Southampton U23 Overview

Messi Mbappe Haaland World Cup Golden boot 16:9

World Cup Golden Boot standings: Messi trails Mbappe

The 2026 World Cup is in its final stages and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. With only three of the original 48 nations left in the tournament, which star will take home the illustrious award? Here, GOAL tracks the tournament's most prolific stars.

Spain v Cabo Verde: Group H - FIFA World Cup 2026

How have debutant teams performed at the FIFA World Cup?

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 is the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde have achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, with the African nation to face Lionel Messi's Argentina on Friday.

Senegal vs Iraq FIFA World Cup 2026 Preview

GOAL brings you everything you need to know about Senegal vs Iraq at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

USA v Paraguay: Group D - FIFA World Cup 2026

Hart claims 'something's up' with Trionda ball after repeat World Cup goals

Joe Hart has raised concerns over the adidas Trionda ball being used at the 2026 World Cup after noticing a recurring pattern in goals scored from distance. The former England goalkeeper believes shots struck without spin are causing major problems for goalkeepers, with several high-profile keepers struggling to judge the ball's flight.

Mbappe admits storm delay made him 'very nervous' in France win

Kylian Mbappe admitted he struggled to stay composed after a severe storm in Philadelphia forced a lengthy suspension during France's World Cup clash with Iraq. The France captain revealed the disruption tested the squad mentally before he scored twice in a 3-0 victory to help his side overcome the challenging circumstances.

France v Iraq: Group I - FIFA World Cup 2026

Fans warned against attending France clash with Iraq

World Cup organisers have issued an urgent warning to supporters ahead of the Group I clash between France and Iraq, advising fans not to travel to the Philadelphia Stadium. Severe weather in the region has already forced a delay to the opening of the stadium gates, with the scheduled kick-off now under threat.