Nobody can stop Messi, says Hamza

Bangladesh star Hamza Choudhury backed Argentina to beat England in tonight’s 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal, saying “the greatest footballer of all time” Lionel Messi’s presence could prove decisive in Atlanta.
15 July 2026

'We play against the usurping pirates': Argentina VP turns up heat before England semi

Argentina's Vice President Victoria Villarruel called the English "usurping pirates" ahead of Wednesday's World Cup semi-final between the two countries' teams.
15 July 2026

Tactical masterclass trumps rigidity

Beyond Spain’s 2-0 victory over France in the World Cup semifinal in Dallas lay a far more compelling story than the scoreline itself -- one of a tactical masterclass from Luis de la Fuente that Didier Deschamps never truly recognised, let alone countered.
15 July 2026

Cucurella a chaos merchant

A master at getting under the skin of elite attackers, Cucurella does not just mark opposing wingers; he physically and mentally derails them.
15 July 2026

Immortality eludes Mbappe

Footballing immortality had been within touching distance. On a sweltering afternoon in Dallas, it slipped away.
15 July 2026

Spanish symphony silences French heavy metal

A second star has never been so within touching distance for La Furia Roja.
15 July 2026

Pedro Porro recreates heartwarming father-son celebration after scoring against France

Imitating little Pedrito, Porro sat down on the pristine Dallas Stadium grass and raised his hand skyward.
15 July 2026

Will Argentina-England deliver after France-Spain's one-sided show?

The much-hyped France-Spain encounter, billed by many as the "final before the final", turned into a tactical exhibition rather than the edge-of-the-seat spectacle supporters had anticipated.
15 July 2026

Attempted burglary at Yamal's home after World Cup triumph

Burglars tried to break in to the Barcelona home of Spain star Lamine Yamal on Wednesday, shortly after he helped La Roja reach their second World Cup final, police and media said.
15 July 2026

The first time football brought me to tears

Interestingly, almost everyone in my family supported Brazil, while my father also admired Germany and Italy. Even today, I cannot clearly explain why I chose Argentina. Perhaps it was Gabriel Batistuta
15 July 2026

Russian Haaland lookalike says viral video felt 'like a dream'

Friends and family have for a few years told Russian model Anastasia Kostromina that she looked like Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, but it was not until he became the World Cup's superstar that she decided to take that online.
15 July 2026

What 1990 World Cup teaches Messi's Argentina about modern resentment

For Messi and his squad, the lesson of 1990 is clear: when you are the champions, the world presents a treacherous road. Sometimes, they block the road entirely.
15 July 2026

Declan Rice fit to start for England against Argentina

England coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed Tuesday that Declan Rice is fit to start in the World Cup semi-final against reigning champions Argentina.
15 July 2026

Gloves and glory on the line

Unlike Spain and France, who reached the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals by winning all six matches within regulation time, Argentina and England have endured a tougher route to the last four.
15 July 2026

Spain’s smashing win vs France: All stories, reaction, analysis and records

Spain suffocated France deep in the heart of Texas on Tuesday, powering into their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 2010 with a spellbinding 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro.
15 July 2026

World Cup's political fault lines

Benito Mussolini's Fascist regime cast a long shadow over the 1934 and 1938 World Cups, while Argentina's military junta used the country's 1978 triumph as propaganda.
15 July 2026

Argentina vs England semifinal: Key stats

England have lost only two of their 14 meetings with Argentina, winning six and drawing six. One of those draws was followed by a penalty-shootout defeat in the last 16 of France 1998.
15 July 2026

Messi's lucky charm? Argentina star unbeaten with Elfath as referee

Elfath, an American citizen born in Morocco, will officiate the England-Argentina clash, with fellow Americans Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins serving as his assistant referees.
15 July 2026

Bellingham turns doubters into believers

Standing tall, chest puffed out, and arms outstretched, Jude Bellingham’s trademark celebration has become one of the defining images of England’s World Cup.
15 July 2026

Tuchel understands Argentina's dark blue-kit superstition

When the defending champions face England in Thursday's World Cup semifinal in Atlanta [1am, Bangladesh Time], Lionel Messi and company will swap their traditional sky blue and white stripes for their dark blue away kit.
15 July 2026