On a 250th Fourth of July, Mauricio Pochettino and the USMNT have become America's team, turning a World Cup run into a celebration of American soccer.
The real World Cup is finally under way! After a group phase almost completely devoid of jeopardy because of the tournament's farcical format, the first batch of knockout games treated us to some long overdue drama, with Germany and Netherlands among the big names to fall in the round of 32. A couple more heavyweights could have been kayoed too, though.
Replacing Folarin Balogun is not just about finding goals. It's about finding the right tactical fit for a USMNT attack built on runs, pressure, and chaos.
Thomas Tuchel has some big decisions to make in his England side as they head into their round of 16 game with Mexico in Mexico City. England may be the higher-ranked side, here, but they're not clear favourites. The Azetca - as it is usually known - is a truly horrible place for visiting teams. Mexico have lost just two competitive games there ever. The altitude, the heat, the humidity, the tens of thousands of passionate home fans: everything seems to be going against England here.
There will be some added intrigue for Arsenal fans during Brazil's clash with Norway in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup. While much of the focus will undoubtedly be on superstar attackers Vinicius Jr and Erling Haaland before kick-off on Sunday, one significant subplot is the battle between present and potentially future Gunners midfielders.
Mexico take a perfect defensive record into a blockbuster World Cup clash with England as Julián Quiñones chases history and Javier Aguirre eyes another statement win.
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.
Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas is enjoying the World Cup as a fan while preparing for the next chapter of her club career as a free agent.
Excitement is growing as we move through the knockout stages at the 2026 World Cup and, throughout the showpiece tournament in North America, GOAL, in association with eToro, is tracking the value of some of the world's most sought-after talents. Will their price rise or plummet? Follow our unique player value tracker to find out...
Cristian Romero scored an extra-time winner, Lionel Messi grabbed a goal, but Argentina were given a real scare by Cape Verde in an uncomfortable 3-2 win to advance to the World Cup Round of 16. Argentina surrendered the lead twice, and needed extra time to finally gain daylight from a Cape Verde side that, in truth, deserved so much more.
The second-smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup overcame the one percent chance of making it out of the group stage and their fans are starting to dream.
It's here. The 2026 summer transfer window has arrived and it promises to be an extremely eventful one in the women's game, with several stars on the move. There are also plenty of deals that have been rumoured and reported for some time, with only the official announcements seemingly left to be done, while there will be some shocks along the way, too, as always.
Nottingham Forest are weighing up a move for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones as they look to reinvest the record-breaking funds generated by Elliot Anderson's departure. The Reds' academy graduate has reportedly expressed a desire to leave Anfield this summer in search of more regular first-team football under a new regime.
Arsenal have reportedly reached an agreement with Besiktas for the sale of Leandro Trossard. The Belgian international, who has been a key player under Mikel Arteta, is now poised to end his successful stint at the Emirates for a new challenge in Turkey.
Marcus Rashford insists his Manchester United future is the last thing on his mind as he prepares for England's blockbuster World Cup last-16 clash with Mexico, declaring that he is fully focused on his country despite the uncertainty surrounding his club career.
Manchester United are pressing ahead with an ambitious midfield rebuild this summer, with Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni and Bournemouth's Alex Scott both remaining high-priority targets, even as the club continue to weigh up alternatives amid a congested chase for reinforcements across multiple positions.
Robert Lewandowski has completed his move to Chicago Fire after leaving Barcelona, but the transfer has brought mixed emotions for his family. Wife Anna Lewandowska admitted she is "incredibly scared" about relocating to the United States, opening up on the sacrifices involved in supporting one of football's biggest stars.
With the transfer window having opened for many of Europe's top leagues, GOAL, in association with eToro, is your go-to resource for all the biggest done deals. Will Manchester City break the £100 million barrier to land Elliot Anderson? Could Michael Olise end up at Real Madrid? Track all the biggest trades right here throughout the summer!
Chicago Fire have completed the signing of Robert Lewandowski after pursuing the Poland international for more than a year. Head coach Gregg Berhalter says the club remained patient throughout the process, with the veteran striker now expected to make his MLS debut against former Bayern Munich team-mate Thomas Muller.
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.
Atletico Madrid are readying a decisive new offer for Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand, moving to close the gap on the club's financial demands after their initial €35 million proposal was swiftly rejected, with both parties hoping to resolve the Dane's future within days.
Roma are preparing to intensify their pursuit of Mason Greenwood in the coming days, determined to resolve their right-wing issue before Atletico Madrid can enter the race, with reports in Italy suggesting the Spanish club could pivot towards the Marseille forward should Julian Alvarez be allowed to leave.
The future of Luka Modric remains the central talking point at the San Siro as AC Milan prepare for a pivotal summer of transition. While the veteran midfielder has been linked with various destinations, the arrival of Ruben Amorim has added a new layer of intrigue to his ongoing contract situation.
Barcelona explored the possibility of signing Harry Kane as a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, but their interest has quickly come to an end. The England captain has made it clear he wants to remain at Bayern Munich, leaving the Catalan giants to focus on other attacking targets.
Lionesses star Georgia Stanway has opened up on her decision to join Arsenal, after the Gunners' announced her arrival on Friday morning. It's a move that ends Stanway's four-year spell in Germany with Bayern Munich and she has now explained why she wanted to return to England and what made her choose Arsenal, amid interest from both Chelsea and Lyon.
Barcelona are pushing to complete a deal for Brazil international forward Kerolin which would represent a club-record transfer. The reigning European champions have already had two bids rejected by Manchester City but the two clubs are working to finalise the move, with Kerolin reported to be open to the transfer and City having no objection to selling the 26-year-old.
Lionesses star Georgia Stanway has been unveiled as Arsenal’s first signing of the summer transfer window, following her departure from Bayern Munich. The England international made it known in January that she would be leaving the club at the end of last season and her move to the Gunners has finally been confirmed after months of speculation.
Erica Parkinson was just 12 years old when she laid out her goals to a mindset coach who has spent the last six years helping her plot a route to the top of the game. "I want to play for England at the World Cup," she proclaimed. Fast-forward to today and, having become the Lionesses’ youngest call-up under Sarina Wiegman and just signed for the North Carolina Courage in the NWSL, it’s not out of the question that the dream could be realised in 12 months’ time.