The 2026 World Cup had plenty of flaws, but its lasting legacy may be found in the streets, bars and stadiums where cultures converged and unexpected connections were formed.
Przemyslaw Frankowski has lauded former team-mate Victor Osimhen as one of the finest strikers on the planet, placing the Nigeria international in the same bracket as Erling Haaland and Harry Kane. The Stade Rennais man, who shared a dressing room with the Super Eagles star in Turkey, believes the forward’s relentless ambition sets him apart from the rest of the elite pack.
Manchester City marksman Erling Haaland is currently enjoying a well-earned break from the relentless pace of elite football as he celebrates his 26th birthday. The Norwegian international, who has broken nearly every scoring record in his path since moving to the Premier League, was the subject of an affectionate tribute from his long-term partner as he reached his latest personal milestone.
Erling Haaland is unlikely to see out the remaining eight years of his contract at Manchester City, Joleon Lescott has admitted to GOAL, but Real Madrid and any other suitors of the Norwegian striker have been warned that any future transfer fee “isn’t going to be small”. The Citizens have their superstar No.9 tied to terms at the Etihad Stadium through to 2034.
After five weeks, a record 104 matches played and 308 goals scored, the 2026 World Cup is officially over. From a purely footballing perspective, FIFA's biggest tournament of all time did not disappoint, with 48 teams doing battle across three host countries and the vast expanse of North America. And when 46 of those nations had been whittled away, only the top two ranked teams on the planet remained: Spain and Argentina.
The 2026 World Cup has reached its conclusion, with Spain emerging triumphant as they captured another global title. A memorable tournament in North America saw superstar performers from every corner of the planet take centre stage. Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham all illuminated proceedings, but Rodri signed off with the best player prize.
The 2026 World Cup is over, and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. With the expanded 48-nation tournament coming to a close, following a month of thrilling action in North America, which star has taken home the illustrious award? Here, GOAL lists the tournament's most prolific performers.
Erling Haaland treated his Norway team-mates and staff to an unforgettable $10,000 shopping spree at a famous western store in Dallas during the 2026 World Cup. The Manchester City striker bought cowboy hats, custom boots, and bizarre taxidermy souvenirs, including a $750 raccoon holding a bottle of liquor, after leading his country to a historic quarter-final run in the United States.
Erling Haaland has amused football fans by bringing a bizarre $750 taxidermied raccoon back to Oslo following Norway's elimination from the 2026 World Cup. The prolific Manchester City striker showcased the unique souvenir, purchased from a famous Western store in Texas, as the national squad plane touched down back in Scandinavia.
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
