Two days before the biggest World Cup Final of our lifetime, Trevor Noah pulls up to The Late Run. He tells the story behind the photo of Messi bathing baby Lamine Yamal nearly two decades before they meet in a World Cup Final, explains why the whole world is rooting for Spain on Sunday, and calls out England for playing scared.

From his early life and rise through the game to becoming Liverpool's first-choice goalkeeper, representing England on the international stage, and lifting the FA Cup with Portsmouth, David James reflects on the highs, the challenges and everything he learned along the way in the latest episode of the Beast Mode On Podcast.

Landon Donovan joins Ocho and Raheem on The Late Run to revisit a career built far from the spotlight. He reflects on leaving home for Bayer Leverkusen at 16, grinding to sell MLS tickets, his 2012 mental-health sabbatical, the Klinsmann World Cup snub, facing Messi and Ronaldo, Beckham’s impact on MLS, the pay-to-play problem threatening U.S. soccer and why a home World Cup could change everything.

MUNDIAL release No Era Penal, a film celebrating the magic and passion of Mexican football fandom. Taking the infamous 'No Era Penal' (It wasn't a penalty) saying from the 2014 World Cup as a starting point, the film delves deep into Mexico's love for the game, the World Cup, and its elusive mission to reach La Quinto Partido, the fifth game of the World Cup. Featuring Raúl Jiménez, Miguel Herrera, Rey Mysterio and more, it's a wild, wild ride!

Jose Mourinho has reportedly stepped in to block the summer departure of Real Madrid academy graduate Gonzalo Garcia ahead of the upcoming campaign. The Portuguese manager holds tactical reservations regarding the central suitability of Kylian Mbappe and Endrick, prompting him to evaluate the physical young striker as a genuine option to lead the line.

Inter are stepping up their pursuit of Tottenham full-back Djed Spence after his impressive World Cup displays strengthened the club's belief that he is the ideal fit for Cristian Chivu's system. The Serie A giants are now prepared to increase their budget as they seek to avoid competition for the England international.

Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly withdrawn from the race to sign Bayern Munich standout Michael Olise. The French champions are unwilling to engage in a bidding war or match the €200 million asking price, leaving Real Madrid in pole position. Olise is reportedly determined to secure a blockbuster switch to the Santiago Bernabeu after a sensational season in Germany.

Jhon Duran is on the verge of returning to European football as Benfica close in on a loan agreement with Al-Nassr for the Colombian international. The 22-year-old forward has struggled to settle in Saudi Arabia following his expensive transfer from Aston Villa, prompting all parties to facilitate a move ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Pep Guardiola has revealed he is currently experiencing no desire to return to football management following his departure from Manchester City. The 55-year-old Catalan tactician explained that he is focusing on personal reflection and family life after spending nearly two decades under the intense pressure of elite-level coaching.

The threat of Financial Fair Play (FFP) sanctions continues to hang over Manchester City, but could they end up working in favour of new boss Enzo Maresca? Joleon Lescott has addressed that issue during an exclusive interview with GOAL, as points penalties at the Etihad Stadium would relieve some Premier League title-chasing pressure on Pep Guardiola’s successor.

All the 2026-27 kits in one place

Bruno Guimaraes continues to see a transfer to Arsenal speculated on, with Jeremie Aliadiere telling GOAL how the Newcastle midfielder could be fitted into Mikel Arteta’s side while influencing some big decisions on Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice. The ambitious Gunners continue to bolster a squad that savoured Premier League title glory last season.

The two World Cup semifinals told remarkably different stories, but the resulting final looks like a tantalizing matchup between two excellent teams.

Atlanta did not need the World Cup to manufacture a soccer culture. Eight matches and more than half a million fan-festival visitors only confirmed what the city had spent nearly 60 years building.

The 2026 World Cup is in its final stages and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. With only four of the original 48 nations left in the tournament, including England and France due to their participation in the third-place play-off match, which star will take home the illustrious award? Here, GOAL tracks the tournament's most prolific stars.

MLS returns from its World Cup break with Lionel Messi facing an uncertain timeline, Robert Lewandowski and Antoine Griezmann arriving, and Nashville SC setting the pace.

Awarded to the tournament's best player, the Golden Ball is decided by media representatives from a shortlist selected by the Technical Study Group (TSG).

Lamine Yamal leads the race for the World Cup 2026 Young Player award, but compatriot Pau Cubarsi is pushing him hard due to their defensive record.

With the final approaching, we assess which team offers the best value in the Outright Winner market.

With eight goals apiece heading into the final weekend, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe lead the way in the World Cup 2026 Golden Boot odds.