Lists

Spain might have one of the strongest squads at the 2026 World Cup, but that hasn't stopped debate raging around one position in particular. Despite having world-class goalkeepers David Raya and Joan Garcia at his disposal, head coach Luis de la Fuente has stood staunchly by Unai Simon. The statistical case against the Athletic Club man is impossible to ignore, but don't expect anything to change anytime soon.

The BBC has been forced to alter its World Cup highlights package after broadcasting the sickening audio of Canada midfielder Ismael Kone breaking his leg. The 24-year-old sustained the harrowing injury following a late challenge during a Group B fixture against Qatar, leaving his international team-mates deeply shaken by the incident.

Turkey's World Cup campaign ended in dramatic fashion as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Paraguay despite dominating possession and peppering the opposition goal with 33 attempts. Former Newcastle United midfielder Miguel Almiron also made tournament history with a controversial red card, but Paraguay held firm to secure a result that ended Turkey's hopes.

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti announced that Neymar will be available to play in the Selecao's final group game against Scotland. The Santos attacking midfielder missed the first two games of the tournament with a calf injury, but the manager announced he will train with the team early next week, and will play a role next week to close out Group C play.

PHILADELPHIA -- Matheus Cunha proved his credentials up front, and Vinicius Jr had a hand in all three goals as Brazil found their stride at the World Cup with a 3-0 win over Haiti. The Real Madrid winger was at his devastating best, scoring and assisting, and has the Selecao well-positioned to top Group C. Haiti, for all of their efforts, are eliminated from the tournament in their first appearance since 1974.

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.

After opening their tournament with a big win over Paraguay, the Americans triumphed again in front of a raucous Seattle crowd

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.

The three biggest strengths of Dominic Calvert-Lewin have been highlighted by Peter Reid, with the former Leeds boss and Everton midfielder telling GOAL why the powerful frontman is a joy to watch. Injury issues of the recent past were put to the back of the 29-year-old’s mind last season as he delivered an immediate return on the faith shown in him by those at Elland Road.

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.

Michael Owen made his Liverpool breakthrough as a teenager, and the former Reds star has told GOAL why Rio Ngumoha should remain at Anfield for now - rather than tread a similar path to Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho. The highly-rated winger is, at 17 years of age, seeing a surprising switch to German giants Bayern Munich speculated on.

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.

Dejan Kulusevski has spent more than 12 months stuck on the sidelines at Tottenham, with Danny Murphy telling GOAL that the Swedish forward could end up heading down paths previously trodden by Fernando Torres and Ruud van Nistelrooy. Everyone connected with Spurs hope that the latter of those two Premier League legends will be emulated, with the 2026-27 campaign delivering a clean slate for all concerned.

The Brazilians legend Thabo Nthethe has called on the club to grant the 29-year-old his dream move to Europe following his standout performances on the world stage. The midfielder further enhanced his burgeoning reputation by netting Bafana Bafana’s first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a 1-1 draw with the Czechia.

The USMNT's second group game will either guarantee that they have a carefree stroll into the knockouts or make for a nervy third fixture.

Bafana legend has outlined the two critical areas where South Africa must excel to secure a place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Czechia, the former defender believes Hugo Broos' side is finally learning how to handle the unique pressures of the global stage.

Frank Lampard is close to signing a lucrative long-term contract extension with Coventry City following their sensational return to the top flight. The former England midfielder has transformed the West Midlands club since his arrival, successfully ending their painful 25-year absence from the Premier League by securing the Championship title last season.

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.

The Belgian coach has expressed his frustration over the disciplinary issues plaguing his squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Following a hard-fought draw with Czechia, the Mzansi camp is mourning the loss of a key midfield figure for their final group stage showdown.

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.

Jurgen Klopp faces an immediate executive crisis at RB Leipzig following reports that managing director of sport Marcel Schafer is prepared to quit the Bundesliga club. The internal friction has emerged directly from Klopp’s influential role in orchestrating the dismissal of head coach Ole Werner, completely undermining the sporting director's authority.

Amakhosi have been encouraged to make a bold move in the transfer market, but not for a player. Following the appointment of the new head coach, a former Glamour Boys star believes the Frenchman requires a specific club legend by his side to navigate the unique pressures of the Soweto giants.

Juventus have stepped up their efforts to bring Randal Kolo Muani back to Turin, with new CEO Giovanni Carnevali reopening talks with Paris Saint-Germain. The French forward remains a key target as the Bianconeri seek to strengthen their attack, while improved relations between the two clubs could help unlock a deal that previously failed to materialise.

Decorated England icon Mary Earps has officially secured her return to English football by signing a lucrative two-year contract with London City Lionesses. The 33-year-old goalkeeper moves back to the Women's Super League as a free agent following a successful two-year spell in France with Paris Saint-Germain.

The former Watford captain has delivered a scathing assessment of the 1-1 World Cup draw between South Africa and Repre, describing the lack of quality as a poor advertisement for the global showpiece. The former Premier League striker compared the performance of both sides to "kids' football" during a blunt post-match analysis.

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.

The injured Bafana star has lauded the national team's tenacity following their hard-earned draw on Thursday. Despite being sidelined for the tournament, the Mamelodi Sundowns defender was full of praise for how Hugo Broos' side battled back from an early deficit to keep their knockout stage dreams alive.

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.