Lists

Spain midfielder Rodri has hit out at the officiating standards during La Roja's World Cup semi-final victory over France, claiming teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is not being afforded enough protection. Despite securing a place in the final, the Manchester City star expressed his frustration at the rough treatment handed out to the Barcelona wonderkid.

Amakhosi legend Morgan Gould has tipped forgotten striker Etiosa Ighodaro to become a vital component of the club in the 2026/27 season. The Nigerian forward is looking to put an injury-plagued debut campaign behind him as the Glamour Boys continue their pre-season preparations in Spain.

Didier Deschamps was left fuming with the officiating as France saw their dreams of a third consecutive World Cup final crushed by a clinical Spain side in Texas. The Les Bleus boss pointed the finger at referee Ivan Barton following a controversial first-half penalty that set the tone for a miserable night.

Against all the odds and pre-match conjecture, it is Spain who progressed to the final of the 2026 World Cup after overcoming France and their fabled forward line with alarming ease in Dallas on Tuesday. It was quite incredible just how routine the 2-0 victory was, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele all failing to show up as the tournament favourites bowed out with a whimper.

Thomas Tuchel has moved to dismiss suggestions of a rift within the England camp, insisting there are "no cracks" in his relationship with Jude Bellingham. The Three Lions boss claimed the pair are "closer than ever" despite the Real Madrid superstar publicly challenging his manager's assessment following their dramatic World Cup quarter-final victory over Norway.

Kobbie Mainoo has been surprisingly snubbed by Thomas Tuchel throughout the 2026 World Cup, but Michael Owen has told GOAL why the Manchester United midfielder may yet have a Geoff Hurst role to play for England. The 21-year-old is having to be patient in pursuit of game time at FIFA’s flagship event, but “unlikely heroes” have emerged at previous tournaments.

Michael Owen has - during an exclusive interview with GOAL - lauded the Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne-esque influence of Jude Bellingham on England’s World Cup class of 2026, discussed the Ballon d’Or battle that could soon break out between international team-mates and what the Three Lions need to do in order to bring 60 years of hurt to a close.

Mason Greenwood has officially completed a move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce, but the transfer has been preceded by a bitter fallout with Atletico Madrid. The Spanish side reportedly felt 'disrespected' by the former Marseille forward after he went silent during negotiations with Diego Simeone.

Luis de la Fuente has issued a chilling warning to Spain's potential World Cup final opponents, declaring that his side currently feel "unbeatable" following their dominant semi-final triumph over France. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro secured a 2-0 victory in Arlington, booking La Roja's place in the showpiece event in New York this Sunday.

It's been a hectic summer transfer window so far in the women's game, especially in the Women's Super League. Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas has landed in the division, as has one of the NWSL's brightest stars in Manaka Matsukubo, while Georgia Stanway and Mary Earps have returned and other England stars, such as Beth Mead and Niamh Charles, have also been on the move. None of these eye-catching deals, though, have involved Manchester United.

It's testament to the progress that England have made over the last decade that, in the eyes of many, they will be favourites when they come up against World Cup holders Argentina in the semi-finals of the 2026 edition on Wednesday. Of course, a side containing the great Lionel Messi still poses an existential threat to the Three Lions' chances of ending six decades of hurt, but Thomas Tuchel's men have nothing to fear in Atalanta.

England cult hero Dan Burn is more than just a “head it and kick it” centre-half, Gary Pallister has told GOAL, with another defender from the North East explaining why a 2026 World Cup viral sensation was always destined to make it. Burn may have doubted that himself at times, but is now a trophy-winning Premier League regular and vital “finisher” with his country.

Kylian Mbappe has taken a public swipe at Didier Deschamps' tactical approach following France's disappointing 2-0 World Cup semi-final exit at the hands of Spain. The Les Bleus captain did not hold back in his post-match assessment, suggests that a lack of communication and a failed pressing triggers allowed La Roja’s midfield to dominate the contest in Arlington.

GOAL's signature summer soccer event is bringing laughs, football and plenty of fun in its final week of action

England legend Sir Geoff Hurst has thrown his support behind Jude Bellingham following the midfielder's dismissive response to criticism from manager Thomas Tuchel. After the Real Madrid star inspired a quarter-final victory over Norway, he brushed off the German coach's assessment of the team's performance with a blunt reply.

Erling Haaland treated his Norway team-mates and staff to an unforgettable $10,000 shopping spree at a famous western store in Dallas during the 2026 World Cup. The Manchester City striker bought cowboy hats, custom boots, and bizarre taxidermy souvenirs, including a $750 raccoon holding a bottle of liquor, after leading his country to a historic quarter-final run in the United States.

France's World Cup campaign ended in dismal fashion on Tuesday as Didier Deschamps' side were outclassed by Spain in a 2-0 defeat that saw Les Bleus heroes Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele kept quiet. France failed to register a single shot on target in the first 80 minutes of the semi-final as La Roja progressed at their expense.

Mason Greenwood has officially sealed his move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce, ending his successful stint in Ligue 1 with Marseille. The deal represents a significant financial commitment from the Super Lig side and will provide a welcome injection of cash for Manchester United thanks to their hefty sell-on clause.

Arsenal and France defender William Saliba was forced off the pitch during his nation's World Cup semi-final match against Spain due to a back injury. France ultimately suffered a 2-0 defeat, ending their campaign. Saliba has been managing the issue for several months, and his sudden withdrawal has sparked fears that he may now require surgery ahead of the new season.

Spain secured their place in the 2026 World Cup final with a comprehensive 2-0 win over France on Tuesday. A penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal and a second-half strike from Pedro Porro secured victory for La Roja during a dominant display in Dallas that will have struck fear into both England and Argentina as they prepare for their own semi-final.

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has revealed his unique psychological approach to facing Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, admitting he intentionally avoided mentioning Lionel Messi by name. The Pharaohs boss was determined to prevent his squad from becoming overwhelmed by the aura of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

David Beckham is officially making his highly anticipated debut in the popular video game Fortnite. The former Manchester United midfielder will be available as a playable character, joining a star-studded lineup of global icons that already includes famous faces from the worlds of sport and music. Fans can expect to see his digital avatar in the game very soon.

England should have enough quality to overcome Argentina in their blockbuster World Cup semi-final, but only if they can successfully nullify the threat of Lionel Messi. Former Manchester United and Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre has warned Thomas Tuchel's side that the Inter Miami superstar is at his most dangerous when he appears to be doing the least, prowling the pitch in search of his next match-winning moment.

Former Aston Villa forward Gabby Agbonlahor has boldly claimed that Jude Bellingham, rather than Declan Rice, is destined to succeed Harry Kane as the next England captain. Bellingham has been the standout performer at this summer's World Cup, leading his nation to the semi-finals, and his incredible leadership qualities on the pitch have convinced pundits of his future role.

Chelsea are closing in on a blockbuster deal to sign France international forward Melvine Malard from Manchester United in what will be a club-record sale for the Red Devils. The 26-year-old is set to swap Manchester for London in a transfer that could reach as much as £850,000, marking a significant shift in power within the Women's Super League.

Lionel Messi has redefined how to influence matches at the World Cup, staggering fans by walking for almost half of his time on the pitch. As Argentina prepare to face England in a highly anticipated semi-final, staggering statistics show exactly how the forward is adapting his game to dominate opponents and preserve his energy for the most crucial, game-changing moments.

Andrea Pirlo has unexpectedly emerged as a strong candidate to become the next manager of the Italy national team. Paolo Maldini and Leonardo are reportedly pushing for the appointment of the World Cup winner, adding a new dimension to a managerial race that already includes high-profile names like Antonio Conte, Roberto Mancini, and former Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

Manchester United have officially confirmed the signing of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa in a deal worth £35 million ($47m). The Belgium international arrives at Old Trafford following a stellar campaign in the Midlands, where he played a pivotal role in ending Villa's long wait for European silverware.

GOAL brings you all the available details on the pre-season friendly between The Glamour Boys and Pride of Ar Rass at the Pinatar Arena in Murcia, Spain. This will be Amakhosi's second friendly of their Spanish camp after a 1-1 draw with Scotland's Rangers FC on Sunday evening.