A pet duck named Merlin has become an unlikely star of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Mexico. After going viral during celebrations following Mexico’s 2-0 opening-match victory over South Africa, the duck often seen wearing an El Tri jersey was invited to meet Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum at her morning press conference in Mexico City. Merlin’s owner, Karla Gomez, said the family felt honoured and hopes the duck’s popularity can support their livelihood and help her eldest son, who suffers from mental illness. Sheinbaum praised Merlin as a symbol of Mexican families and indicated the family would receive assistance from the government.  

Portugal will face Uzbekistan in an important FIFA World Cup Group K match on Tuesday. Cristiano Ronaldo will be in focus after Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening game. The Portuguese side needs a win to improve its chances of reaching the knockout stage. Uzbekistan is also looking for its first points after losing 3-1 to Colombia. Elsewhere, England will play Ghana, while Panama take on Croatia. Colombia can secure a place in the Round of 32 if it defeats DR Congo in its second group match. (PC: AFP)

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has become the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history, but his record-breaking goal against Austria has sparked debate. Former goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel said, “I don't think that goal should have stood,” claiming a foul in the build-up was missed by the referee and VAR. Messi scored twice in Argentina’s 2-0 win, helping the team reach the Round of 32. Critics believe the opening goal should have been disallowed, while FIFA has not yet commented on the controversy surrounding the decision. (PC: AFP)

Lionel Messi created more history as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup. The Argentine captain scored both goals and helped his team qualify for the Round of 32. With his brace, Messi became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 18 goals. He also set records for most World Cup matches played, most World Cup wins and most minutes played in the tournament. Guinness World Records highlighted all four achievements after the match. Messi said the victory was important and gives Argentina confidence as they prepare for the knockout stages. (PC: Getty)

Iran’s football federation has criticised its FIFA World Cup 2026 travel schedule, arguing that strict travel restrictions are creating unfair conditions for the team. Based in Tijuana, Mexico, Iran must travel to US host cities only a day before matches and return immediately afterward, citing visa and security requirements linked to the recent conflict. Captain Mehdi Taremi and officials say the arrangement affects players physically and mentally, while the federation plans to raise the issue with FIFA. However, FIFA regulations generally require teams to arrive one day before matches and return after games. Iran remains the only participating nation operating under such additional restrictions. (PC: Times Now & X)

Norway striker Erling Haaland continued his remarkable FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign by scoring a brace in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Senegal. Haaland became only the sixth player in World Cup history to score multiple goals in each of his first two tournament appearances, joining an elite list featuring Guillermo Stabile, Sandor Kocsis, Just Fontaine, Grzegorz Lato and Harry Kane. His four goals in two matches also established a new all-time Norway World Cup scoring record, surpassing Kjetil Rekdal’s previous mark of two goals. Norway secured qualification for the Round of 32 with six points, while Senegal remain winless and face a must-win final group match. (PC: MSN)

France superstar Kylian Mbappé continued his remarkable FIFA World Cup journey by scoring against Iraq in the 2026 tournament, taking his overall World Cup tally to 15 goals. The strike further strengthened his position among the competition’s greatest goalscorers and underlined his status as one of football’s defining players. Still only in his twenties, Mbappé has accumulated goals at a pace unmatched by most legends, putting him within touching distance of the all-time World Cup scoring record. His latest milestone came as France sought another victory in the group stage, with Mbappé once again delivering on the biggest stage and enhancing his growing World Cup legacy.

Lionel Messi added another chapter to his extraordinary World Cup legacy by scoring twice against Austria at FIFA World Cup 2026, surpassing Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 goals to become the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 18. The achievement came just days before Messi’s 39th birthday and during his sixth World Cup appearance. After missing an early penalty, the Argentina captain redeemed himself with a clinical strike in the 38th minute before adding another goal in stoppage time. Beyond the statistics, the performance reinforced Messi’s enduring influence on football. Argentina secured qualification for the knockout stage, while Messi’s combination of vision, composure and artistry continued to captivate audiences worldwide.

India’s absence from the FIFA World Cup 2026 has reignited debate among football fans, prompting Indian goalkeeper and former captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu to offer a candid explanation. Responding to discussions on social media, Sandhu argued that the real issue is not World Cup qualification but India’s failure to consistently qualify for the AFC Asian Cup. He stressed that reaching the World Cup requires becoming regular participants in the Asian Cup and advancing consistently to the knockout stages. Describing qualification as a step-by-step process, Sandhu called for greater accountability and reflection on India’s broader football development pathway rather than focusing solely on the World Cup dream. (PC: ESPN)

Lionel Messi scored both goals as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match and secured a place in the Round of 32. The Argentine captain opened the scoring in the 38th minute before adding a second goal in stoppage time. Messi missed a penalty earlier in the match but still delivered a historic performance. His brace took his World Cup goal tally to 18, surpassing Germany legend Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals to become the tournament's all-time leading scorer. The win ensured Argentina's progress to the knockout stage and added another remarkable achievement to Messi's legendary career. (PC: X)