Asian footballers have dominated headlines during a record-breaking summer transfer window across Europe's top leagues. From high-profile Premier League moves to major Champions League switches, the region's top talents are making historic strides on the global stage.
Iranian defender Nader Mohammadi has gone viral once again after executing his trademark front-flip throw-in to set up the winner for Russian side Spartak Kostroma. The spectacular somersault delivery bypassed Rotor Volgograd's defensive wall to seal a 1-0 victory and cement the full-back's status as a lethal set-piece specialist.
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.
The USMNT's World Cup dreams ended in a nightmare in Seattle, but while American fans were left in tears, the Iran Football Federation was ready to celebrate. Following a tournament dominated by political tensions, Iranian officials have issued a scathing response to the co-hosts' elimination.
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.
East Thurrock United
