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World Cup

World Cup news

Lionel Messi Harry Kane Kylian Mbappe 2026 World Cup

Golden Boot: Will Kane be watching Messi, Mbappe & Haaland?

Harry Kane lives for scoring goals, but will England’s record-shattering captain be keeping an eye on how the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are faring at the 2026 World Cup? Three Lions legend John Barnes has addressed that Golden Boot battle during an exclusive interview with GOAL, as individual ambition is blended with the collective pursuit of global glory.

Ibrahimovic-Belgium

Ibrahimovic brutally roasts Belgium after 0-0 draw with Iran

Belgium’s World Cup campaign has hit a stuttering start following two consecutive draws, but while the points tally is a concern, it is the performance levels that have drawn the sharpest tongue in football. Zlatan Ibrahimovic did not hold back when assessing their latest stalemate against Iran, delivering a scathing review of the Red Devils' toothless display.

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Scott McTominay Scotland 2026 World Cup Morocco

‘A lot of suitors’ - McTominay gets EPL transfer advice

Scott McTominay has become a talismanic presence for Scotland and Napoli, but will the former Manchester United midfielder fancy another shot at life in the Premier League? Kenny Miller has explained to GOAL why the revitalised 29-year-old has no need to consider a retracing of steps at club level after finding professional and personal dreams to live in Italy.

Portugal v Spain - UEFA Nations League 2025 Final

Shearer: Martinez may not be 'allowed' to sub Ronaldo

Premier League legend Alan Shearer has raised questions over Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence within the Portugal setup, suggesting head coach Roberto Martinez may not even be "allowed" to substitute his captain. As the 41-year-old icon competes in what is likely his final World Cup, the debate over his role in the starting XI has reached boiling point.

FBL-WC-2026-MATCH22-ENG-CRO

Kane curse threat! Ghanaian witch doctor vows to 'stop' England captain

A Ghanaian witch doctor who previously claimed responsibility for an injury suffered by Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2014 World Cup has turned his attention to Harry Kane. Nana Kwaku Bonsam says he is working to stop England's captain from making an impact against Ghana, while Thomas Tuchel's squad remain focused on their World Cup ambitions.

GFX Lionel Messi Lamine Yamal

Rangnick backs Yamal to 'reach Messi's level'

Austria boss Ralf Rangnick has hailed Lamine Yamal as one of football’s brightest young talents after Spain’s emphatic 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia. The former Manchester United manager believes the Barcelona winger has the potential to reach a level comparable to Lionel Messi, provided he remains grounded and continues his development.

saka

Saka back in England training as Tuchel manages fitness

Bukayo Saka has returned to full England training after concerns over the Achilles issue that affected the closing stages of his season with Arsenal. Thomas Tuchel remains cautious over the winger's workload, with England focused on keeping one of their key attacking players fit and ready for the latter stages of the World Cup.

Bukayo Saka England 2026

‘Biggest issue’ Saka faces at 2026 World Cup highlighted

The “biggest issue” facing Bukayo Saka has been highlighted by England legend John Barnes, during an exclusive interview with GOAL, as the Arsenal winger is told that “goal output” is not important at the 2026 World Cup. Fresh from a memorable Premier League title triumph at club level, a star turn at Emirates Stadium is facing plenty of challenges on the grandest of international stages.

Marc Guehi John Stones England GFX

Tuchel needs to drop struggling Stones & recall Guehi

England made a winning start to their World Cup campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia, but the performance was a bit mixed, even if the dominant start of the second half will have sent fear through some of the Three Lions' main rivals for global glory. For the most part, Thomas Tuchel seemed to get his selection mostly right. Jude Bellingham more than justified his place in the team, while having Anthony Gordon start so that Marcus Rashford could provide an X-factor off the bench paid off.

Argentina v Algeria: Group J - FIFA World Cup 2026

Scaloni backs Messi after false reports Argentina star's father

Lionel Scaloni has emphasized the unity of his Argentina squad as they rally around captain Lionel Messi following a wave of misinformation regarding his family. The Inter Miami superstar has been the subject of shocking false reports during the 2026 World Cup, forcing both the manager and the Messi family to take a public stand.