In the biggest edition of the World Cup yet, we've already seen more goals than ever before — and we've already witnessed some bangers and golazos in just group play.  Lionel Messi continued to do what he does best and make history,

We're into the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the race for the Golden Boot -- given to the tournament's top goal scorer -- is red-hot.

Messi has already scored five goals at this World Cup Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images Get free access to the most comprehensive World Cup coverage in The Athletic app. It’s May 1, 2005. It’s a week after the first video is uploaded to YouTube. It’s 18 ...

Defending World Cup champion Argentina and Lionel Messi are pushed to the limit in extra time before edging tiny Cape Verde 3-2 in an instant classic.

Egypt and Australia are headed to extra time at the World Cup with their round of 32 match even at 1-1 on Friday. The teams will now play 30 minutes of extra time, split into two 15-minute halves. If the score is still even after extra time,

Mo Salah wasn't at his best while fighting through injury, but he captained Egypt to an unprecedented World Cup win over Australia anyway.

The defending World Cup champions begin knockout round play on Friday when Argentina takes on Cape Verde at 6 p.m. ET, putting Lionel Messi back on the field in his chase for the Golden Boot. Messi is tied for the most goals (six) in the 2026 World Cup despite not playing his fourth game yet.

Cape Verde is on the verge of completing the biggest comeback in men's FIFA World Cup history. Cape Verde, the lowest-ranked team left in the World Cup and the third-smallest country to ever compete at the tournament,