By Cristina Burgos KANSAS CITY, Missouri — On a night that added yet another remarkable chapter to his legendary career, Lionel Messi delivered a historic hat trick to lead Argentina to a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Making his record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance and his 200th international appearance for Argentina, Messi once again proved why he remains football's ultimate difference-maker, carrying the defendi

By Alonso Contreras BOSTON, Massachusetts — Erling Haaland marked his long-awaited FIFA World Cup debut with a brace as Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 in an entertaining Group I opener, securing the nation's first World Cup victory since 1998 and making an early statement in the race for qualification. For a country that waited nearly three decades to return to football's biggest stage, Norway could hardly have imagined a better start. Led by Haaland and captain Martin Ødegaard, St

By Lilibeth Rendon EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey — Kylian Mbappé became France's all-time leading goalscorer as Les Bleus overcame a spirited Senegal side 3-1 in a dramatic Group G opener at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The final scoreline may suggest a comfortable victory, but Didier Deschamps' men were pushed to their limits by a fearless Senegal team that created the better opportunities for much of the match before France's world-class attacking talent ultimately made the diffe

By Niko Antoun The long-awaited World Cup debuted in Seattle on the afternoon of June 15th, treating the PNW to action from the world’s biggest competition. Egypt’s Mohammed Salah and Omar Marmoush started on the pitch of Seattle Stadium against a team of Belgian superstars, like Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois. The match ended in a tightly contested 1-1 game in front of a crowd of 66,775, and the closing minutes felt like either side could have taken the three points. E

By Rene Vidal MIAMI, Florida — Saudi Arabia came within minutes of securing one of the biggest victories of the opening round before settling for a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Uruguay in a dramatic Group H clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Backed by an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais, the Green Falcons frustrated the South American giants for long stretches and looked destined for all three points until a late Uruguayan equalizer changed the story o

By Alonso Contreras ATLANTA, Georgia — World Cup debutants Cape Verde produced one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far, frustrating reigning European champions Spain in a resilient 0-0 draw that felt like a victory for the African nation. Behind a heroic performance from veteran goalkeeper Vozinha and a disciplined defensive display, Cape Verde secured the first World Cup point in the country's history, silencing a heavily favored Spanish side at Atlant

By Alonso Contreras HOUSTON, Texas — Germany delivered one of the most dominant performances of the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far, overwhelming Curaçao 7-1 in their Group E opener and sending a clear message to the rest of the tournament field. Despite a brief scare in the first half, Julian Nagelsmann's side showcased its attacking depth, creativity, and ruthless finishing in front of a packed crowd, turning the match into a showcase of German firepower. The four-time world cha

By Alonso Contreras EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey — Morocco once again showed why it remains one of the most difficult teams to break down on the international stage, holding five-time world champions Brazil to a 1-1 draw in a highly entertaining Group C clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In front of a crowd of 80,663 fans and under sweltering summer temperatures, the Atlas Lions delivered another statement performance, frustrating Brazil for long stretches before securing a val

By Fernando Abarca SANTA CLARA, California — The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicked off in the Bay Area on Saturday, and it did so with an unexpected result. Qatar salvaged a valuable 1-1 draw against Switzerland thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer. What appeared to be a comfortable victory for the European side turned into a celebration for the Qataris, who found a way back in the dying moments to earn a historic point and keep their hopes of advancing to the nex

By Alonso Contreras The United States opened its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating Paraguay 4-1 in front of a packed and electric home crowd to claim three crucial points in Group D. Mauricio Pochettino's side wasted little time taking control of the match and struck first in the seventh minute. Christian Pulisic ignited the move with a brilliant run through the Paraguayan defense before finding Weston McKennie. The midfielder's dangerous ball across

By Alonso Contreras Mexico kicked off the 2026 FIFA World Cup in style, defeating South Africa 2-0 in front of a passionate home crowd at Mexico City Stadium to claim the first win of the tournament. El Tri wasted little time asserting themselves and found the breakthrough in the ninth minute. South Africa gifted possession away in their own half after a heavy touch from Sphephelo Sithole, allowing Érik Lira to win the ball back before feeding Julián Quiñones, who calmly slot

By Mario Amaya Canada fought back from a goal down to earn a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their World Cup Group B opener, with substitute Cyle Larin making an immediate impact in front of an energized home crowd. Despite controlling large portions of the match and creating several dangerous opportunities, Jesse Marsch's side found themselves trailing midway through the first half. Bosnia capitalized on a set piece in the 21st minute when Sead Kolašin

The NWSL announced on Wednesday that Washington, DC would be the host of the 2026 NWSL Championship game on November 21st, which will take place at Audi Field. “Washington, D.C. has become one of the premier destinations for women’s soccer, with an incredibly engaged fan base, a vibrant soccer culture and a community that continues to champion the growth of our game,” said NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman. “As soccer captures the attention of fans across the country this ye

By Alonso Contreras In one of the most chaotic and entertaining matches of the MLS season, Inter Miami CF outlasted Philadelphia Union 6-4 in a breathtaking contest filled with momentum swings, penalties, late drama, and attacking brilliance. The match exploded into life almost immediately. Philadelphia stunned the home crowd in the 4th minute when Milan Iloski opened the scoring after combining with Frankie Westfield and teenage playmaker Cavan Sullivan. Just minutes later,

By Ruben Santa Cruz Los Angeles FC secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Seattle Sounders FC thanks to a late winner from Timothy Tillman in a tense and physical matchup. Both teams created chances throughout the night, but goalkeepers Thomas Hasal and Andrew Thomas kept the score level with several important saves. Seattle threatened early through Jordan Morris and Albert Rusnák, while LAFC responded with attacking pressure led by Denis Bouanga, David Martínez, and Son Heun

By Alonso Contreras Columbus Crew delivered a composed and commanding performance at home, defeating Atlanta United FC 2-0 behind first-half goals from Sekou Bangoura and Diego Rossi. The Crew controlled the tempo early and nearly opened the scoring through Diego Rossi, who struck the post in the 17th minute after forcing a save moments earlier from Lucas Hoyos. Columbus continued to push forward, and the breakthrough arrived in the 24th minute when Sekou Bangoura finished fr

By Rene Vidal LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo FC shared the points after an intense 1-1 draw in a match filled with chances, physical battles, and standout goalkeeping performances. The Galaxy controlled much of the first half and finally broke through in the 30th minute when Joseph Paintsil finished clinically from inside the box, giving the home side a deserved lead after sustained attacking pressure led by Gabriel Pec and Marco Reus. Houston responded before halftime with a m

By Alonso Contreras Vancouver Whitecaps FC produced an impressive attacking display to defeat San Diego FC 4-2 on the road in a fast-paced Western Conference matchup. The Whitecaps struck first in the 30th minute when Brian White finished from close range after a setup involving Thomas Müller and Tristan Blackmon. Vancouver doubled the lead just before halftime as White grabbed his second of the night, calmly finishing after assists from Jeevan Badwal and Kenji Cabrera. San D