Lionel Messi once again played a decisive role for Argentina, opening the scoring and setting a new World Cup record in the process. The victory keeps Argentina's title defence alive and sets up a knockout clash against Egypt on Tuesday.

Argentina looked in control for long periods of the match and took the lead in the 29th minute when Messi found the net. The goal gave the South American side a deserved advantage after dominating possession and creating several opportunities in the opening half.

Cape Verde, however, refused to back down. The African nation, playing one of the biggest matches in its football history, equalised in the 59th minute through Dailo Duarte and pushed Argentina onto the back foot.

The match became increasingly tense as both teams searched for a winner. Argentina regained the lead deep into stoppage time through Emiliano Martinez, but Cape Verde struck again when Sidney Lopes scored a late equaliser to force extra time and stun the crowd in Miami.

With penalties looming, the contest was ultimately decided by an own goal in the 111th minute. Cape Verde defender Dinye inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, handing Argentina a narrow but crucial victory.

Messi's goal ensured another milestone in an already remarkable international career. The Argentine captain became the first footballer to score in eight consecutive FIFA World Cup matches. He also became the first player to feature in 30 World Cup games.

The 39-year-old now has seven goals in the ongoing tournament and has moved ahead in the race for the Golden Boot. He has also extended his overall World Cup goal tally to 20, further strengthening his position among the competition's most prolific scorers.

Despite the defeat, Cape Verde earned widespread praise for its spirited performance. Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha was one of the standout players of the match. The 40-year-old produced 10 saves, including five against Messi, and repeatedly frustrated the Argentine attack.

In another Round of 32 fixture, Egypt knocked Australia out of the tournament after winning 4-2 in a penalty shootout. The match had finished level after regulation and extra time.

Australia's hopes faded when captain Harry Souttar missed the opening penalty and teenager Lucas Harrington struck the crossbar. Egypt converted four of their spot-kicks through Mahmoud Saber, Rami Rabia, Mohamed Salah and Hossam Abdelmagid to seal a historic victory.

Earlier, Egypt had taken the lead through Emam Ashour before an own goal from defender Mohamed Hany brought Australia back into the game. Hany became the first player to score two own goals in a single World Cup edition.

Meanwhile, Colombia also progressed after defeating Ghana 1-0 in Kansas City. Jhon Arias scored the decisive goal in the 14th minute, helping Colombia book a Round of 16 meeting with Switzerland.

With the knockout stage gathering momentum, Argentina remain among the favourites for the title, while Egypt and Colombia continue their impressive campaigns with confidence-building victories.

All eyes will once again be on Lionel Messi, who has already scored six goals in the tournament and remains firmly in contention for the Golden Boot. Argentina enter the contest as favourites after a flawless group-stage campaign, but Cape Verde’s disciplined performances have made them one of the surprise packages of the World Cup.

The South American giants topped Group J with maximum points, defeating Jordan, Austria and Algeria. Lionel Scaloni’s side has looked balanced throughout the tournament, combining defensive solidity with attacking efficiency. Messi has been at the heart of that run, linking midfield and attack while continuing to deliver crucial goals.

Cape Verde, meanwhile, arrives with growing confidence despite being considered underdogs. The African nation earned widespread praise after holding stronger opponents during the group stage. Draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia helped secure a historic place in the knockout rounds, marking one of the biggest achievements in the country’s football history.

Much of Cape Verde’s hopes could rest on goalkeeper Vozinha and the team’s compact defensive structure. Stopping Messi, Julian Alvarez and the rest of Argentina’s attacking unit, however, represents their toughest challenge yet.

Before Argentina take the field, Australia and Egypt will battle for a place in the quarter-finals in Dallas.

The encounter marks the first-ever World Cup meeting between the two nations. Their previous international record remains evenly balanced, with both teams having registered one victory each in earlier meetings.

Australia’s journey to the knockout phase has been far from straightforward. The Socceroos opened their campaign with a victory over Turkey before suffering a defeat against the United States. A goalless draw against Paraguay eventually secured qualification. While the Australians have shown defensive resilience, questions remain about their ability to convert chances in front of goal.

Egypt, on the other hand, progressed without losing a match in the group stage. A convincing win over New Zealand was followed by draws against Belgium and Iran. Captain Mohamed Salah remains the focal point of Egypt’s attack and will carry the expectations of millions of supporters heading into the contest.

The Liverpool forward has looked sharp throughout the tournament and is expected to play a decisive role if Egypt are to reach the last eight.

Another intriguing knockout fixture will see Colombia face Ghana in Kansas City. The match will be the first senior international meeting between the two countries.

Colombia entered the knockout stage unbeaten after topping Group K. Victories over DR Congo and Uzbekistan, along with a draw against Portugal, underlined the South American side’s consistency. Luis Diaz has been among their standout performers, while James Rodriguez continues to provide experience and creativity in midfield.

Ghana’s route to the Round of 16 was more challenging. The Black Stars secured qualification after a win, a draw and a defeat in the group stage. Despite the mixed results, the team demonstrated resilience and attacking threat, particularly through Mohammed Kudus and Inaki Williams.

Football analysts believe the Ghana-Colombia fixture could be one of the most competitive contests of the round, with both teams possessing the pace and attacking quality to trouble each other.

As the tournament enters its decisive phase, the spotlight remains firmly on football’s biggest stars. Messi’s pursuit of another World Cup title, Salah’s leadership of Egypt and the emergence of nations such as Cape Verde ensure that the knockout stage continues to offer compelling storylines across multiple continents.

With quarter-final places at stake, the margin for error has disappeared, and every moment could shape the destiny of FIFA World Cup 2026.

Played at Toronto Stadium on Friday, the contest appeared headed for extra time before Gonçalo Ramos struck deep into injury time to send Portugal through. The victory sets up a high-profile Round of 16 showdown against Spain on July 7, while Croatia’s campaign ended in heartbreak.

The match remained goalless through the first half despite Portugal enjoying greater possession and creating the better opportunities. Croatia defended resolutely and managed to frustrate Ronaldo and his teammates for long periods.

The breakthrough finally arrived eight minutes after the restart. Josip Stanišić delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area, where veteran winger Ivan Perišić met the ball clinically to put Croatia ahead in the 53rd minute.

Croatia’s lead intensified the pressure on Portugal, but the response came through the player who has defined much of the nation’s footballing history.

In the 68th minute, Portugal were awarded a penalty after a challenge inside the box. Ronaldo stepped up and converted from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and bringing his side level at 1-1.

The goal carried historic significance. It was Ronaldo’s first-ever goal in a World Cup knockout match and made him the oldest player to score in the tournament’s knockout stage. At 41 years and 147 days, the Portuguese captain surpassed the previous record held by former teammate Pepe.

Ronaldo’s celebration also carried an emotional message. The veteran forward paid tribute to late Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota by displaying a commemorative jersey, marking one year since the player’s passing.

As the match entered stoppage time, extra time seemed inevitable. However, Portugal found one final opening. Rafael Leão delivered a cross into the area and Gonçalo Ramos rose highest to head the ball into the net, giving Portugal a dramatic 2-1 advantage in the dying moments.

Croatia thought they had rescued the match almost immediately. A late attack resulted in the ball finding the back of the net, sparking celebrations among Croatian players and supporters. Those celebrations were short-lived.

Following a VAR review, Mario Pašalić was judged to be offside in the build-up, leading the referee to disallow the goal. The decision triggered angry reactions from sections of the Croatian support, with reports of bottles being thrown onto the field as fans protested the call.

The defeat was particularly emotional for Croatian captain Luka Modrić, who is widely expected to have played his final FIFA World Cup match. The veteran midfielder was visibly disappointed after the final whistle as Croatia’s tournament journey came to an end.

Elsewhere, Spain advanced comfortably with a convincing 3-0 victory over Austria in Los Angeles. Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice while Pedro Porro added another as Spain secured their first World Cup knockout victory since lifting the trophy in 2010.

Spain dominated possession throughout the contest and registered their fourth consecutive clean sheet of the tournament. Austria failed to record a single shot on target, allowing Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simón a relatively quiet evening.

The performance was another statement from Spain’s young generation, led by 18-year-old winger Lamine Yamal, who has been one of the standout performers of the competition despite recently returning from injury.

With Portugal and Spain both advancing, football fans are now set for one of the most anticipated Round of 16 encounters of the FIFA World Cup. Ronaldo’s experience and Spain’s youthful energy promise a compelling battle for a place in the quarter-finals.

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.

The 2018 champions top Group I as Norway coach benches star striker; Spain edge past Uruguay in heated encounter.

Ousmane Dembele produced a stunning 32-minute hat-trick as France thrashed Norway 4-1 at the Boston Stadium in Foxborough on Friday to top Group I and advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage.

The reigning Ballon d'Or winner struck in the seventh, 20th and 32nd minutes, stealing the spotlight in what was billed as a showdown between Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. The Norwegian superstar, however, never made it onto the pitch.

Thelo Aasgaard pulled one back for Norway in the 21st minute, but France were unstoppable. Desire Doue added a fourth in added time to complete the rout.

Why Haaland Was Benched

Norway coach Stale Solbakken explained his decision to bench 10 first-team players, including Haaland and captain Martin Odegaard, following their 3-2 win over Senegal.

"This is simple. We did a summary after Senegal, and five or six players were very affected after 80 minutes of play. The entire defense and some midfielders were very affected," Solbakken said.

"We also know that from the Senegal game that Norway had the shortest window to play another match today. So, it was a no-brainer on my part and also from the physio and health and medical and from some players themselves," he added.

Spain Edge Past Uruguay, Cape Verde Make History

Spain secured qualification for the round of 32 after a 1-0 win over Uruguay at the Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico. Alex Baena's first-half goal — capitalising on a blunder by Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera — proved decisive.

The result knocked out the South American heavyweights. Cape Verde, meanwhile, secured a historic qualification after a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia in the other Group H match. With three points from three draws, Cape Verde will face defending champions Argentina in the knockout stage.

Williams Involved in Heated Exchange

Spain winger Nico Williams was involved in a heated argument with Uruguay players Nicolas de la Cruz and Agustin Canobbio after a rough tackle in the dying stages of the match. The 23-year-old was seen engaging in a tense exchange with de la Cruz before Canobbio intervened and pushed him away. The referee had to step in to separate the players.

After the match, Uruguay head coach Marcelo Bielsa lashed out at journalists, appearing to yell at a reporter.

Senegal Thrash 10-Man Iraq 5-0

Senegal kept their knockout hopes alive with a dominant 5-0 win over Iraq in the other Group I clash. Habib Diarra gave Senegal the lead in the fourth minute before Iraq were reduced to 10 men in the 13th after Rebin Sulaka was shown a red card.

Ismaila Sarr struck in the 56th minute before a Pape Gueye brace (59' and 71') and Iliman Ndiaye's goal completed the rout. Senegal eventually qualified for the round of 32.

Belgium Crush New Zealand 5-1

Belgium qualified with an emphatic 5-1 win over New Zealand in Group G at BC Place in Vancouver. Leandro Trossard struck a brace, while Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers also found the net.

Drama in Iran-Egypt Draw

Iran vs Egypt finished in a 1-1 draw, with drama in added time. Shoja Khalilzadeh scored what would have been a winner for Iran, securing qualification, but the goal was ruled out. Iran now must wait to know their fate.

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 FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage delivered another exciting round of action on June 17, with England and Colombia registering convincing victories to move to the top of their groups. England defeated Croatia 4-2 in a high-scoring Group L encounter, while Colombia opened their campaign with a 3-1 win over World Cup debutants Uzbekistan in Group K.

With the tournament expanded to 48 teams for the first time, every result carries added significance. The top two teams from each of the 12 groups, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will qualify for the Round of 32. As a result, early victories can provide a crucial advantage in the race for qualification.

England, Colombia, Argentina, Germany, Mexico and several other contenders have made positive starts to their campaigns. However, traditional powerhouses such as Portugal, Spain and Brazil have already dropped points, adding further intrigue to the tournament.

England and Colombia Make Strong Statements

England produced one of the most impressive performances of the tournament so far by defeating Croatia 4-2 in Group L. Captain Harry Kane led from the front with two goals, while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also found the net.

The victory not only earned England three valuable points but also strengthened their goal difference, which could prove decisive later in the group stage. Croatia, meanwhile, will need a strong response in their upcoming fixtures to keep their qualification hopes alive.

In Group K, Colombia enjoyed a comfortable 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan. Goals from Daniel Munoz, Luis Diaz and Jaminton Campaz ensured a winning start and placed the South American side at the top of the group standings.

The same group also witnessed a surprise result as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo. Despite featuring veteran star Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal failed to secure all three points, while DR Congo celebrated a historic result in their World Cup campaign.

Tight Competition Across Several Groups

Group A is currently led by Mexico and South Korea, both of whom secured victories in their opening matches. Group B remains completely open after both fixtures ended in draws, leaving all four teams level on points.

In Group C, Scotland moved to the top after defeating Haiti, while Brazil and Morocco shared the points in a hard-fought draw. The United States and Australia lead Group D following impressive opening victories.

Group E saw Germany produce a dominant display, thrashing Curaçao 7-1 to register the biggest win of the tournament so far. Ivory Coast also began their campaign with a narrow but important victory over Ecuador.

Sweden lead Group F after a convincing win over Tunisia, while Japan and the Netherlands played out a draw. Groups G and H remain evenly balanced, with all teams level on points after their opening fixtures ended without winners.

Qualification Battle Intensifies

The expanded World Cup format means that teams finishing third in their groups still have a realistic chance of progressing. Consequently, every point earned during the group stage could have a major impact on qualification scenarios.

Reports suggest that upcoming fixtures such as England vs Ghana, Portugal vs Uzbekistan, and Argentina vs Austria could significantly influence the standings. Teams that secure consecutive victories will move closer to the knockout rounds, while those dropping points may find themselves under increasing pressure.

As the tournament progresses, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Points Table is expected to change rapidly, making every match crucial in the quest for football's biggest prize.

Lionel Messi rolled back the years on Wednesday, producing a vintage display to fire Argentina to a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening Group J match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 38-year-old captain scored a memorable hat-trick on his 200th appearance for the national team, breaking several records in the process at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

The defending champions could not have asked for a better start to their title defence, with Messi reminding the world why he remains football’s greatest talisman.

Sixth World Cup Milestone

Messi became the first player in history to feature in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments. Walking out for the match against Algeria, the Argentine icon added another chapter to his extraordinary legacy, surpassing even Cristiano Ronaldo, who is set to equal the feat later on Wednesday.

Despite turning 39 later this month and carrying some injury concerns into the tournament, Messi showed few signs of age, delivering a masterclass that left fans and teammates in awe.

Early Strike Sets Tone

The game began with Messi nearly opening the scoring inside the first few minutes, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside. Undeterred, he broke the deadlock in the 17th minute with a signature left-footed strike from just outside the box, sending the Argentina supporters into raptures.

That goal carried extra historical weight — making Messi both the youngest and oldest player to score a World Cup goal for his country.

Hat-Trick Completes Record Night

Early in the second half, Messi pounced on a rebound to make it 2-0, moving him level with Brazil’s Ronaldo on the all-time World Cup scoring list. He then completed his first-ever World Cup hat-trick with a precise curled finish in the 76th minute, taking his tally to 16 goals in the competition.

With that strike, Messi equalled Miroslav Klose’s all-time record for most World Cup goals and became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the tournament’s history. He was later substituted in the 80th minute to a standing ovation, with coach Lionel Scaloni opting to manage his workload ahead of tougher tests.

200th Cap and Enduring Legacy

The night also marked Messi’s 200th international appearance for Argentina — a national record. Sources close to the camp revealed that despite recent hamstring issues that forced him to miss some pre-tournament friendlies, Messi was determined to lead his side in what many see as his “last dance” at the World Cup.

Scaloni, speaking after the match, admitted he was “at a loss for words” about his captain. “He’s been doing this for 20 years. We have to enjoy him,” the coach said, highlighting Messi’s unmatched influence on the team and the sport.

Algeria Outclassed in Opening Clash

Algeria showed moments of resistance but struggled to contain the world champions. The North African side created few clear chances as Argentina controlled proceedings, particularly after Messi’s early goal. The 3-0 result gives La Albiceleste an ideal platform as they prepare for upcoming group fixtures, including a clash against Austria.

Defending Champions Send Strong Message

For Argentina, the win provides confidence as they aim to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup title. While history is against them, performances like this suggest the current squad has the quality and leadership to challenge that statistic.

Messi’s display also overshadowed strong performances from other stars on the day, including goals from Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, further cementing his status even at this advanced stage of his career.

As the tournament unfolds in this expanded 48-team format, all eyes will stay on the Argentine No.10. Whether this is truly his final World Cup or not, Messi continues to write history with every touch of the ball.

Austria marked their return to the FIFA World Cup after a 28-year absence with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over tournament debutants Jordan in a lively Group J encounter, thanks largely to veteran striker Marko Arnautovic's influential second-half display.

Played on a chilly evening in the San Francisco Bay Area, the match proved far more competitive than many had anticipated, with Jordan pushing Austria throughout and threatening to pull off a surprise result on the global stage.

Austria took the lead in the 21st minute through Romano Schmid, who unleashed a powerful long-range strike that flew into the top corner. The goal rewarded Austria's growing control after an energetic start from Jordan, who had created the first real opening of the game when captain Ehsan Haddad fired into the side netting following a quick counter-attack.

While Austria enjoyed the majority of possession and dictated much of the tempo, Jordan remained dangerous on the break. The pace and movement of Ali Olwan and Musa Al-Taamari repeatedly tested the Austrian defence and ensured the contest remained open.

Jordan's persistence paid off shortly after the restart. Five minutes into the second half, Olwan surged down the left flank before producing a clinical finish that struck the far post and bounced in, bringing the scores level and sparking celebrations among the Jordanian supporters.

The equaliser shifted momentum and briefly put Austria under pressure. Seeking greater attacking urgency, the Austrian coaching staff introduced experienced forward Marko Arnautovic at half-time, a move that ultimately proved decisive.

The 37-year-old thought he had restored Austria's lead in the 69th minute when he bundled home from close range. However, the goal was disallowed after a VAR review detected a handball by defender Stefan Posch during the build-up.

Austria continued to press and finally regained the advantage in the 76th minute. A dangerous corner delivered by Marcel Sabitzer caused confusion inside the Jordan penalty area, with defender Yazan Al-Arab inadvertently turning the ball into his own net under pressure.

Jordan refused to back down and continued searching for another equaliser, but Austria held firm. Deep into stoppage time, Arnautovic sealed the result from the penalty spot after Austria were awarded a late spot-kick, ensuring the scoreline reflected their territorial dominance.

Austria finished with 62 percent possession and registered more attempts on goal, although Jordan created several dangerous moments and managed four shots on target compared to Austria's two.

Speaking after the match, Austria midfielder Konrad Laimer acknowledged the challenge posed by their opponents. He said the team had expected a difficult contest and credited Austria's mentality for helping them secure all three points despite periods where their performance dipped.

For Jordan, the result was disappointing but far from discouraging. Making their first appearance at a FIFA World Cup, the Asian side demonstrated resilience, organisation and attacking intent against more experienced opposition.

Goal-scorer Ali Olwan said his side did not deserve to lose and expressed confidence that Jordan could still progress from the group stage. With two matches remaining, Jordan remain hopeful of making further history at the tournament.

The victory gives Austria an important start in Group J and boosts confidence ahead of tougher challenges to come. For Jordan, despite the defeat, the performance offered plenty of encouragement as they continue their maiden World Cup journey.

Lionel Messi etched his name deeper into football folklore on Wednesday as Argentina opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Algeria in Group J. The 38-year-old captain delivered a masterclass, scoring his first-ever World Cup hat-trick and breaking multiple records in the process.

The match at the iconic stadium saw Messi deliver a performance that silenced any doubts about his fitness and age, helping the defending champions start their title defence on a high note.

Historic Milestone in Sixth World Cup

Messi became the first player in history to feature in six different editions of the FIFA World Cup. Having already featured in five previous tournaments, his appearance against Algeria pushed him into uncharted territory. The landmark moment came even before kick-off, but what followed on the pitch was pure magic.

Sources familiar with the Argentine camp noted that Messi, despite recent injury concerns, was determined to lead from the front. He will turn 39 later this month, yet showed little signs of slowing down.

Early Promise and Record-Breaking Goal

Argentina started brightly, with Messi finding the net inside the opening minutes only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. Undeterred, the captain broke the deadlock in the 17th minute with a clinical finish, giving his side a deserved lead.

That strike carried special significance — it made Messi both the youngest and the oldest player to score a World Cup goal for Argentina, adding yet another unique record to his collection.

Maiden World Cup Hat-Trick Seals Victory

Early in the second half, Messi struck again to make it 2-0, moving him joint-second on the all-time World Cup goalscorers list. Minutes later, he completed his hat-trick, becoming the oldest player ever to achieve the feat in a World Cup match. With the third goal, he equalled Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals, now standing alone at the top of the charts.

The hat-trick took Messi’s World Cup tally to 16 goals and eight assists from 27 appearances, numbers that underline his enduring greatness.

200th Cap for Argentina

The game also marked Messi’s 200th appearance for the national team — a record no other Argentine player has touched. Coach Lionel Scaloni, showing caution with his star player’s workload, substituted him shortly after the third goal to preserve him for upcoming group matches.

Algeria Struggle as Argentina Dominate

Algeria, who put up a spirited fight in patches, were ultimately outclassed by the world champions. The North African side failed to create clear-cut chances against a solid Argentine defence, slumping to a disappointing defeat in their opening fixture.

For Argentina, the result provides the perfect platform as they look to defend their crown. The win also sends a strong message to other Group J contenders.

What Lies Ahead for Messi and Argentina

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will remain on Messi. Questions about his longevity and fitness have followed him into this World Cup, but performances like this continue to defy expectations. Argentina will now prepare for their next group stage assignment with renewed confidence.

Cristiano Ronaldo is also expected to reach the six-World Cup milestone when Portugal face DR Congo later on Wednesday, setting up a fascinating narrative across the tournament.

The football world will be watching closely to see how far this Argentina side, led by their eternal talisman, can go in 2026.

United States President Donald Trump could play a prominent role during the FIFA World Cup 2026 final trophy presentation, with reports indicating that FIFA may permit him to personally hand over the trophy to the tournament winners if he chooses to do so.

The possibility has sparked discussion among football fans and observers because it would differ from the customary World Cup presentation procedure followed in previous editions of the tournament.

Traditional Trophy Protocol

Under standard FIFA World Cup protocol, the trophy is usually placed on a designated plinth near the presentation area after the final. Members of the winning team then receive the trophy before carrying it onto the celebration podium, where official photographs and victory celebrations take place.

However, sources familiar with the planning process suggest FIFA is unlikely to object if Trump decides to personally present the trophy and remain on stage during the celebrations.

While no official confirmation has been issued regarding the final ceremony format, the reports have fuelled speculation about a potentially unprecedented moment at football's biggest event.

Club World Cup Precedent

The discussion stems largely from Trump's appearance during the recent FIFA Club World Cup trophy presentation.

After the final, Trump handed the trophy to players of Chelsea FC and remained on stage as captain Reece James lifted the trophy alongside teammates.

The moment attracted widespread attention and led to questions about whether a similar role could be envisioned for the World Cup final next year.

Trump was unable to attend the United States men's national team's opening match against Paraguay due to scheduling commitments but is expected to be present at the World Cup final scheduled at MetLife Stadium on July 19.

Tunisia Makes Coaching Change

In a separate World Cup development, Tunisia has become the first team to change its head coach during the tournament.

Head coach Sabri Lamouchi was relieved of his duties following the team's 5-1 defeat against Sweden.

Reports indicate the decision was influenced not only by the heavy loss but also by concerns over internal team dynamics and dressing-room issues. Lamouchi's tenure lasted just five matches.

Former national team coach Mondher Kebaier is reportedly being considered as an interim replacement.

Tunisia still faces crucial group-stage fixtures against Japan and Netherlands as it attempts to remain competitive in the tournament.

Neymar Recovery Monitored

Meanwhile, concerns remain over the fitness of Brazilian star Neymar ahead of the latter stages of the competition.

According to reports, Brazil's medical staff are taking a cautious approach as the forward continues to recover from a Grade-2 calf injury suffered while playing for Santos FC in May.

The management is reportedly prioritising Neymar's availability for the knockout rounds rather than rushing him back during the group stage.

Focus on Knockout Stage

Neymar missed Brazil's opening match and is also expected to sit out the upcoming fixture against Haiti. While the 32-year-old has increased the intensity of his gym sessions, he has yet to resume full on-field training with the squad.

Brazilian officials believe a cautious recovery plan will reduce the risk of aggravating the injury and maximise the player's chances of contributing later in the tournament.

With major storylines emerging both on and off the field, attention now turns to the coming weeks as teams battle for qualification and organisers prepare for what could be one of the most closely watched FIFA World Cup finals in recent history.

Shakira and Burna Boy light up ceremony as Mexico beats South Africa 2-0; streaming woes trigger backlash in India

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off in spectacular fashion at the Azteca Stadium on Thursday night, but the opening day was anything but straightforward. A colourful ceremony headlined by Shakira and Burna Boy was followed by a fiery match that saw three red cards and a Mexican victory. Meanwhile, thousands of kilometres away in India, the tournament’s digital broadcaster found itself in the middle of a social media storm.

Mexico defeated South Africa 2–0 in the opener, but the match will be remembered as much for the dismissals as for the goals. The referee brandished three red cards – two against South Africa and one against Mexico – raising early concerns about discipline in this expanded 48-team tournament.

Ceremony lights up Azteca

The two-hour opening ceremony featured Colombian pop star Shakira, who has now performed at four World Cups, alongside Nigerian singer Burna Boy. The duo performed the official tournament song “Die-Die”. Mexican acts including Belinda, Los Ángeles Azules, and rock band Maná also took the stage.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino later unveiled the World Cup trophy, joined by Hollywood actress Salma Hayek. Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin rounded off the performances before the first match kicked off.

Mexico strikes early

The home side wasted little time. In the 9th minute, South African captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made a costly error on a back-pass. Mexico’s Julián Quiñones pounced and slotted home the tournament’s opening goal. The striker nearly added a second just before halftime, but his shot rattled the post.

South Africa struggled to mount any serious attack in the first half and trailed 1–0 at the break.

Jiménez doubles the lead

Mexico’s second goal arrived in the 67th minute. Roberto Alvarado delivered a cross from the right, and striker Raúl Jiménez rose to meet it with a powerful header. That sealed the 2–0 win for the hosts in front of a raucous home crowd.

Three red cards in opener – a worrying sign?

The match turned chaotic early in the second half. In the 49th minute, South African midfielder Sphephelo Sithole was shown a straight red card for a foul from behind on Bryan Gutiérrez. Things got worse for the visitors in the 84th minute when Themba Zwane received his marching orders for violent conduct, reducing South Africa to nine men.

Deep into stoppage time, Mexico’s César Montes also saw red for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

For context, the entire 2022 World Cup in Qatar recorded just four red cards. The 2018 edition in Russia also had four. The 2006 tournament still holds the unwanted record of 28 red cards. With three in the opening match alone, concerns are already being raised that this edition could break that mark.

 Zee5 faces heat over streaming quality

Back in India, the excitement quickly turned to frustration. Zee5, the official streaming partner for the FIFA World Cup 2026, faced massive backlash on social media within hours of the broadcast starting.

Users complained of poor video quality, frequent buffering, and intrusive advertisements – even for paid subscribers. Several viewers also reported a glitch during the live stream of the opening ceremony. The criticism trended on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), with many demanding refunds or urging the platform to fix the issues before the next matches.

Neither Zee5 nor FIFA’s Indian representatives have issued an official statement so far.

Protests outside the stadium

Away from the football, tensions simmered on the streets of Mexico City. Dozens of demonstrators gathered near the Azteca Stadium ahead of the opening match, demanding higher wages for teachers and better public amenities. Protesters accused the government of prioritising the World Cup while ignoring social issues. The protests remained peaceful, but they served as a reminder of the domestic challenges facing the host nation.

 South Korea pull off upset

On the pitch, there was more drama on matchday one. Asian giants South Korea staged a comeback to beat Czech Republic 2–1. Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu scored for the Koreans, while Ladislav Krejci netted the lone goal for Czechia.