Germany’s Nico Schlotterbeck (AP Photo) Germany’s FIFA World Cup campaign has suffered a major setback with defender Nico Schlotterbeck ruled out for the remainder of the tournament after sustaining a serious ankle injury.The Borussia Dortmund centre-back picked up the injury during Germany’s 2-1 victory over the Ivory Coast, forcing coach Julian Nagelsmann to rethink his…
Iran’s Mehdi Taremi, left, and Belgium’s Thomas Meunier fight for the ball (AP Photo) Iran etched their name into World Cup history and delivered a determined defensive display as they battled to a goalless draw against Belgium in Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday (local time).The Iranian…
Argentina’s Lionel Messi, second right, celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal. (AP Photo) The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set for a dramatic week as the expanded 48-team tournament enters the final phase of the group stage, with the race for places in the Round of 32 gathering pace from Monday onwards.After 10 days…
Iran team’s handwritten note (left) and Belgium’s Alexis Saelemaekers, left, challenges Iran’s Ehsan Hajisafi during the World Cup Group G football match between Belgium and Iran in Inglewood, California, near Los Angeles, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP Photo) Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand made seven saves as Iran and Belgium played out a 0-0 draw in their…
Uruguay’s four stars commemorate two Olympic football titles and two World Cup triumphs, all officially recognised as world championships/ Image: AP Uruguay arrived at the 2026 FIFA World Cup carrying one of the most distinctive badges in international football. While most supporters understand that stars above a national team’s crest usually represent World Cup triumphs,…
Cape Verde’s Kevin Pina, center, celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal. (AP Photo) Cape Verde have written a remarkable new chapter in World Cup history after becoming the first team on record (since 1966) to score their maiden FIFA World Cup goal from a direct free-kick, as their fairytale 2026 campaign continued with…
Morocco football team. (AP Photo) Morocco have etched their name into football folklore after extending their unbeaten run to a staggering 39 matches, setting a new all-time benchmark in international football and overtaking legendary streaks held by Italy and Argentina.The Atlas Lions now stand alone at the top of the global game, surpassing Italy’s celebrated…
Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla (16) scores an own goal during the World Cup Group D soccer match between the United States and Paraguay in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, June 12, 2026. (AP Photo) The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already produced eight own goals just 10 days into the tournament, the second-highest total in…
Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi Lamine Yamal marked his first World Cup start with a goal as Spain defeated Saudi Arabia 4-0 in Atlanta on Sunday and registered their first win of the tournament.The 18-year-old forward scored in the 11th minute, sliding in at the far post to convert a low cross. The goal made him…
Argentina’s Lionel Mess (AP Photo) An Argentinian television presenter has stepped down from her role after incorrectly announcing on live television that Lionel Messi‘s father had died during Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.Florencia Pena made the claim while appearing on the streaming channel Luzu TV shortly after Argentina’s opening World Cup match against Algeria….