Lists

Raphinha's World Cup campaign has been thrown into doubt after the Brazil winger suffered a hamstring injury against Haiti. His wife, Natalia Belloli, has revealed the emotional phone call that followed, while Brazil continue to monitor his recovery in the hope he can still play a part later in the tournament.

Belgium’s World Cup campaign has hit a stuttering start following two consecutive draws, but while the points tally is a concern, it is the performance levels that have drawn the sharpest tongue in football. Zlatan Ibrahimovic did not hold back when assessing their latest stalemate against Iran, delivering a scathing review of the Red Devils' toothless display.

Cape Verde head coach Bubista has expressed his deep disappointment following a controversial incident during his side's 2-2 World Cup draw with Uruguay. Bubista hit out at a perceived lack of sportsmanship from Uruguay, citing Marcelo Bielsa's own reputation for fair play as an additional reason for his frustration.

Scott McTominay has become a talismanic presence for Scotland and Napoli, but will the former Manchester United midfielder fancy another shot at life in the Premier League? Kenny Miller has explained to GOAL why the revitalised 29-year-old has no need to consider a retracing of steps at club level after finding professional and personal dreams to live in Italy.

Germany have suffered a major setback ahead of the World Cup knockout rounds after Nico Schlotterbeck was ruled out of the tournament with a serious ankle injury. The Borussia Dortmund defender sustained the problem against the Ivory Coast, forcing Julian Nagelsmann into a defensive reshuffle at a crucial stage of the competition.

Chelsea have stepped up their pursuit of AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan as the Blues look to secure a world-class presence between the sticks for the upcoming campaign. The France international is reportedly open to a new challenge in England, putting the Blues on high alert as they look to negotiate a deal with the Rossoneri.

Declan Rice has revealed he has been managing nerve pain in his hamstring since December while coping with a packed season for club and country. The England midfielder still impressed in a 4-2 win over Croatia, assisting Harry Kane, but sparked concern after limping off. He has also criticised the ‘crazy’ football calendar after playing 55 matches for Arsenal this season.

Barcelona icon Alexia Putellas is set to choose her next club this week, after departing Catalunya at the end of last season. London City Lionesses remain the favourites to sign the two-time Ballon d'Or winner but interest is growing in the NWSL, with two teams in the United States pushing hard to secure her signature, according to a report.

Premier League legend Alan Shearer has raised questions over Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence within the Portugal setup, suggesting head coach Roberto Martinez may not even be "allowed" to substitute his captain. As the 41-year-old icon competes in what is likely his final World Cup, the debate over his role in the starting XI has reached boiling point.

A Ghanaian witch doctor who previously claimed responsibility for an injury suffered by Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2014 World Cup has turned his attention to Harry Kane. Nana Kwaku Bonsam says he is working to stop England's captain from making an impact against Ghana, while Thomas Tuchel's squad remain focused on their World Cup ambitions.

Tottenham Hotspur have identified Marcus Rashford as their next primary target in a summer spending spree that shows no signs of slowing down. It has been reported that Spurs are exploring a formal offer for the Manchester United forward, who enjoyed a successful 2025-26 campaign on loan at Barcelona.

Harry Redknapp has boldly predicted to GOAL that Tottenham will “finish in the top six” next season, despite wasting money on “average” players and spending two years locked in Premier League relegation battles. Roberto De Zerbi is now calling managerial shots in north London, and one of his predecessors believes that an immediate reversal in fortune can be enjoyed.

Raphinha's family has strongly denied claims made by former Brazil international Vampeta that the Barcelona winger is dealing with financial and family problems. The retired midfielder suggested a move to Al-Hilal could help resolve the alleged issues, but the player's cousin publicly accused him of spreading false information.

Brazil playmaker Lucas Paqueta has hailed the return of Neymar to first-team training as the Selecao prepare for their final Group C showdown against Scotland. The Santos superstar has been sidelined with a calf injury during the opening stages of the 2026 World Cup but is now closing in on a return to action in Miami.

Austria boss Ralf Rangnick has hailed Lamine Yamal as one of football’s brightest young talents after Spain’s emphatic 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia. The former Manchester United manager believes the Barcelona winger has the potential to reach a level comparable to Lionel Messi, provided he remains grounded and continues his development.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has refused to be drawn into a war of words with Carlo Ancelotti after the Brazil boss suggested his team  "don't play high intensity football". Speaking ahead of his side’s World Cup group stage clash against Austria, Scaloni instead chose to frame the Italian's comments as a compliment to his tactical setup.

A complete guide to England women's year, including how to watch games live and more

Bukayo Saka has returned to full England training after concerns over the Achilles issue that affected the closing stages of his season with Arsenal. Thomas Tuchel remains cautious over the winger's workload, with England focused on keeping one of their key attacking players fit and ready for the latter stages of the World Cup.

The “biggest issue” facing Bukayo Saka has been highlighted by England legend John Barnes, during an exclusive interview with GOAL, as the Arsenal winger is told that “goal output” is not important at the 2026 World Cup. Fresh from a memorable Premier League title triumph at club level, a star turn at Emirates Stadium is facing plenty of challenges on the grandest of international stages.

England made a winning start to their World Cup campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia, but the performance was a bit mixed, even if the dominant start of the second half will have sent fear through some of the Three Lions' main rivals for global glory. For the most part, Thomas Tuchel seemed to get his selection mostly right. Jude Bellingham more than justified his place in the team, while having Anthony Gordon start so that Marcus Rashford could provide an X-factor off the bench paid off.

Lionel Scaloni has emphasized the unity of his Argentina squad as they rally around captain Lionel Messi following a wave of misinformation regarding his family. The Inter Miami superstar has been the subject of shocking false reports during the 2026 World Cup, forcing both the manager and the Messi family to take a public stand.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has shown his ruthless side at the World Cup after a video emerged of him screaming at Djed Spence during a training session. Tuchel was heard telling the Tottenham full-back to "wake up" as intensity builds ahead of the Three Lions' second group-stage game against Ghana.

Danny Mills has told GOAL that “some kind of personality clash” has taken place between Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel, but the former is expected to learn from that as the latter makes it clear who is “the boss”. Real Madrid’s midfield ‘Galactico’ has been handed England’s No.10 shirt at the 2026 World Cup and started in that role for a tournament opener against Croatia.

Kylian Mbappe has brushed aside comparisons with football's biggest stars, insisting Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo remain the game's standout players. The France captain also played down talk of individual milestones, including his pursuit of the World Cup's all-time scoring record, as he focused on helping Les Bleus progress in the tournament.

Mohamed Salah starred as Egypt came from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver and secure the nation's first-ever World Cup victory. The Liverpool forward scored once and provided an assist as the Pharaohs overturned an early deficit, moving to the top of Group G and boosting their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.

Marcelo Bielsa did not hold back after seeing his Uruguay side held to a frustrating 2-2 draw by Cape Verde, leaving their World Cup dreams hanging by a thread. The veteran coach watched on as his team failed to bounce back from their opening matchday draw against Saudi Arabia, with Uruguay left needing a win in their final group game against Euro 2024 winners Spain.

Marcus Rashford needs to avoid giving too much thought to a summer transfer and catching the eye in a World Cup shop window, John Barnes has told GOAL, with the Manchester United-owned forward being made aware of what England need from him. Barcelona appear to have passed on a permanent deal, while the 28-year-old is reluctant to be absorbed back into the fold at Old Trafford.

France and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has opened the door to a future move to Major League Soccer, admitting he has long admired American culture and its sense of limitless ambition. The 27-year-old also joked that Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has already started trying to recruit him to the U.S.

France star Kylian Mbappe has fiercely defended his international team-mate Ousmane Dembele following criticism of the winger's performance against Senegal. Speaking ahead of France's second 2026 World Cup fixture against Iraq, the Real Madrid forward reminded everyone of Dembele's tactical value and Ballon d'Or status, while also opening up on the pressures of captaincy and Michael Olise's impact.