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Jurgen Klopp has revealed himself to be an enthusiastic observer at the 2026 World Cup, praising the continued dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The former Liverpool manager was deeply impressed by the way the two veteran stars continue to shape the tournament despite their advanced age.

Kylian Mbappe versus Erling Haaland was billed as the next great footballing rivalry to follow Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's two decades of dominance, but as the France and Norway superstars prepare to go head to head at the 2026 World Cup, it's fair to say that their individual tussle has yet to really take off in the way many people expected.

Harry Kane has become the talismanic captain of England, but what type of leader is he? Former Three Lions star Gary Pallister has delivered his assessment to GOAL, with the record-shattering striker considered to inspire those around him through actions - rather than words, like Chelsea and Manchester United legends John Terry and Roy Keane used to do.

The veteran coach has lauded the incredible transformation of the South African national team after the side reached a historic milestone on the global stage. The Belgian tactician, who has faced significant scrutiny since their poor, opening match defeat, expressed his immense pride in the squad's progression following their successful qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32.

England are sweating on the fitness of right-back Reece James ahead of Saturday's World Cup group encounter against Panama. The Chelsea captain is being closely monitored by medical staff after reporting a tight hamstring, leaving manager Thomas Tuchel facing a potential defensive reshuffle with several alternative backline options on standby.

Mexico witnessed the arrival of a new star in Gilberto Mora and celebrated the career of a legend in Guillermo Ochoa as they secured a 3-0 win over Czechia. For the first time, El Tri finished a World Cup group stage with nine points, and Javier “Vasco” Aguirre now has his team in the best possible shape heading into the knockout rounds.

Coming into a high-stakes clash with history within reach, Bafana Bafana knew exactly what was required to secure a place beyond the group stages. The mandate was clear for Hugo Broos and his troops, and they rose to the occasion, delivering a disciplined and determined performance to emerge victorious and keep their World Cup dream alive.

With first place secured and the U.S. exercising caution over yellow cards and injuries, Mauricio Pochettino is expected to rotate. Here is who GOAL thinks should start.

Vinicius Junior's brace pushed Scotland to the brink of a World Cup exit as Brazil ruthlessly capitalised on their errors in Miami on Wednesday. While the Selecao wrapped up top spot in Group C, the 3-0 defeat means the Scots are unlikely to be one of the best third-placed finishers in their bid to reach the last 32.

NYCFC are reportedly interested in securing the signature of Christian Pulisic, but the MLS side have been informed by the Serie A giants that the American is not for sale. According to reporting in The Athletic, numerous MLS clubs would be interested in bringing Pulisic to North America following the 2026 World Cup. Yet, Milan are reluctant to let him go.

The American winger has been training with his teammates this week after watching the last game-and-a-half from the sidelines with a calf injury.

Tottenham are intensifying their efforts to beat Manchester United to the signing of West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes. Spurs are reportedly willing to meet an £80 million valuation for the 21-year-old following his club's relegation from the Premier League, while the Red Devils are reluctant to enter an expensive bidding war and could now walk away.

Chelsea are preparing to accelerate their pursuit of Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix as they look to bolster their defensive options for next season. At the same time, the club could part ways with Trevoh Chalobah, who is attracting serious interest from Serie A side Como, to help fund the move for Lacroix before incoming manager Xabi Alonso arrives.

Neymar is closing in on a highly anticipated return to action for the Selecao, and his father has marked the occasion with a powerful motivational tribute. As Brazil prepare for their crucial World Cup group-stage clash against Scotland, an emotional message has resurfaced to inspire the veteran forward.

Canada are headed to the knockouts, but a costly loss to Switzerland closed their home World Cup run as Promise David impressed and Alphonso Davies worries grew.

Marc Cucurella has wasted no time in attempting to convince Enzo Fernandez to join him at Real Madrid following his own big-money move to the Bernabeu. The Spanish full-back, who recently departed Stamford Bridge, is hopeful of a reunion with the Argentine World Cup winner in the Spanish capital.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar José Évora Dias, known as Vozinha, has been offered to Brazilian Serie B side Ceara following his stunning World Cup performances. The veteran shot-stopper caught global attention after making seven saves in a historic draw against Spain, but the South American club have reportedly declined the chance to secure his signature.

Trevoh Chalobah looks increasingly likely to swap Stamford Bridge for Serie A this summer as the race for his signature intensifies in Italy. The defender, currently away with the England squad at the World Cup, has become a primary target for Italian giants Inter and ambitious newcomers Como, who have already submitted an initial bid for his services.

Gianni Infantino has fiercely defended the mandatory hydration breaks implemented at the World Cup, vehemently denying accusations that FIFA have introduced the stoppages purely for financial gain. Fans and pundits have heavily criticised the mandatory pauses for disrupting the flow of matches and acting as extra television advertising slots for broadcasters.

New Real Madrid signing Marc Cucurella has sent a reassuring message to Vinicius Junior, insisting he has no problem doing the defensive "dirty work" to allow the Brazilian superstar to focus entirely on destroying opponents.

Bayern Munich are reportedly on the verge of finalising a contract extension for Konrad Laimer. Honorary president Uli Hoeness has hinted that an agreement is practically complete. The Austria international, who boasts 136 club appearances, is focused on World Cup duty in Group J, but Bayern Munich are confident that only the final signature is missing to seal the deal.

Chelsea defender Malo Gusto is reportedly exploring his options away from Stamford Bridge this summer as the club prepares for yet another squad overhaul. The Blues have responded by slapping a significant £75 million price tag on the Frenchman to set their financial demands for potential suitors.

Anthony Elanga has shared his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, revealing the crucial lessons he learned during their shared time at Manchester United. The Sweden international is relishing the opportunity to feature at the same World Cup as Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, expressing his immense pride at sharing football's grandest stage with the sport's greatest players.

Natalia Belloli, the wife of Barcelona and Brazil winger Raphinha, has hit back at "absurd" reports suggesting that the family is currently enduring an economic crisis. The speculation began to swirl following comments from a former World Cup winner, but the family has now moved to definitively silence the noise.

Bruno Fernandes has expressed his relief after Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo silenced his critics by scoring twice in a dominant World Cup victory over Uzbekistan. Following a tough opening draw, Fernandes highlighted the importance of seeing his captain find the back of the net, insisting that Ronaldo remains the ultimate go-to player for their national side.

David de Gea has reportedly made a definitive decision regarding his future, informing those close to him that he has no intention of leaving Fiorentina for anyone other than Manchester United. Despite attracting fresh interest from European heavyweights following a successful comeback in Italy, the Spaniard remains tethered to his former home at Old Trafford.

Fabio Cannavaro has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to prolong his illustrious career after watching Ronaldo dismantle his Uzbekistan side. Following a week of heavy criticism, Ronaldo answered his detractors by making World Cup history, prompting Cannavaro to praise his intelligence and reveal the heartfelt advice he gave him on the international stage.

Harry Kane’s uncharacteristic struggles in front of goal during England's World Cup stalemate with Ghana have been attributed to more than just a bad day at the office. A renowned Ghanaian spiritualist now claims he was the architect behind the captain's misfortune, having placed a hex on the striker to protect his nation's interests.

Bayern Munich are reportedly preparing to offer Michael Olise a lucrative new contract to ward off heavy transfer interest from Real Madrid. The Bundesliga club are determined to keep the France winger, who has impressed at the World Cup, by significantly increasing his wages and extending his deal until 2031 amidst growing speculation about a high-profile departure.