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.
The World Cup has a remarkable ability to completely alter the course of careers. There is no grander stage in the game, meaning impressive performances garner the kind of acclaim and attention that is simply not possible in any other arena. Consequently, the transfer market tends to go wild in and around World Cups, as clubs scramble to snap up previously hidden gems or suddenly established stars.
Pierluigi Collina has issued a firm rebuttal to United States President Donald Trump following explosive comments regarding the integrity of World Cup match officials. The legendary former referee, now serving as FIFA's Referees Committee Chairman, moved quickly to protect the reputation of the tournament's officiating staff after personal attacks were directed at Brazilian referee Raphael Claus.
UEFA has launched a scathing attack on FIFA following the governing body's shock decision to allow USMNT striker Folarin Balogun to escape an automatic suspension. The European governing body claimed the move "crossed a red line" and warned that the integrity of the World Cup is now at stake after the Monaco forward was cleared to face Belgium.
Folarin Balogun fired the USMNT into the World Cup knockout stages with his third goal of the tournament before a red card cut his night short. The Monaco striker entered an exclusive group featuring Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldinho, while the United States now prepare to face Belgium without their top scorer.
The USMNT secured their place in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 with a 2-0 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina, but the victory has been marred by a major disciplinary blow. Folarin Balogun, who opened the scoring in Santa Clara, was dismissed in the 64th minute following a VAR review. Despite the frustration within the American camp, the AS Monaco forward is now set to miss the clash against Belgium, with US Soccer unable to appeal the decision.
The USMNT's victory over Bosnia was overshadowed by Folarin Balogun's controversial red card, with Mauricio Pochettino insisting the striker's challenge was accidental. Alexi Lalas also questioned why a similar incident involving Lionel Messi earlier in the tournament went unpunished, sparking accusations of inconsistent officiating.
The red card given to Folarin Balogun could have ended the USMNT's run in the World Cup, but the Americans' dream continues as they refused to cave in.
Wednesday's Round of 32 provided a test the USMNT never would have wanted, but they did what had to be done to escape the Bay Area and stay in the tournament.
They’ve crossed states, built communities and waited decades for this moment. Now, USMNT fans are hoping this World Cup can change American soccer forever.
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Zlatan Ibrahimovic was never short on bold opinions as a player, and retirement has done little to quiet him. Now working as part of FOX’s World Cup coverage, the Sweden icon has become a viral presence on the studio desk, thanks to his blunt assessments and verbal sparring with former USMNT defender Alexi Lalas. Christian Pulisic, who knows Ibrahimovic well from AC Milan, has been watching along - and enjoying the show.
Comprehensive match preview of USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina at the World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news, and more ahead of this Round of 32 clash in Santa Clara.
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 is the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde have achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, with the African nation to face Lionel Messi's Argentina on Friday.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
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