOAL brings you everything you need to know about England vs Croatia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

GOAL brings you everything you need to know about Jordan vs Algeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Jordan Pickford has been England’s No.1 for the best part of a decade, but where does the Everton star rank on the Premier League goalkeeper chart? Former Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Three Lions shot-stopper David James has answered that question during an exclusive interview with GOAL - as a proven performer is placed in illustrious company.

Former Inter and Stoke striker Marko Arnautovic was on target as Austria secured their first World Cup victory in 28 years with a hard-fought 3-1 win over debutants Jordan at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. Ralf Rangnick's side relied on a mix of individual brilliance and late drama to navigate a tricky Group J opener in Santa Clara.

Lionel Messi has opened up on the motivation behind his continued dominance after inspiring Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their 2026 World Cup opener. The Inter Miami star netted a historic hat-trick to equal the all-time tournament goals record, later citing tennis legend Rafael Nadal as a key influence on his mindset.

Kylian Mbappe has hit back at his detractors after a record-breaking night for France, insisting he is not motivated by a desire for "revenge" against those who have questioned his form. The Real Madrid superstar delivered a masterclass in Les Bleus' World Cup opener against Senegal, scoring twice to officially become his country's all-time leading goalscorer.

The tears began to flow down Cristiano Ronaldo's cheeks as soon as the full-time whistle blew at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha on the night of December 10, 2022. The forward was so upset by Portugal's shock World Cup quarter-final loss to Morocco he couldn't even bring himself to acknowledge his side's supporters. The pain was too great. So great, in fact, that he wasn't able to properly express his devastation until the following day - and even then only in a social media post.

James Rodriguez says that every time he sets foot on a football field, he plays for "those that love beautiful football" - and they were utterly enamoured with him during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The Colombian No.10 blessed with boyband good looks and a lovely left foot didn't just claim the Golden Boot - he also won hearts all across the globe with his sensational displays.

GOAL brings you everything you need to know about France vs Iraq at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Harry Kane remains England’s go-to option for attacking inspiration, as the talismanic captain of his country, but Stan Collymore has explained to GOAL why “finishers” such as Ollie Watkins and Anthony Gordon have an important part to play at the 2026 World Cup. The Three Lions are ready to start roaring on North American soil, with squad depth crucial to Thomas Tuchel.

Lionel Messi proved once again why he remains the undisputed king of world football after netting a historic hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 demolition of Algeria in their 2026 World Cup opener. The Inter Miami superstar dominated the headlines at Kansas City Stadium, not just for his record-equalling exploits on the pitch, but for an emotional celebration that left the veteran in tears.

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Comprehensive match preview of Argentina vs Austria at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more.

Comprehensive match preview of Norway vs Senegal at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Rodrigo De Paul stunned plenty of Argentina fans when he decided to leave Atletico Madrid for Inter Miami with the World Cup less than a year away, but national team manager Lionel Scaloni backed the midfielder’s move to Major League Soccer, stressing he is more concerned with performance than club address.