Atletico-MG · Serie A · Goalkeeper · #0 · Brazil · 38 yrs
Lionel Scaloni lauded the masterclass performance of Lionel Messi after the captain netted a sensational hat-trick in Argentina's dominant 3-0 victory over Algeria to launch their 2026 World Cup campaign. Lionel Messi put on a clinic at Kansas City Stadium, scoring a magnificent hat-trick in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup opener to propel the defending champions to a comfortable 3-0 rout of Algeria, seizing early control of Group J. Following the emphatic victory, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni was left in complete awe of his captain’s timeless brilliance, reiterating that the No. 10 has firmly cemented his status as the undisputed greatest of all time. “I’m honestly at a loss for words. What else can I possibly say? He has been doing it for 20 years,” Scaloni told DSports in his post-match interview. “The entire footballing world tunes in just to watch him play, not just the fans in Argentina. What he transcends globally is absolutely unbelievable. I don’t know what else to add. He will forever be the greatest in history—it is incredibly hard to imagine anyone ever matching what he has done”. With his spectacular hat-trick, Messi has now matched Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals, while simultaneously becoming the first player in the tournament’s history to find the net against 11 different teams. Messi x3 🎩#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/KWNuCSaCIs— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 17, 2026 Scaloni about Argentina’s win Despite Argentina’s emphatic final scoreline, the early stages of the match were far from a walk in the park. Algeria caused serious structural problems for the defending champions, even sounding the alarm bells when Fares Chaibi had a goal ruled out for offside after piercing through the backline. Reflecting on those early scares, manager Lionel Scaloni admitted his squad was fully prepared for a tactical dogfight. “We knew we were going to suffer out there. They are a very well-drilled team with specific elements that were always going to put us in difficult situations,” the coach explained. “Even though we came away with a 3-0 win, it was an incredibly tough match”. The Argentine also emphasized the unique psychological pressure that defines a World Cup opener, noting that the memory of their shocking opening-match collapse against Saudi Arabia back in 2022 was heavily on their minds. “The first match of a World Cup is always complicated; the mental side of the game plays a massive role,” Scaloni added. “The setback we experienced in Qatar definitely weighed on us.”
Austria will play against Jordan in their opening FIFA World Cup group-stage contest. Here’s everything you need to know to watch the match live in the United States. Here are all of the details of where you can watch Austria vs Jordan on US television and via legal streaming: WHO Austria vs Jordan WHAT 2026 World Cup WHEN 12:00am ET / 9:00pm PT • Wednesday, June 17, 2026 WHERE Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling, Peacock Premium, FS1, Telemundo and Hulu + Live TV STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview Austria makes a long-awaited return to the global stage for the first time since 1998, kicking off their campaign against tournament debutants Jordan. Under the guidance of Ralf Rangnick, the Austrians have transformed into a high-energy side and are widely considered potential dark horses. A convincing win is essential to set the tone in a challenging Group J that also features Argentina and Algeria. For Jordan, this match marks a historic moment as they make their first-ever appearance in the finals. Known for their disciplined and defensive low block, they face a monumental task against a European powerhouse. Securing any result would be a massive achievement, and their primary goal will be to frustrate Austria‘s potent attack and prove they belong at this level. Tactical Analysis & Match Context This opening fixture presents a classic clash of styles. Austria‘s modern identity, forged under Rangnick, is built on a relentless high press and fluid, possession-based football. During their qualifying run, they averaged an impressive 64.2% possession, a testament to their ability to dominate the ball and control the tempo of games. Their success has been driven by a core of players schooled in the high-intensity systems of Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig. In stark contrast, Jordan embraces the role of the underdog. Manager Jamal Sellami has instilled a counter-attacking philosophy that relies on a compact, deep-lying defensive structure. They are comfortable ceding possession, as seen in their historic Asian Cup victory over South Korea where they had just 30% of the ball. Their strategy will be to absorb pressure and launch quick, vertical attacks, hoping to capitalize on any defensive lapses from the Austrians. The motivations for both sides are crystal clear. Austria needs a victory to build momentum and strengthen their case for advancing from the group, ideally as winners to avoid a potential powerhouse opponent in the knockout stage. For Jordan, the objective is to make a statement. Their game plan will revolve around defensive resilience, aiming to keep the scoreline tight for as long as possible and perhaps snatch a goal from a set-piece or a swift counter-attack. Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends This Group J encounter will be the first-ever meeting between Austria and Jordan in any competition. With no historical data to draw from, both teams will be entering uncharted territory, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to this opening match of the 2026 tournament. The fixture also marks new ground for both nations in the context of the global showpiece. In their seven previous appearances, Austria has never faced an opponent from the AFC confederation. Conversely, as one of four debutant nations, this will be Jordan‘s first-ever match against a European side in the competition’s history. Despite the lack of direct history, Austria‘s recent form provides some insight. They have entered their last 11 matches, including friendlies, as the odds-on favorite and have secured victory in nine of those contests. While Jordan‘s defense was solid during qualification, conceding an average of just 0.75 goals per game, they face a significant step up in quality against Rangnick‘s organized and aggressive side. Squad News & Projected Lineups Austria enters the tournament with significant injury concerns impacting key personnel, while Jordan arrives with a nearly full-strength squad ready for its historic debut. Austria‘s preparations have be
After a slow and uninspired start, France finally managed to kick off their 2026 World Cup with a win, defeating Senegal 3-1. French supporters watching the game from the Paris fan zone went wild at Kylian Mbappe's two goals. The French football star is now the new all-time leading scorer for the French national team.
Dan Riccio and Blake Price recap a dramatic stretch of 2026 World Cup matches on The 90th Minute Daily, analyzing major wins and shocking draws. The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to deliver high-stakes drama and unexpected outcomes across the brackets. On the latest edition of The 90th Minute Daily, co-hosts Dan Riccio and Blake Price break down a packed schedule of matches that saw top contenders cruise while others stumbled. Listen to the full episode on Spotify to hear the complete daily tournament analysis. The program details a flurry of goals from the tournament’s powerhouses, headlined by Germany’s commanding 7-1 victory over Curaçao. The hosts also recap Sweden’s clinical 5-1 win against Tunisia, a high-scoring 2-2 draw between the Netherlands and Japan, and a narrow 1-0 win for Ivory Coast over Ecuador. Beyond the goal fests, the duo evaluates the massive storylines generated by unexpected stalemates. They dissect Brazil’s surprising 1-1 draw with Morocco, Switzerland splitting points with Qatar, and Scotland picking up a crucial victory over Haiti as nations fight to secure knockout positions. The episode wraps up by separating the true tournament contenders from the teams currently facing immense pressure to respond in their next matches. To close out the show, Riccio and Price provide early predictions and tactical previews for the upcoming slate of matches. You can stream the entire daily breakdown right now. Check out The 90th Minute Daily on Spotify to stay up to date on all the latest results, reactions, and group stage standings.
Iraq and Norway will face againsrt each other in their Group Stage opener at the FIFA World Cup. Here's all the information you need to watch the action live in the United States. Here are all of the details of where you can watch Iraq vs Norway on US television and via legal streaming: WHO Iraq vs Norway WHAT 2026 World Cup WHEN 6:00pm ET / 3:00pm PT • Tuesday, June 16, 2026 WHERE Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling, Peacock Premium, FOX, Telemundo and Hulu + Live TV STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview Marking their first appearance in the global tournament since 1986, Iraq enters their opening match as a significant underdog, but with the pride of a nation behind them. The journey to this stage was long and arduous, requiring 21 qualification matches. This game represents a monumental occasion for Iraqi soccer, a chance to test themselves against elite European competition on the biggest stage. For Norway, this clash is loaded with urgency. Returning to the finals for the first time since 1998, they arrive with a perfect qualification record and one of the world’s most feared strikers in Erling Haaland. With powerhouse nations France and Senegal waiting later in the group stage, securing a convincing victory against Iraq is not just expected—it’s essential for their chances of advancing. Tactical Analysis & Match Context The contrast between these two teams’ paths to the tournament could not be starker. Norway stormed through their European qualifying group, winning all eight games and showcasing a devastating attack that averaged 4.6 goals per match. They are a team brimming with confidence and accustomed to dominating opponents. Iraq, meanwhile, navigated a grueling campaign, ultimately securing their spot via an intercontinental playoff, demonstrating resilience but also revealing vulnerabilities against higher-caliber teams. The tactical battle is expected to be a classic case of attack versus defense. Iraq is likely to deploy a deep, compact defensive block, ceding possession and aiming to frustrate the Norwegian attack. Their game plan will revolve around absorbing pressure and hoping to strike on the rare counter-attack. In contrast, Norway, powered by a Premier League-quality midfield featuring Martin Ødegaard and Sander Berge, will control the tempo, dominate the ball, and patiently work to dismantle Iraq’s low block. Motivation for both sides is clear and distinct. For Norway, this opening fixture is a must-win to build momentum and, crucially, goal difference before facing the group’s tougher opponents. A comprehensive victory is the primary objective. For Iraq, the goal is to be competitive and prove they belong at this level. Avoiding a heavy defeat and putting up a spirited fight against a formidable European side would be considered a success for the Group I minnows. Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends This 2026 tournament match will be the first-ever official meeting between Iraq and Norway. The two nations have never faced each other in either a competitive fixture or a friendly, making this a completely fresh and unpredictable encounter from a historical perspective. The lack of direct history extends to their experiences against teams from the opposing confederations on this stage. Norway has never played against a team from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in their three previous tournament appearances. Similarly, Iraq has only faced a UEFA opponent once in the finals, a narrow 2-1 defeat to Belgium during their 1986 campaign. While historical data between the two is nonexistent, their qualifying campaigns offer clear trends. Norway was an offensive juggernaut, averaging an incredible 7.68 shots on target per game in European qualifying. Iraq, meanwhile, was defensively sound against their regional opposition, conceding just 0.67 goals per game, but their attack will face a monumental step up in class against the Norwegian defense. Squad News & Projected Lineups Both nations enter their opening match with nea
The former captain, who remains the national team’s all-time appearance leader, will not be part of the tournament in North America as questions continue to surround why one of France’s greatest-ever goalkeepers is missing from the roster. France heads into the 2026 World Cup carrying enormous expectations, but the absence of Hugo Lloris has become one of the major talking points surrounding Didier Deschamps’ squad. The former captain, who remains the national team’s all-time appearance leader, will not be part of the tournament in North America as questions continue to surround why one of France’s greatest-ever goalkeepers is missing from the roster. The French national team enters the competition with enormous expectations following a dominant qualification campaign and a squad filled with Champions League winners, established stars, and rising talents. A recent 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland in a warm-up match only strengthened the growing belief that France could once again reach the final stage of the tournament. Kylian Mbappe and his teammates convincingly qualified for the World Cup, finishing first in Group D with five wins and one draw from six matches. The national team scored 16 goals and conceded only four, underlining the balance that has defined Deschamps’ era in charge. The squad will begin its Group I campaign against Senegal before facing Iraq and Norway in the opening stage. With matches scheduled in New York, Philadelphia, and Boston, France is widely expected to top the group and advance comfortably into the knockout rounds. Didier Deschamps, Head Coach of France, celebrates with Kylian Mbappe. Didier Deschamps is preparing for what is expected to be his final major tournament as the Blues’ manager. The former World Cup-winning captain has transformed the national team into one of the most consistent forces in international soccer since taking charge in 2012, guiding the team to World Cup glory in 2018 and another final appearance in 2022. Why Hugo Lloris is missing the 2026 World Cup The reasoning behind Lloris’ absence ultimately comes down to a decision made several years ago. Hugo Lloris officially retired from international soccer in January 2023, shortly after France’s heartbreaking defeat to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final. After representing France for 14 years and becoming the country’s all-time appearance leader with 145 caps, Lloris decided the time had come to step away from the national team. The veteran goalkeeper cited mental and physical fatigue after years of competing at the highest level. He also wanted to step aside while still performing at an elite level and allow the next generation of goalkeepers to emerge. The legendary goalkeeper did, in fact, pave the way for the next generation of French players, especially goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who has since established himself as the country’s undisputed first-choice option. Despite retiring from the national team, Lloris continued his club career and eventually moved to Major League Soccer with LAFC. His performances in the United States have reportedly been impressive, sparking rumors that he could make a sensational return ahead of the 2026 tournament. Hugo Lloris of France shows teh World Cup trophy to teammates after the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final Deschamps chooses future over experience Although speculation over a comeback intensified in recent months, Deschamps ultimately decided against recalling the former captain. The France coach instead chose to continue building around the country’s new goalkeeping hierarchy, led by Mike Maignan. Milan’s captain has now firmly established himself as France’s number-one goalkeeper following Lloris’ retirement. Behind him, Deschamps preferred younger options rather than bringing back a veteran nearing the end of his career. Mike Maignan of France looks on That decision reflects Les Bleus’ broader long-term transition. Several younger stars are now expected to form the foundation of the nat
Images of Merlin, a two-year-old duck, parading on the streets of Mexico City celebrated by fans on social mediaJulián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez may have scored the goals, but a duck stole the show.As Mexico celebrated its World Cup-opening victory over South Africa on Thursday, Merlin, a two-year-old duck dressed in the national team’s colors, became an unlikely internet sensation and the tournament’s first unofficial mascot. Continue reading...
New Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage has said "Oliver Glasner achieved some amazing things, and now I have to do the same", after signing a three-year deal at Selhurst Park. Glasner was in charge of Palace for 28 months and led the side to a historic FA Cup and Conference League victory, as well as winning the Community Shield. Sage has joined the Eagles after winning the French Cup with Lens and finishing second in Ligue 1, six points behind champions Paris St-Germain.
The stars could align for Scottie Scheffler at Shinnecock Hills this week, with the 29-year-old able to complete the final leg of his career Grand Slam and become only the seventh player in history to do so, should he claim victory at the US Open.
Germany have now won 10 straight matches, but Julian Nagelsmann said his team needed the confidence that comes with a 7-1 victory. The post Nagelsmann: Germany needed confidence-boosting hammering of Curacao appeared first on SoccerNews.
