Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo has officially been named the new captain of Ecuador after Enner Valencia made the shock decision to step down from the role mid-tournament. The veteran striker handed over the armband in an emotional ceremony following the nation's successful progression to the 2026 World Cup knockout stages.
Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan has delivered a blunt critique of Cristiano Ronaldo, claiming the legendary forward is currently a hindrance to Portugal’s World Cup ambitions. Despite leading his nation into the knockout stages, the 41-year-old’s performances have sparked debate among pundits and former colleagues alike.
Former England internationals Gary Neville and Ian Wright have voiced their serious "concern" for Bukayo Saka’s physical condition as the Three Lions prepare for the business end of the 2026 World Cup. The Arsenal star has been managing a persistent injury that appears to be limiting his impact on the global stage.
The South Africa midfielder has revealed the devastating atmosphere within the national team's camp following their exit from the global showpiece in North America. Their historic run was brought to a crushing end by Canada in the Round of 32, leaving Hugo Broos’ side to reflect on a missed opportunity.
Kai Havertz has issued a defiant response to Gary Lineker after the England legend labeled the current German squad as "one of the weakest" in the nation’s history. The Arsenal forward insisted that Julian Nagelsmann’s side are blocking out the noise as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup knockout rounds in the United States.
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.
The 25-year-old defender has expressed his immense pride after Les Rouges secured a historic 1-0 victory over Bafana Bafana to reach the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Bavarians star returned to the side from the bench to help his nation navigate a tense encounter that was settled by a dramatic stoppage-time winner.
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has called on Thomas Tuchel to make a ruthless selection call by dropping Declan Rice for England’s World Cup knockout campaign. The former midfielder believes the Three Lions must adopt a more aggressive tactical approach if they are to bridge the gap to tournament heavyweights like France and Argentina.
Comprehensive match preview of Mexico vs Ecuador at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more ahead of this round of 32 clash in Mexico City.
Peter Shilton has explained to GOAL how VAR would have changed the course of history had it been around in 1986, as there would have been no ‘Hand of God’, individual wonder goal or World Cup win for Diego Maradona. Argentina’s mercurial No.10 quite literally carried his nation to global glory single-handedly on Mexican soil, with his most memorable performance being delivered against England at the quarter-final stage.
Jesse Marsch has delivered a defiant response to any critics who might see his management style as "performative" after Canada secured their first-ever World Cup knockout win. The former Leeds United boss was seen delivering an emotional huddle speech on the pitch following the dramatic round of 32 victory over South Africa.
The young defender emerged as the breakout star of South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, with his elite performances at the heart of the defence drawing high praise from former professionals. Despite Bafana Bafana’s exit in the knockout stages, the 20-year-old’s stock has never been higher as he looks destined for a move to the bright lights of European football.
South Africa’s historic journey came to a devastating end in Los Angeles as a 92nd-minute winner from Stephen Eustaquio sent Canada through to the Round of 16. Despite the heartbreak of a late exit, the Belgian tactician has indicated that he is not ready to officially walk away from the national team just yet.
It’s time for the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup, which means it’s time for penalty shootout drama. Generally, England have a terrible reputation when it comes to spot-kicks, winning just four of the 11 shootouts they’ve participated in. But the signs suggest the tide is turning, with three of those wins coming in their last four.
Lionel Scaloni is set to extend his legendary tenure as Argentina head coach after reportedly reaching a verbal agreement to remain in charge until 2031. The news comes as the Albiceleste prepare for their 2026 World Cup knockout clash against Cape Verde in Miami.
Barcelona have sensationaly reached out to the representatives of Harry Kane as they look to pull off one of the most ambitious transfers in recent memory. The Catalan giants are reportedly exploring a move for the England captain, who is currently starring at the World Cup, as they search for a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski.
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.
Frank Lampard is, after overseeing promotion into the Premier League at Coventry, being backed to become a contender for the England manager’s top. Ex-Three Lions captain Terry Butcher has told GOAL why he is hoping to see more home-grown coaches compete for that prestigious post, with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney not being ruled out of the equation just yet.
Comprehensive match preview of the Netherlands vs Morocco at the World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news, and more ahead of this Round of 32 clash in Monterrey.
Stephen Eustáquio's stoppage-time winner sent Canada into the World Cup Round of 16 as GOAL breaks down the biggest winners and losers against South Africa.
With a Round of 16 spot on the line, both sides gave everything in a fiercely contested battle for qualification. But ultimately, it proved to be a heart-breaking day for South Africa, as their journey came to a disappointing end after an added time goal for Canada saw the co-hosts progress to the next round.
After Real Madrid wonderkid Endrick sparked a wave of viral memes for sitting on Brazil's bench, Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo is now the main subject. England boss Thomas Tuchel's decision to keep the 21-year-old out of his starting lineup at the 2026 World Cup has triggered internet jokes, making the midfielder a meme sensation.
Canada's World Cup dream reached a new peak on Sunday as Stephen Eustaquio fired the co-hosts into the round of 16 for the first time in their history. The midfielder produced the defining moment at Los Angeles Stadium, smashing home a stoppage-time winner to settle a tense encounter with South Africa.
Kylian Mbappe has received the ultimate seal of approval from one of the greatest strikers in the history of the game as France continue their 2026 World Cup journey. Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario has showered the Real Madrid superstar with praise after seeing him register four goals and two assists in his first three games at this summer's tournament in North America.
Gil Mora, Obed Vargas and Mateo Chávez are leading Mexico's youth movement as Javier Aguirre builds a World Cup contender with one eye firmly on the future.
Following the announcement of a move to an Iraq Stars League club, the South African football fraternity has expressed heartfelt messages for the fans' favourite, who was once expected to re-establish himself as one of the most talented and exciting players to watch. This came after he joined Orlando Pirates following a disappointing stint with Mamelodi Sundowns and a short loan spell at Sekhukhune United. However, his flair-filled return to prominence proved short-lived at the Soweto giants, where the 28-year-old struggled for consistent game time under Abdeslam Ouaddou.
South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo has stepped down from his position following the nation's disappointing group-stage exit from the 2026 World Cup. The decision comes amid growing political pressure as the country's president, Lee Jae Myung, has officially called for a formal inquiry into the team's failing performances in North America.
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