News of world cup 2026

Argentina survive Cape Verde scare to reach World Cup last 16

03-07-2026 22:18 Cristian Romero's header in injury time secures 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in extra time; African side impressed in hard-fought contest in Miami, but Argentina's resilience and never-say-die attitude saw them through.

Lautaro or Julián? Scaloni weighs Messi's strike partner for Cape Verde clash

02-07-2026 08:04 Argentina's coach must decide who will lead the line alongside Lionel Messi as the world champions prepare for Friday's last-32 clash with Cape Verde.

La Albiceleste and its legion of non-Argentine supporters

29-06-2026 13:12 They support Argentina at the World Cup, but are not Argentine...

Messi scores again as Argentina head into World Cup last 32 on a high

28-06-2026 01:36 Skipper came off the bench to score his sixth goal of the tournament as Argentina warmed up for their World Cup knockout tie with Cape Verde by beating Jordan.

The end of the beginning

27-06-2026 00:18 No less than two-thirds of Messi’s record-breaking 18 World Cup goals were scored since turning 35 – in other words, at the age of 'Papi Fútbol,' he is deadlier than in the prime of youth.

by Michael Soltys

British Embassy scores with World Cup watch parties

26-06-2026 13:32 UK Ambassador David Cairns hosts crowds for England-Ghana and Scotland-Brazil matches – just don’t mention the results…

by Michael Soltys

World Cup exploits of Maradona and Messi have Argentina fans in raptures

22-06-2026 21:37 Fans buzzing after Lionel Messi bags another two goals in Argentina's second World Cup 2026 match.

Scaloni on Argentina's win over Austria: 'When Messi switches on, everyone switches on'

22-06-2026 18:10 Lionel Messi scored both goals in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria, securing the Albiceleste's place in the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup.

Scaloni: Heat and drinks breaks help smaller teams at World Cup

22-06-2026 08:56 Hydration breaks are helping the smaller teams at the World Cup, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said Sunday.

Ageless Messi has World Cup scoring record in his sights

22-06-2026 08:50 Argentina can qualify for the next round with a victory against Austria and would be assured of finishing top of Group J if Jordan fail to beat Algeria later on Monday.

Host with the most

20-06-2026 05:45 Nothing unimportant is more important than football with its victories and defeats metaphors for life and death with nobody actually dying.

by Michael Soltys

From the sublime to the ridiculous

20-06-2026 05:40 In the past, countless ministers have been sacrificed to protect a President but now presidential popularity is being laid on the line to save a minister. 

'Competitive animal' Messi set for sixth World Cup

15-06-2026 20:57 Coach Lionel Scaloni has other injury concerns over goalkeeper Emi 'Dibu' Martinez and forward Julián Álvarez but both are expected to start in Kansas City against Algeria.

Fans deploy 'asado' to challenge Kansas City's BBQ crown

15-06-2026 20:16 Argentina begin their World Cup defence in Kansas City, the self-styled global barbecue capital, but their fans insist they're already king of the grill.

It’s a small World (Cup) II: The geopolitics of football

13-06-2026 05:41 No host nation has won in this century, while there were no less than six home triumphs in the 16 tournaments of the previous century. The so-called World Cup is a Euro-American monopoly – will a new champion emerge from the record 48 competitors?

by Michael Soltys

Thiago Almada stakes his claim for Argentina starting spot

12-06-2026 17:38 Creative midfielder Thiago Almada has struggled for regular minutes at his club side Atlético Madrid, but now he's eyeing a starting slot for Argentina in their World Cup opener.

FIFA boss Gianni Infantino tries to sidestep World Cup controversies

11-06-2026 00:52 Under-fire FIFA boss defends tenure as globe’s favourite football tournament kicks off with highest-ever World Cup ticket prices; Infantino plays down Trump tensions after ejection of Somali referee, avoids giving answers at press conference.

Albiceleste set up camp in Kansas, buoyed by Messi's return

10-06-2026 23:21 Boost for Albiceleste as Lionel Messi nears full fitness, but Julián Álvarez is in a race against time to be fit for Argentina's World Cup opener.

World Cup nears kick off after pre-tournament turbulence

09-06-2026 09:59 The World Cup kicks off on Thursday with FIFA betting that the enduring appeal of the greatest footballing show on earth can overcome geopolitical tensions and ticket price fury.

Argentina stroll to pre-World Cup win over Honduras

07-06-2026 11:19 Argentina cruise to 2-0 friendly victory over Honduras in Texas; Marseille central defender Leonardo Balerdi has been ruled out of the World Cup with a calf injury.