Lionel Messi has spoken publicly for the first time since Argentina's narrow 1-0 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, delivering an emotional message that reflected both the pain of losing and the pride of leading his country to a second consecutive World Cup final.

Spain secured the title at MetLife Stadium after substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal, ending Argentina's unbeaten run in the tournament. While emotions ran high after the final whistle—including a post-match altercation involving Argentina's Leandro Paredes, Spain's Gavi, and Eric García—Messi stayed away from the confrontation and instead chose to address supporters through a heartfelt social media post.

"The Pain Is Immense"

In his first public remarks after the final, Messi admitted that the defeat would take time to overcome.

"The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal."

Despite the disappointment, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner focused on the team's achievements throughout the tournament.

Messi praised Argentina's fighting spirit, recalling the dramatic comeback victories that defined their campaign and thanking supporters for standing behind the national team.

He wrote that the squad had once again united the country through football and expressed pride in reaching back-to-back FIFA World Cup finals, describing the journey as an achievement that would be appreciated even more with time.

Messi Congratulates Spain

Even after the heartbreaking loss, Messi acknowledged Spain's achievement and extended his congratulations to the newly crowned world champions.

His message concluded with a simple but respectful tribute to La Roja, applauding their title-winning campaign.

Retirement Still Uncertain

While many supporters expected Messi to announce his international retirement after the tournament, the Argentine captain chose not to address his future with the national team.

The 39-year-old's statement contained no indication of whether he intends to continue representing Argentina, leaving fans waiting for an official decision.

Having already guided Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar 2022, Messi has little left to prove on the international stage. Whether the 2026 final becomes his final World Cup appearance remains unknown.

Argentina Thanks Indian Fans

Following the final, Argentina's Ambassador to India, Mariano Caucino, expressed gratitude to Indian football fans for their overwhelming support throughout the tournament.

In a message posted on X, he thanked supporters across India for their "endless displays of support" for the Argentine national team, highlighting the deep connection between Indian football fans and Argentina.

A Memorable Final World Cup Campaign

Messi once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of football's greatest players.

During the tournament, he scored eight goals and registered two assists, including a match-winning performance in Argentina's dramatic semifinal comeback against England.

Although Argentina fell short of defending the World Cup title, the campaign added another remarkable chapter to Messi's legendary international career.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez also delivered a historic performance in the final, making 11 saves, the most recorded by a goalkeeper in a FIFA World Cup final since official statistics began in 1966.

While the trophy ultimately went to Spain, Messi's leadership, consistency, and influence throughout the tournament ensured Argentina remained among world football's elite.

For now, the biggest question remains unanswered: Will Lionel Messi wear the Argentina jersey again? Until an official announcement is made, football fans around the world can only wait.

US President Donald Trump has urged FIFA to award a future FIFA World Cup exclusively to the United States, saying the country should host the tournament again—but this time without Canada and Mexico. Trump made the remarks during a FIFA World Cup reception held ahead of Sunday's final between Spain and Argentina.

Addressing guests at Trump Tower in New York, Trump praised the success of the 2026 tournament and encouraged FIFA to bring the competition back to the United States.

“You should choose the United States of America again. This time we will leave Canada and Mexico out,” Trump said.

He added, in a light-hearted tone, that FIFA should “pick somebody else for the next one and that will take some of the anger, hatred and steam out of everyone.”

Eyes on the 2038 FIFA World Cup

Trump's comments are widely seen as an informal pitch for the 2038 FIFA World Cup, the next men's tournament still available for bidding.

The hosting rights for the next two editions have already been decided:

• 2030 FIFA World Cup: Spain, Portugal and Morocco will jointly host the tournament, while Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will stage the opening matches as part of the centenary celebrations.
• 2034 FIFA World Cup: Saudi Arabia has been confirmed as the host nation.

With those tournaments already allocated, the 2038 World Cup is expected to become the next major bidding contest.

Trump Mentions Joint US-China Hosting Idea

During his speech, Trump revealed that FIFA President Gianni Infantino had once suggested the possibility of the United States and China jointly hosting a World Cup.

Joking about the proposal, Trump said players would have “a nice short flight in between games.”

Although the remark drew laughs, FIFA has not announced any plans regarding the 2038 bidding process.

Reference to Balogun Suspension Controversy

Trump also revisited the controversy surrounding US striker Folarin Balogun, who received a red card during the United States' victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The president said he personally contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to seek a review of the decision. FIFA later lifted Balogun's automatic one-match suspension, allowing him to play against Belgium—a decision that drew criticism from football fans and analysts worldwide.

Praising Infantino during the reception, Trump remarked:

“You made another great decision. You'll never get credit for that.”

Trump's Continued Interest in Major Sporting Events

Trump has frequently highlighted the importance of hosting global sporting events in the United States. Throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he has attended several football-related events and promoted the tournament as a showcase of America's ability to stage international competitions.

His latest remarks suggest he would like to see the United States once again compete for hosting rights when FIFA opens the bidding for the 2038 FIFA World Cup.

The Norwegian side secured a famous win to eliminate Brazil and reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in the country's history. As the final whistle blew, Solbakken was seen embracing family members on the touchline, a moment that carried far greater significance than a football victory.

Twenty-five years ago, the former midfielder came close to losing his life.

In 2001, while playing professionally in Denmark, Solbakken suffered a cardiac arrest during training. His heart reportedly stopped beating for seven minutes, and he remained in a coma for more than a day. The incident abruptly ended his playing career and raised serious concerns about his survival.

Reflecting on that period in previous interviews, Solbakken revealed that his family had prepared for the worst. Doctors advised him that returning to professional football would be impossible. What followed, however, was a remarkable second chapter that eventually transformed him into one of Scandinavia's most respected football coaches.

The latest triumph over Brazil adds another emotional layer to his connection with the South American giants.

As a player, Solbakken was part of the Norway squad that stunned Brazil 2-1 during the group stage of the 1998 FIFA World Cup. That result helped Norway reach the knockout stage for the first time. Nearly three decades later, he has repeated history from the dugout, guiding the national team to an even bigger achievement.

Norway's current World Cup campaign has exceeded expectations. After qualifying directly for the tournament with a perfect record in the qualifiers, the team advanced through the group stage before defeating Ivory Coast and then Brazil in the knockout rounds.

The success marks a significant turnaround for a side that failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 European Championship. Despite those disappointments, the Norwegian Football Federation retained faith in Solbakken, a decision that is now paying dividends on the biggest stage.

His coaching career began after retirement and included spells in Denmark, England and Germany. Solbakken's most notable achievements came with FC Copenhagen, where he established himself as one of the most successful managers in Scandinavian football.

When he took charge of Norway in December 2020, expectations were high but results did not arrive immediately. Building a competitive national team required patience, particularly with a generation of talented players still developing.

That generation has now come of age.

The current squad is led by stars such as Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard and Alexander Sørloth. Against Brazil, Haaland once again proved decisive, scoring twice to send Norway into the quarter-finals. The Manchester City striker has now scored seven goals in the tournament and is among the leading contenders for the Golden Boot.

Norway's rise has captured attention across the football world, not only because of the quality of its players but also because of the resilience shown by its coach.

Following the historic victory, Solbakken described the occasion as one of the greatest moments in Norwegian football history. For a man whose playing career ended after a life-threatening medical emergency, leading his country to an unprecedented World Cup quarter-final represents a journey few could have imagined.

Norway will now look to continue its dream run, but regardless of what happens next, Solbakken's story has already become one of the defining narratives of the tournament.

Balogun was subsequently cleared to participate in the knockout clash against Belgium, becoming the center of one of the tournament’s biggest off-field debates. Despite his inclusion, the United States suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat against Belgium and exited the competition.

The incident is being described as an unprecedented moment in World Cup history, with critics arguing that political intervention should not influence sporting disciplinary decisions. Belgium’s football authorities and several European football stakeholders have reportedly raised concerns over FIFA’s handling of the case.

Red Card Decision Reversed

The 25-year-old striker had been shown a red card during a previous knockout fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina after a challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic. Under standard tournament regulations, the dismissal would have resulted in a one-match suspension.

However, FIFA’s disciplinary review process ultimately allowed Balogun to feature against Belgium. The decision prompted objections from Belgian football officials, who questioned the basis for overturning the suspension.

Balogun entered the match having already scored three goals during the tournament and was considered one of the United States’ key attacking players.

Trump Confirms Involvement

Ahead of the Round of 16 encounter, US President Donald Trump publicly acknowledged speaking with FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding the suspension.

According to the reported remarks, Trump stated that he had requested FIFA to review the decision and expressed his view that the challenge did not warrant a red card. He later welcomed FIFA’s ruling, arguing that keeping Balogun out of the tournament would have been unfair.

The comments immediately triggered debate across the football world, with critics questioning whether political figures should be involved in disciplinary matters during major international tournaments.

FIFA Defends Its Process

FIFA President Gianni Infantino responded to the criticism by maintaining that the decision was taken independently by the organization’s disciplinary committee.

According to FIFA, every case is assessed on the basis of available evidence and tournament regulations. The governing body insisted that the review process remained impartial and that no external influence determined the final outcome.

Nevertheless, the episode has intensified discussions about transparency and governance within world football, particularly during the sport’s biggest event.

Questions Over Sporting Independence

FIFA has long maintained that its decisions are independent of political influence. As a result, the Balogun case has generated renewed scrutiny regarding the separation between sports administration and political intervention.

Football observers noted that while world leaders have previously commented on controversial refereeing decisions, direct involvement in disciplinary reviews is extremely rare.

The controversy has become one of the most talked-about stories of the tournament, overshadowing the United States’ elimination and shifting attention toward FIFA’s decision-making framework.

Historical Context

The Balogun case has also revived discussion about previous disciplinary controversies in World Cup history.

One of the most notable examples occurred during the 1962 FIFA World Cup, when Brazilian star Garrincha was sent off in the semi-final against Chile but was ultimately allowed to participate in the final. Brazil went on to defeat Czechoslovakia and lift the trophy.

While disciplinary procedures have evolved significantly since then, the latest controversy has once again highlighted how decisions involving player eligibility can become major talking points on football’s biggest stage.

A second-half penalty from captain Kylian Mbappe proved to be the difference between the two sides, sending the French team into the last eight and setting up a quarter-final meeting with Morocco later this week.

While France secured the result they wanted, the match generated headlines beyond the scoreline. Moments after the final whistle, Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill appeared to approach Mbappe for a post-match handshake. Television footage showed the French forward walking away, after which Gill threw the ball in Mbappe’s direction. The ball struck the France star on the back before teammates and officials moved the players apart.

The incident briefly overshadowed what was another influential performance from Mbappe, who continued his impressive scoring run in the tournament.

The breakthrough came in the 70th minute after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review awarded France a penalty. Following a foul decision inside the box, Mbappe stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to give his side the lead.

It was a crucial moment in a game where Paraguay had frustrated France for long periods with disciplined defending and organised play.

Despite controlling possession for much of the contest, France found it difficult to create clear-cut chances. Mbappe missed a promising breakaway opportunity in the second half, while midfielder Manu Kone saw a powerful effort denied by an outstanding save from Gill.

The Paraguay goalkeeper emerged as one of the standout performers of the match. Even after conceding the decisive goal, he produced several important stops, including two late saves from Mbappe during stoppage time that kept his team in contention until the final whistle.

France ultimately held on for victory, but Paraguay earned praise for pushing one of the tournament favourites all the way.

Mbappe’s goal carried additional significance. It was the 19th World Cup goal of his career, moving him within one strike of Lionel Messi’s tally. The France forward has now scored seven goals in the ongoing tournament and remains level with Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.

France will now turn their attention to a highly anticipated quarter-final against Morocco, scheduled for July 9.

Morocco reached the last eight after a commanding 3-0 victory over hosts Canada in another Round of 16 fixture. The result made history for the North African nation, which became the first African country to reach the World Cup quarter-finals on more than one occasion.

After a goalless first half, Morocco took control following the break.

Azzedine Ounahi opened the scoring in the 50th minute with a powerful right-footed strike from outside the penalty area after a set-piece move involving Achraf Hakimi. Ounahi then doubled the advantage in the 82nd minute after being set up by Brahim Diaz.

Canada attempted to respond but struggled to break down Morocco’s defence. Jonathan David came close from a free-kick, although his effort sailed over the crossbar. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou also produced several key saves to deny the hosts.

Morocco sealed the result deep into injury time when Soufiane Rahimi added a third goal, ending any hopes of a Canadian comeback.

With both teams advancing through contrasting victories, the upcoming France-Morocco quarter-final promises to be one of the most closely watched matches of the tournament. France will rely on Mbappe’s form and experience, while Morocco arrive with growing confidence after another historic achievement on the global stage

At Seattle Stadium, Senegal appeared on course for a famous victory after taking control of the match with goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr. With just four minutes of normal time remaining, Belgium were still trailing 2-0 and staring at elimination.

Diarra opened the scoring in the 25th minute, giving Senegal an early advantage. The African side strengthened its position shortly after the break when Sarr collected a long pass from Moussa Niakhaté and finished clinically in the 51st minute. The goal was Sarr’s fourth of the tournament and further underlined his importance to Senegal’s campaign.

Belgium struggled to create clear opportunities for much of the contest, but the introduction of Romelu Lukaku changed the momentum. The veteran striker pulled one back in the 86th minute, igniting hopes of an unlikely recovery.

Just three minutes later, captain Youri Tielemans completed the comeback by firing home the equaliser, sending the match into extra time and silencing Senegal’s celebrations.

As the game moved toward a penalty shootout, controversy unfolded in the closing moments of extra time. In the 125th minute, referee intervention following a video review resulted in a penalty being awarded to Belgium after an incident involving Senegal midfielder Lamine Camara and Tielemans inside the penalty area.

The decision sparked immediate protests from Senegal’s players, who argued that the contact was insufficient for a penalty. Defender Pathé Ciss and several teammates surrounded the referee in frustration, but the decision stood.

Tielemans stepped up under immense pressure and converted the spot-kick, sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory and completing one of the greatest turnarounds of the tournament. The Belgian midfielder was later named Player of the Match for his decisive contribution.

Speaking after the match, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw expressed disappointment with the penalty decision, saying his side did not believe the incident warranted a spot-kick. However, the result confirmed Senegal’s exit from the competition.

Earlier in the day, the United States secured their place in the knockout stage with a disciplined 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.

Folarin Balogun was the standout performer during the opening half. After seeing an earlier effort ruled out for offside, the striker finally broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time. He latched onto a precise through ball from Malik Tillman and calmly finished to hand the hosts a crucial lead before the break.

Balogun nearly doubled the advantage soon after, but his powerful strike crashed against the crossbar.

The match took another turn in the 64th minute when Balogun was shown a red card following a VAR review for a dangerous challenge on Tarik Muharemovic. Reduced to 10 men, the Americans were forced to defend deep while looking for opportunities on the counterattack.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the hosts remained composed. In the 82nd minute, Tillman effectively sealed victory with a superb free-kick that flew directly into the net. Christian Pulisic had earlier seen a goal disallowed for offside, but the setback did not affect the final outcome.

The results set up an intriguing Round of 16 clash between Belgium and the United States, with both teams carrying momentum into the knockout phase after memorable victories.

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score at six separate FIFA World Cups as Portugal thrashed Uzbekistan 5-0 on Wednesday, the veteran captain adding two goals to secure his nation’s first win of the 2026 tournament.

Ronaldo opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a low, well‑placed finish from João Cancelo’s cross, and added a second in the 39th minute after a threaded pass from Bruno Fernandes split Uzbekistan’s defence. The 41‑year‑old’s early strike completed a landmark sequence: goals at the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and now 2026 World Cups, officials noted. He also moved past Eusébio to become Portugal’s all‑time World Cup top scorer, with 10 goals.

“It’s a historic moment for him and for Portugal,” a team source said. Further comments from the dressing room were not immediately available. When asked about Lionel Messi after the match, Ronaldo brushed off the question and said simply, “Next question,” according to broadcasters at Houston Stadium.

Portugal kept the pressure up after the opener. Nuno Mendes struck in the 17th minute after Portugal earned a free‑kick following a foul on Pedro Neto. The visitors’ dominance continued and Portugal led 3-0 by half‑time after Ronaldo’s second.

Early in the second half a Bruno Fernandes corner produced chaos in the Uzbekistan area; a back‑heel flick looped off a defender and through goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov’s gloves for what was ruled an own goal in the 59th minute. Substitute Rafael Leão sealed the rout with a superb finish in the 87th minute, tapping in after a Nelson Semedo cut‑back.

Portugal had opened the tournament with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo, making this emphatic win an important response for Fernando Santos’ side. Officials said the result should give the team momentum as it navigates a tricky Group L.

Ronaldo’s record strikes a historical note beyond goals. He and Argentina captain Lionel Messi are both contesting their sixth World Cup in 2026 — the first players to ever appear at six editions. Messi, who missed scoring at one of his earlier tournaments, has nonetheless been prolific in 2026, netting five goals so far for Argentina.

Ronaldo’s two goals in Houston bring him to two for the current tournament; he had been kept off the scoresheet against DR Congo. Broadcasters captured his trademark “Siu” celebration after each strike, a familiar sight for fans around the globe.

Elsewhere in Group L, England were held to a 0-0 draw by Ghana in a match that left group positions tightly balanced. Croatia beat Panama 1-0 thanks to Ante Budimir’s lone strike. The results left England top of the group on goal difference, Ghana second and Croatia third, with Panama bottom as the group stage progresses.

Why it matters
Ronaldo’s record is a landmark in World Cup history and a reminder of his longevity at the highest level. For Portugal, the convincing win restores confidence after a nervy start; for Uzbekistan, the heavy defeat exposes defensive frailties the coaching staff will need to address. England’s draw with Ghana highlights Group L’s competitiveness — and how quickly standings can shift in the early rounds.

Further details on injuries, lineup changes and coach comments are awaited as teams prepare for their next fixtures.

The 27-year-old Real Madrid forward now stands alone as France's all-time leading scorer after a second-half masterclass in New Jersey.

Kylian Mbappé etched his name deeper into footballing history with a breathtaking brace that propelled France to a 3-1 victory over Senegal in their World Cup Group I opener at MetLife Stadium.

The Real Madrid forward's two goals took his international tally to 58, moving him clear of Olivier Giroud as France's record goalscorer. His second strike, a curling effort from 30 yards deep into stoppage time, has already been hailed as the goal of the tournament so far.

France's Second-Half Surge

For 45 minutes, Senegal looked the more dangerous side. Nicolas Jackson struck the post in the 25th minute, the ball rebounding off goalkeeper Mike Maignan's heel and bouncing to safety. Ismaila Sarr then blazed over the bar just before half-time, a miss that would prove costly.

France emerged transformed after the break. Didier Deschamps switched Michael Olise into a more central role, giving the Crystal Palace playmaker greater influence. Olise's pinpoint pass found Mbappé just past the hour mark, and the French captain made no mistake with the finish.

"It's relief. We did have some apprehension," Deschamps said through a translator. "It's always great to start with a win."

Bradley Barcola added a second in the 79th minute, dinking the ball over Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy shortly after coming off the bench. Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back for the African champions with a stunning individual effort in the 84th minute, but Mbappé's spectacular strike in the fifth minute of stoppage time sealed the result.

Climbing the World Cup Charts

Mbappé's double moved him level with West Germany legend Gerd Muller on 14 World Cup goals, placing him third in the all-time rankings behind Miroslav Klose and Lionel Messi, who have 16 each.

The 27-year-old has now scored in three successive World Cups and became only the second player after England's Geoff Hurst to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final during the 2022 showdown against Argentina.

"I'm very happy to be able to write a bit more the history of my country," Mbappé said. "It's always what I have wanted to do. But I will have  time to think about this kind of things later when I stop playing."

Senegal's Missed Opportunity

Pape Thiaw's side had reasons for optimism despite the defeat. They were the better side for much of the first half, registering five shots to France's one. But their failure to capitalise on early chances ultimately proved decisive.

The heat of New Jersey appeared to take its toll on Senegal's ageing spine. Idrissa Gana Gueye, 36, faded in the second half, while captain Kalidou Koulibaly, returning from injury, looked increasingly ragged as the game wore on. Sadio Mane, 34, uncharacteristically lost possession on six separate occasions, more than any other player on the pitch.

The 'Youngster' Threat

Bright spots emerged in the form of 19-year-old substitute Ibrahim Mbaye, whose goal offered a glimpse of Senegal's future. The Paris Saint-Germain youngster flummoxed French defenders with clever footwork before thumping a finish into the roof of the net.

"It would be too reactionary to suggest Mane's failure ought to prompt Thiaw to drop his talisman," observed analysts, "but he must at least consider giving more prominence to the lightning teenager."

What Lies Ahead

France, seeking their third straight World Cup final appearance, next face Iraq on Monday in Philadelphia before closing Group I against Norway in Foxborough on June 26.

Senegal face a must-win encounter against Norway at MetLife Stadium on Monday, with Koulibaly, Gueye, and Mane needing to recover quickly if the Lions are to keep their knockout stage hopes alive.

Mbappé, who scored 25 goals this past season with Real Madrid, dismissed suggestions of personal revenge against critics.

"I play to mark the history of my country and make sure that my team is in the final and win the World Cup," he said. "There is no revenge. If I started playing for all the people who criticise me and to shut them up, I would have to play until I'm 80."

Norway marked their return to football's biggest stage with a statement victory, beating Iraq 4-1 in a World Cup Group match that swung back and forth before Erling Haaland's brilliance settled it.

It was Haaland who set the tone early. The Manchester City forward opened his World Cup account in the 29th minute, giving Norway the lead in a contest that had plenty of nerves on both sides given how long each team had waited for this stage.

Iraq did not fold. Aymen Hussein levelled things up with a well-placed header roughly ten minutes later, sending a jolt through a Norwegian side that had looked comfortable until then. The reply did not last, though. Just before the break, a mix-up at the back from Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan let Haaland in for his second of the night, restoring Norway's lead heading into half-time at 2-1.

The occasion carried weight beyond the scoreline. Norway were playing their first World Cup match in 28 years, having missed every edition since France 1998 despite producing a generation of players good enough to headline some of Europe's biggest clubs. Iraq's wait has been even longer, their appearance marking a first World Cup outing since 1986. For both federations, simply being on the pitch in Foxborough carried its own significance, regardless of what followed.

Iraq had their moments before the interval too. Ali Al-Hamadi dragged an effort narrowly wide with the goal at his mercy, and from the resulting corner, Akam Hashim came agonisingly close to what would have been one of the standout goals of the tournament, his effort striking the crossbar rather than dipping in.

The second half settled into a quieter rhythm before Norway struck again. Leo Østigård rose well to head home a Martin Ødegaard corner in the 75th minute, a goal that effectively ended Iraq's hopes of a comeback. Norway made wholesale changes around this point, bringing on Oscar Bobb, Østigård, Kristian Thorstvedt and Andreas Schjelderup, while Iraq also freshened things up in search of a way back into the game.

There was late drama of a different kind in stoppage time, when Thorstvedt headed in from close range off a Haaland cross to make it 4-1, capping a memorable night for the Norwegian forward, who finished with two goals and an assist on his World Cup debut. Zaid Tahseen picked up Iraq's only yellow card of the match for a foul on Haaland midway through the second half.

The numbers from the match underline how significant the win was for Norway. It stands as the country's largest winning margin in men's World Cup history, surpassing previous one-goal victories over Brazil in 1998 and Mexico in 1994. Haaland's brace also means he ties Kjetil Rekdal for the most goals scored by a Norwegian player across World Cup history, and extends a competitive scoring streak for Norway to 11 matches dating back to November 2024. Statisticians tracking the team noted Norway have now won 15 straight matches in all competitions whenever Haaland has been on the scoresheet.

Both sides face a sharp rise in difficulty next. Norway take on Senegal in the early hours of Tuesday, June 23, while Iraq's group continues to test them further when they face France on Monday, June 22.

Cape Verde, playing their first ever FIFA World Cup match, produced one of the tournament’s early upsets by holding 2010 champions Spain to a 0-0 draw at Atlanta Stadium on Tuesday. The result owed much to veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, whose seven saves and towering presence kept Spain at bay and sent his nation into rapturous celebration.

Spain dominated possession — 74% across the match — and fired 27 shots, yet could not break down Cape Verde’s compact defence. The closest they came was Ferran Torres’s 39th‑minute effort that hit the crossbar; on the rebound Vozinha then palmed away a header from Mikel Oyarzabal. Spain’s attacking play created chances but lacked the finishing touch, while Cape Verde defended in disciplined blocks and threatened on the counter.

Vozinha, 40, emerged as the game’s unlikely hero. Social media exploded after the final whistle: the goalkeeper, who had roughly 50,000 Instagram followers before the match, reportedly gained over four million followers after his performance. Teammates and fans celebrated the draw in the dressing room and on the pitch as if it were a win.

Spain’s coach will be left frustrated by the blunt end product. Lamine Yamal, introduced in the 71st minute to inject urgency, intensified Spain’s attacks but could not find a decisive touch. Mikel Merino and Oyarzabal tested Vozinha repeatedly in the second half; a late Oyarzabal chance was somehow cleared off the line by Pico Lopes in the 88th minute. Cape Verde even had a late opportunity when Diney Borges headed towards goal in stoppage time, only for Spain’s Unai Simón to make a sharp save.

In Group H’s other match on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay shared the points in Miami after a 1-1 draw. Hassan Al‑Tambakti’s header created a rebound that Abdulelah Al‑Amri converted early on to give Saudi Arabia the lead. Uruguay fought back late, and Maxi Araujo equalised in the 80th minute after a Federico Vias header was only parried, sending the ball back into play for Araujo to finish.

The results leave Uruguay top of Group H, followed by Saudi Arabia, Spain and Cape Verde. Spain and Uruguay meet next, while Cape Verde will face Saudi Arabia — a tough run for the island nation, but one buoyed by newfound belief.

Tuesday’s slate of matches produced an unusual statistical footnote: four World Cup games ended in draws on the same day, the first time that has happened since June 15, 1958 — exactly 68 years ago, according to The Athletic.

Beyond the headlines, Cape Verde’s draw highlights how compact defending and one inspired performance from a keeper can upset possession-heavy sides. For Spain, the lack of a cutting edge will invite tactical questions and scrutiny from fans and pundits. For Cape Verde, this is football’s biggest stage delivering a national moment — one they will hope to build on.

Other notable moments from the day: Uruguay’s Fernando Muslera, at 39 years and 364 days, became the oldest player to represent Uruguay at a World Cup. Belgium were held to a 1-1 draw by Egypt, while Iran and New Zealand played out an entertaining 2-2 tie, with Elijah Just scoring a brace for New Zealand.

For a modest footballing nation like Cape Verde, the draw is seismic. Vozinha’s night will be replayed across timelines, and the island’s players will carry confidence into a group that still offers room for surprise. Spain, meanwhile, must sharpen their final third before facing Uruguay if they are to avoid further slip‑ups.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be broadcast in India on Unite 8 Sports channels, while live streaming will be available on Zee5 as Zee Entertainment expands its sports portfolio.

Zee Entertainment Secures FIFA World Cup Rights for India Ahead of 2026 Tournament

New Delhi: Less than two weeks before the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) has announced that it has acquired the media rights for the tournament in India, bringing one of the world's biggest sporting events to its television and digital platforms.

The FIFA World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico, will be available to Indian viewers through the newly launched Unite 8 Sports channels and on the Zee5 streaming platform. The expanded tournament will feature 48 teams and 104 matches, making it the largest edition of the competition to date.

Rights Secured Across FIFA Events

Beyond the men's FIFA World Cup in 2026 and 2030, ZEEL said it has also secured media rights for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 and several other FIFA competitions through 2034. The package includes a range of youth tournaments and additional football-related content aimed at Indian audiences.

The acquisition significantly strengthens Zee's position in the sports broadcasting market, where competition for premium global sports properties has intensified in recent years.

Late Confirmation Before Kick-Off

The announcement comes unusually close to the start of the tournament. Industry observers had been watching developments around the Indian broadcast rights for months, as no official broadcaster had been confirmed despite the event drawing near.

One of the key challenges has been the time-zone difference. Most FIFA World Cup matches are expected to be played during late-night and early-morning hours in India, potentially limiting television viewership compared to previous editions.

According to industry reports, this factor influenced negotiations and broadcaster interest in the rights package.

Reports of Earlier Negotiations

Media reports indicate that discussions between FIFA and JioStar over broadcast rights pricing did not result in an agreement. Sources familiar with the matter suggested that differing assessments of the commercial value of the tournament in the Indian market contributed to the impasse.

The development eventually opened the door for Zee Entertainment to enter the bidding process and secure the rights.

Reports have suggested that FIFA initially sought around $100 million for the Indian rights package before lowering expectations during negotiations. However, broadcasters reportedly remained cautious, citing scheduling challenges and audience considerations.

New Sports Channels Launched

As part of its renewed push into sports broadcasting, Zee has introduced four dedicated sports channels under the Unite 8 Sports brand. These include standard-definition and high-definition offerings in both Hindi and English.

The channels are expected to serve as the primary destination for the FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage in India while also carrying other sports programming throughout the year.

More Than Just Football

The company has indicated that its sports portfolio will extend beyond football. Programming plans include cricket, kabaddi, badminton, wrestling and combat sports, alongside existing properties such as regional leagues and franchise tournaments.

In addition to the FIFA World Cup, Zee will also broadcast events including the FIFA U-17 World Cup, FIFA U-20 World Cup, women's youth tournaments, futsal competitions and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

Return to Sports Broadcasting

The FIFA rights acquisition marks a significant milestone in Zee Entertainment's return to sports broadcasting after several years away from the segment. The company had previously exited the space following the sale of its sports network assets but has gradually signalled its intention to re-establish a presence in the market.

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 now added to its portfolio, Zee has made one of its biggest moves in sports media in recent years. The success of the venture will likely depend on audience engagement, digital viewership and advertiser response as Indian fans prepare to follow football's biggest tournament through Unite 8 Sports and Zee5 next month.

FIFA revenue hit at lead
FIFA is likely to get significantly lower returns from the sale of India TV rights for the 2026 World Cup after major broadcasters scaled back bids, according to industry sources and documents reviewed by Reuters and other outlets. The drop comes as media houses weigh the late-night, early-morning broadcast window for matches in North America and reassess advertising prospects.

Bidders thin out
Initial demands from FIFA reportedly sought about $100 million (roughly ₹955 crore) for a bundled television and streaming package for India, then later fell to a floor of around $60 million (₹573 crore). Sources familiar with broadcaster negotiations said offers on the table ended up near $20 million (about ₹191 crore) before bidders withdrew. JioStar — a large media group — exited the race after a final offer, leaving Zee Entertainment Enterprises as the principal bidder currently engaged in talks.

Why offers dropped
Media analysts said the time-zone mismatch is the primary deterrent. Matches hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico will often kick off in the early hours in India, undermining live viewership figures and reducing the appeal of peak-time ad inventory. “Late-night fixtures translate to lower real-time audiences and muted ad revenue, which directly hits the valuation,” an industry analyst familiar with the talks said on condition of anonymity.

Zee's strategy
Zee has indicated interest in using the tournament to expand its sports footprint and is planning new sports channels under the brand ‘Unite8 Sports’, according to people briefed on the matter. Industry executives said Zee is seeking a deal at a much lower price than FIFA’s initial expectations, aiming for a package that leaves room for subscription and digital monetisation given the time-shifted viewing behaviour.

Broadcasting context
In 2022, Viacom18 — now a Reliance-Disney joint venture — paid about $62 million (around ₹592 crore) for Indian broadcasting rights and streamed matches on Sports18 and JioCinema. The sharp softening of bids this cycle could mean FIFA receives roughly one-third of that amount, industry figures estimate, although final numbers will depend on whether Zee closes a deal and on the exact scope of rights (TV, streaming, highlights, sublicensing).

Ticketing row complicates optics
The rights debate comes amid wider controversy surrounding FIFA’s ticketing for the 2026 World Cup. Investigations by US state authorities, including in New York and California, were reported after fans and consumer groups accused FIFA of using dynamic pricing and creating a new “Front Category” that allegedly displaced early buyers. Ticket prices have soared — the cheapest public tickets start around $120 (about ₹11,460) while best-category final match seats climbed to as high as $10,990 (about ₹10.49 lakh) after dynamic pricing adjustments. The ticketing uproar has cast a shadow over FIFA’s wider commercial approach to the tournament.

Impact on viewers and advertisers
For Indian broadcasters and advertisers, the calculus is changing. Brands typically pay premiums for live events that guarantee mass, appointment viewing. With matches airing at inconvenient hours, advertisers may demand steep discounts or opt for targeted digital buys instead. That in turn reduces the pool of revenue a broadcaster can recoup, pressuring bid prices downward.

What’s next
Negotiations between FIFA and Zee were ongoing at the time of filing. If Zee signs a low-cost deal, FIFA’s India take will shrink markedly compared with 2022, forcing the governing body to rely more on other markets to meet revenue forecasts. Media houses are also weighing sublicensing or time-shifted streaming packages as backup monetisation strategies.

Broader significance
A reduced payout from India — one of the world’s largest football markets by viewership potential — would be notable for global sports rights trends, signalling how time zones and changing consumption patterns are reshaping the economics of mega-events.