Lists

England striker Ollie Watkins has staunchly defended Jeremy Doku following widespread criticism over the Belgian winger's decision to leave the World Cup to attend the birth of his first child. Watkins hit back at viral comments labelling childbirth as a "disgusting moment", insisting that welcoming a firstborn is a blessing that transcends football.

Lionel Messi has cemented his status as the greatest to ever do it by becoming the outright leading goalscorer in World Cup history. The Inter Miami star overtook German legend Miroslav Klose during Argentina's high-stakes Group J encounter with Austria on Monday.

Canada are preparing for a crucial World Cup clash with Switzerland while rallying around injured midfielder Ismaël Koné after his devastating tournament-ending injury.

Thibaut Courtois has opened up about his long-term future at Real Madrid, admitting that while he dreams of retiring at the Bernabeu, the final decision rests with the club. The 34-year-old Belgian international remains at the top of his game and is widely regarded as one of the premier goalkeepers in world football.

With the World Cup well underway, GOAL U.S. writers evaluate the tournament so far - and ask whether it has lived up to the hype.

Nico Schlotterbeck has opened up about the emotional toll of his tournament-ending injury, admitting he needs time to come to terms with the blow. The Borussia Dortmund star was ruled out of the 2026 World Cup after suffering a serious ankle injury during the group stages.

Turkey’s long-awaited return to the World Cup stage turned into a nightmare after they were dumped out of the tournament with a group stage game to spare. Despite the intense backlash following defeats to Australia and Paraguay, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has taken a definitive stance on the future of head coach Vincenzo Montella.

Anthony Martial is set to embark on the next chapter of his career after agreeing to terminate his contract with Liga MX side Monterrey. The former Manchester United and Monaco striker is now eyeing a return to Ligue 1, with the French forward eager to relaunch his career back in his homeland following a brief spell in Mexico.

Tottenham Hotspur have been urged to dive into the transfer market for Brazil international Igor Thiago to finally solve their long-standing striker dilemma. Former Spurs midfielder Darren Anderton believes the Brentford frontman represents the ideal profile to spearhead Roberto De Zerbi's revolution in north London.

Another major tournament, another debate raging around Portugal's continued selection of Cristiano Ronaldo. The veteran forward's anonymous performance in his country's World Cup opener against DR Congo has reignited the now-biennial discussion over whether or not he should still be starting for the Seleccao at the grand old age of 41. Although you shouldn't expect anything to actually change so long as Roberto Martinez is in charge, the manager must learn when to take action.

Barcelona are exploring attacking reinforcements following Robert Lewandowski's departure, with Harry Kane emerging as one of the names under consideration. The England captain's contract situation at Bayern Munich is being monitored, as discussions over the length of a possible extension have yet to produce an agreement.

Brazil icon Roberto Carlos believes the Selecao are ready to turn a corner at the 2026 World Cup provided they can successfully reintegrate Neymar into the starting XI. Speaking during the tournament in North America, the legendary left-back offered a candid assessment of the current squad compared to rivals Argentina while backing Carlo Ancelotti’s side to make a deep run.

England international Khiara Keating has reportedly turned down a new contract at Manchester City, as her current deal enters its final year. The 21-year-old spent last season as second-choice goalkeeper, behind Japan's Ayaka Yamashita, and could now leave the reigning Women's Super League champions, with interest from elsewhere in the division.

Manchester City have taken a decisive step in their search for a new manager after reaching a formal agreement with Chelsea to secure the services of Enzo Maresca. The Premier League champions are set to pay a significant compensation fee to lure the Italian coach back to the Etihad Stadium as the successor to Pep Guardiola.

Manchester United have achieved a monumental breakthrough in their quest to build a world-class new home after securing the majority of the land required for a 100,000-seater stadium. The club has acquired a 25-acre site near the current Old Trafford ground, moving Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ambitious "Wembley of the North" project one step closer to reality.

Harry Kane lives for scoring goals, but will England’s record-shattering captain be keeping an eye on how the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are faring at the 2026 World Cup? Three Lions legend John Barnes has addressed that Golden Boot battle during an exclusive interview with GOAL, as individual ambition is blended with the collective pursuit of global glory.

As South Africa heads into a do-or-die Group A showdown, with a place in the next round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the line, tension and belief are running high in the Bafana camp. With qualification hanging in the balance, a coach well-versed in the national team setup has stepped in with a tactical roadmap that could prove decisive against South Korea, offering Hugo Broos’ charges a clear blueprint to grind out a vital victory and keep their tournament hopes alive.

Raphinha's World Cup campaign has been thrown into doubt after the Brazil winger suffered a hamstring injury against Haiti. His wife, Natalia Belloli, has revealed the emotional phone call that followed, while Brazil continue to monitor his recovery in the hope he can still play a part later in the tournament.

Belgium’s World Cup campaign has hit a stuttering start following two consecutive draws, but while the points tally is a concern, it is the performance levels that have drawn the sharpest tongue in football. Zlatan Ibrahimovic did not hold back when assessing their latest stalemate against Iran, delivering a scathing review of the Red Devils' toothless display.

Cape Verde head coach Bubista has expressed his deep disappointment following a controversial incident during his side's 2-2 World Cup draw with Uruguay. Bubista hit out at a perceived lack of sportsmanship from Uruguay, citing Marcelo Bielsa's own reputation for fair play as an additional reason for his frustration.

Scott McTominay has become a talismanic presence for Scotland and Napoli, but will the former Manchester United midfielder fancy another shot at life in the Premier League? Kenny Miller has explained to GOAL why the revitalised 29-year-old has no need to consider a retracing of steps at club level after finding professional and personal dreams to live in Italy.

Amakhosi have set the stage for a new era by confirming the coach's return, and the appointment has already received a massive seal of approval from club icons. Former midfield general Willard Katsande has led the praise for the Frenchman, insisting that his previous ties to the club make him the perfect man to lead the Soweto giants forward.

Germany have suffered a major setback ahead of the World Cup knockout rounds after Nico Schlotterbeck was ruled out of the tournament with a serious ankle injury. The Borussia Dortmund defender sustained the problem against the Ivory Coast, forcing Julian Nagelsmann into a defensive reshuffle at a crucial stage of the competition.

The South African icon has issued a rallying cry to the national men's football team as they face a monumental do-or-die World Cup clash against South Korea. The two-time rugby world champion believes Hugo Broos' side has the mental fortitude to overcome their precarious position and secure a spot in the knockout stages.

Chelsea have stepped up their pursuit of AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan as the Blues look to secure a world-class presence between the sticks for the upcoming campaign. The France international is reportedly open to a new challenge in England, putting the Blues on high alert as they look to negotiate a deal with the Rossoneri.

The CAF Champions League-winning midfielder has issued a defiant message, insisting the squad is ready to make history at the global showpiece. South Africa face a high-stakes final group game against South Korea on Thursday, knowing a victory could finally see them break through the glass ceiling of the group stages.

Declan Rice has revealed he has been managing nerve pain in his hamstring since December while coping with a packed season for club and country. The England midfielder still impressed in a 4-2 win over Croatia, assisting Harry Kane, but sparked concern after limping off. He has also criticised the ‘crazy’ football calendar after playing 55 matches for Arsenal this season.

Barcelona icon Alexia Putellas is set to choose her next club this week, after departing Catalunya at the end of last season. London City Lionesses remain the favourites to sign the two-time Ballon d'Or winner but interest is growing in the NWSL, with two teams in the United States pushing hard to secure her signature, according to a report.

Premier League legend Alan Shearer has raised questions over Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence within the Portugal setup, suggesting head coach Roberto Martinez may not even be "allowed" to substitute his captain. As the 41-year-old icon competes in what is likely his final World Cup, the debate over his role in the starting XI has reached boiling point.