Argentina has unveiled an 85-foot-tall statue of football icon Lionel Messi in the Patagonian town of Cutral Co, making it the largest monument dedicated to the World Cup-winning captain. The steel structure, weighing around 70 tonnes, was inaugurated during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and depicts Messi celebrating Argentina’s victory in the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar. The tribute surpasses a 70-foot Messi statue erected in Kolkata, India, earlier this year, which was later dismantled after authorities raised safety concerns. The new monument highlights Messi’s enduring popularity as he continues to break records on football’s biggest stage.  

The United States has eased travel restrictions on Iran’s national football team during the FIFA World Cup after complaints from players and officials about difficult travel arrangements. Iran will now be allowed to enter the US two days before its match against Egypt in Seattle, instead of one day earlier as previously required. Iranian coach Amir Ghalenoei and captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh had argued that the restrictions affected the team's preparation and recovery. The team will still be required to leave the US after the match. The move comes as officials from both countries continue discussions related to the ongoing regional conflict. (PC: NDTV)

Former Germany captain and 2014 FIFA World Cup winner Philipp Lahm has criticised FIFA President Gianni Infantino, accusing him of “selling out” football through rising commercialisation. Writing in the German newspaper Die Zeit, Lahm said high ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are alienating supporters and damaging the tournament’s credibility. He also criticised the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, warning of its impact on player fitness, and opposed recurring proposals to stage the World Cup every two years. However, Lahm supported the expansion of the FIFA World Cup to 48 teams, praising opportunities created for emerging football nations. (PC: Charity Stars)

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo ended a 10-match international goal drought with a first-half brace in a dominant 5-0 FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K victory over Uzbekistan in Houston. Under pressure after a subdued display in a 1-1 draw against DR Congo, Ronaldo delivered a vintage performance and celebrated his second goal with his iconic “Siuu” gesture. His opening strike made him the first player in FIFA World Cup history to score in six different editions of the tournament. The victory moved Portugal to four points from two matches, keeping Roberto Martinez’s side firmly in contention for a Round of 32 berth.

England and Ghana played out a tense 0-0 draw in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L encounter, with late drama dominating the closing stages. England thought they had secured victory when a stoppage-time goal found the net, but celebrations were cut short after the effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR review. Both teams created chances throughout the match, yet neither could break the deadlock. The result leaves Group L finely balanced heading into the final round of fixtures, with qualification hopes still alive for multiple teams. England and Ghana will now look to secure knockout-stage places in their decisive upcoming matches. (PC: AP)

Croatia secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Panama in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match in Toronto, keeping their knockout-stage hopes alive while eliminating Panama from the tournament. Substitute Ante Budimir scored the decisive goal in the 54th minute, converting a cross from Josip Stanišić after a clever attacking move. Panama created several chances and pushed hard for an equaliser, but Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livaković produced key saves to preserve the lead. The match also marked a historic milestone for captain Luka Modrić, who made his 200th appearance for Croatia. The win moves Croatia back into contention ahead of a decisive final group-stage fixture. (PC: Reuters)

Cristiano Ronaldo created football history by becoming the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cups as Portugal defeated Uzbekistan 5-0 in Houston. The 41-year-old opened the scoring in the sixth minute and added a second goal before halftime. His latest goals came in his sixth World Cup appearance, spanning tournaments from 2006 to 2026. Ronaldo now stands alone in achieving the milestone, ahead of Lionel Messi, who has played in six World Cups but did not score in every edition. Portugal secured their first win of the tournament, with Nuno Mendes, Joao Felix and Rafael Leao also finding the net. (PC: X)

Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals as Portugal moved into a commanding 4-0 lead against Uzbekistan in their FIFA World Cup 2026 match in Houston. The Portugal captain struck twice in the first half, helping his side take control of the contest. Bruno Fernandes played a major role in midfield, creating chances and driving Portugal forward. Portugal added another goal before the break and extended their advantage in the second half, with an own goal contributing to the scoreline. Ronaldo also came close to completing a hat-trick as Portugal continued to dominate with the match still in progress.

Cristiano Ronaldo created a new FIFA World Cup record after scoring for Portugal against Uzbekistan on Tuesday. The goal made him the first player in football history to score in six different World Cup editions.   Ronaldo opened the scoring early in the Group K match and helped Portugal take control of the game. Nuno Mendes later doubled Portugal's lead with a well-worked team move.   Uzbekistan thought they had pulled a goal back with a stunning long-range strike, but the effort was ruled out after a foul in the build-up. Portugal continued to dominate as they pushed for an important World Cup victory.  

Norway striker Erling Haaland sparked discussion online after his frank comments about facing France at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Speaking after Norway's 3-2 win over Senegal, Haaland said he was not focused on the upcoming match because his team had already reached the knockout stage.   He then made a surprising prediction about France. "They'll probably beat us and probably win the whole tournament," Haaland said.   The remarks quickly went viral on social media, with fans reacting to his honesty. Norway and France will meet in a match that will decide the Group I winner.