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World Cup Overview

The fall and rise of Spanish football

This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast following 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. In this week's episode, we look at how Spain went from defining an era to questioning its very place in the global game. We revisit the brilliance of the golden generation, the abrupt collapse after Brazil 2014, and the struggle of the teams that followed. And we turn to the present: a new coach, new mindset, and a wave of young talent led by Lamine Yamal, the prodigy many believe could carry Spain towards redemption in 2026. This is the journey of a team trying to rediscover itself - and the uncertainty, promise and pressure that comes with chasing a second star.

Hulk offers blunt verdict on Neymar's World Cup hopes

Brazil veteran Hulk has delivered a surprisingly neutral assessment regarding Neymar’s potential inclusion in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. As the legendary forward battles to regain full match fitness following a lengthy injury absence, the lack of an explicit endorsement from his former international team-mate has intensified the selection debate.

Lionel Messi of Argentina kisses the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winners' Trophy while holding the adidas Golden Boot award

How to buy FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets

Everything you need to know to secure those World Cup tickets, including where to buy, ticket prices, and more

Kane backed to emulate Ronaldo by playing into his 40s

Harry Kane is being tipped to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo by playing into his 40s, with ex-England star Gareth Barry telling GOAL why the prolific Bayern Munich striker should be giving no thought to retirement. Kane is only 32, with many years ahead of him, and is expected to offer domestic and international bosses a huge boost by following in the footsteps of fellow all-time greats.

'He's among the world's elite Dutch players and merits a spot in the World Cup squad.'

Is Spain more deserving than Morocco of hosting the 2030 World Cup final? The facts suggest otherwise

A recent surge in racism at Spanish football stadiums has brought this sensitive issue back into the spotlight.

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	+/-	PTS	Form
1	Strasbourg	6	5	1	0	11	5	6	16	W W W W D
2	Rakow Czestochowa	6	4	2	0	9	2	7	14	W W W D D
3	AEK Athens	6	4	1	1	14	7	7	13	W W W D W
4	Sparta Prague	6	4	1	1	10	3	7	13	W W W D L
5	Rayo Vallecano	6	4	1	1	13	7	6	13	W W L W D

Pos

Team

+/-

PTS

Form

Strasbourg

W
W
W
W
D

Rakow Czestochowa

W
W
W
D
D

AEK Athens

W
W
W
D
W

Sparta Prague

W
W
W
D
L

Rayo Vallecano

W
W
L
W
D

Frequently asked questions

Where can I buy Iran World Cup 2026 tickets?

Supporters have a number of opportunities to purchase tickets for matches involving Iran, via the FIFA website, between now and the big kick-off in June. The various sales phases differ in terms of purchasing processes, payment methods and ticket products.

To buy tickets, you must visit the official FIFA ticketing portal and register for an account. You can then log in to your FIFA account and check out ticket availability.

Can I buy Iran World Cup 2026 resale tickets?

If you are looking for an official and secure way to resell/exchange your FIFA World Cup 26 tickets, the FIFA Resale/Exchange Marketplace is the official channel for doing so. The Marketplace opened in October and be accessed via FIFA.com/tickets.

FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets will also be available from secondary resellers, such as StubHub and Ticombo.

Will there be an opportunity to purchase Iran World Cup 2026 tickets directly at the stadium?

No, tickets will not be available for purchase at the stadiums during FIFA World Cup 2026. There will be no over-the-counter ticket sales. FIFA.com/tickets is the official portal for purchasing tickets.

Who has scored the most goals for Iran at World Cup Finals?

Iran’s heavy 6-2 loss to England in their opener at the 2022 World Cup was a bitter pill to swallow, but Mehdi Taremi's consolation double strike meant that he became Iran’s top World Cup scorer of all-time. The Olympiacos striker will be hoping to add to his tally further in North America. In terms of World Cup appearances, Ehsan Hajsafi tops Iran's standings with 9 caps, after playing in all his side's matches at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 tournaments.