KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Argentina's World Cup title defence began nervously before Lionel Messi reminded everyone he is Lionel Messi. The 38-year-old scored a hat trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria before 69,045 fans at Kansas City Stadium. Messi's three-goal performance also moved him level with Miroslav Klose on 16 career World Cup goals, with Klose having reached the mark in fewer matches.
They made hard work of it, but much-fancied France got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start as they eventually secured a 3-1 victory over Senegal in Group I. After a dire first-half display Les Bleus were transformed, with Kylian Mbappe - who had been particularly poor - delivering a brace either side of Bradley Barcola's fine finish to become his country's record goal-scorer.
Erling Haaland was the predictable protagonist as Norway picked up a crucial 4-1 victory over Iraq in their first World Cup match since 1998 on Tuesday. The Manchester City striker's first-half brace proved to be decisive, helping to ensure the dark horses made a winning start in Boston in the so-called 'Group of Death'.
There are plenty of compelling reasons to suggest that England could win the 2026 World Cup. In Harry Kane, they have perhaps the best striker in world football at present. They also possess the best midfielder in the Premier League in Declan Rice, and an immensely shrewd tactician in Thomas Tuchel to help knit some of the most talented forward players in Europe together.
In the lead-up to England's semi-final showdown with Croatia at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, repeated references were made to the fact that Zlatko Dalic's ageing side had been taken to extra-time in their two previous matches. The feeling was among certain sections of the English press that fatigue might be a massive factor in the game at the Luzhniki Stadium.
The day after scoring the opening goal of the 2026 World Cup, the name of Julian Quinones was not only being sung in Mexico, but also discussed heavily in Colombia. In scoring against South Africa at Estadio Azteca, Quinones became the first Colombian-born player to score a World Cup goal for another country.
For some football fans, the summer is the part of the calendar that they look forward to the most - and that's not just because it's filled by a World Cup every four years! Rather, it's because the end of the season means only one thing: It's time for transfers! The 2026 window is likely to once again be bust, with some huge names set to make big-money moves before deadline day on September 1.
Cape Verde pulled off the biggest shock of the 2026 World Cup so far by holding Spain to a 0-0 draw in Atalanta on Monday. The tournament debutants weren't given any chance whatsoever against the reigning European champions but 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha achieved instant cult status throughout the footballing world by making one save after another to keep La Roja at bay.
Former West Ham and Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand joins Adebayo Akinfenwa on the latest episode of the Beast Mode On Podcast. The 41-year-old discusses his journey through professional football and the experiences that shaped him both on and off the pitch. From coming through the ranks with the Hammers and establishing himself in the Premier League, Ferdinand reflects on the highs and challenges of life at the highest level of the game.
Fans from PSG and Arsenal join the Front Three team in Budapest to play a Battle Royale game of epic proportions! Will Jules and Ali come out on top for the Ligue 1 champions or will it be Juwon and DSK who win the day for the Gunners? Find out by watching the video above
From building AFTV into one of the biggest football platforms in the world to changing the way fans consume football media forever, Robbie Lyle joins the Beast Mode On Podcast for an honest conversation about Arsenal, criticism, viral moments and the reality behind football fan culture.
US Women's National Team and Chelsea defender Naomi Girma sat down with the Soccer Girl Podcast to discuss the pressures of elite football, the evolution of the women's game and the deeply personal motivation behind her mental health advocacy.
Arsenal superstar Bukayo Saka joins Adebayo Akinfenwa on the Beast Mode On Podcast as the England forward opens up on his journey from the Gunners' Hale End academy all the way to the first team and captaining the Premier League leaders. The 24-year-old also reveals his burning desire to win trophies with the north Londoners and discusses his close relationship with Mikel Arteta among many other topics in a truly unmissable episode of the show.
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Rodrigo De Paul stunned plenty of Argentina fans when he decided to leave Atletico Madrid for Inter Miami with the World Cup less than a year away, but national team manager Lionel Scaloni backed the midfielder’s move to Major League Soccer, stressing he is more concerned with performance than club address.
Mexico can take a major step toward winning Group A when El Tri face South Korea in Guadalajara, where Javier Aguirre's latest rebuild first began to take shape.
Brazil and Morocco's 1-1 World Cup draw attracted 10.019 million viewers on FOX, making it the most-watched non-USMNT World Cup group-stage telecast in English-language U.S. history. The audience peaked at 13.119 million viewers and more than tripled FOX's average non-USMNT group-stage audience from the 2022 tournament.
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has reached out to Kobbie Mainoo with a heartfelt personal message ahead of the midfielder's World Cup debut for England. The Red Devils' all-time record goalscorer hailed the 21-year-old as a pivotal role model for the next generation of talent at Old Trafford - including his son, Kai.
Roberto Martinez will step down as Portugal manager following this current World Cup campaign. As his contract expires in late July, the Spanish tactician has decided not to renew. This monumental exit leaves fans wondering if legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo will also end his international career, as he chases the one elusive trophy missing from his cabinet.
Thomas Tuchel may have recently signed a contract extension with England, but his long-term future remains tied to immediate success on the world stage. Despite a new deal intended to take him through to Euro 2028, it has emerged that the Football Association has protected itself with specific safeguards.
Lionel Messi possesses the magic to lead Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup title following their 2022 triumph in Qatar. Former team-mate Pablo Zabaleta believes the veteran forward is perfectly supported by his national and Inter Miami colleagues, allowing him to save his energy for crucial moments. Zabaleta says the current tactical setup is ideal for the GOAT.
Cole Palmer has taken to social media to provide a glimpse into his life away from the pitch after being left out of England's squad for the 2026 World Cup. The Chelsea playmaker, who was one of the go-to stars for the Three Lions over the last year, is instead using the summer to recharge his batteries following a demanding domestic campaign.
Marcus Rashford is facing an uncertain summer after returning to Manchester United following a loan spell in La Liga. While the forward has been linked with several European giants, a specific contract clause has now come to light that could dictate his next destination.
Daichi Kamada has praised the profound impact of his former Crystal Palace and Eintracht Frankfurt manager Oliver Glasner after scoring a crucial late equaliser for Japan against the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup. The midfielder credited the tactician for his successful transition into a deeper defensive role, which has revitalised his international career in the United States.
Paul Pogba has made a sensational claim regarding Manchester United's future, insisting the Red Devils are set to return to the summit of English football. The former United midfielder believes his old club is finally on the right path following a period of significant leadership change at Old Trafford.
Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James has backed the Reds to make a surprise move for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford. Despite the fierce rivalry between the clubs, James believes the England international's quality remains undeniable and feels he can rediscover his best form under Andoni Iraola's management.
Arsenal have reportedly been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Nico Paz as the Argentine sensation looks set to stay in Italy. The 21-year-old playmaker has held pivotal talks with Jose Mourinho regarding a potential return to Real Madrid, but the outcome points toward another season away from the Bernabeu.
Ruben Amorim is officially back in management after his disappointing spell at Manchester United. AC Milan have confirmed the appointment of the Portuguese tactician as their new head coach, tasking him with leading a squad featuring USMNT star Christian Pulisic. The club will compete in the Europa League next season, and hope his arrival brings a fresh tactical identity.
Italy legend Dino Zoff has given his blessing to Juventus' pursuit of Emiliano Martinez, insisting the Argentine's eccentric personality is no barrier to success in Turin. The iconic former goalkeeper also weighed in on the futures of Dusan Vlahovic and long-term target Domenico Berardi as the Bianconeri look to rebuild.
Arsenal have intensified their pursuit of Roma midfielder Manu Kone after reportedly agreeing personal terms with the player's representatives. The 25-year-old, who is currently away on international duty with France at the 2026 World Cup, has emerged as a primary summer target for the Gunners as they look to exploit Roma's pressing financial situation.
Casemiro's proposed move to Inter Miami has hit an unexpected obstacle due to MLS roster regulations. The departing Manchester United midfielder is reportedly keen on a switch to Florida, but a dispute over discovery rights with LA Galaxy is preventing the deal from being finalised as the Brazilian weighs up the next step in his career.