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H. Kane England
‘The f*cking new Salt Bae!’ - Crouch embarrassed by Kane hug
Former England striker Peter Crouch has jokingly compared himself to viral personality Salt Bae after being caught up in the emotional aftermath of the Three Lions’ dramatic World Cup victory over Mexico. The retired forward admitted he felt like a "full kit w*nker" during his enthusiastic celebrations with captain Harry Kane at the Azteca Stadium.
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L. Messi Argentina
‘Might top 28-3’ - Brady hands 'greatest comeback' to Messi
Tom Brady was left stunned by Lionel Messi and Argentina following their incredible 3-2 victory over Egypt. The NFL icon suggested that the dramatic turnaround in Atlanta might have surpassed his own legendary Super Bowl comeback with the New England Patriots, as the South American side scored three late goals to secure a spectacular quarter-final spot.
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C. Ronaldo Portugal
CR7 takes unwanted statistic away with him from WC ‘last dance’
Cristiano Ronaldo’s storied relationship with the World Cup has come to a somber conclusion, defined as much by a peculiar lack of individual flair as by Portugal’s early exit. While the legendary forward found the net three times during the 2026 edition in North America, his overall impact on the pitch has been laid bare by a staggering new statistic.
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L. Messi Argentina
Messi achieves WC first since Maradona in epic Argentina win
Lionel Messi has matched a spectacular World Cup record previously set by Diego Maradona after inspiring Argentina to a breathtaking 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt. The captain was instrumental as his team overturned a two-goal deficit in the final minutes, securing a quarter-final spot while registering astonishing individual statistics that cement his legacy on the global stage.
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Analysis USA
'Why not?' to 'What if?' - What to make of Pochettino era
The coach was brought in to changed culture, and maybe he did, but the result ended up being the same in the end
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Manchester United A. Tchouameni
Man Utd ‘prepared to pay over €100m’ for Real Madrid star
Manchester United are ready to break the bank to secure their top midfield target as INEOS look to overhaul the squad under interim manager Michael Carrick. Having missed out on primary targets earlier in the window, the Red Devils are now refocusing their efforts on a statement signing from Real Madrid.
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Endrick Brazil
How Endrick reacted to costly miss in Brazil's World Cup exit
Endrick has opened up on his devastating miss during Brazil's shock World Cup exit to Norway. The Real Madrid striker missed a golden opportunity before the team suffered a painful 2-1 defeat. He has now promised to learn from the heartbreaking moment and vowed to work tirelessly to ensure the national team bounce back in the 2030 tournament.
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L. Messi Argentina
🎥 | Happy tears! Emotional Messi follows Neymar & CR7
Lionel Messi could not contain his emotions at the final whistle in Atlanta as Argentina staged a sensational late comeback to beat Egypt 3-2. After watching old rivals Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar suffer painful exits in previous matches, the Inter Miami star shed tears of joy as the reigning champions secured their place in the quarter-finals.
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USA M. Pochettino
U.S. Soccer to meet with Pochettino after rest and reflection
U.S. Soccer says that the federation will reengage in conversations about Mauricio Pochettino's future after a period of rest and reflection following the U.S. men's national team's World Cup exit. The USMNT lost 4-1 to Belgium on Monday, ending the team's World Cup run and, potentially, ending Pochettino's time in charge of the team.
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Player ratings World Cup
Lionel Messi is inevitable! The GOAT inspires epic win over Egypt
Lionel Messi made amends for missing a second penalty at the 2026 World Cup by inspiring the most dramatic of comebacks, as Argentina came from 2-0 down with just over 10 minutes remaining to beat a heroic Egypt side 3-2 in a last-16 clash for the ages in Atlanta. Lionel Scaloni's side started as sluggishly as they had performed in their lucky win over Cape Verde by the same scoreline, and Egypt took advantage, with an unmarked Yasser Ibrahim burying a cross from Marwan Attia past Emiliano Martinez with just 15 minutes gone.
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World Cup Argentina
World Cup Golden Boot standings: Messi moves ahead of Mbappe
The 2026 World Cup is well underway and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. There's a long and winding road to be navigated as 48 nations battle for the top prize, but which star will take home the illustrious award? Here, GOAL tracks the tournament's most prolific stars.
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C. Carter-Vickers Celtic
USMNT star Carter-Vickers delivers fitness update at Celtic
USMNT defender Cameron Carter-Vickers has finally returned to pre-season training with Celtic following a devastating Achilles rupture. The 28-year-old was sidelined since October, enduring a gruelling rehabilitation process that cost him a place at the World Cup, but is now ready to step up his recovery ahead of the new campaign.

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C. Ronaldo L. Messi
Hollywood actor? Ronaldo can achieve what Messi never could
Cristiano Ronaldo has always been a man who thrives under the bright lights of the stadium, but his future could lie under the even brighter lights of Hollywood. According to former France international Emmanuel Petit, the Portuguese superstar possesses a unique quality that his career-long rival Lionel Messi simply lacks.
AFP
L. Messi Argentina
Messi makes unwanted history! Argentine GOAT posts WC first
Lionel Messi has etched his name into the record books once again, though this time for reasons he would much rather forget. During Argentina's high-stakes World Cup clash against Egypt, the legendary forward set a new tournament benchmark that highlights a rare vulnerability from 12 yards.
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FEATURES Analysis
USMNT Rondo: How much of the Belgium loss falls on Pulisic?
The USMNT collapsed against Belgium, and suffered an emphatic loss in the biggest game in the program's history
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J. Henderson England
‘Speedy recovery’ - Henderson injury update after arm break
Jordan Henderson is on the road to a speedy recovery following a freak accident that saw him break his arm while celebrating England's dramatic 3-2 World Cup win over Mexico. The midfielder slipped and fell over an advertising hoarding at the Azteca Stadium, requiring immediate medical attention. He will now undergo surgery but is set to remain with the squad for the rest of the tournament.
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K. Mbappe Manchester City
‘In a City shirt’ - Mbappe urged to tread path Messi never did
Former Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry has called for Kylian Mbappe to test himself in the Premier League before his career concludes. Barry believes the Frenchman should make the move to the Etihad Stadium to ensure he does not mirror Lionel Messi in never playing in England's top flight.
World Cup France
Top 5 value bets on France at the 2026 World Cup
Mbappé's 11 knockout goals since 2018 beat Brazil and England's totals. One behind Messi's all-time record, he's the standout bet vs Morocco.
AFP
L. Messi Argentina
Messi a superstar at nine! ‘Tiny magician’ wowed senior players
Before he was an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and a world champion, Lionel Messi was already a living legend in the streets of Rosario. Long before he moved to Barcelona's La Masia, the "tiny magician" was making enough waves at Newell's Old Boys that the club’s senior professionals would halt their schedules just to catch a glimpse of his genius.
AFP
C. Ronaldo Portugal
‘Plays himself next five tournaments’ - CR7 tipped for new role
Following Portugal's heartbreak at the World Cup, speculation is mounting over Cristiano Ronaldo's next move. With Roberto Martinez stepping down, pundits have suggested Ronaldo could take over as national team manager to retain his influence. The bold claim has sparked humorous suggestions that Ronaldo would continue to select himself as a player for the next five tournaments.
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L. Yamal Spain
Yamal earns ‘mini-Messi’ nickname after inflicting Mendes injury
Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal has been branded a "mini Messi" by former Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic following a decisive performance at the 2026 World Cup. The teenage winger was instrumental as Spain overcame rivals Portugal to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the tournament.
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Liverpool G. Mora
Liverpool target Mexican wonderkid Mora but face Real fight
Liverpool have developed a strong interest in signing Club Tijuana attacking midfielder Gilberto Mora following his exceptional performances at the 2026 World Cup. However, the Premier League side face fierce competition from European giants such as Real Madrid and Barcelona for the signature of the highly-rated Mexican teenager ahead of a potential transfer.
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Newcastle United Transfers
Newcastle to open talks to sign Switzerland star Manzambi
Newcastle United are ready to accelerate their summer transfer business by opening formal negotiations for Switzerland’s World Cup breakout star Johan Manzambi. The Magpies have identified the Freiburg midfielder as a priority addition to Eddie Howe’s squad as they look to reinvest the significant funds generated by recent high-profile departures from St James' Park.
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Norway World Cup
Norway squad hit by sickness bug ahead of England clash
Norway's preparations for their historic World Cup quarter-final clash against England have been heavily disrupted by a sickness bug spreading through their camp. Following a stunning victory over Brazil, Stale Solbakken's squad is now battling fatigue and illness caused by excessive travel across the United States ahead of Saturday's crucial match in Miami.
Spain vs Belgium Spain
Spain vs Belgium predictions: Spain eager to continue dominance
Three Spain vs Belgium predictions for their World Cup quarter-final on Friday night, including value on the anytime goalscorer bet.
France vs Morocco France
France vs Morocco predictions: Atlas Lions value to avoid defeat in 90
Our betting expert offers his best France vs Morocco predictions & betting tips, as the Atlas Lions bid to reach a second successive World Cup semi.
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Transfers M. Salah
Atletico eye Salah as Simeone targets 'biggest signing of the summer'
Atletico Madrid have reportedly made former Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah their primary transfer target ahead of the upcoming campaign. The 33-year-old winger is currently a free agent after bringing his legendary nine-year spell at Anfield to an end, presenting a massive market opportunity for the Spanish heavyweights.
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A. Onana Belgium
Nightmare for Belgium as Onana suffers ACL injury ahead of Spain clash
Belgium’s World Cup dream has been hit by a devastating setback after midfielder Amadou Onana was ruled out with a serious knee injury. The Aston Villa star suffered the blow during the Red Devils' round-of-16 victory over the United States, leaving Rudi Garcia with a major selection headache ahead of their quarter-final against Spain.
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L. Rosenior Paris FC
Official: Rosenior returns to management as he lands new job
Former Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has officially returned to football management after being appointed as the new head coach of Ligue 1 outfit Paris FC. The 41-year-old Englishman has signed a two-year contract in the French capital, returning to management just three months after his brief stint at Stamford Bridge was cut short.