Lists

Manchester City remain in the hunt for Elliot Anderson, with Nottingham Forest reportedly demanding a British record transfer package of £125 million-plus ($168m) for the England international midfielder. Reds legend Stan Collymore has told GOAL how the classy 23-year-old would represent “value for money” and become an “absolute bargain”, with those concepts becoming increasingly difficult to judge in modern sport.

Brazil superstar Neymar has finally returned to the training pitch as he accelerates his recovery from a calf injury that has threatened his World Cup participation. The forward was seen conducting individual drills for the first time since arriving in the United States, providing a massive lift to the Selecao camp ahead of their upcoming fixtures.

Lionel Messi enjoyed a historic night as Argentina dispatched Algeria 3-0 in their World Cup opener, but the victory was marred by a controversial incident that left fans and pundits questioning the officiating. The Inter Miami star netted a sensational hat-trick to equal the all-time tournament goals record, yet many believe he should not have been on the pitch to complete the feat.

Thomas Tuchel has spent more than a year trying to figure out his best England starting XI, but with the Three Lions about to kick-off their 2026 World Cup campaign, things have remained up in the air until the last few days before England clash with Croatia in Dallas.

Jordan Pickford has been England’s No.1 for the best part of a decade, but where does the Everton star rank on the Premier League goalkeeper chart? Former Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Three Lions shot-stopper David James has answered that question during an exclusive interview with GOAL - as a proven performer is placed in illustrious company.

Former Inter and Stoke striker Marko Arnautovic was on target as Austria secured their first World Cup victory in 28 years with a hard-fought 3-1 win over debutants Jordan at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. Ralf Rangnick's side relied on a mix of individual brilliance and late drama to navigate a tricky Group J opener in Santa Clara.

Lionel Messi has opened up on the motivation behind his continued dominance after inspiring Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their 2026 World Cup opener. The Inter Miami star netted a historic hat-trick to equal the all-time tournament goals record, later citing tennis legend Rafael Nadal as a key influence on his mindset.

Kylian Mbappe has hit back at his detractors after a record-breaking night for France, insisting he is not motivated by a desire for "revenge" against those who have questioned his form. The Real Madrid superstar delivered a masterclass in Les Bleus' World Cup opener against Senegal, scoring twice to officially become his country's all-time leading goalscorer.

James Rodriguez says that every time he sets foot on a football field, he plays for "those that love beautiful football" - and they were utterly enamoured with him during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The Colombian No.10 blessed with boyband good looks and a lovely left foot didn't just claim the Golden Boot - he also won hearts all across the globe with his sensational displays.

The tears began to flow down Cristiano Ronaldo's cheeks as soon as the full-time whistle blew at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha on the night of December 10, 2022. The forward was so upset by Portugal's shock World Cup quarter-final loss to Morocco he couldn't even bring himself to acknowledge his side's supporters. The pain was too great. So great, in fact, that he wasn't able to properly express his devastation until the following day - and even then only in a social media post.

Harry Kane remains England’s go-to option for attacking inspiration, as the talismanic captain of his country, but Stan Collymore has explained to GOAL why “finishers” such as Ollie Watkins and Anthony Gordon have an important part to play at the 2026 World Cup. The Three Lions are ready to start roaring on North American soil, with squad depth crucial to Thomas Tuchel.

Lionel Messi proved once again why he remains the undisputed king of world football after netting a historic hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 demolition of Algeria in their 2026 World Cup opener. The Inter Miami superstar dominated the headlines at Kansas City Stadium, not just for his record-equalling exploits on the pitch, but for an emotional celebration that left the veteran in tears.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Rodrigo De Paul stunned plenty of Argentina fans when he decided to leave Atletico Madrid for Inter Miami with the World Cup less than a year away, but national team manager Lionel Scaloni backed the midfielder’s move to Major League Soccer, stressing he is more concerned with performance than club address.

Mexico can take a major step toward winning Group A when El Tri face South Korea in Guadalajara, where Javier Aguirre's latest rebuild first began to take shape.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Argentina's World Cup title defence began nervously before Lionel Messi reminded everyone he is Lionel Messi. The 38-year-old scored a hat trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria before 69,045 fans at Kansas City Stadium. Messi's three-goal performance also moved him level with Miroslav Klose on 16 career World Cup goals, though Klose reached the mark in fewer matches.

Brazil and Morocco's 1-1 World Cup draw attracted 10.019 million viewers on FOX, making it the most-watched non-USMNT World Cup group-stage telecast in English-language U.S. history. The audience peaked at 13.119 million viewers and more than tripled FOX's average non-USMNT group-stage audience from the 2022 tournament.

Erling Haaland was the predictable protagonist as Norway picked up a crucial 4-1 victory over Iraq in their first World Cup match since 1998 on Tuesday. The Manchester City striker's first-half brace proved to be decisive, helping to ensure the dark horses made a winning start in Boston in the so-called 'Group of Death'.

They made hard work of it, but much-fancied France got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start as they eventually secured a 3-1 victory over Senegal in Group I. After a dire first-half display Les Bleus were transformed, with Kylian Mbappe - who had been particularly poor - delivering a brace either side of Bradley Barcola's fine finish to become his country's record goal-scorer.

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has reached out to Kobbie Mainoo with a heartfelt personal message ahead of the midfielder's World Cup debut for England. The Red Devils' all-time record goalscorer hailed the 21-year-old as a pivotal role model for the next generation of talent at Old Trafford - including his son, Kai.

Roberto Martinez will step down as Portugal manager following this current World Cup campaign. As his contract expires in late July, the Spanish tactician has decided not to renew. This monumental exit leaves fans wondering if legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo will also end his international career, as he chases the one elusive trophy missing from his cabinet.

Thomas Tuchel may have recently signed a contract extension with England, but his long-term future remains tied to immediate success on the world stage. Despite a new deal intended to take him through to Euro 2028, it has emerged that the Football Association has protected itself with specific safeguards.

Lionel Messi possesses the magic to lead Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup title following their 2022 triumph in Qatar. Former team-mate Pablo Zabaleta believes the veteran forward is perfectly supported by his national and Inter Miami colleagues, allowing him to save his energy for crucial moments. Zabaleta says the current tactical setup is ideal for the GOAT.

Cole Palmer has taken to social media to provide a glimpse into his life away from the pitch after being left out of England's squad for the 2026 World Cup. The Chelsea playmaker, who was one of the go-to stars for the Three Lions over the last year, is instead using the summer to recharge his batteries following a demanding domestic campaign.

The Australian media has taken pregame jibes personally, but players aren't falling into the trap set by American pundits

Lamine Yamal has sent a defiant message to Spain supporters following their frustrating goalless draw against Cape Verde in their 2026 World Cup opener. The Barcelona teenager made his anticipated return from a two-month injury layoff as a substitute, injecting crucial attacking rhythm into a side lacking creativity, and remains optimistic for the tournament.

Former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has officially tied the knot with Little Mix star Perrie Edwards in a glamorous wedding ceremony. The long-term couple, who have been together since 2016, celebrated their nuptials surrounded by family, friends, and a host of familiar faces from the world of football.

GOAL takes a look at the five best performances by American players at the highest levels of the sport

Alisha Lehmann is making the most of her off-season break by sharing thrilling footage of a backflip into a crystal-clear tropical pool. The Swiss forward is currently enjoying a well-deserved, sun-soaked holiday in Jamaica alongside her Baller League-winning boyfriend, Montel McKenzie, as she aims to relax and mentally reset before tackling the upcoming football campaign.

France international Kylian Mbappe has opened up about his newfound freedom since joining Real Madrid. As he prepares to lead his nation in their 2026 World Cup opener against Senegal, the forward revealed how leaving his homeland has surprisingly allowed him to enjoy a more normal life, despite facing two difficult years on the pitch while his former club dominated Europe.