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World Cup Golden Boot standings: Messi moves onto seven

The 2026 World Cup is well underway and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. There's a long and winding road to be navigated as 48 nations battle for the top prize, but which star will take home the illustrious award? Here, GOAL tracks the tournament's most prolific stars.

'If the roles had been reversed' - Furious Modric blasts VAR after controversial defeat

Luka Modric criticised VAR after Croatia's World Cup exit to Portugal, insisting his side were unfairly treated following a controversial penalty and a disallowed equaliser. The Croatia captain questioned the consistency of officiating and suggested bigger nations receive more favourable decisions.

Portugal v Croatia: Round of 32 - FIFA World Cup 2026

FIFA defend VAR hair flick call as Portugal advance

FIFA have explained why Croatia's dramatic stoppage-time equaliser against Portugal was ruled out after VAR intervened. Connected Ball Technology detected the slightest touch from Igor Matanovic in the build-up, allowing officials to confirm an offside offence and sending Portugal through while Croatia crashed out.

'Diogo is up there illuminating us' - Ronaldo pays tribute to Jota after Portugal win

Cristiano Ronaldo paid an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota after Portugal's dramatic World Cup win over Croatia. Wearing a shirt bearing Jota's old No.21 after the final whistle, the Portugal captain dedicated the victory to his late international team-mate.

Portugal felt Diogo Jota's presence in Croatia win - Martinez

Roberto Martinez has revealed how the memory of the late Diogo Jota inspired Portugal during their dramatic World Cup knockout victory over Croatia. The national team manager pointed out several emotional coincidences linking the narrow triumph directly to the former forward, who tragically passed away alongside his brother in a car accident last year.

'I felt slight contact with my hair' - Croatia star rages at last-gasp VAR call

Croatia's dramatic late equaliser against Portugal was ruled out after VAR detected the slightest touch from Igor Matanovic before the ball crossed the line. The striker questioned the decision, while head coach Zlatko Dalic criticised the officiating after Croatia's painful elimination.