Argentina captain Lionel Messi returned to the starting lineup for Friday’s FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against tournament debutants Cape Verde, setting the stage for another milestone in the legendary forward’s remarkable international career.

The match carried special significance for both Messi and Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, who will oversee his 100th game in charge of the reigning world champions since taking over the national team in 2018.

Messi, already the FIFA World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer, will become the first player in history to make 30 appearances at the tournament when he leads Argentina onto the pitch.

The 39-year-old returns to the starting XI alongside Lautaro Martinez in attack as Argentina seek a place in the Round of 16. Julian Alvarez, who has featured prominently during the tournament, begins the match among the substitutes.

By scoring the opening goal, he became the first player to score in eight consecutive World Cup matches.

The coach, Scaloni, also celebrated a century of matches at the helm.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK

FIFA will add a patriotic flourish to the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the United States marks Independence Day and commemorates the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding with special pre-match celebrations at two Round of 16 matches on Saturday.

The festivities will take place at Houston Stadium and Philadelphia Stadium, where fans will be treated to a blend of football and American heritage before kick-off.

In Houston, organisers have planned a red, white and blue-themed extravaganza designed to showcase the city on a day of national significance. The celebrations will feature the unfurling of a giant pitch banner inspired by the energy and spectacle of fireworks, followed by a performance of the United States national anthem by US Navy Band Chief Musician Maia Rodriguez.

Philadelphia, widely regarded as the birthplace of the United States because of its central role in the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, will host a programme highlighting the city’s rich history and cultural legacy.

Among the pre-match attractions will be a national anthem performance by Tony Award-winning singer and actress Idina Menzel, alongside a special appearance by The Roots, the Grammy Award-winning hip-hop group founded in Philadelphia.

The ceremony will also feature performances by the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale, while Miss Pennsylvania, Stephanie Skinner, will take part in the celebrations.

Fans inside Philadelphia Stadium will be encouraged to participate in a stadium-wide tifo card display, while a fly-past by the VFA-11 and VFA-81 squadrons from Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach is expected to provide a dramatic backdrop to the occasion.

Entertainment will continue during the interval with a half-time performance by Grammy Award-winning DJ Jazzy Jeff, one of Philadelphia’s most celebrated musical exports.

Both host venues will also feature pyrotechnic displays and specially themed video-board presentations as part of the Independence Day festivities.

FIFA has urged supporters attending the matches to arrive early to enjoy the full programme of events. Player warm-ups are scheduled to begin approximately 65 minutes before kick-off, while the ceremonial activities are expected to start around 25 minutes before the opening whistle.

The celebrations are expected to add another layer of spectacle to a tournament already drawing global attention, as football’s biggest event joins Americans in commemorating a landmark moment in the nation’s history.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Egypt finally broke new ground at the FIFA World Cup on Friday, defeating Australia 4-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout to secure a historic place in the Round of 16 after a 1-1 draw following extra time.

The victory marked Egypt’s first-ever win in a World Cup knockout match and ensured that the Pharaohs would continue Africa’s challenge at the 2026 tournament.

After 120 tense minutes failed to separate the sides, Egypt held their nerve from the penalty spot, with Hossam Abdelmaguid converting the decisive kick after Australia missed two of their attempts.

The North Africans had made a bright start and took the lead in the 13th minute when Emam Ashour rose highest to head home a precise cross from Karim Hafez. The goal carried additional significance as it became the 250th goal scored at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Australia fought back after the break and drew level 10 minutes into the second half through a bizarre own goal. Aiden O’Neill’s dangerous free kick caused confusion in the Egyptian defence, with Mohamed Hany inadvertently heading the ball into his own net.

It was Hany’s second own goal of the tournament, giving the Socceroos a lifeline and setting up a fiercely contested battle that stretched into extra time.

Both teams created opportunities during the additional 30 minutes, but neither could find a winner, sending the contest to penalties.

Egypt proved more composed during the shootout, converting four of their spot-kicks while Australia faltered under pressure. Abdelmaguid stepped forward to calmly slot home the winning penalty, sparking wild celebrations among Egyptian players and supporters.

The result sends Egypt into the World Cup Round of 16, where they will face either defending champions Argentina or giant-killers Cape Verde in Atlanta on Tuesday. Argentina and Cape Verde were due to meet later on Friday in Miami to determine Egypt’s next opponents.

For Egypt, the victory represents a major milestone in the nation’s World Cup history and keeps alive Africa’s hopes of a deep run in the tournament.

After years of frustration on football’s biggest stage, the Pharaohs have finally achieved a breakthrough knockout victory and will now dream of extending their remarkable journey even further.

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