England kicked off their 2026 World Cup journey with a 4-2 victory over Croatia in their Group L opener on Wednesday. Harry Kane struck twice in the first half, though Croatia responded both times. It took a brilliant solo effort from Jude Bellingham early in the second half to restore England’s lead before Marcus Rashford sealed the win late on. Under manager Thomas Tuchel, the Three Lions got their campaign off to a confident start.

Portugal endured a frustrating opening to their World Cup campaign as they were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo. Joao Neves gave Portugal the lead, but Yoane Wissa equalised for the underdogs. Cristiano Ronaldo appeared visibly frustrated throughout, while Bernardo Silva also struggled to make an impact as Roberto Martinez’s side fell short of expectations.

In Kansas City, Lionel Messi once again stole the spotlight as Argentina began their World Cup title defence with a 3-0 victory over Algeria. In front of 69,045 fans, the 38-year-old captain netted a hat-trick, drawing level with Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup goals record of 16. Though Klose reached the tally in fewer appearances, Messi’s display reaffirmed his enduring brilliance on the world stage.

France made a shaky start to their Group I opener but eventually overcame Senegal 3-1. After a poor first-half showing, Les Bleus came alive in the second half, inspired by Kylian Mbappe, who scored twice and assisted Bradley Barcola’s goal. The brace made Mbappe France’s all-time leading goal-scorer, a milestone he described as a moment of immense pride.

Meanwhile, Colombian icon James Rodriguez reminded the world of his flair, stating he plays for “those who love beautiful football,” a sentiment that recalls his mesmerising displays at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Another Colombian-born player, Julian Quinones, made history by becoming the first to score a World Cup goal for another nation, netting in Mexico’s 2026 opener against South Africa at Estadio Azteca.

As the transfer window heats up, new AC Milan manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly targeting Sporting CP duo Morten Hjulmand and Francisco Trincao, threatening to disrupt transfer plans for Manchester United and Manchester City. Manchester City are also readying a move for Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali, setting up a potential battle with Tottenham Hotspur, who are reportedly prepared to break their transfer record for the Italian midfielder.

Elsewhere, former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to leave Villarreal after the club chose not to extend his contract, while Real Madrid have reportedly agreed to terminate Dani Ceballos’ deal, paving the way for a free transfer back to Real Betis. Roma, meanwhile, are pursuing Marseille forward Mason Greenwood, with manager Gian Piero Gasperini personally urging the player to hold off on other offers.

In the women’s game, six members of England’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2025-winning squad have been awarded MBEs in the King’s Birthday Honours List for 2026. The recognition comes as players like Alexia Putellas, Sam Kerr and Georgia Stanway prepare for a busy transfer window. Leah Williamson, recovering from injury, took a short break in Ibiza with partner Elle Smith as she continues her rehabilitation.

Rising stars are also set to shine in North America, with youngsters like Lamine Yamal and Kerim Alajbegovic tipped to make their mark at the tournament. Bosnia’s Alajbegovic, just 19, is expected to take the mantle from veteran Edin Dzeko, while Palmeiras’ academy continues to produce prodigies, including Eduardo Conceicao, following in the footsteps of Endrick and Estevao.

In other news, Michel Platini has filed a criminal complaint in Paris against FIFA president Gianni Infantino, accusing him of influence peddling and false accusations tied to his failed 2015 FIFA presidency bid. The former UEFA chief is also taking legal action against two ex-FIFA officials as he seeks to restore his reputation.

GOAL’s Hall of Fame series revisits the icons who shaped football history, from Andriy Shevchenko’s legendary exploits at AC Milan to Michel Platini’s reign as ‘The King’, Roberto Carlos’s redefinition of the full-back role, and David Beckham’s unmatched precision and influence.

The Rebel United series continues to explore football’s most controversial figures, such as Stefan Effenberg, whose clashes and off-field antics derailed his DFB career, and Didier Drogba, who used his platform to help broker peace in Ivory Coast. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, meanwhile, remains the ultimate maverick, embodying both defiance and dominance.

Hidden Gems FC spotlights emerging talents like Nigerian striker Gift Orban, whose prolific scoring record across Europe has drawn interest from elite clubs. At just 23, Orban’s journey from hardship to stardom makes him one of football’s most inspiring young forwards.