As ever, De Paul acted as both the engine and the emotional compass of Lionel Scaloni’s side, of which he is a cornerstone. His relentless intensity, tireless dedication and instinctive reading of the game embody many of the qualities that underpin La Albiceleste’s success.

Everything became a reason to celebrate — a stray dog crossing the screen, broadcast buffering, even coach Lionel Scaloni shouting instructions.

Mexico and South Korea will aim to punch their ticket to the World Cup knockout rounds on Thursday when they meet in Guadalajara knowing a win will guarantee a last 32 berth.

One pass to find him. One drop of the shoulder to leave them grasping at straws. And one touch to burst into space and bend the game to his will. It was all Argentina needed.

Jude Bellingham hopes his pivotal goal in England's 4-2 win over Croatia at the World Cup on Wednesday will silence the "noise" surrounding him, admitting: "I've got a little bit of a chip on my shoulder."

South Africa midfielder Themba Zwane has had his suspension after being sent off in the World Cup opener against Mexico last Thursday extended to a three-match ban, FIFA said on Wednesday.

Bangladesh pace-bowling coach Talha Jubair admitted that a failure to build middle-order partnerships after quick wickets left them short of a competitive total, resulting in a four-wicket defeat to Australia in the first T20I at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram on Wednesday.

Bosnia-Herzegovina famously qualified for this World Cup by knocking out Italy, and will aim to prove it was no fluke against another European power in Thursday's clash with Switzerland in Los Angeles.

France arrived in North America as clear favourites to go all the way, tipped to become only the third team after Germany (1982-1990) and Brazil (1994-2002) to reach three consecutive World Cup finals.

Brazil's fiercest football rivals Argentina had a far better time, with Messi scoring three goals against Algeria on Tuesday.

"Portugal is a better side without him," Boateng said, arguing that Ronaldo's presence creates pressure on teammates to constantly look for him rather than make the best tactical decision.

Colombia, who missed the 2022 tournament in Qatar, struggled in the early stages but broke through in the 41st minute when a brilliant ball lifted into the area by Diaz was hooked in on the turn by Daniel Munoz, who had ghosted in behind the defence.

FIFA's mandatory three-minute breaks, one in each half, have proved controversial since being introduced for the first time at this World Cup to help players deal with the heat and humidity of the North American summer.

Yoane Wissa's goal in Houston -- also a first in his nation's short World Cup history -- secured a point against a star-studded Portugal side that included all-time great Cristiano Ronaldo.

Before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, one of the most anticipated storylines was the race to break Germany striker Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup goalscoring record.

Yirenkyi's goal came in the 95th minute after Thomas-Asante skipped past Panama defender Jose Cordoba and played a pass into the area, which the 20-year-old Yirenkyi bundled home.

The proof of Messi-De Paul’s telepathic alchemy manifested beautifully on Wednesday morning as the lights of Kansas City illuminated screens across the world.

Harry Kane’s feat of equalling of Gary Lineker’s England World Cup scoring record with two goals in Wednesday’s 4-2 win over Croatia shows the captain is going into the tournament with all guns firing.

Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma ran riot as India thrashed the Netherlands by 95 runs in the Women's T20 World Cup on Wednesday.

Coach Hong Myung-bo on Wednesday said a drone was spotted flying over South Korea's training session before their eagerly awaited clash with World Cup co-hosts Mexico, calling the incident "unfortunate."