Croatia secured their first points of the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama at the Toronto Stadium. As Luka Modric celebrated a major international milestone, the result keeps Zlatko Dalic's side firmly in the hunt for a place in the knockout stages while ending Panama's tournament hopes with a game to spare.
In his first season at the Chicago Fire, Mbekezeli Mbokazi has become an All-Star in the United States - polling more votes than Argentine GOAT Lionel Messi. Fellow countryman and MLS trailblazer Doctor Khumalo has told GOAL why the talented 20-year-old defender - who is now on 2026 World Cup duty - has become a global “ambassador for South African football” and remains on course to be “one of the greatest players” on the planet.
Cristiano Ronaldo was in no mood to discuss his long-time rival Lionel Messi despite silencing his own doubters with a vintage performance at the 2026 World Cup. While the legendary forward netted twice in Portugal's dominant victory over Uzbekistan, an awkward post-match exchange in the mixed zone still drew plenty of attention.
England came back down to earth at the World Cup as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Ghana on Tuesday. Unlike against Croatia in their opening game, Thomas Tuchel's side were unable to produce in the final third against the Black Stars, and thus missed the chance to potentially wrap up top spot in Group L with a match to spare.
Former England international Gabby Agbonlahor has backed Lionel Messi to win the Premier League and Champions League if he signs for Aston Villa. The pundit also tipped the Argentina captain, who recently became the all-time leading goalscorer in the global tournament with 18 goals, to continue playing at the highest level and grace the 2030 World Cup at the age of 43.
Antonela Roccuzzo took to social media to celebrate her husband Lionel Messi after the Argentina captain broke the all-time World Cup goalscoring record. Watched by his proud family in Dallas, the forward scored twice in a thrilling 2-0 victory over Austria, taking his tournament tally to 18 goals and surpassing Miroslav Klose to make football history.
Kylian Mbappe has taken the 2026 World Cup by storm, not just with his clinical finishing but with a brand-new goal celebration that has left fans around the globe intrigued. The France captain, traditionally known for his crossed-arms pose, has swapped his trademark routine for an imaginary flute performance after finding the net in North America.
Cristiano Ronaldo was in a defiant mood after leading Portugal to a dominant 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, insisting his side have truly arrived at the 2026 World Cup. The legendary forward silenced his detractors in Houston with a clinical double that secured three vital points for the Selecao.
France manager Didier Deschamps will miss their 2026 World Cup Group I decider against Norway in the United States following the passing of his mother. Assistant Guy Stephan takes charge of the national team who have already reached the Round of 32, with the winner of Friday's clash set to top the group as Deschamps' final tournament at the helm takes an emotional turn.
Jude Bellingham has officially made history at the 2026 World Cup, becoming the youngest player to reach 50 caps for the England national team. The Real Madrid midfielder surpassed the previous record held by Wayne Rooney, further cementing his vital role under Thomas Tuchel as the Three Lions push for glory and look to secure their group's top spot.
Canada are one result from topping Group B and staying home for the knockouts as they face Switzerland with momentum, belief and Ismaël Koné’s injury looming large.
France manager Didier Deschamps has fiercely defended Ousmane Dembele following an impressive display against Iraq. The Ballon d'Or winner faced heavy criticism after a quiet performance against Senegal, where he failed to register a shot on target. However, he silenced doubters with a goal and an assist, proving why he recently led Paris Saint-Germain to European glory.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal answered their critics in style as they ran out 5-0 winners over Uzbekistan to record their first victory of the 2026 World Cup. Ronaldo netted twice to become his country's top goal-scorer in finals history, while a fine free-kick from Nuno Mendes, a second-half own goal from Abdukodir Khusanov and a late strike from substitute Rafael Leao ensured Roberto Martinez's side bounced back from their disappointing opening draw with DR Congo.
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again silenced the critics by etching his name into the record books as the first male player to score in six different World Cup tournaments. Despite mounting pressure regarding his age and international form, the 41-year-old icon proved that his clinical instincts remain sharp on the grandest stage of all.
Luis Suarez has lauded Lionel Messi following his record-breaking exploits for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. The Inter Miami striker expressed his joy at seeing his close friend perform at the highest level after Messi became the outright top scorer in World Cup history. Suarez insisted that watching Messi play remains an absolute pleasure as the team target tournament glory.
Mexico have already secured first place, but Javier Aguirre still faces key decisions as El Tri prepare to face Czechia before the World Cup knockout rounds.
Kevin De Bruyne has issued a stark warning to his Belgium team-mates, admitting the squad has failed to meet expectations during a stuttering World Cup campaign. The Red Devils face the very real prospect of a group-stage exit after failing to win either of their opening two fixtures in North America.
The world is learning more and more about the American striker, who could become a household name both in the U.S. and Europe if he continues to perform.
Tottenham captain Cristian Romero has downplayed fears of a serious knee injury after being forced off during Argentina's 2-0 World Cup victory over Austria. Romero was substituted early in the second half but remains optimistic about his recovery for the final group match, offering reassurance to both Argentina and Tottenham amid growing concerns about his long-term fitness.
Joao Cancelo has passionately defended his team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo and Brazil star Neymar from intense media criticism at the World Cup. The Portugal defender insists that both players have already cemented their legacies in football and do not need to prove their worth to anyone, despite Ronaldo's slow start and Neymar's recent injury woes in the tournament.
Arsenal and England star Declan Rice has paid a glowing tribute to international team-mate Harry Kane, admitting it has been an "honour" to play alongside the prolific striker. The dynamic midfielder revealed how Kane actively drives standards within the England camp as the Three Lions look to secure a place in the World Cup knockout rounds.
Argentina star Lionel Messi's double against Austria saw him break the World Cup scoring record. The achievement left his team-mates full of admiration, with Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes and Lisandro Martinez all paying tribute to the captain's enduring brilliance and influence.
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.
Lionel Messi's two goals helped Argentina defeat Austria in their Group J match, but Lionel Scaloni was also impressed by his captain's work without the ball. The Albiceleste coach praised Messi's commitment and influence, while warning that the path to defending the World Cup will remain difficult despite their strong start.
England have been blessed with some great goalkeepers down the years - from Gordon Banks to David Seaman - but where does current No.1 Jordan Pickford sit among those? Another iconic shot-stopper, the Three Lions’ record appearance-maker Peter Shilton, has taken on the challenge of answering that question during an exclusive interview with GOAL.
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