Home joy as New Zealand, Australia open World Cup with narrow wins

New Zealand beat Norway 1-0 for a first Women’s World Cup win ever and Australia battled past Ireland by the same scoreline on a triumphant opening day for the co-hosts on Thursday.

Nigerian hero denies Canada but no Philippines World Cup fairytale

Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was the hero for Nigeria to earn them a point against Canada at the Women’s World Cup on Friday but there was to be no fairytale debut for the Philippines.

Watch: Messi has so many trophies he gives them away

Lionel Messi has so many trophies he gives them away to friends and team mates.

Watch: Messi vs Narcos

Lionel Messi was left a sinister note after a shooting from Narcos in his home town of Rosario in Argentina.

Watch: Emotional Messi celebrates homecoming with 800th goal

Lionel Messi scored his 800th career goal with a spectacular free-kick as Argentina secured their first victory since lifting the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Watch: The Third Star – Argentina’s success story

Relive the magic of Argentina and Lionel Messi’s World Cup victory in Qatar with the premiere of The Third Star.  

Watch: Andres Iniesta – The peak of La Liga

Watch as Andres Iniesta, one of the best midfielders to ever play the game, turns football into art. 

World Cup 2026 to feature 12 groups of four teams

The expanded 2026 men’s World Cup in North America will start with 12 groups of four teams in a change from the original planned format of 16 groups of three, football’s world governing body FIFA announced on Tuesday.

Benzema disputes ‘liar’ Deschamps’ claim over World Cup fitness

Karim Benzema has responded to Didier Deschamps’ claim that the striker told him “he wouldn’t have been ready” to play at the World Cup because of an injury by implying the France coach was a “liar”.

Amadou Onana – The key to Everton’s survival

Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana will need to be a key performer if Everton are to successfully avoid relegation this season.