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World Cup

World Cup news

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.

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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.

Florian Wirtz Liverpool 2025-26

‘Bare minimum’ target set for £116m Wirtz after double flop

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.

FBL-HKG-KSA-SUPER CUP-NASSR-ITTIHAD

New Portugal boss confirms CR7 will be in his plans

Portugal's new head coach Jorge Jesus has wasted no time in addressing the elephant in the room, confirming that Cristiano Ronaldo remains a fundamental part of his international project. The veteran manager, who recently tasted success with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner in Saudi Arabia, insists the legendary forward will continue to lead the line for the Selecao.

Jude Bellingham Thomas Tuchel England GFX

'Whatever' - Jude & Tuchel tension isn't a problem... for now

Watch the video again and you can almost see Jude Bellingham loading his answer as the interviewer navigates the question. The Real Madrid superstar had just been informed that his manager, Thomas Tuchel, was "disappointed" with England's performance following a gusty 2-1 win over Norway in Miami on Saturday night. Bellingham's remarkably clippable response? "Whatever."

Kylian Mbappe France GFX

Mbappe can silence Spanish critics in semi-final showdown

Kylian Mbappe will be relishing France's World Cup semi-final clash with Spain more than most. Not only is this the opportunity to exact revenge for the painful defeat to La Roja at the same stage of Euro 2024 two years ago, but the attacker also has the chance to deliver a rebuttal to his vociferous critics back in Madrid after a tumultuous season at club level. What's more, he comes into the showdown in the form of his life.

FBL-WC-2026-MATCH95-ARG-EGY

England will 'put Messi to bed', says Cole

Former England international Joe Cole has sensationally claimed that the Three Lions will "put Lionel Messi to bed" when they meet Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals. Despite the daunting task of facing the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, Cole is adamant that England's superior pace will prove too much for the Albiceleste.

Yamal-Konate

Konate insists France won't fall into Yamal's 'trap'

Ibrahima Konate has hit back at Lamine Yamal’s claims that France should be "afraid" of Spain ahead of their blockbuster World Cup semi-final tie. Speaking from the French camp in Boston, the Real Madrid defender insisted Les Bleus are remaining humble and blocking out external noise.