Championship Qualification Overview

Lionel Messi has taken some well-deserved time away from the intensity of the 2026 World Cup to reunite with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their three sons. The Argentine captain enjoyed a brief break in Miami as the Albiceleste prepare for another match in the knockout stages of the tournament.

Manchester City talisman Erling Haaland has once again seen his future thrust into the spotlight following sensational comments from his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, regarding a potential move to Real Madrid. With Jose Mourinho now at the helm of the Spanish giants, speculation has reached fever pitch as the Norwegian striker continues to dominate the global stage.

Luis de la Fuente has admitted he would prefer not to see Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch when Spain face Portugal in a titanic 2026 World Cup round of 16 clash. The La Roja boss believes the 41-year-old remains a match-winning threat despite his veteran status in what is expected to be a high-stakes Iberian derby.

The World Cup was actually becoming somewhat enjoyable. After the almost complete removal of jeopardy from the group stage caused by the tournament's farcical format, the overdue start of knockout football has unsurprisingly provided us with some genuine excitement - so much so, in fact, that you've probably already forgotten how disgracefully Iran were treated by the United States. Or that referee Omar Artan - along with millions of other Africans - wasn't even allowed to attend.