SC Heerenveen have completed the dual signings of Indonesian defender Mees Hilgers and Iraqi winger Marko Farji. The Asian international duo arrive in Friesland to bolster Robin Veldman's squad with proven European experience and international pedigree.
The 2026 World Cup is over, and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. With the expanded 48-nation tournament coming to a close, following a month of thrilling action in North America, which star has taken home the illustrious award? Here, GOAL lists the tournament's most prolific performers.
Four nations made debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan gracing the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It was the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, before succumbing to Lionel Messi's Argentina in a classic.
Joe Hart has raised concerns over the adidas Trionda ball being used at the 2026 World Cup after noticing a recurring pattern in goals scored from distance. The former England goalkeeper believes shots struck without spin are causing major problems for goalkeepers, with several high-profile keepers struggling to judge the ball's flight.
Kylian Mbappe admitted he struggled to stay composed after a severe storm in Philadelphia forced a lengthy suspension during France's World Cup clash with Iraq. The France captain revealed the disruption tested the squad mentally before he scored twice in a 3-0 victory to help his side overcome the challenging circumstances.
AFC Bournemouth U23
