The tournament might not kick-off for the best part of two years, but the extended international break offered some early clues as to how the challengers are shaping up

The 20-year-old striker has made a superb start to the season in France, and has so much potential still to unlock

Endrick is “too good” not to be playing regularly at Real Madrid, former Brazil international Anderson has told GOAL, with the 20-year-old forward being urged to consider a January move to the Premier League - with Newcastle and Tottenham being marked out as potential landing spots. The South American striker spent time in France with Lyon during the 2025-26 campaign.

Manchester United icon Sir Alex Ferguson has opened up on his mortality, admitting that he occasionally thinks about death while expressing concerns that he may not live to see the club's new stadium. The legendary Scotsman, now 84, reflected on his health struggles and the future of the Red Devils in a deeply personal account of his life and career.

Manchester United have reportedly entered the high-profile race alongside Arsenal to sign highly-rated Bayer Leverkusen forward Christian Kofane. Contract extension talks between the German side and the player have stalled, giving several Premier League clubs renewed hope of securing his signature.

A major scandal has erupted in the world of South American football coaching as Alejandro Mancuso, former assistant to Diego Maradona, faces allegations of operating a fraudulent licence scheme. The controversy has implicated several high-profile names who reportedly bypassed official channels to obtain their credentials.

Robert Pires has jumped to the defence of former France manager Didier Deschamps following Zinedine Zidane's impressive start in charge of Les Bleus. The former Arsenal winger insisted that Deschamps' historic achievements must not be forgotten amid early praise for his successor.

Manchester City are facing the very real prospect of being stripped of their Premier League titles following a landmark guilty verdict of financial breaches. Former England striker Gary Lineker has delivered a stark warning to the Etihad hierarchy, urging them to accept their fate rather than continuing a legal battle that is damaging the image of the English game.