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Explore our soccer expert’s USMNT vs Paraguay predictions, pre Friday’s 9:00pm ET World Cup clash (6/12).

USMNT opens Group D at the World Cup against Paraguay Friday at 9pm ET in LA. Use NoVig bonus code GOAL100 for $50 in Novig Coins (6/12).

An expanded 48-team World Cup has led to some unbalanced groups. Combining outright dual-forecast bets could be a smart strategy.

USMNT opens its World Cup campaign against Paraguay Friday at 9pm ET in Inglewood, CA. Use bet365 bonus code GOALBET for $365 in bonus bets (6/12).

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Micky van de Ven can “level up” and become “one of the best in the world”, Toby Alderweireld has told GOAL, with the Dutch defender being informed that he does not need to leave Tottenham in order to join the elite. Speculation is raging around the Netherlands international in north London, with serious questions being asked of his future as another transfer window prepares to swing open.

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Manchester City have been warned that they will find it “hard” to keep Rodri if Real Madrid come calling, with Peter Reid telling GOAL why more prominent figures are likely to follow Pep Guardiola out of the Etihad Stadium. A summer of change is on the cards, with it possible that a Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder will form part of what could become an elaborate refresh.

Arne Slot has followed Mohamed Salah through the exits at Liverpool, but would the latter have agreed to stay and see out his contract if he knew that the former was going to be sacked? Danny Murphy is not convinced that was ever the case, with the ex-Reds midfielder telling GOAL how the Egyptian King’s powers had faded to the point that a fresh start was probably the best option for all concerned.

Premier League heavyweights such as Arsenal and Liverpool gave Barcelona a free run at Anthony Gordon when exit doors opened up at Newcastle, with Chris Waddle explaining to GOAL why the England international ended up in Catalunya rather than north London. An €80 million (£69m/$92m) transfer has taken Gordon away from his homeland and onto the books of La Liga champions.

Rayan Cherki has been earning plenty of plaudits at Manchester City, with Frank Leboeuf telling GOAL why the mercurial playmaker deserves to be compared with Zinedine Zidane - the GOAT of French football. That is some billing, but two magical midfielders are considered to share a number of traits - including on-field skill sets and off-pitch ticket-selling qualities.

Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has told GOAL why he is “a little bit worried” about Alexander Isak, with the £125 million ($167m) striker under pressure to deliver during his second season at Anfield. The most expensive player in British football has been warned that his price tag will count for nothing if he offers little return on that record-shattering investment.

Some surprising names have finished as the top scorer at previous World Cups. Is it worth looking beyond the favourites for a Golden Boot bet in 2026?

Get a first look at Japan’s 2026 kits ahead of the FIFA World Cup

Explore the top game-day foods from 2026 World Cup Groups D, E and F, plus NYC restaurants to watch matches and sample global flavors.

Harry Kane has been urged to ignore the familiar debate that his role in England’s team continues to generate, with Chris Waddle telling GOAL why the record-shattering striker should be granted complete freedom to do whatever he wants. The Three Lions’ talismanic captain does pose their greatest goal threat, but there is no pressure on him to operate in and around the penalty area at all times.

Get three Canada vs Bosnia predictions from our soccer expert, before Friday’s 3pm ET World Cup clash (6/12).

Vinicius Jr promised that he would do it "10x" if he had to. Those were his words after he did not win the 2024 Ballon d'Or despite a stellar individual season. In fairness, the Brazilian had a fair claim to the trophy - Rodri may have deserved it, but few would have complained if Vinicius got his hands on the Golden Ball.

Richarlison is likely to become “collateral damage” at Tottenham during the summer transfer window, Danny Murphy has told GOAL, with the Brazilian striker expected to be moved on as part of Roberto De Zerbi’s refresh. Comings and goings aplenty are being mooted in north London, with Spurs seeking a positive response to two relegation-threatened campaigns.

Michael Olise is considered to be “simply the best” right winger in world football at the moment, with Frank Leboeuf telling GOAL why the Bayern Munich star can currently be ranked above Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal. A French World Cup winner from 1998 is hoping to see a talismanic performer in the present inspire Les Bleus to global glory in 2026.

Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck has reacted to transfer interest from Real Madrid as Jose Mourinho looks to trigger his unique release clause. The German international recently signed an extension until 2031, but a special exit path has put the Spanish giants and fellow suitors Liverpool on high alert ahead of the summer window.

Paul Pogba insists his long-term ambition remains a return to the France national team despite an injury-hit spell at Monaco. The midfielder has managed only limited minutes since restarting his career in Ligue 1, but says regaining full fitness and reaching the highest level again remains his immediate priority.

In a GOAL exclusive, USWNT legend Alex Morgan backs the U.S. men to make noise at the World Cup and shares her advice for handling the pressure.

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has slammed the opening match of the 2026 World Cup as "tactically poor" despite co-hosts Mexico securing a 2-0 win over South Africa. The Red Bull Global Head of Soccer highlighted glaring defensive frailties and a bizarre flurry of red cards that marred the showpiece event at the Azteca Stadium.

Paris Saint-Germain's long-standing interest in Michael Olise has been firmly rebuffed by Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga giants reportedly have no intention of discussing a transfer for the France international, regardless of the size of any offer, as they prepare to reward him with a new contract and improved terms.

Brighton have reportedly lodged a £30 million bid for Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic, creating a fresh twist in dealings between the two clubs. The Seagulls remain firm in their stance over Jan Paul van Hecke after rejecting two Spurs approaches, while the 19-year-old defender is said to be open to a move to the south coast.

AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale is taking his time to finalise the club's next managerial appointment despite holding a draft agreement with Oliver Glasner. The Rossoneri hierarchy are widening their search to consider alternative profiles, including former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim and Alvaro Arbeloa, to find a specific technical vision.

Beth Mead has completed a move to Manchester City, signing a three-year deal with the new Women's Super League champions after her Arsenal departure was confirmed last month. The England icon spent nine years in north London, winning everything possible, and will now embark on a new chapter, one which also reunites her with partner Vivianne Miedema.

The 2026 World Cup is finally underway as all 48 teams begin to fight it out for the universally coveted trophy. While the collective prize is the main objective for all competitors, some will be hoping to make their claim as the best player of the entire tournament. But who are the top contenders and who is leading the race for the prestigious Golden Ball?