England manager Thomas Tuchel has shown his ruthless side at the World Cup after a video emerged of him screaming at Djed Spence during a training session. Tuchel was heard telling the Tottenham full-back to "wake up" as intensity builds ahead of the Three Lions' second group-stage game against Ghana.
Danny Mills has told GOAL that âsome kind of personality clashâ has taken place between Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel, but the former is expected to learn from that as the latter makes it clear who is âthe bossâ. Real Madridâs midfield âGalacticoâ has been handed Englandâs No.10 shirt at the 2026 World Cup and started in that role for a tournament opener against Croatia.
Kylian Mbappe has brushed aside comparisons with football's biggest stars, insisting Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo remain the game's standout players. The France captain also played down talk of individual milestones, including his pursuit of the World Cup's all-time scoring record, as he focused on helping Les Bleus progress in the tournament.
Mohamed Salah starred as Egypt came from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver and secure the nation's first-ever World Cup victory. The Liverpool forward scored once and provided an assist as the Pharaohs overturned an early deficit, moving to the top of Group G and boosting their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
Marcelo Bielsa did not hold back after seeing his Uruguay side held to a frustrating 2-2 draw by Cape Verde, leaving their World Cup dreams hanging by a thread. The veteran coach watched on as his team failed to bounce back from their opening matchday draw against Saudi Arabia, with Uruguay left needing a win in their final group game against Euro 2024 winners Spain.
Marcus Rashford needs to avoid giving too much thought to a summer transfer and catching the eye in a World Cup shop window, John Barnes has told GOAL, with the Manchester United-owned forward being made aware of what England need from him. Barcelona appear to have passed on a permanent deal, while the 28-year-old is reluctant to be absorbed back into the fold at Old Trafford.
France and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has opened the door to a future move to Major League Soccer, admitting he has long admired American culture and its sense of limitless ambition. The 27-year-old also joked that Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has already started trying to recruit him to the U.S.
France star Kylian Mbappe has fiercely defended his international team-mate Ousmane Dembele following criticism of the winger's performance against Senegal. Speaking ahead of France's second 2026 World Cup fixture against Iraq, the Real Madrid forward reminded everyone of Dembele's tactical value and Ballon d'Or status, while also opening up on the pressures of captaincy and Michael Olise's impact.
Roy Keane has firmly dismissed the glowing praise directed at Thomas Tuchel following England's dramatic 4-2 World Cup victory over Croatia in Group L. While several players lauded the manager for an inspiring half-time team talk that seemed to change the game, Keane insists Tuchel was merely fulfilling the basic requirements of his role and believes the reaction has been entirely blown out of proportion.
Belgium's wait for a first win at the 2026 World Cup will go on as the Red Devils were only able to draw 0-0 with Iran on Sunday. Nathan Ngoy's red card ruined any hopes Rudi Garcia's side had of finding a late winner as they struggled to create opportunities without the deadly Jeremy Doku, who missed out due to illness.
Alexis Mac Allister has opened up on the unique challenge of playing alongside Lionel Messi, admitting that the legendary forwardâs talent is so natural it is almost impossible for others to replicate. Fresh from a dominant victory in Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria, which saw Messi bag a hat-trick, the Liverpool midfielder shed light on the standards set by his captain.
Former England striker Michael Owen has passionately defended Cristiano Ronaldo following Portugal's disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo. Despite facing heavy scrutiny for his subdued performance, which came in stark contrast to Lionel Messi's hat-trick heroics for Argentina against Algeria, Owen insists the Al-Nassr striker remains a big-game player and has backed him to "shut up" his critics.
Lamine Yamal heralded the official "arrival" of Spain at the 2026 World Cup after netting his first-ever goal in the tournament during a 4-0 thumping of Saudi Arabia. The Barcelona sensation admitted that the squad were motivated to bounce back from their opening draw against Cape Verde and prove they remain genuine contenders for the global crown.
Wayne Rooney has heaped massive praise on Lamine Yamal after the Barcelona youngster inspired Spain to a dominant 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia at the 2026 World Cup. The teenage sensation scored his first tournament goal within 10 minutes, and Manchester United legend Rooney was left completely amazed by his overall impact before he was taken off at half-time.
Cristiano Ronaldo has found a staunch ally in former international team-mate Bruno Alves as the legendary forward faces intense scrutiny at the 2026 World Cup. The Portuguese captain has come under fire following a frustrating start to the tournament, but those who have shared the pitch with him are refusing to join the chorus of disapproval.
Spain earned their first victory of the 2026 World Cup as they ran out 4-0 winners of Saudi Arabia on Sunday. Lamine Yamal returned to the line up and grabbed the opening goal before a brace from Mikel Oyarzabal and an own goal all- but ensured the European champions' place in the knockout rounds with a game to spare.
Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong has opened up about his deep admiration for Lionel Messi, describing the Argentine legend as the "perfect footballer". The Barcelona star reflected on his childhood days watching Messi shine under Pep Guardiola, revealing how incredibly special it felt to eventually share the pitch with his idol during their time together at Camp Nou.
Francisco Conceicao has insisted that Portugal players do not feel "obligated" to pass the ball to Cristiano Ronaldo at the 2026 World Cup. Speaking ahead of their crucial clash against Uzbekistan, the Juventus winger insisted the veteran striker is simply part of the collective group aiming to bounce back and succeed on the grandest stage in international football.
Michael Olise has established himself as one of the best wingers in world football for Bayern Munich and France, but the talented attacker has surprisingly revealed that playing out wide is not his preferred role. The 24-year-old, who is currently starring at the 2026 World Cup, explained that he feels most comfortable and natural operating centrally as a traditional number 10.
Former Barcelona manager Xavi has lavished praise on Lionel Messi, comparing the Argentine icon to basketball legend Michael Jordan. The tribute comes in the wake of Messi's stunning hat-trick against Algeria at the 2026 World Cup, which saw him equal the record for the most goals ever scored at the tournament.
Egypt manager Hossam Hassan has moved quickly to dismiss rumours of a rift with captain Mohamed Salah after substituting the former Liverpool superstar during their opening 2026 World Cup fixture against Belgium. Salah was surprisingly taken off in the 76th minute with the match tied at 1-1, prompting widespread speculation of a fallout between the talisman and his coach.
Gary Lineker has hit back at Micah Richards in typically blunt fashion after being labelled an "absolute traitor" for joining ITVâs World Cup coverage. The former Match of the Day host made a shock appearance on the rival network's set in New York ahead of Germany's clash with Ivory Coast.
Brazil president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has poked fun at Neymar's injury-plagued start to the 2026 World Cup, jokingly labelling the forward the first player in history to "work from home". The Santos star has been a spectator for the early stages of the tournament in North America while recovering from a persistent calf problem.
Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal has predicted that he will eventually transition into a central role, following in the tactical footsteps of club legend Lionel Messi. The 18-year-old high-flyer is currently tearing up the wings for club and country but believes moving inside is inevitable to escape the constant triple-marking he faces.
Dan Burn has heaped praise on Jude Bellinghamâs emergence as a genuine leader within the England squad, jokingly questioning the Real Madrid superstar's age in the process. The Newcastle United defender believes the midfielderâs influence is now on par with captain Harry Kane as the Three Lions hunt for World Cup glory.
Diogo Dalot has revealed that the Portugal squad held a detailed meeting before the World Cup to prepare for the inevitable social media backlash that follows any Cristiano Ronaldo performance. Despite the outside noise following a disappointing opening result, the Manchester United defender insists the group remains "unshakable" in their support for their captain.
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