Lists

Egypt’s coaching staff utilised meticulous modern analytical methods to mastermind their historic World Cup knockout triumph over Australia in Dallas. Minutes before the penalty shootout commenced, players gathered around a laptop screen to study specific footage of Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe facing Socceroos goalkeeper Mat Ryan.

Lionel Scaloni admitted it would have been "crazy" for Argentina to lose his 100th match in charge after the Albiceleste survived a huge scare against Cape Verde. Lionel Messi and his teammates needed extra time to progress, with their manager praising his players' resilience after a gruelling clash.

Mohamed Salah successfully executed an audacious Panenka penalty to guide Egypt into the World Cup last 16 following a dramatic shoot-out victory against Australia. The talismanic forward held his nerve from 12 yards after a tense 1-1 draw in Dallas, scripting an iconic piece of footballing history for his triumphant North African nation.

Colombia secured their passage to the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ghana on a sweltering night in Kansas City. A solitary strike from Jhon Arias proved the difference as Los Cafeteros successfully navigated a physical encounter to keep their tournament dreams alive.

Thomas Tuchel has some big decisions to make in his England side as they head into their round of 16 game with Mexico in Mexico City. England may be the higher-ranked side, here, but they're not clear favourites. The Azetca - as it is usually known - is a truly horrible place for visiting teams. Mexico have lost just two competitive games there ever. The altitude, the heat, the humidity, the tens of thousands of passionate home fans: everything seems to be going against England here.

There will be some added intrigue for Arsenal fans during Brazil's clash with Norway in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup. While much of the focus will undoubtedly be on superstar attackers Vinicius Jr and Erling Haaland before kick-off on Sunday, one significant subplot is the battle between present and potentially future Gunners midfielders.

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.

FIFA have dramatically abandoned a controversial proposal to bring forward England’s World Cup round-of-16 clash against Mexico after fierce pushback from both football associations. The world governing body initiated emergency talks regarding a sudden schedule change, sparking widespread anger among team officials before completely reversing their decision.

Lionel Messi laughed off the physical treatment he received from Cape Verde after Argentina edged into the World Cup last 16. The Albiceleste captain joked that his opponents "kick the crap" out of him before asking for shirts and selfies, while also admitting his side fell below their usual standards.

Cristian Romero scored an extra-time winner, Lionel Messi grabbed a goal, but Argentina were given a real scare by Cape Verde in an uncomfortable 3-2 win to advance to the World Cup Round of 16. Argentina surrendered the lead twice, and needed extra time to finally gain daylight from a Cape Verde side that, in truth, deserved so much more.

The striker will miss the upcoming clash with Belgium, but that doesn't mean he will let his emotions get in the way of what his team is building

Sources tell GOAL that Martin Odegaard is not set to leave Arsenal for Galatasaray this summer, with reports of a potential Emirates exit described as “completely false.” The midfielder is expected to play a key role in the Gunners’ Premier League title defense, though his focus remains on Norway’s World Cup run rather than recent transfer rumours.

Mexico take a perfect defensive record into a blockbuster World Cup clash with England as Julián Quiñones chases history and Javier Aguirre eyes another statement win.

Chelsea FC have signed Japan international midfielder Manaka Matsukubo from the National Women's Soccer League's North Carolina Courage. The 21-year-old joins the Blues on a five-year contract after a standout season in which she won the NWSL Midfielder of the Year award, adding another rising star to Chelsea's midfield ahead of the new campaign.

The second-smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup overcame the one percent chance of making it out of the group stage and their fans are starting to dream.

GOAL is putting on the perfect festival of soccer for the World Cup, and Week 1 is rife with ideal programming to highlight the beautiful game

GOAL spoke to the Tillman family about their rollercoaster summer, the nerves that come with a World Cup and a mother's love for her two little boys.

Cristiano Ronaldo has already run “1,000 marathons” over the course of his career, but Louis Saha has told GOAL that the Portuguese GOAT may have another left in him at the 2030 World Cup. At 41 years of age, the evergreen frontman is currently gracing FIFA’s flagship event for the sixth time. Said tournament will be heading to his homeland in four years’ time.

Oliver Glasner will be next through the managerial revolving door at Nottingham Forest, but how long will he last? Reds legend Stan Collymore has admitted to GOAL that the Austrian’s decision to link up with enigmatic Greek owner Evangelos Marinakis is “not a marriage made in heaven”, with his reign likely to be another that is measured in months rather than years.

The ultimate World Cup shopping list has landed.

Ghana 2026 kits revealed - from adding a new rhythm to the national colours to a golden colourway.

Colombia unveils World Cup kit inspired by magical realism and national pride

Michael Olise is said to be attracting admiring glances from Real Madrid, with the Blancos reportedly prepared to pay a world record transfer fee of €223 million (£191m/$255m) for the Bayern Munich winger. Is he, or anybody, worth that kind of money? Former France international Louis Saha has endeavoured to answer that question for GOAL, with some “crazy numbers” flying around.

Australia 2026 kits revealed - from honouring tradition to vivid colours for the future

Bayern Munich have completed the blockbuster signing of highly rated left-back Nathaniel Brown from Eintracht Frankfurt in a comprehensive €55 million deal. The 23-year-old Germany international has committed his long-term future to the Bavarian giants until 2031, returning to his home region as a pivotal part of Vincent Kompany's defensive rebuild.

Egypt 2026 kits revealed - from deep rich tones to bringing the desert sands to life.

Trevoh Chalobah has prioritised a move to Italy despite attracting interest from the Premier League. Inter have stepped up talks over personal terms, while Chelsea could also use the defender in negotiations with Crystal Palace as they pursue Maxence Lacroix this summer.

Harry Kane has become Lionel Messi-esque for England in terms of his value to the collective cause, with Stan Collymore explaining to GOAL why that is a good thing and how the Three Lions’ record goalscorer is benefitting from a mindset that others have lacked. The prolific Bayern Munich frontman is leading another bid for World Cup glory at present, with a star-studded squad often being carried on his back.

Luka Modric criticised VAR after Croatia's World Cup exit to Portugal, insisting his side were unfairly treated following a controversial penalty and a disallowed equaliser. The Croatia captain questioned the consistency of officiating and suggested bigger nations receive more favourable decisions.