It's so close we can almost taste it. The 2026 World Cup is now just days away, with the best players from around the globe descending on the United States, Mexico and Canada for what promises to be a superb summer of football. While some teams will solely harbour dreams of getting out of the groups, others know that anything other than a trophy parade in late-July will go down as failure. We're set, then, for five-and-a-half weeks of drama, filled with joy and heartbreak in equal measure.
Kylian Mbappe is being backed to play in the Premier League at some point, with Louis Saha telling GOAL why Manchester United would be a “good destination” for his fellow Frenchman. The World Cup-winning frontman is currently on the books of La Liga giants Real Madrid, but another high-profile transfer in upcoming windows could see a path that leads to England open up.
Nike has unveiled its new "Rip the Script" campaign ahead of the 2026 World Cup, bringing together some of football's biggest names and global celebrities. Cole Palmer, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior headline the film, which promotes creativity and instinctive play while showcasing the brand's latest football innovations.
Rayan Cherki scored a memorable goal, but a much-changed France side couldn't hold onto the lead as they dropped their first World Cup warmup game to the Ivory Coast, 2-1. Manager Didier Deschamps made plenty of changes, yet still named a strong side. Despite some bright moments, Les Bleus weren't able to piece together a complete performance - and were made to pay.
France icon Marcel Desailly has strongly defended his compatriot Kylian Mbappe amid recent criticism surrounding the forward's time at Real Madrid. With Jose Mourinho reportedly set to take charge of Los Blancos this summer, Desailly believes the incoming manager must build his tactical system around the prolific attacker rather than expecting him to undertake heavy defensive duties.
The World Cup has had no shortage of iconic moments across nearly 100 years of history. Every four years, billions of fans congregate to watch a tournament that has provided more drama, heartbreak and joy than any other event in sporting history. Football's grandest stage, the World Cup has always offered a platform for legends to be born, but it has also seen reputations destroyed and the downfall of so many famous faces.
French football legend Michel Platini has defended international captain Kylian Mbappe after the forward publicly warned against the far right taking power in France. While validating the Real Madrid star's societal stance, the former UEFA president offered some stern advice regarding the immense responsibilities and risks of such high-profile exposure.
France legend Frank Leboeuf has delivered a scathing assessment of Kylian Mbappe’s leadership credentials as Les Bleus look ahead to the 2026 World Cup. The 1998 world champion believes the Real Madrid superstar is "too selfish" to captain the national side to glory in North America this summer.
The European football season is almost over. Just one game remains - the Champions League final, as Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain prepare to do battle in Budapest on Saturday. Both sides come into the game having won their own domestic titles, with PSG looking to defend the crown they won for the first time last season, while the Gunners are aiming to secure their first European Cup.
Kylian Mbappe has been crowned Real Madrid’s Player of the Season for the second consecutive year following a prolific individual campaign. However, the 27-year-old's remarkable goalscoring exploits have been heavily overshadowed by intense unrest at the Santiago Bernabeu, with supporters directing widespread frustration towards their own stars amidst a trophyless season.
Vinicius Junior has set the record straight on his relationship with Real Madrid team-mate Kylian Mbappe, describing the Frenchman as a "legendary" footballer destined for success at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Brazil international insisted that the two maintain a close bond both on and off the pitch, despite having yet to win a major trophy together at the club.
Harry Kane has been officially crowned the 2025-26 European Golden Shoe winner following an extraordinary goalscoring campaign for Bayern Munich. The England captain decisively beat Manchester City forward Erling Haaland and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe to the prestigious prize, cementing his status as the most lethal finisher across Europe's top leagues.
Former Real Madrid head coach Jorge Valdano has come to the defence of Kylian Mbappe, insisting that the Frenchman is being unfairly targeted by critics. The legendary Argentine figure believes the narrative surrounding the forward has become toxic since his move to the Bernabeu.
Alvaro Arbeloa has issued a heartfelt farewell to Kylian Mbappe and the Real Madrid squad after stepping down from his role as head coach. The former Blancos defender’s departure comes following a final-day victory over Athletic Club, marking the end of a whirlwind six-month tenure in the Santiago Bernabeu dugout.
Kylian Mbappe secured a second straight Pichichi Trophy after scoring in Real Madrid’s final-day win over Athletic Club. The French forward has now matched a feat previously achieved only by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi over the last 38 years in La Liga.