When you have Messi, it’s never really over as flawed Argentina are a dark and brilliant alliance of plot armour, destiny and genius

Both styles of management and play can get results, but only one is unashamedly, joyously human

Outstanding display by goalkeeper and two excellent finishes from striker seals win in New Jersey

As the US celebrates its 250th birthday, the official rhetoric of freedom and democracy grows further from the facts of daily life

England captain turned the game in his side’s favour late on after African side led through Brian Cipenga’s seventh-minute strike

Michael Olise provides a challenge to Kylian Mbappé’s status as France’s superstar

Paraguay defy odds and set up last-16 meeting with France or Sweden

Bielsa’s man-management style is akin that of Stanley Kubrick – the players are subordinate to the auteur’s vision

Roberto Martinez’s loyalty to his 41-year-old captain is becoming an increasingly expensive indulgence at World Cup 2026

Goals are almost secondary to emotion, celebrity and spectacle

Scotland’s 3-0 loss leaves them unsure whether they will be one of the eight best third-placed teams to progress

Erling Haaland scores twice as a transformed Norway overcome Senegal and go through to the World Cup’s round of 32

Fifa and other football rule-makers seem determined to destroy the sport’s defining characteristic

Brazil ran out 3-0 winners in their World Cup game against Haiti but failed to amass the goals to take control of their group

The driver wanted to see the matches at least in Philadelphia, then the prices gave him no chance