Last one the best one? How Messi keeps doing it on the global stage

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

Last one the best one? How Messi keeps doing it on the global stage

Arlington: He knew what Lionel Messi was going to do and had a plan to stop it - and then the Argentina captain struck twice anyway in becoming the leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history.

Austria head coach Ralf Rangnick may not be all that fondly remembered by Manchester United fans, where he pitched up in 2021-2022.

But at 67 the German coach is vastly experienced and also widely admired in football.

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IR Iran vow to get it right against Egypt

Mon, 22 Jun, 2026

IR Iran vow to get it right against Egypt

Los Angeles: Islamic Republic of Iran were quick to shift their focus to the decider against Egypt after walking away with a point from their clash with Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday.

The goalless draw with Belgium was followed by Egypt defeating New Zealand 3-1, leaving Group G wide open going into Friday's final round of matches.

Donis proud of Saudi Arabia despite Spain defeat

Mon, 22 Jun, 2026

Donis proud of Saudi Arabia despite Spain defeat

Atlanta: Saudi Arabia head coach Georgios Donis said he remained proud of his players despite the 4-0 defeat against Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday.

The West Asian side were 3-0 down inside 24 minutes with Barcelona star Lamine Yamal opening the scoring before Mikel Oyarazbal's double put the outcome beyond doubt before the mid-half hydration break in the first half.

Hassan Al Tambakti's own goal completed the Spanish win but despite the defeat, Saudi Arabia remain in the running to advance from Group H.

Group J: Jordan 1-2 Algeria

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

Group J: Jordan 1-2 Algeria

Santa Clara: Algeria came behind to beat Jordan 2-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J game on Monday, eliminating the Asian debutants after two matches.

Amine Gouiri equalised Nizar Al Rashdan's opening goal before Nadhir Benbouali scored Algeria's winner in the 82nd minute in Santa Clara.

Austria lost 2-0 to Argentina earlier on Monday, leaving the South Americans top of Group J on six points. The Austrians and Algeria have three points each.

The win gives Algeria hope of progressing to the knockout round if they can beat Austria in Kansas City on Saturday, while Jordan face Argentina in Arlington, Texas.

Group I: France 3-0 Iraq

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

Group I: France 3-0 Iraq

Philadelphia: Kylian Mbappe marked his 100th cap by scoring two more FIFA World Cup 2026 goals on Monday as France eased to a 3-0 win over Iraq in their Group I game delayed by two hours by a severe storm.

Mbappe opened the scoring in the 14th minute and added another nine minutes into the second half, with last year's Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele getting the other goal for the tournament favourites in Philadelphia.
 
The Real Madrid forward moved to 16 FIFA World Cup goals in his career, two behind Lionel Messi who set a new record of 18 goals by netting twice for Argentina against Austria earlier on Monday.

Martinez: Ronaldo a role model

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

Martinez: Ronaldo a role model

Houston: Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez praised Cristiano Ronaldo as "a good example for all of us" but refused to confirm if the veteran captain would start his team's FIFA World Cup 2026 clash with Uzbekistan on Tuesday.

Portugal, considered outside favourites to win the tournament in North America, were held 1-1 by Congo DR in their opening game last week.

Former Manchester United, Juventus and Real Madrid forward Ronaldo was largely anonymous and player and coach were criticised afterwards.