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World Cup Golden Boot GFX

World Cup 2026 Golden Boot standings: Vinicius boosts his chances

The 2026 World Cup is underway and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. There's a long road ahead as 48 nations battle for the top prize, but which star will take home the illustrious award? Here are GOAL's predicted candidates for the prize as we keep track of the tournament's most prolific stars

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Sundowns star backs Ronaldo's Portugal for World Cup glory

The Brazilians star has thrown his weight behind Seleção das Quinas’ quest for global dominance at the ongoing showpiece in North America. The Portuguese star believes that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner and the current crop of talent have what it takes to secure the one major trophy that has eluded the European nation.

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WC26 Power Rankings: Can anyone stop Messi & Argentina?

The first two rounds of 2026 World Cup group-stage fixtures are in the books, and the tournament continues to provide plenty of thrilling moments. Despite a lack of eye-catching fixtures on paper in the new, expanded format, there has been drama aplenty, with all the big names showing up for their respective countries on football's biggest stage.

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Munoz shines as Colombia sink DR Congo

Colombia have officially booked their place in the 2026 World Cup last 32 after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over DR Congo in Guadalajara - a feat Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal failed to manage in their opening match. Crystal Palace star Daniel Munoz proved to be the difference once again, breaking the deadlock with his second goal of the tournament to ensure the South Americans maintained their perfect start in Group K.

Portugal v Congo DR: Group K - FIFA World Cup 2026

Owen backs Ronaldo to 'shut up' critics & match Messi's hat-trick exploits

Former England striker Michael Owen has passionately defended Cristiano Ronaldo following Portugal's disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo. Despite facing heavy scrutiny for his subdued performance, which came in stark contrast to Lionel Messi's hat-trick heroics for Argentina against Algeria, Owen insists the Al-Nassr striker remains a big-game player and has backed him to "shut up" his critics.

Portugal v Congo DR: Group K - FIFA World Cup 2026

Ruben Dias defends Cristiano Ronaldo amid Portugal criticism

Ruben Dias has insisted that the intense scrutiny focused on captain Cristiano Ronaldo is nothing out of the ordinary for the national team. The Manchester City centre-back has called for unity within the squad after their disappointing opening World Cup draw, emphasising that outside noise will not derail their ultimate tournament ambitions.

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'Not right!' - Scholes admits Ronaldo is a 'problem' for Portugal

Paul Scholes has admitted that Cristiano Ronaldo is a "problem" for Portugal after their disappointing World Cup draw against DR Congo. The Manchester United legend also claims that his ex-team-mate will be "so pissed off" to have seen his eternal rival Lionel Messi score a hat-trick in Argentina's tournament opener against Algeria.

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'Portugal better without him!' - Ronaldo urged to 'step aside'

Cristiano Ronaldo’s role in the Portugal national team has come under intense scrutiny once again following a frustrating start to their 2026 World Cup campaign. After a 1-1 draw against DR Congo, former Ghana international Kevin-Prince Boateng has suggested that the legendary forward may need to sacrifice his starting spot for the good of the collective.

Portugal v Congo DR: Group K - FIFA World Cup 2026

Martinez defends keeping Ronaldo on in Portugal's draw with DR Congo

Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has stood firm in his support of Cristiano Ronaldo despite the veteran striker enduring a frustrating afternoon in their 2026 World Cup opener. The Selecao were held to a shock 1-1 draw by DR Congo in Houston and Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes despite struggling to affect the game, leaving fans and pundits questioning the captain's continued presence in the starting XI.

Portugal v Congo DR: Group K - FIFA World Cup 2026

Ronaldo must be 'SAVED from himself', says ex-Man Utd striker

Cristiano Ronaldo’s relentless drive to break records is starting to hinder Portugal’s tactical flexibility at the 2026 World Cup, according to former Manchester United team-mate Louis Saha. The legendary striker has come under fire following a sluggish performance in his country’s opening match, sparking a massive debate over his starting role.

Portugal v Congo DR: Group K - FIFA World Cup 2026

Ronaldo defends Portugal after disappointing result against DR Congo

Cristiano Ronaldo has leapt to the defence of his Portugal teammates following their underwhelming 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their 2026 World Cup opener. Despite storming down the tunnel at full-time in Houston, the legendary forward insisted that nothing was missing from their performance, urging the squad to keep their heads up as they prepare for their next group stage challenge.

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Henry slams Ronaldo after Portugal draw with DR Congo

Thierry Henry has pulled no punches in his assessment of Cristiano Ronaldo's performance during Portugal's frustrating start to their 2026 World Cup campaign. The former Arsenal striker highlighted a specific moment where he believes the legendary forward's desire for personal glory cost his nation a vital goal in their 1-1 draw against DR Congo.

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'Accept it, Messi is the best' - Ronaldo shuts down GOAT debate

Brazilian legend Ronaldo has declared that Lionel Messi is undisputedly the greatest player of all time following his spectacular hat-trick against Algeria. The historic display saw the Inter Miami superstar guide defending champions Argentina to a perfect 3-0 victory in their World Cup opener against Algeria, matching records and leaving former Real Madrid icon Ronaldo completely awestruck.

Portugal v Congo DR: Group K - FIFA World Cup 2026

Ronaldo makes solo exit as Portugal held by DR Congo

Cristiano Ronaldo cut a lonely and frustrated figure as he stormed off the pitch following Portugal's unexpected 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their 2026 World Cup opener. While the rest of the squad stayed out to acknowledge the significant Portuguese support in Houston, the legendary captain opted for a swift exit to the dressing room.

Portugal Training And Press Conference - FIFA World Cup 2026

Ex-PL boss explains how long CR7 can play in each Portugal game

Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for what is widely expected to be his final appearance on the world stage as Portugal look to conquer the 2026 World Cup. However, former Premier League manager and Ronaldo’s compatriot Carlos Carvalhal believes careful management of the 41-year-old’s minutes will be the deciding factor in their pursuit of glory.

Portugal Training And Press Conference - FIFA World Cup 2026

Will Ronaldo do the same? Update on future of Portugal manager

Roberto Martinez will step down as Portugal manager following this current World Cup campaign. As his contract expires in late July, the Spanish tactician has decided not to renew. This monumental exit leaves fans wondering if legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo will also end his international career, as he chases the one elusive trophy missing from his cabinet.

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Chasing Ronaldo’s dream! Portugal will ‘give a little bit more’

Former Portugal winger Nani believes that the entire national team will push themselves beyond their limits to help Cristiano Ronaldo secure the ultimate prize at the 2026 World Cup. Having already lifted three major trophies together, the squad are determined to deliver international glory once more, driven by the global desire to see the legendary forward conquer the world.