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Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo has officially been named the new captain of Ecuador after Enner Valencia made the shock decision to step down from the role mid-tournament. The veteran striker handed over the armband in an emotional ceremony following the nation's successful progression to the 2026 World Cup knockout stages.

Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan has delivered a blunt critique of Cristiano Ronaldo, claiming the legendary forward is currently a hindrance to Portugal’s World Cup ambitions. Despite leading his nation into the knockout stages, the 41-year-old’s performances have sparked debate among pundits and former colleagues alike.

Former England internationals Gary Neville and Ian Wright have voiced their serious "concern" for Bukayo Saka’s physical condition as the Three Lions prepare for the business end of the 2026 World Cup. The Arsenal star has been managing a persistent injury that appears to be limiting his impact on the global stage.

Cole Palmer has been made aware of what he needs to do in order to become a “great player”, with Frank Leboeuf admitting to GOAL that the Chelsea star’s World Cup snub with England will feel like a “big slap in the face”. The enigmatic playmaker remains a match-winner at Stamford Bridge, but his numbers have dipped year on year after making a dazzling start to his spell in west London.

Kai Havertz has issued a defiant response to Gary Lineker after the England legend labeled the current German squad as "one of the weakest" in the nation’s history. The Arsenal forward insisted that Julian Nagelsmann’s side are blocking out the noise as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup knockout rounds in the United States.

The atmosphere for the World Cup round of 32 tie between Brazil and Japan heated up off the field after controversial statements from Kento Shiogai. Marquinhos, captain of the Brazilian national team, did not shy away from responding to comments from Shiogai questioning Neymar's current level and the Selecao's collective strength.

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has called on Thomas Tuchel to make a ruthless selection call by dropping Declan Rice for England’s World Cup knockout campaign. The former midfielder believes the Three Lions must adopt a more aggressive tactical approach if they are to bridge the gap to tournament heavyweights like France and Argentina.

Peter Shilton has explained to GOAL how VAR would have changed the course of history had it been around in 1986, as there would have been no ‘Hand of God’, individual wonder goal or World Cup win for Diego Maradona. Argentina’s mercurial No.10 quite literally carried his nation to global glory single-handedly on Mexican soil, with his most memorable performance being delivered against England at the quarter-final stage.

Jesse Marsch has delivered a defiant response to any critics who might see his management style as "performative" after Canada secured their first-ever World Cup knockout win. The former Leeds United boss was seen delivering an emotional huddle speech on the pitch following the dramatic round of 32 victory over South Africa.

Brian Brobbey would be a “great signing for Manchester United”, former Sunderland defender Matt Kilgallon has told GOAL, with a £50 million ($66m) transfer making sense for all concerned. The powerful Netherlands international striker is currently on 2026 World Cup duty, but he is now Premier League proven and could be on the move at club level before the latest window closes.

Manchester United starlet Kai Rooney has sent a clear message to his followers as he prepares to return to action following a frustrating period on the sidelines. The teenage sensation took to Instagram to share vibrant holiday snaps, proving he has been working tirelessly on his fitness while recharging his batteries.

It’s time for the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup, which means it’s time for penalty shootout drama. Generally, England have a terrible reputation when it comes to spot-kicks, winning just four of the 11 shootouts they’ve participated in. But the signs suggest the tide is turning, with three of those wins coming in their last four.

Lionel Scaloni is set to extend his legendary tenure as Argentina head coach after reportedly reaching a verbal agreement to remain in charge until 2031. The news comes as the Albiceleste prepare for their 2026 World Cup knockout clash against Cape Verde in Miami.

Barcelona have sensationaly reached out to the representatives of Harry Kane as they look to pull off one of the most ambitious transfers in recent memory. The Catalan giants are reportedly exploring a move for the England captain, who is currently starring at the World Cup, as they search for a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski.

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar is in "good shape" but suggested the forward will once again start on the bench for Monday’s World Cup round of 32 clash against Japan. The Santos star made his long-awaited return to the international stage as a late substitute in the Selecao's final group game against Scotland.

Frank Lampard is, after overseeing promotion into the Premier League at Coventry, being backed to become a contender for the England manager’s top. Ex-Three Lions captain Terry Butcher has told GOAL why he is hoping to see more home-grown coaches compete for that prestigious post, with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney not being ruled out of the equation just yet.

Manchester City are preparing for life after Pep Guardiola, but the shadow of 115 Premier League charges continues to loom large over the Etihad Stadium. As the legendary Catalan coach calls time on his trophy-laden decade in England, questions are being asked about whether the looming verdict on the club’s financial conduct played a part in his decision to walk away.

Stephen Eustáquio's stoppage-time winner sent Canada into the World Cup Round of 16 as GOAL breaks down the biggest winners and losers against South Africa.

After Real Madrid wonderkid Endrick sparked a wave of viral memes for sitting on Brazil's bench, Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo is now the main subject. England boss Thomas Tuchel's decision to keep the 21-year-old out of his starting lineup at the 2026 World Cup has triggered internet jokes, making the midfielder a meme sensation.

Canada's World Cup dream reached a new peak on Sunday as Stephen Eustaquio fired the co-hosts into the round of 16 for the first time in their history. The midfielder produced the defining moment at Los Angeles Stadium, smashing home a stoppage-time winner to settle a tense encounter with South Africa.

Kylian Mbappe has received the ultimate seal of approval from one of the greatest strikers in the history of the game as France continue their 2026 World Cup journey. Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario has showered the Real Madrid superstar with praise after seeing him register four goals and two assists in his first three games at this summer's tournament in North America.

Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie O'Hara has urged his old club to sign Marcus Rashford this summer. Rashford has spent the last season and a half on loan at Barcelona and Aston Villa, respectively, and with Manchester United reportedly keen to get him off their wage bill, O'Hara believes Spurs can secure a bargain deal to boost Roberto De Zerbi's squad for the upcoming season.

Cole Palmer appears to have given his seal of approval to Chelsea’s pursuit of former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka, as new manager Xabi Alonso looks to reshape his midfield. The Blues are reportedly in discussions to bring the Switzerland international back to London from Sunderland in a move that would prioritise experience over youth.

Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto has reportedly agreed personal terms to join Manchester City this summer, setting his sights on a reunion with former manager Enzo Maresca. The France international has given the green light to the move, which leaves City needing only to agree on a final fee with Chelsea.

Hydration breaks are mandated at every single game of the 2026 World Cup, which has led to mixed reactions from coaches, players and fans alike.

Major League Soccer is set to welcome another global icon as Robert Lewandowski has reached an agreement to join the Chicago Fire. The legendary Polish striker is in line for a free transfer to the United States following the conclusion of his trophy-laden spell with Barcelona.

Gil Mora, Obed Vargas and Mateo Chávez are leading Mexico's youth movement as Javier Aguirre builds a World Cup contender with one eye firmly on the future.

Yan Diomande has reportedly decided to join Paris Saint-Germain if he leaves RB Leipzig this summer, dealing a massive blow to Liverpool. The talented winger believes a move to the French giants will offer him the best platform to win major trophies and achieve his ultimate dream of securing the Ballon d'Or in the future.

Endrick’s future at Real Madrid appears to have been settled well before the new season begins. After spending the second half of last campaign on loan at Lyon, the Brazilian forward is now expected to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu and fight for his place under Jose Mourinho.