VfL Halle 96 Overview

The USMNT’s 4-1 World Cup-opening win over Paraguay drew 15.986 million viewers across FOX, FOX One and Tubi, making it the most-watched USMNT telecast ever and another major sign of soccer’s growing pull in the United States. The broadcast peaked at 18.86 million viewers, while the match also became the most-streamed English-language USMNT game on record.

Somali referee Omar Artan will reportedly receive his full tournament salary from FIFA despite being prevented from officiating at the World Cup. The 34-year-old was sensationally denied entry to the United States following an 11-hour interrogation by immigration officials at Miami International Airport.

Jurgen Klopp has joined USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino in a scathing attack on the 2026 World Cup hydration breaks, claiming the sport is being "held hostage" by commercial interest. The former Liveprool manager argues the mid-half interruptions are designed to serve commercial advertisers rather than genuinely protect player welfare.

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