Inspired by Lamine Yamal, Spain strolled to a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia in Group H on Sunday, where Mikel Oyarzabal restored his reputation with two goals and Luis de la Fuente's side found their groove after an underwhelming World Cup opener.
Cape Verde pulled off a World Cup shock by holding Spain to a 0-0 draw in the opening game of Group H on Monday, where the European champions and one of the tournament favourites could find no way past the debutants and their keeper Vozinha.
England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Arlington, Texas on Wednesday, a heavyweight Group L opener that could set the tone for both teams' tournament ambitions.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to feature a significant generational divide, with players spanning over 25 years in age. Mexico's Gilberto Mora, 17, will be the youngest, while Scotland's Craig Gordon, 43, will be the oldest. The tournament will showcase a mix of emerging talents and seasoned veterans like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric, with nations like Panama and Ivory Coast representing the oldest and youngest average squads, respectively.
Julian Quinones gave hosts Mexico a dream start as he scored in the ninth minute in the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening match against South Africa.
Lionel Messi sparked injury concerns after he left the field in the 73rd minute of Inter Miami CF's 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union
Pope Leo may have traded his life in Chicago for the ornate apartments at the Vatican's apostolic palace, but he still plans to root for his old national team at the World Cup this month.
Yashasvi Jaiswal took a break from his cricketing duties to attend a FIFA World Cup 2026 match between France and Sweden in New York, immersing himself in the vibrant football atmosphere.
With less than a month to go, football fans have all fingers -- and toes -- crossed, notes Kanika Datta.
Football's global players' union has renewed concerns about the potential impact of heat on the 2026 World Cup, following a scientific analysis indicating a high likelihood of dangerous temperatures for both players and fans.
The United States men's national team secured a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their World Cup Group D opener, with Folarin Balogun scoring two goals and Giovanni Reyna adding another.
Neymar, despite not playing, made headlines with a social media post trolling an economist after Brazil's 2-1 comeback win against Japan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32. Coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed he held Neymar back for potential extra time, while Gabriel Martinelli scored the dramatic winner.
FIFA has announced that the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States, will feature separate opening ceremonies in each of the three countries. The ceremonies will feature a diverse lineup of musical performers and cultural showcases.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp criticised the VAR decision that disallowed Jonathan Tah's goal, leading to Germany's early exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026. He also took a dig at Arsenal regarding their set-piece goals, suggesting many would be ruled out if Tah's goal was illegal.
Global pop stars Shakira, Madonna and Korean sensation BTS will headline the first-ever halftime show at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with proceeds going towards a global education initiative.
Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has stated his intention to continue playing as long as he remains physically fit and can contribute to his team. He remained non-committal about his participation in the 2030 FIFA World Cup, stating it's too far off to consider. Messi also celebrated his 39th birthday amidst Argentina's strong performance in the FIFA World Cup 2026, where he became the all-time leading goal-scorer.
Cristiano Ronaldo's sister, Katia Aveiro, has indicated that the FIFA World Cup 2026 could be the Portugal captain's final international tournament, referring to it as his "last dance" with the national team. She clarified her comments specifically referred to his Portugal career, not overall retirement.
Fans are travelling from across cities just to be in the stadium on days Rajasthan Royals play -- on the off-chance they get to watch him bat. Television numbers spike the moment he walks out to the crease. And there's a pattern that have quietly started to notice: The moment Sooryavanshi is dismissed, a significant chunk of viewers switch off.
Lionel Messi will lead defending champions Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after coach Lionel Scaloni named a 26-man squad featuring 17 players from the 2022 title-winning team.
Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32, recording their first knockout victory after trailing at half-time since 1978 as Casemiro made history and Gabriel Martinelli struck a dramatic late winner.
South Africa reached the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time after a 1-0 win over South Korea.
France has become the first team in FIFA World Cup history to score three or more goals in five consecutive matches, a milestone confirmed after their 3-0 victory over Sweden. Captain Kylian Mbappe's double secured their spot in the Round of 16 and set new personal records, surpassing Ronaldo and Leonidas in knockout stage goals and nearing Lionel Messi's overall World Cup goal tally.
A look at the key batters to watch at the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales, highlighting their recent form and potential impact on the tournament.
Smriti Mandhana is the only Indian named in TIME's 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026 list, joining global icons such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James after another record-breaking year in cricket.
Legendary German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has announced his retirement from international football following Germany's unexpected exit from the World Cup. His comeback for the tournament, necessitated by injuries to other players, ended in disappointment as Germany lost to Paraguay in a penalty shootout in the Round of 32. Neuer concludes his illustrious international career with 128 caps, a 2014 World Cup title, and a legacy as one of the sport's greatest goalkeepers.
The official 26-man squads for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Brazilian football star Neymar Jr. shares his emotional response to being included in the FIFA World Cup squad, expressing gratitude for the support he received during his journey.
Cristiano Ronaldo became the oldest player to score in a FIFA World Cup knockout match, netting a penalty at 41 years and 147 days during Portugal's dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia. This historic goal, his first in a World Cup knockout stage, helped Portugal advance to the Round of 16, with Ronaldo dismissing speculation about his future focus on the tournament.
The International Cricket Council, UNICEF UK, and England and Wales Cricket Board are collaborating to host a special matchday takeover at Lord's during the Women's T20 World Cup 2026. The event, featuring England vs West Indies, aims to raise 100,000 for UNICEF's global children's projects and will include actor Nabhaan Rizwan and former pacer Isa Guha.
A champions' mentality, a new generation of fearless players are some of the qualities that will have Saudi Arabia wary of the former champions in their upcoming Group H match on Sunday.
Morocco's coach Mohamed Ouahbi expressed immense pride after his team defeated the Netherlands in a penalty shootout to advance to the World Cup last 16.
Lionel Messi's record-breaking night draws ultimate praise from former record-holder Miroslav Klose.
According to the media reports, the committee will examine the reasons behind the decision not to play the tournament and determine if there were any diplomatic or strategic failures involved.
Morocco achieved a historic victory against the Netherlands in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32, winning 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Key players like Achraf Hakimi, Neil El Aynaoui, and Ismael Saibari were instrumental in this sensational upset, with Saibari scoring the decisive penalty.
This year's WAGs include influencers, models, actors, and lifelong companions whose own careers and stories are drawing as much attention as the football itself.
Balogun scored his third goal of the tournament but was later sent off, becoming only the fourth player to score and receive a red card in a FIFA World Cup knockout match.
Belgium have their full squad available for the Round of 32 match against Senegal but are not taking Senegal for granted, said coach Rudy Garcia.
Cristiano Ronaldo, despite his prolific scoring record in six FIFA World Cups, has yet to score in a knockout stage match. As Portugal faces Croatia, the superstar aims to break this drought while also holding records for most World Cup appearances and being Portugal's all-time leading scorer in the tournament.
Indian motorcycle racer Kavin Quintal made an impressive start to his 2026 Copa de Espana de Velocidad campaign by securing two podium finishes in the opening round in Jerez, Spain.
Football superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have taken to social media to share their preparations for crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage matches. Messi, fresh off a hat-trick, is fine-tuning for Argentina's clash against Austria, while Ronaldo, after a frustrating draw, is refocusing for Portugal's game against Uzbekistan.
