The 2026 World Cup came to a close in New Jersey on Sunday as Spain were deservedly crowned champions after a dour 1-0 win over 10-man Argentina in one of the worst finals in the tournament history. La Roja substitute Ferran Torres scored the only goal of a game that was essentially attack versus defence even before Enzo Fernandez got himself stupidly sent off for a second yellow card in the final minute of normal time.
Aston Villa have been credited with interest in Folarin Balogun, but Stan Collymore has told GOAL why Unai Emery is likely to favour another 2026 World Cup star over a United States international that made plenty of headlines at FIFA’s flagship event. The Villans are looking to bolster their ranks from back to front during the summer, with comings and goings being mooted.
Four nations made debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan gracing the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It was the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, before succumbing to Lionel Messi's Argentina in a classic.
Brazil have been rocked by the news that Lucas Paqueta could miss the remainder of their 2026 World Cup campaign after an injury diagnosis was confirmed following the victory over Japan. The Flamengo midfielder, who has been a mainstay in Carlo Ancelotti’s side throughout the tournament, is now facing a race against time to feature again for the Selecao.
Endrick has expressed his delight after helping Brazil reach the World Cup round of 16. Following early tournament frustration and viral memes about his lack of minutes, the forward thanked manager Carlo Ancelotti for his trust against Japan. After a successful loan at Lyon, Endrick is now eagerly anticipating a return to Real Madrid to start a fresh chapter.
Matheus Cunha hit back at Japan forward Kento Shiogai after Brazil's dramatic World Cup round of 32 victory. Shiogai had questioned Brazil's status among football's elite before kick-off, but Cunha responded after the final whistle by reminding him of the Selecao's unmatched World Cup record.
Neymar took aim at German economist Joachim Klement after Brazil beat Japan 2-1 to reach the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. Klement's prediction model had tipped Japan to produce a shock victory, but the Brazil forward wasted little time reminding him of the outcome with a playful post on social media.
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed exactly why Neymar remained an unused substitute during the Selecao's dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against Japan. Despite the Santos superstar warming up in front of a captivated Houston crowd, he was sent back to the bench as the game reached its climax.
Gabriel Martinelli was left speechless after his dramatic stoppage-time strike completed a tense comeback for Brazil against Japan. The Arsenal forward kept his cool in the dying embers of the game to ensure the Selecao avoided a monumental World Cup upset in Texas.
Japan midfielder Kaishu Sano has delivered a sobering assessment of the Samurai Blue's World Cup exit, insisting that performing well is no substitute for winning after a dramatic knockout defeat to Brazil. Despite a valiant effort that saw them push the South American giants to the limit, the 2026 World Cup journey ended in heartbreak for Hajime Moriyasu's side.
Casemiro and Gabriel Martinelli got the goals as Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in Houston to progress to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The five-time champions appeared to be heading for an embarrassingly early exit after falling behind to a terrific first-half strike from Kaishu Sano, who found the bottom corner of Alisson Becker's net with a low shot after pouncing on a misplaced pass from Danilo.
The atmosphere for the World Cup round of 32 tie between Brazil and Japan heated up off the field after controversial statements from Kento Shiogai. Marquinhos, captain of the Brazilian national team, did not shy away from responding to comments from Shiogai questioning Neymar's current level and the Selecao's collective strength.
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar is in "good shape" but suggested the forward will once again start on the bench for Monday’s World Cup round of 32 clash against Japan. The Santos star made his long-awaited return to the international stage as a late substitute in the Selecao's final group game against Scotland.
Real Madrid defender Eder Militao has hailed the tactical flexibility of Carlo Ancelotti as Brazil gear up for the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup. Despite being sidelined through injury, the centre-back has closely monitored the Selecao’s progression and believes the veteran coach has successfully ironed out early frailties.
Sweden have secured their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup for the eighth time in their history following a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Japan. However, goalscorer Anthony Elanga has made the surprising admission that he was completely unaware a point was sufficient to see the Blue and Yellow through to the round of 32.
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Japan
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