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By Josue Lopez MEXICO CITY, Mexico — Colombia overcame a spirited challenge from World Cup newcomers Uzbekistan to secure a 3-1 victory in their Group K opener, with Luis Díaz playing a decisive role in a hard-fought win at Mexico City Stadium. For long stretches, Néstor Lorenzo's side looked in complete control, but Uzbekistan's historic first World Cup goal briefly threatened to spoil the party before Colombia's quality ultimately prevailed. Los Cafeteros dominated possessi

By Cristina Burgos DALLAS, Texas — England opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia in a pulsating Group Stage clash that featured six goals, dramatic momentum swings, and standout performances from Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. In front of a lively crowd at Dallas Stadium, the Three Lions showed both their attacking firepower and defensive vulnerabilities before eventually pulling away late to secure all three points. England

By Rene Vidal HOUSTON, Texas — DR Congo marked its long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup with a historic performance, battling back to earn a 1-1 draw against Portugal in a memorable Group K opener that could go down as one of the biggest surprises of the tournament's opening round. Facing a Portuguese side packed with stars and led by Cristiano Ronaldo, the Leopards refused to be intimidated, recovering from an early deficit and holding firm under intense second-half pre

By Cristina Burgos KANSAS CITY, Missouri — On a night that added yet another remarkable chapter to his legendary career, Lionel Messi delivered a historic hat trick to lead Argentina to a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Making his record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance and his 200th international appearance for Argentina, Messi once again proved why he remains football's ultimate difference-maker, carrying the defendi

By Alonso Contreras BOSTON, Massachusetts — Erling Haaland marked his long-awaited FIFA World Cup debut with a brace as Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 in an entertaining Group I opener, securing the nation's first World Cup victory since 1998 and making an early statement in the race for qualification. For a country that waited nearly three decades to return to football's biggest stage, Norway could hardly have imagined a better start. Led by Haaland and captain Martin Ødegaard, St

By Lilibeth Rendon EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey — Kylian Mbappé became France's all-time leading goalscorer as Les Bleus overcame a spirited Senegal side 3-1 in a dramatic Group G opener at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The final scoreline may suggest a comfortable victory, but Didier Deschamps' men were pushed to their limits by a fearless Senegal team that created the better opportunities for much of the match before France's world-class attacking talent ultimately made the diffe

By Niko Antoun The long-awaited World Cup debuted in Seattle on the afternoon of June 15th, treating the PNW to action from the world’s biggest competition. Egypt’s Mohammed Salah and Omar Marmoush started on the pitch of Seattle Stadium against a team of Belgian superstars, like Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois. The match ended in a tightly contested 1-1 game in front of a crowd of 66,775, and the closing minutes felt like either side could have taken the three points. E

By Rene Vidal MIAMI, Florida — Saudi Arabia came within minutes of securing one of the biggest victories of the opening round before settling for a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Uruguay in a dramatic Group H clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Backed by an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais, the Green Falcons frustrated the South American giants for long stretches and looked destined for all three points until a late Uruguayan equalizer changed the story o

By Alonso Contreras ATLANTA, Georgia — World Cup debutants Cape Verde produced one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far, frustrating reigning European champions Spain in a resilient 0-0 draw that felt like a victory for the African nation. Behind a heroic performance from veteran goalkeeper Vozinha and a disciplined defensive display, Cape Verde secured the first World Cup point in the country's history, silencing a heavily favored Spanish side at Atlant