Kylian Mbappe made history by equalling Olivier Giroud as France's joint all-time top scorer with 57 goals. The forward scored in the 66th minute to give France a 1-0 lead over Senegal in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match. Playing his 99th game for France, Mbappe finished a pass from Michael Olise for his 13th World Cup goal. Earlier, Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy made key saves to keep the score level. Ismaila Sarr also missed a big chance before half-time. France now look set to begin their World Cup campaign with a victory.

Lionel Messi is set to make his 200th appearance for Argentina when the world champions face Algeria in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener on Wednesday. The 39-year-old captain will become only the second player to reach the milestone in international football. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised Messi's global appeal, saying, "Everybody wants to see him play." Messi is expected to start after recovering from a minor hamstring concern. Defending champions Argentina begin their title defence as favourites, but Algeria will look to cause an upset in the Group H clash in Kansas City. (PC: Reuters)

Uruguay winger Maximiliano Araujo scored a crucial late goal to help his team draw 1-1 with Saudi Arabia in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 match. The 80th-minute equaliser earned Uruguay an important point in Group H. While fans celebrated across Uruguay, the goal also brought pride to Goa. Reports say Araujo's grandfather, Redualdo Araujo, came from the South Goan village of Loutolim before the family moved abroad. The family later settled in Uruguay, where Araujo was born. His World Cup success has created a special connection between Goa and Uruguay’s football journey. (PC: Carmen Mandato/FIFA/Getty Images)

Former Australia fast bowler Brett Lee recently met actor R Madhavan for a round of golf. Lee later shared pictures from their outing on social media. Praising the actor, Lee wrote, “Great to finally get a round in with @actormaddy. One of the most respected actors going around.” He also called Madhavan a “genuinely top bloke” and praised his golf swing. The photos quickly gained attention from fans online. Many enjoyed seeing the cricket star and actor together. Madhavan, who is receiving praise for Dhurandhar, is known for his love of sports and fitness.

The festive atmosphere around the FIFA World Cup turned tense on Tuesday after Argentina and Algeria fans reportedly clashed in New York City's Times Square. Videos shared online showed supporters arguing and pushing each other before their teams' opening match in Kansas City. The reason for the confrontation remains unclear. Earlier in the day, Argentina fans had gathered in large numbers, singing songs and waving flags in celebration. Social media users reacted with shock, with many calling the incident disappointing. Despite the clash, attention quickly returned to football as defending champions Argentina began their World Cup title defense against Algeria.

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has criticized the conditions surrounding his team’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the experience as “a disaster.” Taremi said logistical problems, visa issues, and geopolitical tensions between Iran and the United States have disrupted preparations and affected player recovery. Following Iran’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand, the team was reportedly forced to leave the U.S. immediately and return to its base in Mexico. Coach Amir Ghalenoei called Iran the tournament’s “most oppressed” team, while both he and Taremi urged FIFA to provide greater support. 

Iran’s national football team has claimed it was not allowed to remain overnight in the United States after its opening 2026 FIFA World Cup match against New Zealand in Los Angeles. Coach Amir Ghalenoei said the squad had planned to stay for recovery but was instructed to return immediately to its base in Tijuana, Mexico. The team, already affected by visa issues and political tensions between Washington and Tehran, described itself as the “most oppressed” side in the tournament. Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand and urged FIFA to provide greater support amid mounting logistical challenges. (PC: Forbes)

Iran have criticised their treatment at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being ordered to leave the United States immediately following their 2-2 draw with New Zealand. The team was forced to return to its base in Tijuana, Mexico, despite all its Group G matches being scheduled in the US. Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said the constant travel has disrupted player recovery and preparation. Captain Mehdi Taremi called the situation a “disaster” and urged FIFA to provide more support. Iran's original training base in Arizona was moved to Mexico because of political tensions between Washington and Tehran. The team also faced tight security and protests during its short stay in Los Angeles. (PC: AFP)

A trader on prediction market platform Polymarket lost nearly $1 million after backing Spain to defeat Cabo Verde in their FIFA World Cup match. Spain entered the game as overwhelming favorites, with odds suggesting a 92% chance of victory. However, World Cup debutants Cabo Verde stunned fans by securing a goalless draw. Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha delivered a heroic performance, making seven crucial saves to keep Spain scoreless. The unexpected result became one of the tournament’s biggest upsets so far, highlighting the unpredictability of football and the growing risks associated with high-stakes prediction market betting.

Day 6 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 promises high-profile action as several contenders begin their campaigns. France, led by Kylian Mbappe, face Senegal in their opening Group I match, while Iraq take on Erling Haaland’s Norway. The spotlight, however, will be on defending champions Argentina as they meet Algeria in Group J. Lionel Messi is set to make his 200th appearance for Argentina, adding another milestone to his legendary career. The veteran forward recently returned to action and will look to guide Argentina to a winning start in their title defence. (PC: NDTV)