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World Cup

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.

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.

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

Venomous snake spotted at Germany World Cup training camp in US

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Venomous snake

WINSTON-SALEM: A venomous snake was spotted at Germany’s World Cup training camp in the United States, prompting precautionary measures for players and staff, captain Joshua Kimmich has revealed.

Speaking to reporters in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Kimmich said the team was informed that the snake was venomous and that immediate medical attention would be required in the event of a bite.

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He added that while such bites are rarely fatal, the situation was still treated seriously due to potential health risks.

According to German media reports, the snake is believed to be a copperhead viper, a species commonly found in the region whose venom can require urgent medical treatment.

The German Football Association said no changes have been made to the team’s training schedule, though players have been advised to remain cautious during outdoor sessions.

Meanwhile, Austria’s national team has reportedly restricted the use of bicycles at its training camp due to similar safety concerns involving snakes in the area.

Austria beat debutants Jordan 3-1 in World Cup comeback win

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Austria beat

SAN FRANCISCO: Austria produced a strong comeback performance to defeat World Cup newcomers Jordan 3-1, securing their first victory in the tournament since 1990.

In an entertaining Group-stage clash, both sides played an attacking brand of football, but Austria proved decisive in the closing stages to seal all three points.

Romano Schmid opened the scoring in the 21st minute to give Austria an early lead. Jordan responded after the break when Ali Olwan struck five minutes into the second half to level the match.

Austria thought they had regained the lead through forward Marko Arnautovic, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review confirmed handball.

The breakthrough finally came in the 76th minute when Jordan defender Yazan Al-Arab scored an unfortunate own goal, restoring Austria’s advantage.

Arnautovic later converted a penalty in stoppage time to confirm the 3-1 win for Austria.

Following the result, Austria will next face Argentina, while Jordan will look to bounce back against Algeria.

Zidane Iqbal makes history as first Pakistan-origin player to feature in World Cup

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Zidane Iqbal makes

DOHA: Iraq suffered a 4-1 defeat against Norway in its opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, but the game marked a historic moment for Pakistan as midfielder Zidane Iqbal became the first footballer of Pakistani origin to appear in the tournament.

According to international media reports, Iqbal came on as a substitute in the 59th minute, making his World Cup debut and representing Iraq on football’s biggest stage.

Born in Manchester, England, the 23-year-old has a mixed heritage, with his father hailing from Sahiwal in Pakistan’s Punjab province and his mother from Iraq, making him eligible to represent England, Pakistan or Iraq.

Iqbal’s journey to the Iraqi national team included contact from football-linked social media pages and the Iraqi Football Association, which reached out to him and his family through multiple video calls to convince him to represent Iraq.

In a previous interview, Iqbal said the support and affection from Iraqi fans played a key role in his decision to join the national team.

While Iraq could not secure a win in its opening match, the appearance of a player of Pakistani origin on the World Cup stage was widely seen as a landmark moment for Pakistani football supporters, as the country has yet to qualify for the tournament itself.

Germany open World Cup campaign with record 7–1 demolition of Curaçao

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Germany

Germany: Four-time world champions Germany made a statement start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, thrashing debutants Curaçao 7–1 in a dominant Group E encounter.

Germany struck early, taking the lead in the sixth minute through Felix Nmecha, whose curling finish was set up by a sharp touch from Florian Wirtz. The goal is being described as one of the fastest of the tournament so far.

Curaçao, the smallest nation in the competition by population and size, responded impressively in the 21st minute when Levano Comenisa fired a stunning long-range strike past veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to level the score.

The match remained balanced briefly before Germany regained control. Nico Schlotterbeck restored the lead with a header from a corner, followed by a Kai Havertz penalty in first-half stoppage time to make it 3–1.

In the second half, Germany continued their attacking dominance. Jamal Musiala scored within seconds of the restart, followed by goals from Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav.

Havertz added his second late in the match to complete the 7–1 rout, a result reminiscent of Germany’s famous 7–1 win over Brazil in 2014, as they launched their World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion.

Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing turns festive after Japan’s World Cup draw with Netherlands

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Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing

Tokyo: The iconic Shibuya Crossing turned into a sea of celebration after Japan held Netherlands to a thrilling 2–2 draw in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Hundreds of local and international football fans gathered at the famous intersection, waving national flags, chanting slogans and celebrating Japan’s spirited performance in the Group F match.

Despite light rain, enthusiasm remained high as the area transformed into a festive scene shortly after the final whistle.

A widely shared video on social media showed fans briefly stepping onto the road during celebration, but quickly clearing the crossing when the traffic signal turned green, allowing normal traffic flow to resume.

The disciplined behavior of the crowd drew widespread praise online, with users highlighting it as an example of civic responsibility and Japanese cultural discipline.

Earlier, Japan produced a spirited late comeback to secure a 2–2 draw against Netherlands in a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F encounter.

The match, played in an intense atmosphere, saw the Netherlands start slightly stronger in the first half, with Daniel Malen creating several chances that forced key saves from Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.

The Dutch took the lead in the 51st minute when Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk headed home a precise cross from Ryan Gravenberch.

Japan responded quickly, leveling the score six minutes later through a powerful strike from Keito Nakamura that left the Dutch goalkeeper helpless.

The Netherlands regained the lead in the 64th minute when Crysencio Summerville finished a brilliant solo effort inside the box.

However, Japan pressed relentlessly in the closing stages and were rewarded just two minutes before full time when Daichi Kamada scored a header to make it 2–2, sparking celebrations among Japanese fans in the stadium.

Both teams earned a point each from the opening Group F fixture, with the match being widely regarded as one of the most exciting early games of the tournament.

Sweden open World Cup campaign with commanding 5–1 win over Tunisia

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Sweden

Sweden: Sweden delivered a dominant performance in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener, defeating Tunisia 5–1 in a Group F match played in Monterrey.

Sweden took control early, with Yasin Ayari capitalizing on a defensive error in the 7th minute to give his side the lead. Alexander Isak doubled the advantage in the 30th minute, finishing a precise assist from Viktor Gyökeres.

Tunisia pulled one back before halftime through a header from Omar Rekik, briefly reducing the deficit and keeping the contest alive.

However, Sweden regained full control in the second half, adding two more goals in the 59th and 84th minutes to extend their dominance.

Substitute Swedberg made history by scoring just 12 seconds after coming on, setting a record for the fastest substitute goal in World Cup history.

In stoppage time, Ayari struck again to complete his brace and seal a convincing opening win, sending Sweden to the top of Group F standings.

Japan stage late comeback to hold Netherlands to 2–2 draw in World Cup thriller

Japan produced a spirited late comeback to secure a 2–2 draw against Netherlands in a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F encounter.

The match, played in an intense atmosphere, saw the Netherlands start slightly stronger in the first half, with Daniel Malen creating several chances that forced key saves from Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.

The Dutch took the lead in the 51st minute when Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk headed home a precise cross from Ryan Gravenberch.

Japan responded quickly, leveling the score six minutes later through a powerful strike from Keito Nakamura that left the Dutch goalkeeper helpless.

The Netherlands regained the lead in the 64th minute when Crysencio Summerville finished a brilliant solo effort inside the box.

However, Japan pressed relentlessly in the closing stages and were rewarded just two minutes before full time when Daichi Kamada scored a header to make it 2–2, sparking celebrations among Japanese fans in the stadium.

Both teams earned a point each from the opening Group F fixture, with the match being widely regarded as one of the most exciting early games of the tournament.

Late Amad Diallo strike gives Ivory Coast 1–0 win over Ecuador in World Cup thriller

Ivory Coast secured a dramatic 1–0 victory over Ecuador in a tense FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E clash, thanks to a last-minute goal from substitute Amad Diallo.

The decisive moment came in the 90th minute when the Manchester United winger finished a swift attacking move with a composed left-foot strike into the corner of the net, sending the stadium into celebration.

The goal was set up following a powerful run from Wilfried Singo, who delivered a precise pass that allowed Diallo to complete the match-winning finish.

The defeat proved particularly painful for Ecuador, ending their 19-match unbeaten run that had lasted nearly two years.

Throughout the match, Ecuador created several clear chances, hitting the crossbar three times through attempts from John Yeboah and Alan Minda in the first half, while experienced striker Enner Valencia also came close after the break.

Ivory Coast also threatened on multiple occasions, with Nice forward Evann Guessand striking the crossbar as well.

Despite Ecuador’s defensive discipline for most of the match, Ivory Coast’s persistence paid off in the dying moments to secure a crucial Group E victory and strengthen their chances of reaching the knockout stage.