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World Cup

World Cup news

Canada v Morocco: Round of 16 - FIFA World Cup 2026

Man City 'pushing hard' to sign Morocco World Cup star Bouaddi

Manchester City are reportedly "pushing hard" to secure the signature of Lille's highly-rated midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi following his breakthrough performances at the World Cup. The Premier League giants are eager to bring the Morocco wonderkid straight to the Etihad Stadium as they look to bolster their midfield options for the upcoming campaign.

Kane-Tuchel-Bellingham

Kane speaks out on spiky Bellingham & Tuchel interviews

England captain Harry Kane has accused the media of attempting to manufacture internal camp unrest ahead of their World Cup semi-final showdown against Argentina. The striker firmly maintained the squad remains entirely united despite Jude Bellingham's dismissive response to criticism from Thomas Tuchel about England's display in their quarter-final win over Norway.

England line-up vs Argentina GFX

Two changes Tuchel should make for Argentina semi-final

And so we get to the real bit. England have had, in truth, quite a favourable run in the World Cup thus far. Mexico at the Azteca was a real test, but they are yet to face a team that is, objectively, better than them. Enter Argentina, the reigning champions and led by a certain Lionel Messi.

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Yamal-Martinez

Yamal mocks Martinez and denies World Cup nerves

Lamine Yamal dismissed suggestions that numerology could influence Spain's World Cup semi-final against France, while taking a swipe at former Portugal boss Roberto Martinez. The teenage winger also insisted he feels no anxiety before the biggest match of his career and remains focused only on helping Spain reach the final.

Rodri Pedri Spain GFX

Rodri's back to his best - but why is Pedri playing so poorly?

When Spain's starting line-up for last week's World Cup quarter-final against Belgium was revealed roughly an hour before kick-off, the name of Pedri was immediately conspicuous by its absence. The natural assumption among pundits and supporters was that he was carrying a niggle - which tells you everything you need to know about just how highly the Barcelona star is rated.

Lionel Messi Diego Maradona Argentina GFX

Beating England the only thing missing from Messi's career

Before the start of Lionel Messi's sixth World Cup, the common consensus was that he'd seen and done it all. After effectively completing football four years ago in Qatar, there was even a fear that there was no way he could, at 39 years of age, add to his legacy - only slightly sully it. Messi, though, has spent his entire career making a mockery out of conventional wisdom and has actually managed to solidify his status as the greatest player of all time by becoming the World Cup's all-time leading goal-scorer and assist-maker during Argentina's run to the semi-finals.

Mbappe Tor

Deschamps delivers update on Mbappe ahead Spain clash

Didier Deschamps has confirmed Kylian Mbappe is fit to face Spain in France's World Cup semi-final despite concerns over an ankle problem. The France captain trained separately for part of Monday's session, but his boss insisted the modified workload was only part of his recovery plan ahead of the last-four clash.

Arne Slot

Liverpool to save millions as Slot closes in on new job

Liverpool are set to benefit from a significant financial boost after reaching an agreement that clears the way for Arne Slot to become the new Netherlands head coach. The Dutchman, who left Anfield earlier this summer, is the primary candidate to succeed Ronald Koeman following the Oranje's latest transition.

FBL-WC-2026-PRESSER-FRA

Kounde dismisses Yamal tension ahead of semi-final

Jules Kounde has dismissed any notion that Lamine Yamal's confident remarks ahead of Spain's World Cup semi-final against France have caused unease. The Euro 2024 champions and the 2022 World Cup runners-up are set to battle it out for a place in the final on Tuesday.

Brazil v Norway: Round of 16 - FIFA World Cup 2026

Haaland: World Cup 'best journey' of my life

Erling Haaland has opened up on the emotional rollercoaster of Norway's World Cup campaign, describing the tournament as the best journey of his life despite a heartbreaking quarter-final exit to England. The Manchester City superstar insisted that the tournament has permanently changed both his country and his own outlook on the game.

Spain v Belgium: Quarter Final - FIFA World Cup 2026

Rodri vows to punish France in World Cup semi-final clash

Spain captain Rodri believes his side has what it takes to overcome France in their blockbuster World Cup semi-final clash in Dallas. The Manchester City midfielder is drawing confidence from recent victories over Les Bleus as La Roja aim to reach their first global final since 2010.

FC Barcelona v RCD Mallorca - LaLiga EA Sports

Bayern make a move for Kounde

Bayern Munich have reportedly stepped up their interest in Barcelona defender Jules Kounde as they look to bolster their backline ahead of the new campaign. The Bundesliga giants have made formal enquiries following the Frenchman's standout performances on the international stage this summer.

KYLIAN MBAPPE FRANCE

Eto'o claims Mbappe is underappreciated in France

Samuel Eto'o has claimed that Kylian Mbappe does not receive the level of appreciation his record-breaking performances deserve in his home country. Despite leading France to the brink of another World Cup final, the legendary striker believes the Real Madrid man is held to a different standard than other icons of the game.

Lionel Messi Argentina 2026 World Cup Switzerland

Messi is ‘mortal’! England told why GOAT shouldn’t scare them

Lionel Messi is “more mortal now”, former England international Gary Pallister has told GOAL, with the Three Lions considered to be capable of ending Argentina’s World Cup title defence. Thomas Tuchel’s side are due to lock horns with the reigning champions on Wednesday, with questions already being asked of how best to contain an evergreen all-time great.

Spain v Austria: Round of 32 - FIFA World Cup 2026

'Everything is more difficult' - Porro opens up on Yamal relationship

Pedro Porro has emerged as a vital component of Spain's starting line-up at the 2026 World Cup, forming a formidable partnership with Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal. Despite starting the tournament on the bench, the Tottenham defender has become indispensable for Luis de la Fuente on the right flank, and has now opened up on his connection with Yamal.

Jude Bellingham Thomas Tuchel England 2026 World Cup

Whatever! Bellingham vs Tuchel is England ‘storm in a teacup’

Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel have “history” and continue to butt heads occasionally, but former England international Gary Pallister has told GOAL why the pair’s latest exchange of words is nothing more than a “storm in a teacup”. The Three Lions’ class of 2026 are chasing down immortality at the World Cup in North America, with it important that no cracks are allowed to form in that camp.

Sandile Zungu, AmaZulu, January 2026

Zungu lays out battle plan for SAFA Presidency - 'Development structures are practically dysfunctional, if not dead'

The AmaZulu FC president has launched an ambitious campaign for the presidency of South Africa’s football ruling body, offering a scathing assessment of the current state of country’s football under the existing leadership. The businessman is positioning himself as the primary challenger to the incumbent, promising to overhaul a system he believes has stalled despite recent national team successes.