With the 2026 FIFA World Cup underway, attention has once again turned to the players whose goals have defined football’s biggest tournament, with Lionel Messi’s latest exploits bringing the race for the all-time scoring record back into focus.

Erling Haaland struck his first World Cup goals as Norway beat Iraq 4-1 on Tuesday in their first game at a major tournament in 26 years.

Brazil forward Neymar, who was diagnosed with a right calf injury in late May, trained at the World Cup for the first time Tuesday in a sign he may be nearing a return.

France captain Kylian Mbappe became his country’s all-time leading scorer after netting twice in a 3-1 victory over Senegal in their opening Group I match at the World Cup on Tuesday, surpassing the record previously held by Olivier Giroud.

Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France launched their bid for a third World Cup crown with a 3-1 victory over Senegal in Group I on Tuesday.

Partey, a Villarreal midfielder, is facing seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault in Britain relating to allegations by four different women between 2020 and 2022.

Serena Williams suffered a straight sets defeat in the Berlin Open doubles on Tuesday, hours after the confirmation of her return to Wimbledon to play alongside her older sister Venus.

Italian giants AC Milan have confirmed the appointment of Ruben Amorim as their new head coach, ending weeks of speculation following reports that the former Manchester United manager was set to take over at the San Siro.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Tuesday that one million fans have so far attended matches at the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has been overshadowed by a series of visa denials, delayed approvals and entry restrictions involving players, referees and support staff.

Curaçao have received recognition from Guinness World Records after becoming the smallest nation by population to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria defender Ola Aina has admitted that football was his only realistic path to success, revealing that he struggled academically and had little confidence that he would have excelled outside the sport.

The Football Association (FA) confirmed that Livramento was withdrawn from the squad after sustaining a calf injury during training on Sunday.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham disclosed the details while defending the decision to extend Tuchel’s contract before the outcome of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is known.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has become one of the breakout stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after his stunning performance against Spain sparked an extraordinary surge in popularity on social media.