Its been goals galore so far at the World Cup.The tournament has been one of the highest-scoring in history so far and produced nearly 25% more scoring than the same span of games in the previous World Cup. One reason for the increase in scoring might be the ball that FIFA is using for this tournament. FIFA says the ball has been designed with deep seams to produce optimal in-flight stability, and players and coaches say it has been rocketing toward goalkeepers at a high velocity. There is also added grip to help striking and dribbling the ball in wet or humid conditions.This ball is as fast as a cannon ball. I think today and the last couple of days, you saw if you kick the ball in the right position, its extremely difficult to save," Austria coach Ralf Rangnick said.The games are also running longer because of increased stoppage time related to hydration breaks that are new this tournament, allowing more scoring opportunities. And the tournament has a bigger talent gap because of the expanded 48-team field that debuted this year. The result: Fans were treated to 121 goals in the first 40 games of the tournament, and many of them came from internationally known players.Premier League players are scoring the mostMore than half the goals scored so far in the tournament were by players from the top three professional leagues in England, Germany and Spain. The English Premier League leads the way.The trend was on full display over the weekend in the match between the Netherlands and Sweden, a 5-1 triumph for the Dutch team. All six goals in the match were scored by players who competed in the Premier League in the 2025-26 season.I think the Premier League is more intense than this World Cup, said Gabriel Martinelli, a Brazil player from Arsenal. But its certainly still a very beautiful World Cup, with high-quality and intense matches.Real Madrid, Inter Miami and Liverpool were the clubs whose players have produced the most goals. Miami, of course, is all because of one man Lionel Messi.In addition to 28 goals from the Premier League, 16 came from the German league, 11 from the Spanish league, seven from the French league and five from the Italian league.Major League Soccer saw its players score eight times. Messi had a hat trick in Argentinas opening match and another two on Monday. The other three MLS goals came from FC Dallas Petar Musa of Croatia, Atlanta Uniteds Matas Galarza of Paraguay and Portland Timbers Finn Surman of New Zealand.When FIFA announced the official squads, there were 200 players based in England at the club level, nearly two times more than the 109 players based in Germany.The tallies for the goals were made based on the players clubs when the official squad announcements were made.Real Madrid and Liverpool at the topReal Madrid players scored six times three with Frances Kylian Mbapp, two with Brazils Vincius Jnior and one with Englands Jude Bellingham.Madrid did not have any players called up for Spains national team for the first time ever. It signed Marc Cucurella from Chelsea during the tournament, though, thus making one of its own a part of the World Cup with La Roja.Liverpool got three goals from Dutch players two by Cody Gapko and one by Virgil van Dijk. Another goal came by Swedens Alexander Isak, and the other was scored by Egypt's Mohamed Salah, who was still listed as a Liverpool player when the squads were announced.Bayern Munich had four goals from its players a brace by Englands Harry Kane and one each by Germanys Jamal Musiala and Colombias Luis Daz.Bayern was the team with the second-most players called up for the tournament with 18. Manchester City was the first with 19, though its only two goals at the World Cup so far came from Norway's Erling Haaland.How many goals are we talking about?With 121 goals scored from 88 different players in the first 40 games of the tournament, the average per game was at three goals. There were only three 0-0 draws, and eight of the goals were own-goals.The tournament is on pace to shatter the 172-goal record from Qatar in 2022. The records aren't an apples-to-apples comparison because the 2022 edition only had 64 matches compared with 104 this year. But the pace for 64 matches this year is at almost 194 goals, well beyond the record from four years ago.The trend in goal-scoring goes beyond the World Cup. The Champions League has set new records in the past two seasons: 3.27 goals per game in 2024-2025 to 3.47 goals per game in the 2025-2026 season.___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/FIFA-World-Cup

Miroslav Klose has paid tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentina captain surpassed his World Cup goalscoring record, hailing the veteran forward as "the best player of all time".Messi moved into uncharted territory on Monday night as his brace in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria took him onto 18 World Cup goals, eclipsing the 16 Klose scored during his glittering career with Germany.The 38-year-old had earlier missed a penalty in Dallas before recovering to score twice and continue his sensational start to the tournament, with five goals already to his name in North America.Rather than showing disappointment at seeing his own record fall, Klose was quick to congratulate Messi and acknowledge the magnitude of the achievement.TRENDINGStoriesVideosYour Say"For me, Lionel Messi is the best of all time," the former Germany striker told Sddeutsche Zeitung."Congratulations, champ!"Klose's record had stood untouched since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he overtook Brazilian icon Ronaldo by netting his 16th and final goal during Germany's memorable 7-1 semi-final victory over the hosts.The striker finished his World Cup career having scored in four successive tournaments, finding the net at the 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014 editions.He also claimed the Golden Boot in Germany in 2006 after scoring five goals and helped Joachim Low's side lift the trophy eight years later.Messi's World Cup journey has taken a very different path.His first goal on football's biggest stage arrived as an 18-year-old during Argentina's 6-0 victory over Serbia and Montenegro at the 2006 tournament.Four years later, despite producing several eye-catching performances under Diego Maradona, Messi endured the only goal drought of his World Cup career, failing to score in South Africa.LATEST SPORTS NEWS:Roy Keane hits out at England players after Thomas Tuchel comments at World CupLionel Messi is ending the Cristiano Ronaldo debate at this summer's World CupKyren Wilson devastated after burglars steal anniversary gift and charity cash from family homeHe rediscovered his touch in Brazil in 2014, netting four times in the group stage, including a stoppage-time winner against Iran and a brace against Nigeria, before Argentina lost to Germany in the final.Messi added just one goal in Russia in 2018 before producing his finest campaign in Qatar four years later.The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner scored seven goals as Argentina finally ended their 36-year wait for World Cup glory, including two strikes in a thrilling final against France before Lionel Scaloni's men prevailed on penalties.Messi drew level with Klose's tally of 16 goals after scoring a hat-trick in Argentina's opening 3-0 victory over Algeria earlier this month.He then moved clear of the German against Austria despite squandering the chance to make history from the penalty spot.Messi later admitted the demands of another World Cup campaign were beginning to catch up with him."I'm tired and I'm running on fumes," he said."It's hard to think."But I'm enjoying this moment and looking forward to being with my teammates. It's been spectacular how it has all unfolded."Messi has now featured in a record-extending 28 World Cup matches and remains on course to challenge for the Golden Boot for the first time in his career.Argentina are already virtually assured of top spot in Group J and, with Jordan up next in the early hours of Sunday morning (3am). Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

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Die internationale Presse feiert Lionel Messi. Mexikos Staatschefin Claudia Sheinbaum empfngt Enterich Merln. Alles rund um die WM 2026 im Liveblog.[mehr]

WILMINGTON, Del - Following a challenging week against the Northern Division's first-half leaders, the Greensboro Grasshoppers, the Blue Rocks returne... - SAL Wilmington Blue Rocks

Un orage violent a clat Philadelphie en plein pendant le match du Mondial entre la France et l'Irak ce lundi et a provoqu l'vacuation des tribunes. Si le match a dbut l'heure prvue, il a ensuite t interrompu pendant plus d'une heure pour attendre l'amlioration des conditions mto.

I think you're going to like these 2026 FIFA World Cup power rankings. But remember, these are my power rankings. You don't like them? Get your own. They are fluid. They change as the tournament goes on. So, what's changed from last week? Let's see an example here. My FOX Sports colleague Rebecca Lowe would like England to move up a space in front of Spain. What about Portugal, which was No. 5 in my rankings last week? Gone-ski, out, bye-bye. The Netherlands is now in my top 10, so welcome to the Oranje folks. And what about the USA? I was talking with my colleague David Mosse on our "State of the Union" podcast, and he made a really good point: There are fewer and fewer elite teams that you think the USA cannot beat in this tournament. And I think that that's reflective of where we are right now. But again, things can change. Let's dive into it. Odds are as of Monday afternoon. Odds to win the World Cup: +1400 (8th) The Netherlands had a dominant showing last week, putting five goals past Sweden including two-goal performances by Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo. The Netherlands will face Tunisia on Thursday in Kansas City with the hope of sealing Group F. Group F opponents: Japan (2-2 D), Sweden (5-1 W), Tunisia (June 24) Odds to win the World Cup: +4000 (T-11th) Along with the Netherlands, Japan is the other Group F team that has had a hot start at the tournament. The Samurai Blue had a comprehensive 4-0 win over Tunisia that saw Ayase Ueda score twice. Despite some key players due to injuries, this team looks elite. Group F opponents: Netherlands (2-2 D), Tunisia (4-0 W), Sweden (June 25) Odds to win the World Cup: + 3500 (T-9th) This team has already wrapped up a knockout spot as Group D winner and has done it with plenty of style and momentum. The crowds are getting behind the Stars and Stripes, even with Christian Pulisic still working his way back from a calf injury. Group D opponents: Paraguay (4-1 W), Australia (2-0 W), Trkiye (June 25) Odds to win the World Cup: +4000 (T-11th) Morocco held on to a nervy and thrilling win over Scotland, thanks to an early goal from Ismael Saibari, and isn't showing any signs of a slump following a historic 2022 semifinal run. Having gotten results against Scotland and Brazil, the Atlas Lions can try to seal the group with a win against Haiti. Group C opponents: Brazil (1-1 D), Scotland (1-0 W), Haiti (June 24) Odds to win the World Cup: +5000 (T-13th) Behind the playmaking skills of Luis Diaz & Co., this team had a bright start against Uzbekistan. The Colombian fans made their presence felt at this tournament. Los Cafeteros will continue to be motivated by that. Group K opponents: Uzbekistan (3-1 W), DR Congo (June 23), Portugal (June 27) Odds to win the World Cup: +1300 (8th) Is this Germany team finding its gear at the right time? Deniz Undav has become a breakout star at the tournament, serving as a super-sub that saw the dynamic midfielder score two goals in a rally over the Ivory Coast. The talent is there for a deep run. Group E opponents: Curaao (7-1 W), Ivory Coast (2-1 W), Ecuador (June 25) Odds to win the World Cup: +500 (2nd) The Spain we expected to see at the tournament finally showed up in a shellacking over Saudi Arabia that included a goal by Lamine Yamal and a brace by Mikel Oryazbal. It still faces arguably its biggest test at the group stage against a Uruguayan side. Group H opponents: Cape Verde (0-0 D), Saudi Arabia (4-0 W), Uruguay (June 26) Odds to win the World Cup: +600 (3rd) The stars shined for England in its 4-2 win over Croatia that included two goals from Harry Kane and another from Judge Bellingham. The scoring and the attack won't be an issue against the Three Lions, and this team still has time to sort out some defensive lapses. Group L opponents: Croatia (4-2 W), Ghana (June 23), Panama (June 27) Odds to win the World Cup: +400 (1st) Kylian Mbapp wants to make more music for Les Bleus as the star striker tries to add to his goal tally. There is no shortage of talent in this team, and it feels like the all-star cast of Ousmane Dembl and Michael Olise are poised to break out soon. Group I opponents: Senegal (3-1 W), Iraq (June 22), Norway (June 26) Odds to win the World Cup: +650 (4th) Another record broken for the GOAT. Lionel Messi now stands alone as the player with the most World Cup goals ever. His two goals in the game against Austria (which included a rare penalty miss) has him with 18 goals across six editions of the tournament. Group J opponents: Algeria (3-0 W), Austria (2-0), Jordan (June 27)

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LAS VEGAS Levan Chokheli met the media Saturday after his win over Leon Shahbazyan at UFCFight Night 279.Chokheli (15-3 MMA, 1-0 UFC) came right after Shahbazyan (12-5 MMA, 0-1 UFC) on the prelims atthe Meta APEX inLas Vegas. He landed an early leg kick that hurt Shahbazyan, then a combo, then body shots to put him away. The quick finish came with former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili working his corner.Chokheli's finish came in just 23 seconds in his UFC debut. The Bellator vet was a 4-1 betting favorite against Shahbazyan, the older brother of longtime UFC fighter Edmen Shahbazyan, in their welterweight fight. And maybe the 23 seconds wasn't planned, but the delivery method sure was, he said."I was working on this combination the last couple weeks. That's what I was doing. You saw my knockout, right? This calf kick, 1-2 and overhand to the body that's what I was working for," Chokheli told MMA Junkie and other reporters athis post-fight news conference." I'm Georgian. My wrestling is good, but I would rather stay on the feet and throw my hands. But in the future, the welterweight division is the toughest one. There are a lot of good jiu-jitsu guys and good wrestlers. When I face them, it will be time to show you my wrestling skills and my jiu-jitsu skills. But today was today. What I did was the game plan nothing else."WASTING NO TIME Levan Chokheli only needed 23 seconds to get the RD1 finish![ #UFCVegas119 | LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/lE0Ab1LBil UFC (@ufc) June 20, 2026With his first UFC win under his belt, and with virtually no damage taken,Chokheli said he'll be looking for a fast return. He also wants a fast rise up the rankings at welterweight.Chokheli, who has 80 percent of his wins by knockout, fought seven times under the Bellator banner. And though the first nine wins ov his career were first-round knockouts, including seven in less than a minute, they obviously weren't against the level of competition he'll face in the UFC. But that's why he thinks his Bellator fights will play a factor."I think it gave me an advantage(in my UFC debut) because I was fighting there with monsters, former UFC fighters (like Sabah Homasi and Lorenz Larkin)," Chokheli said. "Now I'm 29 years old and I have a lot of fights behind me. I think now I'm getting into my prime. I don't need more experience. I'm almost 30 years old."I need fights. I don't need fights to keep my record up or build me up. I need tough fights now to get a title fight as soon as possible."Check out Chokheli's post-fight interview in the video above.This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Levan Chokheli: Bellator experience, 23-second UFC KO mean I'm title-ready

The USMNT has clinched a spot in the World Cup knockouts, so should the team rotate in its final Group D match or stay consistent?