World Cup 2026
World Cup Briefing
The day's World Cup stories — original syntheses from multiple sources, with the Golmetria model's numbers. Analysis, not betting advice.
Casemiro Makes His Inter Miami Debut 20 Days After Brazil's Elimination — But the Night Belonged to a Terrifying Berterame Scare
The Brazilian midfielder played all 90 minutes in a 1–0 win, but the night was overshadowed by a frightening incident involving Berterame, who was stretchered off in an ambulance after a horrifying collision.
Casemiro's Inter Miami debut was supposed to be the story of the night. And it was — but it had to share the spotlight with a moment that sent a chill through everyone inside the stadium.
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World Cup's Best Player Rodri Is Now PSG's Top Target — and Luis Enrique Has Already Made the Call
PSG have entered the race for Rodri, named best player at the 2026 World Cup. Luis Enrique has personally requested the signing of the Manchester City midfielder, according to As.
He won the World Cup. He took home the best player award. And now Rodri has become the hottest name on the European transfer market.
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Messi Showed Up at a Fourth-Division Game After the Lost Final — and Became the Biggest Story of the Day
The Argentine star tried to stay under the radar after Argentina's defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, but was recognized in Arroyo Seco.
Losing a World Cup final to Spain 1–0 hurts. But Lionel Messi tried to keep that pain away from the spotlight — and it didn't work.
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Frenkie de Jong tears ACL at the World Cup — and Barcelona will be compensated by FIFA
The Dutch midfielder ruptured his cruciate ligament at the 2026 World Cup, and Barcelona are entitled to around €20,000 per day of absence, according to Record.
The 2026 World Cup has already claimed its first major casualty for the Netherlands — and it's a painful one. Frenkie de Jong ruptured the cruciate ligaments in his knee during the tournament while representing the Dutch national side, and faces a lengthy spel…
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Liverpool's villain could be back — this time on Klopp's side in Germany
Jürgen Klopp takes charge of Germany after their 2026 World Cup exit and brings with him the prospect of an unlikely partnership with a name etched into Liverpool history.
Jürgen Klopp is taking over the German national team, and he brings with him a story Liverpool supporters are unlikely to forget any time soon. According to Trivela, there is growing expectation that a figure marked by painful memories for the Reds could resur…
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World champion Rodri has an uncertain future at City — what would he bring to Real Madrid?
World champion and Copa MVP, Rodri's future at City is up in the air and the transfer market is buzzing. Is Real Madrid in the picture?
World champion with Spain and voted the best player at the World Cup — so where does Rodri go from here?
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Yan Diomandé shone at the World Cup — and Real Madrid are ready to pay €90 million for him
Ivory Coast's breakout star at the World Cup, the 19-year-old striker is on Real Madrid's radar, with the club reportedly offering up to €90 million to RB Leipzig.
Nineteen years old, four starts at the World Cup, and a €90 million offer already on the table. Yan Diomandé wasted no time becoming one of the hottest names in the transfer market.
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The 40-Year-Old Keeper Who Stole the World Cup Show Is Heading to the Estadio Monumental
The sensation of the 2026 World Cup, goalkeeper Vozinha signs with Colo-Colo on a free transfer. At 40, he wants to play for one or two more seasons.
Forty years old, without a club, and with the entire world knowing his name. That was Vozinha's situation after the 2026 World Cup — and Colo-Colo moved fast enough to take advantage.
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Six Days After the World Cup Final, Otamendi Is Already Back on the Pitch
World champion Otamendi has already been called up by River for Saturday. Correa also makes the list right after signing. Here's the full picture.
The ink on the trophy hasn't even dried and Nicolás Otamendi is already ready to play. Just six days after featuring in the World Cup final for Argentina against Spain, the centre-back appears on River Plate's squad list for Saturday's clash against Barracas C…
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Iraola arrives at Liverpool with a clear philosophy: what the Spaniard has promised Anfield
Andoni Iraola has taken charge of Liverpool with a clear philosophy unveiled during pre-season in the USA. Find out what the Spaniard has promised Anfield.
Andoni Iraola did not arrive at Liverpool simply to pick a starting eleven. The Spanish manager, who takes charge at Anfield in this new chapter for the club, made it clear from the very start of pre-season in the United States that his vision stretches far be…
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Frenkie de Jong confirms knee injury suffered at the World Cup — and Barcelona are already feeling his absence
The Dutch midfielder ruptured a ligament in his right knee during the World Cup. Barcelona confirm the injury and De Jong gives his own account of what happened.
It wasn't only Barcelona who lost Frenkie de Jong at the start of the season. The Netherlands will also find out what it's like to compete at a World Cup without one of their best players at full fitness.
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The Portuguese Coach Who Went Further Than Portugal at the 2026 World Cup
Morocco assistant coach João Sacramento reached the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals while Portugal crashed out in the round of 16. See what he told Record.
Portugal went out in the round of 16. Morocco made the quarter-finals. And sitting on the Moroccan bench was a Portuguese man with a smile on his face.
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Klopp Takes Over a Germany in Crisis — and the Road to 2030 Already Has Names and Hard Choices
Klopp takes charge of a Germany in crisis and inherits Nagelsmann's young talents. Meet the names and dilemmas shaping the German rebuild ahead of 2030.
Jürgen Klopp was announced yesterday as Germany's new head coach — and the task could hardly be heavier: dragging the four-time world champions out of one of the deepest crises in their recent history, according to UOL Esporte.
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Tiago Gouveia packs his bags for Mexico — and won't be coming back to Benfica
The winger flies to Guadalajara on Sunday after the transfer was put on hold by Jaden Umeh's injury. Deal with Atlas is done, Record reports.
Tiago Gouveia's time at Benfica is over — and this time there's no going back.
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Paredes Leaves His Argentina Future Up in the Air After Final Brawl: 'It Needs to Be Discussed'
Four days after the World Cup final defeat, Paredes was back playing for Boca and admitted his Argentina future 'needs to be discussed.'
The World Cup final still hurts — and Leandro Paredes isn't pretending otherwise.
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Frenkie de Jong tears ligament at the World Cup — and now Barcelona and the Netherlands are sweating
De Jong confirmed a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee suffered at the World Cup. Barcelona announces the blow to their squad; the Dutchman gives his own account.
The World Cup has left Frenkie de Jong with a hefty bill to pay. The Dutch midfielder suffered a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee while representing the Netherlands at the tournament — and the injury is already making itself felt off the pitch…
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Paredes admits Spain were better — and leaves his Argentina future up in the air
Back at Boca, Paredes opened up about the World Cup final defeat to Spain and admitted he doesn't know whether he'll carry on with the Albiceleste.
The pain is still raw. Leandro Paredes returned to the pitch for Boca Juniors on Wednesday, but the World Cup final against Spain is still weighing on him — and the Argentine made no attempt to hide it.
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Guardiola Said No to Italy — and Now Pirlo Could Be the One to Save the Azzurri
Pep Guardiola turned Italy down. With Ancelotti committed to Brazil and the FIGC without a manager, Andrea Pirlo is emerging as the frontrunner to rescue the Azzurri.
Italy tried everything. They offered an astronomical salary, promised complete freedom to shape the role, and even made exceptions that rarely exist in football. Pep Guardiola listened, thought it over — and said no.
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Klopp arrives as Germany boss with a warning: 'I'll walk away if you don't leave my family alone'
Jurgen Klopp takes charge of Germany and makes one thing clear from the start: if the media doesn't respect his family, he's gone. His contract runs through the 2030 World Cup.
Jurgen Klopp had barely settled into the Germany manager's chair before he delivered a warning nobody expected to hear at his first press conference. "If you misbehave and don't leave my family alone, I'll leave," he said, without mincing words. Welcome back t…
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Memphis was a bench player at the World Cup, went out before the Round of 16 — and Corinthians still has no idea what to do with him
Contract expires July 31. Memphis came off the bench at the World Cup and didn't play against Morocco. Financial crisis and internal politics are stalling renewal talks at Corinthians.
The World Cup did nothing to help Memphis Depay win over Corinthians. The Dutchman came on only as a second-half substitute in all three of the Netherlands' group-stage matches and played no part in their elimination by Morocco in the Round of 16. For those wh…
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Why Michael Olise Became One of the Most Valuable Players After the World Cup
From Olise to Vozinha: see who gained the most on Transfermarkt after the World Cup, according to Marca.
Spain lifted the trophy, but the transfer market didn't wait for the final whistle before redistributing value. According to Marca, drawing on Transfermarkt data, the World Cup left a list of winners that stretches well beyond the Spanish dressing room — and M…
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Over 81,000 People Want the World Cup Final Replayed — and the Spaniards Who Signed Will Make You Laugh
An Argentine fan launched a petition with over 81,000 signatures demanding a new final between Argentina and Spain. The Spaniards who signed it became the butt of the joke.
The World Cup final is over — but for Gisela Sánchez, it isn't finished yet.
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Tapia tells Argentines to drop the conspiracy theories: 'Spain were better, they beat us fair and square'
The AFA president breaks his silence after the World Cup final defeat and urges Argentines to stop the conspiracy theories surrounding Spain's victory.
The World Cup final left an open wound in Argentina — and, instead of grief, theories were born. The FBI, threats to family members, outside pressure. Everything was invoked to explain what happened on the pitch. But AFA president Chiqui Tapia decided to put t…
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The Brazilian already appearing on lists of ones to watch for the 2030 World Cup
The Athletic asked data platform Eyeball to name a starting XI of future stars for 2030 — and a Brazilian made the cut. Find out who.
Brazil hasn't even finished dreaming about a sixth title in 2026, and already one of its gems is being flagged as a name to watch for the 2030 World Cup.
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Fabián Ruiz Admits He Dreams of the Ballon d'Or After a Standout Season
The PSG midfielder makes no secret of his ambition: 'The truth is, yes.' Fabián Ruiz enters the Ballon d'Or race in a season packed with heavyweight contenders.
"The truth is, yes." With that blunt answer, Fabián Ruiz left no room for doubt: the PSG and Spain midfielder wants the Ballon d'Or — and he has no shame in saying so.
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Messi Was the World Cup's Best Player Even Without the Title — and IFFHS Has the Numbers to Prove It
IFFHS named Messi MVP of the 2026 World Cup: 8 goals, 4 assists and an 8.33 average rating across 8 games. Argentina lost the final to Spain.
Argentina fell in the final. Spain lifted the trophy. Rodri took the tournament's Golden Ball. And yet, when IFFHS ran the numbers, the name that came out on top was Lionel Messi's.
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Tim Vickery Settles the Pelé vs Messi Debate — and the 2026 World Cup Tipped the Scales
British journalist Tim Vickery gave his definitive answer in the Pelé vs Messi debate after the 2026 World Cup. Find out what he said.
Some debates never die — but Tim Vickery decided to give his definitive answer. The British journalist, one of the leading voices on South American football, went straight to the point on the age-old Pelé vs Messi war: "If I have to choose one player it's him,…
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Tigre went to Montevideo, won 3-0 and unfurled the Malvinas banner — just like the national team
Tigre players echoed the Argentine national team's gesture after a 3-0 win over Nacional-URU in Montevideo in the Copa Sudamericana.
It wasn't the Argentine national team. But the script was exactly the same.
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Gavi Was Attacked by Paredes in the Final — and Still Says: "I Don't Think He Should Be Suspended"
Attacked on the pitch after the 2026 World Cup final, Gavi stuns everyone by saying Paredes doesn't deserve a ban. Here's what the Spanish champion had to say.
World champion, attacked on the pitch, and still willing to defend his attacker. Gavi is not exactly what you'd expect from a victim.
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Argentina is in the 2026 World Cup final — and Olé already published the book to mark the moment
Olé launches a special book covering Argentina's golden era with Messi and Scaloni, from Qatar to the 2026 World Cup final. It dropped this Thursday, July 23.
The World Cup isn't even over and Argentina has already become a book. Olé announced the release of **"Amor a la Scaloneta"**, a special edition covering the most glorious cycle in the history of the Argentine national team — from Scaloni's debut in a friendly…
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Tim Vickery's Warning: South America May Be Entering a Dark Age in World Football
Columnist Tim Vickery sees the World Cup result as a troubling sign for CONMEBOL. Brazil and Argentina face serious challenges before 2026.
For the first time at a World Cup held in North America, no South American side lifted the trophy. For Tim Vickery, a columnist who specialises in the continent's football, that fact is no coincidence — it's a symptom.
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Ancelotti Called Danilo a 'Sunday-League Player' — and Left the Botafogo Midfielder Out of Brazil's Biggest Game
Richarlyson revealed on SporTV that Ancelotti preferred Martinelli over Danilo, calling him a 'Sunday-league player' with no tactical discipline. Brazil went out in the round of 16.
Brazil's round-of-16 exit to Norway already hurt. Now, the reason Danilo Santos was left on the bench hurts even more.
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Enzo Fernandez says Argentina represented the country 'in the best way possible' — but FIFA is investigating what happened after the final
Sent off in the defeat to Spain, Enzo Fernandez defended the Argentine squad on social media — while FIFA probes incidents that broke out after the World Cup final.
Argentina lost the World Cup final to Spain 1–0 after extra time in New Jersey. But Enzo Fernandez does not want that to be the group's only legacy.
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The announcer called Yéremy Pino 'the Cristiano Ronaldo who won the World Cup' — and the dig went viral
At Spain's title celebration in Madrid, an announcer compared Yéremy Pino to Cristiano Ronaldo — and the jab went viral.
Spain won the World Cup in the United States. Two million people took to the streets of Madrid. And in the middle of all that euphoria, one line from an announcer became the talking point of the day.
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Spain are world champions: the collective that silenced Messi at the greatest World Cup of all time
Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time to lift the World Cup. Tim Vickery breaks down how De la Fuente's team football triumphed.
The greatest World Cup of all time ended with a one-goal margin and a football lesson. Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time and lifted the trophy — even as Lionel Messi shone individually throughout Scaloni's entire campaign.
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Portugal Without Cristiano Ronaldo Faces a Problem That Goes Beyond the Pitch
Ronaldo said goodbye to World Cups after elimination by Spain. On and off the pitch, Portugal faces a difficult rebuild — and the FPF feels the weight.
Six World Cups. An entire career devoted to a dream that never arrived. And now, after elimination by Spain in the round of sixteen, Cristiano Ronaldo announced what many had long suspected: his farewell to the Portuguese national team at the World Cup.
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Neuer bows out with a defeat and zero regrets: the end of an era for Germany
Eliminated on penalties by Paraguay, Manuel Neuer ended his international career after 23 World Cup appearances. Schick and a Brazilian icon also said their goodbyes.
Forty years of history, two World Cups, 23 appearances in the tournament. And the end came in the worst possible way: on penalties, against Paraguay. Manuel Neuer hung up his gloves for the German national team after a 2026 World Cup that ended far sooner than…
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Ibrahimovic on Paredes in the final brawl: "I would have headbutted him and got sent off"
Zlatan was blunt: he said he would have headbutted Paredes had he been on the pitch during the Spain vs Argentina final. FIFA has already opened an investigation.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic watched the chaos unfold on the pitch at MetLife Stadium and couldn't keep quiet. Working as a pundit at the World Cup, the Swede went straight for the jugular when it came to Leandro Paredes — one of the central figures in the all-out brawl…
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Spain Won the World Cup — and Now All of China Wants to Go to Barcelona
Just one hour after Spain's 2026 World Cup triumph, flight searches from China to Barcelona surged up to 33 times, according to data from Qunar.
The final whistle was still echoing when China was already planning the trip.
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Messi and Julián Álvarez Are Both in the Race for Goal of the Tournament — and You Can Vote
FIFA has opened voting for the best goal of the World Cup, with 12 contenders. Argentina have both Messi and Julián Álvarez on the list. Find out how to vote on Play.FIFA.
The World Cup is over, Spain lifted the trophy — but the celebration isn't quite done yet. FIFA has opened voting for the best goal of the tournament, and Argentina have put two serious contenders in the running.
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How Mbappé Stood Up to the Federation President — and Won the World Cup Bonus Battle
L'Équipe revealed a tense behind-the-scenes clash between Mbappé and the FFF over 2026 World Cup bonuses. The French captain came out on top in the confrontation with the federation's president.
France arrives at the 2026 World Cup with one of the most talented squads on the planet — but the road there has not been without off-pitch turbulence. According to the newspaper L'Équipe, Kylian Mbappé was the central figure in a direct confrontation with the…
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Brazil spends less than Greece in the transfer window — and that says everything about its football
With just €54.3 million invested, the Brasileirão ranks 13th in the world for mid-year transfer spending, according to Transfermarkt.
The home of football sits in 13th place. Not in the FIFA rankings — but in the table of who spends the most in the mid-year transfer window. And that stings.
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Yamal held up a 'Paredes vs Gavi' sign on the victory bus — and Spain loved every second
On the open-top victory bus, Lamine Yamal held up a sign mocking the Paredes-Gavi bust-up after the final. Spain laughed along — and the world watched.
Spain won the World Cup. And Lamine Yamal wasn't about to let the moment pass without a joke.
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The Vini Jr. move that died on Suzuki's fingertips — and nine other saves the 2026 World Cup won't let you forget
ge rounded up the ten best saves of the 2026 World Cup. Suzuki's stop against Vini Jr. stopped Brazil in its tracks — but nine others are fighting for the top spot.
A goal is catharsis. Everyone knows that. But there's one thing that comes close: that impossible save, the moment the ball was already heading in — and the goalkeeper appeared from nowhere to say no.
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Argentina Held On for 106 Minutes, but Spain's 'Olé' Had No Answer
Argentina went 106 minutes without a single shot on goal, but Ferrán Torres made the difference as Spain are crowned 2026 World Cup champions. Full final analysis.
It had to end sometime. Argentina spent the entire knockout stage living off miracles, comebacks, and extra time — and at MetLife Stadium in New York, they finally ran out of lives.
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Mbappé Makes History With 10 Goals and Two Golden Boots — But Spain Takes Everything
Mbappé becomes the first player ever to win the Golden Boot at two consecutive World Cups with 10 goals, yet Spain are champions and Rodri claims the Golden Ball.
Ten goals in eight games. Two consecutive tournaments as top scorer. And yet Kylian Mbappé left the 2026 World Cup without the one thing he wanted most.
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Half a million photos and a cathedral called Messi: the images that define this World Cup
From 500,000 images, The Guardian's photo editor chose 30 favourites from the tournament — with Messi inside a cathedral and Bellingham flying.
More than 500,000 photographs. That is the volume that landed on The Guardian's photo editor's desk over the past six weeks of the World Cup — and, according to the British newspaper, there are plenty of hidden gems buried in that sea of clicks.
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Álex Baena Did What Messi Never Did — and It Says Everything About the 2026 World Cup
With the 2026 World Cup title, Baena achieved what even Messi couldn't: winning the Euros, the Olympics, and the World Cup in consecutive fashion.
Messi has everything. Di María has almost everything. But there is one thing neither of them ever managed — and Álex Baena has just pulled it off.
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Raphinha Leaves the World Cup Injured — and His Return to Barcelona Will Have to Wait
Raphinha picked up a muscle injury at the World Cup and has been granted an extra week of rest. Spanish outlet As reports he is due back at Barcelona on July 27.
The World Cup ended too soon for Raphinha — and his body sent the bill.
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The greatest player who never set foot at a World Cup — and he connects both 2026 finalists
Five Champions Leagues, three national teams, and not a single minute at a World Cup. The impossible story of Di Stéfano, on the eve of the Argentina vs Spain final at 2026.
Five Champions Leagues. Eight Spanish league titles. 308 goals for Real Madrid. And not a single minute at a World Cup.
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The Defender Scaloni Tells Not to Charge Forward — Who Does It Anyway
The defender Scaloni tells not to charge forward — and who does it anyway — is a decisive piece for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup.
There is a player in Argentina who disobeys his manager — and Scaloni is grateful for it.
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Kane defends Tuchel after elimination and admits: 'It hurts him just as much as it hurts us'
Harry Kane stood up for Thomas Tuchel after England's semi-final exit. The striker acknowledged the pain and praised the German manager.
England left the World Cup with a bronze medal in hand and an open wound. They fell to Argentina in the semi-finals, became a target for criticism — and Harry Kane stepped forward to defend Thomas Tuchel.
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For the Malvinas, for Diego, and for Messi's last dance: Argentina and Spain battle for eternity
Argentina and Spain meet in the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey. It could be Messi's last final — and the Argentines arrive hungry for more.
There is a World Cup final. And not just any final.
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Saka's hat-trick, a 6-4 thriller, and Bellingham's explanation: 'he stepped up just so they wouldn't distract me'
Bukayo Saka scored three goals in an electrifying France vs England (4-6) third-place match at the 2026 World Cup. Here's what he said about the penalty.
Six goals, two heartbroken nations, and a result nobody will forget. England dispatched France 6-4 in the 2026 World Cup third-place match in Miami, with Bukayo Saka stealing the show — scoring three of England's six goals.
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Missed opportunity or lesson learned? England's World Cup journey under the microscope
Sky Sports' Rob Dorsett analyses England's World Cup campaign. Golmetria's model gave them a 93% chance of reaching the quarter-finals — so what went wrong?
A World Cup that could have gone differently. That is the feeling left by England's journey through the tournament — and Sky Sports football correspondent Rob Dorsett, who was alongside the England squad at every stage, holds nothing back in his reflections.
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Messi could end this World Cup as champion, top scorer, and all-time assists leader — all at once
With 8 goals and 4 assists, Messi could walk away from the final against Spain as champion, Golden Boot winner, and the greatest provider in World Cup history.
At 39 years old, at his sixth World Cup, Lionel Messi is still not satisfied. The Argentine arrives at the final against Spain carrying eight goals and four assists — and a list of records that few athletes in history have ever come close to imagining.
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CR7, Neymar and Gabriel Magalhães on the same list — and it's not the World Cup's best
Portuguese newspaper A Bola names the 23 biggest disappointments of the World Cup. Brazil has three players on the list: Gabriel Magalhães, Neymar and Raphinha.
There are lists nobody wants to be on. Portuguese newspaper A Bola went beyond the usual best-of World Cup selections and assembled a full squad — bench included — of the tournament's biggest disappointments. Twenty-three names called up. And Brazil, believe i…
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France vs England Fight for Bronze — and Mbappé Could Overtake Messi in the Golden Boot Race
France and England meet for third place at the 2026 World Cup in Miami. Mbappé can leapfrog Messi in the Golden Boot standings with a goal or two assists.
Not every semifinal defeat has to stay bitter until the very end. France and England still have a trophy to play for — and the 2026 World Cup third-place match carries an extra edge that goes well beyond a bronze medal.
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The photo he took with baby Yamal went viral — and Messi wants the prodigy to have an off day in the final
Messi addressed the viral photo with Yamal and made his intentions clear for Sunday's final: he wants the Spanish prodigy to have a bad day.
Nineteen years ago, Lionel Messi posed for a photo alongside a baby named Lamine Yamal for a charity campaign. On Sunday, the two meet again — this time in a World Cup final.
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The Secret FIFA Thermometer That Decided the Cooling Breaks in the Spain vs Argentina Final
Brazilian physician André Pedrinelli explains the WBGT index and how extreme heat shaped the 2026 World Cup, from the group stage all the way to the final.
"We are a machine. And to run, it heats up," said André Pedrinelli. That line sums up everything the 2026 World Cup taught us about football and heat — and explains why a little-known acronym became the behind-the-scenes protagonist of the tournament.
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Six Spain players are heading to the final without a single minute played — and one of them was injured
Raya, Zubimendi, Grimaldo and three others reach the showdown against Argentina in New Jersey without setting foot on the pitch at the 2026 World Cup.
Spain arrive at the World Cup final against Argentina this Sunday in New Jersey with a curiosity that has gone largely unnoticed: six players called up by Luis de la Fuente have never set foot on the pitch. Seven matches. Twenty players used. Six still waiting…
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Fernando Llorente warns: 'The night before a World Cup final is nothing like any other game'
2010 champion Fernando Llorente opened up about the nerves of a Cup final and heaped praise on Messi ahead of Spain vs Argentina at the 2026 World Cup.
Anyone who has lived through a World Cup final knows: there is no pretending it is a normal match. Fernando Llorente, a champion with Spain in 2010, got straight to the point on the eve of the clash between the Spanish and the Argentines at the 2026 World Cup.
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At 39, Messi Is Doing Things He Last Did at 23
With 8 goals and dribble numbers he last posted at 23, Messi arrives at the semi-final defying time — and setting his sights on Just Fontaine's all-time record.
When Messi signed with Inter Miami in MLS, the football world rolled its eyes. A lesser league, a gilded retirement, an end-of-career dressed up as an eternal holiday. Four years later, the 39-year-old is in the World Cup semi-final matching numbers he last po…
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From Norway to Bangladesh, the fan groups that stole the show at the 2026 World Cup
From Norway to Bangladesh, via the DR Congo, the fan stories of the 2026 World Cup took the internet by storm. Meet the supporters who became the real protagonists.
There are World Cups when football stops being just football. The 2026 edition delivered that in double measure — and the fans were the protagonists nobody saw coming.
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"I Was Really Struggling to Find the Right Words": Bellingham Breaks His Silence — and His Team's Driver Said What He Couldn't
After England's 2-1 defeat to Argentina, Bellingham admitted he was lost for words — and let a handwritten poem from the team's driver say everything instead.
Six goals in the tournament, one of the best players on the pitch right through the semi-finals — and then a comeback defeat that left Jude Bellingham speechless. For nearly 24 hours, England's midfielder said nothing. When he finally spoke, it was to admit ex…
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12 games, 12 wins: Lamine Yamal's number that has Spain dreaming of back-to-back glory
A starter at the Euros and the World Cup, Yamal has never lost in 12 games. Spain face Argentina in the final chasing a second straight title.
He's not the top scorer. He doesn't lead the assists chart. But Lamine Yamal arrives at the World Cup final carrying a number worth more than any individual statistic: in 12 games as a starter at the Euros and the World Cup, Spain have won all 12.
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Spain Reached the World Cup Final After Drawing With Cape Verde in Their opener
After drawing with Cape Verde in their opening match, Luis de la Fuente's Spain made it to the 2026 World Cup final. Here's how they turned it around.
A goalless draw against Cape Verde in the opener. The critics resurfacing. The fans full of doubt. That was Spain's reality at the start of the 2026 World Cup — and yet Luis de la Fuente's side are in the final.
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Superstitions, rituals and blind faith: the invisible side of Argentina's title quest
Argentine fans and players have secret rituals for the 2026 World Cup. The model gives the Albiceleste a 33% chance of lifting the trophy — but the market strongly disagrees.
Tactics, goals, Messi. All of that matters — but there is a layer of the World Cup that no coach can control.
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The Pickford water bottle Messi found on the pitch that became a joke across Argentina
Nico González found Pickford's bottle on the Atlanta pitch — complete with notes on how Argentina's players take penalties. Messi wanted to know exactly what it said about him.
Argentina were already in the final. The scoreboard already read 2–1. And in the middle of the celebrations in Atlanta, Nico González found something on the pitch that stopped everyone in their tracks: Pickford's water bottle.
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"We Are the Best, Whether Anyone Likes It or Not": Messi Sends a Warning to the World Before the Final
Messi held nothing back after Argentina beat England to reach the 2026 World Cup final. The captain was blunt: 'We are the best in the world.'
Messi has run out of patience for modesty. After eliminating England 2–1 to secure a place in the 2026 World Cup final, the Argentine captain went straight to the point: "We are the best in the world over these four years, whether anyone likes it or not and wh…
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The Final Nobody Will Forget: Spain and Argentina Battle for the Ball — and the World
The two most pass-accurate sides at the 2026 World Cup meet in the final with opposing styles and the same dogma. Who blinks first?
Two philosophies. One ball. And a trophy that can only go one way.
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Mbappé Will Be 31 at the Next World Cup — and the Clock Is Ticking
Eliminated by Spain in the semi-finals, Mbappé faces the 2030 World Cup at 31 with a title that still hasn't come. Time is running out.
It isn't easy being Kylian Mbappé. You are the best player of your generation, captain of France, and yet the World Cup keeps slipping through your fingers.
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Argentina Refuses to Die: Stoppage-Time Comeback Against England Keeps Messi's World Cup Alive
The reigning champions snatched a 2-1 win in Atlanta in the dying minutes. The pattern holds: Argentina only settles things at the last second — and Messi marches on.
A pattern is taking shape at this World Cup — and it has Messi's face on it.
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Olise became a target of the French press after the elimination — and the Zidane comparison says it all
After France's elimination by Spain in the 2026 World Cup semi-final, the French press tore into Olise with a brutal comparison to Platini and Zidane.
France entered the 2026 World Cup semi-final with an attack that had every supporter salivating. Mbappé, Dembélé, Barcola, Désiré Doué — and Michael Olise, the name generating the most excitement. Spain, however, was not impressed.
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Mbappé, Dembélé and Olise vanished — and France ran straight into its old kryptonite
The trio that carried France through the World Cup disappeared at the worst possible moment. The model gives them just a 1.37% chance of lifting the trophy. What's left when the stars don't show up?
It had all the makings of a statement game. It turned into a crisis of confidence instead.
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Spain dismantled France without even owning the ball — and the numbers tell the whole story
With an xG of 2.21 against 0.48, Spain was surgical where France was merely busy. Here's how La Furia took apart Les Bleus without needing to control possession.
France arrived at the semi-final with the most feared attack at the World Cup. They left it with their worst offensive output in 60 years. That says everything about what Spain did.
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63% of the time walking and eight goals: Messi's method for defying time at the World Cup
Diet, load management and 63% of the time walking: understand how Messi arrived at 39 as the World Cup's all-time top scorer with eight goals.
Eight goals. Thirty-nine years old. And 63% of his time on the pitch simply walking. It sounds contradictory — but that is precisely the paradox that explains why Lionel Messi remains the greatest scorer in World Cup history.
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Argentina's No. 9s Woke Up at Exactly the Right Time — and England Is Next
Through five games, Argentina's strikers combined for one goal. Then the knockouts arrived — and everything changed. The Albiceleste are no longer just Messi.
For five games, Argentina were essentially a one-man team. Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez combined for a single goal between them — from the penalty spot, no less. Messi carried, Messi solved, Messi was Argentina's entire World Cup.
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Atalanta Were Shocked by Manchester United — and Brazil Should Be Worried Too
Éderson's transfer to United was called off after medical tests at the national team camp. Atalanta were left stunned — and Brazil have reason to be concerned.
Everything was in place. Éderson, Atalanta's defensive midfielder, was on his way to Manchester United — the deal agreed, the clubs aligned. Then came the medical tests at the Brazilian national team's pre-tournament camp, and everything fell apart.
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Kane and Bellingham vs the world champions: the duel that could change England's history
England face champion Argentina in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals. Kane and Bellingham are Tuchel's bet to make history.
Sixty years of waiting. A World Cup semi-final. And on the other side: champion Argentina.
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Brazil got slammed for calling up 'second-tier' players — but does Argentina have the same problem?
Brazil faced heavy criticism for picking players from smaller European clubs. But does Argentina deal with the same dilemma? Albiceleste fans weigh in.
The Brazilian national team became a target before the 2026 World Cup even kicks off. Calling up players who ply their trade at clubs considered lower-profile in Europe triggered a flood of criticism — from fans, journalists, and even voices outside the countr…
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Deschamps promises a 'spectacular' semi-final — and the World Cup has reached the moment football has been waiting for
Deschamps guarantees a 'spectacular' clash against Spain in Dallas. In Atlanta, Kane and Rice are ready to face Argentina. The semi-finals are here.
Didier Deschamps is not one for hyperbole. But when the France manager promises that the clash against Spain will be "spectacular", it is worth believing — because every ingredient is already in place.
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37 games unbeaten and a record that sends shivers: Spain face the hardest France to beat in history
Spain and France meet in Dallas in the 2026 World Cup semi-final. 37 unbeaten games, Mbappé, Yamal and a head-to-head record that sends shivers. Who goes to the final?
Thirty-seven games. That is Spain's unbeaten run in official competition, arriving intact at the World Cup semi-final at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. On the other side, a France side that, according to Marca, has only been knocked out at the elimination stage by Ge…
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Vozinha's shirt is worth more than Alisson's and Neuer's — and an American paid R$ 65,000 to prove it
The shirt worn by the Cape Verde goalkeeper at the 2026 World Cup was sold for R$ 65,575 on MatchWornShirt, a new all-time record for the platform.
Cape Verde fell. Vozinha stayed — and the market already knows it.
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The Coach Who Almost Never Coached — and Could Lead Argentina to Back-to-Back World Titles
From two passes to Messi in 2005 to a World Cup final. The unlikely story of Scaloni and Argentina's shot at the 2026 title.
Two passes. That was all Lionel Scaloni gave Lionel Messi during the superstar's disastrous Argentina debut in Budapest in 2005 — the match in which Messi was sent off just 45 seconds after coming on. Nobody could have imagined that fleeting contact would be t…
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The blue shirt that toppled England in 1986 is back for the semifinal — and Argentina believes in the omen
The AFA asked FIFA to play in dark blue against England — the same colour worn in 1986, when Maradona scored two historic goals.
Superstition doesn't keep office hours — but Argentina decided not to tempt fate. The AFA asked FIFA for permission to face England in dark blue for the World Cup semifinal, setting aside the traditional light-blue-and-white stripes. The request arrived less t…
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Anderson ran more than anyone against Norway — then apologised for being destroyed
Anderson covered 14.8 km in the Miami heat and was England's top distance runner in the win over Norway. Rogers also impressed Tuchel.
Fourteen point eight kilometres in the suffocating Miami heat. Cramps in extra time. And still Elliot Anderson walked off the pitch with a clear conscience.
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Messi Has Never Faced England in an Official Match — That Changes in a World Cup Semi-Final
With 125 goals and over 200 caps for Argentina, Messi has never faced England in an official game. That changes in a World Cup semi-final — and Tuchel already has a plan.
Over 200 appearances. One hundred and twenty-five goals. An entire career wearing the albiceleste — and Lionel Messi has never set foot on a pitch against England in an official match. Not once. That changes on Wednesday (15th), in a World Cup semi-final that…
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Neymar reacted to the AI video begging for one last World Cup — and the internet lost it
A viral video from the 'Nerd Soul AI' account shows AI versions of Neymar pleading for one final shot at the 2030 World Cup. The Brazilian star reacted with emotion on Instagram.
Three emotional emojis. That was all Neymar needed to stop the internet in its tracks this Sunday.
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The 'méchants' have arrived: France have a villain nickname and a 100% record at the World Cup
Mbappé revealed France's secret World Cup nickname: 'méchants'. The defenders explained the meaning behind the word — and what it says about this team.
Six games. Six wins. One hundred per cent. France arrive at the World Cup semi-finals not just with flawless numbers — but with an identity.
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Messi Has Never Faced England — and That Changes Wednesday
Messi has never played against England — and that changes Wednesday in Atlanta. Everything about the most history-laden semifinal of the 2026 World Cup.
Sixty years of waiting for England. More than two decades since the last meeting between these sides. And, for Lionel Messi, an absolute debut against the English — at 38, in a World Cup semifinal. If you were looking for a match to stop the world, you just fo…
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Messi Has Never Faced England in an Official Match — Until Wednesday
Messi has never faced England in an official match. On Wednesday, that changes — in a World Cup semi-final with a 36-year curse on the line.
More than 200 appearances for Argentina. One hundred and twenty-five goals — the all-time top scorer in Albiceleste history. And yet, in official matches, Lionel Messi has never crossed paths with England. On Wednesday (15th), at 16:00 Brasília time, that meet…
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37 games unbeaten and France standing in the way: Spain are 90 minutes from making history
On a 37-game unbeaten run, Spain face France in Dallas and could become the most unbeaten national team in football history.
Spain have not lost an official match since June 2023. That's 37 games, 30 wins, seven draws, 96 goals scored. A machine. And on Tuesday, in Dallas, they face the one side that could bring it all to a halt: France.
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Porro Acknowledges France's Danger — but Warns: "The Small Details Will Make the Difference"
Spain's right-back praises the French attack featuring Mbappé and company, but backs Spain's unbeaten run to carry them into the World Cup final.
Mbappé, Dembélé, Olise, Doué, Barcola. Pedro Porro looked at that list and didn't blink. He acknowledged the danger — and then flipped the script.
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Yamal Is Worth More Than Mbappé — and the Numbers Behind This Semi-Final Will Surprise You
Transfermarkt reveals Yamal (€200m) is valued higher than Mbappé (€180m) ahead of the Cup semi-final. Two squads, nearly R$16 billion worth of talent on the pitch.
Everyone will be talking about Mbappé versus Yamal. But before a ball is kicked, the numbers are already telling their own story — and there's a twist.
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Spain players fire back at ex-PM who said France has 'no French players'
Former Spanish prime minister claimed France has 'no French players.' Cubarsí and Borja Iglesias responded ahead of the World Cup semi-final.
The semi-final between Spain and France was already running hot before a ball had been kicked. Now it's even hotter.
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The El Salvador referee who will decide who reaches the final between France and Spain
FIFA has appointed Salvadoran Ivan Barton to referee Tuesday's semifinal between France and Spain in Dallas. Get to know his track record at this World Cup.
A World Cup semifinal between France and Spain would be massive on its own. Now imagine the man with the whistle comes from El Salvador.
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Mbappé Can Match What Only Cafu Ever Did — and He Says the Record Means Nothing Without the Trophy
France face Spain for a spot in the 2026 World Cup final. Mbappé can equal Cafu's historic feat as the only player to appear in three consecutive World Cup finals.
There is a record kept for decades waiting for Kylian Mbappé — and it belongs to a Brazilian.
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Flamengo beat Benfica in Portugal and leave their mid-season tour with momentum — and a lesson in focus
Flamengo defeated Benfica 2–1 in Portugal in a match marked by a tense atmosphere in the stands and a halftime reset from Jardim.
Flamengo went to Portugal to train, test young players, and find their rhythm. They left with something extra: a 2–1 victory over Benfica that mattered as much for what happened off the pitch as for the scoreline itself.
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Messi Has Never Played England — Wednesday in Atlanta Changes That Forever
Messi has never faced England. On Wednesday in Atlanta, that changes — in a World Cup semi-final loaded with history and a red-hot Bellingham.
Sixty years of rivalry, the Hand of God, disallowed goals, red cards, and a war that never fully left the pitch. And amid all of it, one detail few people stop to think about: Lionel Messi has never faced England. Not once. Until Wednesday, in Atlanta.
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Messi to Portuguese referee at the World Cup: 'Speak to me properly, don't disrespect me'
Cameras caught Messi pointing his finger at Portuguese referee João Pinheiro during Argentina's 3–1 win over Switzerland. The episode sparked a global controversy at the World Cup.
Finger pointed, voice steady. Lionel Messi wasn't letting it go.
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Portugal Is Already Planning a World Without Cristiano — and Messi Could Be Part of It in 2030
With CR7 bowing out of World Cups, the FPF is already mapping out 2030 — and Lionel Messi could have a role to play. Here's Portugal's plan.
Spain knocked Portugal out, and Cristiano Ronaldo said goodbye to World Cups. At 41, the greatest name in Portuguese football history confirmed it: 2026 was his last World Cup. So what happens now?
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Messi Didn't Score, But Argentina Keep Making History — and the Model Believes in Them
Julián and Lautaro did the damage, Messi reached 10 World Cup assists. Argentina's back-to-back dream is alive — and the model is backing them.
It wasn't him who found the net this time — and it didn't matter one bit.
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The blue England shirt that never played a World Cup match is now the most coveted item of 2026
Made for the 1990 World Cup and worn in just one official game, England's blue third shirt is taking over the stands at the 2026 tournament. Here's why.
There's an England shirt doing the rounds in the stands at the 2026 World Cup that never once took the field at a World Cup. And that's exactly what makes it irresistible.
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Kane Dismisses the Golden Boot — He's Chasing Something Far Bigger Against Norway
Kane has ruled out the Golden Boot and wants only the title. Bellingham on fire, Haaland lurking — England and Norway battle for a semi-final spot at the 2026 World Cup.
"My main objective is to win the World Cup, not the Golden Boot," said Harry Kane. Simple as that. No ambiguity, no beating around the bush — the Bayern striker went straight to the point ahead of Saturday's quarter-final against Norway at the 2026 World Cup,…
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Jorge Jesus takes charge of Portugal and sends a direct message about Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal's new manager was blunt: only those who perform will play. CR7 was called out by name. Jesus has already handled a similar situation with Neymar at Al Hilal.
Jorge Jesus arrived at Portugal pulling no punches. Officially unveiled on Friday as the new head coach of the Portuguese national team, with a contract running until 2030 — the year Portugal will co-host the World Cup — the manager did not sidestep the subjec…
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Pickford Has Never Won a Game With Haaland on the Pitch — and Now They Meet in a World Cup Quarter-Final
Pickford has never won with Haaland on the opposite side and has already conceded 7 goals to the Norwegian. Today the two meet in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals in Miami.
Seven goals in six games. That is the calling card Erling Haaland brings every time he faces Jordan Pickford — and today, at 6 p.m. (Brasília time), in Miami, the duel resumes with the 2026 World Cup on the line.
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Dembélé Has Overtaken Vini Jr. in FIFA's Rankings — and Brazil Are Already Out
After his goal and strong display against Morocco, Dembélé climbed to 7th in FIFA's forward rankings. Vini Jr. has dropped to 9th.
The World Cup rolls on — but Vini Jr. is no longer part of it, and FIFA's player rankings are already showing it.
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Scaloni surrenders to Messi at 39: "He's a machine"
Top scorer with 8 goals, Messi followed a special preparation plan for the World Cup — and even Scaloni can't hide his amazement. See what the coach revealed about the Argentine superstar.
He's 39 years old, followed a special preparation programme to get here — and he's the World Cup's joint top scorer alongside Mbappé, with eight goals and one assist. Lionel Messi remains the problem no opponent knows how to solve.
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The Physical Secret Behind Messi at 39 That His World Cup Rivals Simply Don't Have
8 goals in 5 games at age 39. Messi's secret at the 2026 World Cup traces back to MLS — and it makes Argentina the heavy favourite for the title.
Eight goals in five games. Top scorer at the World Cup at age 39. Decisive in absolutely every match he has played. Messi isn't just playing — he's flying.
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The detail nobody notices in the MVP photo: two trophies, one rule, and a backdrop that vanishes
FIFA prepares versions with and without a beer logo for the best-on-field award. Find out why the backdrop disappears in some World Cup MVP photos.
Have you ever noticed that in some World Cup MVP photos, the sponsoring beer brand's logo simply vanishes? It's not a production error. It's FIFA policy — and it exists for very specific reasons.
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Kane puts the World Cup above the Ballon d'Or — and sends Haaland a warning: 'I hope he has a quiet day'
Kane admits he's in the Ballon d'Or race but puts a World Cup title above everything — and delivers a message to Haaland ahead of the quarter-finals.
Harry Kane could have been talking about individual trophies. Instead, he went straight to the point: "My main goal is to win the World Cup with England," said the England captain at a press conference ahead of the quarter-final clash with Norway.
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France Is Building a Dynasty — and That Hurts Brazilian Fans More Than They'll Admit
France beat Morocco 2–0 to reach a third straight semi-final. Mbappé draws level with Messi on goals. And the comparison with the Brazil that never was cuts deep.
There's a feeling that won't leave the mind of anyone following this World Cup: France seems to be winning the tournament while saving itself for the next one. The 2–0 victory over Morocco in the quarter-finals was yet another demonstration of that — low flame…
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An archbishop quoted Messi at Argentina's Independence Day mass — and they play a semifinal this Saturday
On the eve of the clash with Switzerland, the Archbishop of Buenos Aires used Messi's own words in his sermon. Argentina wants to turn that message into a title.
It's not every day a footballer becomes the subject of a sermon. But Lionel Messi is not every footballer.
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Neymar Weeps, Ronaldo Says Goodbye — and Messi Still Dreams of One More
The 2026 World Cup is drawing the curtain on a generation: Neymar, CR7 and Modric are gone. Messi and Kane still have one last shot at history.
An entire generation is saying goodbye — and the 2026 World Cup will be remembered as much for its farewells as for its champions.
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Dibu Martínez admits he'd never felt this before: the silent crisis of the world-champion goalkeeper
With a fractured finger and five goals conceded, Dibu Martínez admits dissatisfaction with his 2026 World Cup performances and wants to rediscover his best against Switzerland.
He saved Argentina in the Qatar final. He stopped penalties against the Netherlands and France. He became the symbol of a generation. But at this World Cup, Emiliano Dibu Martínez is uncomfortable — and he isn't hiding it.
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The Venezuelan journalist in a wheelchair who made Messi and Bellingham stop everything at the World Cup
The 30-year-old Venezuelan founded his own channel, brought his father as cameraman, and became a phenomenon in the mixed zones of the 2026 World Cup.
Messi was greeting fans outside Argentina's hotel when he noticed a reporter in a wheelchair. He stopped. He asked the supporters to be careful. And he answered two questions, completely off-script. It was June 10, before a single ball had been kicked at the 2…
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Mbappé Misses a Penalty, Scores a Screamer and Sets Up Another — Could This France Side Be the Greatest Ever?
Mbappé missed a penalty but scored his 8th goal and added an assist. France swept Morocco 2–0 and advance to the semi-finals with 16 goals in the tournament.
He missed the penalty. It didn't matter. Kylian Mbappé picked the ball back up, took a deep breath, and solved the problem the only way he knows how: with a stunning strike that left every single viewer breathless. He then added an assist for Ousmane Dembélé t…
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Haaland puts the pressure on England — and Tuchel still doesn't know who will stop him
With Guehi doubtful and Rice ill, Tuchel has no idea who will contain Haaland on Saturday. And the Norwegian made sure to hand every bit of the pressure to the English.
Erling Haaland has scored seven goals in four games at this World Cup — two of them against Brazil in the round of sixteen — and yet he arrived on the eve of the quarter-finals insisting the pressure is not on him. It's on England.
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Ten Spaniards have already scored against Courtois — and the goalkeeper admits it will be a special game
Courtois has conceded 20 goals from players in the current Spanish squad. The goalkeeper admits: it will be a special game. See who has already scored against the Belgian giant.
Two metres tall, eleven seasons in Spanish football, and a résumé that intimidates any striker on the planet. Thibaut Courtois is, without question, one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Yet Spain seems to have found the blueprint to beat him.
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Hazard sees Yamal as a mirror of his younger self — and still believes Belgium can win the World Cup
The former Belgian captain praised Lamine Yamal ahead of the quarter-final, but refuses to let go of the dream: Belgium lifting the trophy in 2026.
Praise the opponent and still believe in your own team. That is exactly what Eden Hazard is doing on the eve of Belgium's quarter-final clash with Spain at the 2026 World Cup.
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Djorkaeff accuses: 'He was boycotted by his own team' — and points the finger at Ronaldo's World Cup teammates
Former French international Youri Djorkaeff accused Cristiano Ronaldo's teammates of boycotting him during the 2026 World Cup, in which Portugal fell in the round of 16.
Youri Djorkaeff didn't hold back. The former French international and 1998 World Cup winner came out publicly in defence of Cristiano Ronaldo and pulled no punches: in his view, Portugal failed to do its part by its captain at the 2026 World Cup.
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The Portuguese referee who sent off Otamendi is now in charge of Argentina vs Switzerland at the World Cup
The Portuguese referee who red-carded Otamendi has been appointed for Argentina vs Switzerland in the World Cup quarter-finals. 'Olé' has already dug into Pinheiro's record.
Argentina reach the World Cup quarter-finals with a detail that has already put the Buenos Aires press on high alert: the referee for their clash against Switzerland is João Pinheiro — the same Portuguese official who sent off Otamendi in an Allianz Cup semi-f…
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Kane Steals Vini Jr.'s Spot in the 'White Chicks' Meme — and the Internet Has Already Clocked 7 Million Views
A new version of the viral World Cup meme puts Kane alongside Haaland in a 'White Chicks' edit that has already surpassed 7 million views.
The World Cup has its own language on social media — and the 'White Chicks' meme featuring Haaland has already become an unofficial tournament institution. Now it has a new version, and this time Vini Jr. has handed the starring role to Harry Kane.
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Three Years Later, France and Morocco Meet Again — But Almost Nothing Is the Same
France and Morocco renew their rivalry in Boston in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals. Both squads have changed dramatically — here's what's different since the 2022 semifinal.
In 2022, it was the semifinal. Now, it's the quarterfinals. France and Morocco cross paths again in a World Cup knockout round — and the weight of the rematch is very real.
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Paredes reveals Argentina's pact: 'We play so his last game never comes'
Messi turned the match against Egypt with a goal and an assist. Paredes revealed the Argentine squad's extra motivation at the 2026 World Cup.
The scoreboard read 2–0, Egypt in front, and Argentina staring into the abyss. Then Messi picked up the ball.
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Ronaldo follows only 4 Portugal teammates on Instagram — and the stat has gone viral
A viral breakdown verified by ge reveals that CR7 follows only Dalot, Cancelo, Rafael Leão and Bruno Fernandes — placing him dead last in the squad's connection rankings.
Portugal's round-of-16 exit at the World Cup still stings — and social media refuses to let it go. This time, though, the talking point isn't a missed goal or a tactical call. It's Cristiano Ronaldo's Instagram.
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Egypt Left Empty-Handed — But Came Home With Something They Hadn't Felt in 15 Years
They were leading Argentina 2–0. They lost in the quarterfinals. But Egypt came home with something they hadn't felt in 15 years: collective joy.
For nearly 15 minutes, Egypt stood on the edge of one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history. The Pharaohs were beating Argentina — the reigning world champions — 2–0. Goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir had even saved a penalty from Messi. It was madness. It was…
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Argentina's Silent Pact: Keep Playing Until Messi's Last Game Never Comes
Paredes, De Paul and Messi reveal the emotional bond driving Argentina at the World Cup: play on until the No. 10's farewell never arrives.
There is something beyond the trophy driving this Argentina side. Something no silverware can contain.
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Mbappé and Achraf: two best friends who will face each other as captains on the 9th
France and Morocco meet on the 9th in Boston. Mbappé and Achraf, close friends off the pitch, become rivals as captains at the 2026 World Cup.
They chatted about going on holiday together at half-time of a World Cup semi-final. That tells you everything about Mbappé and Achraf Hakimi.
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Messi at 39 Is Still Haunting This World Cup — but Mbappé Could Be Argentina's Nightmare in the Quarters
The Guardian debates who can stop France in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals. Messi has scored in every game, but Mbappé could be Argentina's worst nightmare.
Thirty-nine years old. Five games. Five goals. Lionel Messi is turning the 2026 World Cup into yet another chapter that is impossible to look away from.
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Belgium rejects FIFA's training pitch in LA and moves to Galaxy's stadium ahead of Spain clash
RBFA turned down FIFA's designated training ground in Los Angeles and relocated to LA Galaxy's facilities. Tensions with the governing body are rising ahead of the quarter-final against Spain.
Belgium arrived in Los Angeles for the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals and wasted no time stirring up trouble with FIFA — this time, over the pitch.
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Kane with 6 goals, Haaland with 7 — which one would you pick in this quarter-final battle?
With Kane on 6 goals and Haaland on 7, the two best strikers in the world go head to head in the World Cup quarter-finals. Who comes out on top?
Six goals on one side. Seven on the other. Harry Kane and Erling Haaland arrive at the World Cup quarter-finals as the two most lethal strikers on the planet — and now they have to face each other.
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France chasing a third World Cup title with the same squad that hasn't lost once
France arrive in the quarter-finals unbeaten with five straight wins. Deschamps names the same XI against Morocco in Boston. Analysis and likely line-ups.
Five wins. Zero defeats. France arrive at the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals in a rhythm few expected — and Didier Deschamps has absolutely no reason to change what is working.
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Haaland, Mbappé and Messi Need Six Goals to Make World Cup History
The trio needs six goals each to match Justin Fontaine's 13 from 1958. Brazil has three names in the all-time top 10. Everything you need to know about the World Cup scoring race.
Thirteen goals in a single World Cup. That is the number that has haunted every top scorer since 1958, when Frenchman Just Fontaine made history in Sweden. Now, three of the biggest names in the modern game are chasing that mark — and time is running out.
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Neymar Says 'It's Over Now' and Leaves the National Team With His Future Uncertain
Eliminated by Norway in the round of 16, Neymar hints at farewell to the Seleção. Santos awaits a conversation about his future while the star rests in the US with his family.
He made his Seleção debut in 2010 and closed the chapter on the same stage, 16 years later. The 2–1 defeat to Norway in the World Cup round of 16 was, in Neymar's own words, the final whistle on the yellow shirt. "I tried, I tried. It's over now. I started her…
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Messi has 7 goals in 4 games and his eyes on a fourth title — what on earth is happening at this World Cup?
At 39, Messi shares the Golden Boot race with Mbappé and Haaland while chasing a fourth World Cup with Argentina. This could be his last.
At 39 years old, Lionel Messi is playing as if time does not exist — and perhaps that is because, for him, time really is running out.
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1998 World Cup winner didn't hold back on eliminated Brazil: "Watching this Brazil makes me want to vomit"
1998 champion with France, Djorkaeff used harsh words after Brazil's elimination at the 2026 World Cup. Neymar was the only one spared from the criticism.
Brazil are out of the 2026 World Cup — and the world wasted no time in taking notice. Youri Djorkaeff, 1998 World Cup winner with France and a FIFA ambassador at this tournament, appeared on RMC Radio's "After Foot" programme and pulled absolutely no punches.
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Messi Resurrects Argentina at the Death — and Cristiano Is Already Gone
A late Messi equaliser and an Enzo Fernández header saw Argentina come from behind to beat Egypt 3-2 and advance to the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals. Cristiano is out; Messi rolls on.
For a moment, it looked as though the cruel script was about to repeat itself. Lionel Messi, Argentina's captain, seemed destined to leave the 2026 World Cup the same way his old rival Cristiano Ronaldo had: through the back door, earlier than anyone expected.
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Messi bailed Argentina out against Egypt — but how long can his supporting cast keep underdelivering?
Argentina advanced dramatically against Egypt with Messi saving the team once again. But how long can his supporting cast keep falling short?
Penalty missed, team losing, pressure at its peak — and Messi stepped up to fix it. Again.
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Messi Turned the Game Around Against Egypt — and He Already Has Five Historic Moments at This World Cup
From breaking the all-time scoring record to an epic comeback against Egypt, Messi already has five unforgettable moments at the 2026 World Cup. Argentina are through to the quarter-finals.
It was 0–2 to Egypt. Argentina were on the brink of a round-of-16 exit. And that was when Messi decided it was not time to go home.
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First and last goal at the same stadium: the retirement detail about Neymar that almost nobody noticed
From his debut in 2010 to his retirement at the 2026 World Cup, Neymar scored at MetLife Stadium at both ends of his career — a coincidence that is almost without precedent.
He was 18 years old, sporting a questionable haircut, and had the whole world ahead of him. On 10 August 2010, Neymar stepped onto the pitch at MetLife Stadium for his international debut against the United States — and put the ball in the net just 28 minutes…
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Argentina Refuses to Let the Music Stop — and Messi Hasn't Said He's Stopping Either
A comeback from 2–0 down against Egypt, Messi in tears and De Paul sending a message to the world: Argentina is doing everything it can to delay the farewell of the greatest of all time.
Coming back from 2–0 down against Egypt and still reaching the quarter-finals. But Argentina's qualification is worth far more than three letters on a bracket. It's worth every extra minute of Lionel Messi at a World Cup.
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Paraguay condemns senator's racist attack on Mbappé and stands in solidarity with the French star
Paraguay's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official statement repudiating racist remarks made by Senator Celeste Amarilla against Kylian Mbappé.
The Paraguayan government refused to stay silent. After Senator Celeste Amarilla attacked Kylian Mbappé with racist remarks — coming right on the heels of France eliminating Paraguay in the World Cup round of sixteen — the Ministry of Foreign Affairs published…
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Why Olise Has Entered the Ballon d'Or Conversation — and Why His Own France Camp Is Pumping the Brakes
With 5 assists at the World Cup, Olise is already being compared to Zidane and Platini. But France's assistant coach is urging caution — and the player himself, as ever, says nothing.
Patrick Vieira had no hesitation: "We had Michel Platini, we had Zinedine Zidane, now we have Michael Olise," the 1998 World Cup winner told ITV Football. That is a bold claim for a player still in the quarter-final stage of a World Cup — but Olise's numbers j…
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Neymar and Casemiro out, new generation in: how Brazil can make it to the 2030 World Cup
Eliminated in 2026, Brazil enters a new cycle ahead of the 2030 World Cup. Neymar and Casemiro are left behind — and a new generation needs to step up.
The pain of elimination against Norway in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup is still raw — but football doesn't stop. And Brazil already needs to look ahead to 2030.
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Ronaldo confirms his last World Cup — but leaves his international future open
After a 1-0 loss to Spain in Dallas, Ronaldo says goodbye to the World Cup but won't rule out continuing with Portugal: 'I won't make any hasty decisions.'
The World Cup is over for Cristiano Ronaldo. Portugal's captain confirmed it in no uncertain terms after the 1-0 defeat to Spain in the round of sixteen in Dallas — a Mikel Merino goal in stoppage time that finally extinguished the oldest dream in Portuguese f…
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Kane and Bellingham scored 10 of England's 11 World Cup goals — and the dependence is as alarming as it is thrilling
10 of England's 11 World Cup goals came from Kane or Bellingham. The reliance is alarming — but the duo already saved England against Mexico with 10 men.
Arms wide open, side by side, soaking in the roar of the English supporters at the Azteca. The image of Kane and Bellingham after the first goal against Mexico has already become a symbol of this World Cup — and it captures everything England have that is both…
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Argentina vs Egypt in the Round of 16: Scaloni Reshuffles the Side as Salah Promises Trouble in Atlanta
Argentina face Egypt in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 in Atlanta. Scaloni makes changes after a scare against Cape Verde. Find out the kick-off time and where to watch.
The scare against Cape Verde is still ringing in their ears — and Argentina knows it cannot afford to repeat the script.
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Tuchel once tried to sign Haaland for Chelsea — now he must stop him in a World Cup quarter-final
England's manager pushed to bring Haaland to Chelsea in 2021. On Saturday, in the World Cup quarter-finals, the dynamic is very different — and the loser goes home.
There is a neat irony buried in this story. Thomas Tuchel spent months trying to convince Chelsea to sign Erling Haaland. He failed. And now, years later, he must devise a plan to stop the Norwegian from tearing England apart in a World Cup quarter-final.
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Colombia haven't conceded in 345 minutes — and that could be Switzerland's worst nightmare in the Round of 16
Colombia arrive in the Round of 16 with the second-best defence at the 2026 World Cup: just one goal conceded and 345 minutes of clean-sheet football. Can Switzerland break through?
Three hundred and forty-five minutes. That is how long Colombia have stood firm, untouched, without conceding a single goal. This Tuesday at 5 p.m. (Brasília time), Switzerland must end that run — or go home.
Original AI-generated image — Golmetria. Analysis, not a guaranteed prediction.
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The Two Substitutions That Destroyed Brazil: How Ancelotti Dismantled the Seleção in Ten Minutes
Until the 66th minute, Brazil had Haaland under control. Two Ancelotti substitutions tore everything apart — and the World Cup ended in ten minutes of tactical chaos.
Brazil didn't lose to Norway. Brazil lost to Carlo Ancelotti.
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Deschamps admits the Paraguay scare will serve as a lesson for France
A hard-fought win over Paraguay left its mark on France. Deschamps acknowledges the learning curve — and Doué could start against Morocco in the quarter-finals.
France are in the World Cup quarter-finals — but they didn't get there unscathed.
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Henderson stretchered off after celebrating England's historic Azteca comeback
The Brentford midfielder was carried off on a stretcher after falling from the advertising hoardings at the Azteca. Tuchel confirmed: 'It looks very serious.'
England turned the Azteca upside down. But the World Cup's most epic party claimed an unlikely victim: Jordan Henderson.
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Haaland Scored Two, Ancelotti Had No Answers, and Brazil Crashed Out in the Round of 16 for the First Time Since 1990
Haaland scored twice, Neymar pulled one back late, but it wasn't enough. Brazil exit the World Cup in the round of 16 for the first time since 1990, exposing a squad with neither a No. 9 nor a No. 10.
Erling Haaland walked onto the pitch at MetLife Stadium and did what he does best: he dismantled Brazil. Two goals from the Norwegian were enough to end the Seleção's dream of a sixth world title before the quarterfinals even arrived — something that hadn't ha…
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Ronaldo confirms: this World Cup will be his last
At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his last. Portugal face Spain in Dallas in a match that could be the captain's farewell.
Twenty-three years. Two hundred and thirty-two matches. One hundred and forty-six goals. And now, the final word.
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Will Cristiano Ronaldo Play Against Spain? The Martínez Dilemma That Could Change Everything in the Round of 16
CR7 scored and now Martínez faces a tough call: start Ronaldo against Spain in the 2026 World Cup round of 16 in Arlington. Here's the dilemma.
There is a 41-year-old dilemma hanging over Portugal — and his name is Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Paquetá out, Raphinha doubtful, and a 28-year curse: Brazil enter the last 16 with more questions than answers
Injuries complicate Ancelotti's plans ahead of the clash with Norway. Martinelli leads the race to replace Paquetá, but the mystery remains.
Brazil head into the round of 16 with a problem Ancelotti has yet to solve publicly: who replaces Lucas Paquetá, who will most likely play no further part in the tournament?
Original AI-generated image — Golmetria. Analysis, not a guaranteed prediction.
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Haaland hits 36.5 km/h and no Brazilian comes close — what that means for the Round of 16
Haaland clocked 36.5 km/h at the World Cup and no Brazilian player came anywhere near it. See the data and Ancelotti's key selection doubt ahead of the clash with Norway in the Round of 16.
There is a speed problem between Brazil and Norway — and the FIFA numbers make it crystal clear.
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Mbappé snubbed the opposing goalkeeper's handshake — and got a ball thrown at his head
Orlando Gill, named man of the match, tried to shake Mbappé's hand after the final whistle. The star ignored him — and the goalkeeper reacted the only way he could.
France got past Paraguay, but what stuck in the memory wasn't any spectacular goal. It was a scene at the final whistle: Orlando Gill, named man of the match, tried to shake Kylian Mbappé's hand — and was completely blanked.
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Morocco reach the quarters with nearly half the squad on a yellow-card tightrope — and Saibari limped off injured
Hakimi, Ounahi, El Khannouss and Halhal were all booked against Canada. Saibari went off injured. Morocco face France in the quarter-finals.
A 3–0 win should be pure celebration. For Morocco, the rout of Canada in the round of 16 came at a steep price: nearly half the starting lineup arrives on a yellow-card warning for the quarter-final — and forward Ismael Saibari left the pitch holding his right…
Original AI-generated image — Golmetria. Analysis, not a guaranteed prediction.
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Messi at 39, Ronaldo at 41 — and a journalist who wouldn't be shocked to see them both at the next World Cup
Emma Hayes argues that the world's best strikers are redefining longevity — and that Messi and Ronaldo may not have said goodbye to the World Cup just yet.
Messi is 39. Ronaldo is 41. And according to Emma Hayes, that may not be the end — it may be the prologue to one more World Cup.
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Paraguay exit the World Cup with a record nobody wants: nearly half of all passes missed
La Albirroja lost to France 1–0 in the round of 16 and leave the tournament with the two worst pass-error rates in World Cup history, according to Opta.
Getting knocked out of the World Cup hurts. Getting knocked out with the worst pass-error rate in the tournament's history hurts even more.
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The Norwegian teacher who created the Viking clap has a warning: "If there's ever a moment to beat Brazil, it's now"
Ole Frøystad, the Norwegian teacher behind the viral Viking clap, offered advice to Brazilian fans — and made clear he believes Norway can beat Brazil.
There is a primary-school teacher in Oslo who may be the biggest threat to Brazil's sixth World Cup title this Sunday. Ole Frøystad, the man behind the Viking clap that took the tournament by storm, made no secret of what he thinks about Norway's round-of-16 c…
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The Man Who Invented the Viking Clap Has a Warning for Brazil: "If There's Ever a Moment to Beat You, It's Now"
Ole Frøystad, the Norwegian teacher who created the Viking clap, offered advice to Brazilian fans and made a bold prediction about Sunday's clash.
He is a primary-school teacher in Oslo, has never played professional football, and has no players in the family. Yet Ole Frøystad may be the most influential supporter at this World Cup — and he has already sent his message: Norway is coming for Brazil.
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Ancelotti Has Faced Haaland Eight Times — and Brazil Is About to Inherit Everything He Learned
Eight matchups, one playbook. We mapped what Ancelotti did to try to contain Haaland — and what it means for Brazil vs. Norway in the round of 16.
Before Haaland became Brazil's problem, he was already Ancelotti's headache. Eight times over. And the Italian manager walked away from those duels with an unwritten playbook on how to — or at least attempt to — contain the Norwegian.
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From hero to mentor: how Neymar is shaping Brazil's next generation at the 2026 World Cup
Sidelined by injury, Neymar has found a new role at the 2026 World Cup: mentoring the young guns. Endrick reveals private conversations and the star's behind-the-scenes influence on the national team.
Thirteen years as the main act. Now Neymar is playing a different role — and it may be the most important one of his career.
Original AI-generated image — Golmetria. Analysis, not a guaranteed prediction.
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Ancelotti's Secret Playbook for Stopping Haaland — and Brazil Will Need It in the Round of 16
Across 8 clashes with Haaland, Ancelotti never relied on man-marking. Here's the strategy that could define Brazil's World Cup run in the round of 16.
You don't stop Haaland with one marker. You stop him with an entire team. That is Carlo Ancelotti's conviction — and in the World Cup round of 16 against Norway, Brazil will need to believe it too.
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Neymar Has Become the Squad's Mentor — and Endrick Is Already Feeling It
A substitute still recovering from injury, Neymar is quietly guiding Brazil's young stars behind the scenes at the 2026 World Cup. Endrick reveals how special that bond has become.
For 13 years, Neymar was the hero of the story. At the 2026 World Cup, the script has changed — and perhaps for the better.
Original AI-generated image — Golmetria. Analysis, not a guaranteed prediction.
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Brazil heavy favourite against Norway
From Opta to Nate Silver, models and analysts point to Brazilian favouritism in the Round of 16. Haaland is the main risk factor.
The World Cup's leading statistical models converge on Brazil vs Norway, Sunday at MetLife Stadium: Opta's supercomputer gives the Seleção a 64% chance of advancing, as reported by Exame; PELE, Nate Silver's model at Silver Bulletin, calculates 63%; and Golmet…
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Argentina survived, but Messi was honest: "hay que corregir lo malo, que hoy fue mucho"
Argentina survived extra time against Cape Verde, but Messi was blunt: 'hay que corregir lo malo.' What Miami revealed about the world champions.
Argentina are through to the round of sixteen. But the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami witnessed something nobody saw coming: the reigning world champions being pushed all the way to extra time by Cape Verde, the second-smallest nation at this World Cup.
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Messi leads, Mbappé right behind, Haaland closing in: the Golden Boot race has never been this good
Messi reclaimed the top of the 2026 World Cup scoring charts with 7 goals. Mbappé, Kane and Haaland are right on his heels. Here's how the Golden Boot battle stands.
Seven goals. That's the number Lionel Messi is sitting on as he reclaims the top of the 2026 World Cup scoring charts. The strike he netted in Argentina's victory over Cape Verde was enough for the Argentine superstar to overtake Kylian Mbappé and reassume the…
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France Looks Unstoppable at the World Cup — but the Model Says the Title Is Far From Guaranteed
Les Bleus dominated the group stage and are the unanimous pick among analysts, but Golmetria's model gives France just an 11.39% chance of lifting the trophy.
France reached the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup as the most feared side in the tournament — and for good reason. According to The Guardian, all six of the publication's analysts placed Les Bleus at the top of their power rankings for the competition. No o…
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Brazil are favourites against Norway, but the Elo gap might surprise a lot of people
The model gives Brazil a 63.6% chance of reaching the round of 16 — but Norway are not a side to be taken lightly
Favourites, yes. A free ride, no.
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Messi leads, Mbappé lurks and Haaland is closing in: the Golden Boot race has never been this good
Messi has 7 goals and leads the Golden Boot race at the 2026 World Cup. Mbappé, Kane and Haaland are right behind him. Fontaine's all-time record looms on the horizon.
Seven goals. That is the number that has put Lionel Messi back at the top of the 2026 World Cup scoring charts — and the race for the Golden Boot is turning into a spectacle all of its own.
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Messi Hit 20 World Cup Goals at 39 — and Had Only One Thing on His Mind
At 39, Messi matched his all-time World Cup record and told Olé exactly what that fist-pump at the final whistle meant: 'Fue una descarga para todos.'
Thirty-nine years old, 120 minutes in his legs, and one clenched fist that said everything. Messi left Hard Rock Stadium exhausted — and still the best player on the pitch.
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Toñito has no doubts: Portugal and Spain will settle the World Cup in the round of 16
Former Spanish midfielder Toñito sees the Iberian clash in the 2026 World Cup round of 16 as an early final — and warns that neither side has yet shown their best.
He is 49 years old, made 206 appearances in the Portuguese top flight and won the title with Sporting in 1999/00. Toñito knows what it means to perform under pressure — and when he talks about Portugal and Spain, it is worth listening.
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The Paraguay That Knocked Out Germany Is Now Setting Off Alarm Bells for France in the Round of 16
France arrive as favourites averaging 3.3 goals per game, but the Paraguay side that eliminated Germany cannot be ignored. See the full round-of-16 analysis.
Eliminating Germany on penalties was the most unlikely feat Paraguay have pulled off at this 2026 World Cup. And it is precisely that feat that has put France on high alert ahead of the round of 16.
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Messi Reaches 20 World Cup Goals — and Explains What That Clenched Fist Really Meant
At 39, Messi scored against Cape Verde, reached 20 World Cup goals, and explained what that clenched-fist salute at Hard Rock Stadium was all about.
Thirty-nine years old on paper, but Messi's football never read that document. Against Cape Verde, Argentina's No. 10 scored and reached 20 World Cup goals — matching the personal best he had already set in Qatar.
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Mbappé promised to change at the World Cup — and the data shows he's keeping his word
Criticised for his lack of pressing, Mbappé vowed to change at the World Cup — and the numbers from his first matches show he's delivering on that promise.
Everyone has that friend who promises to change — and rarely does. Mbappé might be the exception.
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Paquetá Out — Who Steps Up? Botafogo's Danilo Emerges as Frontrunner for the Spot in the Round of 16
With Paquetá ruled out with a grade-2 muscle injury, Botafogo's Danilo has emerged as the favourite to start for Brazil against Norway in the World Cup round of 16.
Brazil's World Cup campaign picked up an unwanted shadow ahead of the round of 16: Lucas Paquetá is out. The grade-2 muscle injury to his left thigh, confirmed after the match against Japan, is expected to sideline the midfielder for the rest of the tournament…
Original AI-generated image — Golmetria. Analysis, not a guaranteed prediction.
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Scaloni Keeps Everyone Guessing — Even About Messi — Ahead of Cape Verde Clash
With a fully fit squad and a perfect group-stage record, Argentina face Cape Verde — but Scaloni won't even confirm Messi in the starting XI.
A fully fit squad, a 100% record, and the weight of favouritism. Argentina have every reason to walk onto the pitch relaxed against Cape Verde — kick-off at 7 p.m. Brasília time in Miami, in the World Cup Round of 32. But Lionel Scaloni? Scaloni gives nothing…
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Spain vs Portugal in the last 16: the model sees a lopsided derby
An Iberian derby in Dallas on July 6. The Golmetria model gives Spain 69% — but knockout football is a one-off game.
The draw could not have been crueller — or kinder, depending on which side of the border you stand. Spain and Portugal meet on July 6, in Dallas, for a place in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, in the neighbours' first World Cup meeting since the historic 3-3…
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Nate Silver's model: France and Argentina favourites — and Brazil underrated
The American stats guru debuted PELE this World Cup. It has France and Argentina on top — and the hexa worth more than the market pays.
PELE, the football model that American statistician Nate Silver — famous for FiveThirtyEight's election forecasts — debuted this World Cup at Silver Bulletin, has two messages for the tournament. The first: Argentina and France are the favourites, at 26% and 2…
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Diogo Costa Flies, Martínez Hooks Ronaldo, and Portugal Come From Behind to Beat Croatia in Toronto
Diogo Costa was decisive, Martínez subbed off Ronaldo, and technology ruled out a Croatian goal. Portugal 2–1 Croatia in Toronto — with drama right to the final whistle.
Sometimes the World Cup is decided by millimetres — and Portugal knows that better than anyone right now.
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Portugal survives Toronto chaos and now faces Spain in the Round of 16
Portugal come from behind against Croatia in Toronto with goals from Ronaldo and Gonçalo Ramos to set up an Iberian derby with Spain in the World Cup Round of 16.
It wasn't pretty. It was tense, controversial, and full of VAR. But Portugal are through to the Round of 16 — and Cristiano Ronaldo's dream is still alive.
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Haaland calls out Vinicius Jr. ahead of Brazil vs Norway — and Brazil still can't pronounce his name
The Norwegian striker laughed at a meme and sent a direct message to Vinicius Jr. before the round of 16. There's just one problem: Brazil still doesn't know how to say his name.
Erling Haaland laughed at the meme, looked straight into the camera and sent a direct message to Vinicius Jr. That's the mood ahead of Brazil vs Norway in the World Cup round of 16 — and the duel has already started before a ball has been kicked.
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The Snickometer That Silenced Croatia and Kept Ronaldo's World Cup Alive
Cricket technology proved decisive in ruling out Croatia's stoppage-time equaliser. Modric bows out; Ronaldo lives on.
Can you imagine being knocked out of a World Cup by a spike on a cricket screen? That is exactly what happened to Croatia.
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Messi vs. a 40-year-old goalkeeper nobody had heard of: the World Cup's most unlikely showdown
Argentina and Cape Verde meet in the World Cup round of 16 in Miami. Messi on one side, 40-year-old Vozinha on the other — the most unlikely story of the tournament.
Lionel Messi on one side. Vozinha, 40 years old, on the other. The 2026 World Cup has just delivered the matchup nobody asked for — and everybody wants to see.
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Paraguay wants another miracle — and Mbappé's France stands in the way
After knocking out Germany on penalties, Paraguay faces Mbappé's France in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. See the kick-off time, details and match analysis.
Knocking out Germany on penalties would already be enough history for any World Cup. Paraguay wants more.
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Spain cruise past Austria as Unai Simón makes World Cup history
Oyarzabal scores twice, Spain beat Austria 3-0, and Unai Simón breaks a Walter Zenga record that had stood since 1990.
Spain keep treating the 2026 World Cup like a routine training session. On Thursday, the European champions beat Austria 3-0, moved into the Round of 16, and watched their goalkeeper write himself into tournament history. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring in…
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Brazil faces Norway at the World Cup — and the model already charts the path to a sixth title
Brazil takes on Norway on July 5 at the 2026 World Cup. See what the Golmetria model projects for the Seleção's road to glory.
Brazil is at the 2026 World Cup — and Norway is the next obstacle on the road to a sixth title.
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Wonderwall Has Become England's World Cup Anthem — and Kane Knows Exactly What That Means
Kane sings, the fans answer back, and Wonderwall becomes a ritual. The story of the anthem that sums up 60 years of English waiting for a world title.
Sixty years of waiting. And a song from the '90s that, out of nowhere, became the symbol of all of it.
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France's Deadly Trio Has Already Matched Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo — and They Still Have Games to Play
Mbappé, Dembélé and Olise have reached 19 goal involvements in just 4 games — a mark it took Brazil's legendary 2002 trio 7 matches to hit.
There's a stat doing the rounds at this World Cup that will sting any Brazilian fan: France's attacking trio has already done what Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo did on the road to the 2002 title — and they've done it faster.
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Belgium Pull Off a Miracle Against Senegal — and Courtois Can't Help Thinking of Real Madrid: 'I've Lived This Many Times'
Lukaku and Tielemans starred in a historic comeback. Courtois compared Belgium's miracle to Real Madrid's epic Champions League nights.
Two goals down, the clock showing 85 minutes, and everything seemed lost. But Belgium hadn't read the script — and went on to write one of the wildest chapters of this World Cup.
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Balogun sent off by Raphael Claus: who replaces the USA's top scorer against Belgium?
Raphael Claus red-carded Balogun in the 2–0 win over Bosnia. The Americans' leading scorer and fastest attacker will miss the knockout clash against Belgium.
The victory was there. So was the ticket to the round of sixteen. But what lingered in the air after the United States' 2–0 win over Bosnia was an uncomfortable question: how is Pochettino going to play without Folarin Balogun?
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Mbappé and Messi lead with 6 goals each, Haaland and Kane breathing down their necks — the Golden Boot race is ruthless
Mbappé and Messi both have 6 goals at the 2026 World Cup. Haaland and Kane are right behind on 5. Vinicius Jr. sits on 4. The Golden Boot race is absolutely ruthless.
Six goals. That's the mark Mbappé and Messi share at the top of the scoring charts at this World Cup — and neither man is showing any sign of letting up.
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Hincapié covers his mouth, gets a straight red and becomes the second player sent off under the 'Vini Jr. rule' at the World Cup
Ecuador's defender covered his mouth during an argument with Giménez and was shown a straight red card. Mexico win 2–0 and advance to the round of 16.
The "Vini Jr. rule" has claimed another victim at the World Cup. Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapié was sent off with a straight red card in stoppage time of Ecuador's 2–0 defeat to Mexico at the Estadio Azteca — and the reason was exactly the same one that gi…
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No right-back, the Azteca looming: is Tuchel's England ready for what's coming?
Two right-backs out, Congo's low block ahead and the Azteca waiting. Is Tuchel's England built to go deep at the World Cup?
England arrive at the World Cup round of sixteen with a problem on the right flank, an opponent determined to make life difficult, and a legendary stadium waiting just around the corner — if they get past tonight.
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In training before Japan, Luiz Henrique pulled off a nutmeg so absurd that even Neymar stopped to applaud
Video from Romário TV shows Luiz Henrique humiliating a Flamengo defender with a nutmeg. Neymar stopped to applaud. Yet the Pantera is still on the bench.
A substitute, barely used, almost invisible at the World Cup. And then Luiz Henrique goes and nutmegs Léo Pereira so cleanly that everything stops at training.
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Spain and Argentina Enter the Knockouts — and Their Paths Could Cross Sooner Than Expected
Spain and Argentina kick off their 2026 World Cup knockout campaigns. La Roja face Austria while Messi takes on Cape Verde, the side that made history in the group stage.
The 2026 World Cup has reached the stage that separates the dreamers from the genuine contenders — and two of the biggest title favourites step into the knockouts with very different missions.
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The France Deschamps Never Allowed to Exist Is Dominating the World Cup
At least three goals in each of their last four games. Deschamps's France has changed — and they may be the most dangerous side of all.
For 14 years, Didier Deschamps built French national teams on control, discipline and pragmatism. Sides that engineered victories rather than improvised them. It worked: a Euro final in 2016, the world title in 2018, another final in 2022. But the France on th…
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Cristiano and Modric's Last Dance Has a Date — and Toronto Will Stop to Watch
Portugal and Croatia meet in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup in Toronto. Cristiano and Modric could be playing their final World Cup. Here's what's at stake.
Two legends, one elimination. Portugal and Croatia meet in Toronto in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 in a match that carries the weight of a farewell — and that could be the last time Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric share a World Cup stage.
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Mbappé Becomes the All-Time Top Scorer in World Cup Knockout Games — and France Hasn't Even Reached the Round of 16 Yet
With two goals against Sweden, Mbappé becomes the all-time leading scorer in World Cup knockout matches and reaches six goals in the tournament. France face Paraguay in the round of 16.
Six goals. That's what Kylian Mbappé already has at this World Cup — and the tournament has barely started for France.
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Neymar on the bench, smiling — and with nine goals to remind Japan who he is
Neymar remains on the bench against Japan, but Ancelotti praises the star's attitude. Relive the nine goals the No. 10 has scored against the Japanese for Brazil.
Sixteen years with the national team and he had never experienced this. Neymar, a starter for Brazil since he was 18, arrives at his fourth World Cup in an unprecedented position: sitting on the bench. And, according to ge, he is at peace with it.
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Vini Jr decisive, Muslera disastrous and Haaland terrifying: the best and worst of the group stage
ge assembled the best and worst XIs of the 2026 World Cup group stage. Vini Jr, Messi and Haaland lead the attack; Muslera and Valverde make the blacklist.
The 2026 World Cup group stage is behind us — and it left unlikely heroes, massive disappointments and star players living up to the hype. ge assembled the best and worst XIs of the tournament so far, and the list says a great deal about what lies ahead in the…
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The Most Beautiful Goals of the 2026 World Cup Group Stage Are Waiting for Your Vote
Alajbegovic, Isidor, the French 'mosquito'… The 2026 World Cup group stage delivered some stunning goals. Check out the candidates and vote for the best.
The 2026 World Cup group stage is over. The qualifiers are set, the surprises have been digested — but there's one thing nobody forgets: the goals. And what goals they were.
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Wissa Scores Twice, Congo Reach the Last 32 for the First Time Ever — and Now They Face England
Wissa scored twice, Congo made history by reaching the knockout rounds for the first time, and now they face an England side whose defence is still raising alarm bells. Tuchel has been warned.
Fifty-two years after a traumatic World Cup debut — a 9–0 thrashing at the hands of Yugoslavia in 1974 — the Democratic Republic of Congo have reached the knockout rounds for the first time in their history. And the opponent in the Round of 32 is none other th…
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Neymar came off the bench against Scotland — but will he start against Japan?
After coming on for the final 15 minutes against Scotland, will Neymar feature against Japan? Ancelotti holds the cards. Brazil are already through from Group C.
Fifteen minutes. That was all Brazil needed to be reminded that Neymar still exists at this World Cup. After sitting out the matches against Morocco and Haiti, the No. 10 came on in Wednesday's 3–0 win over Scotland and reignited the question that won't leave…
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Messi comes off the bench, scores, and makes history: no player had ever netted in seven consecutive World Cup matches
With his sixth goal at the 2026 World Cup, Messi becomes the first player ever to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches. Argentina beat Jordan 3–1.
Thirty minutes. That's all Lionel Messi needs to remind the world why football exists.
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Mbappé Took an Hour to Wake Up — and France Still Looks Unstoppable
Mbappé took over an hour to find his rhythm against Senegal — and France still finished the group stage as the most feared team at the 2026 World Cup.
A poor refereeing decision irritated Kylian Mbappé. The result: two goals on his debut against Senegal. That is the level of danger France carries into this World Cup.
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Ronaldo Still Wants to Be Mentioned With Messi and Mbappé — But Colombia Showed How Far He Has to Go
CR7 screamed 'I'm back' after thrashing Uzbekistan, but Colombia controlled Portugal with ease. What does that say about Portugal's chances at the World Cup?
Cristiano Ronaldo screamed "I'm back!" into the camera after Portugal dispatched Uzbekistan. Dramatic, theatrical, quintessentially him. But Colombia, who just knocked Portugal off the top of Group K with a draw, doesn't seem to have gotten the message.
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Unstoppable Argentina, Stalled England and a Team Called Japan: What the Numbers Say Before the Final Group-Stage Round
Argentina yet to concede, England wasteful in front of goal, and Japan quietly turning heads. Here's what the data says ahead of the final group-stage matchday at the 2026 World Cup.
One shot on target conceded across two matches. That's it. Argentina arrive at the third round of the 2026 World Cup with the tournament's best defensive record — and a clean sheet still intact. Meanwhile, Messi missed a penalty and the team still scored five…
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Cape Verde Made History at the World Cup — Now They Face Messi and Argentina
The smallest nation ever to reach a World Cup knockout stage will take on Messi and Argentina in the Round of 16. The story the world stopped to watch.
A goalless draw with Saudi Arabia. A phone on the pitch. And when the final whistle blew in Guadalajara confirming Spain's victory over Uruguay, an explosion of tears, embraces and ten-starred flags that no one will forget any time soon.
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The Goal VAR Erased and the Words That Broke Hearts: 'I Don't Know Why We're So Unlucky'
A disallowed goal in stoppage time leaves Iran on the brink of elimination. Full-back Rezaeian delivers an emotional plea for forgiveness to the Iranian people at the World Cup.
In stoppage time, the ball hit the net. The celebrations erupted. Then VAR arrived — and took it all away.
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Messi starts on the bench against Jordan — and Scaloni has already said when he comes on
The tournament's top scorer with 5 goals, Messi gets a rest in the final group-stage match. Scaloni confirms: no injury, and he comes on in the second half.
Five goals in two games, the World Cup's outright top scorer, and the holder of the competition's all-time scoring record — and yet Lionel Messi will begin Argentina's final group-stage match on the bench. The confirmation came from head coach Lionel Scaloni h…
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From Arsenal trauma to World Cup hero: Nicolas Pépé's comeback nobody saw coming
Scorer of both goals against Curaçao, Pépé told L'Equipe he once considered quitting football altogether after a traumatic spell at Arsenal.
Everything was set up to go wrong. And for a long time, it did.
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Mbappé and Haaland both on four goals — who matters more to his country?
France and Norway clash in Boston with both top scorers level on 4 goals. Here's what the numbers say about each superstar's true weight for his national side.
Four goals each, a place in the next round secured, and top spot in the group still up for grabs. Mbappé and Haaland arrive at Friday's showdown at Boston Stadium perfectly level on the scoresheet — but the story each man carries onto the pitch is anything but…
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Mbappé vs Haaland at the World Cup: the rivalry football has been waiting for is finally here
France and Norway meet in Group I with the two deadliest young scorers on the planet facing each other at a World Cup for the very first time.
Messi and Ronaldo are still on the pitch, but the throne already has two claimants — and they are facing each other at a World Cup for the first time.
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The World Cup ball is fooling goalkeepers — and there's a scientific study to prove it
The Trionda, the official ball of the 2026 World Cup, reaches goalkeepers faster than it appears. Joe Hart raised the alarm on the BBC, and an academic study confirms the problem.
Luca Zidane has already conceded five goals in two games. Two of them passed literally through his fingers — one from Messi, another from Jordanian Nizar al-Rashdan. The son of Zinedine, the Algerian goalkeeper has become a symbol of something that goes beyond…
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The World Cup Has Become a Reality Show of Stars — But a Team Will Lift the Trophy
Mbappé, Ronaldo and Messi dominate the 2026 World Cup narrative — but the numbers show no single star reaches the final alone.
Cristiano Ronaldo didn't score. That was the lede on Portugal's draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo — not the result, not the collective performance, not what that point might mean to a nation of millions. Just the fact that a 41-year-old man failed to…
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Montella puts his foot down before Turkey's final match: 'I will not resign'
Turkey's head coach fires back at critics, defends his players, and makes clear he will not walk away from the job after their 2026 World Cup elimination.
Turkey are already out of the World Cup, but Vincenzo Montella has not left. And he made it crystal clear that he has no intention of doing so.
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Kane misses an open goal, Bellingham says he didn't deserve the award, and England stumble in Boston
Harry Kane wasted a clear chance late on, Bellingham turned down the man-of-the-match award, and England were held 0-0 by Ghana at the 2026 World Cup.
One-on-one with the goalkeeper, Ghana at their mercy, Harry Kane fired over the bar. And Boston fell silent.
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CR7 Makes History Across Six World Cups — Then Haaland Shows Up to Steal the Thunder
Ronaldo becomes a living record with two goals against Uzbekistan. But Haaland arrived quietly and has already left Pelé, Messi and CR7 behind in goal-scoring pace.
Cristiano Ronaldo was under fire. After a limp draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo, the criticism came hard. Then Uzbekistan arrived — and the Portuguese captain answered the only way he knows how: two goals, a 5–0 rout, and a record no one else hold…
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40-Year-Old Ochoa Dreams of a Sixth World Cup — and Aguirre Just Laughs When Asked
Mexico's coach laughs off questions about Ochoa and confirms a key player will be rested to avoid suspension. Here's what Aguirre said ahead of the match against the Czech Republic.
Forty years old, six World Cups under his belt, and a Javier Aguirre smile as the only answer. The Guillermo Ochoa saga has become the hottest topic in Mexico ahead of the country's final group-stage match.
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Ronaldo screams 'I'm back' after making history and silencing his critics at the World Cup
With a brace against Uzbekistan, Ronaldo becomes the first player to score at six World Cups and fires back at his critics with a message straight to camera.
Nobody expected it to happen like this — and maybe that's exactly why it felt so big.
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Messi Turns 39 at the World Cup — and Is Somehow Playing Better Than Ever
Messi turns 39 while smashing all-time World Cup records. A hat-trick, five goals in two games, and Argentina looking more dangerous than ever.
Something absurd is happening at this World Cup. Lionel Messi turned 39 on Wednesday — and he is playing like he is 26.
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Steve Clarke Already Has a Plan if Brazil vs Scotland Gets Struck by Lightning in Miami
With a 30% chance of thunderstorms, Brazil's World Cup match could be halted by the US weather protocol. Clarke revealed he has a contingency strategy ready.
Miami could be the stage for more than football this Wednesday. The weather forecast for the Brazil vs Scotland clash, kick-off at 19:00 (Brasília time), comes with an extra ingredient: a risk of rain and thunderstorms, with a 30% chance during match time, acc…
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The traffic cone that became Scotland's symbol has arrived in Boston — and the city's statues will never be the same
The Tartan Army brought to Boston a Glasgow tradition that has lasted 40 years: traffic cones on statues. Here's the story behind the custom.
Bagpipes, beer and… traffic cones. The Scottish supporters arrived in Boston with everything you'd expect — and the city's statues are paying the price.
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Carlos Queiroz blasts VAR after England draw: 'it went for a coffee break'
Ghana's coach was scathing about an unawarded penalty and Pickford escaping a red card. Queiroz also played down a clash with Bellingham in the 0-0 stalemate.
Carlos Queiroz did not leave the dressing room with his thoughts to himself. After Ghana and England played out a goalless draw in the 2026 World Cup group stage, the Ghanaian manager faced the press and tore into the video-review system with a cutting sense o…
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Hat-trick on debut, tough days off the pitch, and a Nadal comparison no one saw coming
At 38, Messi scored three goals against Algeria, opened up about a difficult stretch before the tournament, and drew a striking parallel between his own longevity and Rafael Nadal's.
Tough days off the pitch, three goals on it, and a comparison nobody saw coming. Lionel Messi opened the 2026 World Cup the only way he knows how: with a hat-trick in Argentina's 3–0 win over Algeria, leaving everyone with more questions than answers.
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Ronaldo at 41 at the World Cup: blessing or burden for Portugal?
With 143 goals and 41 years of age, Ronaldo is playing his sixth World Cup. Portugal have rarely looked better built — but the biggest question mark is the star himself.
No player in football history has arrived at a sixth World Cup with more international goals than Cristiano Ronaldo. He has scored 143 times in a Portugal shirt — and now, at 41, he steps onto the pitch against the Democratic Republic of Congo carrying the wei…
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Maguire opens up about World Cup axe: "I was shocked and devastated"
The Manchester United defender opened up about the moment Tuchel cut him from the 2026 World Cup squad via video call. 'I was shocked and devastated.'
Imagine getting a message at 4 p.m. from a World Cup manager — and knowing, before you even pick up, that the news isn't good. That's exactly what Harry Maguire went through.
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Mbappé arrives at the World Cup seeking peace — and France hopes he finds it on the pitch
The Bleus captain arrives at the tournament carrying the weight of a difficult season at Real Madrid, but teammates insist he is 100% motivated.
Forty-two goals in a season, top scorer in the Spanish league — and yet Kylian Mbappé arrives at the World Cup carrying more baggage than trophies. His year at Real Madrid was turbulent: friction with the squad, public barbs with coach Álvaro Arbeloa, and an o…
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Jordan and Uzbekistan Arrive at the 2026 World Cup Ready to Fight — and Messi and CR7 Are in Their Way
Jordan and Uzbekistan reach their first-ever World Cup with plenty of fight and some key absences, ahead of clashes with Argentina and Portugal.
The streets of Amman and Tashkent are already buzzing — and the 2026 World Cup has barely started for them.
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No champion has retained the title on a different continent since Brazil in 1962 — Messi's Argentina wants to be the first
No champion has retained the title on a different continent since Brazil in 1962. Messi's Argentina wants to change that — but history is working against them.
More than six decades. That is how long world football has been waiting for a World Cup champion capable of defending the title on a different continent. Brazil did it in 1962, in Chile. Since then, no one has managed it. Now, Lionel Messi's Argentina wants to…
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Jordan Will Face Messi at the World Cup — and for Them It Could Be the Game of a Generation
Making their debut in 2026, Jordan could close the group stage against Messi's Argentina. A story of decades of waiting and passion finally reaching the biggest stage.
Some nations make their World Cup debut and land straight in a semifinal. Not Jordan. They make their debut, and the final fixture of the group stage is a showdown with Lionel Messi's Argentina — on June 27. For a country that waited decades for this moment, t…
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Hakimi becomes the African with the most World Cup appearances ever — and he's not done yet
With 11 World Cup matches to his name, Morocco's captain has equalled the African record and could stand alone at the top as early as next Friday, against Scotland.
The draw with Brazil cost Morocco two precious points — but it left a historic footnote on Achraf Hakimi's résumé. With last Saturday's match, the full-back and captain reached 11 World Cup appearances, making him the Moroccan player with the most games in the…
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Argentina have never won their opening game as defending champions — and the record is haunting before the Algeria clash
In both previous tournaments where Argentina entered as reigning world champions, they failed to win the opener. That record looms large ahead of their Copa 2026 clash with Algeria.
Being world champions comes at a price — and Argentina pay it every time they try to defend the title.
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Spain arrive at World Cup 2026 unbeaten in 30 games — but their tournament openers tell a very different story
In 16 World Cup openers, Spain have lost more than they've won. Riding a 30-game unbeaten run, La Furia arrive as favourites — but history urges caution.
Thirty games without a defeat. European champions. Title favourites. And yet Luis de la Fuente doesn't want to hear a single word about an easy opener. There's a good reason for that.
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Eleven empty suites, green shirts, and a World Cup that can't fill its own stands
Of the 14 suites available at AT&T Stadium, FIFA sold just three. What happened behind the scenes of the Netherlands–Japan draw in Dallas.
Ten minutes into the match, a group of people in green shirts began filling the suites behind the goal at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. They weren't late-arriving fans — they were World Cup volunteers summoned at short notice to occupy spaces FIFA simply couldn't se…
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Mauricio ends a 12-year drought and becomes the sixth Palmeiras player to score at a World Cup
The Paraguay midfielder ended Palmeiras' 12-year World Cup scoring drought with a goal against the USA. Vavá, Mazzola and Valdivia are among his predecessors.
Twelve years of waiting. Since Valdivia in 2014, no player linked to Palmeiras had found the net at a World Cup — until Friday, in Los Angeles.
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Neymar on the bench in sneakers and a cap — but he's never felt more present
Without setting foot on the pitch in boots, the star turned fan, leader and motivator during Brazil's draw with Morocco
Staff kit, running shoes and a cap. Neymar didn't need boots to become one of the defining figures in Brazil's 1–1 draw with Morocco in their World Cup opener.
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Jozy Altidore believes the US will win it all — and has a message for the doubters: "If you don't believe, get out"
The former American striker used the rout of Paraguay and the twilight of the Messi-Ronaldo era to make his case for a home-soil title
Jozy Altidore didn't mince words. The day after the United States hammered Paraguay 4–1, the former striker showed up at a sponsors' event and dropped the declaration: "The United States are going to win the World Cup. If you don't believe that, get out of her…
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The Brazilian club that beat Japan in Tokyo — and defeated the USA just weeks after the first-ever World Cup
Botafogo has a remarkable history of matches against national teams across four continents. Relive the club's most memorable games around the world.
With the World Cup heating up, Botafogo finds itself at the centre of a conversation that goes well beyond the national team. Yes, O Glorioso is the club that has supplied the most players to World Cups — 48 call-ups throughout history, according to ge. But th…
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Memphis Could End Corinthians' 20-Year World Cup Silence
The Dutchman is the only Corinthians player at the 2026 World Cup — and he carries a drought on his back that began with Tevez in 2006
Twenty years. That's how long Corinthians have been waiting for a World Cup goal — and Memphis Depay has the chance to end it this Sunday.
Original AI-generated image — Golmetria. Analysis, not a guaranteed prediction.
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Japan arrives at the World Cup without Mitoma, Minamino, or their captain — and they're still terrifying
Injuries wiped out the Blue Samurai's biggest names, but the players who remain have already beaten Brazil and England in this cycle
Three key absences. A captain ruled out days before kick-off. And yet Japan arrive at the World Cup as one of the most dangerous sides in Group F.
Original AI-generated image — Golmetria. Analysis, not a guaranteed prediction.
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The 'German Lampard' making his World Cup debut at 34 — and turning 35 the very next day
Pascal Gross is the nerdy, data-obsessed, late-blooming midfielder who became a key piece for four-time world champions Germany
While most first-timers at this World Cup are still discovering what big-tournament pressure feels like — at 17, 18, 19 years old — Pascal Gross arrives at the finals at 34, with a career built brick by brick in the Premier League and a nickname that says it a…
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Harry Kewell sends USA a warning: 'We managed to neutralise that'
Australian icon celebrates thumping win over Turkey and already has a message for the Socceroos' next World Cup opponents
Australia took to the field in Canada, won 2–0, and silenced the doubters. Now one of the greatest icons in Socceroos history already has his sights set on the next challenge — and the message to the United States was blunt.
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Ancelotti once lost to a Moldovan club inside the Bernabéu and still won the trophy — should France even worry?
The French coach's track record shows that stumbles in the group stage have never stopped him from conquering Europe
Losing to Sheriff Tiraspol, from Moldova, inside the Santiago Bernabéu. Falling to AEK in Greece. Drawing 0–0 with Celtic in Glasgow. Carlo Ancelotti has lived through all of it — and lifted the trophy in the end.
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Spain arrive as Euro champions and tournament favourites — but their opener against Cabo Verde has more to it than meets the eye
The Group H opener has a clear favourite, but the numbers tell a more interesting story
Spain open their campaign on 15 June when Luis de la Fuente's side face Cabo Verde at Atlanta Stadium in a Group H opener that marks the first-ever meeting between the two nations. The Cape Verdeans arrive dreaming big: they put on a show in two warm-up friend…
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Montella blames bad luck, but Turkey's 30 shots and zero goals tell a different story
A 2-0 opening loss to Australia leaves Turkey on the brink in Group D — and Saturday's clash with Paraguay is already a must-win
Thirty shots. Zero goals. Two-nil on the scoreboard. Some defeats hurt more than the result suggests — and Turkey's opening game at the 2026 World Cup is exactly that kind.
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No Neymar on the pitch, no Rodrygo on the bench — Brazil open their World Cup without two of their biggest stars
Ancelotti confirmed Neymar will not play against Morocco. Rodrygo, injured, is travelling to the US only to cheer from the stands. Brazil kick off without two of their most important names.
No Neymar on the pitch, no Rodrygo on the bench. Brazil open their 2026 World Cup campaign against Morocco with two absences that weigh heavily — and in very different ways.
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Ancelotti begins Brazil tenure without Neymar against Morocco, 24 years of hurt in tow
Ancelotti faces Morocco in his opener without Neymar and with 24 years of hurt in his luggage. What does the story of 1994 tell us about this World Cup on US soil?
Is there greater pressure than carrying 24 years of hurt into a World Cup held in the very same country where that drought was last broken? Carlo Ancelotti is about to find out.
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Neymar's World Cup record chase could be over before it truly begins
A calf injury already ruled the No. 10 out against Morocco — one more absence shuts the window on matching Cafu's record of 20 World Cup appearances
Neymar is back at the World Cup, but the record he has chased for so long may be about to become a mirage.
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Neymar still not training with ball and may miss Brazil's second World Cup game too
Without training for 25 days, the No. 10 could miss Brazil's first two games at the World Cup
It wasn't just the opener. Neymar could miss Brazil's second World Cup game as well.
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Endrick came off the bench, won the game and put the decision back on Ancelotti
The youngster came off the bench and scored the winner against Egypt. The battle for the No. 9 shirt has never been more wide open
Ancelotti handed the starting spot to Igor Thiago. Endrick came on in the second half. And it was Endrick who settled it.
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Sterling smiles in public video but remains absent from World Cup squad amid four criminal charges
England's former winger looks relaxed two weeks after his arrest in Hampshire. The charges remain — and the 2026 World Cup kicks off without Sterling.
Raheem Sterling smiled for the camera. He was eating, relaxed, sitting beside a famous friend — as if the last few weeks had never happened. But they did.
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Paraguay return to the World Cup after 16 years — and face the hosts first
Group D kicks off with the host under pressure: the Paraguayans arrive hungry and have everything to gain
Sixteen years of waiting. That's the hunger Paraguay brings to this World Cup — and the first obstacle is as symbolic as it gets: the host nation, on home soil.
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Raphinha admits 2022 immaturity and eyes redemption as Neymar's fitness stays unclear
Between the No. 11's growth and the silence surrounding the injured star, Brazilian fans are debating who will carry the weight of the sixth title
"I feel much more prepared," Raphinha said when asked about the World Cup — and that single sentence set Brazilian social media alight.
Original AI-generated image — Golmetria. Analysis, not a guaranteed prediction.
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A psychic says Portugal, EA Sports says Spain — and the model breaks the tie
Brazil's 'World Cup Psychic' and viral simulations tip Portugal for 2026. The official FC 26 sim and the Golmetria model tell a different story — with numbers.
The internet has already decided who wins the 2026 World Cup: Portugal. On one side, Michael Bruno — the Brazilian known as the "Vidente das Copas" (the World Cup Psychic) — who called Spain in 2010, Germany in 2014 and France in 2018. On the other, EA Sports…
The psychic, the video game and the model: three forecasts for the same World Cup
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The 'tributes' that went viral: fans couldn't recognise their own national-team stars
Murals of Vini Jr., Neymar, Paquetá and others painted in Rio communities went viral ahead of the World Cup for all the wrong reasons. Here's what happened.
With nearly one million views on a single video, paintings of Brazilian national-team players on walls and in communities across Rio de Janeiro became the biggest comic hit of the pre-World Cup season. The problem: almost nobody could identify the stars being…
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Between Kids, Dogs and Real Madrid: What Bernardo Silva Has Planned After the World Cup
Free from City, Bernardo Silva heads into the World Cup with a second child on the way and his professional future wide open. Portugal's opener is on the 17th, in Houston.
Bernardo Silva will go into the 2026 World Cup with his mind split between the pitch and his family. The 31-year-old attacking midfielder, who has just left Manchester City after nine seasons, has yet to decide on his next club — and, for now, he doesn't seem…
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Mexico vs South Africa: What the Numbers Reveal Before the Group A Opener
Mexico face South Africa on 11/06/2026 in their Group A opener at the World Cup. See what the data says about El Tri's chances in the tournament.
Playing at home carries weight — and Mexico knows it. The Group A opener against South Africa, scheduled for June 11, 2026, puts the host nation in front of a concrete opportunity to hit the ground running at a World Cup played on North American soil.
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Two injury blows, one debut in six days: Argentina arrive at the World Cup with their defence on alert
After losing Balerdi, Argentina call up Senesi from Tottenham. Tagliafico is a doubt for the match against Algeria on June 16.
Argentina arrive at the 2026 World Cup with their defensive unit under pressure. After losing centre-back Balerdi to injury last week, the world champions called up 29-year-old Marcos Senesi to fill the gap. The defender, who came through San Lorenzo and curre…
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South Africa Danced Into the Azteca — But the Numbers Tell a Very Different Story
Mexico arrive at the Azteca in red-hot form for the 2026 World Cup opener, while South Africa have not won a single game all year. Here is what is at stake.
South Africa's delegation danced their way into the Estadio Azteca on Thursday — but the numbers behind the celebration tell a very different story. The South African side have played five matches in 2026 without a single win: two defeats and three draws, incl…
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Sombreros, Mariachis and Two Stars: Colombia Arrived in Mexico With a Party — and a Serious Mission
James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz sang with mariachis in Guadalajara. Colombia opens Group G play on June 17 against Uzbekistan at the Azteca.
Colombia's arrival in Mexico for the final preparation phase ahead of the 2026 World Cup did not go unnoticed. At the team hotel in Guadalajara, the squad was welcomed by a mariachi band — and James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz could not resist: they put on traditi…
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South Korea vs Czech Republic: What's at Stake in the June 11 World Cup Clash
South Korea and the Czech Republic meet on June 11, 2026, in the FIFA World Cup group stage. See lineups and what's on the line for both sides.
On June 11, 2026, South Korea and the Czech Republic take the field in a FIFA World Cup match that promises to carry direct weight in the group-stage standings. The fixture is confirmed and being closely followed by GloboEsporte.com, which is covering lineups,…
Original AI-generated image — Golmetria. Analysis, not a guaranteed prediction.
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Shakira at the World Cup Opening: The Singer Who Already Has More World Cups Than Piqué
Shakira performed 'Dai Dai' at the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony before Mexico vs South Africa and became a trending topic — including for having more World Cups than Piqué.
Even before the first ball was kicked between Mexico and South Africa at the 2026 World Cup, it was Shakira who stole the show. The Colombian singer took the stage at the opening ceremony and performed "Dai Dai", a song written specifically for the tournament,…
Original AI-generated image — Golmetria. Analysis, not a guaranteed prediction.
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How to Watch World Cup Highlights Without Knowing the Score First
The BBC has created a special page to watch highlights from every World Cup match without spoiling the result beforehand. Here's how it works.
For fans who can't watch matches live — whether due to time zones or busy schedules — finding out the result before watching the highlights can ruin the whole experience. With that in mind, the BBC has created a straightforward solution for anyone who wants to…
Original AI-generated image — Golmetria. Analysis, not a guaranteed prediction.
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Denied Entry to the US Before the World Cup, Somali Referee Receives Historic UEFA Appointment
Omar Artan, barred from entering the US for the World Cup, has been appointed by UEFA to referee the Super Cup between PSG and Aston Villa in August.
Omar Artan was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup — but he was turned away at the American border before ever setting foot on a pitch. Now, UEFA has responded to the episode with a high-profile appointment: the referee will take…
Original AI-generated image — Golmetria. Analysis, not a guaranteed prediction.
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Morata out of the World Cup — and he admits he didn't deserve the spot
Spain's fourth all-time top scorer accepts his omission with remarkable maturity — and reveals a candid conversation with Luis de la Fuente
Few players would have the courage to say what Álvaro Morata said: Spain's fourth all-time top scorer publicly admitted he did not deserve a place in the squad for the 2026 World Cup. The statement came on the podcast "El Camino de Mario" and stands out for it…
Original AI-generated image — Golmetria. Analysis, not a guaranteed prediction.
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What Does Mahomes's Injury Have to Do With the 2026 World Cup?
The NFL superstar tears ligaments, signs a record-breaking contract — and American football enters the conversation around the world's biggest soccer party
Patrick Mahomes tore the ligaments in his left knee in December, underwent surgery, and three months later was already throwing passes on the move — a recovery that stunned the American football world. The news came alongside the most expensive contract extens…
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Enciso's absence from team training puts Maurício in pole position for Paraguay's opener
The Palmeiras midfielder is training normally with the squad and is competing for a starting spot with Ramón Sosa
Julio Enciso, one of Paraguay's most anticipated names at the World Cup, continues to train separately from the main group after suffering a thigh injury last Friday. For the third consecutive day, the midfielder carried out only physical and ball work around…
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Neymar's Family Sets Up Luxury Florida Base to Follow the World Cup
A mansion valued at $14.5 million was rented by the player's father to host relatives and close friends
Neymar's father has rented a mansion in Florida to serve as a base for the player's family and inner circle during the 2026 World Cup. The property, valued at $14.5 million — roughly R$75.3 million at the current exchange rate — features 16 bedrooms and sits j…
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Uruguay heads to the World Cup with a send-off and a setback: Arrascaeta out for the opening games
The Celeste delegation left Montevideo on Tuesday night bound for Mexico, where they will complete their preparations
The Uruguayan national team left Montevideo on Tuesday night bound for Playa del Carmen, Mexico, where they will be based throughout the World Cup. The send-off drew fans to Carrasco Airport, who brought flags and percussion instruments to bid farewell to the…
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Somali Referee Spent 11 Hours in Immigration Interview — and Was Barred From Entering the US for the World Cup
Omar Artan endured an 11-hour immigration interview before being denied entry into the United States for the World Cup, despite reportedly holding valid documentation.
Somali referee Omar Artan reported being subjected to an 11-hour immigration interview before being denied entry into the United States, even though he claims to have carried the correct documents and visa to participate in the World Cup.
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Model Gives Brazil 91.22% to Advance — but Morocco Arrive on 29-Game Unbeaten Run
Brazil opens the 2026 World Cup against Morocco, who are on a 29-game unbeaten run. The Golmetria model gives Brazil a 91.22% chance of advancing.
Brazil opens its 2026 World Cup campaign on Saturday at 7 p.m. in New Jersey against Morocco — a side that arrives at the tournament on a 29-game unbeaten streak. The match is the opening fixture of Group C.
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2026 World Cup Will Feature 891 First-Timers: Meet Some of the Talents Set to Turn Heads
With 891 players making their World Cup debuts, the 2026 tournament promises to unveil new names. BBC Sport highlights 20 to watch.
The 2026 World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will bring together a record 1,248 players. Of that total, 891 will be competing in the tournament for the very first time, opening the door for new names to capture the world's attention…
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14 Years in Charge and Deschamps Still Has to Defend Mbappé Like This
France's manager ironically dismisses questions about Mbappé's position and reaffirms his trust in the captain ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Didier Deschamps has been in charge of the French national team for nearly 14 years and has long grown accustomed to fielding questions. In an interview with British newspaper The Guardian, the manager came out in defence of deploying Kylian Mbappé as a centre…
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The 43-Year-Old Goalkeeper Who Almost Didn't Make It to His First World Cup Alive
At 43, Craig Gordon heads to the World Cup with Scotland after a career defined by comebacks and surviving critical moments.
Craig Gordon, a 43-year-old goalkeeper, was called up by Scotland for the World Cup and became the oldest player ever to represent the country at the tournament. His presence in the competition had been considered virtually unimaginable just a few months befor…
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Hugo Broos isn't hiding it: facing 85,000 hostile fans at the Azteca is the least of his worries
South Africa's coach calls the 2026 World Cup 'too big' and weighs up the challenge of opening against Mexico at the Azteca in front of 85,000 home supporters.
Even before a ball has been kicked at the Estadio Azteca, South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has made his feelings about the 2026 World Cup perfectly clear: for the 74-year-old Belgian, the tournament has simply grown too big. Speaking on the eve of his side's…
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Madueke rounds the keeper, hits the post — and the internet sent England the bill
A glaring miss by Madueke in the friendly against Costa Rica went viral and reignited the debate over the absences from England's 2026 World Cup squad.
In the 35th minute of the first half of the friendly between England and Costa Rica in Orlando, Noni Madueke received a through ball, entered the box alone, rounded the opposing goalkeeper and struck the post. The moment, which could have been a textbook goal,…
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At 38, Messi Breaks 1957 Record and Reaches 117 Argentina Goals
Messi ends his muscular recovery, scores against Iceland and becomes the oldest player ever to find the net for Argentina. The World Cup kicks off on June 16.
Lionel Messi ended a two-week spell recovering from muscular fatigue in the best way possible: he came on in the second half of Argentina's 3–0 victory over Iceland in Auburn, Alabama, converted a penalty and also played a part in the move that led to the thir…
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Neymar at the World Cup: What Has Changed — and What Is Still at Stake for the No. 10
For the first time in over a decade, Neymar arrives at a World Cup neither an undisputed starter nor captain. Here's what has changed for the No. 10 heading into 2026.
Something that seemed unlikely not long ago has become reality: Carlo Ancelotti included Neymar Jr. in Brazil's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. The call-up ended months of intense debate in Brazilian football — and it arrives loaded with symbolism.
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Security Search of Senegal's Delegation Sparks Geopolitical Debate on the Eve of the World Cup
Security checks at a US airport involving Senegal's squad reverberate globally. The federation clarifies the episode on the eve of the 2026 World Cup.
Images of players and members of Senegal's delegation undergoing security checks beside an aircraft at Raleigh Airport in North Carolina circulated on social media and quickly gained international traction. Outlets across Europe, Asia, and Africa picked up the…
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Achilles Injury, 48 Caps and a World Cup: The Weight of Saka in Tuchel's Plans
Tuchel confirms special care with Saka after his Achilles injury, but believes England can dream of the title. The Golmetria model puts their chances at 6.88%.
Thomas Tuchel has admitted that Bukayo Saka still requires special attention in England's World Cup preparations. The Arsenal forward suffered an Achilles tendon injury in March and, although he returned to his club in time to contribute to their Premier Leagu…
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Jackson Hits the Bar and Gets Sent Off: Senegal's Turbulent World Cup Dress Rehearsal
With Nicolas Jackson hitting the crossbar twice and then receiving a red card, Senegal and Saudi Arabia played out a 0-0 draw in Texas ahead of the World Cup.
Senegal and Saudi Arabia wrapped up their World Cup preparations with a goalless draw last Tuesday at Toyota Field in San Antonio, Texas. The result leaves both sides without a win in their final tune-up before the tournament.
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Three Games, No Goals: CR7's Drought Hits at the Worst Possible Time for Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo has not scored for the Portuguese national team since October. The goal drought arrives on the eve of Portugal's World Cup 2026 opener against Congo.
Three consecutive matches without a goal. It is Cristiano Ronaldo's worst run in a Portugal shirt in the last two years, and the timing could not be more delicate: the 2026 World Cup is just days away.
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Visa Denied, TV Guaranteed: The Story of the Argentines Who'll Watch Messi's Last World Cup From Home
An Argentine company is promising 100 TVs to fans whose US visa applications were rejected. Here's what's at stake for Messi's side at the 2026 World Cup.
For hundreds of Argentine fans, the 2026 World Cup will unfold far from the stadiums — not for lack of desire, but because of a denied visa. Faced with that reality, conglomerate Newsan decided to turn frustration into a gesture: the company promised to give a…
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