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Cristian Romero scored an extra-time winner, Lionel Messi grabbed a goal, but Argentina were given a real scare by Cape Verde in an uncomfortable 3-2 win to advance to the World Cup Round of 16. Argentina surrendered the lead twice, and needed extra time to finally gain daylight from a Cape Verde side that, in truth, deserved so much more.

The striker will miss the upcoming clash with Belgium, but that doesn't mean he will let his emotions get in the way of what his team is building

Sources tell GOAL that Martin Odegaard is not set to leave Arsenal for Galatasaray this summer, with reports of a potential Emirates exit described as “completely false.” The midfielder is expected to play a key role in the Gunners’ Premier League title defense, though his focus remains on Norway’s World Cup run rather than recent transfer rumours.

Mexico take a perfect defensive record into a blockbuster World Cup clash with England as Julián Quiñones chases history and Javier Aguirre eyes another statement win.

Chelsea FC have signed Japan international midfielder Manaka Matsukubo from the National Women's Soccer League's North Carolina Courage. The 21-year-old joins the Blues on a five-year contract after a standout season in which she won the NWSL Midfielder of the Year award, adding another rising star to Chelsea's midfield ahead of the new campaign.

The second-smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup overcame the one percent chance of making it out of the group stage and their fans are starting to dream.

GOAL is putting on the perfect festival of soccer for the World Cup, and Week 1 is rife with ideal programming to highlight the beautiful game

GOAL spoke to the Tillman family about their rollercoaster summer, the nerves that come with a World Cup and a mother's love for her two little boys.

Cristiano Ronaldo has already run “1,000 marathons” over the course of his career, but Louis Saha has told GOAL that the Portuguese GOAT may have another left in him at the 2030 World Cup. At 41 years of age, the evergreen frontman is currently gracing FIFA’s flagship event for the sixth time. Said tournament will be heading to his homeland in four years’ time.

Oliver Glasner will be next through the managerial revolving door at Nottingham Forest, but how long will he last? Reds legend Stan Collymore has admitted to GOAL that the Austrian’s decision to link up with enigmatic Greek owner Evangelos Marinakis is “not a marriage made in heaven”, with his reign likely to be another that is measured in months rather than years.

The ultimate World Cup shopping list has landed.

Ghana 2026 kits revealed - from adding a new rhythm to the national colours to a golden colourway.

Colombia unveils World Cup kit inspired by magical realism and national pride

The Soweto Derby rivalry has taken a fresh turn in the boardroom as the Sea Robbers fight to keep the left-footed star away from Chiefs’ clutches. Despite long-standing interest from the Naturena-based giants, the Buccaneers have moved swiftly to secure the experienced playmaker’s future at Mayfair.

Michael Olise is said to be attracting admiring glances from Real Madrid, with the Blancos reportedly prepared to pay a world record transfer fee of €223 million (£191m/$255m) for the Bayern Munich winger. Is he, or anybody, worth that kind of money? Former France international Louis Saha has endeavoured to answer that question for GOAL, with some “crazy numbers” flying around.

Australia 2026 kits revealed - from honouring tradition to vivid colours for the future

Bayern Munich have completed the blockbuster signing of highly rated left-back Nathaniel Brown from Eintracht Frankfurt in a comprehensive €55 million deal. The 23-year-old Germany international has committed his long-term future to the Bavarian giants until 2031, returning to his home region as a pivotal part of Vincent Kompany's defensive rebuild.

Egypt 2026 kits revealed - from deep rich tones to bringing the desert sands to life.

Trevoh Chalobah has prioritised a move to Italy despite attracting interest from the Premier League. Inter have stepped up talks over personal terms, while Chelsea could also use the defender in negotiations with Crystal Palace as they pursue Maxence Lacroix this summer.

Harry Kane has become Lionel Messi-esque for England in terms of his value to the collective cause, with Stan Collymore explaining to GOAL why that is a good thing and how the Three Lions’ record goalscorer is benefitting from a mindset that others have lacked. The prolific Bayern Munich frontman is leading another bid for World Cup glory at present, with a star-studded squad often being carried on his back.

The South African football legend has singled out the former Buccaneer as a future icon of the national game following his breakout performances on the world stage. The former Leeds United captain believes the young defender possesses the rare mental and physical attributes required to reach the very top of the sport.

Luka Modric criticised VAR after Croatia's World Cup exit to Portugal, insisting his side were unfairly treated following a controversial penalty and a disallowed equaliser. The Croatia captain questioned the consistency of officiating and suggested bigger nations receive more favourable decisions.

The Soweto giants have officially announced the departure of the 32-year-old forward, marking the latest exit from Naturena as the club prepares for the new season. The Cape Town-born star, who has struggled for consistent game time, reaches a mutual agreement to move on to pastures new.

Former Amakhosi academy graduate is on the verge of a return to the Premier Soccer League just days after his emotional exit from Naturena. The versatile left-sided player has resurfaced at a rival club where a familiar face is waiting to revitalise his stuttering career.

Rennes are close to finalising a major coup in the transfer market after agreeing a €28 million deal to sign highly rated defender Charlie Cresswell from Toulouse. The former England Under-21 European champion has negotiated an exceptional salary package to move to Brittany, following a stellar two-year spell on the banks of the Garonne.

FIFA have explained why Croatia's dramatic stoppage-time equaliser against Portugal was ruled out after VAR intervened. Connected Ball Technology detected the slightest touch from Igor Matanovic in the build-up, allowing officials to confirm an offside offence and sending Portugal through while Croatia crashed out.

Cristiano Ronaldo retains the ability to make “people shut their mouth”, Louis Saha has told GOAL, with a former Manchester United team-mate of CR7 explaining why the Portuguese superstar attracts more criticism than fellow GOAT Lionel Messi. Both men are currently on 2026 World Cup duty, with more questions being put to an evergreen European frontman than his eternal South American rival is facing.

The German Football Association (DFB) has confirmed their intention to open managerial talks with Jurgen Klopp following Julian Nagelsmann's resignation. The governing body announced that the former Liverpool boss has already signalled his willingness to inherit the national team vacancy, opening the door for a sensational return to the dugout.

Lionesses star Georgia Stanway has opened up on her decision to join Arsenal, after the Gunners' announced her arrival on Friday morning. It's a move that ends Stanway's four-year spell in Germany with Bayern Munich and she has now explained why she wanted to return to England and what made her choose Arsenal, amid interest from both Chelsea and Lyon.