World Cup news

GOAL takes a look at the wild storylines that could take centerstage this summer, headlined by predictions involving the sport's biggest stars

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Rene Higuita has ignited the psychological warfare ahead of the 2026 World Cup, issuing a blunt warning to Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo. The legendary Colombian goalkeeper insists the Cafeteros are ready to neutralize the Al Nassr superstar when the two nations collide in a blockbuster Group K encounter in Florida this June.

Kylian Mbappe has seen his “longevity” questioned, with doubts cast over whether the Real Madrid and France superstar can emulate certain achievements of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Jeremie Aliadiere is a big fan of his fellow countryman, but has told GOAL why chasing down the target of 100 international goals may prove difficult for the most fearsome of forwards.

Mason Greenwood may yet bring his hopes of earning an England recall to a close by pledging allegiance to Jamaica at the 2026 World Cup, admits a man that once trod a similar path. Frank Sinclair joined the Reggae Boyz ranks for a major tournament adventure in 1998 and has told GOAL why a forward starring at Marseille could take a similar decision.

Here’s exactly how you can secure tickets to see your nation’s journey to the 2026 World Cup

This is Legacy, GOAL’s feature and podcast series to mark the countdown to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. This week, we revisit one of international football’s most dramatic sagas: the rise, fall, and rebirth of Les Bleus. From Zinedine Zidane's headbutt in Berlin to Kylian Mbappe's hat-trick in Doha, France’s World Cup journey between 2006 and 2022 is a tale of collapse and resurrection; the story of a nation that turned shame into strength, and forged an identity where resilience became its greatest art.

In a move that has caught the footballing world off guard, former Paris Saint-Germain maestro Marco Verratti is reportedly on the verge of a sensational return to the Italy national team. The veteran midfielder, who was once the heartbeat of the Azzurri engine room, has been largely forgotten by the international mainstream since his high-profile move to Qatar. However, with the high-stakes pressure of the World Cup play-offs looming on the horizon, new head coach Gennaro Gattuso appears ready to roll the dice on one of the most technically gifted players of his generation.

Arsene Wenger's controversial plan to radically change the offside rule has taken a major step forward. The former Arsenal manager has been pushing for a system that benefits attackers, and his proposed 'daylight' law will now be officially trialled in the Canadian Premier League. This marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over VAR and microscopic offside margins.

Iran's place at the upcoming World Cup has been put in doubt amid escalating conflicts in the Middle East. The president of Iran's soccer federation said on Monday that the country's World Cup hopes seem slim at the moment, although organizers say there has been no formal indication that plans will change for this summer.

Thomas Tuchel has been given three reasons why Jude Bellingham, who is nursing an injury at Real Madrid, has to make England’s 2026 World Cup squad. The all-action midfielder may be forced to sit out international action during the March round of friendlies, but Lee Sharpe has told GOAL that the talented 22-year-old is one of those that should be picked on reputation alone.

The highly-anticipated Finalissima clash between reigning European champions Spain and South American counterparts Argentina, scheduled for March 27 in Doha, has been thrown into serious doubt. Following recent geopolitical developments, including Iranian strikes on bases within the country and an escalation of conflict across the Middle East, Qatar has taken the drastic step of halting all sporting activity.

Real Madrid star Rodrygo has made his feelings crystal clear regarding the composition of the Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup, sending a direct message to manager Carlo Ancelotti. As the Selecao continues its transition under the Italian tactician, questions have consistently circled around the role of Neymar. However, for Rodrygo, the veteran playmaker remains an indispensable figure if the South American giants are to reclaim their throne on the global stage.

Manchester United are ramping up their search for a permanent managerial appointment to lead the club into the 2026-27 campaign, and a familiar face from the Premier League has emerged as a serious contender. Roberto Martinez, currently at the helm of the Portugal national team, has reportedly been identified by the Old Trafford hierarchy as a potential candidate to take over the reigns.

At the very start of the year, it looked like Endrick's dream of making Brazil's World Cup squad was dead in the water. The Real Madrid youngster only played 99 minutes for the club in the first half of the season, with then-Blancos boss Xabi Alonso favouring homegrown forward Gonzalo Garcia ahead of him, and a move away became inevitable in the winter transfer window.

Mauricio Pochettino has left the door open to a spectacular return to Tottenham following the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine will leave his role as USMNT boss following the showpiece event in North America this summer, and he's been linked with a switch to Spurs as a long-term replacement for Thomas Frank at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.