Portuguese winger; Wolverhampton Wanderers & Portugal 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.
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.
Portugal has beaten Croatia 2-1 after Gonçalo Ramos scored a stoppage-time header to win the last-32 tie. Cristiano Ronaldo has converted a penalty — his first World Cup knockout goal — after Ivan Perišić had opened the scoring. Croatia thought they had equalised late, but VAR used ball-sensor "snicko" data to rule the goal out for offside.
Portugal defeats Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic World Cup clash, with Gonçalo Ramos' stoppage-time header sealing progress to the last 16 as VAR denies a late Croatian equaliser and Cristiano Ronaldo features in what could be his World Cup swan song.
Spain secures a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal in Dallas, with Mikel Merino scoring in stoppage time to send La Roja into the quarter-finals. Ronaldo bows out of the tournament, while France and Morocco’s Mbappe push on toward a potential final.
Chelsea has secured Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a Premier League record fee, on a six-year deal with an option for a seventh. The England attacker joins amid a busy summer under new manager Xabi Alonso as Chelsea look to rebuild after a 10th-place finish. Rogers is set to form a dynamic partnership with Cole Palmer, with the two England teammates expected to thrive under Alonso’s system.
Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are pursuing aggressive recruitment amid mixed 2025-26 seasons. Spurs have spent club-record sums, chasing European qualification under Roberto De Zerbi, while Chelsea have secured Morgan Rogers and are prepped for further signings as they reshape for a return to Europe.
The Brazil international has secured a 2-1 win for Tottenham over Chelsea in a pre-season friendly in Sydney, scoring the 92nd-minute winner after Tottenham were reduced to 10 men. De Zerbi has suggested Richarlison’s future remains uncertain, with Spurs’ transfer activity intensifying this summer.
Chelsea have not received a formal bid for Enzo Fernandez, who remains a Chelsea player as the transfer window closes. City are keen, while Chelsea are eyeing replacements and preparing for the season opener against Fulham.
Nottingham Forest are moving toward signing Liam Delap from Chelsea for about £50m, with Oliver Glasner eyeing a price‑raising deal. Chelsea have signalled openness to selling, while Forest are seeking additional targets before deadline day. Chelsea have already added forwards Emegha and Welbeck, and Forest have strengthened with Diomande and Schlager.
Chelsea beat Fulham 3-2 in Xabi Alonso’s first Premier League game in charge. Joao Pedro opened after 31 seconds, Morgan Rogers scored on his Chelsea debut, and Cole Palmer netted a late goal. Chelsea’s defense looked vulnerable at times due to goalkeeping errors, prompting questions about the goalkeeper position.