Four nations made debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan gracing the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It was the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, before succumbing to Lionel Messi's Argentina in a classic.
Lionel Messi talked up Argentina's chances of defending their World Cup crown after a thumping 3-0 win over Iceland in their final warm-up game. The Inter Miami star got his name on the scoresheet after coming on in the second half to break a long-standing international record for his country.
Lionel Messi proved he is ready to lead Argentina's World Cup defence after making a goalscoring return to action in a 3-0 friendly win over Iceland. After missing the previous warm-up match due to fitness concerns, the legendary number 10 needed just moments to make his mark from the penalty spot in Alabama.
Argentina fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief as Lionel Scaloni has provided a positive fitness update on Lionel Messi ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The Inter Miami superstar is set to return to action in a final warm-up fixture following a brief spell on the sidelines with a muscle complaint.
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Canada manager Jesse Marsch has vehemently defended his squad against accusations of becoming a dirty team following a worrying streak of disciplinary issues. With three red cards across their last four matches, including Tajon Buchanan's recent dismissal against Iceland, concerns are mounting over the team's aggressive reputation ahead of the upcoming 2026 World Cup which they co-host.
Canada’s final World Cup tune-up is here. With Cyle Larin and Ismaël Koné in form, and fringe players fighting for spots, GOAL highlights what to watch for in matches against Tunisia and Iceland.
Mexican-American defender Richard Ledezma revealed it was a personal dream of his to represent Mexico after scoring his first international goal for the national team in a 4-0 exhibition win over Iceland. Despite previously receiving a cap from the USMNT, the 25-year-old was quick to point out his Mexico pride after recently completing a one-time switch.
The Mexico National Team announced its official roster for the friendly match against Iceland, which will be played on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at Estadio Corregidora in the city of Querétaro. Once again, Chivas is the club contributing the most players to the squad, with seven representatives. The players selected by head coach Javier Aguirre must report starting Sunday.
France were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw against Iceland in what turned out to be a trickier World Cup qualifying away trip than many expected it to be. Following the game, head coach Didier Deschamps explained his unhappiness with the officiating, claiming that midfielder Manu Kone was fouled in the build up to the hosts' opening goal in the first half.
Didier Deschamps' men were held to a 2-2 draw by a brave Iceland side in Reykjavik, as an experimental XI floundered under the pressure of their bold opponents, who belied their pre-match underdogs tag. France did score twice, coming from behind in the process, but a lack of concentration allowed the hosts to take a well-deserved point from a breathless encounter.
Kylian Mbappe has climbed another rung on French football’s ladder of greatness as the Real Madrid sensation etched his name above Thierry Henry by netting his 52nd international goal, becoming France’s second-highest scorer of all time. Only Olivier Giroud now stands between him and the ultimate record.
Iceland
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