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GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, including a tight race in Italy and crucial battles in the UK

A hat-trick from Leon Gawanke, the team's first power-play goal, and, crucially, their first win: the DEB side has ticked off the first of three must-win games on the road to the World Championship quarter-finals.

A controversial mid-season transfer continues to stir resentment at VfB Stuttgart towards FC Bayern.

Erling Haaland has been informed of what he will require in order to become a Ballon d’Or winner, with John Arne Riise telling GOAL that the Manchester City superstar needs a “sh*tload of goals” before being recognised as the best player on the planet. The Norwegian striker has tended to deliver on that front, and has long been billed as a natural heir to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Golden Ball-winning department.

What lies ahead for Alexander Nübel after the upcoming World Cup? Bayern Munich could soon enjoy a sizeable financial windfall, and the Germany goalkeeper might even emerge as a key bargaining chip.

James Tavernier opted against taking up a seat on the bench for his final Ibrox fixture as a Rangers player, as he prepares to become a free agent, but will the long-serving full-back live to regret that decision? Alan Hutton believes those thoughts will form in time, with the ex-Gers defender also speculating with GOAL on what the immediate future could have in store.

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has opened up on the psychological toll of a unique five-month injury layoff that left him fearing for his professional career. Following his return to first-team training after undergoing surgery on a rare foot fracture, the Spanish international expressed immense gratitude for the unwavering solidarity shown by his teammates.

Manchester City have confirmed the expanded North Stand at the Etihad Stadium will be renamed the ‘The Pep Guardiola Stand’. The club will also commission a statue for the departing manager following his historic spell in Manchester.

As the 2026 World Cup arrives on home soil, Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, Tyler Adams and the USMNT’s 2022 squad reflect on the goals, memories, heartbreak and brotherhood that still shape them.

Alvaro Arbeloa has confirmed his departure from Real Madrid after only four months in charge of the first team. The former defender thanked the club and players for their support as reports continue to link Jose Mourinho with a return to the Bernabeu.

According to various media reports, Spanish runners-up Real Madrid have three options to replace outgoing captain Dani Carvajal (34) at right-back.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has admitted his surprise at Harry Maguire’s reaction after the veteran defender was omitted from the Three Lions' 26-man World Cup squad. The German coach heavily praised the centre-back’s exceptional seasonal form but defended his ultimate selection blueprint, which relies on a core group of established tournament leaders.

Melchie Dumornay has always had something special. After catching the eye of then-Reims manager Amandine Miquel at the 2018 Under-20 Women's World Cup, the Haitian prospect would sign for the French club three years later, when she turned 18. Within weeks, Miquel had no doubts. "This is going to be one of the best players in the world in the next few years," she declared. Fast forward to today and Miquel has already been proven right.

Karim Adeyemi will not feature at the World Cup, a predictable decision given that the 24-year-old has clocked less than 600 minutes for BVB this calendar year. Will the forward now remain in Dortmund?

Marcus Rashford called his England recall a “full-circle moment” after overcoming recent setbacks to make Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad. The forward thanked Unai Emery and Hansi Flick for helping revive his career, but made no mention of Manchester United.

When Barcelona were crowned Liga F champions for a seventh successive season back in April, Clara Serrajordi, the 18-year-old who played all 90 minutes in the crowning win over Espanyol, didn’t realise that the club hadn’t always enjoyed such consistent success. "In the early years, we didn’t win league titles, so we have to value this a lot,” Patri Guijarro said. “I was telling Serrajordi this and she was surprised."

Manchester United have officially confirmed the permanent appointment of interim head coach Michael Carrick on a two-year contract keeping him at Old Trafford until 2028. The 44-year-old former midfielder successfully stabilised the club following Ruben Amorim's January dismissal, subsequently securing vital elite European qualification ahead of schedule.

Former Germany international Lars Bender is set to become the new coach of FC Bayern Munich's U17 side. The German record champions announced the appointment on Friday.

Al-Nassr launched an ambitious approach for Pep Guardiola prior to the manager's newly confirmed announcement that he will officially step down from Manchester City at the end of the season. The pursuit by the Saudi Pro League champions opens up the sensational possibility of a historic tactical partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo.

So there we have it: England's 2026 World Cup squad is confirmed and it will go down as one of the most contentious of all time. Manager Thomas Tuchel has made it abundantly clear from the outset that he isn't afraid to ruffle some feathers with his decisions, and he has stayed true to his word with his divisive selections for the Three Lions' latest bid to end an agonising wait for a first major trophy since 1966.

Corinthians forward Zakaria Labyad has publicly implored club officials to secure a contract extension for marquee teammate Memphis Depay. Following his crucial equaliser in the Copa Libertadores, the Moroccan playmaker highlighted the Dutch international’s immense influence in South America and stressed that retaining his services is vital for the club's progression.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has refused to confirm whether Mohamed Salah will feature in Sunday's crucial season finale at Anfield, casting doubt over a final home appearance for the departing forward. The 33-year-old Egyptian icon is set to end his legendary nine-year spell on Merseyside this summer amidst an increasingly tense relationship with his head coach.

Thomas Tuchel has defended his decision to leave Harry Maguire, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer out of England’s World Cup squad. The England boss admitted the calls were “painfully difficult” but insisted he wanted a balanced group built on “hunger and excitement”.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has issued a defiant response to Florentino Perez, describing the Real Madrid chief’s recent accusations regarding the Negreira case as "grotesque." The Blaugrana leader suggested that the explosive claims from the capital are merely a smokescreen to distract from Los Blancos' lack of silverware over the last two seasons.

Manchester United, England's record-breaking football champions, are continuing to rely on team manager Michael Carrick.

Jose Mourinho's spectacular return to Real Madrid is drawing ever closer. On Friday, the club's current manager, Alvaro Arbeloa, announced he will leave the club at the end of the season.

Manchester City have confirmed that Pep Guardiola will step down as manager this summer, bringing an end to a transformative decade at the Etihad Stadium. The Catalan tactician, who has secured 20 major trophies during his tenure, will transition into a Global Ambassador role within the City Football Group.

In the end, Manchester United probably didn't have much other choice; after leading the club back into the Champions League during a remarkable interim tenure, Michael Carrick has been appointed head coach on a permanent basis. However, having already played down the achievement of returning to European football's top table, he will know the real work starts now.

Barcelona prodigy Marc Bernal has expressed profound gratitude towards manager Hansi Flick for protecting his development following a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The 18-year-old midfielder also revealed he is intentionally refraining from making any summer holiday plans as he anxiously awaits a potential senior international call-up for Spain.