World Cup 2026: Egypt and Cape Verde make history, Spain announce themselves, and Belgium's fall off
In World Cup 2026 action: Salah powered Egypt to their first-ever tournament win, Cape Verde grabbed a historic first World Cup goal in a 2-2 draw with Uruguay, Yamal helped Spain thrash Saudi Arabia 4-0 to top Group H, and Belgium were held 0-0 by Iran in Group G.
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Messi’s in the XI again — and the records are stacked up waiting. One more goal and he’s the outright top scorer in World Cup history, past Klose. One more assist and he leapfrogs Maradona too.
Fabrizio Romano flagged the milestone watch ahead of Argentina’s clash. At 38, Messi’s still rewriting the World Cup record books — and he’s not done yet.
Enzo Maresca could be confirmed as Manchester City’s new manager this week.
Enzo Maresca is closing in on a Manchester City return. Tribuna reports City could confirm him as manager this week, with a roughly £10m compensation package set to be agreed with Chelsea.
Maresca left Chelsea in January. He previously worked as Pep Guardiola’s assistant and coached City’s under-23s.
History made! Mohamed Salah inspired Egypt’s first-ever World Cup win — a 3-1 comeback over New Zealand in Vancouver. The Liverpool star scored one, assisted another, and turned a nervy start into pure celebration. “A great achievement,” Salah beamed after. Up next: Iran, and it’s huge.
Sean Dyche has named Kieran Trippier the best player he’s ever coached — calling him a pure “magician” on the ball. Dyche even joked the England star was once “a bit of a butterball” at Burnley! High praise from the man who watched Trippier rise to Spurs, Atletico, Newcastle and beyond. 🏴
Dear Ismaël,
First and foremost, I want to tell you how much my heart goes out to you.
After being named Player of the Match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Canada’s opening game of the 2026 World Cup, you suffered a fractured tibia and fibula against Qatar in Canada’s second match. In the midst of your country recording its first-ever World Cup victory with a remarkable 6-0 win, your tournament and your dream came to an abrupt halt.
It’s cruel. It’s unfair. And it hurts.
I first noticed your talent during your rookie season with CF Montréal. What stood out immediately was your confidence and quality on the ball. You had the athleticism to cover every blade of grass and the composure to influence the game on both sides of it. One moment you would be tracking back and winning the ball with a crunching tackle, and the next you would be driving through midfield and launching an attack.
There was something special there.
Fast forward to today, and that promise has turned into reality. Forty-four caps and four goals later, you have become one of the most important players in Canada’s midfield. Your ability to get box-to-box, destroy attacks, and still provide quality in possession makes you invaluable. Even after difficult moments at Marseille under Roberto De Zerbi, where Jesse Marsch publicly defended you, you kept pushing forward. Your eventual move to Sassuolo has allowed you to thrive and continue your growth.
And that resilience is why I know you’ll overcome this setback too.
When I was twenty-three years old, I fractured my right tibia and fibula. Surgery was required, and a titanium rod was inserted into my tibia with screws placed above my ankle and below my knee. My injury didn’t happen on a World Cup field. It happened in the back seat of a car after we had just secured qualification for what would have been my first World Cup.
Like you, I had worked my entire life for that moment.
I know the shock. I know the anger. I know the sadness. I know what it’s like to feel as though everything you’ve sacrificed for has suddenly been taken away.
But I also know this: Bones heal.
Someone shared those two words with me when I was struggling to come to terms with my own reality. Those words stayed with me because they were true. Time, faith, patience, and hard work have a way of restoring what feels broken.
I saw your recent Instagram post, and it was clear that your faith remains strong. You wrote that you trust God’s plan. Hold onto that. Faith carried me through some of my darkest days, and I know it will help carry you through yours.
You have good people around you. Canada Soccer moved quickly to provide support to your beloved mother, Suzanne, bringing her down from the stands to the locker room.
As The Athletic’s Joshua Kloke reported here, she was understandably “incredibly distraught.” As she waited in the locker room to be taken to the hospital to see you, it brought the human side of the situation to members of the Canada staff.
Your injury touched a lot of people, because they know how hard you worked to get here.
There will be difficult moments. There will be days when progress feels slow. Surround yourself with people who bring positivity and love into your life. Lean on your family, your teammates, and your faith. Accept the tough days but don’t let them define you.
Because this injury does not define you.
You are still the same player who inspired so many people from your days in Montréal to becoming a cornerstone of Canada’s national team. You are still the player who helped elevate Canadian soccer to new heights. And because you’re still so young, I firmly believe this won’t be your last World Cup.
You’ll be back.
Keep your head up, Ismaël. Canada is behind you. The football world is behind you. We are all rooting for your recovery.
You’ve already overcome so much to get to this stage, and I have no doubt that you’ll overcome this too.
Stay strong.
With admiration and understanding,
Charlie Davies
Kylian Mbappé says he won’t be chasing Ronaldo and Messi’s longevity. Asked about playing into his 40s, the France captain laughed it off: you lot would’ve kicked him out by then! Light-hearted moment as Mbappé keeps chasing his own records
Declan Rice says the football calendar is “crazy” — but the Arsenal man isn’t moaning. “You can’t sit and complain,” Rice told Fabrizio Romano, pointing to title-winning moments as proof it’s all worth it. Workload debate rages on.
Headlines:
- Cape Verde Shocks World Cup
- Underdogs Eye Knockouts
- Blue Sharks Make History
Cape Verde continues their incredible World Cup debut, drawing 2-2 with two-time champions Uruguay! After stunning Spain, the Blue Sharks are now unbeaten and on the cusp of a historic knockout stage appearance. Their fearless, attacking play, including goals from Kevin Pina and Helio Varela, has captured hearts globally. Can these underdogs make legends?
Cape Verde Stuns Uruguay with Thrilling Draw
World Cup Debutants Hold Two-Time Champs
Miami Witnesses Cape Verde’s Historic Draw
In a stunning World Cup debut, Cape Verde defied expectations, securing a thrilling 2-2 draw against two-time champions Uruguay. The Islanders’ captivating run continues in Miami, marking a memorable moment for their campaign. Their performance against a footballing giant signals their arrival on the global stage, proving they are a force to be reckoned with.
Salah Fires Egypt Ahead!
Mohamed Salah netted a key goal, putting Egypt up 2-1 against New Zealand. This strike pushes the star closer to Egypt’s all-time goal-scoring record. The Pharaohs ultimately triumphed 3-1. Another crucial performance from their captain!