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Argentina ratings

Messi is the GOAT - but Lautaro & Alvarez need to start scoring

Lionel Messi became the World Cup's all-time leading scorer, and then added another goal for good measure, as Argentina beat Austria 2-0 in a bad-tempered game in Dallas to maintain their winning start to their title defence. The greatest player of all time should have broken Miroslav Klose's record after just eight minutes of play, when the Albiceleste were awarded a penalty for a Stefan Posch foul on Lautaro Martinez, but Messi dragged his spot-kick wide.

England World Cup 2026 Media Activity

Watkins defends Doku amid childbirth criticism

England striker Ollie Watkins has staunchly defended Jeremy Doku following widespread criticism over the Belgian winger's decision to leave the World Cup to attend the birth of his first child. Watkins hit back at viral comments labelling childbirth as a "disgusting moment", insisting that welcoming a firstborn is a blessing that transcends football.

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Courtois says Madrid future is out of his hands

Thibaut Courtois has opened up about his long-term future at Real Madrid, admitting that while he dreams of retiring at the Bernabeu, the final decision rests with the club. The 34-year-old Belgian international remains at the top of his game and is widely regarded as one of the premier goalkeepers in world football.

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Australia v Türkiye: Group D - FIFA World Cup 2026

Turkey 'stand by' coach despite World Cup humiliation

Turkey’s long-awaited return to the World Cup stage turned into a nightmare after they were dumped out of the tournament with a group stage game to spare. Despite the intense backlash following defeats to Australia and Paraguay, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has taken a definitive stance on the future of head coach Vincenzo Montella.

Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal GFX

Portugal need Martinez to learn when to axe ageing Ronaldo

Another major tournament, another debate raging around Portugal's continued selection of Cristiano Ronaldo. The veteran forward's anonymous performance in his country's World Cup opener against DR Congo has reignited the now-biennial discussion over whether or not he should still be starting for the Seleccao at the grand old age of 41. Although you shouldn't expect anything to actually change so long as Roberto Martinez is in charge, the manager must learn when to take action.

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Carlos insists Brazil 'will improve a lot' with Neymar back

Brazil icon Roberto Carlos believes the Selecao are ready to turn a corner at the 2026 World Cup provided they can successfully reintegrate Neymar into the starting XI. Speaking during the tournament in North America, the legendary left-back offered a candid assessment of the current squad compared to rivals Argentina while backing Carlo Ancelotti’s side to make a deep run.

Lionel Messi Harry Kane Kylian Mbappe 2026 World Cup

Golden Boot: Will Kane be watching Messi, Mbappe & Haaland?

Harry Kane lives for scoring goals, but will England’s record-shattering captain be keeping an eye on how the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are faring at the 2026 World Cup? Three Lions legend John Barnes has addressed that Golden Boot battle during an exclusive interview with GOAL, as individual ambition is blended with the collective pursuit of global glory.

Ibrahimovic-Belgium

Ibrahimovic brutally roasts Belgium after 0-0 draw with Iran

Belgium’s World Cup campaign has hit a stuttering start following two consecutive draws, but while the points tally is a concern, it is the performance levels that have drawn the sharpest tongue in football. Zlatan Ibrahimovic did not hold back when assessing their latest stalemate against Iran, delivering a scathing review of the Red Devils' toothless display.

Scott McTominay Scotland 2026 World Cup Morocco

‘A lot of suitors’ - McTominay gets EPL transfer advice

Scott McTominay has become a talismanic presence for Scotland and Napoli, but will the former Manchester United midfielder fancy another shot at life in the Premier League? Kenny Miller has explained to GOAL why the revitalised 29-year-old has no need to consider a retracing of steps at club level after finding professional and personal dreams to live in Italy.

Portugal v Spain - UEFA Nations League 2025 Final

Shearer: Martinez may not be 'allowed' to sub Ronaldo

Premier League legend Alan Shearer has raised questions over Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence within the Portugal setup, suggesting head coach Roberto Martinez may not even be "allowed" to substitute his captain. As the 41-year-old icon competes in what is likely his final World Cup, the debate over his role in the starting XI has reached boiling point.