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EXCLUSIVE: With a unique career trajectory, Balogun just might be the player to define the USMNT run to the World Cup

Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has been told to contribute more on the left flank as the Reds continue to struggle defensively in the 2025-26 season. Arne Slot's side made a perfect start to their title defence campaign but have now faltered in the past few weeks as they have lost three matches in a row across all competitions against Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea.

Cape Verde have officially qualified for the 2026 World Cup, becoming the second-smallest nation ever to punch their ticket into the iconic quadrennial tournament. The African nation, which has a population of just 524,000, beat Eswatini 3-0 on Monday to seal their progression to the finals next summer, which will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Liverpool face an anxious wait over Ryan Gravenberch's fitness after the midfielder was substituted at half-time during the Netherlands' World Cup qualifier against Finland on Sunday. The Dutchman has emerged as one of the Reds' most important players under Arne Slot, and the injury comes at an inopportune time; the Premier League champions have lost all of their last three fixtures.

Como have issued a statement addressing fans on the sensitive subject of facing AC Milan in a Serie A clash in Australia next year, as they claimed that the clash is for the survival of the league. The match, set for February 2026, will be the first Serie A match held outside Italy. While UEFA reiterated that this approval "should not set a precedent", the move has drawn sharp criticism from players and fans alike.

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is set to be handed a massive boost, with Lisandro Martinez poised to return from an ACL injury he sustained eight months ago in February. The Argentina international is now targeting a return before the end of October, as he looks to add to the mere 16 appearances he has made under Amorim's management thus far at Old Trafford.

Tottenham Hotspur prospect Dane Scarlett was spotted training alongside the senior England national team as the search for Harry Kane's long-term successor begins. Scarlett, who has represented England at various junior age groups, was called up by Thomas Tuchel to train with the Three Lions after star striker Ollie Watkins had to pull out of the squad due to an injury.

Carlo Ancelotti insists Neymar remains in his plans for the World Cup next year, but has warned the Santos star that he must be fully fit to earn a recall to the final Brazil squad. The forward has not played for the Selecao since October 2023, in a 2-0 defeat to Uruguay, but Ancelotti says he could yet play a part in next summer's tournament.

Liverpool have been warned that they could quickly lose Alexander Isak, as Barcelona might consider a transfer for the Swedish striker once veteran No.9 Robert Lewandowski leaves the club. The forward could be set to go when his contract expires next summer, as the Catalan giants are not expected to offer a new contract to the 37-year-old ahead of the expiry of his current deal.

Tactically, Mauricio Pochettino seems to have figured out the player pool - now it's about deciding who fits best in the system

Lionesses star Millie Bright has announced her retirement from international football. The Chelsea captain withdrew from selection for the European Championship earlier this year, citing mental and physical fatigue, and has now followed that up by calling time on her England career, having had the summer to "reflect" while Sarina Wiegman's side clinched another continental crown.

Real Oviedo captain Santi Cazorla has been forced to defend his reputation following the sacking of coach Veljko Paunovic. Amid social media accusations, the ex-Arsenal star strongly denies any involvement in the decision, revealing the squad was shocked by the news as the club struggles at the bottom of La Liga and turns to a controversial replacement.

Former Arsenal academy chief Adries Jonker has claimed that he has the capability to work with Jose Mourinho. Having worked as a deputy to top coaches like Arsene Wenger, Louis Van Gaal and Jupp Heynckes, Jonker might be brought on board after the elections at Benfica if Martim Mayer, the presidential candidate, wins this year's vote.

Marcus Rashford appeared to take aim at Manchester United for his recent struggles, as he claims he was playing in an "inconsistent environment" before joining Barcelona on loan in the summer. The England international has scored three goals and registered five assists in 10 games for the Camp Nou club since making the move to Spain, and appears hopeful of remaining in LaLiga permanently.

Ex-Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp will receive the 2025 Walther Bensemann Prize, a prestigious German football honour awarded to personalities who embody human values, intercultural understanding, and fair play beyond sporting success. The award celebrates Klopp’s leadership, authenticity and his enduring love for football’s roots, qualities that have made the German one of the most respected figures in world football.

Frank Lampard would be an ideal successor to Thomas Tuchel when the England manager’s job next becomes available, former Coventry striker Matt Jansen has exclusively told GOAL. The Three Lions legend is in the process of rebuilding his reputation as a coach with Championship promotion hopefuls and could be a contender to step into a prominent international post at some stage.

Barcelona have confirmed midfielder Dani Olmo has been sidelined with a calf injury he sustained while on international duty with Spain. The club have learned the full extent of the issue, which could see him miss the upcoming Clasico clash against Real Madrid, while there are concerns around fellow Blaugrana star Ferran Torres.

Barcelona have received a crucial boost ahead of the first Clasico of the season as star winger Lamine Yamal returns to training after a groin setback sustained against Paris Saint-Germain and missing Spain’s international fixtures. With Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo also sidelined, Yamal’s recovery is timely, offering coach Hansi Flick fresh attacking options for the challenging run of games leading to Real Madrid.

A bombshell report reveals Barcelona's own technical experts rated Camp Nou constructors Limak as the worst option for the job. Club management overruled the 'non-binding' report, prioritising a deadline that has since been missed, with significant delays now hitting the iconic stadium's reopening and contractual penalties going unenforced.

Martin Odegaard is reportedly set to spend several weeks on the sidelines at Arsenal with a knee injury, with it unlikely that he will be ready to return until after the next international break in November. The Gunners captain suffered his latest fitness setback during a Premier League outing against West Ham, with it later being revealed that he had picked up medial collateral ligament damage.

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly clinging to the hope that Lamine Yamal could one day be lured away from Barcelona. The teenage wonderkid signed a lucrative contract extension in Catalonia over the summer, after turning 18, but continues to see questions asked of his future. It could be that he once again finds himself heading down the same path as Lionel Messi.

Liverpool have reportedly held positive talks with Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck as they accelerate their search for a new centre-back following Giovanni Leoni’s season-ending ACL injury. However, Bayern Munich are also keeping tabs on the Germany international, meaning the Reds could face stiff competition in the upcoming January transfer window.

Florian Wirtz’s record-breaking move to Liverpool has sparked intense scrutiny after a slow start in England. The 22-year-old, hailed as one of Germany’s brightest footballing talents, has yet to score or assist in 10 appearances for the Reds, drawing unfair “flop” labels. But Ilkay Gundogan has leapt to his defence, calling such criticism “completely exaggerated” and insisting that those doubting Wirtz “don’t understand football.”

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has been forced to clarify comments made about Northern Ireland's style of play. While apologising for any offence caused, Nagelsmann has issued a stark warning to his team about the dangers of their "tough" opponents heading into a crucial World Cup qualifier, with both teams level on points at the top of their group.

Brazil endured their worst qualification campaign ever for the 2026 World Cup, finishing fifth in the CONMEBOL standings on just 28 points from 18 matches. The Selecao lost home and away to arch-rivals Argentina, with a 4-1 drubbing at the Estadio Monumental ultimately costing Dorival Junior his job as manager, and they were also handily beaten by Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay and Bolivia. But hope for the 2026 finals remains high, with Carlo Ancelotti now holding the reins for the most successful national team in history.

England have been dealt a fresh blow to their attacking plans, with Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins forced to withdraw from Thomas Tuchel’s squad after suffering a freak injury. The Three Lions were without all-time leading goal-scorer Harry Kane for a friendly date with Wales, as he nurses a knock of his own, with a selection headache being posed ahead of a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Latvia.

Lyon winger Malick Fofana "belongs" at a cub like Liverpool or Manchester City, according to his agent, with the Belgium international earning comparisons to Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal. The youngster's representative revealed he had offers from Everton and Fulham but opted to reject the Premier League duo in order to continue his development in Ligue 1.

With zero minutes under his belt this season, Real Madrid's wonderkid Endrick is a shock January target for Paris Saint-Germain, according to a report. The French giants are plotting a move for the out-of-favour striker, but face stiff competition from West Ham, Juventus and Real Sociedad, who are all ready to pounce on a loan deal for the frustrated Brazilian teenager.

Lazio have strongly refuted claims of a potential Qatari takeover, denouncing them as “completely unfounded” and “fabricated” attempts to destabilise the club and manipulate its stock market value. The Serie A side confirmed no contact or proposal has ever been received from Qatari or other foreign funds. Legal reports have been filed with Italian financial and judicial authorities to identify and act against those behind the rumours.