World Cup 2026 analysis: A thrilling Round of 16 wraps up as nations cement their place in the last eight
As the number of teams remaining in the World Cup knockout stages is halved once again, eight nations, some familiar and some new faces such as Norway, have secured their spots in the quarter-finals.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Stanley Cheeseman looks at the key moments, summarising the quality, controversy and late drama throughout the recent match-ups.
World Cup 2026 analysis: Why Lionel Messi's World Cup record almost didn't happen
Lionel Messi's brace against Austria this past Tuesday saw him break the all-time World Cup scoring record.
Germany's Miroslav Klose, who previously held the record with 17 World Cup goals, has now been surpassed after Messi scored his 17th and 18th goals in the competition, making him the tournament's all-time leading scorer.
However, the record only tells part of the story. The night itself was far messier for Messi than the final scoreline suggests. Unlike Argentina's previous match against Algeria, he found far fewer opportunities and had to work much harder for his goals.
World Cup 2026 news: Five memorable moments – Vozinha heroics, four-star England and more
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada, got underway on June 11 in Mexico City and is the first World Cup to feature 48 teams and have three host countries.
Since then, there have been historic moments and relentless entertainment despite the defeatist attitude many fans had in the run-up to the tournament. Here, Sports News Blitz writer Jack George delves into the most memorable moments of World Cup 2026 so far.
Tactical dominance: Dissecting the top favorites for FIFA World Cup 2026
The expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026 is here. Discover which tactical heavyweights stand out as the definitive tournament favorites.
World Cup 2026 betting tips: Lionel Messi to lead Argentina to glory (again)
“USA! USA! USA!”
The time for talking is almost over. All eyes will be on North America over the next month or so as the great and the good of the beautiful game gather for the World Cup and a tournament that will be shared between Canada, Mexico and the USA.
There aren’t many bigger punting events than the World Cup so read on for a breakdown of the best outright bets from this summer’s tournament courtesy of Sports News Blitz’s punting laureate - The Bookie Basher.
World Cup 2026 betting tips: Who gets the Golden Boot? And can Argentina retain their crown?
Everything is massive in America. Coffee arrives in buckets, and the supermarkets are so big you need Google Maps to navigate a path from the Meat & Fish aisle to the Frozen Foods section.
So naturally, the 2026 World Cup - which the USA is co-hosting - is the biggest ever. For the first time, 48 teams will compete over 39 days to find out who the best team in the world are.
Argentina are defending champions, but Spain are favourites with the bookies to lift the famous old trophy for the first time since 2010.
Here, for your bawdy enjoyment, is the definitive Golden Boot gambling guide courtesy of Sports News Blitz’s punting laureate - The Bookie Basher.
World Cup 2026 news: Five records that could be broken at the FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup, the biggest festival in football, kicks off across the United States, Canada, and Mexico this week, and one thing is sure: old records will disappear, and new ones will emerge.
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, it will be one of the biggest tournaments in FIFA history.
This year's tournament structure has been revamped, with teams participating from 32 to 48, and the number of matches will automatically increase from 64 to 104.
This summer could bring the breaking of numerous records, from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's last World Cup preparations to Kylian Mbappe breaking Miroslav Klose's record for goals scored.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Varun Sarwate takes a look at five records that could be broken at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Players who scored in both the semi-final and final of the same World Cup
Few achievements in international football are as rare as scoring in both a World Cup semi-final and the final itself. To do so requires not only individual brilliance but the consistency to deliver it across the two biggest occasions in the sport, with a country's hopes resting on every touch.
Browsing the current World Cup winner odds ahead of the 2026 tournament, it is a reminder of just how much weight is attached to performances at this level. Across the entire history of the tournament, only a handful of players have managed to score in both knockout rounds in the same year. Here are the players who achieved it.
Leagues Cup outright preview: Tournament winner and suggested bets
As Alexi Lalas would say: Good morning, sunshine. What are we shouting about today? Lionel Messi's stock among fans plummeted when he missed the All-Star game recently, perhaps.
Football's greatest decided against going from the circus of the Club World Cup to participating in carnival games at the All-Star event.
Now, from one fixture pile-up disguised as progress to another, the Leagues Cup is back to give us 36 more reasons to question the state of North American football.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s betting writer George Dempsey dives into some outright predictions for the tournament.
Padel news: Lionel Messi and Stormzy among stars who have invested in fast-growing sport
Padel has exploded in popularity in the past few years, with celebrities, sport stars and influencers taking part in one form or another.
With about 30 million players in 130 countries and an estimated market value of $870 million by 2033, the racket sport is showing impressive economic potential for investors.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Shameeka Voyiya highlights four notable figures who have caught the padel bug.
Club World Cup betting tips: PSG to eliminate Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, Man City to smother Al-Hilal
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 rolls into the weekend with a round of 16 offering glamour ties, tactical mismatches, and jet-lagged chaos across the United States.
Sports News Blitz writer turned CWC superfan and ardent Gianni Infantino backer George Dempsey is back with his broom to extend an unsustainable 100% record.