Portuguese forward, Al-Nassr captain, World Cup icon
Scotland is chasing a last-32 place at the World Cup after a string of mixed results. Vinícius Júnior has sparked danger up front for Brazil, and Scotland is restoring lineup options, including Ben Gannon-Doak, as the team prepares for a decisive match.
The World Cup has reached the knockout-ready phase. Groups have concluded, with Spain, France, Argentina, Brazil, England and Germany topping groups. The United States has clinched top spot in Group D after two wins, advancing to a Round of 32, while 16 teams exit at the group stage and 104 matches are scheduled overall.
LIV Golf has faced widespread rumors that Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is ending its financial support, threatening the league's future beyond 2026. Despite CEO Scott O'Neil's assurances that the 2026 season will continue uninterrupted, the league has experienced operational challenges and player uncertainty as it begins its Mexico City tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo has helped Al-Nassr clinch the Saudi Pro League title with a 4-1 win over Damac, securing the club’s 11th league crown and Ronaldo’s first major trophy with the club. The victory follows closely after he was named in Portugal’s World Cup roster. Al-Hilal finished second, undefeated in 34 games.
Morocco has confirmed its 26-man squad for the World Cup under new coach Mohamed Ouahbi. The squad leans on European-born players, including five with links to Spain, and features Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, whose eligibility was approved by FIFA this year. The Atlas Lions open in New Jersey on June 13 vs. Brazil, then face Scotland and Haiti in Group C.
Spain has named its 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Lamine Yamal as a star presence. For the first time since 1950, no Real Madrid player features as Dean Huijsen is injured and Dani Carvajal is left out. Mikel Merino has returned from injury, and Yamal faces a potential hamstring issue ahead of the tournament.
Argentina has named a 26-man World Cup squad, led by Lionel Messi, despite a left hamstring fatigue that has sidelined him from Inter Miami's latest match. Recovery times vary; Argentina will base in Kansas City with friendlies in the lead-up.
Iraq has secured a playoff win and earned a spot in the 2026 World Cup, despite a grueling travel saga. Players and staff faced long, interrupted journeys from Baghdad to Amman, then to Mexico, before beating Bolivia 2-1 to reach the final. Back home, celebrations electrify Baghdad as the nation basks in a rare moment of national unity.
Mexico has beaten South Africa 2-0 at Estadio Azteca to open the 2026 World Cup before about 80,000 fans. The stadium celebration has been accompanied by clashes outside: teachers, families of missing people and other groups have been protesting high public spending and social grievances, briefly confronting police and breaching barriers around fan zones.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente is overseeing a squad built on youth and experience as uncertainty surrounds Lamine Yamal's fitness ahead of the World Cup opener. The team remains among the favorites, with Nico Williams and a strong midfield backing them, while Spanish football's development system is highlighted by the coach's background.
Lionel Messi has become the all-time World Cup scorer, matching and then surpassing Miroslav Klose with a hat-trick as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 in Group J. The 38-year-old delivers in Dallas, after a missed penalty, and signals that Argentina are on track to defend their title.
Lula has maintained a lead in polling for the October election, but surveys show growing discontent among younger Brazilians. Datafolha and Quaest show varying margins, with young voters wavering as right‑leaning sentiment grows. Campaigns are intensifying as rivals court new blocs amid ongoing financial strain and corruption scrutiny.
England has opened its World Cup campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia in Arlington, Texas. Harry Kane has scored twice in the first half, Jude Bellingham has put England ahead just after half-time and Marcus Rashford has sealed the win late on. Elsewhere Portugal were held 1-1 by DR Congo and Ghana beat Panama 1-0.
USMNT star Christian Pulisic has returned to practice ahead of the final Group D match against Turkey, with coaches weighing rest vs. time on the field as the team aims to finish the group stage strongly.
The World Cup opener slate shows Morocco, Brazil, and Germany launching campaigns with competitive results. Messi leads Argentina to a commanding win in Group; Portugal, DR Congo draw; Ivory Coast beats Ecuador; Japan draws with the Netherlands; Germany crush Curacao; Brazil and Morocco draw in a tactically fraught encounter.
Mbappé scores twice to move France to 58 international goals, becoming the nation's all-time top scorer. Dembele nets a hat-trick in earlier group win over Senegal; Barcola adds late goal as France beat Senegal 3-1 to seal Group I victory. Norway advance to last 32 after earlier results.
Cape Verde’s 0-0 draw with Spain has tested the expanded World Cup format, showing that emergent nations can compete at the highest level. Vozinha’s saves and a stubborn defense have elevated Cape Verde’s profile and sparked global attention.
Lionel Messi has moved clear in World Cup scoring, reaching 18 goals across six tournaments. The Argentinian captain scored in additional time after a late chance was missed from the spot, as Argentina secures a win to stay on track for knockout qualification.
Keir Starmer has resigned; Andy Burnham is poised to lead as Labour’s choice, with widespread coverage across front pages. The Times calls Burnham’s ascent a coronation; Guardian, Mirror and i highlight Burnham’s momentum while the Telegraph frames it as a power shift. The debate now focuses on the path to early elections and Brexit-implied futures.
China's LineShine has been named the world's fastest supercomputer on the TOP500 list, marking its debut at the top. The system runs entirely on CPUs and achieves 2.198 exaflops, surpassing El Capitan in the US. Analysts say the result signals recognition of China’s chip-design efforts, though AI workloads and list methodology cloud the claim.
Portugal has surged to four points in Group K after Ronaldo scores twice in a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, rebounding from a prior poor run. England draws 0-0 with Ghana, failing to break the deadlock in Foxborough as Group L action continues. The results bolster Portugal’s ambitions while leaving England frustrated in the early stages of the tournament.
Muñoz has scored a late winner for Colombia, sealing a second consecutive win and progress to the World Cup last 32. Colombia led through Muñoz after a string of chances, while DR Congo’s Lionel Mpasi made crucial saves before the deciding moment.
The Guardian reports Brazil’s faltering form at the 2026 World Cup amid debate over Carlo Ancelotti’s plans. Uruguay and Argentina win praise for their exploits as stars like Vinícius Jr. and Neymar headline a tournament that keeps fans guessing about Brazil’s trajectory.
Non-sponsor brands are driving engagement at this year’s World Cup, outpacing official sponsors in social media chatter as marketers pivot to real-time trends and creative campaigns across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico-hosted event.