World Cup news

Miroslav Klose has sent a classy message to Lionel Messi after the Argentine icon officially surpassed him as the highest goalscorer in World Cup history. The 38-year-old climbed to the top of the mountain alone following a clinical performance against Austria as the defending champions continued their pursuit of more glory.

GOAL takes a look at the big storylines and takeaways in the latest installment of the USMNT notebook.

Lionel Messi has hailed a "truly spectacular" night in Dallas after becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history during Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria. The Inter Miami star netted twice to secure La Albiceleste's place in the round of 32 while surpassing Miroslav Klose's long-standing record.

Manchester City and Belgium winger Jeremy Doku has become a father for the first time after welcoming a baby boy during the World Cup. The 24-year-old was granted special leave from the Red Devils' camp in the United States to travel to London for the birth of his son.

Harry Kane finds himself at the centre of a bizarre supernatural tug-of-war ahead of England’s crucial World Cup clash with Ghana. After a spiritualist claimed he would use voodoo to stop the Three Lions captain, world-famous psychic Uri Geller has stepped in to provide a metaphysical shield for the Bayern Munich star.

World Cup organisers have issued an urgent warning to supporters ahead of the Group I clash between France and Iraq, advising fans not to travel to the Philadelphia Stadium. Severe weather in the region has already forced a delay to the opening of the stadium gates, with the scheduled kick-off now under threat.

Netherlands defender Denzel Dumfries firmly believes the Oranje have enough quality to win the 2026 World Cup following their dominant 5-1 victory over Sweden. The 30-year-old right-back insisted that confidence and energy are growing within Ronald Koeman's squad as they eye an unforgettable tournament run.

Lionel Messi became the World Cup's all-time leading scorer, and then added another goal for good measure, as Argentina beat Austria 2-0 in a bad-tempered game in Dallas to maintain their winning start to their title defence. The greatest player of all time should have broken Miroslav Klose's record after just eight minutes of play, when the Albiceleste were awarded a penalty for a Stefan Posch foul on Lautaro Martinez, but Messi dragged his spot-kick wide.

England striker Ollie Watkins has staunchly defended Jeremy Doku following widespread criticism over the Belgian winger's decision to leave the World Cup to attend the birth of his first child. Watkins hit back at viral comments labelling childbirth as a "disgusting moment", insisting that welcoming a firstborn is a blessing that transcends football.

Lionel Messi has cemented his status as the greatest to ever do it by becoming the outright leading goalscorer in World Cup history. The Inter Miami star overtook German legend Miroslav Klose during Argentina's high-stakes Group J encounter with Austria on Monday.

Canada are preparing for a crucial World Cup clash with Switzerland while rallying around injured midfielder Ismaël Koné after his devastating tournament-ending injury.

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Thibaut Courtois has opened up about his long-term future at Real Madrid, admitting that while he dreams of retiring at the Bernabeu, the final decision rests with the club. The 34-year-old Belgian international remains at the top of his game and is widely regarded as one of the premier goalkeepers in world football.

With the World Cup well underway, GOAL U.S. writers evaluate the tournament so far - and ask whether it has lived up to the hype.

Nico Schlotterbeck has opened up about the emotional toll of his tournament-ending injury, admitting he needs time to come to terms with the blow. The Borussia Dortmund star was ruled out of the 2026 World Cup after suffering a serious ankle injury during the group stages.

Turkey’s long-awaited return to the World Cup stage turned into a nightmare after they were dumped out of the tournament with a group stage game to spare. Despite the intense backlash following defeats to Australia and Paraguay, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has taken a definitive stance on the future of head coach Vincenzo Montella.

Another major tournament, another debate raging around Portugal's continued selection of Cristiano Ronaldo. The veteran forward's anonymous performance in his country's World Cup opener against DR Congo has reignited the now-biennial discussion over whether or not he should still be starting for the Seleccao at the grand old age of 41. Although you shouldn't expect anything to actually change so long as Roberto Martinez is in charge, the manager must learn when to take action.