Norway's prolific striker Erling Haaland wasted no time in opening his World Cup account as he found the net twice in a 4-1 defeat of Iraq in Group I on Tuesday that sent a warning to defenders in the rest of the tournament.
Argentina start their bid for back-to-back World Cups on Tuesday with a side full of familiar faces from Qatar 2022, facing an Algerian team buoyed by warm-up wins and featuring a 20-year-old rising star nicknamed after Diego Maradona.
Multi-champions Brazil, Argentina and Germany all won their preparatory games for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday, although by small margins, with former champion England and hopeful Portugal also securing victories.
Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1 in an inter-confederation playoff to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 40 years. Aymen Hussein scored the winning goal, securing Iraq's place in Group I alongside France, Norway, and Senegal.
Iraq's participation in the inter-confederation play-offs in Mexico that will decide two berths at this year's FIFA World Cup is in doubt because of the travel chaos triggered by the conflict in neighbouring Iran.
Zinedine Zidane is expected to take over as France's head coach after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following the departure of Didier Deschamps after 14 years in charge.
Nepal-born defender Abneet Bharti has joined the Indian senior men's team camp in Kochi ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong, pending FIFA clearance.
The escalating conflict involving the U.S. and Israel with Iran has led to widespread disruption in the world of sports, with events postponed, travel plans thrown into chaos, and athletes seeking asylum.
Iran's participation in this year's World Cup has been called into question after co-hosts the United States launched joint air strikes at the country along with Israel at the weekend.
I am inclined to believe that the Venezuela adventure is not an indication of American strength, alas, but rather of American weakness, points out Rajeev Srinivasan.
Panama pulled off a shock 2-1 victory over the United States in a heated Group C encounter at the Copa America on Thursday.
Williams, Bharti join camp, signalling new chapter for Indian football
United States President Donald Trump has named 23 countries as the major drug transit or major illicit drug-producing countries in a 'Presidential Determination' submitted to Congress.
With a population of 156,000, Curacao is the least populous country to go to the World Cup, beating the previous record held by Iceland with its 350,000 inhabitants.
'Being able to finish this way here with my people is what I always dreamed of.'
Brazil lived up to expectations by smashing Bolivia 5-1 at home in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers opener on Friday.
For 15 years, Messi and Ronaldo battled like no others. Now, Messi shares what made their rivalry so special.
Erick Callejas, 10, can be found on weekends blowing his whistle and calling the shots at local games, inspired by his referee father Ramiro.
Brazil were humiliated 4-1 by bitter rivals Argentina in South American World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday as the pressure mounted on manager Dorival Jr after his side were comprehensively outplayed and fortunate not to lose by more.
Brazil registered a 3-1 win over Bolivia in their World Cup qualifier on Sunday.
Increasing cooperation in critical minerals will top Prime Minister Modi's agenda during his discussions with leaders of Ghana, Argentinia, Brazil and Namibia.
Gael Monfils thrilled the Roland Garros crowd with his 12th five-set victory at the French Open on Tuesday before revealing that he does not enjoy having to dig himself out of deep holes at Grand Slams.
Philippe Coutinho scored a second half double and Everton added a cracking third as Brazil recovered from a sleepy start to beat Bolivia 3-0 in their Copa America opener on Friday.
Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 in Rome on Monday, April 21, less than a day after delivering a brief Easter Sunday message in St Peter's Basilica, is remembered as a spiritual leader whose life and final moments were deeply intertwined with prayer and devotion.
Roberto Firmino scored twice and Marquinhos and Philippe Coutinho also got goals as Brazil hammered Bolivia 5-0 in their opening World Cup qualifier in Sao Paulo on Friday.
A summary of Thursday's South American World Cup qualifiers.
Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick and had a hand in two more goals as Argentina crushed Bolivia 6-0 in South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
IMAGES from the South American World Cup qualifiers played on Tuesday.
Panama beat Bolivia 3-1 on Monday to finish second in Group C and qualify for the Copa America quarter-finals after tournament hosts United States were eliminated following a 1-0 loss to group winners Uruguay.
Here is the complete list of tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on Wednesday.
A third-minute goal from Christian Pulisic set the United States on their way to a 2-0 victory over Bolivia in their Group C opener at the Copa America on Sunday.
Venezuela's hopes of qualifying for their first World Cup were dealt a blow on Tuesday.
Brazil pulled off a last-gasp 2-1 away victory over Chile in the South American World Cup qualifiers on Thursday.
'We were told by fellow travellers that if we ask too many questions, we could be shot'
Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council says step will balance trade deficit with the US.
Mexico and Bolivia were booed off the pitch after playing out a drab goalless draw in their opening match of the Copa America on Friday, leaving hosts Chile top of Group A after the first round of matches.
Criticising the Copenhagen Climate Summit for being "limited to a group of countries", Bolivia will organise an alternative international talks in April on the issue.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano "Dibu" Martinez has been suspended for two matches by FIFA for "offensive behaviour", the Argentine Football Association (AFA) said in a statement on Friday.
Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero struck two goals apiece in Argentina's 7-0 romp against an out-of-sorts Bolivia while Mexico were held 3-3 by Trinidad & Tobago in friendlies in the United States on Friday.
Neymar shrugged off some rough tackling and a missed penalty to score a brilliant solo goal as he led Brazil to a 3-0 win over Paraguay that moved them within sight of the 2018 World Cup finals on Tuesday.
