Lists

Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has hit back at suggestions that Cristiano Ronaldo should be managed similarly to Lionel Messi or Erling Haaland, labeling such comparisons as "childish." Despite his age, the veteran forward has played every single minute of the Selecao’s World Cup group stage campaign so far.

Harry Kane has cemented his status as a Three Lions legend after officially surpassing Gary Lineker to become England's all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history. The Bayern Munich marksman reached the historic milestone during a 2-0 victory over Panama, continuing his relentless pursuit of football's most prestigious individual records.

Canada have reached uncharted territory, and Davies' uncertain role looms over everything as Jesse Marsch manages his return with knockout stakes and questions rising.

If this is Lionel Messi’s final World Cup, he seems determined to leave with every attacking record he can. The Argentina icon became the first player in tournament history to score in seven straight games, icing a closer-than-expected 3-1 win over a determined Jordan side. Manager Lionel Scaloni also found more attacking answers, with Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martínez joining in the scoring.

Portugal helped Colombia make history, but not the kind either side wanted. In one of the priciest matches of the group stage at a sweltering Miami Stadium, Los Cafeteros played the first 0-0 World Cup match in their 100-year history - and Portugal deserved plenty of blame after wasting several clear-cut chances against their South American opponent.

Jude Bellingham was the star of the show as England secured top spot in Group L at the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 win over Panama on Saturday. The midfielder broke the deadlock shortly after the hour mark before assisting Harry Kane soon after as Thomas Tuchel's side produced an otherwise uninspiring display despite the positive result.

GOAL breaks down the lessons learned from the first three games of the World Cup

Speaking with GOAL, USWNT forward Mallory Swanson opened up on supporting the USMNT in person and the growing bond between the U.S. national teams.

Nathan Saliba and Luc De Fougerolles boosted their stock, while Jesse Marsch and Tajon Buchanan face questions as Canada prepare for the World Cup knockout rounds.

Lionel Scaloni has confirmed Lionel Messi will start on the bench for Argentina's final group-stage match after qualification was already secured. The head coach wants to manage his captain's workload while giving other members of the squad an opportunity to impress before the knockout stages.

Erling Haaland has defended Stale Solbakken's controversial decision to rest several key players in Norway's heavy defeat to France, insisting the result would not have changed. The striker believes the rotation policy leaves Norway in a stronger position for the knockout stages despite widespread criticism.

Sweden manager Graham Potter has revealed his excitement ahead of a dream World Cup round-of-32 encounter against heavyweights France in New Jersey. The former Chelsea coach acknowledged the immense challenge of facing a star-studded Bleus squad but insists his side are looking forward to orchestrating a massive tournament shock.

Luis de la Fuente criticised Uruguay's physical approach and questioned the use of VAR after Spain secured top spot in their World Cup group. The La Roja boss hopes for better officiating in the knockout rounds after a bruising contest left his side with fresh injury concerns.

The father of Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot has revealed the close bond and mutual respect shared between his son and Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo. Speaking from the World Cup, Jacinto Teixeira highlighted how a childhood admiration evolved into a genuine friendship during their time together at Old Trafford.

Cape Verde have made football history by becoming the smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup knockout stages. Following a gritty group campaign, the Atlantic islanders have set up a dream round-of-32 showdown against Lionel Messi and defending champions Argentina.

Germany legend Toni Kroos has pulled no punches in his assessment of the national team following their underwhelming group-stage conclusion. The 2014 World Cup winner warned that Julian Nagelsmann's side face an immediate exit in the knockout rounds unless they urgently address glaring defensive vulnerabilities and recover the form of their talismanic players.

Rudi Garcia launched a strong defence of Belgium's experienced stars after their emphatic victory secured top spot in their World Cup group. The boss said criticism of Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Leandro Trossard before the tournament was unfair, insisting the trio proved their quality on the pitch.

Fernando Muslera has accepted responsibility for Uruguay's World Cup exit after requesting to be substituted at half-time against Spain. Marcelo Bielsa confirmed the veteran goalkeeper made the decision himself following the error that led to Alex Baena's winning goal in Uruguay's 1-0 defeat.

Twente have reached an agreement to sign experienced Netherlands international striker Wout Weghorst on a two-year contract following his departure from Ajax. The high-profile free agent represents a major coup for incoming technical director Erik ten Hag, who previously managed the physical frontman during a short loan spell at Manchester United.

Luis Suarez has urged fans to stop comparing Lamine Yamal with Lionel Messi, insisting the pair are different players despite sharing similar qualities. The Inter Miami striker praised the Spain teenager's maturity under pressure while backing him to one day reach the same level as the Argentina legend.

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has sustained a suspected long-term knee injury during Uruguay's agonising exit from the World Cup. The combative engine-room operator was stretchered off in tears before the interval following an accidental collision with a fellow countryman, leaving his club's crucial summer transfer plans in complete disarray.

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has criticised FIFA and president Gianni Infantino over what he described as a "disaster" World Cup, accusing organisers of failing to resolve ongoing logistical and visa issues. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei also called on FIFA to stand up to the tournament hosts after claiming his side had been treated unfairly.

France winger Ousmane Dembele has surprisingly downplayed his spectacular international hat-trick against Norway, claiming his previous group-stage outings were far more influential. The reigning Ballon d'Or winner made history with a lightning-fast treble to secure top spot in Group I, yet he remained critical of his overall contribution.

Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk could play their home Champions League fixtures in England next season after launching exploratory talks with a Premier League club. The ongoing conflict in their homeland has forced the displaced side to evaluate alternative European venues, with London emerging as a strong potential destination.

Marcelo Bielsa delivered a brutal assessment of his own tenure after Uruguay crashed out of the World Cup with a 1-0 defeat to Spain. The Argentine accepted full responsibility for the disappointing campaign, insisting his three years in charge had ultimately counted for nothing without results.

Italian outfit Como have pulled off a stunning transfer coup by agreeing to a €60 million proposal from Real Madrid to retain the services of Argentine playmaker Nico Paz. The ambitious Serie A club successfully fought off rival interest to keep their talismanic midfielder by the lake, though the Spanish giants have secured a significantly higher buy-back clause in the process.

Former Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has revealed his preference for Harry Kane over Erling Haaland, praising the England captain's superior tactical intelligence and link-up play. The legendary Uruguayan forward highlighted how Kane's unique ability to read the game and look for his team-mates sets him apart from other modern number nines.

Julian Nagelsmann has thrown his support behind Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz after their disappointing display in Germany's defeat to Ecuador. The head coach insists the creative duo will keep his faith ahead of Monday's last-32 clash and believes both players are close to rediscovering their best form.

The fact that Lionel Messi already has five goals at the 2026 World Cup is obviously a great thing for Argentina. The worry, though, is that none of his team-mates have even managed to score one. Admittedly, relying on Messi was always part of the plan. As striking legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic said on Fox Sports, "Messi isn't just Argentina's best player. He's Argentina's system."