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Fernandes 'sad, frustrated and disillusioned' after Portugal World Cup exit

Bruno Fernandes has spoken out for the first time since Portugal were knocked out of the World Cup by Spain. The Manchester United captain admitted he was left "sad, frustrated and disillusioned", while thanking his team-mates, coaches, staff and supporters after a campaign that ended earlier than expected.

Messi Mbappe Haaland World Cup Golden boot 16:9

World Cup Golden Boot standings: Messi moves ahead of Mbappe

The 2026 World Cup is well underway and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. There's a long and winding road to be navigated as 48 nations battle for the top prize, but which star will take home the illustrious award? Here, GOAL tracks the tournament's most prolific stars.

World Cup Golden Ball Power Rankings: Messi in at No.1

The 2026 World Cup is underway as those still in contention fight it out for the universally coveted trophy. While the collective prize is the main objective for all competitors, a few are making a good case as the best player of the entire tournament. Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are currently the top candidates, but they face intense competition as the quarter-finals begin.

Portugal v Spain: Round of 16 - FIFA World Cup 2026

CR7 absolved of blame for Portugal’s World Cup exit by former Al-Nassr boss

Cristiano Ronaldo's dream of World Cup glory has officially come to an end following a heartbreaking defeat to Spain in Dallas. While the veteran forward left the pitch in tears, his former club manager has moved to shield the 41-year-old from the mounting criticism surrounding his final tournament display.

Cristiano Ronaldo Roberto Martinez Portugal GFX

How Portugal wasted a golden shot at World Cup glory

Wayne Rooney described Cristiano Ronaldo's final appearance at a World Cup as "a sad day for football". It wasn't, though. Not really. Ronaldo may be one of the most iconic figures in sporting history, but Spain's victory over an insipid Portugal side, taken in conjunction with Belgium battering the United States, actually made July 6, 2026 a pretty good day for the game.

CR7 takes unwanted statistic away with him from WC ‘last dance’

Cristiano Ronaldo’s storied relationship with the World Cup has come to a somber conclusion, defined as much by a peculiar lack of individual flair as by Portugal’s early exit. While the legendary forward found the net three times during the 2026 edition in North America, his overall impact on the pitch has been laid bare by a staggering new statistic.

Hollywood actor? Ronaldo can achieve what Messi never could

Cristiano Ronaldo has always been a man who thrives under the bright lights of the stadium, but his future could lie under the even brighter lights of Hollywood. According to former France international Emmanuel Petit, the Portuguese superstar possesses a unique quality that his career-long rival Lionel Messi simply lacks.

‘Plays himself next five tournaments’ - CR7 tipped for new role

Following Portugal's heartbreak at the World Cup, speculation is mounting over Cristiano Ronaldo's next move. With Roberto Martinez stepping down, pundits have suggested Ronaldo could take over as national team manager to retain his influence. The bold claim has sparked humorous suggestions that Ronaldo would continue to select himself as a player for the next five tournaments.

Yamal earns ‘mini-Messi’ nickname after inflicting Mendes injury

Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal has been branded a "mini Messi" by former Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic following a decisive performance at the 2026 World Cup. The teenage winger was instrumental as Spain overcame rivals Portugal to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the tournament.

Rodri responds after heated clash with Bernardo Silva

Spain midfielder Rodri has issued a formal apology to his former Manchester City team-mate Bernardo Silva following a heated on-field altercation at the end of their World Cup knockout match. The fiery incident overshadowed Spain's dramatic 1-0 victory in Dallas, which secured La Roja a spot in the quarter-finals and knocked Portugal out.

Colombia v Portugal: Group K - FIFA World Cup 2026

Martinez leaves role as Portugal manager after World Cup exit

Roberto Martinez has confirmed his departure as Portugal head coach after his star-studded side suffered a disappointing 1-0 elimination against Spain in the World Cup round of 16. The former Everton manager stated there was no reason to continue after failing to achieve his tournament objectives, paving the way for Jorge Jesus to succeed him.

'I gave it my all' - Tearful Ronaldo delays Portugal retirement decision

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed his final appearance at a World Cup following a dramatic last-16 exit against Spain in Dallas. The 41-year-old forward was left in tears after the late defeat but insisted he will not make any immediate decisions regarding his overall future with the national team.

De la Fuente hails 'masterful' Merino as Spain sink Portugal

Luis de la Fuente was full of praise for his substitutes after Spain secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal to reach the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals. The La Roja boss highlighted the "masterful" contribution of Mikel Merino, who settled the tense knockout clash with a clinical strike in the dying moments.

It's over for Ronaldo! Spain end CR7's World Cup dream

Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career was brought to a bitterly disappointing close as Portugal were defeated 1-0 by their neighbours Spain in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup on Monday. The legendary attacker was peripheral before Mikel Merino's stoppage-time strike settled an underwhelming heavyweight tie in Dallas.

Croatia lodge FIFA complaint over 'abuse of technology' in Portugal loss

Croatia have submitted a formal complaint to FIFA following their dramatic exit from the World Cup at the hands of Portugal. The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has cited a perceived "abuse of technology" during a critical moment in the match that saw them eliminated from the tournament.

Milla reacts to Ronaldo & Messi breaking his WC record

Cameroon legend Roger Milla has delivered a fascinating verdict on the enduring brilliance of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as they continue to defy biological limits at the 2026 World Cup. The man who famously holds the record for the oldest scorer in tournament history has admitted that while playing until 50 remains unrealistic, he is ready to see his historic milestone surpassed by the two modern icons.

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‘I would prefer that he didn’t play’ - Spain hoping to avoid CR7

Luis de la Fuente has admitted he would prefer not to see Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch when Spain face Portugal in a titanic 2026 World Cup round of 16 clash. The La Roja boss believes the 41-year-old remains a match-winning threat despite his veteran status in what is expected to be a high-stakes Iberian derby.

Last dance? Ronaldo snaps back at retirement questions

Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a defiant message to his critics while confirming that the 2026 World Cup will indeed be his final appearance on football's grandest stage. Speaking ahead of Portugal's high-stakes knockout clash with Spain, the 41-year-old insisted that he remains the master of his own destiny.

Portugal v Croatia: Round of 32 - FIFA World Cup 2026

How to get Portugal vs Spain World Cup tickets?

We're set for an Iberian derby thriller in the World Cup Round of 16. Here's how you can secure your tickets.

Emulating 'gods' almost impossible for Yamal, Mbappe & Haaland

The meteoric rise of young stars like Lamine Yamal has reignited the debate about who could inherit the throne left by the two greatest legends of modern football. However, former player Tonito warns that reaching the level of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo requires a consistency that few in history have managed to demonstrate over decades.

Spain's unsung hero Oyarzabal is the ideal anti-Ronaldo

Mikel Oyarzabal was one of five Real Sociedad players in Spain's Euro 2024 squad. No other club had more. But neither Oyarzabal nor his fellow Basques made a song and dance about their role in Spain's success in Germany. "That would be us," he told The Guardian. "[We] don't like being in the spotlight." It's getting harder and harder for him to avoid it, though.

Gavi makes interesting argument against Ronaldo critics

Barcelona star Gavi has offered a staunch defence of Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting that those who choose to write off the legendary forward are doing so from the outside. As Spain prepare for a heavyweight World Cup showdown against Portugal, the midfield engine believes the veteran remains a match-winning threat.

Ronaldo’s ‘last dance’? Simon doubts Ronaldo is playing his final World Cup

Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon has warned his team about Cristiano Ronaldo's enduring threat ahead of their World Cup last-16 clash with Portugal. While admitting the veteran striker is no longer at his physical peak, Simon believes his goalscoring instincts remain unmatched and dismissed suggestions that this could be Ronaldo's final World Cup.

Portugal vs Spain FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 preview

Comprehensive match preview of Portugal vs Spain at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more ahead of this round of 16 clash in Texas.

Argentina v Cabo Verde: Round of 32 - FIFA World Cup 2026

'Cape Verde won!' - Portugal star says Argentina result doesn't matter

Portugal defender Nelson Semedo has joined the global chorus of praise for Cape Verde following their dramatic World Cup exit at the hands of Argentina. Despite a heart-wrenching 3-2 defeat in extra time, the ex-Wolves full-back insists the island nation secured a moral victory that transcends the final scoreline.

'A robbery!' - Zlatan claims World Cup corruption over disallowed Croatia goal

A monumental VAR controversy overshadowed Portugal’s dramatic 2-1 World Cup knockout victory over Croatia, sparking furious allegations of corruption from Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The former striker, working as a media pundit, fiercely condemned the decision to disallow an injury-time Croatian equaliser, suggesting governing bodies engineered the outcome.

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