Sports
World Cup 2026 Set-Piece Goals
If the Premier League season was anything to go by, the slow, stylish build-up is out, and the no-nonsense Tony Pulis era of set pieces is back in. The art of the long throw-in has been rediscovered and corners now resemble Royal Rumbles.
But it is resulting in more set-piece goals than football fans have seen in previous years. And it is a trend that has carried over to the 2026 World Cup, especially with many of the Premier League’s set-piece advocates in attendance.
The World Cup is not only a stage for football’s biggest stars; it is often the site of David and Goliath-style giant killings. And when teams are pressed into their own halves, the set-piece can often provide a reprieve, as well as a great opportunity to turn the tide of the match.
But that is the fascinating state of the set-piece. It is no longer a symbol of low-brow football, now positively revived by Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. And as the World Cup set-piece table shows, goals from corners and free kicks have come from both tournament favourites and unlikely underdogs in abundance.
Premier League Set-Piece Goals Tracker for 2025/2026 Season
Set-pieces have never been as important as they are now.
Three Goals
The philosophy of Total Football has helped the Netherlands to plan a pragmatic approach to their set pieces. But beyond the Dutch framework, Ronald Koeman’s squad are blessed with great physicality.
Virgil van Dijk was a threat from set pieces throughout the 2025-26 season for Liverpool, and he has continued that into the World Cup with one goal and one assist from corners. There’s also new Tottenham arrival Jan Paul van Hecke to worry about, towering over most at 6’2″. He also contributed a set-piece goal during the tournament.
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As for host nation the United States, Mauricio Pochettino’s approach has mirrored that of the NFL. Dead ball specialists Sebastian Berhalter and Alex Freeman were selected to maximise success from set-pieces and the former Tottenham manager’s tactical approach has proved ingenious thus far. Both Berhalter and Freeman have been involved in all three of the United States’ set-piece goals.
Bosnia and Herzegovina have the joint-tallest squad at the World Cup, and they have taken great advantage of their height. Much like Arteta’s Arsenal, the Dragons have been inciting panic in the penalty box through overcrowding. This has twice resulted in Ermin Mahmic scoring from the second ball following failed clearances. Bosnia’s 6’4″ striker Jovo Lukic also climbed highest to head home his country’s first goal in their tournament opener against Canada.
Two Goals
- Canada
- England
- New Zealand
- Czechia
- Argentina
- Algeria
- Germany
- Tunisia
England’s two set-piece goals are a warning shot to teams awaiting them in the knockout stages. Pinpoint delivery from Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have emphasised that free kicks and corners will always provide opportunities for the Three Lions. And with the likes of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham waiting in the box, England are more than capable of shattering even the most stubborn of low blocks.
As good as they are overall, the answer to any question regarding defending champions Argentina often has one answer: Lionel Messi. The 39-year-old added to his all-time World Cup scoring lead with a late free kick against Jordan. However, he isn’t the only direct free-kick scorer for the Albiceleste in the tournament.
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Former Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring against Jordan with his own free-kick goal, showing that set piece specialism runs deep in the Argentinian squad.
And host nation, Canada, will be a team to watch on set pieces, especially after the nature of their victory over South Africa in the Round of 32. It seems that captain Stephen Eustaquio is the player to watch in dead-ball scenarios.
The Canadian playmaker created five chances from set pieces during their match against South Africa, matching a World Cup knockout round record set by Italy legend Andrea Pirlo.
Eustaquio then provided the key moment, scoring a stoppage time winner from a set piece to put his country through to the Round of 16. If the Porto player continues to provide from dead balls, surely it will result in more joy for the host nation.
One Goal
There are currently 17 teams with one set-piece goal at the World Cup, including 2010 champions Spain.
World Cup 2026 Set-Piece Goals
|
Rank |
Team |
Set-Piece Goals |
|---|---|---|
|
=1 |
Bosnia-Herzegovina |
3 |
|
=1 |
Netherlands |
3 |
|
=1 |
United Stats |
3 |
|
=4 |
Canada |
2 |
|
=4 |
England |
2 |
|
=4 |
New Zealand |
2 |
|
=4 |
Czechia |
2 |
|
=4 |
Argentina |
2 |
|
=4 |
Algeria |
2 |
|
=4 |
Germany |
2 |
|
=4 |
Tunisia |
2 |
Every 2025/26 Champions League Club Ranked by Set-Piece Goals Scored
All teams competing in the 2025/26 Champions League have been ranked based on goals scored from set-pieces.
Sports
Beer, Pimms, and Strawberries and Cream Prices Emerge
A breakdown of prices has been revealed for classic food and drink items at Wimbledon this year, including the iconic punnet of strawberries and cream, and a glass of Pimms.
Strawberries and cream are the delicacy most synonymous with Wimbledon, and are believed to have been served at the tournament as early as the Victorian era, when they were only available in the country for a few weeks in summer.
The price of this seasonal snack has always remained affordable, but has risen this year by 15p to £2.85.
The classic treat was held at £2.50 for 14 years between 2010 and 2024, rising to £2.70 last year before another slight increase for 2026.
Another British classic strongly associated with Wimbledon is Pimms, a gin-based liquor usually topped with lemonade and filled with fruit and herbs such as strawberries, cucumber, oranges, lemon, and fresh mint.
The summer garden party staple was first served at Wimbledon in 1971 when the tournament opened its first Pimms dedicated bar, and every year well over 80,000 pints are drunk by spectators.
This year, one glass will reportedly set you back £13.45, up £1.20 from last year, meaning a combo of the two Wimbledon classics will cost £16.30.
Price jumps are happening across the beverage menu too, with a pint of Wimbledon’s lager sponsor, Stella, reported at £8.95, up 10p from last year.
Champagne drinkers are not safe from inflation either, with a mini bottle of Lanson Le Rose rising by £1.50 to £31.35, while a full-sized bottle is priced at a whopping £102, up £1.10 from the previous year. However, the price of a refillable bottle of Evian water will remain unchanged at £5.
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A spokesperson for the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) told The Sun: “Food and drink inflation continues to be a challenge nationwide, and we are not immune.
“However, we pride ourselves on creating a menu that utilises British, seasonal produce to keep costs to a minimum wherever possible, and offering a variety of food and drink to help ensure there is an option for every budget.”
To limit your spending, Wimbledon also allows spectators to bring their own drinks, with each person restricted to the equivalent of either one bottle of wine or Champagne (750ml), two cans of beer/lager (500ml each), or two cans of premixed aperitifs.
The tournament runs from the 29th of June, through to the 12th of July, at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in SW19.
Sports
Iran Release Emotional Statement After Their 2026 World Cup Exit
Iran’s World Cup campaign has come to an end with a stinging statement aimed at the treatment they endured throughout their time at the tournament.
A 1-1 draw with Egypt on Saturday, in which a late Iran goal was controversially disallowed following a lengthy VAR review, wasn’t enough to send Iran through to the knockout stages, finishing in ninth place in the third-place table and missing out on goal difference.
It ends a World Cup campaign overshadowed by logistical issues and ongoing tensions stemming from Iran’s conflict with the United States, with the team forced to base themselves in Mexico rather than their original Arizona location.
After the switch of training bases, strict restrictions on how long they could stay in the US for led to the Iran Football Federation making a complaint to FIFA.
Iran’s Federation Hits Out in Farewell Statement
As the squad prepared to head home, the Iranian federation released a statement thanking the media for their coverage of the situation, while making clear their frustrations with how they’d been treated throughout the tournament. They said, per RTE:
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Iran played their first game at the 2026 World Cup in the United States of America, but were given clear instructions after the whistle.
“Thank you for your professionalism, your support, and for covering not only our team’s sporting journey, but also the unfair and unsportsmanlike treatment our delegation experienced during our stay. Your commitment to reporting the facts accurately and with integrity meant a great deal to us.”
The federation also praised the people of Mexico, adding: “We would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to the wonderful people of Mexico, especially the beautiful city of Tijuana and its kind and warm-hearted residents. You welcomed us with generosity and genuine hospitality that made us feel at home. For all of us, leaving Tijuana is truly difficult.
“The memories we created here, the friendships we built, and the affection we received will remain forever in the hearts of every member of the Iran National Football Team.
“We will always be grateful to the great and generous people of Mexico, as well as to the Government of Mexico, for their hospitality and respect.”
It’s not the first gesture of gratitude Iran has shown during their stay. After their group games in Los Angeles and Seattle, handwritten notes were left in their dressing rooms thanking each host city for its hospitality.
Mehdi Taremi Calls World Cup a “Disaster”
Iranian captain Mehdi Taremi had some scathing words for FIFA and the Trump Administration after the Egypt game, branding the experience a “disaster” and revealing logistical staff had been unable to secure visas throughout the tournament. “We don’t have our logistic people here – they don’t have a visa. How is it possible we always have to travel from Tijuana?
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While Iran has remained respectful throughout the tournament, their captain couldn’t bottle up his real feelings for much longer.
“It’s not fair. Our opinion is, it’s not fair. Is it fair for FIFA? OK, good to them. But it’s not fair. Who wants to help us?
Much like the notes that were left, Taremi was keen to praise the hospitality shown by their hosts in Mexico, insisting the issues lay solely with the tournament’s organisation rather than the people who welcomed them throughout their stay.
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Sports
Liverpool Now Planning Talks With ‘One of World’s Best Wingers’
Liverpool have been dealt a major blow in their attempt to replace Mohamed Salah this summer, but may now have found a solution to the setback.
The Reds were hoping to make 19-year-old RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande their statement signing this summer. However, it now looks as though the winger’s preference would be to join Paris Saint-Germain instead.
Liverpool had shown a willingness of proposing a €100million package for the teenager, but Leipzig were hoping for €130million if they can’t lure Diomande to a new deal.
Paris is believed to be the Ivorian’s preferred destination if he is to leave Leipzig this summer and GIVEMESPORT understands that Liverpool have now accepted that they will have to seek alternatives, which they may have already found.
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Liverpool plan talks with Barcola
According to journalist Matteo Moretto, Liverpool are “planning new contacts” with PSG winger Bradley Barcola.
Moretto said before last season concluded that the Reds had a three-man shortlist to replace Salah, including Barcola and Diomande, while Bayern Munich star Michael Olise was deemed “almost an impossible dream”.
Barcola would likely cost less than the proposed figure Leipzig are demanding for Diomande while, in an interesting twist, his gametime in Paris could be reduced as a result of the potential arrival of the Ivorian.
The 23-year-old joined PSG from Lyon almost three years ago and has gone from strength to strength in the French capital.
Last season saw the winger make 49 appearances across all competitions as PSG lifted the Champions League for a second consecutive season, netting 13 goals and registering seven assists. He has also gotten his World Cup off to a positive start, scoring and assisting once for France.
⚽
England World Cup Quiz
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Barcola is a suitable Diomande alternative
Although Diomande registered better numbers in front of goal last season with 23 goal contributions in 36 appearances, and is four years Barcola’s junior, the Frenchman is still one of Europe’s most exciting wingers.
Described as “one of the world’s best wingers”, the 23-year-old is arguably underappreciated in Paris considering the wealth of attacking talent they have with the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Boasting blistering pace and skill, Barcola could prove to be an extremely useful addition for new boss Andoni Iraola. At 23, the Frenchman still boasts plenty of potential but has already lifted an array of silverware with PSG and is expected to go far in the World Cup with France. His versatility also means he can fit on either flank.
The winger has two years left on his contract at the Parc des Princes and isn’t expected to cost as much as Diomande, especially if the Ivorian’s destination is Paris.
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