The United States advanced to the World Cup knockout rounds with a game to spare following an impressive 2-0 win over Australia Friday, stoking the hopes of an already hyped host nation.

USA's star forward Christian Pulisic will play no part in his team's second World Cup group match against Australia on Friday, head coach Mauricio Pochettino said.

Algeria have lodged a complaint about alleged poor refereeing during their 3-0 World Cup defeat by Argentina this week, a source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Friday.

Traditionally, African nations have been among the most underrated sides in the FIFA World Cup. Although no African nation has ever won the tournament or reached the final in any of its previous 22 editions, their steady rise on the global football stage has gradually changed perceptions about their prospects in the sport’s biggest event.

They do not score goals, track back, or understand the offside law, rendering them only slightly less tactically confused than Spain and Portugal’s midfield.

Two years after leaving the United States following a series of unsuccessful MLS tryouts, Yan Diomande is shining at the World Cup for Ivory Coast -- and still grieving a family tragedy.

Haitians have never forgotten that Brazil extended them a helping hand 22 years ago, when the Caribbean nation was going through a turbulent period marked by armed groups fighting for power.

Brazil are currently third in Group C, boasting one point from one match, while Haiti are at the bottom of the table, having lost their opening game of the tournament to Scotland.

Images of Samurai Blue fans cleaning up World Cup stadiums have garnered them widespread praise, but back in Japan, a post has gone viral complaining men rarely do so at home.

While Bangladesh is neither a host nor a participating nation in the FIFA World Cup 2026, the tournament is expected to boost the local economy through merchandise sales, advertising, and increased garment exports, generating millions of taka in business activity.

Iran wanted to fly from their base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, to the United States two days before their next match, against Belgium in Los Angeles on Sunday. But the Iranian federation said its request was turned down.

Sometimes football's most powerful stories emerge far from the spotlight

Alvarez was the regular starter heading into the tournament, but Scaloni opted for Martinez - echoing their triumphant Qatar 2022 campaign, when the Inter Milan player began as first-choice striker but Alvarez took over from the third match onwards.

Alongside assistant referees Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt, Penso became only the second woman referee to officiate in a men's FIFA World Cup match.

Luis Romo's goal just after half-time put Mexico through as Group A winners with a match to go following a goalkeeping error.

"It’s incredible, it’s the first brace of my entire career," Manzambi said.

The five-times champions needed a flash of brilliance from Vinicius Jr to rescue a point in their opener after Ismael Saibari had given Morocco an early lead.

Qatar's Assim Madibo upended Kone with a clumsy challenge from behind to leave the Italy-based midfielder writhing in agony and clutching his left leg.

Canada thrashed nine-man Qatar 6-0 to secure their first ever World Cup victory on Thursday.

Neuer, a 2014 World Cup winner who is 40 years old and playing his fifth consecutive World Cup as Germany's starting keeper, had retired after their Euro 2024 quarter-final exit on home soil.