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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.

The Taegeuk Warriors tactician has issued a clear rallying cry to his squad ahead of their decisive World Cup group-stage finale against South Africa. With knockout qualification hanging in the balance, the veteran manager insists that nothing less than a victory will suffice at the Estadio BBVA.

A Ghanaian witch doctor who previously claimed responsibility for an injury suffered by Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2014 World Cup has turned his attention to Harry Kane. Nana Kwaku Bonsam says he is working to stop England's captain from making an impact against Ghana, while Thomas Tuchel's squad remain focused on their World Cup ambitions.

The drama surrounding the Tunisian head coach's resignation at Naturena has taken a fresh turn as former co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has broken his silence on allegations of betrayal levelled by Nabi after he resigned.

Tottenham Hotspur have identified Marcus Rashford as their next primary target in a summer spending spree that shows no signs of slowing down. It has been reported that Spurs are exploring a formal offer for the Manchester United forward, who enjoyed a successful 2025-26 campaign on loan at Barcelona.

Harry Redknapp has boldly predicted to GOAL that Tottenham will “finish in the top six” next season, despite wasting money on “average” players and spending two years locked in Premier League relegation battles. Roberto De Zerbi is now calling managerial shots in north London, and one of his predecessors believes that an immediate reversal in fortune can be enjoyed.

Raphinha's family has strongly denied claims made by former Brazil international Vampeta that the Barcelona winger is dealing with financial and family problems. The retired midfielder suggested a move to Al-Hilal could help resolve the alleged issues, but the player's cousin publicly accused him of spreading false information.

The former TS Galaxy head coach has addressed the mounting rumours linking him with a return to the Betway Premiership dugout. The Bosnian tactician has been frequently mentioned as a potential candidate for the vacant Golden Arrows job following his departure from the Rockets last season.

Brazil playmaker Lucas Paqueta has hailed the return of Neymar to first-team training as the Selecao prepare for their final Group C showdown against Scotland. The Santos superstar has been sidelined with a calf injury during the opening stages of the 2026 World Cup but is now closing in on a return to action in Miami.

Austria boss Ralf Rangnick has hailed Lamine Yamal as one of football’s brightest young talents after Spain’s emphatic 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia. The former Manchester United manager believes the Barcelona winger has the potential to reach a level comparable to Lionel Messi, provided he remains grounded and continues his development.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has refused to be drawn into a war of words with Carlo Ancelotti after the Brazil boss suggested his team  "don't play high intensity football". Speaking ahead of his side’s World Cup group stage clash against Austria, Scaloni instead chose to frame the Italian's comments as a compliment to his tactical setup.

A complete guide to England women's year, including how to watch games live and more

Al-Ahli centre-back William Troost-Ekong has leaped to the defence of South Africa following criticism of their World Cup performances, insisting they fully deserve their spot in North America. Despite a slow start to the tournament, the Super Eagles legend noted a significant tactical improvement in their recent outing.

Bukayo Saka has returned to full England training after concerns over the Achilles issue that affected the closing stages of his season with Arsenal. Thomas Tuchel remains cautious over the winger's workload, with England focused on keeping one of their key attacking players fit and ready for the latter stages of the World Cup.

The “biggest issue” facing Bukayo Saka has been highlighted by England legend John Barnes, during an exclusive interview with GOAL, as the Arsenal winger is told that “goal output” is not important at the 2026 World Cup. Fresh from a memorable Premier League title triumph at club level, a star turn at Emirates Stadium is facing plenty of challenges on the grandest of international stages.