Erling Haaland’s World Cup dream came to a crashing halt in Miami as Norway were dumped out by England in a tense quarter-final affair. The Manchester City superstar, who has been one of the tournament's standout individual, was taken off in extra-time, leaving fans and pundits baffled as Stale Solbakken's side chased a late equaliser.
Jude Bellingham has delivered a blunt response to Thomas Tuchel’s criticism of England’s performance after the Three Lions beat Norway 2-1 to secure their spot in the World Cup semi-finals. Despite Bellingham’s heroics in Miami, the England manager was left frustrated by a performance he deemed below the required standard.
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.
Jude Bellingham was once again England's hero as the midfielder scored both goals to secure a 2-1 win over Norway in Saturday's World Cup quarter-final. The Three Lions fell behind in the first half, but Bellingham equalised shortly before half-time before netting the winner early in extra-time to set up a semi-final against either Argentina or Switzerland.
Canada’s historic home World Cup raised expectations and captured the country. Now the CPL, Whitecaps and player pathways must ensure it was more than a month-long party.
The goalkeeper was facing retirement as recently as December last year, but he has become a USL Championship hero after breaking the World Cup save record.
Thomas Tuchel has admitted his surprise at Erling Haaland’s prematch comments ahead of England's World Cup quarter-final clash with Norway. The German manager insisted his squad can handle the mounting expectation after the striker attempted to deflect all the pressure onto the Three Lions by publicly downplaying his team's chances.
Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois have cast doubt over their Belgium futures following the Red Devils' World Cup exit to Spain. Both veterans admitted they need time to recover after demanding seasons, while the Real Madrid goalkeeper also revealed that talks with the Belgian FA and head coach Rudi Garcia will shape his international future.
Harry Kane has played down comparisons with Erling Haaland ahead of England's quarter-final against Norway, insisting they are very different types of striker. While praising the Manchester City attacker's remarkable goalscoring record and physical dominance, the Bayern Munich star stressed that his only priority is helping the Three Lions win the World Cup.
Manchester United have identified Roma midfielder Manu Kone as their primary transfer target after dramatically collapsing a deal for Atalanta's Ederson. The French international is highly coveted by the Red Devils hierarchy, but the Italian outfit have demanded a premium fee exceeding £45 million to sanction his departure this summer.
Thomas Tuchel has criticised FIFA after Jarell Quansah's one-match suspension was upgraded to a two-game ban following England's World Cup win over Mexico. The England boss admitted he has received no explanation for the decision as his side prepare for a quarter-final against Norway.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic pulled no punches when dissecting Belgium’s dramatic World Cup quarter-final exit, laying the blame squarely at the feet of manager Rudi Garcia and goalkeeper Senne Lammens. The legendary Swedish striker was left utterly bewildered by the decision to replace the injured Thibaut Courtois with the Manchester United shot-stopper ahead of Mike Penders.
Manchester City have completed the signing of highly-rated winger Jeremy Monga from Leicester City in a transfer worth up to £10 million. The Manchester club successfully hijacked Arsenal's advanced pursuit of the 17-year-old talent, who has now signed a five-year contract to integrate into the senior squad at the Etihad Stadium.
Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of Morten Hjulmand from Sporting CP in a €40 million deal. The Denmark international has signed a contract until June 2031 after completing his medical, becoming Diego Simeone's latest midfield addition ahead of the new season.
Barcelona forward Ferran Torres is open to a summer move to Paris Saint-Germain, with advanced negotiations already underway between the two European powerhouses. The 26-year-old winger could be set for a reunion with former Spain manager Luis Enrique in the French capital. Barcelona are prepared to sanction a sale to balance their books.
Bryan Robson believes Thomas Tuchel has overlooked the one defender best equipped to handle Erling Haaland ahead of England's World Cup clash with Norway. The former England captain argues Harry Maguire's physicality would have made him the ideal match for the prolific striker, despite backing the Three Lions to edge a close contest.
Thierry Henry made a surprise appearance in the France dressing room to congratulate the squad following their commanding 2-0 World Cup quarter-final victory over Morocco. The legendary forward shared a warm embrace with captain Kylian Mbappe before glowing about the team's defensive cohesion, though he warned that the job is not yet finished.
Lamine Yamal says Spain have nothing to fear ahead of their World Cup semi-final against France after reminding Les Bleus of La Roja's recent record in the fixture. The teenage winger also brushed aside criticism of his goalscoring record, insisting team success matters far more than individual numbers.
Roma have swiftly turned their attention toward Nottingham Forest winger Dan Ndoye after abandoning their pursuit of Mason Greenwood due to exorbitant financial demands. The Giallorossi refused to enter a bidding war for the Englishman, opting instead to target the Swiss international who previously excelled in Serie A with Bologna.
Xavi has recalled the moment he first realised Lamine Yamal was a once-in-a-generation talent, revealing how the Barcelona teenager immediately reminded him of Lionel Messi. The former Blaugrana boss also explained why he believes the Spain international has the mentality and ability to dominate world football for years to come.
Harry Kane has opened up about his "surreal experience" playing a round of golf with United States President Donald Trump in Florida. Speaking ahead of the Three Lions' crucial World Cup quarter-final against Norway, the Bayern Munich striker returned the compliments paid by the president, admitting the 80-year-old politician is a surprisingly good golfer.
Benfica have made Joao Palhinha their top midfield target after Tottenham decided not to trigger their option to sign him permanently from Bayern Munich. Marco Silva is keen to reunite with the Portugal international, while the club is assessing whether the deal is financially feasible.
Thibaut Courtois has expressed his immense devastation after a cruel quadriceps injury forced him out of Belgium's heartbreaking World Cup quarter-final exit against Spain. The Real Madrid goalkeeper left the pitch in tears before his replacement, Senne Lammens, committed a costly late error that allowed Mikel Merino to seal a 2-1 victory.
Luis de la Fuente has hailed Mikel Merino as a player "tailor-made" for Spain's tactical identity following their hard-fought victory over Belgium. The midfielder's impact proved decisive as La Roja secured their place in the World Cup semi-finals.
Nicky Butt has questioned Manchester United's reported £50 million move for Andrey Santos, arguing the Brazilian has yet to prove he is ready to start at Old Trafford. Emmanuel Petit has also described the transfer as a gamble, warning the midfielder must rebuild his confidence if he is to succeed.
Senegal icon Sadio Mane has officially announced his retirement from international football following the country's recent elimination from the World Cup. The 34-year-old forward calls time on a legendary 14-year career with the Lions of Teranga, during which he earned 130 caps and famously secured continental glory.
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.
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.