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Rodri slams Cape Verde tactics after Spain draw

Spain started their 2026 World Cup campaign in disappointing fashion as they were held to a 0-0 draw by tournament debutants Cape Verde. Despite boasting a squad of global superstars, the European champions could not find a way past the African side's resilient defensive block.

SpainRodri
Manchester City v Sunderland - Premier League

Gvardiol and Man City in agreement over long-term contract

Josko Gvardiol has reportedly reached an agreement with Manchester City over a lucrative new contract that will extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium until 2031. The versatile Croatian international has decided to commit his long-term future to the Premier League champions, effectively ending a period of intense speculation regarding his career.

J. GvardiolManchester City
Spain player ratings Cape Verde GFX

Not even Yamal can save Spain from shock Cape Verde draw

Cape Verde pulled off the biggest shock of the 2026 World Cup so far by holding Spain to a 0-0 draw in Atalanta on Monday. The tournament debutants weren't given any chance whatsoever against the reigning European champions but 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha achieved instant cult status throughout the footballing world by making one save after another to keep La Roja at bay.

Player ratingsSpain
Netherlands v Japan: Group F - FIFA World Cup 2026

Van Dijk not a fan of World Cup hydration breaks

Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk has expressed his frustration with the mandatory hydration breaks introduced for the 2026 World Cup. Speaking after his side's dramatic 2-2 draw with Japan, the veteran defender questioned the necessity of the stoppages in air-conditioned environments.

V. van DijkNetherlands
FBL-WC-2026-PRESSER-FRA

Deschamps picks 'clear' World Cup favourites - and it's not France

Didier Deschamps has downplayed France's status as the leading contenders for the World Cup crown, instead pointing towards a European rival as the team to beat. Speaking ahead of Les Bleus' opening fixture against Senegal, the veteran coach insisted that while his side harbours domestic ambitions, they do not currently hold the mantle of the world's strongest team.

FranceD. Deschamps
FBL-CRO-BEL-FRIENDLY-WC-2026

Modric remains defiant ahead of England clash

Luka Modric has sent a defiant message to his rivals ahead of Croatia's high-stakes World Cup opener against England, insisting that his side does not fear anyone. The AC Milan midfielder, who is appearing in his fifth global tournament, remains the heartbeat of a nation looking to replicate their deep runs in 2018 and 2022. While questions regarding his club future and potential retirement continue to swirl, the veteran midfielder is keeping his focus firmly on the pitch.

CroatiaL. Modric
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Brazil v Morocco: Group C - FIFA World Cup 2026

Neymar could miss entire World Cup group stage

Brazil are facing the prospect of navigating the entire World Cup group stage without Neymar as the medical staff prioritises his long-term fitness. The Selecao talisman is battling to recover from a significant muscle injury, with coaching staff now focusing on a return for the knockout rounds.

NeymarC. Ancelotti
Telekom To Present The MagentaTV Team For The FIFA World Cup 2026

Matthaus doubles down on Klopp criticism

Germany legend Lothar Matthaus has hit out at Jurgen Klopp for his recent comments regarding Julian Nagelsmann’s tactical choices, insisting that the former Liverpool boss was wrong to "interfere" from the sidelines. Despite Klopp issuing a public apology for his remarks following Germany's dominant 7-1 World Cup opening victory against Curacao, Matthaus believes the damage was already done.

GermanyJ. Klopp

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FBL-WC-2026-TRAINING-ENG

'He has the talent' - Kane backed to become NFL kicker after soccer career

Harry Kane has never made a secret of his desire to swap the football pitch for the gridiron, and now one of the NFL's biggest stars has given the England captain his seal of approval. Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey, who made a similar transition from professional soccer, believes the Three Lions legend possesses the "elite" striking ability required to reach the top of American football.

H. KaneEngland
FBL-FRIENDLY-ENG-TRAINING

Henderson says Bellingham criticism 'hard to read'

Jordan Henderson has leapt to the defence of England team-mate Jude Bellingham, admitting he finds it "hard to read" the constant media scrutiny aimed at the Real Madrid superstar. The veteran midfielder believes Bellingham possesses a unique "X-factor" that will be vital for England's 2026 World Cup hopes in North America.

J. BellinghamEngland
Jude Bellingham Paul Gascoigne Glenn Hoddle

Generational talent? Bellingham gets Hoddle & Gazza treatment

Jude Bellingham may have been billed as a generational talent, but David James has told GOAL why England are right to treat the Real Madrid superstar in the same manner as Glenn Hoddle and Paul Gascoigne. The Three Lions have not always built around their most gifted players, with Thomas Tuchel seemingly adopting that stance again in 2026.

J. BellinghamExclusive
Jordan Pickford England 2026

Will Pickford take an England penalty? Tuchel’s stance predicted

Jordan Pickford has stated his desire to take a penalty for England, but would the Everton goalkeeper be picked to step up in a shootout if a 2026 World Cup fixture went the distance? Former Three Lions shot-stopper David James has told GOAL what Thomas Tuchel’s stance is likely to be, with history dictating that plans do need to be drawn up in that department.

EnglandExclusive
FBL-NED-EREDIVISIE-PSV-ROTTERDAM

Saibari agrees €55m transfer to Bayern as medical booked

Bayern Munich are on the verge of completing a blockbuster deal for Ismael Saibari, with the PSV Eindhoven winger reportedly agreeing to a move worth €55 million. The Morocco international was one of the standout performers in the Eredivisie last season and is now set to undergo a medical with the German giants.

TransfersI. Saibari
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