Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Lionel Messi across Soccer, Football.
Norway’s 2‑1 victory over Brazil, powered by Erling Haaland, and England’s narrow win against Mexico illustrate the tournament’s unpredictability, while upcoming round‑of‑16 matchups see Spain favored over Portugal, the United States backed by Folarin Balogun, Argentina expected to see off Egypt and Colombia tipped slightly ahead of Switzerland.
Despite low-scoring games and high-pressure moments, data shows that elite teams consistently rise above the chaos, debunking the myth that luck decides the World Cup.
Spain and Portugal meet in the World Cup quarterfinals in Dallas, with Spain’s defense and Mikel Oyarzabal’s form pitted against Portugal’s firepower and Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential final appearance.
England survived a ten‑man test to defeat Mexico 3‑2 at Estadio Azteca, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice in under two minutes and Harry Kane matching Gerd Müller’s World Cup record.
Erling Haaland's 79th‑ and 90th‑minute goals secured a 2‑1 win for Norway over Brazil, tying him with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé at the top of the World Cup scoring list while Mexico prepared to host England at the historic Azteca Stadium.
A flurry of high‑profile transfers and loan possibilities dominate the headlines as clubs jostle for talent across the continent.
Erling Haaland's goal‑laden campaign has taken Norway to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time, blending personal milestones with a legacy that stretches back to his father's era.
In a dramatic night at East Rutherford, Norway overturned Brazil's early lead, with Erling Haaland delivering two decisive strikes. The win ends Brazil's unbeaten streak and leaves the Norwegian side poised for a quarter‑final showdown.
Erling Haaland’s late double and Orjan Nyland’s penalty save sealed a 2-1 win for Norway over Brazil, sending the Scandinavians into the last eight at the expense of a nation haunted by six consecutive defeats to European sides.
Erling Haaland's brace and Ørjan Nyland's clutch saves stunned Brazil, ending their long run of quarterfinal appearances and setting up a clash with the Mexico-England winner.
Erling Haaland's two goals in the round of 16 propelled Norway to a 2‑1 victory over Brazil, tying him with the tournament's leading scorers as Mexico prepares to face England at Estadio Azteca.
A late surge by Erling Haaland lifts Norway past Brazil 2-1, leveling the tournament goal tally with Messi and Mbappé and setting up a coveted quarter‑final berth.
A late surge from Erling Haaland lifts Norway past Brazil in a dramatic round‑of‑16 encounter, tying the Norwegian striker with the tournament's top scorers.
The Cape Verdean national soccer team’s daring run to the World Cup round of 32 and the men’s basketball squad’s historic qualifying success coincided with the country’s Independence Day, sparking nationwide jubilation.
FIFA curates a library of over 750 songs for the tournament, assigning each nation signature, warm‑up and goal anthems that blend heritage with global pop culture, while fan reactions shape the evolving playlist.
FIFA’s stadium entertainment team has built a library of over 750 songs, assigning each nation signature, warm‑up and goal tracks that reflect both global hits and local culture, while fan‑driven moments like Oasis’s 'Wonderwall' show how music evolves organically during the tournament.
Under 39°C heat in Philadelphia, France edged past Paraguay 1‑0, with Mbappe’s spot‑kick putting him level with Messi and setting up a quarter‑final rematch with Morocco.
Folarin Balogun’s availability for the United States versus Belgium match hinges on a discretionary suspension, raising tactical questions for coach Mauricio Pochettino.
The Egyptian squad arrived in Atlanta under escort, where a devoted diaspora family celebrated the moment, while Argentina’s lineup remained unseen.
FIFA selects over 750 songs in advance for World Cup stadiums, assigning each team signature, warm‑up and goal tracks that reflect cultural identity and fan emotion.
France edged Paraguay 1‑0 in Philadelphia, with Kylian Mbappé’s penalty securing a spot in the quarterfinals against Morocco and reviving historic Franco‑American connections.
Kylian Mbappe scored his seventh tournament goal under scorching conditions in Philadelphia, sparking a fiery exchange that saw France advance to the quarter‑finals while criticizing Paraguay’s rough play.
The official soundtrack of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is built from a pool of over 750 pre‑selected songs curated by FIFA’s Stadium Entertainment Team. Each of the 32 participating teams contributes a signature, warm‑up and goal tune, often drawing on local musical heritage while embracing worldwide chart‑toppers.
In a tightly contested match played in Asuncion under 39°C, France edged Paraguay 1-0, with Mbappe’s spot‑kick moving him level with Messi on the all‑time World Cup scorer list and setting up a clash with Morocco.