Kylian Mbappe has broken his silence on France’s painful exit from the 2026 World Cup, refusing to label the semi-final defeat to Spain as the lowest point of his illustrious career. The Real Madrid superstar remains defiant despite the setback, insisting that the Les Bleus' hunger for international glory remain completely intact.
Alvaro Morata has insisted he is not closing the door on his international career after missing Spain's triumphant 2026 World Cup campaign. The veteran forward admitted that fierce competition in attack makes a recall difficult but reflected warmly on watching his former team-mates lift the trophy following a candid phone call from Luis de la Fuente.
The Belgian Football Association has demanded answers from FIFA regarding the controversial decision to lift Folarin Balogun’s World Cup suspension. In response to the highly unorthodox ruling, Belgium have also confirmed they will not support Gianni Infantino’s re-election bid for the FIFA presidency.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was snubbed by Thomas Tuchel for 2026 World Cup duty, so will the Real Madrid right-back figure for England again during the German tactician’s tenure? Ex-Three Lions defender Stephen Warnock has attempted to answer that question for GOAL, with his fellow Merseyside native being advised to brace himself for more bad news.
Cape Verde World Cup hero Vozinha maintained his immaculate defensive record for Colo-Colo by keeping a clean sheet on his Chilean top-flight debut against Huachipato. The 40-year-old goalkeeper produced an assured display in southern Chile to ensure Los Albos extended their commanding lead at the summit of the Primera Division table.
Gianni Infantino is refusing to take a step back from his role as the most powerful man in world football, with FIFA confirming he will proceed with his re-election bid. The 56-year-old remains determined to lead the governing body for another four-year term, even as legal threats and internal revolts continue to mount against his leadership.
Erling Haaland addressed his dramatic short haircut, Norway's historic World Cup victory over Brazil, and Manchester City's squad rebuild following Saturday's 1-0 win against Coventry. The Norwegian striker netted the decisive header to keep City's perfect Premier League start intact before reflecting on both past triumphs and new beginnings under Enzo Maresca.
Fabian Ruiz has set his sights on the Ballon d'Or following an extraordinary, trophy-laden campaign for both club and country in 2026. The Paris Saint-Germain and Spain midfielder believes that claiming football's premier individual accolade would represent the ultimate honour after securing the Champions League and World Cup titles within a matter of months.
Kylian Mbappe is only a “top three” player in the world at present, Bacary Sagna has told GOAL, with the Real Madrid and France superstar expected to miss out on Ballon d’Or recognition again in 2026. Harry Kane is a leading contender to land that prize, but Sagna has snubbed the Bayern Munich striker when revealing his pick for Golden Ball glory.
Atletico Madrid star Marcos Llorente has shocked the footballing world by announcing his immediate retirement from international football. Despite being just 31 years old and coming off the back of a historic World Cup victory, the versatile midfielder has decided to hang up his boots for La Roja.
World football's governing body have aggressively responded to recent legal threats by accusing their European counterparts of orchestrating a coordinated smear campaign. The bitter legal dispute centres around the controversial and now-abandoned multi-billion investment proposal, which has caused a major political rift between the organisations and their respective presidents.
Bosnia and Herzegovina legend Edin Dzeko has officially confirmed his intention to retire from international football, bringing the curtain down on a historic career. The Schalke forward, who has remained a talismanic figure for his country well into his veteran years, will bow out following a final appearance next month.
Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) president Samuel Eto'o has offered vocal backing to Gianni Infantino as the FIFA chief faces mounting pressure from UEFA ahead of the upcoming election. The former striker praised FIFA's investment in African development and insisted Europe must not control the global narrative.
Carlos Queiroz has been surprisingly reappointed as Ghana head coach less than two months after resigning from the role. The former Real Madrid boss initially walked away following the Black Stars' World Cup exit but will now lead the team during this month's international window.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has announced an unprecedented nationwide tribute to honor Lionel Messi following his emotional retirement from international football. Every domestic match across the country will come to a synchronised pause this weekend to celebrate the legacy of the greatest player to ever wear the Albiceleste shirt.
La Liga president Javier Tebas has thrown his full support behind Barcelona midfielder Rodri to secure the 2026 Ballon d’Or. The league chief believes the Spaniard’s heroic efforts during the recent World Cup have made him the clear frontrunner for football's most prestigious individual accolade.
Leandro Paredes is reportedly ready to call time on his international career with Argentina following the fallout from a chaotic World Cup final. The experienced midfielder faces a lengthy suspension and admits the landscape has changed significantly following the retirement of talisman Lionel Messi.
The Albiceleste captain ends his remarkable international career as a hero in his homeland, but he had to go through hell to win the love of his people
Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger has officially announced his retirement from international football, ending a 12-year career with the German national team. Rüdiger earned 86 caps for Germany and has chosen to step aside for the younger generation, confirming he will now focus his efforts entirely on his club career in Spain.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has lavished praise on Rodri following the midfielder's high-profile switch from Manchester City to Barcelona this year. The national team boss proudly compared his midfield talisman to Lionel Messi, while also taking the opportunity to pay a glowing tribute to the legendary Argentine after his recent retirement from international football.
Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez has shared a deeply personal and emotional tribute to Lionel Messi following the legendary forward's shock decision to retire from international football with Argentina. The midfielder, who rose to global prominence alongside his idol, expressed the profound impact the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner had on his career and life.
Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39 following Argentina's defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. The legendary forward confirmed his decision on social media, prompting a heartfelt tribute from his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, celebrating his historic achievements.
Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39 following Argentina's 2026 World Cup campaign. The legendary captain leaves La Albiceleste after six World Cup appearances, admitting that the recent passing of his father convinced him to step down.
Lionel Messi has officially called time on his legendary international career following Argentina's heartbreaking defeat in the World Cup final. The 39-year-old icon, widely regarded as the greatest player to ever grace the pitch, confirmed the news in an emotional statement that signals the end of a two-decade journey with La Albiceleste.
Chelsea have confirmed the capture of World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa. The 33-year-old Argentina international arrives at Stamford Bridge on a two-year contract, with an option for a further season, offering elite-level experience to the Blues' defensive ranks.
Leandro Paredes has broken his silence regarding the heavy disciplinary sanctions handed down by FIFA following the chaotic conclusion to the World Cup final, which saw Spain secure a 1-0 victory in extra time thanks to a goal from Ferran Torres. The Argentine midfielder, who now plies his trade for Boca Juniors, was hit with a significant suspension for his role in the post-match altercations.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has successfully negotiated a loophole with FIFA to reduce the impact of severe suspensions handed to Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina. Both players were heavily sanctioned following a violent brawl after their World Cup final defeat to Spain, but a new ruling means they can serve their bans during upcoming friendly fixtures.
European football's governing body, UEFA, has initiated explosive criminal legal proceedings against FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino. The legal challenge centers on a controversial and now-abandoned proposal to sell off significant commercial stakes in the World Cup and other major global competitions to private investment firms.
Barcelona have officially abandoned plans to honour their eight Spanish World Cup winners ahead of Thursday's La Liga fixture against Athletic Club. The decision follows recent clashes between supporters and national police, prompting the Catalan club to scrap the pre-match ceremony at Camp Nou amid rising political tensions.