Glesch-Paffendorf Panoramica

WC26 Power Rankings: Can anyone stop Messi & Argentina?

The first two rounds of 2026 World Cup group-stage fixtures are in the books, and the tournament continues to provide plenty of thrilling moments. Despite a lack of eye-catching fixtures on paper in the new, expanded format, there has been drama aplenty, with all the big names showing up for their respective countries on football's biggest stage.

More votes than Messi! MLS All-Star Mbokazi gets ‘great’ billing

In his first season at the Chicago Fire, Mbekezeli Mbokazi has become an All-Star in the United States - polling more votes than Argentine GOAT Lionel Messi. Fellow countryman and MLS trailblazer Doctor Khumalo has told GOAL why the talented 20-year-old defender - who is now on 2026 World Cup duty - has become a global “ambassador for South African football” and remains on course to be “one of the greatest players” on the planet.

World Cup 2026 Golden Boot standings: Record-breaking Messi leads

The 2026 World Cup is underway and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. There's a long road ahead as 48 nations battle for the top prize, but which star will take home the illustrious award? Here are GOAL's predicted candidates for the prize as we keep track of the tournament's most prolific stars

Pos	Squadra	G	V	P	S	GF	GS	+/-	Pt.	Forma
12	Western Mass Pioneers	9	5	2	2	19	14	5	17	S D V V D
12	South Carolina United Bantams	10	5	2	3	19	17	2	17	V D V S D
17	Asheville City SC	9	4	4	1	17	7	10	16	V V D D V
21	Northern Virginia FC	10	4	3	3	26	17	9	15	V V S S D
21	Charlotte Eagles	11	4	3	4	14	16	-2	15	D S S D S

Pos

Squadra

+/-

Pt.

Forma