Lionel Messi

Norway, led by a late Erling Haaland double, secured a historic 2-1 victory over five-time champions Brazil in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, advancing to their first-ever quarter-final. The stunning upset in East Rutherford, New Jersey, marks Brazil's earliest exit from the tournament since 1990.

Barcelona's Hamza Abdelkarim has etched his name into World Cup history, becoming the first player from the club's youth ranks to feature in a knockout stage match without a senior appearance. His milestone arrived during Egypt's dramatic Round-of-32 victory over Australia.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup enters the Round of 16, France has solidified its position as the clear favorite to lift the trophy, with Argentina emerging as its strongest challenger. The tournament's expanded format has set the stage for a compelling knockout phase.

Despite an exceptional 2025/26 season marked by prolific goalscoring and domestic triumphs, Harry Kane's commercial brand presence remains notably more subdued than his superstar status suggests.

Alexander Schlager has been a pivotal figure for Austria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, guiding them to the Round of 32 where they face European champions Spain. His consistent performances underscore a career built on development and success at both club and international levels.

Virgil van Dijk, recently ranked among Liverpool's greatest, continued to demonstrate his individual prowess and leadership during a demanding 2025/26 season, even as the team faced significant collective struggles.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo continue to defy expectations, maintaining elite performance levels for club and country as their historic rivalry approaches a potential final chapter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo has etched his name further into football history, becoming the first male player to score in six consecutive FIFA World Cups while also making his record-equalling sixth appearance in the tournament.

While Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland continue to deliver exceptional individual performances, their anticipated rivalry has yet to reach the iconic, sustained head-to-head intensity that defined Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's era.

The anticipated rivalry between Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland has not reached the iconic heights of Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo, primarily due to their differing club environments and a lack of consistent direct competition.

Deniz Undav's sensational form for Germany at the FIFA World Cup 2026 has reignited discussions surrounding his departure from Brighton & Hove Albion, where he struggled to secure a regular starting role.

Following two commanding victories in the group stage, France has solidified its position as the leading contender to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy, surpassing other strong nations like Spain, Argentina, and England.

Cristiano Ronaldo has etched his name further into football history, becoming the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cup editions. His two goals against Uzbekistan propelled Portugal to a dominant 5-0 victory and significantly boosted their qualification hopes.

Argentina secured a 2-0 victory over Austria in a FIFA World Cup Group J clash, with Lionel Messi scoring both goals to become the tournament's all-time leading scorer. The win guarantees Argentina the top spot in their group, while Austria faces a decisive match to advance.

Former England international Gabby Agbonlahor has made a bold prediction, asserting that Lionel Messi could lead Aston Villa to both Premier League and Champions League titles, while also foreseeing his participation in the 2030 World Cup at 43 years old.

Speculation surrounds Lionel Messi's future, with a bold claim suggesting a move to England to pursue both Premier League and Champions League titles, alongside a prediction of his participation in the 2030 FIFA World Cup at 43 years old.

Former Juventus star Michel Platini has named France as the strongest team "on paper" for the upcoming World Cup, but surprisingly tipped Portugal as his dark horse. He also offered insights into Jonathan David's challenging debut season with Juventus.

France secured a 3-0 victory over Iraq in a storm-delayed World Cup match, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice to close in on Lionel Messi's all-time World Cup goal record. The win ensures France's progression to the knockout rounds.

Argentine striker Julian Alvarez has publicly expressed his wish to leave Atlético Madrid, citing a desire to 'fulfil my dream' amidst intense transfer speculation. His declaration follows a highly productive period with the Spanish club, intensifying interest from top European sides.

Argentina secured a 2-0 victory over Austria in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J encounter, with Lionel Messi becoming the tournament's all-time leading goalscorer. The win in Dallas propelled Argentina into the Round of 32, solidifying their position at the top of the group.

Reigning champions Argentina commenced their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria, as Lionel Messi marked his 200th international cap with a decisive hat-trick.

Chattanooga is set to host a local celebration for the Spanish national team this Sunday, following their decisive 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage. The event coincides with Spain's continued campaign from their Tennessee base.

Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernández has once again lauded Lionel Messi, comparing him to basketball icon Michael Jordan, as Messi continues his stellar form into the 2026 World Cup.

Deniz Undav has become Germany's breakout star at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with his decisive substitute appearances propelling the nation into the knockout stages and placing him firmly in the Golden Boot race.

Lionel Messi marks his 200th international appearance as Argentina open their World Cup defence against an energetic Algeria side featuring a Bundesliga-powered core in Kansas City.

Marc Cucurella, a pivotal figure in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, is banking on a unique lucky charm—his wife's pyjama top—to propel La Roja to World Cup success. The Chelsea defender hopes the superstition will replicate the fortune experienced during their European Championship victory.

Dana White’s inclusion in TIME’s inaugural list of the 100 most influential figures in sport underlines the UFC chief executive’s reach beyond combat sports. The recognition arrives days before a high-profile UFC event planned for the White House South Lawn.

Lamine Yamal, the prodigious Barcelona winger, continues to assert his unique identity, downplaying comparisons to Lionel Messi as he prepares to lead Spain into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Bayern Munich's rising star Lennart Karl pays homage to his idol Lionel Messi by wearing custom shin guards featuring the Argentine icon. This personal tribute fuels Karl's impressive breakthrough season, marked by significant achievements for club and country.

Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane have been consistently recognized in the recently announced Champions League Teams of the Season for their outstanding individual performances. However, despite initial suggestions, no Tottenham Hotspur player featured in the selections.