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FIFA president Gianni Infantino has dismissed any doubts regarding Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, insisting the nation will be present despite the escalating war involving co-hosts the United States. Football's world governing body chief has moved to provide clarity on Iran’s status after geopolitical tensions led to suggestions that their involvement could be at risk.

Thierry Henry has issued a blunt challenge to Mikel Arteta, demanding that Arsenal back up their manager's claims of internal "fire" when they visit Manchester City this weekend. The club legend laughed off the suggestion that the Gunners could secure a result at the Etihad if they repeat the disjointed performances seen in recent outings.

Mateus Mane has been linked with Manchester United and Liverpool, but Don Goodman has told GOAL why the Wolves wonderkid is not yet a £50 million ($68m) player. At 18 years of age, the fleet-footed forward has made quite the impression with Premier League strugglers during a breakthrough campaign. An expensive transfer flop at Everton is, however, being used as a warning to Mane when it comes to important decisions on his future.

Jurgen Klopp, Vivianne Miedema, and Juan Mata are leading the charge for the beautiful game's first-ever global day of charity. Here is everything you need to know.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery produced a classic deadpan moment during his pre-match duties that left midfielder Youri Tielemans struggling to keep a straight face. As the Spaniard shut down questions regarding potential suspensions, his blunt delivery sparked a wave of laughter in the media room ahead of their Europa League quarter-final second leg clash against Italian side Bologna.

The West Ham United icon suffered a bloody injury during a heated Champions League broadcast after an animated debate led to an accidental collision with his desk. Former England manager Fabio Capello was forced to intervene during the live post-match analysis to provide medical assistance as the Italian pundit began to bleed from his forehead.

This summer’s World Cup final will feature the first-ever half-time show, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced.

Newcastle United have been rocked by the news that Anthony Gordon is open to leaving St James' Park this summer as he targets a move to a Champions League heavyweight. The England international is reportedly eager to have his future resolved before the World Cup begins, sparking a potential bidding war among Europe's elite.

Liverpool FC has surprise plans for manager Arne Slot’s future.

Chelsea have been advised to find a goalkeeping upgrade on Robert Sanchez that “doesn’t make mistakes”, with Marcel Desailly telling GOAL why change is required between the sticks at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have struggled to find a reliable No.1 in recent times, with it possible that they will dip into the transfer market again this summer in a bid to right that wrong.

Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand aimed a pointed dig at Arsenal's tactical approach following his side's Champions League quarter-final exit at the Emirates Stadium. The Danish midfielder expressed his frustration with the lack of rhythm in the contest, suggesting that the Gunners' repetitive set-piece delays resulted in a boring spectacle.

Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior were involved in a furious on-field spat as Real Madrid crashed out of the Champions League against Bayern Munich. The England international was left incensed by his team-mate's decision-making during a pivotal moment of the second half, leading to a blunt verbal exchange between the two superstars.

Bayern Munich may have secured a famous victory over Real Madrid to reach the Champions League semi-finals, but they will have to navigate the first leg against Paris Saint-Germain without Vincent Kompany. The Belgian coach has been hit with a touchline ban following a night of high tension and disciplinary drama at the Allianz Arena.

Harry Kane has sent a defiant message to Paris Saint-Germain, insisting that Bayern Munich are capable of beating any team in world football. The England captain reached a remarkable half-century of goals for the season as the German giants produced a stunning comeback to eliminate Real Madrid in a classic quarter-final encounter.

Real Madrid’s Arda Güler made history during the club’s painful Champions League quarter-final exit against FC Bayern Munich.

After years of attempting to stockpile some of the best young talent around, it seems Chelsea are finally set for a dramatic shift in their transfer strategy as they struggle to keep pace with their rivals both domestically and abroad. With the Blues out of the Champions League and lagging behind in the gruelling chase for a top-five Premier League finish, the hierarchy is ready to change tack.

Wrexham’s sights remain firmly locked on the Premier League, but Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac have been informed that the Red Dragons are “outsiders” and “underdogs” to hit that target in 2026. Following a record-breaking run of three successive promotions, Don Goodman has explained to GOAL why the Welsh outfit should be happy with their efforts if a fourth falls agonisingly out of reach.

Emotions are running high at Real Madrid after their Champions League exit against FC Bayern Munich. The anger is directed at referee Slavko Vincic.

Real Madrid’s Champions League dreams crumbled in spectacular and chaotic fashion at the Allianz Arena as frustration boiled over into a full-scale confrontation with the officials. Jude Bellingham was at the heart of a group of furious Blancos stars who chased referee Slavko Vincic at the final whistle following a night of red cards and late heartbreak.

Real Madrid’s team bus departed the Allianz Arena without Vinicius Junior following their dramatic Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich. The Brazilian forward was required to stay behind in Bavaria to complete mandatory post-match duties.

Bayern Munich have eliminated Real Madrid and reached the Champions League semi-finals. After a 2-1 first-leg win, the Bavarians prevailed 4-3 in a thrilling return match. Player ratings for the FCB squad.

Alvaro Arbeloa has lashed out at the “unjust” officiating that saw Eduardo Camavinga dismissed during Real Madrid’s dramatic Champions League quarter-final exit at Bayern Munich. The Los Blancos boss has questioned the referee's competence after a chaotic 6-4 aggregate defeat ended the Spanish giants' hopes of securing a 16th European title.

FC Bayern have beaten Real Madrid in the second leg and now stand deserved semi-finalists in the Champions League. Nevertheless, Joshua Kimmich is sounding a note of caution and pointing once more to a 2016 clash.

Nottingham Forest legend Stan Collymore has told GOAL how Callum Hudson-Odoi can go about rediscovering his lost spark. The former Chelsea winger has earned trust from four different managers at the City Ground this season, but goals and assists have been in short supply. A “mental” block is considered to be impacting efforts to find top form, with the talented 25-year-old being urged to go back to “basics”.

Declan Rice has sent a defiant message to Manchester City, insisting that Arsenal are prepared to go all out for victory in Sunday’s monumental Premier League clash. The Gunners midfielder believes his side have the mentality required to handle the pressure of the Etihad Stadium as the title race reaches its boiling point.

Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl says he cannot comprehend Real Madrid’s fierce criticism of Eduardo Camavinga’s red card.

What a game! What a tie, in fact! Bayern Munich's Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid had a bit of everything: great goals, goalkeeping gaffes and incredibly controversial calls. The net result was the kind of engrossing encounter that makes a mockery of Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis' claim that we need to change the game to make it more appealing to young people.

Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany expressed frustration after being booked following his side’s dramatic Champions League win over Real Madrid.

In the winter of 2022, under the lights of Lusail, Lionel Messi finally realised the dream he'd carried with him his entire life. After years of unrelenting pressure, bitter heartbreak and agonising near-misses, Argentina’s captain rose above expectation on football’s grandest stage to deliver his country the perfect ending - and to fulfill his own destiny. Welcome to the latest episode of Icons - a GOAL podcast that revisits the last 10 World Cups through the moments, characters, and controversies that defined them, bringing the spirit of each tournament vividly back to life.