Mikel Merino once again came off the bench to win a game for Spain as the European Champions beat Belgium 2-1 to progress to the semi-finals of the World Cup. La Roja unsurprisingly dominated possession from the first whistle in Los Angeles and, after plenty of patient probing, they took a deserved lead when Fabian Ruiz fired home from close range, after Thibaut Courtois had failed to parry a Dani Olmo shot to safety.
Four years can transform a player pool. GOAL picks the established stars, rising prospects and wild cards who could form the USMNT’s next World Cup lineup.
Hansi Flick is regularly left astounded by the maturity of Pau Cubarsi's displays for Barcelona. "It's incredible to watch how well he defends," the German coach admitted last season. "He's young, he's only 19, but then you realise how long he’s already been playing at this level. We're very fortunate to have him. In terms of his performances, he's right up there with Lamine Yamal."
This is no doubt the biggest selection decision of Thomas Tuchel's England tenure to date. The Three Lions are favourites going into Saturday's World Cup quarter-final clash with Norway in Miami. England really should have too much quality all over the field for their Scandinavian opponents. But that doesn't mean Tuchel has it easy. England have a handful of tricky decisions to make.
Sit down and make yourself comfortable - this one's not to be missed. MUNDIAL have teamed up with legendary band Gorillaz for a special 'Gorillaz FC' collaboration. And to mark the occasion, they're dropping TWO stunning shirts that are a must-have wardrobe essential for fans of the band, fashion and football.
Erling Haaland has carried the hopes of a nation upon Norway's return to football's biggest stage after a 28-year absence, but while his goals have been vital to their cause, the Manchester City hitman hasn't been shouldering that burden alone. The Scandinavians are back at the World Cup having built a solid team unit that isn't solely reliant on its star striker, and the supporting cast have been showing what they can do in North America.
Diego Luna discusses mental health advocacy, lessons learned from working at a coffee shop and the legacy he hopes to build after missing the USMNT World Cup squad.
Former U.S. Men's National Team defender and Los Angeles FC head coach Steve Cherundolo is returning to U.S. Soccer as he takes over the U.S. Under-23 Men's National Team ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics, which will be held in Los Angeles. The U.S. will take part in the Olympic tournament for just the third time in 20 years after failing to qualify in 2012, 2016 and 2020.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing a major political storm after 72 European lawmakers called for a formal investigation into his conduct. The backlash follows the controversial decision to suspend United States striker Folarin Balogun’s ban during the World Cup after direct intervention from the White House.
The United States, Canada and Mexico will split hosting duties at World Cup 2026, with 16 venues set to provide the backdrop to star-studded fixtures as FIFA’s flagship event heads back to the Americas for the first time since 1994
It's here. The 2026 summer transfer window has arrived and it promises to be an extremely eventful one in the women's game, with several huge stars on the move. Alexia Putellas, Georgia Stanway and Sam Kerr are just some of those who have already completed summer transfers, with there plenty of rumours and reports of more to come and some surprises sure to be sprung, too.
Argentina have found themselves at the centre of a storm in the wake of their scintillating World Cup last-16 victory over Egypt on Tuesday, amid sensational accusations of corruption and favouritism. However, this is one occasion where the demonisation of the Albiceleste doesn't feel justified. Two goals down against the rank underdogs in the second half, the holders survived by the skin of their teeth - coming from behind to miraculously turn the tie on its head in the space of 14 minutes at the very end of the match. But since the final whistle in Atlanta, the gravity of that feat has been overshadowed.
It’s fair to say that Keira Barry’s first senior England call-up was unexpected. After injuries plagued the early years of her professional career, it was in February that the young forward ended her 10-year association with Manchester United and moved to the United States to sign for Bay FC. Exactly a month after her debut, she was on the bench as the Lionesses beat Spain 1-0 at Wembley Stadium.
France eased into the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup by seeing off a stubborn Morocco side in Boston on Thursday. Predictably, Kylian Mbappe was the protagonist, making amends for an abysmal first-half penalty miss by scoring a sublime goal and teeing up another for Ousmane Dembele as Les Bleus secured a comfortable 2-0 victory.
Excitement is growing as we move through the knockout stages at the 2026 World Cup and, throughout the showpiece tournament in North America, GOAL, in association with eToro, is tracking the value of some of the world's most sought-after talents. Will their price rise or plummet? Follow our unique player value tracker to find out...
Sandro Tonali was being linked with Manchester United and teams across Europe, but has completed a £100 million ($134m) transfer to Tottenham. Is that big-money move the result of a desire to live in London? Ex-Spurs star Danny Murphy has answered that question during an exclusive interview with GOAL, while assessing a busy window in the English capital.
Morgan Gibbs-White can see his No.10 “ego” massaged at Nottingham Forest, Reds legend Des Walker has told GOAL, with there no need for a transfer elsewhere to be considered. The England international playmaker is a proven Premier League performer, which means that he inevitably attracts interest, but “main man” status can continue to be enjoyed at the City Ground.
Xabi Alonso has expressed his immense excitement regarding the vast potential of his new Chelsea squad after officially taking charge at Stamford Bridge. The 44-year-old tactician has issued a firm demand for relentless hard work during pre-season, promising disillusioned supporters that a prosperous new era is on the horizon.
Manchester City have secured the return of former academy goalkeeper Pierce Charles after agreeing a £10 million package with Sheffield Wednesday. The Northern Ireland international has put pen to paper on a long-term contract at the Etihad Stadium, but he will spend the upcoming campaign on loan in the Championship with Queens Park Rangers.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has opened up about the club's audacious attempt to sign Kylian Mbappe before his blockbuster transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. Reuniting with the French star at the World Cup, the legendary German coach detailed chartering a five-room private jet for the family during their record "non-transfer" saga.
Barcelona have requested a €210 million credit line as they prepare to strengthen their squad under Hansi Flick ahead of the new season. The funding is expected to support moves for Julian Alvarez, Joao Cancelo and Karim Adeyemi, while also helping the club manage its day-to-day financial commitments.
Arsenal have completed the surprise acquisition of former Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer, securing the Frenchman on a two-year contract. The 26-year-old moves to north London after his contract in Yorkshire expired, providing the reigning Premier League champions with experienced cover across their goalkeeping department.
England international Niamh Charles has joined Manchester City from Chelsea, signing a three-year deal with the new Women's Super League champions. Left-back has been a priority in the transfer market for Andree Jeglertz's side, following Leila Ouahabi's departure, and Charles fits the bill as City's second summer signing, after the earlier arrival of fellow Lionesses star Beth Mead.
Arsenal have signed Spain international Ona Batlle on a free transfer from Barcelona, the Gunners' fourth summer signing to be announced in just eight days. Batlle follows Georgia Stanway, Geraldine Reuteler and Selina Cerci to the club, in a window of much change that has also seen the likes of Beth Mead and Katie McCabe depart.
It's official: Alexia Putellas is a London City Lionesses player. Michele Kang has lured some top talent to the club since taking over during the 2023-24 season, from five-time European champion Saki Kumagai to Sweden icon Kosovare Asllani, with a world-record fee paid for Grace Geyoro just last summer, too. But Putellas is a dream signing and the biggest indication yet that this project should be taken very seriously.
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.