José Mourinho has expressed his delight that Lionel Messi was able to win a World Cup to add the only major trophy he was missing to his enviable collection. The Argentina captain propelled his nation to global glory in Qatar in 2022, and is now looking to repeat the feat in North America, with Lionel Scaloni's side expected to go deep in the competition once again.
Speaking exclusively on the Beast Mode On Podcast, José Mourinho has backed Cristiano Ronaldo and his native Portugal to stake a serious claim for World Cup glory, while ranking England among the favourites. Having recently returned to Real Madrid for a second spell in charge at the Bernabeu, Mourinho has also explained why he is hoping to see Madrid's star names suffer early exits from FIFA's flagship event in North America.
Borussia Dortmund have reportedly established a massive €100 million asking price for Felix Nmecha as interest from the Premier League continues to mount ahead of a future release clause becoming active. The 25-year-old German star has become a primary target for several clubs following his standout World Cup performances.
Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer has insisted he is "not crying" over his shock omission from Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup squad following a challenging, injury-hit campaign. The 24-year-old is instead shifting his focus entirely toward a rare, head-clearing summer break in Ibiza to fully recharge ahead of the new season.
New Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho joins Adebayo Akinfenwa on the Beast Mode On Podcast as he exclusively discusses his sensational return to the Liga giants, the World Cup and whether England can finally end 60 years of hurt, and some of the joyous, and panful, experiences he's had in management to date. Mourinho also chats openly about his time at Tottenham, and the controversial nature of his sacking just days before the League Cup final, among many other intriguing topics in a must-see episode of the award-winning podcast.
Dayot Upamecano has detailed his tactical blueprint to nullify the immense threat of Erling Haaland ahead of a highly anticipated World Cup showdown. The French defender faces his ultimate test of the international tournament in Boston as Les Bleus square off against an in-form Norway side.
Steve Clarke has conceded that Scotland are "probably going home" following a demoralising 3-0 defeat to Brazil in their final World Cup group stage match. The Tartan Army were outclassed by Carlo Ancelotti’s side in Miami, leaving their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds for the first time in their history hanging by the thinnest of threads.
South Africa is celebrating a landmark moment in its footballing history after the team secured safe passage to the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The achievement marks the first time the national side has reached the bracket rounds since the country's readmission to international sports, sparking widespread praise for the man at the helm.
Italy have turned back to a familiar face to rescue the national team from its deepest crisis in decades. Antonio Conte is set to return to the Azzurri dugout with a mandate to restore pride and ensure the four-time world champions finally return to the global stage.
June 25, 1982 was, according to The Times, "the day that sportsmanship died". What was expected to be a fiercely competitive fixture between West Germany and Austria became a 'non-aggression pact' between two teams who effectively stopped playing during the second half of their World Cup group game in Gijon to ensure that both progressed to the second round.
Canada head coach Jesse Marsch has admitted that captain Alphonso Davies was never truly ready to play in the crucial 2-1 World Cup defeat to Switzerland, revealing he used the superstar as a "decoy" to disrupt the opposition's preparations. Despite the pre-match comments, the Bayern Munich man remained an unused substitute as the Canucks fell to second place in Group B.
Neymar admitted that nervousness took over during his long-awaited return to the Brazilian national team after a hiatus of almost a thousand days away from international football. The Santos star entered the second half of the 3-0 victory over Scotland, sealing the end of a long recovery that began with a serious knee injury in 2023.
Thapelo Maseko and Co. have sparked a nationwide party after securing their place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Following a historic 1-0 victory over the Taegeuk Warriors, former national team defender Edward Motale has identified the tactical chemistry behind Hugo Broos' success.
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has expressed his frustration with the current World Cup scheduling format, claiming his side are being unfairly penalised for securing top spot in Group E. The tactical mastermind revealed that a highly compressed turnaround time forces his analytical backroom staff into a frantic race against the clock.
Vinicius Jr has revealed he is expecting a special reward from Carlo Ancelotti after performing the "impossible" during Brazil's dominant victory over Scotland. The Real Madrid superstar was the standout performer as the Selecao secured top spot in Group C to march into the World Cup knockout rounds.
South Africa's captain has led the tributes to the experienced coach after Bafana Bafana secured a monumental place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stages. The 36-year-old goalkeeper delivered an emotional message of thanks to the Belgian tactician following their historic victory over South Korea on Thursday.
Former England defender Rio Ferdinand has launched a passionate defence of the national team following their frustrating 0-0 draw against Ghana at the 2026 World Cup. The Manchester United legend hit back at what he perceives as a knee-jerk media reaction to Thomas Tuchel's side after they failed to follow up their opening-day victory with another win.
Manchester United have identified Scotland international goalkeeper Angus Gunn as a surprise summer transfer target to bolster their restructuring squad. The 30-year-old shot-stopper is available on a free transfer following his recent departure from Nottingham Forest, as Old Trafford chiefs actively look to strengthen their defensive department.
Experienced Netherlands central defender Stefan de Vrij is on the verge of completing an unexpected move to Panathinaikos. The 34-year-old is departing Inter on a free transfer following a successful eight-year spell with the club, with advanced negotiations currently taking place to finalise the remaining details of his switch to Athens.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has offered a unique perspective on the 2026 World Cup's controversial hydration breaks, breaking ranks with several high-profile critics. While fans and players have voiced frustrations over the frequent stoppages, the German tactician believes they serve a practical purpose both on and off the pitch.
The mandate was clear for Hugo Broos and his troops, win and they would make history, anything else would end in failure. They rose to the occasion magnificently, delivering a disciplined, determined performance to emerge victorious and set up a Round of 32 clash with Canada on Sunday where the dream of progressing to the next round is very real.
Comprehensive match preview of South Africa vs Canada at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more ahead of this round of 32 clash in Los Angeles.
Frenkie de Jong has bitten back at critics of his game, but does the Barcelona midfielder occupy the same talent pool as Declan Rice and Vitinha? Former Netherlands international Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has answered that question for GOAL, with a man that can divide opinion among supporters and pundits being told where he needs to improve in order to become truly elite.
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