Football (Sports)

How Cape Verde and Curaçao turned far‑flung diasporas, European academies and FIFA funding into World Cup breakthroughs that defy their tiny populations

Salah’s second-half masterclass ends Egypt’s World Cup drought and puts Pharaohs on brink of knockout qualification

A midfielder with Pakistani roots becomes first to feature at FIFA World Cup, inspiring a new generation of South Asian footballers and igniting fresh hope in Pakistan’s long-struggling football scene

Argentine captain nets hat-trick to equal Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record as title defence begins in style

Late equaliser crowns dramatic 2-2 comeback as Iran overcome chaotic buildup to keep Asian unbeaten run alive