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Alessia Russo's clinical finish and Hannah Hampton's world-class goalkeeping allowed England to maintain their perfect record in Women's World Cup qualifying on Saturday, as the Lionesses edged to a nervy 1-0 win over Iceland. Sarina Wiegman's side were coming into the game fresh off the back of a huge win over Spain at Wembley and they preserved their lead at the top of the group with another three points, even if it was far from convincing at times.

Chelsea's season is on a knife edge - not that you'd know it given the meek nature of their recent performances. Out of Europe and without a league win in more than six weeks, their campaign is drifting into mediocrity at the worst possible moment, and defeat to a revitalised Manchester United on Saturday night could send the Blues into complete freefall.

The USWNT beat Japan 3-0 on Friday night, fueled by a goal and assist from center back sub Kennedy Wesley and a strike from Rose Lavelle. The result secured a 2-1 edge in the rare three-game series, as manager Emma Hayes’ “game on” message translated into a sharp performance in Commerce City, Colo.

It has been a tale of two Aprils for major Americans, with some finding their feet at the best time, and others struggling for form

The USWNT will look to close out final game of three-game series against Japan, and after two games, and a 1-1 record, will enter Friday's match with experience, learnings, and something to play for.

Elisa Senß is a mainstay in the German midfield, but her uncertain future has the rumour mill in full swing. Could the next international be heading to England – or perhaps to Bayern Munich?

National coach Nagelsmann has outlined his tournament squad less than four weeks before the squad is announced. Thanks to “his Lena”, Undav can hope again, while another debate has finally been put to bed.

Be it double World Cup finalist Ruud Krol, the marauding Ronald Koeman, total football icon Ruud Gullit or serial winner Virgil van Dijk, the Dutch have a fine tradition of producing defenders who have made their mark on the game. And there is a new kid on the block that every top club wants to get their hands on: step forward FC Twente's teenage star centre-back Ruud Nijstad.

As the clock ticked into the 90th minute at Wembley on Tuesday evening, England were under the most pressure they had been all game. Having taken the lead with less than three minutes played, through Lauren Hemp's acrobatic effort, the Lionesses had done well to prevent Spain really putting them under the cosh, creating most of the better opportunities for themselves instead. However, in the dying moments, they would need Hannah Hampton, their world-class goalkeeper, to come up with something big.

FC Bayern are reportedly making a strong push to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United. The 25-year-old has a bit of Harry Kane about him and a bit of Luis Díaz; he’s lightning fast – and rather expensive for a backup player.

LAFC are built for the competition, and have the best chance to win it of any MLS team in recent memory

GOAL sat down with the American defender to discuss life in Spain and his goals for the future

Claire Hutton and Lindsey Heaps provided control in midfield, but defensive miscues proved costly as the USWNT fell to Japan in a key evaluation match under Emma Hayes.

Real Madrid’s defeat to Bayern Munich has laid bare the club’s less appealing side. The Merengues have reacted like spoilt children, venting frustration at every turn. Their insistence that they were “robbed” in Munich only confirms their status as football’s most unsympathetic outfit, even though it was the record champions who had genuine cause for complaint for long periods of the contest.

With the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly presumably disappearing into the rearview mirror, the battle for the Ballon d'Or hasn't felt so open for the best part of 20 years, with countless players now beginning each campaign believing they have a chance of claiming the most prestigious individual prize football has to offer. Ousmane Dembele emerged from a career plagued by injuries and inconsistencies to win the Golden Ball in 2025, and he is among a crowded field of contenders one year on.

The Barcelona winger spoke with GOAL on his rise to become one of the best in the world over the last two years, but World Cup success could make or break his legacy.

After years of attempting to stockpile some of the best young talent around, it seems Chelsea are finally set for a dramatic shift in their transfer strategy as they struggle to keep pace with their rivals both domestically and abroad. With the Blues out of the Champions League and lagging behind in the gruelling chase for a top-five Premier League finish, the hierarchy is ready to change tack.