Elijah Just's rapid rise from the Austrian second division to scoring twice for New Zealand at the World Cup is chronicled. The Motherwell midfielder's standout season in the Scottish Premiership earned him a PFA Scotland team selection and a place in World Cup history.
Lionel Messi enters his sixth World Cup at age 38, a vastly different player from the teenage winger who debuted for Barcelona in 2003. His evolution through multiple reinventions—from false nine to deep-lying playmaker—has kept him dominant as Argentina aim to defend their title.
Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento is a doubt for England's World Cup campaign after suffering a muscular injury in training. The 23-year-old is being assessed, with Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah a possible replacement.
Zidane Iqbal, a former Manchester United midfielder playing for Iraq, is set to become the first player of Pakistani heritage to feature in a men's World Cup. The 23-year-old, who wears both flags on his boots, hopes to inspire South Asian and other minority kids.
Marcus Rashford's loan to Barcelona ended without a permanent transfer, leaving his future at Manchester United uncertain. The forward will return to United with a high salary, but the club may seek to sell him amid cost-cutting measures.
BBC Sport launches the ninth edition of its 'Who Am I?' football quiz. Players must identify a World Cup star using clues, earning points for fewer guesses. A new quiz is released daily.
Olivier Giroud reveals how he convinced N'Golo Kante not to retire from international football in 2018. The 35-year-old midfielder remains a key player for France at the 2025 World Cup, valued for his energy, defensive balance, and positive influence on the squad.
Federico Valverde has been awarded the FIFA Man of the Match for the Uruguay vs. Saudi Arabia match. The announcement was made official by FIFA.
Wayne Rooney has sent a good luck message to England teammate Kobbie Mainoo, calling him an inspiration.
Hamza Abdelkader has become the youngest player ever to represent Egypt at a World Cup. The Barcelona loanee from Al Ahly has now signed a permanent deal for €1.5m.
