The 2026 World Cup is over, and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. With the expanded 48-nation tournament coming to a close, following a month of thrilling action in North America, which star has taken home the illustrious award? Here, GOAL lists the tournament's most prolific performers.
Aston Villa have completed the signing of Switzerland midfielder Johan Manzambi from Freiburg in a deal reportedly worth in excess of £50 million. The 20-year-old arrives after a breakthrough 2026 World Cup and is expected to play a key role in Unai Emery's plans following Youri Tielemans' departure.
Lionel Messi has described Argentina’s upcoming World Cup semi-final tie against England as "special", as the legendary playmaker prepares for a rare career first in Atlanta. Following hard-fought quarter-final victories for both heavyweights, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is relishing the chance to finally face the Three Lions on the international stage.
Lionel Messi was involved in a heated confrontation with referee Joao Pedro Pinheiro during Argentina’s dramatic 2026 World Cup quarter-final victory over Switzerland. The Inter Miami superstar was caught on camera demanding respect from the Portuguese official following a disagreement over a defensive wall.
Switzerland have sensationally hit out at match officials following their World Cup exit, claiming a controversial VAR intervention "destroyed" their quarter-final clash against Argentina. The European side were left reeling after Breel Embolo was sent off for simulation following a bizarre "mistaken identity" review that has sparked massive debate across the globe.
Lionel Messi has hailed the resilience of his Argentina side after they survived a major scare against 10-man Switzerland to book their place in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals. The legendary No.10 is now preparing for a historic showdown against England in Atlanta, marking the first time he will face the Three Lions in his career.
Julian Alvarez had largely struggled through the 2026 World Cup, but he delivered when Argentina needed him most, scoring a stunning goal in a hard-fought 3-1 win over Switzerland that set-up a semi-final against England. The scoreline flattered La Albiceleste, as the Swiss went blow for blow with the reigning champions and had reason to feel aggrieved by the officiating.
Comprehensive match preview of Argentina vs Switzerland at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more ahead of this quarter-final clash in Kansas City.
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.
Switzerland's stars are fully motivated ahead of their monumental World Cup quarter-final showdown against reigning champions Argentina in Kansas City. Skipper Granit Xhaka has declared that his team is eager to cause a significant upset in the tournament, while several players relish the dream privilege of facing Lionel Messi for the first time.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has sent a blunt message to the Argentina squad, insisting that Lionel Messi cannot continue to carry the national team alone despite his superhuman performances at the World Cup. The Inter Miami superstar was at his talismanic best during a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt, but Ibrahimovic believes the supporting cast must do more to alleviate the burden on their captain.
We're in the end game now! With only eight teams remaining, the 2026 World Cup is about to reach boiling point, with the stakes unspeakably high for each of the quarter-finalists. The next round has a lot to live up, too, after this thrilling tournament continued to deliver moments of magic on an almost daily basis.
The 2026 World Cup has been a non-stop festival of football across North America, but fans looking for their daily fix on Wednesday will find the schedule surprisingly empty. After a breathless round of 16 that saw the world's heavyweights battle for survival, FIFA has implemented a tactical pause in the proceedings.
Ruben Vargas slotted home the decisive spot-kick as Switzerland defeated Colombia 4-3 on penalties to progress to the quarter-finals of the World Cup. After one of the worst games of the tournament so far had unsurprisingly finished scoreless, Davinson Sanchez and Manuel Akanji both failed to convert from 12 yards out before Gregor Kobel saved from Cucho Hernandez to hand the advantage back to the Swiss. Vargas then stepped up to score to send the outnumbered Swiss fans in Vancouver into ecstasy and leave their Colombian counterparts devastated.
Comprehensive match preview of Switzerland vs Colombia at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more ahead of this Round of 16 clash in Vancouver.
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 was the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, before succumbing to Lionel Messi's Argentina in a classic.
Canada head coach Jesse Marsch has admitted that captain Alphonso Davies was never truly ready to play in the crucial 2-1 World Cup defeat to Switzerland, revealing he used the superstar as a "decoy" to disrupt the opposition's preparations. Despite the pre-match comments, the Bayern Munich man remained an unused substitute as the Canucks fell to second place in Group B.
Canada are headed to the knockouts, but a costly loss to Switzerland closed their home World Cup run as Promise David impressed and Alphonso Davies worries grew.
Canada are one result from topping Group B and staying home for the knockouts as they face Switzerland with momentum, belief and Ismaël Koné’s injury looming large.
Thomas Muller has tipped Bayern Munich to monitor Switzerland youngster Johan Manzambi after the Freiburg midfielder starred in a World Cup win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The 20-year-old scored twice off the bench and collected the Man of the Match award, further enhancing his growing reputation following an impressive Bundesliga campaign.
Switzerland
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