Thomas Tuchel has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of England’s monumental World Cup semi-final clash against Argentina, insisting the Three Lions have the blueprint to nullify Lionel Messi. The German tactician believes that while the Inter Miami superstar remains a unique threat, England’s success in silencing Erling Haaland during the quarter-finals proves they can handle the world's most dangerous attackers.
Folarin Balogun has opened up on the "unfortunate" circumstances that saw the United States men's national team thrust into a political storm during the 2026 World Cup. The striker admitted that his team-mates were visibly affected by the outside noise after his red card suspension was sensationally overturned by FIFA, as the USMNT subsequently suffered a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16.
Spain midfielder Rodri has hit out at the officiating standards during La Roja's World Cup semi-final victory over France, claiming teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is not being afforded enough protection. Despite securing a place in the final, the Manchester City star expressed his frustration at the rough treatment handed out to the Barcelona wonderkid.
Didier Deschamps was left fuming with the officiating as France saw their dreams of a third consecutive World Cup final crushed by a clinical Spain side in Texas. The Les Bleus boss pointed the finger at referee Ivan Barton following a controversial first-half penalty that set the tone for a miserable night.
Against all the odds and pre-match conjecture, it is Spain who progressed to the final of the 2026 World Cup after overcoming France and their fabled forward line with alarming ease in Dallas on Tuesday. It was quite incredible just how routine the 2-0 victory was, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele all failing to show up as the tournament favourites bowed out with a whimper.
Thomas Tuchel has moved to dismiss suggestions of a rift within the England camp, insisting there are "no cracks" in his relationship with Jude Bellingham. The Three Lions boss claimed the pair are "closer than ever" despite the Real Madrid superstar publicly challenging his manager's assessment following their dramatic World Cup quarter-final victory over Norway.
Kobbie Mainoo has been surprisingly snubbed by Thomas Tuchel throughout the 2026 World Cup, but Michael Owen has told GOAL why the Manchester United midfielder may yet have a Geoff Hurst role to play for England. The 21-year-old is having to be patient in pursuit of game time at FIFA’s flagship event, but “unlikely heroes” have emerged at previous tournaments.
Michael Owen has - during an exclusive interview with GOAL - lauded the Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne-esque influence of Jude Bellingham on England’s World Cup class of 2026, discussed the Ballon d’Or battle that could soon break out between international team-mates and what the Three Lions need to do in order to bring 60 years of hurt to a close.
Luis de la Fuente has issued a chilling warning to Spain's potential World Cup final opponents, declaring that his side currently feel "unbeatable" following their dominant semi-final triumph over France. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro secured a 2-0 victory in Arlington, booking La Roja's place in the showpiece event in New York this Sunday.
It's testament to the progress that England have made over the last decade that, in the eyes of many, they will be favourites when they come up against World Cup holders Argentina in the semi-finals of the 2026 edition on Wednesday. Of course, a side containing the great Lionel Messi still poses an existential threat to the Three Lions' chances of ending six decades of hurt, but Thomas Tuchel's men have nothing to fear in Atalanta.
England cult hero Dan Burn is more than just a “head it and kick it” centre-half, Gary Pallister has told GOAL, with another defender from the North East explaining why a 2026 World Cup viral sensation was always destined to make it. Burn may have doubted that himself at times, but is now a trophy-winning Premier League regular and vital “finisher” with his country.
Kylian Mbappe has taken a public swipe at Didier Deschamps' tactical approach following France's disappointing 2-0 World Cup semi-final exit at the hands of Spain. The Les Bleus captain did not hold back in his post-match assessment, suggests that a lack of communication and a failed pressing triggers allowed La Roja’s midfield to dominate the contest in Arlington.
England legend Sir Geoff Hurst has thrown his support behind Jude Bellingham following the midfielder's dismissive response to criticism from manager Thomas Tuchel. After the Real Madrid star inspired a quarter-final victory over Norway, he brushed off the German coach's assessment of the team's performance with a blunt reply.
Erling Haaland treated his Norway team-mates and staff to an unforgettable $10,000 shopping spree at a famous western store in Dallas during the 2026 World Cup. The Manchester City striker bought cowboy hats, custom boots, and bizarre taxidermy souvenirs, including a $750 raccoon holding a bottle of liquor, after leading his country to a historic quarter-final run in the United States.
France's World Cup campaign ended in dismal fashion on Tuesday as Didier Deschamps' side were outclassed by Spain in a 2-0 defeat that saw Les Bleus heroes Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele kept quiet. France failed to register a single shot on target in the first 80 minutes of the semi-final as La Roja progressed at their expense.
Arsenal and France defender William Saliba was forced off the pitch during his nation's World Cup semi-final match against Spain due to a back injury. France ultimately suffered a 2-0 defeat, ending their campaign. Saliba has been managing the issue for several months, and his sudden withdrawal has sparked fears that he may now require surgery ahead of the new season.
Spain secured their place in the 2026 World Cup final with a comprehensive 2-0 win over France on Tuesday. A penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal and a second-half strike from Pedro Porro secured victory for La Roja during a dominant display in Dallas that will have struck fear into both England and Argentina as they prepare for their own semi-final.
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has revealed his unique psychological approach to facing Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, admitting he intentionally avoided mentioning Lionel Messi by name. The Pharaohs boss was determined to prevent his squad from becoming overwhelmed by the aura of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
England should have enough quality to overcome Argentina in their blockbuster World Cup semi-final, but only if they can successfully nullify the threat of Lionel Messi. Former Manchester United and Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre has warned Thomas Tuchel's side that the Inter Miami superstar is at his most dangerous when he appears to be doing the least, prowling the pitch in search of his next match-winning moment.
Former Aston Villa forward Gabby Agbonlahor has boldly claimed that Jude Bellingham, rather than Declan Rice, is destined to succeed Harry Kane as the next England captain. Bellingham has been the standout performer at this summer's World Cup, leading his nation to the semi-finals, and his incredible leadership qualities on the pitch have convinced pundits of his future role.
Lionel Messi has redefined how to influence matches at the World Cup, staggering fans by walking for almost half of his time on the pitch. As Argentina prepare to face England in a highly anticipated semi-final, staggering statistics show exactly how the forward is adapting his game to dominate opponents and preserve his energy for the most crucial, game-changing moments.
Football fans are in for an unforgettable spectacle as the 2026 World Cup reaches its grand conclusion. An incredible lineup featuring Hollywood actor Tom Cruise, pop superstar Nicole Scherzinger, and renowned internet personality IShowSpeed will headline the closing ceremony ahead of the final match in New Jersey, promising an unprecedented blend of music, culture, and sporting drama.
Claude Makelele has hailed Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe as the modern-day successor to Ronaldo Nazario, tipping the Frenchman to secure the 2026 Ballon d'Or. The former Los Blancos midfielder believes Mbappe's impact on the world stage puts him in a category of his own among his peers.
Brazil's Olympic gold-winning coach Rogerio Micale has questioned Carlo Ancelotti's treatment of Neymar during the 2026 World Cup, comparing the forward to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite Neymar announcing his international retirement following a devastating exit against Norway, Micale insists the attacker should reconsider and aim for the 2030 tournament.
Frenkie de Jong has suffered a serious knee injury upon returning to Barcelona following the World Cup. The midfielder underwent initial medical checks on Monday, revealing an issue that has caused immense concern. He is now staring at a significant period on the treatment table, dealing a devastating blow to his team's preparations ahead of the upcoming season.
Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario has sent a public message to Neymar, urging the forward not to rush into international retirement following a devastating 2026 World Cup exit. The Santos star hinted that his time with the Selecao was over after a shock defeat in North America, but he has now been told to take a step back before making a final call.
FIFA has officially announced that American referee Ismail Elfath will officiate England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina. The 44-year-old experienced MLS official, widely regarded as a lucky charm for Lionel Messi, will oversee the blockbuster clash in Atlanta on Wednesday night as Thomas Tuchel aims to guide the Three Lions past the defending world champions.
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
