2026 FIFA WORLD CUP

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Algeria captain Mandi praises 'ruthless' Lionel Messi after loss to Argentina

Algeria defender and captain Aissa Mandi has heaped praise on hat-trick hero Lionel Messi following the 3-0 defeat to Argentina in Kansas City on Wednesday.

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France star Kylian Mbappe shrugs off critics after World Cup opener brace

Kylian Mbappe insists he has no interest in proving his critics wrong after producing a record-breaking display to fire France to victory in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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Erling Haaland: 'Big moment' to score for Norway on my FIFA World Cup debut

Erling Haaland announced himself on the FIFA World Cup stage in emphatic fashion, scoring twice on his tournament debut as Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 in their opening match.

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Lionel Messi scores first FIFA World Cup hat-trick as Argentina cruise past Algeria

Argentina launched their World Cup title defence in emphatic fashion, with captain Lionel Messi producing a historic hat-trick in a commanding victory over Algeria at the Kansas City Stadium.

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Kylian Mbappe backs 'world's best' Dayot Upamecano to shine for France at World Cup

France captain Kylian Mbappe has praised Dayot Upamecano ahead of Les Bleus' opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the Bayern Munich defender as one of the best centre-backs in world football.

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'Super sub' Lukaku sparks Belgium World Cup selection dilemma over starting role

Romelu Lukaku made another decisive statement from the bench as Belgium were held to a 1-1 draw by Egypt in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G clash, with coach Rudi Garcia insisting the striker will not be rushed back into the starting XI.

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