Argentine football legend Lionel Messi's birthday was celebrated across the world, including in Kolkata.


The World Celebrates Lionel Messi's Birthday

40-year-old goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa comes as a substitute for Mexico in their 3-0 win over Czechia. Ochoa confirmed he will retire after the World Cup.


FIFA WC 2026: Legendary Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa Helps Mexico Top Group A

World Cup sensation Merlin the Duck was barred from entering the stadium for Mexico's win over Czechia in Mexico City due to FIFA's rules on animals.


FIFA WC 2026: Merlin the Duck Barred From Entering World Cup Stadium 

South Africa stunned South Korea 1-0 to reach the knockout round of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in history.

FIFA WC 2026: South Africa Stun South Korea to Reach Knockouts for First Time

Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is making headlines both on and off the pitch. While his performances have earned praise from football fans, it's his striking looks that are now attracting global attention. Social media users and supporters have dubbed Okoye the "world's sexiest footballer," turning the shot-stopper into an internet sensation


FIFA WC 2026: Why Nigeria's Maduka Okoye Is Being Called The World's Sexiest Footballer

While the action unfolded on the pitch, one fan captured the attention of football lovers around the world. Known as "Lumumba Vea," the passionate Congo supporter was spotted at Congo's World Cup clash against Colombia in Guadalajara. But who is the man behind the iconic face paint and energetic celebrations? His real name is Michael Kuka Mboladinga, and his dedication to supporting Congolese football has made him a fan favourite far beyond Africa.


Who Is Lumumba Vea? Congo's Colourful Superfan Steals Spotlight At FIFA World Cup

England dominated possession but failed to find a way past Ghana's resolute defense in a frustrating 0-0 draw at Boston Stadium during the FIFA World Cup 2026. Despite controlling 79% of the ball and creating several opportunities, the Three Lions were unable to convert their dominance into goals. 


FIFA WC 2026: England Had 79% Of Possession But Could Not Break Ghana's Defence

Cristiano Ronaldo made football history by becoming the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cups.
The Portugal captain achieved the milestone during Portugal's Group K match against Uzbekistan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.


FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo And Portugal Join The World Cup Party After Historic Victory 

#Gravitas Hot pink has emerged as the tournament's style statement and one of the most recognisable visuals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.  

FIFA WC 2026: How Hot Pink Became the Unofficial Colour of the World Cup

Erling Haaland continued his fine form at the World Cup by scoring twice in Norway's 3-2 victory over Senegal, which ensured the Vikings reach the knockout rounds.


FIFA WC 2026: Haaland Scores Twice as Norway Edge Senegal at the World Cup

Portugal face Uzbekistan in Houston, with pressure on Cristiano Ronaldo to perform after struggling in the opening match. Is Portugal a better team without Ronaldo?

Is Ronaldo Ruining His Legacy at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The Austrian ambassador to India, Dr. Robert Zischg, spoke to Wion's Vidur Kathuria during the Zee5 watch party for the Argentina vs Austria clash. The watch party took place at the Austrian ambassador's residence in New Delhi. The ambassador lauded the Austrian team despite the defeat and also hailed Lionel Messi.


FIFA WC 2026 | Austrian Ambassador to WION: Lionel Messi Is Intimidating 

France booked their place in the World Cup Last 32 with a convincing 3-0 victory over Iraq in a match that was heavily disrupted by weather delays. Despite the lengthy interruption, the 2018 world champions remained in control throughout the contest. Kylian Mbappe set the tone early with a stunning long-range strike just 14 minutes into the game, helping France maintain momentum and secure a comfortable win. The result underlines France's status as one of the tournament favorites.


FIFA WC 2026: Mbappe Magic Sends France Into Last 32 After Dominant Win Over Iraq

Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway beat Senegal 3-2 to secure a place in the World Cup 2026 knockout stage. The Manchester City striker continued his red-hot form, breaking Norway records and putting his side through with a game to spare.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Haaland Fires Norway Into World Cup Last 32

World Cup fever is taking over Los Angeles as a local bakery has gone viral after creating World Cup-themed conchas shaped like jerseys, trophies and footballs, drawing crowds that spill onto the sidewalk. As fans line up for edible tributes to their favorite teams, the bakery's creations have become a unique symbol of football mania spreading far beyond the stadium.

 FIFA World Cup 2026: Why Fans Are Lining Up for this Bread

England vs Ghana headlines Group L action at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as Thomas Tuchel's side look to secure a place in the last 32. England opened their campaign with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia, while Ghana edged Panama to set up a high-stakes clash in Boston.


FIFA World Cup 2026: England One Win Away from World Cup Knockout Stage

Lionel Messi made World Cup history as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0, with the Argentine superstar overtaking Miroslav Klose to become the tournament's all-time leading scorer. Messi's brace also helped Argentina book their place in the last 32 of FIFA World Cup 2026. Whereas, France secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Iraq in a match briefly disrupted by a thunderstorm. 

FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi Breaks World Cup Record | Storm Halts France-Iraq Match

18-year-old Lamine Yamal became Spain's youngest-ever goalscorer at the World Cup by opening the scoring against Saudi Arabia.


Yamal Becomes Spain's Youngest Goalscorer at FIFA World Cup

Spain got their first win of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a crushing 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabi. Lamine Yamal scored the opener in his first start at the World Cup.


FIFA WC 26: Lamine Yamal Scores First World Cup Goal as Spain Beat Saudi Arabia

Iran is preparing to lodge a complaint with FIFA over strict travel restrictions affecting its World Cup campaign. Officials argue that being allowed entry into the United States only a day before scheduled matches could disrupt training, recovery and tactical preparations. With a crucial clash against Belgium looming in Los Angeles, Tehran says the rules create an uneven playing field and risk undermining the spirit of the tournament. The dispute adds a geopolitical dimension to football's biggest stage.


FIFA WC 2026: Iran Lodge FIFA Complaint Over Strict World Cup Travel Restrictions

20-year-old Johan Manzambi has become the youngest substitute ever to score two goals in World Cup match.


FIFA WC 2026: Switzerland's Super-Sub Johan Manzambi Breaks World Cup Record

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha is set for an emotional reunion as his mother has finally secured a visa to attend his next World Cup match. The heartfelt moment comes after months of uncertainty, and is expected to be a special boost for the player as he prepares to represent his nation on the biggest stage in football.

FIFA WC 2026: Vozinha's Mother Gets Visa To Attend World Cup In US

FIFA has confirmed a new single-day attendance record for any World Cup. Tuesday's four matches attracted a combined 281,223 fans, breaking a 32-year-old record set in the united states in 1994.


FIFA World Cup One-Day Attendance Record Broken on Tuesday

For most fans, supporting their team means watching from the stands. For Andres Gualteros, it meant cycling nearly 4,000 kilometers from Bogota to Mexico City for the FIFA World Cup. His extraordinary journey is driven by passion for Colombia and a belief that football can bring people together during divided times. As Colombia competes on football’s biggest stage, Gualteros’ ride has become a symbol of dedication, unity, and the power of sport to inspire across borders.


FIFA World Cup 2026: Colombia Fan Cycles 4,000 Kilometers To Chase World Cup Dream

A unique and emotional scene has gone viral as a statue of the Baby Jesus was dressed in a Mexico jersey by football supporters ahead of World Cup action. Fans gathered in devotion, blending faith and football as they prayed for their team’s success.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Mexico's Unique Tradition; Baby Jesus Dons Mexico Jersey

Co-hosts Canada face Qatar in a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B encounter. Both sides are searching for a vital victory as the race for knockout qualification intensifies.


FIFA World Cup 2026: Co-Hosts Canada Face Qatar In Crucial World Cup Clash

Lionel Messi proved he is still the main attraction at the World Cup by scoring a hat-trick against Algeria. Argentina began their title defence with a statement win in Kansas City.


Messi Scores Hat-Trick to Become Joint All-Time Top Scorer in FIFA WC History

Portugal face DR Congo in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Houston. Cristiano Ronaldo is not  guaranteed to start, but could appear in his sixth World Cup.


FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo's Portugal Face DR Congo in WC Opener

Cape Verde produced one of the biggest surprises of the tournament by holding Spain to a goalless draw in their World Cup debut. The African side defended with discipline and heart, with 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha delivering a standout performance to frustrate Spain’s attack. The result marks a historic moment for Cape Verde on the global stage, proving their resilience against one of football’s strongest teams and earning widespread praise for their fearless display.


FIFA WC 2026: Cape Verde Hold Spain To Shock Goalless Draw In World Cup Debut 

Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais made nine saves against Uruguay to star for the Green Falcons in their opening match of the World Cup.


FIFA WC 2026: Saudi Arabia Draw 1-1 With Uruguay at FIFA World Cup

Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland will all be in action today at FIFA World Cup 2026. 


FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi & Argentina to Begin Title Defence Against Algeria 

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