Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić made FIFA World Cup history by becoming the first outfield players to start matches after turning 40. Ronaldo, aged 41 years and 4 months, set a new record while captaining Portugal against DR Congo, and Modrić, aged 40 years and 9 months, became second on the all-time list after starting for Croatia against England. Both former Real Madrid teammates and Ballon d'Or winners captained their nations but endured disappointing results, with Portugal drawing 1-1 and Croatia losing 4-2. They surpassed the previous record held by Atiba Hutchinson, who started at age 39 during the 2022 World Cup. (PC: ManagingMadrid & 4Kwallpapers)

Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match in Houston. Joao Neves gave Portugal an early lead with a sixth-minute header from Pedro Neto’s cross. However, Yoanne Wissa equalised for DR Congo in first-half stoppage time with a header of his own. Portugal dominated possession but struggled to create clear chances. Cristiano Ronaldo, who became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match, failed to make an impact and had two shots off target. The result earned DR Congo their first-ever point in FIFA World Cup history.  

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has received good news ahead of his team's next World Cup match. His mother has been granted a US visa and is expected to attend Cape Verde's game against Uruguay in Miami. The development came after Vozinha revealed that his mother was unable to secure a visa to watch him play. US House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said he worked with US officials to resolve the issue. Vozinha became a World Cup sensation after making seven saves in a 0-0 draw against Spain. Travel arrangements are now being made for his mother’s visit. (PC: Getty Images)

England are set to begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Croatia in Dallas. Manager Thomas Tuchel said the team is ready for the challenge. Ahead of the match, England faced an unexpected setback when training equipment and personal items were stolen during transit in the United States. Local police recovered the items and charged two men in connection with the theft. Captain Harry Kane will lead England as they aim for a strong start. Meanwhile, Scotland's Ryan Christie said his team could be one of the tournament's surprise packages after their 1-0 win over Haiti. (PC: AFP)  

Portugal took an early 1-0 lead against DR Congo in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match in Houston. Joao Neves scored in the sixth minute with a header from Pedro Neto's cross. Captain Cristiano Ronaldo also made history by becoming the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match. The 41-year-old is now one goal away from becoming the first footballer to score in six different World Cup editions. DR Congo, playing only their second World Cup, struggled to respond early. The African side last appeared at the tournament in 1974 as Zaire.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is set to travel thousands of miles during the 2026 FIFA World Cup as he aims to attend up to two matches each day. Infantino is using a private jet provided by Qatar Airways to move between venues in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The tournament is being played across 16 stadiums in four time zones, making travel a major challenge. Infantino attended the opening match in Mexico City and has already visited several host cities. The extensive travel has also raised concerns about the tournament's environmental impact due to high carbon emissions from air travel. (PC: AP)

Argentina captain Lionel Messi made history with a hat-trick in his team's 3-0 win over Algeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At 38 years and 357 days, Messi became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo's record set in 2018. The Argentine star scored with a long-range strike, a rebound finish, and a curling effort. The hat-trick came in his 200th match for Argentina. Messi also moved level with Germany's Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals. The achievement came exactly 20 years after his first World Cup goal in 2006. (PC: Getty Images)

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to headline Portugal’s crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage match against DR Congo, with global fans eagerly awaiting another performance from the veteran striker. The fixture has attracted additional spotlight due to the simultaneous presence of modern football icons Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland in other tournament matches, creating a rare overlap of generational talent on the World Cup stage. Analysts view this tournament as a symbolic transition phase in football history, with Ronaldo likely playing one of his final World Cup campaigns. Portugal are strong favourites, while DR Congo aim to challenge expectations. (PC: Reuters)

Fans have set a new attendance record during the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, with stadiums reporting unprecedented turnout across multiple host cities. The tournament has drawn massive global interest, reflecting rising popularity of international football and improved fan engagement initiatives. Organizers highlighted near-capacity crowds in several matches, boosted by expanded venues and increased travel accessibility. The surge in attendance also reflects strong diaspora support for participating nations. Authorities credited efficient ticketing systems and security arrangements for smooth operations. Analysts say the trend signals a commercial and cultural milestone for the sport, with expectations of continued turnout in knockout fixtures. (PC: Yahoo)

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 captures global attention, India remains absent from the tournament despite its population of 1.4 billion and passionate football fan base. Former captain Baichung Bhutia says India has the talent but lacks a strong grassroots system and long-term planning. The national team has slipped to 136th in FIFA rankings and failed to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. Experts point to poor football infrastructure, administrative challenges and competition from cricket as major obstacles. While AIFF hopes reforms and overseas Indian players can help, World Cup qualification remains a distant goal. (PC: BBC)