Sports

Lionel Messi became the leading scorer in World Cup history when the Argentina captain netted against Austria on Monday to take his total to 17 goals. Messi had equalled Miroslav Klose’s all-time mark of 16 World Cup goals when hitting a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria to open his country’s title defence in North America last week. He made it 17 when he swept home after 38 minutes in Argentina’s second group game, to deafening roars at the home of the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas. The 38-year-old had missed a penalty earlier in the game. Messi is playing at his sixth World Cup, his first coming in 2006 and he now has 121 goals in 201 games for his country. His enduring quality augurs well for Argentina’s hopes of becoming the first team since Brazil in...

Curacao's team doctor, Dr. Suzanne Huurman, has defended allowing players to spend time with their partners and even engage in s£xual activity before FIFA World Cup matches after Dutch coach Dick Advocaat allowed them to stay with their partners in their hotel in Florida. Explanning the decision, Curacao team doctor Suzanne Huurman said while players are able to share their living quarters with a roommate or their families,  sex and family time have helped the Curacao team settle into life away from home, with intimacy recommended for emotional support. 'Players can stay with their teammates in the same room and, when there are children, the family receives an additional room,' Huurman said. 'It's something quite unique in national team football. Curacao is a small country, w...

Germany have been dealt a significant setback at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defender Nico Schlotterbeck was ruled out for the rest of the tournament due to an ankle injury. The 26-year-old centre-back picked up the injury during Germany’s 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast on Saturday. Schlotterbeck was substituted at half-time and replaced by Antonio Rudiger. Germany’s football federation confirmed that the Borussia Dortmund defender suffered damage to the medial collateral ligament in his left ankle and is expected to be sidelined for several months. Although he will play no further part in the tournament, Schlotterbeck is expected to remain with the German squad in the United States for now. Germany had already secured qualification for the knockout stage as Group E winners bef...

A Ghanaian witch doctor has vowed to put a curse on England captain Harry Kane for Tuesday's World Cup clash against Ghana. Both England and Ghana are hoping to pick three aditional point to top the group and book their spot in the knockouts of the World Cup.   Now, Ghanaian witch doctor Nana Kwaku Bonsam is planning to stop the Three Lions in their tracks by placing a curse on Kane, who scored twice in England's sensational opening win against Croatia. Nana, who claimed responsibility for Cristiano Ronaldo's knee injury at the 2014 World Cup, told the Daily Star: 'I am working on Harry Kane. I have shown what I am capable of before, so I know what work I must do to stop him. I am very famous for my predictions. 'I am not wishing him serious injury. It will be just enough ...

Former Liverpool striker, Mohamed Salah, led Egypt as they broke a 92-year jinx at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by winning their first-ever match as they defeated  New Zealand 3-1 on Sunday, to move top of Group G and boost their hopes of reaching the knockout stage. New Zealand, also chasing their first-ever World Cup victory, made a strong start and went ahead through defender Finn Surman, who finished off a clever set-piece. The second-half display completely flipped the script as both Salah and Mostafa Zico scored a goal and an assist apiece as Egypt rallied from a 1-0 half-time deficit and took over first place in Group G on Sunday. Trezeguet scored Egypt’s third goal to seal the victory. Egypt, who drew 1-1 with ​Belgium in their opener, moved ‌top of the group with four poi...

TV presenter, France Pierron, has reportedly been suspended by L'Équipe following her controversial rant aimed at Manchester City and Belgium star Jeremy Doku. The 24-year-old, who missed Belgium’s match against Iran on Sunday due to a chest infection, had revealed that his wife Shireen is due during the second week of July - which will coincide with the quarter-finals. The Manchester City forward, 24, told Reuters that he plans to leave the World Cup and return home even if Belgium are still in the tournament. “It ​depends on when it happens, but it's my first child, so I ‌would definitely want to be there,” Doku said. “If you ask me what I want, my answer is that nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child. But I also ​know that football ​involves many othe...

New York Knicks superstar and NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson found himself at the center of social media chatter after online users began circulating claims that a sex tape allegedly connected to his college years had surfaced online. The alleged clip quickly became a trending topic across social media platforms. Fans claim the footage dated back to Brunson’s time at Villanova University. It’s rumored the clips were leaked by a former girlfriend or fling. As of now, there has been no public confirmation from Brunson or his representatives regarding the claims. The authenticity of the alleged video has not been independently verified. Brunson is coming off a historic season that helped lead the New York Knicks to an NBA championship, further cementing his status as one of the league’...

Tunisia have become the third country to crash out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to Japan on Sunday in Monterrey. The North African side, known as the Carthage Eagles, had earlier endured a 5-1 loss to Sweden in their opening Group F match. Having lost both fixtures and failed to earn a point, Tunisia can no longer secure a place in the Round of 32, even with one group game remaining. Their elimination follows the exits of Haiti and Türkiye, who were the first teams to be mathematically ruled out of the tournament. In Group C, five-time champions Brazil sealed Haiti’s fate with a convincing 3-0 victory in Philadelphia. The Caribbean nation remains at the bottom of the standings without a point from two matches and a negative goal difference of four....

Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has backed Ghana to secure at least a point against England in their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L clash. Despite the fierce rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana, Troost-Ekong said he wants African teams to perform well on the global stage and praised the Black Stars' resilient display in their 1-0 victory over Panama. The retired defender highlighted the positive impact of substitutes Brandon Thomas-Asante and Abdul Fatawu and believes Ghana can capitalize on weaknesses in England’s defence. While acknowledging England’s strong attacking quality, Troost-Ekong predicted a draw, saying he expects both teams to find the net.

Barcelona and Brazil legend, Ronaldinho, has come out of retirement at the age of 46 to join Serie C side Ravenna FC. His return to football comes 11 years after he first hung up his boots in 2015 after a brief spell at Fluminense. Serie C side Ravenna FC. narrowly missed out on promotion last season, and owner Ignazio Cipriani has been looking to make a statement in the transfer market. Ronaldinho’s arrival is set to be officially announced at an event in Miami next week. On coming out of retirement, he said: “New colours, same smile. I can’t wait to get back to dancing on the ball and write a new story together with Ignazio and the entire Cipriani family. “Football has always been a source of joy for me, and I want to bring that same spirit to Ravenna.” Cipriani reveale...