Hoedd Overview

World Cup 2026 Golden Boot standings: Messi & David lead

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

Carlos insists Brazil 'will improve a lot' with Neymar back

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.

'He was crying and so was I' - Raphinha's wife reveals emotional World Cup injury call

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.

Brazil v Haiti: Group C - FIFA World Cup 2026

Raphinha's cousin slams Brazil World Cup winner over Saudi transfer 'lies'

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.

'Can still help a lot!' - Paqueta hails return of 'very important' Neymar

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.

Scaloni responds to Ancelotti's claim that Argentina 'don't play high intensity'

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.