1. Cody Gakpo silences Liverpool haters in dazzling Dutch display

    Netherlands belatedly announced themselves as serious World Cup contenders by hammering Sweden 5-1 in Houston on Saturday evening. The Dutch had performed only in patches in their opening-round draw with Japan and coach Ronald Koeman was criticised for his perceived conservatism. However, his team produced a devastating attack display to dismantle a Sweden side that had kicked off their campaign with a 5-1 win of their own, over Tunisia.

  2. Vini Jr takes charge as Cunha's double restores Brazil swagger

    PHILADELPHIA -- Matheus Cunha proved his credentials up front, and Vinicius Jr had a hand in all three goals as Brazil found their stride at the World Cup with a 3-0 win over Haiti. The Real Madrid winger was at his devastating best, scoring and assisting, and has the Selecao well-positioned to top Group C. Haiti, for all of their efforts, are eliminated from the tournament in their first appearance since 1974.

  3. Why isn't EPL & Europe's best Raya starting for Spain?!

    Spain might have one of the strongest squads at the 2026 World Cup, but that hasn't stopped debate raging around one position in particular. Despite having world-class goalkeepers David Raya and Joan Garcia at his disposal, head coach Luis de la Fuente has stood staunchly by Unai Simon. The statistical case against the Athletic Club man is impossible to ignore, but don't expect anything to change anytime soon.

  4. Diomande is a PROBLEM! But should Liverpool buy him for €120m?

    Mohamed Salah's end-of-season exit left Liverpool with a major problem - and Yan Diomande looks like the best possible solution. Unfortunately for the Reds, they're likely to have as much trouble signing the teenage sensation this summer as Ecuador's defenders had trying to keep up with him in Philadelphia on Sunday. In a way, Diomande's dazzling display on his World Cup debut was a positive for Liverpool, as it illustrated precisely why they believe he could have a transformative effect on an attack that struggled so badly last season.

  5. WC26 Power Rankings: Messi powers Argentina to top spot

    The first round of 2026 World Cup group-stage fixtures is in the books, and the tournament has gotten off to a flyer. Despite a lack of eye-catching fixtures on paper in the new, expanded format, there have been thrills and spills aplenty, with all the big names showing up for their respective countries on football's biggest stage. Well, almost all of them.

  6. Tuchel works his magic - now he must fix dodgy defence

    Thomas Tuchel did not describe, exactly, what he said at half-time of England's 4-2 win over Croatia that opened up their 2026 World Cup campaign. The score was deadlocked at 2-2 at the time, and England weren't playing particularly well. Tuchel insisted that he had some calm words and told his team to play with courage. The reality, though, is probably a little harsher.

  7. Why Liverpool are spending €40m on Munoz to fill Salah void

    Newcastle fans can be forgiven for experiencing a strange and unwanted feeling of deja vu this week. After being linked heavily with an exciting young attacker throughout the build-up to this summer’s transfer window, Liverpool have snuck in at the last and pipped them to the post - again. Last year, it was Hugo Ekitike; this year, it is Victor Munoz.

Advertisement

Videos

  1. 🎥 | Anton Ferdinand on John Terry incident, West Ham & more

    Former West Ham and Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand joins Adebayo Akinfenwa on the latest episode of the Beast Mode On Podcast. The 41-year-old discusses his journey through professional football and the experiences that shaped him both on and off the pitch. From coming through the ranks with the Hammers and establishing himself in the Premier League, Ferdinand reflects on the highs and challenges of life at the highest level of the game.

  2. 🎥 | EXCLUSIVE: Saka on all things Arsenal & trophy 'dream'

    Arsenal superstar Bukayo Saka joins Adebayo Akinfenwa on the Beast Mode On Podcast as the England forward opens up on his journey from the Gunners' Hale End academy all the way to the first team and captaining the Premier League leaders. The 24-year-old also reveals his burning desire to win trophies with the north Londoners and discusses his close relationship with Mikel Arteta among many other topics in a truly unmissable episode of the show.

FIFA WORLD CUP

  1. Tuchel boost as Rashford and Rice fit but Saka benched

    Thomas Tuchel’s England preparations have been handed a significant lift ahead of their second World Cup Group L fixture against Ghana. Both Marcus Rashford and Declan Rice have returned to full training in Kansas City, easing fears over potential injury absences following their opening victory over Croatia.

  2. Van Dijk suffers injury scare with Netherlands

    Netherlands secured a spectacular 5-1 victory over Sweden in their second World Cup group-stage match on Saturday night, but the triumph was clouded by significant fitness scares for Virgil van Dijk. Liverpool's captain revealed a frightening moment during the clash where he temporarily lost feeling in his upper leg following a heavy blow to the hip.

  3. Doku ruled out for Belgium with respiratory infection

    Belgium’s World Cup preparations have been hit by a significant setback as star winger Jeremy Doku has been ruled out of the upcoming group stage fixture against Iran. The Manchester City attacker is struggling with a recurring respiratory infection that has forced him out of training in Los Angeles.

  4. Olise responds to Mbappe's high praise

    France star Michael Olise has responded to glowing praise from captain Kylian Mbappe as Les Bleus are currently competing in the World Cup. The Bayern Munich winger has quickly become one of the most exciting talents in European football, earning a lofty reputation among his senior teammates.

  5. Raphinha injury boost for Brazil

    Brazil have been handed a significant fitness boost following concerns over the availability of star winger Raphinha. The Barcelona forward underwent medical examinations on Saturday morning after being forced off during the Selecao's victory over Haiti.

  6. Dumfries demands 'fire' for Netherlands

    Denzel Dumfries has called for a significant shift in the Netherlands' team culture, urging his international team-mates to adopt a more confrontational approach. The wing-back believes the squad must learn from the high-pressure environment of the Inter dressing room to ensure success on the world stage.

Transfers

  1. Madrid deny interest in Bayern star Olise

    Real Madrid have taken the unusual step of issuing an official statement to address mounting speculation regarding a move for Bayern Munich star Michael Olise. Reports had suggested the Spanish giants were preparing a lucrative package to lure the French international to the Santiago Bernabeu, but the club has now moved to definitively shut down the rumours.

Premier League

  1. Tuchel hints Saka will remain on England bench

    England manager Thomas Tuchel has indicated that winger Bukayo Saka is unlikely to start the upcoming World Cup encounter against Ghana. Despite making a goal-scoring impact from the bench during the opening victory over Croatia, the Arsenal attacker continues to have his minutes carefully managed due to an ongoing Achilles issue.

  2. Leeds eye Dortmund vastly-experienced midfielder

    Leeds United are reportedly exploring a move for former Germany international Julian Brandt after his departure from Borussia Dortmund. The experienced playmaker is available on a free transfer and would bring significant top-level pedigree to Elland Road, although the Whites face competition from other clubs for his signature.

Must-read opinion and expert analysis

  1. World Cup 2026 Golden Boot standings: Messi & David lead

    The 2026 World Cup is underway and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. There's a long road ahead as 48 nations battle for the top prize, but which star will take home the illustrious award? Here are GOAL's predicted candidates for the prize as we keep track of the tournament's most prolific stars

Betting