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England's squad numbers appear to offer an early indication of Thomas Tuchel's thinking ahead of the World Cup. Marcus Rashford has been handed the iconic No.11 shirt, a move that could point towards a starting role, while Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Jordan Pickford retain key numbers.

The South African national team and the country's football governing body have barely had a chance to catch their breath amid growing backlash from Mzansi football faithful. From the manner in which the travelling squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was trimmed, to a visa debacle that delayed the team's departure to Mexico, and now a blunder during Friday evening's international friendly against Nicaragua at Orlando Amstel Arena, controversy continues to cloud preparations. What should be a period of excitement and anticipation ahead of the global showpiece has instead been overshadowed by a succession of off-field own goals, with incompetence once again taking centre stage.

Newcastle United are exploring a summer move to activate the £51 million release clause of Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli as they seek to replace Anthony Gordon. The Moroccan international is a primary target for the Magpies following Gordon's departure to Barcelona.

It's September 13, 2024, and Mauricio Pochettino is all smiles. Dressed in a blue suit with a big U.S. Soccer pin on the lapel, Pochettino is being introduced to the wild world of American soccer for the very first time. Flanked by his new bosses, Pochettino seems determined to make the right first impression; in America, first impressions are generally best made by being bold.

Southampton owner Dragan Solak has pledged his support to manager Tonda Eckert despite the spying scandal that led to the club's expulsion from the Championship play-offs. While the fallout continues and an FA investigation remains ongoing, Solak believes the highly rated coach deserves another opportunity to lead the club forward.

Aurelien Tchouameni has strongly dismissed sensationalist media reports regarding a training ground incident with Real Madrid team-mate Federico Valverde. The French midfielder insisted that the confrontation has been completely blown out of proportion, as he maintains a firm focus on achieving future success in Spain.

Cristhian Mosquera has spoken publicly for the first time since conceding the penalty that helped Paris Saint-Germain fight back in Arsenal's Champions League final defeat. The defender admitted his disappointment but insisted the painful experience would make him stronger.

Aitana Bonmati has won each of the last three Ballons d'Or Feminin - but the accolade will go to someone else in 2026. Will it be two-time winner and fellow Barcelona star Alexia Putellas who reasserts herself as the best player in the women's game? Or could there be a new name on the honour roll when the Golden Ball is handed out in Paris in October?

Chelsea have reportedly rejected multiple formal approaches for young defender Josh Acheampong after handing him an elite status at Stamford Bridge. The 20-year-old academy graduate has apparently been deemed completely untouchable by club officials, safeguarding his long-term future in west London despite growing interest from several Premier League rivals.

Former South Africa international Bernard Parker has raised serious concerns regarding the depth of the team's attacking options as the Mundial approaches. The legendary forward believes a lack of consistency and "hunger" among locally based players could hamper Hugo Broos' side on the global stage.

Real Madrid's pursuit of Jose Mourinho has become significantly more expensive after a key release clause in his Benfica contract expired. The Spanish giants had the opportunity to secure the Portuguese coach for around €6 million, but administrative delays linked to the club's presidential election mean the final cost could now rise to €15m.

Liverpool are advancing in talks to appoint former Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola as their new manager following the dismissal of Arne Slot. Anfield sporting director Richard Hughes is spearheading the negotiations, with the club determined to finalise the agreement and make a formal announcement before the World Cup begins on June 11.

Arsenal defender William Saliba could be forced to undergo back surgery immediately after the upcoming World Cup as his ongoing physical discomfort continues to intensify. Despite successfully managing the issue to play a starring role for the Gunners, recent medical assessments indicate that the centre-back requires long-term surgical intervention.

Chelsea could face a major setback in the transfer market after reports suggested Marc Cucurella is open to leaving Stamford Bridge. Barcelona and Real Madrid are both monitoring the Spain international, whose reputation has soared following an impressive resurgence at club level and a standout Euro 2024 campaign.

Lamine Yamal will wear the No.19 shirt at his first World Cup after Spain confirmed their squad numbers. The announcement has sparked debate among supporters, with midfielder Gavi handed the iconic No.9 jersey and Dani Olmo taking the prestigious No.10 shirt ahead of the tournament.

Mason Greenwood could be set for a swift return to Europe's elite club competition after emerging as the absolute priority transfer target for both rival presidential candidates at Fenerbahce. The 24-year-old former Manchester United forward looks increasingly likely to leave French club Marseille this summer, with a potential move to Turkey offering another crack at the Champions League.

The Brazilians boss has delivered a candid assessment of a rollercoaster 2025/26 campaign that saw the club reach the pinnacle of African football while stumbling on the domestic front. Despite the heartbreak of losing the Betway Premiership title to rivals Orlando Pirates, the Portuguese tactician remains defiant about the club's continental success.

Liverpool have deemed goalkeeper Alisson untouchable this summer despite the uncertainty following the official sacking of head coach Arne Slot from Anfield. The Brazilian international continues to attract significant transfer interest from Serie A giants Juventus, but the Merseyside club remain determined to retain their long-serving No.1.

Arsenal are planning for the future after their Premier League title success, with Morgan Rogers emerging as a genuine transfer target. However, the Gunners still regard Julian Alvarez as their ideal attacking addition, while a number of player sales could be required to fund a major summer rebuild.

The South Africa coach has revealed his frustration regarding the preparation schedule for the global showpiece. The Belgian tactician explained why high-profile fixtures against European opposition failed to materialise while making it clear he will not settle for low-ranked sparring partners.

Mexico is facing a major security crisis just days before the opening ceremony as protesters in Mexico City have vowed to derail the tournament's first match. Tensions reached a breaking point on Monday when riot police clashed with demonstrators, leading to the use of teargas and reports of injuries.

Thomas Tuchel’s England squad has touched down in Florida to begin a hot-weather training camp ahead of the upcoming World Cup tournament. Captain Harry Kane has firmly embraced the manager's collective ethos, insisting that the clear expectation for the Three Lions is to finally cross the line and bring home football's ultimate prize.

'Golden Generation'. Football has Adam Crozier, the former chief of the Football Association, to blame for the term, after he famously dubbed the England team as such following their 5-1 battering of Germany in a World Cup qualifier in Munich. It was a remarkable performance, but also a potentially catastrophic turn of phrase.

Real Madrid have stepped up their interest in Inter wing-back Denzel Dumfries as they look to strengthen their defensive options. With a reported €25 million release clause in his contract, the Dutch international has emerged as a realistic target, while Inter are already exploring a replacement.

It's officially transfer season. Europe's biggest competitions have concluded, new champions have been crowned and now attention turns to who will be on the move ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, with there plenty of big names in the women's game set for summer switches in what promises to be an entertaining and exciting few months.

This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast and feature series that is counting down to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. This week, we revisit the matches that shaped Morocco's identity, the coaches and players who carried the hope of a nation, and the moment that proved nothing is impossible when a country decides to dream together.

Sergio Ramos has fiercely defended his integrity following the dramatic collapse of his consortium's multi-million takeover bid for Sevilla just days before a crucial financial deadline. The 40-year-old former Spain defender denied accusations of deception, hitting back at critics after a late change to the investment structure caused negotiations to break down completely.

Ansu Fati's Barcelona career is set to come to an end after Monaco decided to trigger the purchase option in his loan deal. The transfer gives the Catalan giants an immediate financial boost and creates significant room within their wage structure ahead of the summer window.