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World Cup

World Cup news

Folarin Balogun USMNT 2026

USMNT star Balogun seeking summer transfer amid PL interest

United States men's national team star Folarin Balogun is expected to seek a move away from Monaco during the summer transfer window. The talented 24-year-old forward has reportedly attracted substantial interest from England, prompting the Ligue 1 club to establish a firm valuation for their asset as internal contract negotiations stall.

Harry Kane Jimmy Greaves Gary Lineker

Kane vs Lineker & Greaves! How England’s leading scorer ranks

Peter Shilton remains England’s record appearance maker for now, on 125 caps, but appears destined to hand that piece of history over to Harry Kane. The legendary Three Lions goalkeeper has told GOAL why the perfect candidate is ready to overtake him, while comparing a history-making goalscorer of the present to fabled No.9s of the past such as Jimmy Greaves and Gary Lineker.

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Mbappe admits storm delay made him 'very nervous' in France win

Kylian Mbappe admitted he struggled to stay composed after a severe storm in Philadelphia forced a lengthy suspension during France's World Cup clash with Iraq. The France captain revealed the disruption tested the squad mentally before he scored twice in a 3-0 victory to help his side overcome the challenging circumstances.

Ronaldo

Martinez claims Ronaldo has 'reacted as a captain' to World Cup criticism

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has fiercely defended under-fire forward Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of their vital second World Cup group fixture against Uzbekistan. Addressing the media following a disappointing opening draw with DR Congo, the manager insisted that empirical data justifies the 41-year-old striker's position in the side despite growing public scrutiny.

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Messi 'very angry' about shock missed penalty vs Austria

Lionel Messi confessed to feeling "very angry" after uncharacteristically missing an early spot-kick during Argentina's 2-0 World Cup victory over Austria. However, the legendary forward quickly recovered his composure in Dallas, netting a brilliant double to officially become the highest goalscorer in the history of the tournament.

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Why England's 'finishers' hold the key to World Cup glory

Mikel Arteta's sayings, habits and general attitude towards football have divided opinion. The Arsenal manager has rewritten the playbook of what coaches are supposed to say, and much of it has rubbed fans and pundits alike up the wrong way. One of his favourite terms? The usage of 'finishers' instead of 'substitutes'.

Jordan v Algeria: Group J - FIFA World Cup 2026

Algeria dump Jordan out of World Cup

Amine Gouiri struck late as Algeria came from behind to beat Jordan 2-1 in a crucial Group J clash in San Francisco. The Desert Warriors responded after a disappointing first half and turned the game around through set-piece goals. Jordan's defeat confirms their elimination from the tournament on their World Cup debut.

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Haaland double powers Norway into knockouts

A match loaded with star power - Erling Haaland, Sadio Mane and Martin Ødegaard among them - needed an unlikely spark, and Norway backup right back Marcus Pedersen provided it after a tense opening 42 minutes. Then Haaland took over, twice powering past a bewildered Senegal defence to seal a 3-2 win and send Norway into the knockouts for the first time since 1998.

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Not so fast, Leo! Mbappe is coming for Messi's record

Kylian Mbappe bagged his second consecutive brace as France made it two wins from two at the 2026 World Cup by beating Iraq 3-0 on Monday evening. After watching Lionel Messi score twice against Austria earlier in the evening, Mbappe did likewise during a storm-delayed Group I encounter in Philadelphia, meaning he remains one goal behind his former Paris Saint-Germain team-mate in this year's Golden Boot race, and two off the Argentine's overall tournament tally of 18.

GFX Miroslav Klose Lionel Messi

Klose congratulates Messi on World Cup record

Miroslav Klose has sent a classy message to Lionel Messi after the Argentine icon officially surpassed him as the highest goalscorer in World Cup history. The 38-year-old climbed to the top of the mountain alone following a clinical performance against Austria as the defending champions continued their pursuit of more glory.

England v Croatia: Group L - FIFA World Cup 2026

Famous psychic vows to 'cancel' witch doctor's Kane curse

Harry Kane finds himself at the centre of a bizarre supernatural tug-of-war ahead of England’s crucial World Cup clash with Ghana. After a spiritualist claimed he would use voodoo to stop the Three Lions captain, world-famous psychic Uri Geller has stepped in to provide a metaphysical shield for the Bayern Munich star.

France v Iraq: Group I - FIFA World Cup 2026

Fans warned against attending France clash with Iraq

World Cup organisers have issued an urgent warning to supporters ahead of the Group I clash between France and Iraq, advising fans not to travel to the Philadelphia Stadium. Severe weather in the region has already forced a delay to the opening of the stadium gates, with the scheduled kick-off now under threat.