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Messi Mbappe Haaland World Cup Golden boot 16:9

World Cup Golden Boot standings: Messi moves ahead of Mbappe

The 2026 World Cup is well underway and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. There's a long and winding road to be navigated as 48 nations battle for the top prize, but which star will take home the illustrious award? Here, GOAL tracks the tournament's most prolific stars.

Portugal v Croatia: Round of 32 - FIFA World Cup 2026

FIFA defend VAR hair flick call as Portugal advance

FIFA have explained why Croatia's dramatic stoppage-time equaliser against Portugal was ruled out after VAR intervened. Connected Ball Technology detected the slightest touch from Igor Matanovic in the build-up, allowing officials to confirm an offside offence and sending Portugal through while Croatia crashed out.

Portugal v Croatia: Round of 32 - FIFA World Cup 2026

Portugal felt Diogo Jota's presence in Croatia win - Martinez

Roberto Martinez has revealed how the memory of the late Diogo Jota inspired Portugal during their dramatic World Cup knockout victory over Croatia. The national team manager pointed out several emotional coincidences linking the narrow triumph directly to the former forward, who tragically passed away alongside his brother in a car accident last year.

Portugal Ratings

Ronaldo gets first KO goal but Ramos plays hero for Portugal

Gonacalo Ramos scored a stoppage-time winner after a chaotic contest between Portugal and Croatia, with Roberto Martinez's side squeaked out a 2-1 victory to advance to the World Cup Round of 16. Croatia scored first, but Portugal came from behind. Ronaldo scored once from the penalty spot and was replaced by Ramos, who delivered the match's biggest moment.

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Martinez: Ronaldo and Modric are 'above public opinion'

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric as global icons who have surpassed the limitations of public scrutiny. Speaking ahead of a high-stakes World Cup knockout clash, Martinez insisted that the two legendary captains serve as the ultimate examples for the next generation of footballers.

GFX Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo

Messi-Ronaldo rivalry will never be repeated, says Kahn

Former Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn has paid a glowing tribute to the historic rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Bayern Munich icon believes the two superstars created a unique standard of consistency that world football will never witness again, as both legends continue their historic battle at the World Cup.

Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo 2025

'Messi doesn't upset team-mates' - CR7 'accident waiting to happen'

England icon John Barnes has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo's attitude could derail Portugal in the World Cup knockout stages, describing the situation as an accident waiting to happen. In contrast, Barnes praised Lionel Messi, highlighting how the Argentina captain's humble nature unites his team-mates, unlike Ronaldo who creates tension when things do not go his way.

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Forlan explains how Ronaldo is 'hurting' Portugal at World Cup

Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan has delivered a blunt critique of Cristiano Ronaldo, claiming the legendary forward is currently a hindrance to Portugal’s World Cup ambitions. Despite leading his nation into the knockout stages, the 41-year-old’s performances have sparked debate among pundits and former colleagues alike.

Spain v Cabo Verde: Group H - FIFA World Cup 2026

How have debutant teams performed at the FIFA World Cup?

Four nations made debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan gracing the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It is the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde have achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, with the African nation to face Lionel Messi's Argentina on Friday.

Panama v Croatia: Group L - FIFA World Cup 2026

Croatia reignite WC hopes in landmark appearance for Modric

Croatia secured their first points of the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama at the Toronto Stadium. As Luka Modric celebrated a major international milestone, the result keeps Zlatko Dalic's side firmly in the hunt for a place in the knockout stages while ending Panama's tournament hopes with a game to spare.

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'That's his job isn't it? - Keane hits out at 'over the top' Tuchel praise

Roy Keane has firmly dismissed the glowing praise directed at Thomas Tuchel following England's dramatic 4-2 World Cup victory over Croatia in Group L. While several players lauded the manager for an inspiring half-time team talk that seemed to change the game, Keane insists Tuchel was merely fulfilling the basic requirements of his role and believes the reaction has been entirely blown out of proportion.

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FIFA changes policy after Tuchel complaint

Thomas Tuchel has successfully persuaded FIFA to alter its pre-match media guidelines following a frustrating experience during his tournament debut in Texas. The England head coach complained that a dense wall of press photographers completely obstructed his view of the players during the national anthems, prompting football's governing body to launch an immediate tactical compromise.