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Fernando Muslera has accepted responsibility for Uruguay's World Cup exit after requesting to be substituted at half-time against Spain. Marcelo Bielsa confirmed the veteran goalkeeper made the decision himself following the error that led to Alex Baena's winning goal in Uruguay's 1-0 defeat.

Twente have reached an agreement to sign experienced Netherlands international striker Wout Weghorst on a two-year contract following his departure from Ajax. The high-profile free agent represents a major coup for incoming technical director Erik ten Hag, who previously managed the physical frontman during a short loan spell at Manchester United.

Luis Suarez has urged fans to stop comparing Lamine Yamal with Lionel Messi, insisting the pair are different players despite sharing similar qualities. The Inter Miami striker praised the Spain teenager's maturity under pressure while backing him to one day reach the same level as the Argentina legend.

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has sustained a suspected long-term knee injury during Uruguay's agonising exit from the World Cup. The combative engine-room operator was stretchered off in tears before the interval following an accidental collision with a fellow countryman, leaving his club's crucial summer transfer plans in complete disarray.

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has criticised FIFA and president Gianni Infantino over what he described as a "disaster" World Cup, accusing organisers of failing to resolve ongoing logistical and visa issues. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei also called on FIFA to stand up to the tournament hosts after claiming his side had been treated unfairly.

France winger Ousmane Dembele has surprisingly downplayed his spectacular international hat-trick against Norway, claiming his previous group-stage outings were far more influential. The reigning Ballon d'Or winner made history with a lightning-fast treble to secure top spot in Group I, yet he remained critical of his overall contribution.

Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk could play their home Champions League fixtures in England next season after launching exploratory talks with a Premier League club. The ongoing conflict in their homeland has forced the displaced side to evaluate alternative European venues, with London emerging as a strong potential destination.

Marcelo Bielsa delivered a brutal assessment of his own tenure after Uruguay crashed out of the World Cup with a 1-0 defeat to Spain. The Argentine accepted full responsibility for the disappointing campaign, insisting his three years in charge had ultimately counted for nothing without results.

Italian outfit Como have pulled off a stunning transfer coup by agreeing to a €60 million proposal from Real Madrid to retain the services of Argentine playmaker Nico Paz. The ambitious Serie A club successfully fought off rival interest to keep their talismanic midfielder by the lake, though the Spanish giants have secured a significantly higher buy-back clause in the process.

Former Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has revealed his preference for Harry Kane over Erling Haaland, praising the England captain's superior tactical intelligence and link-up play. The legendary Uruguayan forward highlighted how Kane's unique ability to read the game and look for his team-mates sets him apart from other modern number nines.

Julian Nagelsmann has thrown his support behind Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz after their disappointing display in Germany's defeat to Ecuador. The head coach insists the creative duo will keep his faith ahead of Monday's last-32 clash and believes both players are close to rediscovering their best form.

The fact that Lionel Messi already has five goals at the 2026 World Cup is obviously a great thing for Argentina. The worry, though, is that none of his team-mates have even managed to score one. Admittedly, relying on Messi was always part of the plan. As striking legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic said on Fox Sports, "Messi isn't just Argentina's best player. He's Argentina's system."

Manuel Neuer has refused to accept responsibility for Germany's decisive goal in a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador, despite heavy criticism from the media and former players. The Bayern Munich star defended his positioning, while Julian Nagelsmann backed his goalkeeper as questions over Germany's No.1 intensified.

As it turns out, Belgium might just be alright. Talk of a golden generation is long over and, to be fair, their first two World Cup results only furthered the idea that the Red Devils' time has passed. If Friday's group stage finale against New Zealand is any indication, though, Belgium's old guard might just have one last run at all of this.

The defining image of Spain's World Cup win over Uruguay was not a celebration. It was not Spain's trademark tiki-taka or a Lamine Yamal rainbow flick. Instead, it was backup goalkeeper Sergio Rochet replacing Fernando Muslera at halftime after the veteran's costly error helped open the door for Alex Baena to send Spain top of their group.

Mexico topped their World Cup group, but not everyone boosted their standing. GOAL looks at who is rising under Javier Aguirre and who is slipping before the Round of 32.

England will be without Reece James for Saturday's World Cup group-stage clash with Panama after the Chelsea defender suffered a hamstring injury. James started matches against Croatia and Ghana but did not travel with the squad for the final group fixture. He is expected to miss England's next two matches in a significant blow for Thomas Tuchel.

GOAL breaks down which players helped and hurt their cases of contributing in the knockout rounds

Ousmane Dembele netted a sublime 32-minute hat-trick to blow Norway away and ensure France secured top spot in World Cup Group I with a 4-1 victory on Friday. The damage was done in the first half as the Ballon d'Or holder ran riot, ably assisted by Kylian Mbappe.

All three host nations have impressed at the 2026 World Cup, and there is reason to believe that deep runs could be on the cards this summer

U.S. Soccer has reportedly presented Mauricio Pochettino with a fresh contract that could see the manager stay in charge for the next four years. The deal was offered before the 2026 World Cup. Pochettino's current contract expires at the end of the tournament, and he has expressed a willingness to stay on under the right conditions.

Eric Djemba-Djemba has explained to GOAL why Bryan Mbeumo was Manchester United’s best signing of 2025-26, with the Cameroon international able to conquer the biggest challenge that any move to Old Trafford presents. The former Brentford forward enjoyed a productive debut campaign at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’, with value for money being found in a £71 million ($94m) transfer.

Legendary former Sunderland boss Peter Reid has admitted to GOAL that he did not give the Black Cats “a prayer” of securing European qualification at the end of their first season back in the Premier League, but he is now backing them to find more “ammo” in the summer transfer window. Regis Le Bris and his board are ready to spend again after upsetting the odds with a seventh-place finish.

Christian Pulisic is considered to have “bailed out” AC Milan at times, but Ruud Gullit has told GOAL why the Rossoneri’s appointment of Ruben Amorim could be “very dangerous” for the USMNT star and other proven performers. A Portuguese coach that was sacked by Manchester United in January has returned to management in Italy, but will he repeat the mistakes that were made at Old Trafford?

Declan Rice’s £105 million ($139m) switch to Arsenal is considered to have helped him step up “two or three levels”, with ex-England captain Terry Butcher telling GOAL why a big-money transfer helped a Three Lions star of the present to join the global elite. Rice is considered to sit inside that talent pool as a Premier League title winner, World Cup hopeful, Ballon d’Or contender and future skipper of his country.

Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman has singled out Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi as the primary threat ahead of their World Cup knockout showdown against Morocco. The Oranje camp is preparing for an incredibly intense battle in Mexico against the reigning African champions to secure a place in the quarter-finals.

Manchester City have taken a massive step toward securing their midfield future by agreeing a staggering British record transfer fee for Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson. The England international is set to become one of the highest earners at the Etihad as the club prepares for life after Pep Guardiola.

Chelsea winger Pedro Neto has been grabbing headlines for more than just his performances on the pitch at the 2026 World Cup. The Portugal international has found himself the subject of significant social media attention after being unofficially crowned the most handsome player at the tournament.

Nicolas Pepe rolled back the years with a magnificent individual performance to fire Ivory Coast into the World Cup knockout stage. The experienced attacker netted a historic brace against Curacao to ensure the Elephants progressed beyond the tournament's group stage for the first time in their footballing history.