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Sports

Ronaldo becomes first player to score in six different FIFA World Cups

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Ronaldo becomes

LISBON: Cristiano Ronaldo added another milestone to his storied career, becoming the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cup editions.

The Portugal captain achieved the feat during his team’s match against Uzbekistan, scoring in the sixth minute with a right-footed finish off a cross from Joao Cancelo.

Ronaldo, 41, had previously scored once in the 2006, 2010 and 2014 tournaments, four times in 2018 and once in the 2022 World Cup.

The goal also made Ronaldo the second-oldest player to score in World Cup history. The record for the oldest World Cup scorer is still held by Cameroon great Roger Milla.

Argentina star Lionel Messi is also competing in his sixth World Cup this year, but he has not scored in every edition of the tournament.

Ronaldo’s latest achievement further cements his place among football’s all-time greats as he continues to set records on the sport’s biggest stage.

Lionel Messi sets multiple World Cup records to extend football legacy

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Lionel Messi

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina: Argentina captain Lionel Messi has added several more milestones to his illustrious career, setting multiple World Cup records following standout performances in the opening two matches of the tournament.

Messi became the leading goal scorer in World Cup history with 18 goals, further cementing his status among the sport’s all-time greats.

The Argentine star also set a new record for the most World Cup appearances, playing his 28th match in the competition.

In another achievement, Messi became the first player to record 18 World Cup victories, surpassing previous marks in the tournament’s history.

The 39-year-old also established a new record for the most minutes played at the World Cup, reaching a total of 2,489 minutes on the field.

Despite approaching his 39th birthday, Messi’s form and fitness have continued to impress fans and analysts alike.

His latest accomplishments have reignited debate over whether the Argentine superstar should be regarded as the greatest player in football history.

FIH issues unconditional apology to Pakistan over incorrect flag display

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FIH issues

ISLAMABAD: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has issued an unconditional apology to the Pakistan Hockey Federation after Pakistan’s national flag was incorrectly displayed before a Pro League match against India in London.

In a letter addressed to Pakistan Hockey Federation President Mohiuddin Ahmad Wani, FIH Pro League Director Hilary Atkinson expressed deep regret over the incident, which occurred during the national anthem ceremony before the match. The Pakistani flag displayed at the venue omitted the white stripe, an integral part of the country’s national flag.

Atkinson said a national flag represents a team’s identity, pride and heritage, and acknowledged that the error had caused distress to the Pakistan team, its supporters, the Pakistani public and the Pakistan Hockey Federation.

She accepted full responsibility for the incident, describing it as an administrative error, and offered an unconditional apology.

“At the FIH, we deeply regret the mistake and the hurt it caused,” the letter said.

Atkinson said the organization would conduct a comprehensive review of its administrative and operational procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure that the identity and dignity of participating nations are properly respected.

The FIH also praised the Pakistan Hockey Federation and the national team for their participation in the Pro League, saying that maintaining professionalism and respect toward all teams remains one of its top priorities.

The incident sparked criticism on social media and within hockey circles, with many questioning how such a mistake went unnoticed at an international event. Some critics also questioned why Pakistan’s team management failed to identify the error before the ceremony began.

Why football’s No. 10 jersey is considered a symbol of greatness

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Why football’

If you are watching football’s biggest tournaments, you may have noticed that many of the game’s greatest stars including Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr. and Kylian Mbappé  often wear the iconic No. 10 jersey.

Unlike many other sports where jersey numbers are simply identifiers, in football the No. 10 carries a symbolic status associated with creativity, leadership and excellence.

The tradition of numbered jerseys in football is believed to have begun in 1911 in Australia, when players were first identified by numbers during matches. The practice later spread to Argentina in 1923, the United States in 1924 and England in 1928.

Initially, numbers were linked to specific playing positions on the field. The No. 10 shirt was typically assigned to the attacking midfielder or playmaker the player responsible for creating goal-scoring opportunities and linking midfield play with attack.

Over time, this role became associated with the team’s most technically gifted and influential player, making the No. 10 shirt a symbol of excellence rather than just a position.

Legendary footballers such as Pelé and Diego Maradona helped elevate the number’s status by making it synonymous with brilliance on the pitch.

In modern football, the No. 10 is no longer strictly tied to a position, but it still represents a player who can score goals, create chances and influence the outcome of a match. However, experts note that wearing the number also brings added pressure and expectations rather than guaranteed success.

Lionel Messi sets new FIFA World Cup scoring record

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Lionel Messi

DALLAS: Argentina star Lionel Messi has reportedly set a new record in FIFA World Cup history by becoming the tournament’s all-time leading goal scorer during a match against Austria in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Messi scored his 17th World Cup goal, surpassing Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who previously held the record with 16 goals.

The milestone came after Messi missed an early penalty in the match but later found the net in the 39th minute to give Argentina a 1–0 lead in the game being played in Dallas.

With the new tally, Klose moves to second place on the all-time list, while Brazil’s Ronaldo Nazário remains third with 15 goals. France’s Kylian Mbappé is fourth with 14 goals.

The achievement further cements Messi’s legacy as one of the most prolific scorers in World Cup history.

Algeria files official complaint over refereeing after 0–3 loss to Argentina

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Algeria files

ALGIERS:  Algeria has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA’s referees committee following its 0–3 defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026, raising concerns over officiating decisions during the match.

The complaint reportedly highlights several incidents from the first half, including an alleged challenge involving Argentina captain Lionel Messi, during which Algeria claims Messi made contact with captain Aïssa Mandi’s leg. The referee did not issue any disciplinary action.

Algerian players and supporters had called for a review of the incident at the time, but officials allowed play to continue.

Messi later went on to score a hat-trick, playing a decisive role in Argentina’s dominant win.

Analysts also questioned the refereeing decisions after the match, particularly the absence of a red card for what they described as a potentially serious foul.

The complaint further references another incident involving Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, who is accused of striking Ibrahim Maza in the face with an elbow. No action was taken by match officials on that play either.

The controversy has sparked widespread debate on social media, with some users questioning whether Messi’s global stature influenced refereeing decisions.

Brazil Coach confirms Neymar set for World Cup return against Scotland

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Brazil Coach

RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has delivered encouraging news for fans, confirming that star forward Neymar is expected to return for the FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage clash against Scotland.

The 34-year-old forward, Neymar, has been sidelined since mid-May after suffering a calf injury, ruling him out of Brazil’s opening Group C matches against Morocco and Haiti.

Speaking to the media following Brazil’s 3–0 win over Haiti in Philadelphia, Ancelotti said Neymar’s recovery is progressing well and that the player is close to full fitness.

He added that Neymar will begin individual training sessions before rejoining full team practice from Monday, making him available for the final group match against Scotland.

Neymar has not featured for Brazil since October 2023 and has been working on a full recovery in recent weeks.

Brazil began their World Cup campaign with a 1–1 draw against Morocco but bounced back strongly with a convincing victory over Haiti to strengthen their position in Group C.

Nora Fatehi’s prediction for key match becomes center of attention

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Nora Fatehi

BOSTON: Morocco secured a narrow 1–0 victory over Scotland in a FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match on Saturday, extending their strong run in the tournament, while an on-field prediction by actor and dancer Nora Fatehi drew widespread attention on social media.

Morocco struck almost immediately, taking the lead just 71 seconds into the match. After the early breakthrough, the African side maintained a disciplined defensive shape and successfully preserved their advantage for the remainder of the game.

The match was played in Boston, where Morocco’s quick start proved decisive against a Scotland side unable to convert possession into clear scoring opportunities.

Fatehi was present in the stadium supporting Morocco and was seen wearing the national jersey. Ahead of kickoff, she posted a video on Instagram predicting a 1–0 scoreline, a forecast that later proved accurate.

She also shared additional posts highlighting the teams’ previous World Cup encounters, noting that Morocco and Scotland had met again after nearly 28 years, including an earlier 3–0 victory for Morocco in past competition.

Her correct prediction quickly went viral online, with fans praising it as a “lucky forecast” and amplifying clips and images from the stadium.

The win strengthens Morocco’s position in Group C as the tournament progresses.

Is Ronaldo one of the oldest players in World Cup history?

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Is Ronaldo

Football fans across the globe have been asking whether Cristiano Ronaldo has become one of the oldest players ever to feature in a FIFA World Cup match.

In Portugal’s Group K opener at the FIFA World Cup 2026, which ended in a 1–1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ronaldo captained his side at the age of 41 years and 132 days.

According to records, Ronaldo is now the fourth-oldest player in FIFA World Cup history.

The all-time record for the oldest World Cup player is held by Egypt’s Essam El-Hadary, who played against Saudi Arabia on June 25, 2018, at the age of 45 years and 161 days.

Second on the list is Colombia’s Faryd Mondragón, who featured against Japan on June 24, 2014, at 43 years and 3 days old.

Third is Cameroon’s Roger Milla, who played against Russia on June 28, 1994, at the age of 42 years and 39 days.

Ronaldo’s appearance at 41 places him just behind these legends, making him one of the most experienced players ever to feature in the tournament’s history.

England beat Croatia 4–2 in World Cup 2026 group opener

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England beat

England opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 4–2 victory over Croatia at the Dallas Stadium, powered by a brace from captain Harry Kane.

England made an aggressive start to Group L, with Kane scoring twice to give his side early control. However, Croatia responded each time to keep the contest level.

Croatia’s Martin Baturina and Petar Musa struck to level the match 2–2 at halftime after Kane’s double had given England the lead twice in the first half.

In the second half, Jude Bellingham restored England’s advantage in the 47th minute, before substitute Marcus Rashford sealed the win with a late goal in the 85th minute following a well-worked team move.

England controlled much of the tempo in the second half, while Croatia struggled to match their intensity after the break.

England will next face Ghana in Boston, while Croatia are set to play Panama and Ghana in their remaining group fixtures