Hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the tournament reminded football fans why the World Cup remains the sport’s biggest spectacle.

From unexpected giant-killings to emotional farewells and controversial refereeing decisions, the competition had no shortage of storylines. In the end, it was Spain that stood tallest, capping off an impressive campaign by defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final to lift the coveted trophy.

Spain’s road to glory was defined by defensive excellence. The champions allowed just a single goal throughout the tournament, producing one of the most disciplined defensive displays ever seen at a FIFA World Cup. Their organised backline frustrated every opponent they faced, laying the foundation for a deserved title-winning campaign.

While Argentina fell short in the final, Lionel Messi once again reminded the football world of his remarkable quality. Playing what is expected to be his final World Cup, the Argentine captain inspired his side with crucial goals, creative brilliance and leadership, ensuring his farewell appearance on football’s biggest stage will be remembered for years to come.

The tournament also sparked plenty of debate off the ball. One of the most talked-about moments came after Florian Balogun’s red card was overturned following a review, a decision that reignited conversations around the consistency of officiating and the continued use of VAR during major competitions.

Several global stars also lived up to the hype. Kylian Mbappé delivered another series of match-winning performances for France, while Erling Haaland enjoyed the most successful World Cup campaign of his career, spearheading Norway’s impressive run and further cementing his reputation as one of football’s deadliest strikers.

 

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Among the tournament’s biggest surprise packages was Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha. The experienced shot-stopper produced a string of outstanding performances, making crucial saves that helped his nation reach the Round of 16 for the first time. Even after Cape Verde’s exit, Vozinha emerged as one of the competition’s breakout performers, earning widespread admiration for his consistency and composure between the posts.

As the dust settles on another memorable World Cup, the 2026 edition will be remembered for its captivating football, unforgettable individual performances, and dramatic moments that are certain to remain part of football conversations for years to come.

 

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Argentina captain Lionel Messi has added another remarkable chapter to his illustrious career after breaking and extending multiple records at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.

At 39, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner arrived at the tournament as the oldest outfield player in Argentina’s squad but has continued to defy expectations, cementing his status as one of football’s greatest-ever players.

From becoming the first footballer to compete in six FIFA World Cups to extending several long-standing tournament records, Messi has once again demonstrated his enduring brilliance on the biggest stage.

First Player To Feature In Six FIFA World Cups

Messi made history by becoming the first player to appear in six editions of the FIFA World Cup. His remarkable journey spans Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, Qatar 2022, and the 2026 tournament.

Most FIFA World Cup Appearances

The Argentine superstar has also strengthened his record as the player with the most appearances in World Cup history, surpassing the tally he established after leading Argentina to the title in Qatar four years ago.

Most Minutes Played In World Cup History

Every match at the 2026 World Cup has seen Messi increase his advantage as the player with the highest number of minutes played in the history of the competition, further underlining his longevity at the elite level.

Most World Cup Victories

Argentina’s progress in the tournament has also helped Messi extend his record for the highest number of wins by any player in FIFA World Cup history.

Most Matches As World Cup Captain

As Argentina’s captain, Messi has continued to lead his country from the front, adding to his all-time record for the most FIFA World Cup appearances as captain.

Oldest Argentine To Score At A World Cup

The Inter Miami forward also became the oldest Argentine footballer to score at a FIFA World Cup, adding another milestone to his extraordinary international career.

With Argentina still chasing another World Cup triumph, Messi continues to rewrite football history, proving that age has done little to diminish his influence on the world’s biggest stage.

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The battle for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has entered its decisive phase, with the quarter-final lineup almost complete following an action-packed Round of 16 filled with dramatic results, memorable performances, and unexpected twists.

With just eight nations left in the tournament, the fight for a place in the semi-finals promises even more high-stakes football as the remaining contenders edge closer to lifting the sport’s most coveted trophy.

The first confirmed quarter-final will see France take on Morocco on July 9, 2026, after both sides came through their respective knockout ties in impressive fashion.

France booked their place in the last eight with a narrow 1-0 victory over Paraguay. Kylian Mbappé proved decisive, converting the match-winning penalty to send the former world champions into another World Cup quarter-final.

48 nations dared to dream, but only 8 remain. The Quarter-finals are locked in. 🏆#FIFAWorldCup #Qualified @mcdonalds pic.twitter.com/7C3WGlps0Q

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 7, 2026

Morocco, meanwhile, maintained their outstanding run with a convincing 3-0 triumph over Canada. The Atlas Lions combined defensive discipline with clinical finishing to comfortably secure their place among the tournament’s final eight teams.

Their meeting now sets up one of the most intriguing fixtures of the quarterfinals, with France aiming to continue their title pursuit while Morocco look to extend another historic World Cup campaign.

Remaining quarter-final fixtures

• France vs Morocco
• Norway vs England
• Spain vs Belgium
• Argentina vs Switzerland

The 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals will be played between July 9 and July 11, 2026, with the four winners progressing to the semi-finals as the race for global football’s biggest prize reaches its climax.

The quarter-finals are set 🤝#FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 7, 2026

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The defending champions looked destined for a shock exit after falling two goals behind, with Messi enduring a difficult first half that included a missed spot-kick.

However, Argentina mounted a remarkable comeback as Cristian Romero reduced the deficit before Messi found the equaliser. Enzo Fernández then completed the turnaround with a stoppage-time winner to seal a thrilling 3-2 victory.

Reflecting on the emotional scenes after the final whistle, the 39-year-old said the tears were not simply about reaching the quarter-finals but about overcoming the disappointment of letting his teammates down earlier in the match.

“I cried because I felt that I let my teammates down because of the penalty I missed and the way I took it. But thankfully, once again, God had something special for me in the end. I’m very happy.”

Messi also praised the determination shown by the Argentine squad, insisting they never believed their World Cup journey should end against Egypt despite the early setback.

“We didn’t want and didn’t deserve to go home. We could not let it end like that. This group really deserved to keep going. We never give up. Never.”

After enduring one of the most challenging moments of his World Cup career, Messi responded in typical fashion, producing a decisive display that helped keep Argentina’s title defence alive. His contribution proved crucial as the reigning champions completed one of the tournament’s most memorable comebacks.

Argentina will now shift their focus to the quarter-finals, where they are set to face Switzerland as they continue their quest to retain the FIFA World Cup trophy.

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The Argentine captain reached the historic mark during his country’s 2-0 victory over the Austria national football team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, moving past the previous all-time scoring record and adding yet another chapter to his remarkable career.

Despite the landmark achievement, Messi admitted that the evening was not entirely perfect. The veteran forward was left frustrated after failing to convert an early penalty, revealing that the missed opportunity remained on his mind even after the final whistle.

Reflecting on the match, Messi said:

“It is truly spectacular, I am really angry about the penalty because I wanted to score it, but these things happen. The important thing is that we won, qualified, and kept improving as a team.”

While many supporters have focused on the significance of the record, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner insisted that personal milestones are not what drive him at this stage of his career.

Speaking about his longevity and continued impact on the international stage, he said:

“I honestly don’t play thinking about how old I am but rather about how I feel physically. From there, I just try to give my maximum, regardless of my age, and give everything I have. The truth is that I feel physically good.”

Messi was also quick to shift the spotlight toward his teammates, praising the collective effort that helped Argentina secure another important victory.

According to the captain, individual records mean little without the contribution of the entire squad, and the team’s primary objective remains defending the World Cup crown they won in 2022.

Now 38, Messi continues to prove that his influence on the international stage remains as strong as ever. With Argentina still firmly in the hunt for another world title, the football icon has shown that his hunger for success has not faded, even as he continues to rewrite the history books.

 

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The Argentine captain further strengthened his legendary status at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Messi reached the landmark after scoring twice in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria, taking his World Cup tally to 18 goals and moving past former record-holder Miroslav Klose, who ended his career with 16 goals.

For many football fans, the achievement is another powerful addition to the résumé of a player who has spent nearly two decades rewriting the sport’s record books. Having already guided Argentina to World Cup success in 2022, Messi continues to shine on football’s biggest stage despite being in the latter stages of his career.

At 39, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has now found the net across five different World Cup tournaments, a feat that highlights both his longevity and his ability to perform under the game’s brightest spotlight. While many players struggle to maintain elite standards over time, Messi continues to deliver decisive moments when his country needs them most.

With the competition still underway, the Argentine icon has an opportunity to add even more goals to his record as Argentina pursue another World Cup triumph.

His latest achievement also sees him move ahead of Brazilian great Ronaldo, who scored 15 World Cup goals, and German legend Gerd Müller, who finished with 14.

Whether viewed as the greatest player of all time or simply one of football’s most influential figures, Messi’s latest accomplishment adds yet another memorable chapter to a career that has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the sport.

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FIFA has announced the nominees for the prestigious 2024 Best FIFA Men’s Coach award, showcasing some of the finest managerial talents in global football.

The winner will be determined by a diverse panel that includes current coaches and captains of men’s national teams, one journalist from each FIFA-recognized territory, and global football fans.

Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola, the reigning titleholder of the award, has been shortlisted again following another stellar season.

The Catalan tactician led City to their fourth consecutive Premier League triumph in 2024, making history as the first English top-flight team to achieve this milestone.

Also making the cut is Carlo Ancelotti, the experienced Real Madrid manager, whose leadership earned Los Blancos both the La Liga title and the Champions League trophy. Ancelotti’s achievements have also brought recognition to his players, with several nominated for individual honours.

Xabi Alonso, the celebrated coach of Bayer Leverkusen, has been nominated after an exceptional 2023/24 campaign. Under his guidance, Leverkusen clinched the Bundesliga title and maintained an extraordinary 51-match unbeaten streak in all competitions.

The Spaniard also secured a domestic cup victory, though his team narrowly missed out on Europa League glory, falling in the final.

On the international front, Luis de la Fuente receives a nod for his remarkable success with Spain, guiding them to victory at Euro 2024.

Meanwhile, Lionel Scaloni is recognized for leading Argentina to triumph in the Copa America, further solidifying his reputation on the world stage.

The Best FIFA Men’s Coach Award celebrates the immense contributions of these tacticians to the sport, with fans eagerly awaiting the final announcement at the Best Awards ceremony.

The Best FIFA Men’s Coach 2024 nominees

• Pep Guardiola (Manchester City)
• Xabi Alonso (Bayer Leverkusen)
• Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid)
• Luis de la Fuente (Spain)
• Lionel Scaloni (Argentina)

🚨 OFFICIAL: The Best FIFA Men’s Coach 2024 nominees!

• CARLO ANCELOTTI
• Lionel Scaloni
• Luis de la Fuente
• Pep Guardiola
• Xabi Alonso pic.twitter.com/lwVvDiynwA

— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) November 28, 2024

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Angel Di Maria has shed light on why Lionel Messi’s absence from Argentina’s March camp could actually be a blessing in disguise.

The World Cup-winning Argentina captain had to withdraw from the national team for the international friendlies in March due to an injury sustained during Inter Miami’s CONCACAF Champions Cup match against Nashville earlier this month.

Di Maria, who shares a close bond with Messi, has suggested that Messi’s injury could benefit Argentina, encouraging the squad to maintain composure as they prepare for their title defense at the 2024 Copa America later this year.

Speaking to D Sports, the Benfica star said: “Leo is always missed. Having the best in history, being able to train and play with him is the best. It’s a shame that this [injury] happened to him now, but we have to be calm. It’s better that it happened now and he is fine for the Copa America.”

Following their 3-0 victory against El Salvador in their friendly match, La Albiceleste will play Costa Rica on Tuesday. After that, Argentina will turn their attention to the Copa America in the US, where they are scheduled to begin their championship defense on June 20.

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Argentina’s manager, Lionel Scaloni, had expressed his intention to step down last month, but following the Copa America draw, he provided an update.

The Argentina manager has confirmed that he has discussed his future with Lionel Messi in reaction to rumors that he was unhappy with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner following his recent performances in Brazil.

According to The Athletic, Scaloni and his coaching staff were “agitated” that Messi had not been in touch with them and that Messi’s actions could have contributed to the manager’s comments at his post-game news conference.

Talking ahead of the Copa America 2024 group stage draw [via @AlbicelesteTalk on X], Scaloni said: “I am here because I am still the coach, but I’m still thinking about my decision. I said after the Brazil game that it is a moment to think and I am still in that instance. I am calmly thinking, about how everything goes, whether to restart or what. The players are doing very well and they need a coach with all the desire and energy, at their level.

“The relationship with president Tapia has always been perfect. It’s all exclusively mine and the coaching staff, we have to think about the best for the National Team. I spoke to Messi after the Brazil game, he is the captain and I have a great relationship with him. I also spoke with Tapia on good terms as always.”

Following Argentina’s elimination from the 2018 World Cup in the Round of 16, Jorge Sampaoli was fired, and Scaloni assumed leadership. After the Albiceleste finished third in the 2019 Copa America, he was then hired as the team’s full-time coach.

The Argentine will undoubtedly lead the team in the Copa America in the United States the following year. After that, his future is still uncertain.

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Lionel Messi may find himself without the guidance of his World Cup-winning mentor, Lionel Scaloni, as the Argentina boss has hinted at a surprising resignation.

This revelation comes on the heels of Scaloni orchestrating a notable triumph over arch-rivals Brazil in World Cup qualifying, steering his team to a hard-fought 1-0 victory in challenging circumstances.

The match faced significant delays owing to police violence against Albiceleste supporters, creating a tense atmosphere. Despite the adversity, a determined battle on the pitch ensued, culminating in a Nicolas Otamendi goal that secured the win. However, after the final whistle, Scaloni appeared deep in thought, leaving uncertainty about his future with the team.

Speaking to reporters after the match, the World Cup-winning coach said, “I have to think a lot about what to do. It’s not goodbye but the bar is very high. This group demands you permanently. This team needs a coach who has all the energy possible and be well. “

The announcement is undeniably unexpected. Following the disappointment against Uruguay in their previous outing, Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity. They now lead their World Cup qualifying group by a significant eight-point margin over Brazil in sixth place. Any potential shift in Scaloni’s position raises uncertainties about Argentina’s defense of the Copa America and World Cup titles and could prompt questions about Lionel Messi’s future with the national team.

It’s crucial to note that, as of now, Scaloni’s statement doesn’t serve as a definitive resignation. The motive behind his reaction remains unclear, and it’s uncertain whether it directly relates to the off-the-scenes violence at Brazil’s Maracana stadium. Argentina’s supporters will undoubtedly hope that their World Cup-winning coach isn’t considering his departure anytime soon.

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The Uruguayan midfielder, ahead of his country’s upcoming clash with Argentina in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, openly admitted that he doesn’t know how to stop Lionel Messi. Uruguay is set to face Argentina in a crucial match, with Uruguay currently second in the Conmebol World Cup 2026 qualifying standings, trailing Argentina by five points.

Despite Messi’s recent absence from competitive matches, the Inter Miami and Argentina star remains a formidable force. Uruguay, led by Marcelo Bielsa, secured a notable victory against Brazil in their last World Cup qualifying fixture, adding to the anticipation of their upcoming clash with Argentina.

In a pre-match interview, Valverde said he doesn’t know how to slow down Messi and could never do so when both played in La Liga: “I don’t know how to stop Messi, I could never stop him. He is one of the best players in the world.”

The midfielder also praised Suarez, who earned his first Uruguay nod since the 2022 World Cup: “From the first moment Suarez has given me the values and rules to succeed in the national team. He is an idol for Uruguay.”

La Celeste is set to engage in two pivotal World Cup qualifying fixtures this week. Their first challenge involves a journey to face Argentina, who have maintained an undefeated record. This will be a crucial matchup, as Uruguay aims to make a statement and potentially narrow the gap in the standings.

Following the Argentina encounter, Uruguay will return home to host Bolivia, a team yet to secure a victory in the qualifying campaign. These back-to-back fixtures provide an opportunity for Uruguay to solidify their position in second place in the standings and strengthen their campaign for the 2026 World Cup.

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Former Real Madrid player Eden Hazard believes that Lionel Messi is the deserving recipient of the Ballon d’Or, primarily due to his pivotal role in guiding Argentina to a World Cup victory last year.

Messi is considered one of the top candidates for the Ballon d’Or, which will be awarded in a ceremony in Paris. Many have called for the 36-year-old Inter Miami star to be awarded the prestigious honor for his leadership in Argentina’s successful World Cup campaign in Qatar.

Despite the competition, with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe being mentioned as contenders, Messi’s contribution to Argentina’s World Cup triumph has strengthened his claim to a record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or. Messi’s remarkable achievements in international and club football have solidified his status as one of the all-time greats.

Hazard claims Messi is the only one who deserves it this year, though, telling Telefoot: “It wouldn’t be logical to not give the Ballon d’Or to the best player in history in the year that he won the World Cup.”

Had the final in Qatar gone differently, however, the former Belgium and Chelsea attacker says PSG’s star forward would be the right winner, adding: “And if the World Cup changes for France, Kylian has the Golden Ball. Without a doubt, 100 per cent!”

At a ceremony in the French capital on Monday, the winner of the award will be revealed.

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