FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing a fresh wave of scrutiny following allegations that world football’s governing body permitted an ineligible player to feature for DR Congo during their successful World Cup qualification campaign. The revelation has sparked outrage from rival nations who were eliminated by the Leopards, leading to potential legal challenges that could overshadow the tournament's legacy.
RB Leipzig midfielder Ezechiel Banzuzi has decided to switch his international allegiance and represent DR Congo over the Netherlands at senior level. The 21-year-old former Jong Oranje star, who is contracted in Germany until 2030, has chosen to pledge his long-term future to the African nation following their impressive 2026 World Cup campaign.
And just like that, it's over. After five-and-a-half weeks of breathless action, the 2026 World Cup is beginning to appear in the rearview mirror, the biggest international tournament in football history leaving behind a lifetime of memories while champions Spain continue their own celebrations.
The 2026 World Cup is over, and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. With the expanded 48-nation tournament coming to a close, following a month of thrilling action in North America, which star has taken home the illustrious award? Here, GOAL lists the tournament's most prolific performers.
Arsenal have reportedly identified former Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka as a potential summer signing following his recent World Cup campaign with DR Congo. The Gunners are increasingly concerned about the future of Ben White, who is attracting significant interest from rival clubs abroad and in the Middle East.
Four nations made debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan gracing the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It was the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, before succumbing to Lionel Messi's Argentina in a classic.
Carlos Stein
