This article ranks 37 players based on their World Cup performances, with Lionel Messi at number one for his incredible tournament despite a quiet final. It highlights key contributions from players like Canada's Stephen Eustáquio and South Africa's Mbekezeli Mbokazi, alongside disappointments from others such as Colombia's James Rodríguez.
Norway's goalkeeper Nyland protested a goal by Bellingham, claiming the ball hit an overhead camera wire. FIFA denied this, stating ball sensors showed no interference, but Norway's staff and players remained frustrated.
Lionel Messi made history by scoring in his sixth consecutive World Cup knockout match as Argentina staged a dramatic 3-2 comeback against Egypt. Despite missing a penalty, Messi equalized in the 83rd minute, and Enzo Fernandez scored the winner in stoppage time, securing Argentina's quarter-final berth.
Teenage star Lamine Yamal embraced Cristiano Ronaldo after Spain's 1-0 World Cup victory over Portugal. The match marked Ronaldo's final World Cup appearance, ending his quest for the title. Spain advances to the quarter-finals.
Streamer IShowSpeed became emotional after Spain's 1-0 victory over Portugal in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on July 6, ending Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career. Speed expressed his disappointment, stating his prayers for Portugal to win were not answered.
Mikel Merino's 91st-minute goal secured a 1-0 victory for Spain over Portugal in the World Cup round of 16. The win ends Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career and sends Spain to the quarterfinals.
Mikel Merino's 91st-minute goal secured a 1-0 win for Spain over Portugal in the World Cup round of 16. The victory ends Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career and sends Spain to the quarterfinals.
Mikel Merino scored in the first minute of second-half stoppage time as Spain beat Portugal 1-0, likely ending Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career. Spain advances to the quarterfinals.
During England's tense 3-2 World Cup victory over Mexico, expert lip-reader Nicola Hickling revealed manager Thomas Tuchel's 94th-minute outburst: 'F*ing crazy, I need a pint man! God help me through this.' The incident occurred as England, down to 10 men, defended a late lead.
Belgium secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Senegal in the World Cup last-32, coming back from two goals down to win 3-2 after extra time. Youri Tielemans scored the winning penalty in the 125th minute.
Belgium staged a stunning comeback against Senegal, scoring twice in stoppage time to force extra time in a dramatic World Cup match. After trailing 2-0, goals from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans leveled the score before Tielemans converted a penalty in the 122nd minute to secure a last-16 spot.
Brazil, despite a struggling first half and being 1-0 down against Japan, secured a 2-1 victory in a World Cup knockout match with late goals from Casemiro and Gabriel Martinelli after tactical changes by Carlo Ancelotti.
Iran's World Cup qualification hopes hang in the balance after a dramatic 2-2 draw against Egypt. A last-minute winner was disallowed by VAR, and Iran hit the woodwork twice in stoppage time. Their fate now depends on other group results.
Turkiye defeated a heavily rotated United States team 3-2 in an action-packed World Cup dead-rubber match in Los Angeles. Kaan Ayhan scored a late winner for the already eliminated Turkiye, while the US, despite the loss, had already secured Group D victory and advanced to the knockout rounds.
Turkiye defeated the United States 3-2 with a late Kaan Ayhan goal in a World Cup dead-rubber match in Los Angeles. Despite the US already winning Group D and Turkiye being eliminated, the action-packed game saw Turkiye restore pride with their first goals of the tournament, while the US prepared for knockout rounds.
This article clarifies common World Cup rules for first-time soccer watchers, explaining offside, stoppage time (including new hydration breaks), penalty kicks vs. free kicks, and the updated tiebreaker system, along with reasons for taped-over sponsor logos.
Fifa has revoked the World Cup credentials of Paraguayan football commentator Jorge "Chipi" Vera after he launched an expletive-laden tirade against the organization and match officials during Paraguay's 1-0 victory over Turkey. Vera called Fifa president Gianni Infantino and the referee "thieves" after Miguel Almirón was sent off for covering his mouth during a confrontation.
The 2026 World Cup opener saw multiple red cards, highlighting a trend of increased dismissals in the tournament. This article delves into historical World Cup matches with numerous sendings-off, including the "Battle of Nuremberg" and controversial incidents involving notable players like Zinedine Zidane and Nigel de Jong.
Late goals are a significant trend in the World Cup 2026, with 29.2% of goals scored after the 70th minute. This coincides with FIFA's mandatory hydration breaks, which may offer tactical advantages.
Johan Manzambi, a 20-year-old substitute, scored twice to lead Switzerland to a 3-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in a World Cup match. Granit Xhaka added a penalty, securing Switzerland's first win of the tournament.
FIFA is implementing new rules at the 2026 World Cup to combat time-wasting, resulting in significantly lower stoppage time compared to previous tournaments. Despite a war on time-wasting, the average ball-in-play time has seen a slight reduction, though the percentage of match time with the ball in play is at its highest.
Ghana snatched a dramatic 1-0 win against Panama in their opening World Cup match, with Caleb Yirenkyi scoring in second-half stoppage time. Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi was key before being substituted due to injury.
Ghana defeated Panama 1-0 in their opening World Cup match, with Caleb Yirenkyi scoring a dramatic late goal in second-half stoppage time. The victory came after a quiet first half, with Ghana dominating the second half and securing crucial points in Group L.
Ghana secured a 1-0 victory over Panama in their FIFA World Cup Group L match held in Toronto, Canada. Caleb Yirenkyi scored the decisive goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time, placing Ghana in a strong position within the group.
