Football news from the BBC, better covered elsewhere.
Extraordinary Messi makes more history in masterclass for the ages
17 June 2026 @ 4:27 am
Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland both enjoyed a fine start to the World Cup - but on a day packed with superstars, Lionel Messi still took top billing.
Highlights: Messi equals Klose scoring record with hat-trick against Algeria
17 June 2026 @ 4:09 am
Lionel Messi becomes the World Cup's joint-top all-time leading scorer with a hat-trick, as reigning champions Argentina begin their defence with a 3-1 win over Algeria.
'Magnificent' - Messi scores hat-trick to equal Klose scoring record
17 June 2026 @ 3:15 am
Lionel Messi scores a hat-trick to reach 16 World Cup goals, equalling Miroslav Klose's record.
From tragedy to World Cup history - Iraq scorer Hussein's story
17 June 2026 @ 2:20 am
Iraq striker Aymen Hussein's journey to the World Cup is one that could easily have taken a different turn.
No stage too big - Haaland arrives in style at World Cup
17 June 2026 @ 2:09 am
Erling Haaland has made a habit of scoring debut goals in the big competitions. He did it in the Champions League, the Bundesliga and the Premier League. Now he has done it at the World Cup too.
England will not adapt style despite USA heat - Tuchel
17 June 2026 @ 1:46 am
Thomas Tuchel says he is "not ready to adapt" England's playing style at the World Cup despite the heat - as it would "give up" the team's strengths.
Partey misled Canadian officials over previous arrest
17 June 2026 @ 12:56 am
Thomas Partey will miss Ghana's World Cup opener after an appeal against the decision not to grant him a visa is turned down.
Highlights: Haaland scores twice in Norway win over Iraq
17 June 2026 @ 12:49 am
Erling Haland scores two goals as Norway begin their World Cup 2026 campaign with a 4-1 win against Iraq.
'Dear, oh dear!' - Huge goalkeeping shocker gives Haaland a second goal
16 June 2026 @ 11:10 pm
Erling Haaland will not have a easier goal at this World Cup as the Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan is caught out by the Norway striker.
India: Why country of 1.4 billion is not at World Cup
16 June 2026 @ 11:09 pm
The world's most populous country is still missing from football's biggest stage.