Spanish football manager and former player, head coach of Portugal
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.
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.
Argentina has secured a 3-1 win over Jordan in the group finale, with Lionel Messi scoring from a free kick after coming on as a second-half substitute. The performance extends Messi’s World Cup scoring record and keeps Argentina atop Group J as they head into the knockout rounds.
Portugal has defeated Uzbekistan 5-0 in Group K, with Ronaldo scoring twice after a tough week of criticism. England draws with Ghana in a goalless stalemate, leaving Portugal well positioned to advance. Ronaldo and Martinez praise teamwork amid renewed confidence.
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.
France has advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals after Mbappé converted a 70th-minute penalty to beat Paraguay 1-0 in Philadelphia. He is now seven goals in the tournament, tying Lionel Messi for the top-scorer title with Mbappé one behind Messi’s overall World Cup record. France will face Morocco in Foxborough in the next round.
Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that this World Cup marks the end of his international career for Portugal after the team’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16. He has expressed gratitude for a career spanning 23 years, 232 caps, and six World Cups, and he is stepping away from international football.
Portugal’s World Cup bid ends with a stoppage-time defeat to Spain. Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed this World Cup will be his last, leaving him to reflect on a career that includes European titles but no World Cup trophy.
Roberto Martinez has become the bookies’ favourite to replace Steve Clarke as Scotland manager after Clarke’s departure. While Martinez has strong credentials and Scottish ties, the SFA faces a high-stakes choice amid competition from other high-profile names. Decisions must be made quickly as clubs and coaches juggle multiple international interests.