As 40-year-old Edin Dzeko enters the late twilight of his career, Bosnian football has a new potential superstar to carry it forward. Kerim Alajbegovic hadn't even been born when the revered striker made his international debut 19 years ago, but the pair are set to shoulder their country's hopes at the 2026 World Cup in North America this summer.
After a week of speculation about Lionel Messi's fitness, Argentina received good news Thursday: the 38-year-old was named to Lionel Scaloni's 26-man World Cup squad. Messi exited Inter Miami's final match before the World Cup break with what the club described as left hamstring muscle overload. His inclusion puts a record sixth World Cup within reach.
Mexico face Australia at the Rose Bowl in a key World Cup tuneup as Javier Aguirre weighs final roster decisions before El Tri unveil their 26-man squad.
Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Junior has admitted that Lionel Messi's presence makes Argentina one of the favourites to win the World Cup again this summer. The Selecao winger believes Messi's unpredictable style of play can still give their arch-rivals an edge when they defend their global crown in North America.
Santos have issued an official statement to clear up a medical dispute regarding Neymar Jr.’s calf injury ahead of the 2026 World Cup. While the club initially diagnosed the problem as a minor oedema, Brazil national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar revealed a more serious grade 2 muscle strain. Consequently, the star forward will miss Brazil's upcoming warm-up friendlies against Panama and Egypt as a race against time begins for the tournament opener.
A Sweden national team doctor has delivered a new update on Dejan Kulusevski amid the Tottenham and Sweden star's year-long injury absence. Despite Kulusevski missing the entire 2025-26 season, the medical staff provided positive reassurance that he will eventually return to the pitch.
The 38-year-old defender wrote himself off years ago, and plenty of others have done the same since then. He is still here, though, against all odds for one final run.
France legend Frank Leboeuf has delivered a scathing assessment of Kylian Mbappe’s leadership credentials as Les Bleus look ahead to the 2026 World Cup. The 1998 world champion believes the Real Madrid superstar is "too selfish" to captain the national side to glory in North America this summer.
Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton has insisted he will not "sit and cry" after being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming World Cup. Despite a fine individual campaign at Selhurst Park, the 22-year-old midfielder was the high-profile absentee from the 26-man travelling party announced last week.
In an exclusive interview with GOAL, Brazil legend Kaka reflects on winning the World Cup at 20, the pressure now facing Vini Jr. and Neymar, and why the Selecao’s sixth-star dream still feels alive.
Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for what is almost certainly his final dance on the World Cup stage, but his role within the Portugal national team is once again under intense scrutiny. As the Al-Nassr striker eyes the only trophy missing from his glittering cabinet, former USMNT star Taylor Twellman has suggested that his presence actually hinders a squad packed with world-class talent.
Pep Guardiola is reportedly open to taking over as England manager in the future as he begins his life after Manchester City. The legendary coach, who has just ended a trophy-laden decade at the Etihad Stadium, is viewed as the ultimate 'dream' candidate for the Football Association.
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has jumped to the defence of his long-time international team-mate Neymar, insisting the forward remains vital to Brazil's World Cup ambitions. Despite a fresh injury setback hampering the Santos star’s preparations, Casemiro remains confident that the Selecao's all-time record goalscorer can still dictate terms on the world stage.
Davide Ancelotti has reached a comprehensive agreement to become the new head coach of Ligue 1 outfit Lille, marking his second standalone managerial role. The former Real Madrid assistant will officially succeed Bruno Genesio, who vacated his position at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in late May following the expiration of his contract.
Ralf Rangnick is reportedly in advanced discussions to spearhead a total overhaul at AC Milan, marking a potential return for the coach several years after his move to San Siro famously collapsed. The 67-year-old has met with Rossoneri chiefs to outline his vision for the club as they look to rebuild after a disappointing campaign.
Mauricio Pochettino has seen prominent coaching posts filled by leading clubs in Europe, so could he stay on as USMNT boss beyond the end of a home World Cup cycle in 2026? Brad Friedel has explained to GOAL how the Argentine - with spells at Tottenham, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain on his CV - can help American soccer to grow and rival established brands in American football, baseball, basketball and ice hockey.
Steve Clarke has officially committed his future to Scotland by signing a long-term contract extension that will see him lead the national team through to the 2030 World Cup. The news comes as a massive boost to the Tartan Army just as the squad prepares to embark on their first World Cup adventure in nearly three decades this summer in the United States.
Brazil have established a firm medical deadline for Neymar to retain his place in Carlo Ancelotti's final World Cup squad following another injury scare. The Santos forward remains a major doubt for upcoming warm-up matches after a grade two calf tear caused significant apprehension during the national team's initial training camp.
Ivan Perisic has told GOAL how the Croatia squad is able to ignore any club rivalries and build a “big family” at international tournaments. Another “very special” opportunity is about to present itself in 2026, as the World Cup takes centre stage, with one group of vastly experienced performers preparing to catch the eye again on and off the field.
Real Madrid starlet Franco Mastantuono faces a nervous wait as he risks being dropped from Argentina's final World Cup squad. Despite reporting for international duty in peak physical condition, the teenage attacker could still be omitted by manager Lionel Scaloni before Sunday's deadline due to purely tactical considerations.
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