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Lamine Yamal was consoled by girlfriend Ines Garcia after Spain were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Cape Verde in their World Cup opener. The Barcelona star came off the bench but could not inspire a breakthrough as La Roja squandered a host of chances and dropped unexpected points in Group H.

Leicester City have appointed former Rangers and Southampton manager Russell Martin on a three-year contract following their catastrophic relegation to League One. The 40-year-old takes over from short-term boss Gary Rowett at the King Power Stadium, tasked with reviving a club that has suffered back-to-back relegations.

Mohammad Mohebi's goal celebration during Iran's World Cup opener against New Zealand has sparked widespread debate, with many interpreting the gesture as a political statement. The midfielder's actions, combined with teammate Ramin Rezaeian's post-match comments, have intensified scrutiny amid a tense atmosphere surrounding Team Melli's opening fixture.

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In the lead-up to England's semi-final showdown with Croatia at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, repeated references were made to the fact that Zlatko Dalic's ageing side had been taken to extra-time in their two previous matches. The feeling was among certain sections of the English press that fatigue might be a massive factor in the game at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Erling Haaland will carry the hopes of a nation as Norway return to football's biggest stage this summer after a 28-year absence, but while his goals will be vital to their cause, the Manchester City hitman won't be shouldering that burden alone. The Scandinavians are back at the World Cup having built a solid team unit that isn't solely reliant on its star striker, and the supporting cast will be looking to show what they can do in North America.

Lionel Scaloni’s record as Argentina manager is flawless. Three tournaments, three trophies won, with La Albiceleste’s 2022 World Cup triumph sandwiched between successive Copa America wins in 2021 and 2024. For a coach in his first managerial role, that is unprecedented.

Iran manager Amir Ghalenoei has heavily criticised tournament organisers, labelling his squad the "most repressed team" at the World Cup after they were ordered to leave the United States "immediately" after their opening match. The logistical dispute erupted directly after Iran fought back to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw against New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium.

Maxi Araujo struck late to rescue a 1-1 draw for Uruguay against Saudi Arabia in their World Cup opener. Marcelo Bielsa’s side laboured for long periods and trailed after Abdulelah Al-Amri’s first-half goal, while Darwin Nunez was substituted at the break following a quiet display. Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais then produced a string of outstanding saves to preserve a valuable point.

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

Cape Verde brothers Laros and Deroy Duarte have opened up on the incredible moment they faced off against Spain's golden boy Lamine Yamal during their historic World Cup stalemate. Despite the Barcelona sensation arriving on the pitch with a massive reputation, the underdog duo revealed they never felt threatened by his presence on the field.

Rafa Mir has spoken out after being handed an eight-and-a-half-year prison sentence following a conviction for sexual assault and injury. The striker, who is owned by Sevilla, has confirmed he will challenge the court's decision as he continues to maintain his innocence.

Cape Verde produced one of the greatest shocks in World Cup history by holding heavyweights Spain to a 0-0 draw, but the hero of the hour has revealed a bittersweet personal note to the achievement. Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, who was inspired between the posts at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, admitted that his mother was unable to witness his career-defining moment in person.

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has set his sights on a major leadership role with the Argentina national team, admitting he dreams of one day wearing the captain’s armband currently held by Lionel Messi. The former Benfica star has become a pillar of the Albiceleste midfield since his breakout performance at the 2022 World Cup.

Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to help Belgium avoid defeat in their World Cup opener, with the veteran striker playing a pivotal role in Mohamed Hany putting through his own net to earn the Red Devils a 1-1 draw with Egypt in Seattle. Rudi Garcia's men went into the Group G opener unbeaten in all competitions since March of last year but they looked set to slump to a shock defeat after Emam Ashour's terrific 19th-minute strike from outside the area.

GOAL takes a look at the big storylines and takeaways in the latest installment of the USMNT notebook.

Brazil legend Ronaldo has questioned Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical setup following the Selecao's underwhelming start to the World Cup campaign. The legendary striker pointed specifically to the misuse of Barcelona star Raphinha and technical errors fueled by "nerves" during the stalemate against Morocco.