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Ferland Mendy is facing an uncertain future at the highest level after receiving a devastating injury diagnosis following Real Madrid's recent victory over Espanyol. The France international, who has been a vital part of Los Blancos' defensive unit when fit, could reportedly now be facing a full calendar year away from the pitch.

Curacao became the smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup, and their historic achievement has offered a moment of unity for an island long shaped by racial tension.

Barcelona star Raphinha has launched a scathing attack on the media and ongoing transfer speculation, claiming that certain figures are determined to see him leave the Catalan giants. Ahead of this weekend's high-stakes Clásico against Real Madrid, the Brazilian winger dismissed reports regarding his future as total fabrications.

Chelsea face a mounting selection crisis ahead of their daunting trip to Anfield, with interim head coach Calum McFarlane confirming that Robert Sanchez will miss the clash against Liverpool. The Blues are desperate to halt a disastrous run of six consecutive Premier League defeats but must do so without several key first-team figures.

With the MLS season in full swing, GOAL takes a look at how USMNT players with World Cup ambitions are faring as roster selection looms

The Tunisian mentor has come out firing in defence of his young guns on the grand stage following a bruising battle with Mamelodi Sundowns. The Amakhosi co-coach cut a frustrated figure after the youngster was forced off with a serious injury, a crushing setback for a player who was hoping to launch his international career on a grand stage.

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has hit out at the decision to host the upcoming FA Youth Cup final against Manchester City at a secondary venue. The former Red Devils captain believes the prestigious youth fixture deserves a larger stage than the 7,000-capacity Joie Stadium.

Real Madrid have been plunged into a state of internal warfare after Federico Valverde was reportedly hospitalised following a "very serious" confrontation with team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni. The incident has forced head coach Alvaro Arbeloa to call an emergency meeting to address a dressing room that is spiralling out of control.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Jomo Cosmos midfielder has sensationally claimed that the referee failed to issue red cards during the blockbuster clash between the Brazilians and Amakhosi. The shock 1-1 outcome at Loftus Versfeld has been dominated by conversations regarding the officiating after a series of heavy challenges left multiple players with serious injuries.

Andoni Iraola is reportedly nearing an agreement to remain in the Premier League next season with a move to London. The Bournemouth manager, whose imminent departure from the south coast at the end of the current campaign has already been announced, has become one of the most sought-after tactical minds in English football.

The former Bafana Bafana and Amakhosi star delivered a blistering critique of referee Luxolo Badi following the explosive showdown between the Brazilians and the Soweto giants. The fiery 1-1 stalemate at the sold-out Loftus Versfeld Stadium descended into chaos at times, with a flurry of crunching tackles and dangerous challenges leaving several players nursing serious injuries.

Cole Palmer would “want them to listen” if Chelsea were presented with an eye-watering, £150 million ($204m) transfer bid this summer, claims Glen Johnson. The former Blues defender has told GOAL why the England international playmaker may be considering a move elsewhere, with a return to his Manchester roots at United being heavily speculated on.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino joked he would personally deliver hot dogs and soft drinks to anyone paying $2 million for a World Cup final ticket. The comment comes as resale listings for the 2026 showpiece reach extraordinary levels, sparking criticism over affordability.

Jaap Stam has urged Manchester United to sign Frenkie de Jong, joking he would cycle to Barcelona to bring the midfielder to Old Trafford. The former defender also suggested Micky van de Ven could strengthen United’s defence.

Referee Francois Letexier has broken his silence on the high-profile incident between Vinicius Junior and Gianluca Prestianni that rocked the Champions League earlier this year. The French official was forced to halt the knockout stage clash after the Real Madrid star reported receiving racial abuse from his Benfica counterpart.

Leeds legend Tony Dorigo has assessed Facundo Buonanotte’s failed loan transfer during an exclusive interview with GOAL. The Whites had hoped to acquire Wales international Harry Wilson during the summer of 2025, but saw him remain at Fulham. They are still lacking a creative spark, with an Argentine playmaker that thrived at Leicester last season struggling to tick that box.

Former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has been handed a two-month disqualification and a six-match suspension after an incident involving match officials during Andorra’s defeat to Albacete. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) acted after reviewing the referee’s report from the Segunda Division clash.

Harry Kane has tipped Paris Saint-Germain to beat Arsenal in the Champions League final, claiming the French giants have earned their status as favourites to retain the crown. The England captain suffered European heartbreak as Bayern Munich were eliminated by Luis Enrique’s side in a thrilling semi-final encounter.

The Betway Premiership title race has taken a dramatic turn after the Brazilians dropped two points against the Sea Robbers on Wednesday. The former Amakhosi coach believes the tide has now swung strongly in favour of an in-form Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side.

Sir Dave Brailsford has stepped down from his role as a director at Manchester United as the club continue restructuring under Ineos. The move marks the end of his formal board role after playing a key part in the early stages of the new ownership era.

Jesse Lingard has been stepping a long way out of his comfort zone, heading to South Korea and Brazil, but a return to Britain - potentially at Wrexham - is not being ruled out. Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen worked with the ex-England international at Old Trafford and can see the obvious appeal of JLingz linking up with Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac.

Atletico Madrid have reportedly defined their firm stance on Julian Alvarez's future as the world's biggest clubs begin to circle for the Argentine forward. Despite recent European heartbreak, the Metropolitano hierarchy views the World Cup winner as the untouchable pillar of their long-term project.

Amakhosi's hopes of a back-door entry into the premier continental competition have been dashed following reports that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has hit the brakes on its proposed tournament expansion. The Soweto giants were set to be the primary beneficiaries of a plan to increase continental representation for Africa's top-ranked leagues, but logistical hurdles have now forced a major rethink.

Vivianne Miedema has revealed the emotional reason behind her absence as Manchester City Women celebrated their league title. The Dutch forward has been at her mother’s bedside after serious complications following cancer treatment left her in intensive care. Miedema shared a heartfelt update on her family’s difficult weeks.

Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen has launched a scathing attack on UEFA's officiating appointments following the club's painful Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain. The Bavarian giants were left incensed by several high-profile decisions at the Allianz Arena that ultimately cost them a place in the final.

Fran Kirby's achievements throughout her career to date make for remarkable reading. Part of the Lionesses side which beat Germany in the European Championship final at Wembley back in 2022, the 32-year-old also lifted 16 major honours during her incredible nine-year stay at Chelsea, with individual accolades galore coming in and amongst all of that. She was there for England's first major title and Chelsea's first major title; now, in Brighton colours, Kirby will hope she can help another ambitious side hit new heights.

Chelsea have been warned off appointing Cesc Fabregas as their next manager, with the former Blues star considered to be in need of more experience as his current Como side have a tendency to “fall apart” in big games. Tony Dorigo has explained to GOAL why an alternative option would be better at Stamford Bridge for now, allowing a familiar World Cup winner to retrace steps to west London at some point further down the line.

Liverpool have abandoned a previously announced three-year ticket price strategy following discussions with supporter groups. The club will introduce a limited increase for the 2026-27 season before freezing prices the following year. Changes also include expanded concessions for younger fans.

The Glamour Boys former midfielder has thrown his weight behind the current squad, insisting that they are destined to secure a third-place finish in the Betway Premiership. The icon of the 70s era believes the club’s recent rebuilding efforts have finally yielded a team capable of fending off any challengers for the final continental qualification spot.