And just like that, it's over. After five-and-a-half weeks of breathless action, the 2026 World Cup is beginning to appear in the rearview mirror, the biggest international tournament in football history leaving behind a lifetime of memories while champions Spain continue their own celebrations.
Jurgen Klopp has confirmed he is closing in on becoming Germany's next head coach after agreeing a 'genereous' exit arrangement with Red Bull group. The former Liverpool manager says only formal discussions remain before an official announcement, with the DFB edging closer to appointing its preferred candidate.
There's no sporting event bigger than the World Cup. It's the pinnacle of professional football, where global superstars are born, dreams die and legends live forever. Sometimes, with just one goal, one pass, one tackle, one block or one save, a previously little-known player can become a national hero, a name eternally etched in the memory of a country's collective consciousness.
The 2026 World Cup came to a close in New Jersey on Sunday as Spain were deservedly crowned champions after a dour 1-0 win over 10-man Argentina in one of the worst finals in the tournament history. La Roja substitute Ferran Torres scored the only goal of a game that was essentially attack versus defence even before Enzo Fernandez got himself stupidly sent off for a second yellow card in the final minute of normal time.
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.
The German Football Association has refused to sign a letter supporting the re-election of FIFA president Gianni Infantino. This decision highlights growing tensions between European football governing bodies and the global organisation, exacerbated by recent controversial disciplinary decisions and external political interventions during international tournaments.
Florian Wirtz endured a difficult debut season at Liverpool on the back of his £116 million ($155m) transfer to Anfield, with Danny Murphy telling GOAL that double figures for goals and assists will be the “bare minimum” requirement in 2026-27. The Germany international is aware that patience can only stretch so far when it comes to making a telling contribution to the collective cause.
Jurgen Klopp is on the verge of becoming the new head coach of the German national team after reaching an agreement in principle with the DFB. The former Liverpool manager has been the top target to lead Die Mannschaft following a disappointing World Cup campaign under Julian Nagelsmann. Klopp is now set for a sensational return to the touchline.
Jurgen Klopp is set to reshape Germany's coaching staff by bringing trusted former Liverpool assistants Peter Krawietz and Pepijn Lijnders into the national team setup. Senior German Football Association (DFB) officials and Red Bull are due to hold talks over the final details of the manager's move, with an unconventional agreement expected to avoid a costly compensation fee.
Arsene Wenger has raised serious doubts over whether Jurgen Klopp's arrival will be enough to fix the deep-rooted issues within the German national team. Despite the former Liverpool boss being viewed as a savior, the legendary Arsenal manager believes the problems in German football run much deeper than who is sitting in the dugout.
Jamal Musiala has undergone a scheduled surgical procedure following his return from World Cup duty with Germany. The Bayern Munich superstar is now set to begin a tailored recovery programme as the Bundesliga giants prepare for the upcoming campaign.
Jurgen Klopp has 'officially' agreed to return to the technical area as the new manager of the Germany national team. The former Liverpool boss will step into the vacancy left by Julian Nagelsmann following a dismal 2026 World Cup campaign that ended in total heartbreak for Die Mannschaft.
Lothar Matthaus has endorsed Jurgen Klopp as the ideal candidate to lead a new era for the German national team following Julian Nagelsmann's departure. The legendary former captain believes the German Football Association (DFB) must embrace radical change to avoid repeating the mistakes that led to their recent tournament failures.
Jurgen Klopp has confirmed he has held talks with the German Football Federation (DFB) over becoming Germany's next head coach after Julian Nagelsmann stepped down. The former Liverpool boss says he is "more than recharged" and ready to return to management, although discussions are still ongoing.
Four nations made debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan gracing the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It was the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, before succumbing to Lionel Messi's Argentina in a classic.
The German Football Association (DFB) has confirmed their intention to open managerial talks with Jurgen Klopp following Julian Nagelsmann's resignation. The governing body announced that the former Liverpool boss has already signalled his willingness to inherit the national team vacancy, opening the door for a sensational return to the dugout.
Julian Nagelsmann is no longer Germany manager following the nation's bitter World Cup exit in the round of 32. The tactical mastermind initially insisted he would not run away from the job, but he has now agreed to vacate his position after senior DFB officials withdrew their support during a tense crisis meeting.
Julian Nagelsmann is on the verge of leaving his role as Germany manager following a crucial summit with the DFB. After a disappointing World Cup exit, the leadership has recommended that he step down voluntarily. If he refuses, a formal dismissal is expected, with ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp thought to be in the running to replace him.
Jonathan Tah has opened up on the psychological toll of his missed penalty that confirmed Germany’s shock exit from the 2026 World Cup. The Bayern Munich defender was the man who ultimately failed to convert from 12 yards, but reports have since emerged regarding the reluctance of his team-mates to step up during the high-pressure moment.
Oliver Kahn has defended Julian Nagelsmann following Germany's World Cup exit to Paraguay, insisting the head coach is not the root of the team's problems. Instead, the former Bayern Munich chief pointed to deeper structural issues within German football, arguing the penalty shootout exposed a worrying lack of responsibility among the players.
Bastian Schweinsteiger has backed Jurgen Klopp to take over the German national team, insisting the former Liverpool manager can restore the sense of optimism missing from the DFB setup. Following a humiliating 2026 World Cup exit at the hands of Paraguay, pressure has reached a boiling point for current head coach Julian Nagelsmann.
Manuel Neuer has insisted he holds no regrets over his decision to come out of international retirement, despite Germany suffering a shock exit from the World Cup. The legendary goalkeeper returned to the fold for one final tournament only to see Die Mannschaft eliminated in the round of 32 by Paraguay, resulting in his second retirement from the national team.
Former Real Madrid and Germany midfield maestro Toni Kroos has delivered a scathing review of the national team following their shock 2026 World Cup exit. The 2014 world champion believes the current squad lacks the elite individual quality required to compete for major honours on the global stage.
Jurgen Klopp is reportedly open to taking over as Germany manager following the nation's disastrous and premature exit from the 2026 World Cup. The legendary former Liverpool boss has emerged as the primary candidate to lead Die Mannschaft back to glory as pressure mounts on current head coach Julian Nagelsmann.
Dietmar Hamann launched a fierce attack on Julian Nagelsmann after Germany's shock 2026 World Cup exit, accusing the head coach of failing to build team unity and neglecting player scouting. The former Germany international also questioned the coach's commitment as pressure continues to grow on the national team boss.