Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: June 17, 2026, 5:47 AM ET

World Cup Superstars

Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass in Argentina's 3-0 opening victory over Algeria, scoring a hat trick that tied Miroslav Klose's record with 16 career World Cup goals. The performance made Messi the first man to play in six different men's World Cups, leaving coach Lionel Scaloni at a loss for words regarding the veteran's brilliance. Despite the triumph, Messi was brought to tears after the opening goal due to a personal matter unrelated to football.

Kylian Mbappé rewrote the record books by scoring twice in France's 3-1 win over Senegal, surpassing Messi in the all-time World Cup scoring charts to become France's record goalscorer at age. While Mbappé vowed to increase his defensive output following recent criticism, teammate Michael Olise topped player ratings as the Bayern Munich star proved a key addition to the French squad.

Erling Haaland marked his debut with two goals in a 4-1 victory for Norway over Iraq in Boston, scoring his first tournament goal within 29 minutes. His performance ensured Norway started strong while highlighting the continuing dominance of the three biggest stars on a day where Messi, Mbappé, and Haaland all excelled simultaneously.

Tournament Upsets and Drama

Spain suffered a shock draw against underdogs Cape Verde, a result that left Mikel Merino describing the team as "mourning". The stalemate was fueled by the heroics of 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, whose viral performance has made him one of the tournament's most beloved figures, while defender Roberto 'Pico' Lopes inspired pride among his Shamrock Rovers supporters.

Tunisia faced a chaotic start as manager Sabri Lamouchi was sacked one game into the tournament after a historic 5-1 rout by Sweden. Sweden's victory was powered by a Yasin Ayari brace and strong form from Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres. To stabilize the ship, Tunisia appointed Herve Renard to lead the remainder of their campaign.

Other group stage results saw Japan salvage a point against the Netherlands with an 88th-minute goal by Daichi Kamada, leaving Ronald Koeman to label the Dutch performance a minimal standard for any team aspiring to win the trophy. Meanwhile, Austria ended a 36-year drought by defeating debutants Jordan 3-1 in San Francisco.

England Squad News

Thomas Tuchel is managing a roster shift as Tino Livramento was ruled out with a hamstring injury and replaced by Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah. This selection snubbed Trent Alexander-Arnold, a decision Jamie Carragher admitted did not surprise him. Despite the heat in the U.S., Tuchel refused to adapt England's playing style, arguing that changing tactics would give up the team's strengths.

Off the pitch, England is planning a secret friendly against an MLS side in Kansas City to maintain sharpness. The squad's arrival in Dallas has been met by 15,000 fans, while fashion experts analyzed the team's off-duty looks as they prepare for their opener. Concerns over fitness linger for Bukayo Saka, though the winger insisted he is ready for the first match.

Visa and Regulatory Disputes

Ghana's World Cup campaign was hampered when Thomas Partey missed the opener after a Canadian court denied his visa appeal. Court documents revealed that Partey did not disclose a previous arrest in his application, leading to the denial while he awaits trial on rape charges. In contrast, the U.S. State Department resolved a visa issue for Iran forward Mehdi Torabi, allowing him to enter the country.

Geopolitical tensions persisted as Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei called his side the most oppressed team after they were forced to leave Los Angeles and return to Tijuana. Meanwhile, FIFA's discrimination monitor called for the removal of a VAR official who appeared to make a white supremacist hand gesture. On the officiating front, Tori Penso became the second woman to referee a men's World Cup match.

European Transfer Market

Real Madrid has been active in the market, completing the signing of Marc Cucurella from Chelsea. The Spanish giants are also weighing a €90 million move for Manchester City defender Rúben Dias and have made contact regarding Mateus Fernandes.

Tottenham Hotspur is aggressively pursuing Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, though Newcastle is reluctant to sell. Spurs have already agreed a £52 million deal to sign defender Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton. Elsewhere, Manchester United has set a £40 million valuation for Marcus Rashford amid reports of a secret release clause.

In managerial moves, Ruben Amorim has been appointed as head coach of AC Milan five months after his dismissal from Manchester United. Crystal Palace hired Pierre Sage as their new manager, and Wolverhampton Wanderers appointed Cesar Peixoto as head coach. In Scotland, Derek McInnes is reportedly on the verge of a move from Hearts to Rangers.

Other Sporting Updates

In Formula, Red Bull and McLaren appealed the Monaco GP result following the reinstatement of Pierre Gasly to the podium. This comes as the FIA reviews engine findings after Red Bull was named the manufacturer with the best power unit.

In tennis, Emma Raducanu's return to coach Andrew Richardson is showing early results, while Serena Williams suffered a blow in the Berlin Open doubles opening round. In darts, Luke Littler is targeting a trophy sweep after winning the World Cup with Luke Humphries.