History beckons for ageless Messi

Mon, 15 Jun, 2026

History beckons for ageless Messi

Kansas City: Lionel Messi could have signed off from FIFA World Cup football on the ultimate high in 2022 but he is back and poised to become the first man to play in six tournaments.

The veteran Argentine forward, on the cusp of winning his 200th cap, confirmed four years ago that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 would be the last of his storied career.

He worked his unique magic in the Gulf state, propelling his side to glory with seven goals, including two in a captivating final against France.

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Group F: Sweden 5-1 Tunisia

Mon, 15 Jun, 2026

Group F: Sweden 5-1 Tunisia

Guadalupe: Sweden crushed Tunisia 5-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 tie on Sunday to leave the North African nation's defensive reputation in tatters and seize control of Group F.

Yasin Ayari opened the scoring early in the Mexican city of Guadalupe with a thunderbolt from distance and Alexander Isak doubled Sweden's lead in the 30th minute.

 

Omar Rekik pulled a goal back shortly before half-time but Viktor Gyokeres restored Sweden's two-goal cushion. Mattias Svanberg made it 4-1 before another stunner from Ayari.

Expect more from Australia, says Popovic

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026

Expect more from Australia, says Popovic

Vancouver: Head coach Tony Popovic is confident Australia are capable of much more after the impressive 2-0 win against Türkiye in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D opener on Saturday.

While goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe sealed the win, Popovic's decision to opt for rookie goalkeeper Patrick Beach and midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler in place of Maty Ryan Jackson Irvine respectively proved to be a masterstroke, with both delivering on the grandest of stages.

Lopetegui: Qatar have earned the right to dream

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026

Lopetegui: Qatar have earned the right to dream

Santa Clara: Julen Lopetegui has urged his players to keep believing after Qatar secured a last-gasp 1-1 draw with Switzerland in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B opener on Saturday.

Boualem Khoukhi's late equaliser sealed Qatar their first ever FIFA World Cup point, with their debut as hosts four years ago ending in three defeats.

Group E: Cote D’Ivoire 1-0 Ecuador

Mon, 15 Jun, 2026

Group E: Cote D’Ivoire 1-0 Ecuador

Philadelphia: Manchester United's Amad Diallo struck in the 90th minute as Cote D’Ivoire stunned Ecuador and their huge support to edge a tight affair 1-0 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E opener on Sunday.

The encounter had looked set to finish 0-0, hardly a surprise given Ecuador's incredible defensive record during qualifying, and that result may well have suited both teams.
 
But the 23-year-old Diallo, who had been introduced in place of Bazoumana Toure shortly before the hour mark, had other ideas as he finished first-time from a right-wing cross right just as the game was heading for injury time.

Spain's De la Fuente takes cautious approach with Yamal

Mon, 15 Jun, 2026

Spain's De la Fuente takes cautious approach with Yamal

Atlanta: Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente confirmed that Lamine Yamal is fit but will begin the European champions' FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Cape Verde on the bench.

Barcelona superstar Yamal has not played since suffering a hamstring injury on April 22.

There were fears the 18-year-old could miss Spain's opening two games of the FIFA World Cup, but he has trained all week and is set to feature in Atlanta on Monday.