Manchester United have completed “two for the price of one” transfer business, with Michael Owen telling GOAL why the Red Devils have found impressive value in deals for Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. The combined cost of those two signings comes in at less than the single fees paid out by Manchester City and Tottenham for Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.
Mason Greenwood has officially ended his two-year stint at the Stade Velodrome to embark on a new chapter in the Turkish Super Lig with Fenerbahce. The English forward completed the move to Istanbul after Marseille released an official statement explaining their decision to sanction the transfer, bringing an end to his prolific stint in France.
Luis de la Fuente has moved to calm fears regarding Lamine Yamal after the teenage sensation appeared to be struggling physically during Spain's World Cup semi-final win over France. The Roja boss also provided a fitness update on Pedro Porro, who was forced off late in the contest as Spain secured their place in the 2026 showpiece.
Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have been hogging headlines for England at the 2026 World Cup, with ex-Three Lions star Gary Pallister telling GOAL who has been an unsung hero for Thomas Tuchel’s side. All-action midfielder Elliot Anderson is considered to fit that bill, with the Manchester City new boy putting in the graft that allows others to deliver guile.
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.
It's official: Alexia Putellas is a London City Lionesses player. Michele Kang has lured some top talent to the club since taking over during the 2023-24 season, from five-time European champion Saki Kumagai to Sweden icon Kosovare Asllani, with a world-record fee paid for Grace Geyoro just last summer, too. But Putellas is a dream signing and the biggest indication yet that this project should be taken very seriously.
Kadidiatou Diani has become London City Lionesses' sixth signing of the summer, following Alexia Putellas, Mary Earps and more to a club that could be a serious threat for the Women's Super League title in just its second season in the division. Diani joins for a fee reported to be in excess of £500,000 ($670,000) from Lyon, the eight-time European champions also owned by London City owner Michele Kang.
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.
Mason Greenwood has officially completed a move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce, but the transfer has been preceded by a bitter fallout with Atletico Madrid. The Spanish side reportedly felt 'disrespected' by the former Marseille forward after he went silent during negotiations with Diego Simeone.
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.
It's been a hectic summer transfer window so far in the women's game, especially in the Women's Super League. Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas has landed in the division, as has one of the NWSL's brightest stars in Manaka Matsukubo, while Georgia Stanway and Mary Earps have returned and other England stars, such as Beth Mead and Niamh Charles, have also been on the move. None of these eye-catching deals, though, have involved Manchester United.
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.
Mason Greenwood has officially sealed his move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce, ending his successful stint in Ligue 1 with Marseille. The deal represents a significant financial commitment from the Super Lig side and will provide a welcome injection of cash for Manchester United thanks to their hefty sell-on clause.
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.
David Beckham is officially making his highly anticipated debut in the popular video game Fortnite. The former Manchester United midfielder will be available as a playable character, joining a star-studded lineup of global icons that already includes famous faces from the worlds of sport and music. Fans can expect to see his digital avatar in the game very soon.