France head coach Didier Deschamps has confirmed that Kylian Mbappe remains fully focused and mentally strong ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against Morocco. The Les Bleus captain was targeted by vile racist abuse from a Paraguayan politician following France's narrow knockout victory over the South American side.
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.
France captain Kylian Mbappe has issued a scathing response to Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla following a series of vile racist attacks directed at the forward. The Real Madrid star was targeted by the politician on social media after Les Bleus eliminated Paraguay from the 2026 World Cup in a heated last-16 encounter.
The French Football Federation (FFF) has launched an appeal to FIFA in an attempt to have Michael Olise’s yellow card rescinded. The Bayern Munich star was booked during Les Bleus' last-16 victory over Paraguay, leaving him on a disciplinary tightrope ahead of the quarter-finals.
Former Manchester United forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic has admitted he would have struggled to maintain his composure during France’s ill-tempered World Cup victory over Paraguay. The Swedish legend praised Les Bleus for keeping their cool in the face of relentless physical provocation during the knockout encounter.
Kylian Mbappe refused to be distracted after a Paraguay player attempted to scuff the penalty spot before his decisive spot-kick. The France star converted with confidence, drew level with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race and celebrated in front of his opponents as Les Bleus secured their place in the quarter-finals.
Kylian Mbappe has hit back at Paraguay’s physical approach, insisting that France are more than happy to "get their hands dirty" after securing a clinical 1-0 victory in the World Cup round of 16. The Real Madrid-bound superstar dismissed the South Americans' provocations with a smile before dispatching the decisive second-half penalty to set up a quarter-final date with Morocco.
Kylian Mbappe put France through to the World Cup quarter-final with a second-half penalty before tensions boiled over at full-time against Paraguay. Goalkeeper Orlando Gill threw the match ball at the Les Bleus captain after claiming his handshake was ignored, sparking a mass confrontation involving players and coaching staff.
Kylian Mbappe scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot as France progressed to the quarter-finals of the World Cup with a laboured 1-0 win over an aggressive and cynical Paraguay side on Saturday evening. The South Americans, who upset Germany in the previous round, were always expected to make for awkward and uncompromising opponents for the tournament favourites but it was nonetheless surprising just how much Didier Deschamps' stellar forward line struggled to create chances in Philadelphia.
France's World Cup round of 16 clash against Paraguay is facing a potential late delay as FIFA officials monitor deteriorating weather conditions in Philadelphia. Substantial stormy weather is expected to hit the area just as the scheduled kick-off approaches at Lincoln Financial Field.
Lothar Matthaus has endorsed Jurgen Klopp as the ideal candidate to lead a new era for the German national team following Julian Nagelsmann's departure. The legendary former captain believes the German Football Association (DFB) must embrace radical change to avoid repeating the mistakes that led to their recent tournament failures.
Comprehensive match preview of Paraguay vs France at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more ahead of this Round of 16 clash in Philadelphia.
The German Football Association (DFB) has confirmed their intention to open managerial talks with Jurgen Klopp following Julian Nagelsmann's resignation. The governing body announced that the former Liverpool boss has already signalled his willingness to inherit the national team vacancy, opening the door for a sensational return to the dugout.
Kylian Mbappe is capable of completing a clean sweep on the trophy front in 2026, Louis Saha has told GOAL, with the France international in contention for World Cup, Golden Boot, Golden Ball and Ballon d’Hor honours. The Real Madrid forward has been starring on the grandest of stages, with the perfect response being delivered to some “strange criticism”.
Rayan Cherki has issued a defiant battle cry as France gear up for their World Cup round of 16 clash, insisting the squad is more motivated than ever. Despite recent scrutiny regarding his relationship with manager Didier Deschamps, the Manchester City playmaker insists his focus is firmly on their upcoming knockout clash against Paraguay.
Jonathan Tah has opened up on the psychological toll of his missed penalty that confirmed Germany’s shock exit from the 2026 World Cup. The Bayern Munich defender was the man who ultimately failed to convert from 12 yards, but reports have since emerged regarding the reluctance of his team-mates to step up during the high-pressure moment.
Former Bayern Munich and France defender Willy Sagnol has made a stunning declaration regarding Michael Olise, insisting the winger has already eclipsed every other player on the planet. Sagnol believes the 24-year-old’s unselfish nature puts him in a bracket above the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
France may have booked their place in the World Cup round of 16 with a dominant victory over Sweden, but the post-match celebrations have been marred by a seemingly frosty encounter between Rayan Cherki and Didier Deschamps. The Manchester City playmaker was captured on camera appearing to blank his manager at the final whistle, raising questions about the harmony within the Les Bleus camp.
Jurgen Klopp is reportedly open to taking over as Germany manager following the nation's disastrous and premature exit from the 2026 World Cup. The legendary former Liverpool boss has emerged as the primary candidate to lead Die Mannschaft back to glory as pressure mounts on current head coach Julian Nagelsmann.
Germany crashed out of the World Cup after a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay following a 1-1 draw after extra time. Julian Nagelsmann was left furious by the decision to disallow Jonathan Tah's extra-time goal, branding the VAR intervention a "scandal" before becoming frustrated during a post-match television interview.
Jurgen Klinsmann has branded Germany's World Cup exit to Paraguay a "disgrace" and called for a complete review of the German Football Association (DFB). The former Germany striker believes everyone involved must accept responsibility after another disappointing international campaign.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has responded to speculation linking him with the Germany manager role after the national team's World Cup round of 32 defeat to Paraguay. The 59-year-old insisted it was not the time to discuss replacing Julian Nagelsmann, while launching a scathing critique of the team and demanding systemic grassroots reform.
Kai Havertz apologised to Germany supporters after missing a penalty in a dramatic World Cup shootout defeat to Paraguay. The Arsenal forward had rescued his side with an equaliser in normal time, but Die Mannschaft's World Cup campaign ended after a tense 4-3 penalty defeat.
Julian Nagelsmann insists he has no intention of stepping down after Germany's shock 2026 World Cup exit to Paraguay. The Germany boss admitted the defeat was "very bitter" after his side failed to break down an "ultra-defensive" opponent, but says he remains committed to the role if the DFB want him to stay.