Argentina have found themselves at the centre of a storm in the wake of their scintillating World Cup last-16 victory over Egypt on Tuesday, amid sensational accusations of corruption and favouritism. However, this is one occasion where the demonisation of the Albiceleste doesn't feel justified. Two goals down against the rank underdogs in the second half, the holders survived by the skin of their teeth - coming from behind to miraculously turn the tie on its head in the space of 14 minutes at the very end of the match. But since the final whistle in Atlanta, the gravity of that feat has been overshadowed.
Xabi Alonso has expressed his immense excitement regarding the vast potential of his new Chelsea squad after officially taking charge at Stamford Bridge. The 44-year-old tactician has issued a firm demand for relentless hard work during pre-season, promising disillusioned supporters that a prosperous new era is on the horizon.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has received an unusual honour after a newly-discovered marine mollusc was named after him by Spanish researcher Jesus Ortea. The tribute follows the veteran's standout performances at the World Cup, where he helped his country make history on their tournament debut.
Harry Kane forms part of GOAT conversations in the England national team, but former Three Lions striker Stan Collymore has explained to GOAL how “recency bias” impacts that debate and why a “pool” of greats should be celebrated rather than singling out individuals. Kane is currently enjoying the best form of his career, with World Cup glory being pursued in North America.
Belgium boss Rudi Garcia insists his side will not focus solely on stopping Lamine Yamal ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against Spain. Instead, he wants the Red Devils to disrupt Spain collectively and believes they have the quality to end the European champions' unbeaten defensive run.
Erling Haaland insists England remain clear favourites ahead of Norway's World Cup quarter-final, despite his side's impressive run. The Manchester City striker is keeping expectations in check while embracing the challenge of facing familiar club team-mates for a place in the semi-finals.
Former Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri has spent roughly 10 hours in French police custody as part of a major judicial investigation into organised money laundering, according to reports in France. The 39-year-old pundit was questioned by financial investigators in Paris regarding suspected ties to a network linked to international drug trafficking.
Erik ten Hag has officially taken his name out of consideration to become the new Netherlands head coach following Ronald Koeman's departure. The former Manchester United manager insisted he remains completely committed to his current project as technical director at FC Twente, leaving the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) to look elsewhere for a saviour.
Manchester City have secured the return of former academy goalkeeper Pierce Charles after agreeing a £10 million package with Sheffield Wednesday. The Northern Ireland international has put pen to paper on a long-term contract at the Etihad Stadium, but he will spend the upcoming campaign on loan in the Championship with Queens Park Rangers.
Erling Haaland has carried the hopes of a nation upon Norway's return to football's biggest stage after a 28-year absence, but while his goals have been vital to their cause, the Manchester City hitman hasn't been shouldering that burden alone. The Scandinavians are back at the World Cup having built a solid team unit that isn't solely reliant on its star striker, and the supporting cast have been showing what they can do in North America.
Arsenal have signed Spain international Ona Batlle on a free transfer from Barcelona, the Gunners' fourth summer signing to be announced in just eight days. Batlle follows Georgia Stanway, Geraldine Reuteler and Selina Cerci to the club, in a window of much change that has also seen the likes of Beth Mead and Katie McCabe depart.
Kylian Mbappe admitted he lost focus before missing a penalty against Morocco after a lengthy VAR delay caused confusion over whether the spot-kick would stand. The France captain also played down fears over an ankle knock and insisted he will be ready for the World Cup semi-final.
Spain sensation Lamine Yamal has set his sights on a dream World Cup final against defending champions Argentina, revealing his desire to swap shirts with icon Lionel Messi. The Barcelona starlet chose to remain grounded regarding pre-tournament promises, insisting that securing the prestigious trophy is the only objective that truly matters.
John Arne Riise has backed Erling Haaland to inspire Norway to victory over England in the World Cup quarter-finals, describing the Manchester City star as the world's best striker. The former Liverpool defender also believes the Drillos can dream of lifting the trophy if they overcome Thomas Tuchel's side.
Jude Bellingham’s “arrogance” is considered to be a good thing and more productive than similar qualities boasted by Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah, with Danny Murphy explaining to GOAL why criticism of England’s No.10 has been made to look “laughable”. A ‘Galactico’ performer from Real Madrid has been starring at the 2026 World Cup finals.
France manager Didier Deschamps has addressed injury concerns surrounding captain Kylian Mbappe following his late substitution during the World Cup quarter-final victory against Morocco. The Real Madrid forward was withdrawn after picking up an ankle knock, prompting the coaching staff to carefully manage his fitness ahead of the semi-finals.
Jurgen Klopp is set to reshape Germany's coaching staff by bringing trusted former Liverpool assistants Peter Krawietz and Pepijn Lijnders into the national team setup. Senior German Football Association (DFB) officials and Red Bull are due to hold talks over the final details of the manager's move, with an unconventional agreement expected to avoid a costly compensation fee.
England face an anxious wait ahead of their World Cup quarter-final showdown against Norway after a sickness bug hit their camp in Miami. Midfielder Declan Rice has missed two successive training sessions, leaving Thomas Tuchel desperately sweating on his availability while staff battle to prevent the illness from spreading across the squad.
Morgan Rogers has seen a big-money transfer away from Aston Villa speculated on - potentially at £130 million ($175m) - but Stan Collymore has told GOAL why the likes of Phil Foden and Eberechi Eze are unlikely to be targeted as potential replacements for their fellow England international. Unai Emery is expected to bolster his ranks with a different type of player.
Wolfsburg have confirmed Christian Eriksen will begin an individual rehabilitation programme in Denmark, around a month after collapsing during an international match for Denmark. The German club will remain in regular contact with the midfielder and his medical team as he continues his recovery.
Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has expressed heavy frustration following his side's World Cup quarter-final elimination against France, claiming the opening goal should have been disallowed. The Atlas Lions manager insisted that a handball occurred in the build-up to Kylian Mbappe's strike, which completely disrupted his players' focus during the crucial Boston clash.
Bruno Fernandes has spoken out for the first time since Portugal were knocked out of the World Cup by Spain. The Manchester United captain admitted he was left "sad, frustrated and disillusioned", while thanking his team-mates, coaches, staff and supporters after a campaign that ended earlier than expected.
England need to find the answer to one big question at the 2026 World Cup: How do you keep Erling Haaland quiet? Ex-Three Lions defender Des Walker has attempted to provide a solution during an exclusive interview with GOAL, ahead of Thomas Tuchel’s side taking in an eagerly-anticipated quarter-final clash with Norway at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Saturday.
This is no doubt the biggest selection decision of Thomas Tuchel's England tenure to date. The Three Lions are favourites going into Saturday's World Cup quarter-final clash with Norway in Miami. England really should have too much quality all over the field for their Scandinavian opponents. But that doesn't mean Tuchel has it easy. England have a handful of tricky decisions to make.
It’s fair to say that Keira Barry’s first senior England call-up was unexpected. After injuries plagued the early years of her professional career, it was in February that the young forward ended her 10-year association with Manchester United and moved to the United States to sign for Bay FC. Exactly a month after her debut, she was on the bench as the Lionesses beat Spain 1-0 at Wembley Stadium.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has opened up about the club's audacious attempt to sign Kylian Mbappe before his blockbuster transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. Reuniting with the French star at the World Cup, the legendary German coach detailed chartering a five-room private jet for the family during their record "non-transfer" saga.
Ousmane Dembele has revealed how Kylian Mbappe’s instructions moments before France’s second goal proved decisive in their World Cup quarter-final victory over Morocco. The winger also reflected on his growing leadership role and insisted Les Bleus remain fully focused on their bid to go all the way.
Hansi Flick is regularly left astounded by the maturity of Pau Cubarsi's displays for Barcelona. "It's incredible to watch how well he defends," the German coach admitted last season. "He's young, he's only 19, but then you realise how long he’s already been playing at this level. We're very fortunate to have him. In terms of his performances, he's right up there with Lamine Yamal."
Harry Kane has been in the form of his life across 2025-26, including at the World Cup finals, with former England international Danny Murphy explaining to GOAL why the prolific frontman is at the peak of his powers. There are considered to be two important reasons why the Three Lions’ record-breaking captain is performing at a career-best level.