German forward, VfB Stuttgart, Germany international
Lionel Messi has extended the men’s World Cup scoring record and continued a prolific tournament run. He has scored in consecutive World Cup matches, netting goals from open play and set pieces while helping Argentina secure group-stage wins and progress toward the knockout rounds in the 2026 tournament.
World Cup action sees the Netherlands crush Sweden 5-1 while Germany edge to a last-minute 2-1 win against Côte d’Ivoire, keeping Germany atop Group E and the Dutch leading Group F. Sweden, Tunisia, and other sides face challenges as results shape knockout prospects.
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.
Netherlands dominates Sweden with five goals as Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey lead the attack; Germany secures a late win over Côte d’Ivoire to top Group E, setting up a knockout-round clash as 48-team World Cup format continues.
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.
The expanded 2026 World Cup has delivered knockout drama as the last-32 lineups emerge. Five players have scored four goals in the group stage, led by Messi and Mbappe, while Cf4te dvoire progress to the last 32 after a 2-0 victory over Curaao. The Netherlands face Morocco in a marquee clash as the tournament moves to its knockout rounds.
The World Cup knockouts are underway. France and Argentina dominate the top spots, Spain rises after a strong group run, and Brazil; England; and Portugal face early scrutiny as the window to the final narrows.
Germany has agreed on a contract with Jürgen Klopp to become head coach, with talks culminating in New York. The pact runs through the 2030 World Cup, following Nagelsmann's resignation after a penalty defeat to Paraguay. Klopp has not coached since 2024 and is returning after leading Red Bull’s global network.
Germany has appointed Jürgen Klopp as head coach through the 2030 World Cup, with a squad-wide overhaul and a new coaching team around Klopp. The move follows a disappointing World Cup exit and Nagelsmann’s resignation, and Klopp will lead Germany for Euro 2028 and the 2030 tournament.