Crystal Palace striker Eddie Nketiah is weighing up his international future after Ghana made a fresh approach to secure his allegiance. Despite having previously represented England at senior level, the forward remains eligible to switch to the Black Stars under current FIFA regulations, leaving him with a major decision to make regarding his long-term international career.
Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has sensationally claimed that Spurs should be retrospective winners of the 2016-17 Premier League title. The Argentine argues that Chelsea’s admission of financial rule breaches means the trophy belongs in north London. Though the Blues were fined £10 million by the FA earlier this summer, Pochettino believes a lack of sporting sanctions is a betrayal of fair play.
Harry Kane has his “hat in the ring” when it comes to Ballon d’Or recognition, ex-England striker Andy Cole has told GOAL, but the prolific Bayern Munich striker is not considered to be a guaranteed pick for Golden Ball glory in 2026. The Three Lions captain does figure on the list of nominees, but faces fierce competition from the likes of Rodri, Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, Michael Olise and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
With the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly presumably disappearing into the rearview mirror, the battle for the Ballon d'Or hasn't felt so open for the best part of 20 years, with countless players now beginning each campaign believing they have a chance of claiming the most prestigious individual prize football has to offer. Ousmane Dembele emerged from a career plagued by injuries and inconsistencies to win the Golden Ball in 2025, and he is among a crowded field of contenders again in 2026.
France Football has officially revealed the shortlist for the 2026 Men's and Women's Coach of the Year awards, highlighting the tactical masterminds who defined the last season. The nominations for the Johan Cruyff Trophy are heavily dominated by Spanish talent, reflecting a golden era for the nation’s coaching exports across Europe’s top leagues.
Kylian Mbappe has broken his silence on France’s painful exit from the 2026 World Cup, refusing to label the semi-final defeat to Spain as the lowest point of his illustrious career. The Real Madrid superstar remains defiant despite the setback, insisting that the Les Bleus' hunger for international glory remain completely intact.
Alvaro Morata has insisted he is not closing the door on his international career after missing Spain's triumphant 2026 World Cup campaign. The veteran forward admitted that fierce competition in attack makes a recall difficult but reflected warmly on watching his former team-mates lift the trophy following a candid phone call from Luis de la Fuente.
The Belgian Football Association has demanded answers from FIFA regarding the controversial decision to lift Folarin Balogun’s World Cup suspension. In response to the highly unorthodox ruling, Belgium have also confirmed they will not support Gianni Infantino’s re-election bid for the FIFA presidency.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was snubbed by Thomas Tuchel for 2026 World Cup duty, so will the Real Madrid right-back figure for England again during the German tactician’s tenure? Ex-Three Lions defender Stephen Warnock has attempted to answer that question for GOAL, with his fellow Merseyside native being advised to brace himself for more bad news.
Cape Verde World Cup hero Vozinha maintained his immaculate defensive record for Colo-Colo by keeping a clean sheet on his Chilean top-flight debut against Huachipato. The 40-year-old goalkeeper produced an assured display in southern Chile to ensure Los Albos extended their commanding lead at the summit of the Primera Division table.
Gianni Infantino is refusing to take a step back from his role as the most powerful man in world football, with FIFA confirming he will proceed with his re-election bid. The 56-year-old remains determined to lead the governing body for another four-year term, even as legal threats and internal revolts continue to mount against his leadership.