Spain captain Rodri believes his side has what it takes to overcome France in their blockbuster World Cup semi-final clash in Dallas. The Manchester City midfielder is drawing confidence from recent victories over Les Bleus as La Roja aim to reach their first global final since 2010.
Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, just weeks after being removed from FIFA's list of World Cup officials following a UK police investigation that was ultimately dropped for lack of evidence.
Bayern Munich have reportedly stepped up their interest in Barcelona defender Jules Kounde as they look to bolster their backline ahead of the new campaign. The Bundesliga giants have made formal enquiries following the Frenchman's standout performances on the international stage this summer.
Samuel Eto'o has claimed that Kylian Mbappe does not receive the level of appreciation his record-breaking performances deserve in his home country. Despite leading France to the brink of another World Cup final, the legendary striker believes the Real Madrid man is held to a different standard than other icons of the game.
Lionel Messi is “more mortal now”, former England international Gary Pallister has told GOAL, with the Three Lions considered to be capable of ending Argentina’s World Cup title defence. Thomas Tuchel’s side are due to lock horns with the reigning champions on Wednesday, with questions already being asked of how best to contain an evergreen all-time great.
The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has officially announced the return of Slaven Bilic as the head coach of the senior national team. The former West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion manager ends a two-year break from the dugout to succeed Zlatko Dalic, who stepped down following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA’s Creator Correspondent program has given 30 TikTok personalities remarkable access at the World Cup - and offered a glimpse of how social media is reshaping soccer coverage in North America.
Former Liverpool and Fulham defender John Arne Riise has launched a stinging critique of Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting the legendary forward should retire from international football immediately. The Norwegian believes the Al-Nassr star is no longer capable of performing at the highest level and is actively hindering Portugal's progress.
Pedro Porro has emerged as a vital component of Spain's starting line-up at the 2026 World Cup, forming a formidable partnership with Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal. Despite starting the tournament on the bench, the Tottenham defender has become indispensable for Luis de la Fuente on the right flank, and has now opened up on his connection with Yamal.
Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel have “history” and continue to butt heads occasionally, but former England international Gary Pallister has told GOAL why the pair’s latest exchange of words is nothing more than a “storm in a teacup”. The Three Lions’ class of 2026 are chasing down immortality at the World Cup in North America, with it important that no cracks are allowed to form in that camp.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has expressed his immense admiration for Lionel Messi’s continued brilliance, describing the forward's 2026 World Cup campaign as "extraordinary". Speaking from Dallas ahead of the tournament's semi-finals, Laporta also took the opportunity to evaluate the performances of Lamine Yamal and Anthony Gordon.
Manchester United are set to seal a sensational move for Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans after triggering a £35m release clause in the Belgian's contract. The Red Devils have pivoted quickly in the transfer market to bolster their midfield options under Michael Carrick.
Spain captain Rodri has called on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal to control his "anxiety" and desire to impress as La Roja prepare for a monumental World Cup semi-final against France. The Manchester City midfielder believes the Barcelona youngster remains a vital component of the team but needs to rediscover his composure to reach peak performance.
Florian Wirtz endured a difficult debut season at Liverpool on the back of his £116 million ($155m) transfer to Anfield, with Danny Murphy telling GOAL that double figures for goals and assists will be the “bare minimum” requirement in 2026-27. The Germany international is aware that patience can only stretch so far when it comes to making a telling contribution to the collective cause.
Brazil icon Neymar has wasted no time finding a new competitive outlet following the Selecao's disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign. The 34-year-old was spotted at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas just days after his country was eliminated from the tournament by Norway.
Portugal's new head coach Jorge Jesus has wasted no time in addressing the elephant in the room, confirming that Cristiano Ronaldo remains a fundamental part of his international project. The veteran manager, who recently tasted success with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner in Saudi Arabia, insists the legendary forward will continue to lead the line for the Selecao.
Uruguay are preparing to turn to one of their greatest-ever icons to lead the national team following a disastrous 2026 World Cup campaign. Former Manchester United forward Diego Forlan is closing in on a deal to take charge of the Celeste setup after the departure of Marcelo Bielsa.
Watch the video again and you can almost see Jude Bellingham loading his answer as the interviewer navigates the question. The Real Madrid superstar had just been informed that his manager, Thomas Tuchel, was "disappointed" with England's performance following a gusty 2-1 win over Norway in Miami on Saturday night. Bellingham's remarkably clippable response? "Whatever."
Kylian Mbappe will be relishing France's World Cup semi-final clash with Spain more than most. Not only is this the opportunity to exact revenge for the painful defeat to La Roja at the same stage of Euro 2024 two years ago, but the attacker also has the chance to deliver a rebuttal to his vociferous critics back in Madrid after a tumultuous season at club level. What's more, he comes into the showdown in the form of his life.
Former England international Joe Cole has sensationally claimed that the Three Lions will "put Lionel Messi to bed" when they meet Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals. Despite the daunting task of facing the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, Cole is adamant that England's superior pace will prove too much for the Albiceleste.
Ibrahima Konate has hit back at Lamine Yamal’s claims that France should be "afraid" of Spain ahead of their blockbuster World Cup semi-final tie. Speaking from the French camp in Boston, the Real Madrid defender insisted Les Bleus are remaining humble and blocking out external noise.
Morgan Rogers has hit back at the "ridiculous" pre-World Cup narrative that suggested Jude Bellingham should be dropped from the England starting XI. The Real Madrid superstar has been the standout performer for the Three Lions in North America, silencing critics with a series of match-winning displays under Thomas Tuchel.
Michael Olise is reportedly seeking an urgent meeting with Bayern Munich officials to discuss his future following a sensational World Cup campaign that has seen his market value skyrocket. The France international is at a crossroads in Bavaria as interest from Real Madrid continues to intensify behind the scenes.
Erling Haaland’s uncharacteristically quiet performance in Norway’s World Cup quarter-final exit to England has been attributed to a sickness bug that swept through the camp. The Manchester City superstar appeared a shadow of his usual self before being hauled off in extra time as the Three Lions secured a 2-1 victory.
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