Jude Bellingham, 22, set a new record as the youngest European player to compete in four major international tournaments, scoring in England's 4-2 win over Croatia in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are among the first players to wear the new FIFA World Cup Legacy badge during the 2026 tournament. This exclusive patch recognizes players with significant longevity and achievements in World Cup history, featuring their name, flag, and iconic details.
Three young rugby players have died in Malaysia within weeks due to heatstroke, dehydration, and organ failure. The incidents, occurring during matches and training in high temperatures and humidity, have sparked concerns about player safety and the need for adjustments in the sport.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage kicked off with mixed results. Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo, while England secured a 4-2 victory over Croatia. Austria beat Jordan 3-1, Ghana narrowly defeated Panama 1-0, and Colombia won 3-1 against Uzbekistan.
Cristiano Ronaldo made history by appearing in his sixth FIFA World Cup, joining Lionel Messi. However, the milestone was overshadowed by Portugal's 1-1 draw with DR Congo and Ronaldo's subdued performance.
Mexico City buzzed with post-win euphoria after a 2-0 World Cup victory, but celebrations were tempered by concerns over high ticket prices pricing out local fans and a perceived lack of international diversity. The team's passive play also drew criticism.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, had a frustrating World Cup 2026 opener against DR Congo, recording few touches and no shots on target in a 1-1 draw. He has now gone 10 major tournament matches without scoring.
England started their World Cup campaign with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia. Despite a shaky first half, England's second-half performance, highlighted by goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford, secured the win.
Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41 years and 132 days, became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match for Portugal against DR Congo. He also joined Lionel Messi in playing in six World Cups, but failed to score in the 1-1 draw.
Lionel Messi began his 2026 World Cup journey with a hat-trick against Algeria, bringing his career total to 16 goals and tying Miroslav Klose's record. Kylian Mbappé is close behind with 14 goals.
The 2026 World Cup group stage concludes today, with all 48 teams having played their first match. This guide covers Portugal vs. DR Congo, England vs. Croatia, Ghana vs. Panama, and Uzbekistan vs. Colombia, including kick-off times, broadcast details, and key players to watch.
Several World Cup players are experiencing massive social media growth, turning viral moments and influencer campaigns into career-defining exposure beyond the pitch. Goalkeeper Vozinha, defender Tim Payne, and defender Kai Trewin are among those seeing follower counts skyrocket.
Several top Chinese tennis players, including Zheng Qinwen and Wang Xinyu, will miss the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games due to a clash with major ATP and WTA tournaments in China. Wu Yibing will lead the men's team.
Iraq's Aymen Hussein, despite a customs delay in Chicago, scored his country's second World Cup goal in their 4-1 loss to Norway. Coach Graham Arnold praised Hussein's performance, highlighting his skill and resilience.
Iran's national football team secured a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in Los Angeles, but faced significant logistical and security challenges. Players and coaches complained about restrictive movements, immediate flights after matches, and intrusive security checks, contrasting with positive experiences in Mexico.
Lionel Messi scored his first World Cup hat-trick, leading defending champions Argentina to a dominant 3-0 victory over Algeria in their FIFA World Cup title defence. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's performance at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City drew praise from teammates and coach.
Lionel Messi achieved his first World Cup hat-trick, leading Argentina to a 3-0 win over Algeria. The star player now equals Miroslav Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals, extending his scoring streak to five consecutive matches.
Roberto Martinez will depart as Portugal's manager after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, having decided not to renew his contract. This decision raises questions about Cristiano Ronaldo's future, with the 41-year-old potentially playing in his last World Cup.
Lionel Messi has matched Miroslav Klose's record of 16 FIFA World Cup goals after scoring a hat-trick against Algeria in the 2026 tournament. He also became the first male footballer to play in six World Cups.
Lionel Messi achieved a career milestone by scoring his first World Cup hat-trick, leading Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in Kansas City. He also equalled Miroslav Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals.
Lionel Messi scored his first World Cup hat-trick, equalling Miroslav Klose's scoring record of 16 goals, as Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in Kansas City. Kylian Mbappe had briefly overtaken Messi earlier in the day.
France struggled in the first half against Senegal, appearing disjointed and creating few chances. However, a halftime adjustment and the brilliance of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise led to a 3-1 victory, with Mbappé setting a new all-time scoring record for France.
Norway secured a dominant 4-1 victory over Iraq in their FIFA World Cup Group I opener. Erling Haaland scored two goals, with Leo Østigård and an own goal sealing the win. This marks Norway's first World Cup appearance since 1998.
Norway celebrated their long-awaited World Cup return with a dominant 4-1 victory over Iraq. Erling Haaland scored twice, with Leo Østigård and an own goal sealing the win. Iraq's Aymen Hussein scored their lone goal.
