Luka Modric, now 40, leads Croatia into the 2026 World Cup opener against England. From a childhood shaped by war to a Ballon d'Or winner, his story mirrors a nation that consistently overachieves on the global stage.
Lionel Messi has scored 14 World Cup goals, tying Kylian Mbappé and Gerd Müller. Cristiano Ronaldo has 15, and Miroslav Klose leads with 16.
Lionel Messi has scored 15 World Cup goals, tying Ronaldo Nazario for second all-time. He needs one more to match Miroslav Klose's record of 16.
Jude Bellingham's status as England's golden boy has dimmed since Euro 2024 due to injuries and competition from Morgan Rogers. As England face Croatia in their World Cup opener, Bellingham aims to prove his worth under head coach Thomas Tuchel's strict no-star system.
Lionel Messi said he cried after scoring his first goal, but the tears were unrelated to football. He thanked his teammates and delegation for their support during difficult days.
Lionel Messi expressed his honor at competing with football greats, including Ronaldo Nazario, whom he called one of the greatest players of all time.
Argentina midfielder Rodrigo de Paul says Lionel Messi is not chasing individual records but ends up breaking them all anyway.
As Cristiano Ronaldo prepares for his sixth World Cup, debate intensifies over whether Portugal performs better without him. Despite his record 143 international goals, critics question his role, while coach Roberto Martinez defends his value. Ronaldo aims to lead Portugal to their first World Cup title.
Real Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham shares what it means to play for his country at the World Cup.
Aymen Hussein scored Iraq's second-ever World Cup goal in a 4-1 loss to Norway. His journey includes personal tragedy and a disrupted build-up, but he remains a key figure for Iraq's return to the tournament after 40 years.
