The USMNT is into the World Cup knockouts after another statement win, with Folarin Balogun, Alex Freeman and a growing belief turning a strong start into something bigger.
Scotland suffered a potentially damaging 1-0 defeat to Morocco in their second match of the 2026 World Cup in Boston, meaning they will need to take something from their final Group C clash against Brazil to stand any chance of reaching the last 32. Steve Clarke's side fell behind inside two minutes, and in truth they never recovered.
Brazil have long inspired Haiti through its darkest moments. Now Les Grenadiers meet them on the World Cup stage aiming to prove they belong, not just admire.
Seattle’s World Cup matchday between the USMNT and Australia falls on Juneteenth, with local organizers using the occasion to highlight Black history, soccer’s Black pioneers and community-led celebrations across the city.
Christian Pulisic has been ruled out of U.S. Men's National Team clash against Australia, Mauricio Pochettino revealed in an interview with FOX. Pulisic was subbed after halftime in the team's dominant 4-1 win over Paraguay. Although initial reporting suggested he might be able to play in Friday's clash in Seattle, the Argentine manager confirmed Ricardo Pepi will start in his place.
Harry Kane will not be paying any attention to the 2026 World Cup exploits of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, Danny Mills has told GOAL, as England’s record goalscorer would “rather be Olivier Giroud”. The prolific Bayern Munich striker has already opened his account in North America, alongside several other household names, but will forever prioritise collective success over any individual accolades.
Nicky Butt believes Manchester United should target Crysencio Summerville as part of a smarter recruitment strategy aimed at strengthening squad depth. The former midfielder praised the Netherlands international's explosive qualities and suggested he has the potential to become a regular starter if he can improve his consistency at the highest level.
Harry Kane has hailed England's post-match rendition of Oasis classic 'Wonderwall' after the Three Lions opened their World Cup campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas. The captain described the celebration with supporters as one of his favourite moments in an England shirt and believes the song reflects the bond between the squad and its fans.
Ricardo Pepi is on World Cup duty with the USMNT, putting him in the global shop window, but Kasey Keller has told GOAL why the PSV striker faces a “tricky” decision when it comes to his future and mounting Premier League transfer speculation. The 23-year-old frontman attracted interest from Fulham during the winter, with more approaches from England expected to be made with the summer market of 2026 now open for business.
Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi has been ordered to stand trial before a French criminal court following a definitive ruling by the Versailles Court of Appeal. The Moroccan international has been under intense judicial scrutiny since early 2023 over allegations of sexual assault, a claim the full-back has consistently and vehemently denied.
Former midfielder Nicky Butt has warned Thomas Tuchel that England must adapt their tactical identity if they are to survive against elite opposition during the knockout stages of the World Cup. Despite an entertaining 4-2 opening victory over Croatia in Group L, the ex-international believes a relentless high-tempo approach will prove unsustainable.
Thomas Muller has tipped Bayern Munich to monitor Switzerland youngster Johan Manzambi after the Freiburg midfielder starred in a World Cup win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The 20-year-old scored twice off the bench and collected the Man of the Match award, further enhancing his growing reputation following an impressive Bundesliga campaign.
England are considered to miss Harry Maguire, amid defensive concerns at the 2026 World Cup, but Danny Mills has explained to GOAL why the Manchester United centre-half has been snubbed for a second time. He was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s initial 26-man squad and - despite leadership questions being asked - was overlooked again when Tino Livramentio withdrew through injury and a replacement needed to be found.
Folarin Balogun and Christian Pulisic dominated headlines as the USMNT enjoyed a dream start to their 2026 World Cup campaign, but who are the unsung heroes in Mauricio Pochettino’s team? In conversation with GOAL, former keeper Kasey Keller has picked out three players that have a crucial role to play for the co-hosts at FIFA’s flagship event.
Carlo Ancelotti has insisted he will not rush Endrick into Brazil's starting line-up despite growing calls for the teenage forward to feature from the outset. The Selecao boss remains convinced of the striker's immense potential and believes patience is the best approach as Brazil seek a crucial result in Group C.
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has strongly defended Rodri after criticism emerged following La Roja's goalless World Cup 2026 opener against Cape Verde. The Manchester City midfielder was accused of slowing Spain's play, but the head coach dismissed those claims and insisted the midfielder remains the best player in the world.
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