Goal.com

From locked-in stars to those on the way out: USMNT player tiers

  1. How Portugal wasted a golden shot at World Cup glory

    Wayne Rooney described Cristiano Ronaldo's final appearance at a World Cup as "a sad day for football". It wasn't, though. Not really. Ronaldo may be one of the most iconic figures in sporting history, but Spain's victory over an insipid Portugal side, taken in conjunction with Belgium battering the United States, actually made July 6, 2026 a pretty good day for the game.

  2. Messi is inevitable! GOAT inspires epic win over Egypt

    Lionel Messi made amends for missing a second penalty at the 2026 World Cup by inspiring the most dramatic of comebacks, as Argentina came from 2-0 down with just over 10 minutes remaining to beat a heroic Egypt side 3-2 in a last-16 clash for the ages in Atlanta. Lionel Scaloni's side started as sluggishly as they had performed in their lucky win over Cape Verde by the same scoreline, and Egypt took advantage, with an unmarked Yasser Ibrahim burying a cross from Marwan Attia past Emiliano Martinez with just 15 minutes gone.

  3. Brazil's World Cup nightmare: Why it went so wrong

    The inquest into Brazil's disastrous World Cup exit is well underway after the five-time winners were unceremoniously dumped out of the tournament at the hands of dark horses Norway and the goals of Erling Haaland. In truth, the Selecao never really got going in North America - hamstrung by an ageing, rag-tag squad that was yet to gel as they often relied on Vinicius Jr to deliver the goods.

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U.S. MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM

  1. Not Balogun! Villa prediction sees keeper preferred to USMNT star

    Aston Villa have been credited with interest in Folarin Balogun, but Stan Collymore has told GOAL why Unai Emery is likely to favour another 2026 World Cup star over a United States international that made plenty of headlines at FIFA’s flagship event. The Villans are looking to bolster their ranks from back to front during the summer, with comings and goings being mooted.

Expert Opinion & Analysis

  1. BDO Power Rankings: Pressure keeps building on Kane

    With the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly presumably disappearing into the rearview mirror, the battle for the Ballon d'Or hasn't felt so open for the best part of 20 years, with countless players now beginning each campaign believing they have a chance of claiming the most prestigious individual prize football has to offer. Ousmane Dembele emerged from a career plagued by injuries and inconsistencies to win the Golden Ball in 2025, and he is among a crowded field of contenders again in 2026.

Premier League

  1. Chelsea confirm arrival of teen star

    Chelsea have announced the arrival of highly-rated Portuguese winger Geovany Quenda from Sporting CP on a long-term contract that runs until 2034. The 19-year-old arrives at Stamford Bridge after a remarkable spell in his homeland, where he won domestic titles and established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in European football.

Major League Soccer

Transfer News

  1. Monaco admit Pogba could leave

    Paul Pogba faces an uncertain future at Monaco as the club’s hierarchy admits the World Cup winner could be sold this summer. Following a debut season in Ligue 1 marred by fitness issues, the former Manchester United man is no longer considered an untouchable part of the project at the Stade Louis II.

  2. Greenwood set for shock Turkey move

    Mason Greenwood’s time in Ligue 1 appears to be coming to an end as a shock move to the Turkish Super Lig gains momentum. The English forward, who joined Marseille in 2024, is now the subject of intense negotiations that could see him relocate to Istanbul with Fenerbahce.

  3. PSG star snubs Real Madrid interest

    Fabian Ruiz has decided to commit his long-term future to Paris Saint-Germain by signing a new contract extension. The Spain international has reportedly snubbed major transfer interest from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich to remain in the French capital, extending a highly successful stint that has yielded consecutive domestic and European trophies.

Women's Soccer

  1. London City sign Putellas!

    London City Lionesses have completed arguably the most significant signing in the history of the women's game, confirming the arrival of legendary midfielder Alexia Putellas. The two-time Ballon d'Or winner makes the move to England following a trophy-laden era at Barcelona, signalling a massive shift in the European football landscape.