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Inter are stepping up their pursuit of Tottenham full-back Djed Spence after his impressive World Cup displays strengthened the club's belief that he is the ideal fit for Cristian Chivu's system. The Serie A giants are now prepared to increase their budget as they seek to avoid competition for the England international.

Spain’s World Cup final clash with Argentina will see Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi go head-to-head for a global title and Ballon d’Or honours. Gaizka Mendieta has told GOAL why Barcelona’s teenage wonderkid can get the better of an all-time great. An epic battle is about to play out in New Jersey, with eyes from every corner of the planet descending on MetLife Stadium.

From 1978 to 2022, Argentina’s 2026 home kit honours World Cup history.

Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller have shared a light-hearted reunion on social media following the sudden postponement of their scheduled MLS encounter. The veteran Polish striker was due to make his competitive debut for Chicago Fire against the Vancouver Whitecaps before dangerous air quality levels forced league officials to call off the fixture, forcing the former Bayern Munich stars to meet up off the pitch.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta believes the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain will showcase the strength of La Masia, with club legends and rising stars on opposite sides. He hailed Lionel Messi's legacy while backing Lamine Yamal as the future, insisting Barcelona's identity will be at the heart of the showpiece.

England “can’t complain” about being on the receiving end of another masterclass from Lionel Messi as “no-one’s ever been able to stop” the Argentina GOAT, ex-Three Lions international Joleon Lescott has told GOAL. Another bid for international trophy glory has come to a close, in agonising fashion, with semi-final heartache being endured at the 2026 World Cup.

Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly withdrawn from the race to sign Bayern Munich standout Michael Olise. The French champions are unwilling to engage in a bidding war or match the €200 million asking price, leaving Real Madrid in pole position. Olise is reportedly determined to secure a blockbuster switch to the Santiago Bernabeu after a sensational season in Germany.

Anthony Gordon has expressed his deep heartbreak following England's dramatic elimination from the World Cup at the hands of Argentina. The Barcelona winger scored the opening goal in the semi-final clash before Thomas Tuchel's side conceded twice late on, shattering the Three Lions' dreams of reaching a first final since 1966.

Jhon Duran is on the verge of returning to European football as Benfica close in on a loan agreement with Al-Nassr for the Colombian international. The 22-year-old forward has struggled to settle in Saudi Arabia following his expensive transfer from Aston Villa, prompting all parties to facilitate a move ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Kylian Mbappe remains the right man to captain France heading forward, Jeremie Aliadiere has told GOAL, despite admissions that skippers do not “have to be the best player”. That is the case at present with Les Bleus, as their record goalscorer fills the armband, and any questions of character will continue to be ignored as the fearsome frontman leads by example.

Arsenal are being heavily linked with a move for Spain international shot-stopper Misa Rodriguez following her departure from Real Madrid. The Gunners’ goalkeeping department is already well-stocked, thanks to Daphne van Domselaar and Anneke Borbe, but it appears it is going to be strengthened even further with the addition of the highly-rated 26-year-old.

The 2026 World Cup is set to feature a historic first, with FIFA confirming that the winning squad will receive NFL-style championship rings alongside their traditional gold medals. Embracing the sporting culture of host nations Canada, Mexico, and the United States, this flashy new addition promises to bring a touch of North American flair to the pinnacle of international football.

Robert Lewandowski has seen his MLS debut delayed after Chicago Fire’s marquee clash against Vancouver Whitecaps was officially postponed. The star-studded fixture at Soldier Field was called off due to hazardous air quality stemming from Canadian wildfires, forcing league officials to reschedule the blockbuster encounter for October.

Global music icon Shakira has praised Lionel Messi following his inspirational performance in Argentina's World Cup semi-final victory. The Colombian singer took to social media to hail the 39-year-old forward's extraordinary longevity on the pitch, while also reserving a special mention for his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo.

It was a surprise, in truth, that it took reporters so long to ask Harry Kane about his future. The England striker stood there in the mixed zone, after a devastating 2-1 loss to Argentina, faced with the damning end to a remarkable season. And not until the third question did someone ask the England captain what might be next for him.

The pros and cons of Arsenal potentially making a move for Marcus Rashford have been highlighted to GOAL by ‘Invincibles’ squad member Jeremie Aliadiere. The Gunners have allowed Leandro Trossard to leave Emirates Stadium, as questions are asked of Gabriel Martinelli’s future, with obvious reconstruction work to be carried out in the summer transfer window.

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has firmly responded to Barcelona counterpart Joan Laporta regarding the unfolding transfer saga surrounding Julian Alvarez. The forward publicly requested a summer departure during the World Cup, prompting the Catalan giants to launch a time-sensitive offer that has heightened tensions between the clubs.

Marcus Rashford has rejected several lucrative transfer proposals from interested clubs as his £40 million Manchester United release clause officially expired. The 28-year-old academy graduate will now see any potential summer departure subject to direct negotiations with the Old Trafford board.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has opened up on the demanding early days of Real Madrid’s pre-season, praising the intensity and sky-high standards of returning coach Jose Mourinho. The England defender revealed how he prepared over the summer and set out clear targets for the campaign ahead as the squad builds under the Portuguese at Valdebebas.

Pep Guardiola will not yet have grown bored of life outside of management, following his departure from Manchester City, with Joleon Lescott telling GOAL why any kneejerk decisions on Thomas Tuchel’s future as England boss need to be avoided. The German tactician is facing some uncomfortable questions following the Three Lions’ World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina.

When Lionel Messi was pushed onto his weaker foot by Nico O'Reilly and Djed Spence on the right side of the box in the 92nd minute of stoppage time, England fans held their breath in unison. The Three Lions had four of their tallest players hovering around the six-yard area, and the Argentina captain needed a perfect delivery to reach Lautaro Martinez at the back post (his only realistic target) - but as we all know, Messi can conjure up perfection at any moment.

England led through Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute strike in the World Cup semi-final against Argentina, only for Thomas Tuchel’s subsequent defensive substitutions to leave the Albiceleste players privately stunned and free to chase a dramatic late victory. The decision to drop deeper and deeper rather than stretch the game with pace proved decisive, allowing Lionel Scaloni’s side to equalise through Enzo Fernandez in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martinez struck the winner in stoppage time.

MLS returned Thursday, with Commissioner Don Garber, league executives and players discussing the momentum generated by the 2026 World Cup, Christian Pulisic’s future and what comes next.

ATLANTA -- U.S. Soccer CEO J.T. Batson addressed the White House’s involvement in the controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun’s World Cup suspension, saying President Donald Trump “is able to do what the President wants to do.” Trump’s call to FIFA President Gianni Infantino before Balogun’s one-match ban was suspended has drawn widespread criticism, although FIFA has maintained that its disciplinary process was independent.

President Donald Trump will attend Sunday’s World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, the White House confirmed Thursday afternoon. Last year, Trump presented Chelsea FC with the FIFA Club World Cup trophy and has built a well-known friendship with Gianni Infantino. The American President, however, found himself in controversy as he acknowledged reaching out to FIFA about Folarin Balogun's red card - which was ultimately suspended.

Enzo Fernandez has courted controversy once again after appearing to troll England on social media following Argentina's dramatic World Cup semi-final win, with the Chelsea midfielder's celebrations and online antics drawing fierce backlash from Three Lions supporters and even forcing his own club into an embarrassing U-turn.

Nicky Butt has launched a scathing, X-rated attack on Thomas Tuchel following England’s devastating World Cup semi-final exit at the hands of Argentina. The former Manchester United and England midfielder believes the German coach’s position is now untenable after a series of controversial tactical decisions cost the Three Lions a place in the final, and has already identified two potential replacements.

U.S. Women's National Team captain Lindsey Heaps is eligible to make her long-awaited debut for the Denver Summit against the Portland Thorns at Centennial Stadium - which is less than 35 miles away from her hometown, Golden, Colo. Heaps, 32, signed a pre-contract with the first-year club prior to the NWSL season, after starring with French giants OL Lyonnes for the past four years.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has delivered a stinging assessment of England's latest World Cup failure, telling the squad to "look in the mirror" after their semi-final exit. The legendary Swedish striker questioned the true quality of the Three Lions after they fell short against Argentina, marking yet another major tournament disappointment.