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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.

CM Punk joins The Late Run with the belt and proves he’s a serious football head, talking Celtic loyalty, the Rangers rivalry, why Americans tune in for World Cups and a wild Brazil flag story involving armed men. Plus: Messi over Ronaldo, WWE vs soccer trash talk, Ocho’s WrestleMania entrance and footballers who could make it in WWE.

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.

The Brazilian FA (CBF) has taken the extraordinary step of filing a formal complaint to FIFA following refereeing controversy in their World Cup clash with Scotland. Despite securing a 3-0 victory, the Selecao hierarchy are furious over a disallowed Vinicius Jr goal and are demanding that the match official never takes charge of their games again.

Reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain have reopened formal negotiations with local government officials to purchase the iconic Parc des Princes. The ambitious French capital club aims to secure permanent ownership of the venue to facilitate a massive redevelopment project that will significantly increase the stadium's matchday capacity.

Former Chelsea winger Florent Malouda expects newly appointed Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho to construct his entire tactical framework around Kylian Mbappe. The ex-France international believes the duo share an identical elite mindset focused completely on winning trophies and correcting the structural issues that plagued the club last season.

Real Madrid are weighing up an audacious transfer strategy that could see former academy star Nico Paz act as the key to unlocking a deal for Inter's Alessandro Bastoni. Jose Mourinho is desperate to bolster his defensive line at the Bernabeu, and a complex series of negotiations involving the Argentine midfielder may provide the perfect solution.

As the Pep Guardiola versus Sir Alex Ferguson debate rages on, Peter Shilton has told GOAL how legendary Nottingham Forest boss Brian Clough compares to iconic managers of the modern era. One of the most charismatic coaches to ever grace a dugout would have relished the opportunity to lock tactical horns with the likes of Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti.

Germany legend Lothar Matthaus has launched a scathing critique of Julian Nagelsmann's tactical setup following the national team's bitter World Cup setback against Ecuador. The iconic former captain vehemently argued that current skipper Joshua Kimmich is being severely restricted by his controversial deployment in the right-back role.

RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande has officially addressed the mounting speculation regarding his future as Liverpool step up their pursuit of the Ivorian starlet. The 19-year-old winger has become one of the most sought-after properties in world football following a breakout season in the Bundesliga and a series of dazzling performances at the World Cup.

Jurgen Klopp has delivered a scathing assessment of Germany's tactical approach following their unexpected 2-1 World Cup defeat against Ecuador. The former Liverpool manager warned that Die Mannschaft will not coast through the knockout rounds unless they dramatically alter their current playing style and psychological application.

Real Madrid defender Eder Militao has hailed the tactical flexibility of Carlo Ancelotti as Brazil gear up for the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup. Despite being sidelined through injury, the centre-back has closely monitored the Selecao’s progression and believes the veteran coach has successfully ironed out early frailties.

Hayden Hackney is a man in demand, with former Middlesbrough star Gary Pallister telling GOAL why the talented midfielder could tread a similar career path to England international and £130 million ($172m) Manchester City transfer target Elliot Anderson. Having proven himself in the EFL ranks, classy playmaker Hackney is ready to take the Premier League by storm.

Germany striker Deniz Undav has issued a rallying cry to his team-mates, insisting his team-mates must become more "nasty" to survive in the World Cup knockout rounds. The Stuttgart forward’s assessment comes in the wake of a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Ecuador, a result that has sparked a difference in opinion between the playing squad and manager Julian Nagelsmann.

Paris Saint-Germain have identified Strasbourg defender Guela Doue as the ideal candidate to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the upcoming campaign. The French champions are eager to secure a reliable right-back who can provide high-quality cover for established star Achraf Hakimi following a barren search last summer.

The sight of Terry Butcher soaked in blood is forever etched into the memory of England supporters, but which member of the Three Lions’ class of 2026 is most likely to recreate that image? The man himself has answered that question during an exclusive interview with GOAL, as warriors such as Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Harry Kane chase down World Cup glory.

Sweden have secured their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup for the eighth time in their history following a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Japan. However, goalscorer Anthony Elanga has made the surprising admission that he was completely unaware a point was sufficient to see the Blue and Yellow through to the round of 32.

Legendary striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was reduced to tears on live television after witnessing Bosnia-Herzegovina secure a historic place in the World Cup knockout rounds. The iconic former forward, speaking during an emotional punditry appearance, revealed his immense pride and personal connection to the Balkan nation's monumental sporting achievement.

José Mourinho has joked, during an exclusive appearance on the Beast Mode On Podcast, that he considers an ‘Invincibles’ campaign with Benfica in 2025-26 to be his ninth league title. No silverware was secured in Lisbon at the end of an unbeaten season, but the newly-appointed Real Madrid manager is rightly proud of an achievement that few clubs at the highest level can claim to have emulated.