FC Dardania Lausanne Overview

The 2026 World Cup is underway and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. There's a long road ahead as 48 nations battle for the top prize, but which star will take home the illustrious award? Here are GOAL's predicted candidates for the prize as we keep track of the tournament's most prolific stars

South Africa attacking midfielder Themba Zwane has been slapped with a three-match suspension by FIFA following his controversial red card during Bafana Bafana's opening 2026 World Cup defeat to Mexico. The severe punishment means the 36-year-old veteran will miss the remainder of the group stage, dealing a massive blow to Hugo Broos and his squad as they desperately seek progression.

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has slammed the opening match of the 2026 World Cup as "tactically poor" despite co-hosts Mexico securing a 2-0 win over South Africa. The Red Bull Global Head of Soccer highlighted glaring defensive frailties and a bizarre flurry of red cards that marred the showpiece event at the Azteca Stadium.

Violent clashes erupted outside the Estadio Azteca on Thursday night, marring the opening match of the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City. Riot police deployed tear gas after coming under attack from projectiles, overshadowing co-hosts Mexico's subsequent victory on the pitch as long-standing local political tensions spilled over into the tournament's security perimeter.