Messi started on the bench as the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is eased back to fitness after exiting Inter Miami's 6-4 win over Philadelphia with muscle fatigue on May 24.

His short spell as interim boss was marked by an early exit in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey against second-tier Albacete and several painful defeats in La Liga that ended Real's title hopes.

Iran's football federation announced on Tuesday its national team's schedule for the group stage of the World Cup, a tournament that is beginning under difficult circumstances for the Islamic republic.

With a revamped format and an increased number of participating teams, the tournament is shaping up to be an unprecedented mega-spectacle.

Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio will take charge of the opening match of the FIFA World Cup between Mexico and South Africa, leading a three-man Brazil team for the curtain-raiser in Mexico City.

Iran's football federation on Tuesday said the United States has revoked its allocation of tickets for its World Cup group games.

Scotland captain Andy Robertson said he will be playing for former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota at the World Cup after receiving a letter from the late Portuguese forward's widow ahead of the tournament.

Want to know when your favourite teams are playing? Here is the complete groupings and fixtures of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

World Cup fever was evident around the stadium, where Spain shirts dominated the stands alongside Barcelona jerseys, reflecting the club's strong representation in Luis de la Fuente's squad.

Brazil's all-time record scorer underwent an MRI scan on Monday which showed he is "making good progress in his treatment" amid hopes that he will be able to play a part for Carlo Ancelotti's side in the United States.

Brazil star Bruno Guimaraes insisted Monday his team should get "the respect they deserve" as they get ready to kick off their bid to win a record-extending sixth World Cup.

Award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan, set to be the first from his country to officiate at the World Cup finals, was denied entry to the United States, a sports ministry official told AFP on Monday.

France international Ibrahima Konate has agreed a four-year deal with Real Madrid after leaving Liverpool, a source close to the negotiations told AFP on Monday.

The final group match between Bangladesh and hosts Maldives in a four-nation invitational tournament descended into ugly scenes on Sunday night as neither side got what they desperately wanted -- a victory.

The 35-year-old stopper Kim Seung-gyu is hoping to add to his 86 caps when South Korea face the Czech Republic on Thursday's opening day of the tournament in North America. But it has come at a personal price, missing the birth of his daughter.

The United States enter under immense pressure, knowing a strong run on home soil could elevate soccer’s status nationwide. Led by Christian Pulisic and a talented young squad, they are favourites to top the group.

The referee’s whistle hadn’t even blown when the crowd flooded the field. Tens of thousands. Yellow-and-green jerseys, white shirts, bare-chested bodies -- all rushing in the same direction. Cameras swiveled. Flashes lit up the stadium. Azteca had one sound at that moment: untamed, ecstatic, unbearably beautiful screaming.

"It makes no sense to me," Galavi complained. "Sport is supposed to be a symbol of peace, so when you mix politics and sports, it doesn't work."

The incident occurred roughly four miles from where England are set to train at the Swope Soccer Village.

With just three days remaining for the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the world’s attention is firmly fixed on the superstars ready to grace the pitch in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Yet, beneath the boots of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland lies what is arguably the greatest engineering feat in sporting history -- the grass itself.