Lists

Mikel Merino once again came off the bench to win a game for Spain as the European Champions beat Belgium 2-1 to progress to the semi-finals of the World Cup. La Roja unsurprisingly dominated possession from the first whistle in Los Angeles and, after plenty of patient probing, they took a deserved lead when Fabian Ruiz fired home from close range, after Thibaut Courtois had failed to parry a Dani Olmo shot to safety.

Four years can transform a player pool. GOAL picks the established stars, rising prospects and wild cards who could form the USMNT’s next World Cup lineup.

Sandro Tonali was being linked with Manchester United and teams across Europe, but has completed a £100 million ($134m) transfer to Tottenham. Is that big-money move the result of a desire to live in London? Ex-Spurs star Danny Murphy has answered that question during an exclusive interview with GOAL, while assessing a busy window in the English capital.

Morgan Gibbs-White can see his No.10 “ego” massaged at Nottingham Forest, Reds legend Des Walker has told GOAL, with there no need for a transfer elsewhere to be considered. The England international playmaker is a proven Premier League performer, which means that he inevitably attracts interest, but “main man” status can continue to be enjoyed at the City Ground.

England international Niamh Charles has joined Manchester City from Chelsea, signing a three-year deal with the new Women's Super League champions. Left-back has been a priority in the transfer market for Andree Jeglertz's side, following Leila Ouahabi's departure, and Charles fits the bill as City's second summer signing, after the earlier arrival of fellow Lionesses star Beth Mead.

Celtic should consider bringing Robbie Keane in alongside Martin O’Neill at some stage, Tony Cascarino has told GOAL, with the perfect managerial mentor in place at Parkhead for a potential head coach of the future. The Hoops are placing trust in a familiar face for now, but are aware of the need to find a long-term successor to their evergreen 74-year-old boss.

Argentina have found themselves at the centre of a storm in the wake of their scintillating World Cup last-16 victory over Egypt on Tuesday, amid sensational accusations of corruption and favouritism. However, this is one occasion where the demonisation of the Albiceleste doesn't feel justified. Two goals down against the rank underdogs in the second half, the holders survived by the skin of their teeth - coming from behind to miraculously turn the tie on its head in the space of 14 minutes at the very end of the match. But since the final whistle in Atlanta, the gravity of that feat has been overshadowed.

A stained-glass masterpiece for 2026 - discover Belgium’s stunning new kit lineup.

Xabi Alonso has expressed his immense excitement regarding the vast potential of his new Chelsea squad after officially taking charge at Stamford Bridge. The 44-year-old tactician has issued a firm demand for relentless hard work during pre-season, promising disillusioned supporters that a prosperous new era is on the horizon.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has received an unusual honour after a newly-discovered marine mollusc was named after him by Spanish researcher Jesus Ortea. The tribute follows the veteran's standout performances at the World Cup, where he helped his country make history on their tournament debut.

Harry Kane forms part of GOAT conversations in the England national team, but former Three Lions striker Stan Collymore has explained to GOAL how “recency bias” impacts that debate and why a “pool” of greats should be celebrated rather than singling out individuals. Kane is currently enjoying the best form of his career, with World Cup glory being pursued in North America.

Belgium boss Rudi Garcia insists his side will not focus solely on stopping Lamine Yamal ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against Spain. Instead, he wants the Red Devils to disrupt Spain collectively and believes they have the quality to end the European champions' unbeaten defensive run.

Erling Haaland insists England remain clear favourites ahead of Norway's World Cup quarter-final, despite his side's impressive run. The Manchester City striker is keeping expectations in check while embracing the challenge of facing familiar club team-mates for a place in the semi-finals.

Former Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri has spent roughly 10 hours in French police custody as part of a major judicial investigation into organised money laundering, according to reports in France. The 39-year-old pundit was questioned by financial investigators in Paris regarding suspected ties to a network linked to international drug trafficking.

Norway’s classic red returns with a modern twist for 2026 World Cup kits

Erik ten Hag has officially taken his name out of consideration to become the new Netherlands head coach following Ronald Koeman's departure. The former Manchester United manager insisted he remains completely committed to his current project as technical director at FC Twente, leaving the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) to look elsewhere for a saviour.

Manchester City have secured the return of former academy goalkeeper Pierce Charles after agreeing a £10 million package with Sheffield Wednesday. The Northern Ireland international has put pen to paper on a long-term contract at the Etihad Stadium, but he will spend the upcoming campaign on loan in the Championship with Queens Park Rangers.

Erling Haaland has carried the hopes of a nation upon Norway's return to football's biggest stage after a 28-year absence, but while his goals have been vital to their cause, the Manchester City hitman hasn't been shouldering that burden alone. The Scandinavians are back at the World Cup having built a solid team unit that isn't solely reliant on its star striker, and the supporting cast have been showing what they can do in North America.

Arsenal have signed Spain international Ona Batlle on a free transfer from Barcelona, the Gunners' fourth summer signing to be announced in just eight days. Batlle follows Georgia Stanway, Geraldine Reuteler and Selina Cerci to the club, in a window of much change that has also seen the likes of Beth Mead and Katie McCabe depart.

Kylian Mbappe admitted he lost focus before missing a penalty against Morocco after a lengthy VAR delay caused confusion over whether the spot-kick would stand. The France captain also played down fears over an ankle knock and insisted he will be ready for the World Cup semi-final.

Spain sensation Lamine Yamal has set his sights on a dream World Cup final against defending champions Argentina, revealing his desire to swap shirts with icon Lionel Messi. The Barcelona starlet chose to remain grounded regarding pre-tournament promises, insisting that securing the prestigious trophy is the only objective that truly matters.

John Arne Riise has backed Erling Haaland to inspire Norway to victory over England in the World Cup quarter-finals, describing the Manchester City star as the world's best striker. The former Liverpool defender also believes the Drillos can dream of lifting the trophy if they overcome Thomas Tuchel's side.

Jude Bellingham’s “arrogance” is considered to be a good thing and more productive than similar qualities boasted by Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah, with Danny Murphy explaining to GOAL why criticism of England’s No.10 has been made to look “laughable”. A ‘Galactico’ performer from Real Madrid has been starring at the 2026 World Cup finals.

France manager Didier Deschamps has addressed injury concerns surrounding captain Kylian Mbappe following his late substitution during the World Cup quarter-final victory against Morocco. The Real Madrid forward was withdrawn after picking up an ankle knock, prompting the coaching staff to carefully manage his fitness ahead of the semi-finals.

Jurgen Klopp is set to reshape Germany's coaching staff by bringing trusted former Liverpool assistants Peter Krawietz and Pepijn Lijnders into the national team setup. Senior German Football Association (DFB) officials and Red Bull are due to hold talks over the final details of the manager's move, with an unconventional agreement expected to avoid a costly compensation fee.

England face an anxious wait ahead of their World Cup quarter-final showdown against Norway after a sickness bug hit their camp in Miami. Midfielder Declan Rice has missed two successive training sessions, leaving Thomas Tuchel desperately sweating on his availability while staff battle to prevent the illness from spreading across the squad.

Morgan Rogers has seen a big-money transfer away from Aston Villa speculated on - potentially at £130 million ($175m) - but Stan Collymore has told GOAL why the likes of Phil Foden and Eberechi Eze are unlikely to be targeted as potential replacements for their fellow England international. Unai Emery is expected to bolster his ranks with a different type of player.

Wolfsburg have confirmed Christian Eriksen will begin an individual rehabilitation programme in Denmark, around a month after collapsing during an international match for Denmark. The German club will remain in regular contact with the midfielder and his medical team as he continues his recovery.

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has expressed heavy frustration following his side's World Cup quarter-final elimination against France, claiming the opening goal should have been disallowed. The Atlas Lions manager insisted that a handball occurred in the build-up to Kylian Mbappe's strike, which completely disrupted his players' focus during the crucial Boston clash.