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World Cup

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Lionel Messi Argentina player ratings Austria World Cup GFX

Scaloni delighted by Messi's 'committed' show against Austria

Lionel Messi's two goals helped Argentina defeat Austria in their Group J match, but Lionel Scaloni was also impressed by his captain's work without the ball. The Albiceleste coach praised Messi's commitment and influence, while warning that the path to defending the World Cup will remain difficult despite their strong start.

L. MessiArgentina
Jordan Pickford Peter Shilton David Seaman England

Where does Pickford sit among England’s goalkeeping greats?

England have been blessed with some great goalkeepers down the years - from Gordon Banks to David Seaman - but where does current No.1 Jordan Pickford sit among those? Another iconic shot-stopper, the Three Lions’ record appearance-maker Peter Shilton, has taken on the challenge of answering that question during an exclusive interview with GOAL.

J. PickfordExclusive
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All eyes on Neymar: Half-fit has-been or Selecao saviour?!

At an event in Belo Horizonte last week, Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva made a joke at the expense of Neymar, whom he described as a "work-from-home player". Unsurprisingly, it didn't go over well. Neymar's inclusion in the Selecao is no laughing matter in Brazil. The rights and wrongs of Carlo Ancelotti calling up a half-fit has-been have been the subject of heated debate for months now.

AnalysisBrazil
Folarin Balogun USMNT 2026

USMNT star Balogun seeking summer transfer amid PL interest

United States men's national team star Folarin Balogun is expected to seek a move away from Monaco during the summer transfer window. The talented 24-year-old forward has reportedly attracted substantial interest from England, prompting the Ligue 1 club to establish a firm valuation for their asset as internal contract negotiations stall.

TransfersUSA
Harry Kane Jimmy Greaves Gary Lineker

Kane vs Lineker & Greaves! How England’s leading scorer ranks

Peter Shilton remains England’s record appearance maker for now, on 125 caps, but appears destined to hand that piece of history over to Harry Kane. The legendary Three Lions goalkeeper has told GOAL why the perfect candidate is ready to overtake him, while comparing a history-making goalscorer of the present to fabled No.9s of the past such as Jimmy Greaves and Gary Lineker.

H. KaneExclusive

Betting spotlight

South Africa vs Korea Republic predictions: An exit on the cards
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Mbappe admits storm delay made him 'very nervous' in France win

Kylian Mbappe admitted he struggled to stay composed after a severe storm in Philadelphia forced a lengthy suspension during France's World Cup clash with Iraq. The France captain revealed the disruption tested the squad mentally before he scored twice in a 3-0 victory to help his side overcome the challenging circumstances.

K. MbappeFrance
Ronaldo

Martinez claims Ronaldo has 'reacted as a captain' to World Cup criticism

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has fiercely defended under-fire forward Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of their vital second World Cup group fixture against Uzbekistan. Addressing the media following a disappointing opening draw with DR Congo, the manager insisted that empirical data justifies the 41-year-old striker's position in the side despite growing public scrutiny.

C. RonaldoPortugal
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Messi 'very angry' about shock missed penalty vs Austria

Lionel Messi confessed to feeling "very angry" after uncharacteristically missing an early spot-kick during Argentina's 2-0 World Cup victory over Austria. However, the legendary forward quickly recovered his composure in Dallas, netting a brilliant double to officially become the highest goalscorer in the history of the tournament.

L. MessiArgentina
England super-subs GFX

Why England's 'finishers' hold the key to World Cup glory

Mikel Arteta's sayings, habits and general attitude towards football have divided opinion. The Arsenal manager has rewritten the playbook of what coaches are supposed to say, and much of it has rubbed fans and pundits alike up the wrong way. One of his favourite terms? The usage of 'finishers' instead of 'substitutes'.

AnalysisEngland
World Cup Golden Boot GFX

World Cup 2026 Golden Boot standings: Record-breaking Messi leads

The 2026 World Cup is underway and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. There's a long road ahead as 48 nations battle for the top prize, but which star will take home the illustrious award? Here are GOAL's predicted candidates for the prize as we keep track of the tournament's most prolific stars

ArgentinaEngland
Jordan v Algeria: Group J - FIFA World Cup 2026

Algeria dump Jordan out of World Cup

Amine Gouiri struck late as Algeria came from behind to beat Jordan 2-1 in a crucial Group J clash in San Francisco. The Desert Warriors responded after a disappointing first half and turned the game around through set-piece goals. Jordan's defeat confirms their elimination from the tournament on their World Cup debut.

Jordan vs AlgeriaJordan
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