Golden XI Overview

World Cup Golden Ball Power Rankings: Messi in at No.1

The 2026 World Cup is underway as those still in contention fight it out for the universally coveted trophy. While the collective prize is the main objective for all competitors, some are already making their claim as the best player of the entire tournament. Lionel Messi is the current top candidate with all five of Argentina's goals, but Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise are breathing down his neck.

World Cup 2026 Golden Boot standings: Messi leads Mbappe & Co

The 2026 World Cup is underway and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. There's a long road ahead as 48 nations battle for the top prize, but which star will take home the illustrious award? Here are GOAL's predicted candidates for the prize as we keep track of the tournament's most prolific stars

De la Fuente slams Uruguay's 'extreme roughness' and VAR decisions

Luis de la Fuente criticised Uruguay's physical approach and questioned the use of VAR after Spain secured top spot in their World Cup group. The La Roja boss hopes for better officiating in the knockout rounds after a bruising contest left his side with fresh injury concerns.

Uruguay v Spain: Group H - FIFA World Cup 2026

Muslera to 'face music' after Bielsa sub confirmation

Fernando Muslera has accepted responsibility for Uruguay's World Cup exit after requesting to be substituted at half-time against Spain. Marcelo Bielsa confirmed the veteran goalkeeper made the decision himself following the error that led to Alex Baena's winning goal in Uruguay's 1-0 defeat.

'Same but different' - Suarez hits out at 'odious' Messi-Yamal comparisons

Luis Suarez has urged fans to stop comparing Lamine Yamal with Lionel Messi, insisting the pair are different players despite sharing similar qualities. The Inter Miami striker praised the Spain teenager's maturity under pressure while backing him to one day reach the same level as the Argentina legend.

Ugarte suffers horrible knee injury after colliding with Uruguay team-mate

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has sustained a suspected long-term knee injury during Uruguay's agonising exit from the World Cup. The combative engine-room operator was stretchered off in tears before the interval following an accidental collision with a fellow countryman, leaving his club's crucial summer transfer plans in complete disarray.

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	+/-	PTS	Form
6	Brighton & Hove Albion U18	28	14	7	7	63	41	22	49	W W L D W
7	Newcastle United U18	26	16	1	9	55	44	11	49	W W W W L
8	Crystal Palace U18	28	14	4	10	74	52	22	46	D L L W W
9	West Bromwich Albion U18	28	14	4	10	68	50	18	46	L W L W W
10	Everton U18	26	13	3	10	54	45	9	42	W L L D W

Pos

Team

+/-

PTS

Form