Defending champions Argentina have dismissed suggestions of an easy path to the World Cup last 16, insisting Cape Verde will provide a tough challenge.

Iran’s Football Federation says U.S. host officials caused travel delays for striker Mehdi Taremi and assistant coach Saeed Alhoei as they travelled to Seattle ahead of Iran’s World Cup clash against Egypt.

The FIFA World Cup attendances are on track for record highs despite daunting ticket prices and Trump administration travel restrictions. Experts say it is less a reflection of America’s fondness for ​soccer and more a measure of its love of spectacle.

The Netherlands complete their ​Group F campaign at the World Cup with a clash against a Tunisia side in disarray in Kansas City ‌on Thursday, looking to cement top spot in the pool and manage several strikers carrying knocks.

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six World Cups ​and Portugal’s all-time leading marksman at the ‌global finals with two goals in Tuesday’s emphatic 5-0 Group K win over Uzbekistan in Houston this morning.

Kylian Mbappe is just two goals away from becoming the highest scorer in World Cup history after netting twice in France’s 3-0 win over Iraq.

Lionel Messi has become the highest scorer in men’s FIFA World Cup history after netting his 18th tournament goal in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria this morning.

Scotland has secured their first World Cup victory in 36 years, edging Haiti 1-0 in a scrappy but crucial Group C clash yesterday.

As co-hosts, the Americans were spared the grind of qualifying, leaving questions over the readiness of Mauricio Pochettino’s squad heading into the tournament. ​What is not in doubt is the pressure on the Stars and Stripes.

Debutant Tomasi Vuluma Stark continued his impressive start to international rugby, scoring a second-half double to guide the Fiji Airways Fiji men’s 7s side to a 24-10 win over Great Britain in their second pool match at the Hong Kong Sevens.

Five Iranian women’s soccer players who escaped their handlers to seek protection in Australia have broken into cheers of “Aussie Aussie Aussie” after being granted humanitarian visas.