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.
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.
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.
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.
John Terry has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of England's monumental World Cup semi-final clash against Argentina, claiming the Three Lions possess a superior squad to the reigning world champions. The former Chelsea captain believes Thomas Tuchel's side should have no reason to fear the South American giants despite the presence of an evergreen Lionel Messi.
Diego Luna spoke with GOAL about the pain of missing the World Cup, the difficult lessons he has learned, and why becoming a better player starts with changing his approach every day.
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.
Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, just weeks after being removed from FIFA's list of World Cup officials following a UK police investigation that was ultimately dropped for lack of evidence.
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.
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 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.
The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has officially announced the return of Slaven Bilic as the head coach of the senior national team. The former West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion manager ends a two-year break from the dugout to succeed Zlatko Dalic, who stepped down following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA’s Creator Correspondent program has given 30 TikTok personalities remarkable access at the World Cup - and offered a glimpse of how social media is reshaping soccer coverage in North America.
Former Liverpool and Fulham defender John Arne Riise has launched a stinging critique of Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting the legendary forward should retire from international football immediately. The Norwegian believes the Al-Nassr star is no longer capable of performing at the highest level and is actively hindering Portugal's progress.
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 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.
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.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has expressed his immense admiration for Lionel Messi’s continued brilliance, describing the forward's 2026 World Cup campaign as "extraordinary". Speaking from Dallas ahead of the tournament's semi-finals, Laporta also took the opportunity to evaluate the performances of Lamine Yamal and Anthony Gordon.
Manchester United are set to seal a sensational move for Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans after triggering a £35m release clause in the Belgian's contract. The Red Devils have pivoted quickly in the transfer market to bolster their midfield options under Michael Carrick.
Spain captain Rodri has called on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal to control his "anxiety" and desire to impress as La Roja prepare for a monumental World Cup semi-final against France. The Manchester City midfielder believes the Barcelona youngster remains a vital component of the team but needs to rediscover his composure to reach peak performance.
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.
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