“Like I said, I think there was always a justice somewhere in life and the fact that something can happen like that, you can put it all you want, but we don't think that was fair,” Raskin told reporters.

Messi arrives in Miami as the tournament's leading scorer with six goals, having found the net in every match for Argentina. Waiting for him is a defence unit that has frustrated some of the most accomplished sides.

"Football is a cruel sport," Senegal coach Pape Thiaw remarked afterwards, his disappointment impossible to conceal.

Witness an unbelievable anime prophecy manifest as Japan faces Brazil in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage in Houston, fulfilling a Captain Tsubasa prediction. Fans globally celebrate this unforgettable intersection of childhood fiction and reality.

Brazil face Japan in Houston on June 29 while the Socceroos meet Egypt in Dallas on July 3.

Explore the structural decline of Dhaka's middle class and how political patronage and globalization emptied our clubs.

With 48 matches remaining in the World Cup, total attendance could conceivably nearly double the 1994 record, which came during an era in which the World Cup contained only 52 matches. Stadiums have been more than 99% full on average.

Nepal is currently ranked 175th in FIFA's world rankings. The women's national team ranks 88th.

Silencing critics after a quiet opener, Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in Portugal's historic 5-0 World Cup victory against Uzbekistan in Houston. The legendary forward secured his emotional legacy by becoming the first player to score in six different tournaments.

When Sweden's Yasin Ayari scored seven minutes into his World Cup debut he raised his arms in apology rather than celebration out of respect for Tunisia, where his father is from.

Discover the untold childhood struggles of football icon Lionel Messi, from facing growth hormone deficiency in Rosario to signing his historic 2000 Barcelona napkin contract. His legendary journey inspires deep admiration for unmatched athletic perseverance.

That has been the message from coach Bubista after the performance against Uruguay. "We're here to show our country to the entire world," he said after the match.

"I can't wait to get back dancing with the ball again and to write a new story with Ignazio Cipriani (the Italian-American owner of Ravenna) and his entire family," Gazzetta quoted Ronaldinho as saying.

Celebrate Son Heung-min as the legendary South Korean captain commands the global stage during his fourth World Cup campaign. Facing Mexico, Czechia, and South Africa, his inspiring legacy of private grit fuels eternal football glory.

Relive the historic football trauma as Germany mimics their legendary 2014 World Cup victory by defeating Curaçao 7-1, triggering intense nostalgia and bittersweet relief for passionate Brazil fans across Dhaka watching the goals rain down.

Celebrate Morocco's dramatic rise from Qatar semi-finalists to holding Brazil in the 2026 World Cup. Explore the historic colonial roots behind their French FIFA scoreboard code MAR, proving football heritage transcends linguistic boundaries.

Uniting under the iconic green and yellow jersey, Vinicius Jr and Raphinha seamlessly transform from fierce El Clasico enemies into trusted allies for Brazil, demonstrating that true camaraderie inspires greatness far beyond club football boundaries.

Celebrate the historic inclusion of the Bangladesh national football jersey in Zurich’s FIFA Museum. Designed by Tasmit Afiyat Arny, this vibrant kit weaves Jamdani patterns, heritage art, and national pride into global sports history.

The wait lasted four years, or 1,460 days. On Thursday night, it finally ended. With the referee’s whistle, the World Cup, the “Greatest Show on Earth”, began.

Player and club numbers: 1,248 players from 449 clubs in 71 countries. 357 players have previous World Cup experience; 891 are debutants.