When the final whistle blew, players embraced, danced and celebrated on the pitch as if they had won the match. Their joy was understandable. Against one of football's traditional giants and the world's second-ranked team, Cape Verde had achieved something few thought possible.
Belgium look to have found their best playing style at the World Cup after thrashing co-hosts the US 4-1 on Monday, but the successful tinkering of coach Rudi Garcia has come at a cost to his top players.
England manager Thomas Tuchel insists his players are not focusing on the historical rivalry with Argentina ahead of their World Cup semi-final, stating the occasion itself is significant enough and their preparation centres on the game at hand.
Cape Verde, despite being a significant underdog, is confident of challenging Argentina and Lionel Messi in their World Cup knockout match.
The top 32 teams at the FIFA World Cup 2026 are now confirmed after a dramatic and exhausting group stage that came to a close on Saturday.
Cabo Verde goalkeeper Josimar 'Vozinha' Dias's mother, Ana Candida Evora, was welcomed by FIFA in Miami, ahead of Cabo Verde's FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H clash against Uruguay. This heartwarming gesture followed Vozinha's emotional revelation about his family's visa issues preventing them from attending his historic 0-0 draw against Spain. US authorities, in coordination with the State Department, the Cape Verde government, and FIFA, facilitated her travel, allowing her to support her son and the 'Blue Sharks' in person.
Argentina has advanced to the World Cup final after defeating long-time rivals England with two late goals, sparking widespread celebrations across the country, particularly in Cutral Co, Patagonia, home to a new 85-foot statue of Lionel Messi.
The 'Finalissima' match between Spain and Argentina that was scheduled to be held in Qatar has been cancelled due to the conflict in the Middle East while the South American side rejected multiple alternatives, UEFA said on Sunday.
Cabo Verde's World Cup dream ended in defeat, but their story had already become one of the tournament's defining moments. After the debutants stretched defending champions Argentina to extra time, football greats Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thierry Henry saluted the tiny island nation for proving that belief can outweigh size and reputation.
Cape Verde head into the biggest match in their football history full of belief, with coach Pedro Leitao Brito insisting his side will play "with courage" against defending champions Argentina in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32.
With Kylian Mbappe's depth and experience, economists predict France are tipped to edge Spain to lift World Cup.
Belgium secured a dominant 4-1 victory over the United States in the World Cup last-16, with midfielder Nicolas Raskin suggesting the win felt like 'justice' following FIFA's controversial decision to allow US striker Folarin Balogun to play despite a previous red card.
Germany's 2014 World Cup winner Sami Khedira sees no identity crisis in his brother Rani playing for Tunisia at FIFA World Cup 2026.
Cape Verde pulled off a stunning 2-2 draw against two-time World Cup winners Uruguay in Miami on Sunday.
The expanded World Cup is being dominated by superstar performances from Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland, who are leading the scoring charts. Young talent like Lamine Yamal is also making a significant impact, while Harry Kane continues to impress. The tournament is shaping up to be a thrilling display of individual brilliance, with a potential repeat of the last final between Messi and Mbappe.
The 2026 World Cup has witnessed an unusual number of own goals in its opening 10 days, with seven already recorded, making it the second-highest tally in tournament history. The United States has benefited from two such incidents. This trend is notable given the tournament's expansion and could surpass the 2018 record of 12 own goals. Several players from different nations have contributed to this statistic, highlighting a peculiar aspect of the early matches.
France return to No.1 in FIFA rankings after wins over Brazil and Colombia, while Spain drop to second and Argentina slip to third in the latest standings.
Former Argentina coach Jose Pekerman reflects on Lionel Messi's 2006 World Cup debut, stating he always believed the then 18-year-old would become one of the game's defining figures and that every minute on the pitch was crucial for his development.
Cabo Verde's star goalkeeper Vozinha has expressed confidence ahead of their FIFA World Cup round of 32 clash against Argentina, vowing to make history. The debutant nation has impressed with three draws in the group stage, becoming the smallest country to reach the knockout phase. Vozinha also achieved a rare feat, becoming only the third goalkeeper over 40 to register multiple clean sheets in the tournament. Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni has acknowledged Cabo Verde as a tough opponent.
Japan v Tunisia marks 1,000th FIFA World Cup match
Born in African refugee camps and raised in Australia, Mohamed Toure, Nestory Irankunda and Awer Mabil are carrying the Socceroos' World Cup hopes while showcasing the nation's increasingly diverse football identity.
The World Cup has seen a shift to a more lenient refereeing style, prioritising game flow and reducing stoppages. This, combined with stronger, faster players, has led to a quicker, more physically demanding tournament with higher scoring. While welcomed, experts warn that this intensity tests players' physical limits, increasing injury risks, especially for those not fully fit.
Carlo Ancelotti has extended his contract as the manager of the Brazilian national football team until the 2030 World Cup.
Morocco, Norway, Turkey, Colombia, Mexico and Japan are among the leading dark horses for FIFA World Cup 2026, with each side possessing the talent and momentum to challenge football's traditional powers.
With hot weather due and memories fresh of the scorching 2025 Club World Cup, FIFA has for the first time mandated three-minute hydration breaks in each half for all 104 matches of the World Cup starting this week in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 saves in the 0-0 draw with Ecuador -- the most in a 90-minute match in the World Cup history.
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.
Sabri Lamouchi's dismissal as Tunisia coach after a single game at the World Cup places him on an ignominious list that includes one of the most successful coaches in tournament history.
Italy rejects a proposal by Trump envoy Paolo Zampolli to replace Iran at the FIFA World Cup 2026, as officials insist qualification must be earned on merit.
Real Madrid great Jose Emilio Santamaria, a defender who won four European Cups with the club, has died at the age of 96, the Spanish side announced on Wednesday.
Former Italy international Pamela Conti was on Sunday named head coach of the Indian women's U-17 team to take charge of the country's AFC Asian Cup campaign later this year, second such appointment of a national side this month made by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
The final teams have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Find out which teams have qualified and their group stage assignments.
Xabi Alonso will take over as Chelsea's new manager, the Premier League club said on Sunday, with the Spaniard signing a four-year deal beginning on July 1.
East Bengal FC emerged victorious in the Indian Super League, securing their first-ever title after a 22-year drought, defeating Inter Kashi 2-1 in a thrilling encounter.
Liverpool have sacked manager Arne Slot after a disappointing second season where they failed to defend their Premier League title and missed out on Champions League qualification.
East Bengal FC secured their first Indian Super League title, ending a 22-year drought with a 2-1 victory over Inter Kashi, sparking jubilant celebrations among fans.
Several high-profile football players are facing injuries ahead of the World Cup, raising concerns about their participation in the tournament. Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, and other stars are among those sidelined, while the packed playing schedule is drawing criticism.
A 19-year-old student from Vellore Institute of Technology said he sent the prank mail posing as Spain and Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez, applying for the head coach position of the Indian football team.
Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka win top honours at the Laureus Awards 2026, headlining a star-studded winners list in Madrid after stellar seasons.
