Argentina’s Lionel Messi, second right, celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal. (AP Photo) The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set for a dramatic week as the expanded 48-team tournament enters the final phase of the group stage, with the race for places in the Round of 32 meeting from Monday onwards.After 10 days…
Cape Verde’s Kevin Pina, center, celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Uruguay and Cape Verde in Miami Gardens, Florida, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) Kevin Pina’s historic free kick and Hélio Varela’s second-half equalizer earn Cape Verde a famous 2-2 draw against…
Iran’s goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand takes the field at the end of the World Cup Group G soccer match between Belgium and Iran in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) The Iranian goalkeeper frustrated Belgium in a 0-0 draw in Los Angeles, but the story behind his performance stretches…
Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi Lamine Yamal marked his first World Cup start with a goal as Spain defeated Saudi Arabia 4-0 on Sunday in Atlanta and recorded their first win of the tournament.The 18-year-old striker scored in the 11th minute, sliding in at the back to convert a low cross. The goal made him the…
Iran’s team’s handwritten note, left, and Belgium’s Alexis Saelemaekers, left, challenge Iran’s Ehsan Hajisafi during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Belgium and Iran in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP Photo) Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand made seven saves as Iran and Belgium played out a 0-0 draw FIFA World…
Uruguay’s four stars commemorate two Olympic football titles and two World Cup triumphs, all officially recognized as world championships / Image: AP Uruguay reached 2026 FIFA World Cup wearing one of the most distinctive badges in international football. While most supporters understand that the stars above a national team’s crest usually represent World Cup triumphs,…
Egypt’s Mohamed Salah (10) celebrates his goal with his teammate Mostafa Ziko (11). (AP Photo) Egypt created a historic milestone on Sunday night as they recorded their first World Cup win, defeating New Zealand 3-1 in a Group G clash at BC Place, Vancouver.Star forward Mohamed Salah Once again, he made the stage bigger, scoring…
Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla (16) scores an own goal during the World Cup Group D soccer match between the United States and Paraguay in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, June 12, 2026. (AP Photo) The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already produced eight own goals just 10 days into the tournament, the second highest total…
Morocco football team. (AP Photo) Morocco etched their name into football folklore after extending their unbeaten run to an astonishing 39 matches, setting a new all-time benchmark in international football and surpassing the legendary streak held by Italy and Argentina.The Lions of the Atlas are now alone at the top of the global game, surpassing…
Cape Verde’s Kevin Pina, center, celebrates with his teammates after scoring the opening goal. (AP Photo) Cape Verde wrote a remarkable new chapter in the history of the World Cup after becoming the first team on record (since 1966) to score its maiden. FIFA World Cup goal from a direct free kick as their fairytale…