Latest News

  1. World Cup 2026 Golden Boot standings: Messi & David lead

    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

  2. RANKED: Messi, Pele & the top 10 World Cup players ever

    There's no sporting event bigger than the World Cup. It's the pinnacle of professional football, where global superstars are born, dreams die and legends live forever. Sometimes, with just one goal, one pass, one tackle, one block or one save, a previously little-known player can become a national hero, a name eternally etched in the memory of a country's collective consciousness.

  3. Lineker joins ITV and jokingly takes over from Woods after BBC exit

    Gary Lineker made a sensational return to free-to-air television on Saturday night, appearing on ITV's World Cup coverage just weeks after his high-profile departure from the BBC. The former England captain joined the rival broadcaster as a studio guest for the Group E showdown between Germany and Ivory Coast, appearing alongside host Laura Woods and even cheekily hijacking the broadcast.

  4. Undav deserves to start! Super-sub earns Germany victory

    Deniz Undav scored twice off the bench as Germany came from behind to beat Ivory Coast to an absorbing World Cup Group E encounter in Toronto on Saturday evening. The four-time champions began brightly, with Kai Havertz looking likely up front, but The Elephants were a constant threat on the break and took the lead after half an hour when a dangerous cross from the impressive Yan Diomande led to Franck Kessie slotting home from close range.

  5. Tuchel boost as Rashford and Rice fit but Saka benched

    Thomas Tuchel’s England preparations have been handed a significant lift ahead of their second World Cup Group L fixture against Ghana. Both Marcus Rashford and Declan Rice have returned to full training in Kansas City, easing fears over potential injury absences following their opening victory over Croatia.

  6. Van Dijk suffers injury scare with Netherlands

    Netherlands secured a spectacular 5-1 victory over Sweden in their second World Cup group-stage match on Saturday night, but the triumph was clouded by significant fitness scares for Virgil van Dijk. Liverpool's captain revealed a frightening moment during the clash where he temporarily lost feeling in his upper leg following a heavy blow to the hip.

  1. Doku ruled out for Belgium with respiratory infection

    Belgium’s World Cup preparations have been hit by a significant setback as star winger Jeremy Doku has been ruled out of the upcoming group stage fixture against Iran. The Manchester City attacker is struggling with a recurring respiratory infection that has forced him out of training in Los Angeles.

  2. Gakpo silences Liverpool haters in dazzling Dutch display

    Netherlands belatedly announced themselves as serious World Cup contenders by hammering Sweden 5-1 in Houston on Saturday evening. The Dutch had performed only in patches in their opening-round draw with Japan and coach Ronald Koeman was criticised for his perceived conservatism. However, his team produced a devastating attack display to dismantle a Sweden side that had kicked off their campaign with a 5-1 win of their own, over Tunisia.

  3. Olise responds to Mbappe's high praise

    France star Michael Olise has responded to glowing praise from captain Kylian Mbappe as Les Bleus are currently competing in the World Cup. The Bayern Munich winger has quickly become one of the most exciting talents in European football, earning a lofty reputation among his senior teammates.

  4. Madrid deny interest in Bayern star Olise

    Real Madrid have taken the unusual step of issuing an official statement to address mounting speculation regarding a move for Bayern Munich star Michael Olise. Reports had suggested the Spanish giants were preparing a lucrative package to lure the French international to the Santiago Bernabeu, but the club has now moved to definitively shut down the rumours.

  5. Raphinha injury boost for Brazil

    Brazil have been handed a significant fitness boost following concerns over the availability of star winger Raphinha. The Barcelona forward underwent medical examinations on Saturday morning after being forced off during the Selecao's victory over Haiti.

  6. Dumfries demands 'fire' for Netherlands

    Denzel Dumfries has called for a significant shift in the Netherlands' team culture, urging his international team-mates to adopt a more confrontational approach. The wing-back believes the squad must learn from the high-pressure environment of the Inter dressing room to ensure success on the world stage.

  7. Kroos defends Bellingham amid criticism

    Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has jumped to the defence of Jude Bellingham, hailing the Englishman as one of the most complete players in world football. The former Germany international spoke out following a wave of criticism directed at the midfielder during a challenging period at the Bernabeu.

  8. De la Fuente says Argentina star would be 'perfect' for Spain

    Luis de la Fuente has named Julian Alvarez as the Argentina international he would jump at the chance to recruit for Spain, a decision that comes years after the manager raised eyebrows by voting for the forward in the 2022 FIFA The Best awards ahead of Lionel Messi. The La Roja boss has long been an admirer of the South American talent currently leading the line for Atletico Madrid, viewing him as the missing piece of the puzzle for the European champions.

  9. Bayern prepare Olise deal while Kane waits

    Bayern Munich are moving aggressively to secure the long-term futures of their biggest stars as they navigate a high-stakes summer transfer window. The German giants have prepared a massive new contract proposal for Michael Olise to ward off Premier League and La Liga interest, while Harry Kane has provided an update on his own situation in Bavaria.

  10. TV host resigns over false Messi death report

    An Argentine television presenter has resigned from her position after falsely reporting that Lionel Messi's father, Jorge, had passed away during a live broadcast. The shocking claim was made during the World Cup, leading to widespread condemnation and an immediate apology from the broadcaster and production staff involved.