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Kylian Mbappe versus Erling Haaland was billed as the next great footballing rivalry to follow Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's two decades of dominance, but as the France and Norway superstars prepare to go head to head at the 2026 World Cup, it's fair to say that their individual tussle has yet to really take off in the way many people expected.

Harry Kane has become the talismanic captain of England, but what type of leader is he? Former Three Lions star Gary Pallister has delivered his assessment to GOAL, with the record-shattering striker considered to inspire those around him through actions - rather than words, like Chelsea and Manchester United legends John Terry and Roy Keane used to do.

England are sweating on the fitness of right-back Reece James ahead of Saturday's World Cup group encounter against Panama. The Chelsea captain is being closely monitored by medical staff after reporting a tight hamstring, leaving manager Thomas Tuchel facing a potential defensive reshuffle with several alternative backline options on standby.

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

Mexico witnessed the arrival of a new star in Gilberto Mora and celebrated the career of a legend in Guillermo Ochoa as they secured a 3-0 win over Czechia. For the first time, El Tri finished a World Cup group stage with nine points, and Javier “Vasco” Aguirre now has his team in the best possible shape heading into the knockout rounds.

With first place secured and the U.S. exercising caution over yellow cards and injuries, Mauricio Pochettino is expected to rotate. Here is who GOAL thinks should start.

Vinicius Junior's brace pushed Scotland to the brink of a World Cup exit as Brazil ruthlessly capitalised on their errors in Miami on Wednesday. While the Selecao wrapped up top spot in Group C, the 3-0 defeat means the Scots are unlikely to be one of the best third-placed finishers in their bid to reach the last 32.

NYCFC are reportedly interested in securing the signature of Christian Pulisic, but the MLS side have been informed by the Serie A giants that the American is not for sale. According to reporting in The Athletic, numerous MLS clubs would be interested in bringing Pulisic to North America following the 2026 World Cup. Yet, Milan are reluctant to let him go.

The American winger has been training with his teammates this week after watching the last game-and-a-half from the sidelines with a calf injury.

Tottenham are intensifying their efforts to beat Manchester United to the signing of West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes. Spurs are reportedly willing to meet an £80 million valuation for the 21-year-old following his club's relegation from the Premier League, while the Red Devils are reluctant to enter an expensive bidding war and could now walk away.

Chelsea are preparing to accelerate their pursuit of Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix as they look to bolster their defensive options for next season. At the same time, the club could part ways with Trevoh Chalobah, who is attracting serious interest from Serie A side Como, to help fund the move for Lacroix before incoming manager Xabi Alonso arrives.

Neymar is closing in on a highly anticipated return to action for the Selecao, and his father has marked the occasion with a powerful motivational tribute. As Brazil prepare for their crucial World Cup group-stage clash against Scotland, an emotional message has resurfaced to inspire the veteran forward.

Canada are headed to the knockouts, but a costly loss to Switzerland closed their home World Cup run as Promise David impressed and Alphonso Davies worries grew.

Marc Cucurella has wasted no time in attempting to convince Enzo Fernandez to join him at Real Madrid following his own big-money move to the Bernabeu. The Spanish full-back, who recently departed Stamford Bridge, is hopeful of a reunion with the Argentine World Cup winner in the Spanish capital.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar José Évora Dias, known as Vozinha, has been offered to Brazilian Serie B side Ceara following his stunning World Cup performances. The veteran shot-stopper caught global attention after making seven saves in a historic draw against Spain, but the South American club have reportedly declined the chance to secure his signature.

Trevoh Chalobah looks increasingly likely to swap Stamford Bridge for Serie A this summer as the race for his signature intensifies in Italy. The defender, currently away with the England squad at the World Cup, has become a primary target for Italian giants Inter and ambitious newcomers Como, who have already submitted an initial bid for his services.

Gianni Infantino has fiercely defended the mandatory hydration breaks implemented at the World Cup, vehemently denying accusations that FIFA have introduced the stoppages purely for financial gain. Fans and pundits have heavily criticised the mandatory pauses for disrupting the flow of matches and acting as extra television advertising slots for broadcasters.