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Kylian Mbappe Ballon d'Or 2026 trophy

Mbappe ruled out of BdO race with Messi in the mix for No.9

Kylian Mbappe is considered to be out of the running for Ballon d’Or recognition in 2026, with Jeremie Aliadiere conceding to GOAL that World Cup heartache with France is likely to have dashed those dreams. Les Bleus’ all-time leading goalscorer has never got his hands on the Golden Ball, and will need to wait another 12 months before staking another claim to the most prestigious of individual honours.

Kylian Mbappe France 2026 World Cup captain

‘Doesn’t have to be best player’ - Mbappe right France captain?

Kylian Mbappe remains the right man to captain France heading forward, Jeremie Aliadiere has told GOAL, despite admissions that skippers do not “have to be the best player”. That is the case at present with Les Bleus, as their record goalscorer fills the armband, and any questions of character will continue to be ignored as the fearsome frontman leads by example.

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Tuchel '100%' committed to leading England into Euro 2028

Thomas Tuchel has confirmed his total commitment to the England job despite the crushing disappointment of a World Cup semi-final exit. The German tactician insists he is the right man to lead the Three Lions into Euro 2028 on home soil, and has identified a "big problem" that must be resolved to finally end the nation's trophy drought.

eToro World Cup value tracker GFX

World Cup value tracker: Enzo plays hero as Yamal hits £210m

Excitement is growing as we approach the final of the 2026 World Cup and, throughout the showpiece tournament in North America, GOAL, in association with eToro, is tracking the value of some of the world's most sought-after talents. Will their price rise or plummet? Follow our unique player value tracker to find out...

England v Argentina: Semi Final - FIFA World Cup 2026

'Nobody wants to play' - Tuchel slams World Cup third-place play-off

Thomas Tuchel has hit out at the World Cup third-place play-off, claiming that neither his England players nor their French counterparts have any desire to take part in the fixture. The Three Lions saw their dreams of a first final since 1966 crushed by Argentina in a dramatic semi-final, leaving them with one final, unwanted obligation in Miami.

Messi Mbappe Haaland World Cup Golden boot 16:9

World Cup Golden Boot standings: Messi climbs to No.1

The 2026 World Cup is in its final stages and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. With only four of the original 48 nations left in the tournament, including England and France due to their participation in the third-place play-off match, which star will take home the illustrious award? Here, GOAL tracks the tournament's most prolific stars.

Zinedine Zidane

Ibrahimovic: Zidane is what France needs

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has thrown his weight behind Zinedine Zidane to take the reins of the French national team following their exit from the World Cup. The legendary Swede believes the Bleus require a specific type of leadership to move forward after their 2-0 defeat to Spain in the semi-finals.

GFX Kylian Mbappe Thierry Henry

Henry explains exactly why Spain always dominate vs France

Thierry Henry has admitted that Spain are vastly superior to France following their dominant 2-0 victory in the World Cup semi-final on Tuesday. The former striker praised La Roja's possession-based system and long-term football identity, explaining exactly why Kylian Mbappe and his teammates struggled against their bitter rivals on the biggest stage.

Crystal Palace FC v Rayo Vallecano de Madrid - UEFA Conference League Final 2026

Palace offer Mateta new deal

Crystal Palace have moved to secure the long-term future of Jean-Philippe Mateta by offering the striker a new contract extension. The south London club are determined to tie down their star forward to prevent any risk of a cut-price departure or a future free transfer.

France v Spain: Semi Final - FIFA World Cup 2026

Rodri slams referee over handling of Yamal in World Cup win

Spain midfielder Rodri has hit out at the officiating standards during La Roja's World Cup semi-final victory over France, claiming teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is not being afforded enough protection. Despite securing a place in the final, the Manchester City star expressed his frustration at the rough treatment handed out to the Barcelona wonderkid.

Spain France winners losers GFX

Spain are going to take some stopping after France fall flat

Against all the odds and pre-match conjecture, it is Spain who progressed to the final of the 2026 World Cup after overcoming France and their fabled forward line with alarming ease in Dallas on Tuesday. It was quite incredible just how routine the 2-0 victory was, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele all failing to show up as the tournament favourites bowed out with a whimper.

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Mbappe & Olise anonymous as frustrated France fall short in semi

France's World Cup campaign ended in dismal fashion on Tuesday as Didier Deschamps' side were outclassed by Spain in a 2-0 defeat that saw Les Bleus heroes Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele kept quiet. France failed to register a single shot on target in the first 80 minutes of the semi-final as La Roja progressed at their expense.

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Saliba faces potential surgery following France World Cup exit

Arsenal and France defender William Saliba was forced off the pitch during his nation's World Cup semi-final match against Spain due to a back injury. France ultimately suffered a 2-0 defeat, ending their campaign. Saliba has been managing the issue for several months, and his sudden withdrawal has sparked fears that he may now require surgery ahead of the new season.

Nicole Scherzinger Tom Cruise IShowSpeed

Cruise and IShowSpeed to headline World Cup closing ceremony

Football fans are in for an unforgettable spectacle as the 2026 World Cup reaches its grand conclusion. An incredible lineup featuring Hollywood actor Tom Cruise, pop superstar Nicole Scherzinger, and renowned internet personality IShowSpeed will headline the closing ceremony ahead of the final match in New Jersey, promising an unprecedented blend of music, culture, and sporting drama.