Marcotti's best XI of World Cup group stage: Messi, Mbappé and who else? - ESPN
PHILADELPHIA — The group stage is done, which means we've played 72 games (with 32 to go!) and whittled 48 teams down to 32.
Lionel Messi Sport News
Cape Verde’s World Cup magic has Italy great Materazzi spellbound
MIAMI: Italy’s 2006 World Cup hero Marco Materazzi has been stunned by Cape Verde’s fairytale debut at the 2026 edition, calling the African nation the biggest surprise of the tournament. The Cape Verde islanders, one of the smallest nations ever to qualify for a World Cup, have enchanted fans with an unbeaten group stage run featuring three draws that saw them advance in second place behind former champions Spain and ahead of Uruguay. The team, led by inspirational goalkeeper Vozinha, have earned a dream match-up in last 32, with the African side set to play reigning champions Argentina in Miami on Friday. “Cape Verde is the big surprise at the moment. Now they have to play against the world champions,” Materazzi told Reuters. “So we will see. We are here in Miami and looking forward to watching the game. (They are the) underdog. But in 90 minutes in football, you never know what can happen.” The 52-year-old former defender was quick to acknowledge the mountain Cape Verde face against Lionel Messi’s Argentina, praising the 39-year-old great who continues to defy Father Time and tops the tournament’s scoring charts with six goals so far. “Argentina is much better than Cape Verde at the moment (and they have) one of the best ever players in history,” Materazzi added. “I love Messi when he plays and I’m looking forward to watching him in the game. (Playing at) 39 years old is not easy and he is still one of the best.”
Cape Verde's World Cup magic has Italy great Materazzi spellbound
MIAMI, June 28 : Italy's 2006 World Cup hero Marco Materazzi has been stunned by Cape Verde's fairytale debut at the 2026 edition, calling the African nation the biggest surprise of the tournament.
Argentina wary of 'tough' Cape Verde after cruising through group stage
KANSAS CITY, Missouri, June 28 : Argentina turned their attention to round-of-32 opponents Cape Verde after a dominant group stage, stressing the African side will pose a tough challenge despite suggestions their route to the later rounds could be straightforward.
Tanjung Verde Repotkan Spanyol & Uruguay, Argentina Waspada
Pelatih Timnas Argentina, Lionel Scaloni, tak mau anggap remeh Tanjung Verde di 32 besar Piala Dunia 2026. Ia menilai Hiu Biru tim yang solid terbukti bisa repotkan Spanyol dan Uruguay di fase grup.
Gol Harry Kane di Piala Dunia Sudah Lewati Cristiano Ronaldo
Harry Kane sudah mengoleksi 11 gol sepanjang keikutsertaan di Piala Dunia 2026. Jumlah golnya kini melampaui Cristiano Ronaldo dengan laga lebih sedikit.
Messi 1st to score in 7 straight World Cup games as defending champ Argentina beats Jordan, sweeps group
Giovani Lo Celso became the first Argentina player other than Lionel Messi to score in this World Cup as the defending champions finished the group stage with a three-game sweep after a 3-1 victory over Jordan on Saturday night in Arlington, Texas.
Messi Sudah 'Makan' 13 Korban di Piala Dunia, Yordania Terbaru
Lionel Messi terus memakan "korban" di Piala Dunia. Terbaru ada gawang Yordania yang merasakan keampuan kaki kiri Messi.