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World Cup

World Cup news

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo & Neymar 'don't need to prove anything to anyone'

Joao Cancelo has passionately defended his team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo and Brazil star Neymar from intense media criticism at the World Cup. The Portugal defender insists that both players have already cemented their legacies in football and do not need to prove their worth to anyone, despite Ronaldo's slow start and Neymar's recent injury woes in the tournament.

C. RonaldoNeymar
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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
Neymar Brazil GFX

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

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Ecuador vs Germany predictions: Easy night for Nagelsmann
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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
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