Manchester United have identified Scotland international goalkeeper Angus Gunn as a surprise summer transfer target to bolster their restructuring squad. The 30-year-old shot-stopper is available on a free transfer following his recent departure from Nottingham Forest, as Old Trafford chiefs actively look to strengthen their defensive department.
Experienced Netherlands central defender Stefan de Vrij is on the verge of completing an unexpected move to Panathinaikos. The 34-year-old is departing Inter on a free transfer following a successful eight-year spell with the club, with advanced negotiations currently taking place to finalise the remaining details of his switch to Athens.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has offered a unique perspective on the 2026 World Cup's controversial hydration breaks, breaking ranks with several high-profile critics. While fans and players have voiced frustrations over the frequent stoppages, the German tactician believes they serve a practical purpose both on and off the pitch.
The mandate was clear for Hugo Broos and his troops, win and they would make history, anything else would end in failure. They rose to the occasion magnificently, delivering a disciplined, determined performance to emerge victorious and set up a Round of 32 clash with Canada on Sunday where the dream of progressing to the next round is very real.
Comprehensive match preview of South Africa vs Canada at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more ahead of this round of 32 clash in Los Angeles.
Frenkie de Jong has bitten back at critics of his game, but does the Barcelona midfielder occupy the same talent pool as Declan Rice and Vitinha? Former Netherlands international Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has answered that question for GOAL, with a man that can divide opinion among supporters and pundits being told where he needs to improve in order to become truly elite.
England fans have seen Cole Palmer produce the goods for the national team before. Indeed, he almost saved an otherwise poor performance in the Euro 2024 final, scoring an equalising goal and providing a spark when the Three Lions looked dead in the water against Spain. They did, of course, still go on to lose that game, as they have done at countless tournaments over the years.
The South African legend has launched a passionate defence of Hugo Broos' team following their historic progression to the knockout stages of the global tournament. The former midfield maestro believes the national team was unfairly written off by critics both at home and abroad before silencing the world in North America.
Neymar could not contain his emotions as he made his long-awaited return to the international stage during Brazil's 3-0 World Cup victory over Scotland. The Santos forward was seen in tears at the final whistle in Miami, marking the end of a grueling road to recovery that saw him sidelined for nearly three years.
Jurgen Klopp has revealed himself to be an enthusiastic observer at the 2026 World Cup, praising the continued dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The former Liverpool manager was deeply impressed by the way the two veteran stars continue to shape the tournament despite their advanced age.
Kylian Mbappe versus Erling Haaland was billed as the next great footballing rivalry to follow Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's two decades of dominance, but as the France and Norway superstars prepare to go head to head at the 2026 World Cup, it's fair to say that their individual tussle has yet to really take off in the way many people expected.
Harry Kane has become the talismanic captain of England, but what type of leader is he? Former Three Lions star Gary Pallister has delivered his assessment to GOAL, with the record-shattering striker considered to inspire those around him through actions - rather than words, like Chelsea and Manchester United legends John Terry and Roy Keane used to do.
The veteran coach has lauded the incredible transformation of the South African national team after the side reached a historic milestone on the global stage. The Belgian tactician, who has faced significant scrutiny since their poor, opening match defeat, expressed his immense pride in the squad's progression following their successful qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32.
England are sweating on the fitness of right-back Reece James ahead of Saturday's World Cup group encounter against Panama. The Chelsea captain is being closely monitored by medical staff after reporting a tight hamstring, leaving manager Thomas Tuchel facing a potential defensive reshuffle with several alternative backline options on standby.
South Africa came into their fixture against South Korea knowing nothing less than a win would see them into the next round of the tournament for the first time in their history. At the final whistle they had their dream result as they ran out 1-0 winners to finish second in Group A and guarantee passage into the Round of 32 where Canada await. Here, in a post-match interview with SABC, two of Bafana's brightest stars react to their achievement.
Mexico witnessed the arrival of a new star in Gilberto Mora and celebrated the career of a legend in Guillermo Ochoa as they secured a 3-0 win over Czechia. For the first time, El Tri finished a World Cup group stage with nine points, and Javier “Vasco” Aguirre now has his team in the best possible shape heading into the knockout rounds.
Coming into a high-stakes clash with history within reach, Bafana Bafana knew exactly what was required to secure a place beyond the group stages. The mandate was clear for Hugo Broos and his troops, and they rose to the occasion, delivering a disciplined and determined performance to emerge victorious and keep their World Cup dream alive.
With first place secured and the U.S. exercising caution over yellow cards and injuries, Mauricio Pochettino is expected to rotate. Here is who GOAL thinks should start.
Vinicius Junior's brace pushed Scotland to the brink of a World Cup exit as Brazil ruthlessly capitalised on their errors in Miami on Wednesday. While the Selecao wrapped up top spot in Group C, the 3-0 defeat means the Scots are unlikely to be one of the best third-placed finishers in their bid to reach the last 32.
NYCFC are reportedly interested in securing the signature of Christian Pulisic, but the MLS side have been informed by the Serie A giants that the American is not for sale. According to reporting in The Athletic, numerous MLS clubs would be interested in bringing Pulisic to North America following the 2026 World Cup. Yet, Milan are reluctant to let him go.
Neymar is closing in on a highly anticipated return to action for the Selecao, and his father has marked the occasion with a powerful motivational tribute. As Brazil prepare for their crucial World Cup group-stage clash against Scotland, an emotional message has resurfaced to inspire the veteran forward.
Canada are headed to the knockouts, but a costly loss to Switzerland closed their home World Cup run as Promise David impressed and Alphonso Davies worries grew.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar José Évora Dias, known as Vozinha, has been offered to Brazilian Serie B side Ceara following his stunning World Cup performances. The veteran shot-stopper caught global attention after making seven saves in a historic draw against Spain, but the South American club have reportedly declined the chance to secure his signature.
Gianni Infantino has fiercely defended the mandatory hydration breaks implemented at the World Cup, vehemently denying accusations that FIFA have introduced the stoppages purely for financial gain. Fans and pundits have heavily criticised the mandatory pauses for disrupting the flow of matches and acting as extra television advertising slots for broadcasters.
Anthony Elanga has shared his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, revealing the crucial lessons he learned during their shared time at Manchester United. The Sweden international is relishing the opportunity to feature at the same World Cup as Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, expressing his immense pride at sharing football's grandest stage with the sport's greatest players.
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