Germany secured a spot in the World Cup knockout stage after a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against Ivory Coast.
Argentina booked their place in the World Cup knockout stage on Monday as Lionel Messi recovered from an early penalty miss to score a record-breaking double in a 2-0 victory over Austria.
It is only the second time a tournament run by world football's governing body FIFA has featured as many as 48 teams.
England and Ghana, both coming off opening wins, are set to clash in a crucial Group L World Cup match in Boston.
Iran's players say adversity has united Team Melli after a resilient 0-0 draw against Belgium kept their World Cup knockout hopes alive. A win over Egypt could secure a historic first-ever place in the last 32.
For the expanded 2026 tournament, FIFA has gone a step further and introduced an extra amnesty for yellow cards, effectively wiping the slate clean twice.
Japan delivered a commanding 4-0 win over Tunisia in the World Cup's 1,000th match on Saturday to move to the brink of the knockout stages, while the North Africans were eliminated after a second successive defeat in Group F.
Norwegian parliamentarians recreated the Viking rowing celebration made famous by their soccer fans, showing cross-party unity in support of the national team during the World Cup.
Senegal's coach Pape Bouna Thiaw insists his team's World Cup hopes are not over despite two consecutive defeats to France and Norway. The team needs to beat Iraq in their final group game to have a chance at qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams.
The United States football team secured its place in the World Cup knockout stage with a convincing 2-0 victory over Australia. An early own goal and an Alex Freeman header sealed the win, despite the absence of key player Christian Pulisic. The team's depth was highlighted as they dominated the match, moving to six points in Group D.
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.
Lionel Messi became the all-time leading scorer in men's FIFA World Cup history on Monday, netting his 17th tournament goal during Argentina's match against Austria.
Cape Verde, making their World Cup debut, have defied expectations by drawing with football giants Spain and Uruguay.
Mostafa "Zico" Mohamed, initially planning a summer vacation, received an unexpected call-up to the Egyptian national team for the World Cup. He has since become a standout performer, scoring and assisting in Egypt's historic 3-1 victory over New Zealand, their first-ever World Cup win, and is now crucial to their knockout stage aspirations.
Lionel Messi's record-breaking night draws ultimate praise from former record-holder Miroslav Klose.
German central defender Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup and will be sidelined for several months due to an ankle ligament injury sustained during their Group E victory over Ivory Coast. Despite the setback, coach Julian Nagelsmann remains confident in the team's central defence options.
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre downplayed his team's achievement of topping their World Cup group, stating that true success would be measured later in the tournament. He highlighted the importance of playing at home and the team's improved maturity, while also reflecting on his own calmer coaching style. Aguirre expressed his ambition to guide Mexico into the world's top 10.
Tiny Curacao battled to a 0-0 draw with Ecuador to earn the first World Cup point in the Caribbean island's history on Saturday after an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Eloy Room.
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.
Switzerland found the keys to break down a resolute Bosnia and Herzegovina defence with four late goals in a 4-1 win thanks to a brace from Johan Manzambi and further strikes from fellow substitute Ruben Vargas and captain Granit Xhaka with a penalty.
Mexico secured a narrow 1-0 victory over South Korea in a Group A football match in Guadalajara. Luis Romo scored the decisive goal following a goalkeeping error, and Mexico's defence, backed by goalkeeper Ral Rangel's late saves, held firm against South Korean pressure.
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.
David Beckham has tipped Japan as a dark horse for the 2026 FIFA World Cup while backing England to end their 60-year wait for glory. The former captain also highlighted France, Spain, Argentina and Brazil as title contenders.
Brazil showed their attacking intent from the outset and thought they had taken an early lead when Raphinha finished from Bruno Guimaraes' clever through ball. However, the celebrations were cut short by an offside flag.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos said his side are prepared to face Mexico's quality and home-crowd advantage in Thursday's World Cup opener.
FIFA has announced a last-minute change to its Stadium Code of Conduct, prohibiting reusable water bottles and other containers at World Cup venues due to safety concerns. This decision, aimed at preventing injury, has raised questions among fans about coping with heat, though FIFA states measures like cooling stations will be in place.
Spain arrive into their Group H clash against Saudi Arabia needing a sharper attacking display after being held to a shock 0-0 draw by World Cup debutants Cape Verde in their opening match in Atlanta.
Four matches, four draws and a slice of World Cup history.
The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 is set to bring together the world's top teams for a month of fast-paced, high-stakes cricket, as they compete for the biggest prize in the shortest format of the game.
Canada achieved their first-ever World Cup finals victory, thrashing nine-man Qatar 6-0, with Jonathan David scoring a hat-trick. The win boosts Canada's chances in Group B, despite an injury to midfielder Ismael Kone.
Cristiano Ronaldo, playing his 6th FIFA World Cup, headlines the Portugal squad that has a glittering supporting cast that includes Vitinha, Joao Neves, Bruno Fernandes and Nuno Mendes.
South Africa scored a penalty seven minutes from fulltime as they fought back to draw 1-1 with the Czechia at the World Cup on Thursday after falling behind early in the Group A clash.
Former India coach WV Raman says a fully fit Hardik Pandya could provide India the edge at the 2027 ODI World Cup, highlighting his all-round value while urging the team management to use the next 12-15 months to experiment with combinations and define player roles.
Canada secured its first-ever World Cup victory with a dominant 6-0 win, but the celebration was marred by a severe leg injury to midfielder Ismael Kone. Kone suffered a broken leg after a tackle from Qatar's Assim Madibo, an incident that left his teammates and coach Jesse Marsch deeply shaken. The injury is a significant blow to Canada's World Cup campaign, despite their strong position in Group B.
Germany, aiming to repair its international reputation after two consecutive first-round exits, begins its World Cup campaign against minnows Curacao.
Scotland defeated Haiti 1-0 in a World Cup Group C match, with John McGinn scoring the winning goal. This victory marks Scotland's first win in the tournament since 1990, placing them at the top of their group. Haiti, despite their pace, lacked the finishing touch.
Former India captain Mithali Raj has expressed concerns over the Indian women's cricket team's bowling department, citing a lack of "role clarity" ahead of crucial ICC Women's T20 World Cup matches. She believes bowling is India's weakest link, especially with Shreyanka Patil's injury and an out-of-form seam attack, while praising the batting strength led by Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh.
New York City will offer residents a chance to buy $50 World Cup tickets through a lottery system, including free transport to New Jersey matches, amid soaring tournament ticket prices.
Talismanic Mohamed Salah scores twice to help Egypt rally to 3-1 win over New Zealand on Sunday.
The challenge for manager Thomas Tuchel has a tough task in a tricky group with Croatia, Ghana and Panama, while ensuring reliance on Harry Kane does not become over-dependence by encouraging tactical flexibility.
