The group stage of the 2026 World Cup came to a dramatic conclusion on Saturday, as Austria scored a 96th-minute equaliser against Algeria to qualify for the knockout stage while simultaneously eliminating Iran, who had been set to progress as one of the tournament's third-placed finishers. Elsewhere, Lionel Messi came off the bench to help Argentina maintain their 100 percent winning record with a 3-1 victory over Jordan and, in doing so, the No.10 extended his record-breaking goals tally at the finals to 19.

Luis Suarez has urged fans to stop comparing Lamine Yamal with Lionel Messi, insisting the pair are different players despite sharing similar qualities. The Inter Miami striker praised the Spain teenager's maturity under pressure while backing him to one day reach the same level as the Argentina legend.

Mikel Oyarzabal has opened up on the relentless speculation surrounding his future as reported interest from Barcelona continues to swirl. The Real Sociedad captain remains a pillar of the Spain national team, using his experience to navigate both transfer talk and the meteoric rise of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.

Austria boss Ralf Rangnick has hailed Lamine Yamal as one of football’s brightest young talents after Spain’s emphatic 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia. The former Manchester United manager believes the Barcelona winger has the potential to reach a level comparable to Lionel Messi, provided he remains grounded and continues his development.

Lamine Yamal heralded the official "arrival" of Spain at the 2026 World Cup after netting his first-ever goal in the tournament during a 4-0 thumping of Saudi Arabia. The Barcelona sensation admitted that the squad were motivated to bounce back from their opening draw against Cape Verde and prove they remain genuine contenders for the global crown.