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Barcelona sporting director Deco has admitted he faces a deep conflict of loyalties ahead of Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The former midfielder has travelled to New York for the showpiece event, which will prominently feature both Catalan club icon Lionel Messi and a strong contingent of current Blaugrana players.

The Amakhosi legend has backed the new recruit from Stellenbosch to spark a defensive revival at Naturena following his move as a free agent. The former Bafana Bafana stalwart believes the centre-back has the exact pedigree and elite mentality needed to drag the Glamour Boys back to their former heights.

The Glamour Boys are prepared to bid farewell to one of their most influential attacking assets as a significant transfer agreement has been reached. DR Congo international is on the verge of completing a lucrative move to Libyan giants.

GOAL brings you all the available details on the pre-season friendly between Los Franjiverde and The Glamour Boys the Pinatar Arena in Murcia, Spain. This will be Amakhosi's third friendly of their Spanish camp after 1-1 draws with Scotland's Rangers FC on Sunday and Al Kholood on Wednesday.

United States President Donald Trump has offered an unlikely critique of Thomas Tuchel's tactics following England's dramatic World Cup semi-final exit against Argentina. The American leader questioned the decision to drop captain Harry Kane into a deep defensive role after the Three Lions surrendered a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 in Atlanta.

Arsenal are close to completing the signing of teenage defender Elijah Upson from Tottenham after the 18-year-old rejected a new contract with Spurs. The talented centre-back will join the Gunners on a free transfer on a long-term deal.

GOAL brings you all the available details on the pre-season friendly between The Buccaneers and the Yellow Submarine at the Marbella Football Centre, Spain. This will be the Soweto club's second match of their Spanish camp after their opening 1-1 draw with Cordoba CF. Abdeslam Ouaddou will be keen to get more minutes into his squad's legs and test the match readiness of his new recruits.

Burnley have agreed to sell star defender Maxime Esteve to Bundesliga side RB Leipzig following the club's painful relegation from the Premier League. The 24-year-old French centre-back leaves Turf Moor after making a century of appearances for the Clarets, moving to Germany on a long-term contract that runs until the summer of 2031.

Lionel Scaloni hailed Lionel Messi as the greatest player in football history after Argentina reached the World Cup final. The Argentina boss urged supporters to cherish the 39-year-old's remarkable career as the reigning world champions prepare to face Spain in Sunday's showpiece.

Lamine Yamal has always looked up to Lionel Messi. The Barcelona legend was - and remains - his one and only idol. "I never had another," Yamal admitted to Tuttosport. "I once took a photo with him. I was unknown." He wasn't just unknown, though; he was still only a baby, just a few weeks old when he and his mother partook in a 2007 photoshoot organised by SPORT for a charity calendar.

And so the wait goes on. England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina on Wednesday means their quest for a first international trophy since 1966 will stretch into a seventh decade. The hope is that drought will come to an end in two years' time when the Three Lions co-host the 2028 European Championship, but will England ever again reach a World Cup final, never mind lift the most famous trophy in the sport?

Argentina president Javier Milei has confirmed he will not travel to the MetLife Stadium for the World Cup final against Spain. The controversial leader explained that his shocking absence from the showpiece event in New York is entirely down to deep-rooted football superstition, having watched the previous seven victories from his home.

Romelu Lukaku could be heading for a fresh challenge, with Major League Soccer (MLS) emerging as a serious option alongside interest from Ajax, Monaco and Fenerbahce. Napoli are expected to part ways with the Belgian striker as they look to reduce their wage bill, although any move will depend on clubs meeting the financial demands of a permanent transfer.

NEW YORK -- In a fun meeting between the NFL’s greatest player of all time and arguably soccer’s, Tom Brady asked Lionel Messi about the picture that has followed this World Cup final since the matchup was set: the Argentina icon bathing Lamine Yamal as a baby. Brady described the image as “very prophetic,” with Yamal now playing in his first World Cup and Messi potentially preparing for his last.

Major League Soccer’s search for Don Garber’s eventual successor is reportedly down to three candidates, with Los Angeles FC co-owner Larry Berg, 49ers Enterprises president Paraag Marathe and former Fox executive David Nathanson emerging as finalists. Garber, who has served as commissioner since 1999, remains under contract through 2027.

Mauricio Pochettino says he expects to make a decision on his future as head coach of the U.S. Men's National Team next week. Pochettino and U.S. Soccer have held talks over a potential extension that would keep the Argentinian manager on board following the expiration of his contract after this World Cup.

Questions continue to be asked of what the future holds for Jack Grealish, but Joleon Lescott has told GOAL that “no conversations” have taken place regarding a move to MLS. For now, the Manchester City-owned forward is looking to enjoy a fresh start at the Etihad Stadium or build on a productive loan spell with Everton - as a permanent transfer could still be agreed there.

A bold new look for La Roja: inside Spain’s striking 2026 World Cup shirts.

Kylian Mbappe is considered to be out of the running for Ballon d’Or recognition in 2026, with Jeremie Aliadiere conceding to GOAL that World Cup heartache with France is likely to have dashed those dreams. Les Bleus’ all-time leading goalscorer has never got his hands on the Golden Ball, and will need to wait another 12 months before staking another claim to the most prestigious of individual honours.

Amakhosi have ended the speculation surrounding the future of Solomons by handing the versatile wing-back a contract extension ahead of the upcoming campaign. The 29-year-old had been facing an uncertain period at Naturena with his previous deal expiring at the end of June.

Pep Guardiola has revealed he is currently experiencing no desire to return to football management following his departure from Manchester City. The 55-year-old Catalan tactician explained that he is focusing on personal reflection and family life after spending nearly two decades under the intense pressure of elite-level coaching.

Twente youngster Ruud Nijstad has admitted his long-term ambition is to play alongside Pau Cubarsi at Barcelona after being impressed by the Spain international's display against Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the highly rated Dutch defender insists his immediate focus remains on continuing his development with the Eredivisie club.

Argentina’s comeback against England demonstrated the belief surrounding Lionel Messi. Now Spain stand between the holders and a historic second straight World Cup title.

John Barnes has defended Thomas Tuchel's tactical decisions in England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, insisting the German coach made the correct substitutions. The former Liverpool midfielder believes criticism of Tuchel ignores England's standing in world football and the realities of tournament football.

The threat of Financial Fair Play (FFP) sanctions continues to hang over Manchester City, but could they end up working in favour of new boss Enzo Maresca? Joleon Lescott has addressed that issue during an exclusive interview with GOAL, as points penalties at the Etihad Stadium would relieve some Premier League title-chasing pressure on Pep Guardiola’s successor.

The former Kaizer Chiefs co-coach is already making his presence felt at Babina Noko as the club gears up for a massive 2026/27 Premier Soccer League campaign. The Burundian coach has arrived in Limpopo with a clear mandate to restore the club's status as a continental contender.

KwaZulu-Natal-based side is pulling out all the stops to ensure their technical team is ready for the rigours of the Premier Soccer League. Head coach Ben Youssef has reportedly identified a high-profile individual to serve as his right-hand man.

Jude Bellingham has urged England fans to maintain their incredible unity after the Three Lions suffered a devastating 2-1 defeat against Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals. The 23-year-old midfielder admitted he struggled to find the words to process the heartbreak before sharing an uplifting poem given to him by the team's driver, Michael Chandler.

The Buccaneers have established themselves as one of the Premier Soccer League's leading clubs for youth development, consistently unearthing gems who transition seamlessly from the reserve team to the first team. Over the past two seasons, the Sea Robbers have reaped the rewards of that investment, with academy graduates playing a pivotal role in the Soweto giants' trophy-winning campaigns while attracting interest from clubs abroad.