Sports
World Cup 2026: Mbappé, Messi, Haaland Share Golden Boot Lead Ahead of Quarter-Finals
By Abigail David
The race for the Golden Boot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has intensified, with Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland all tied on seven goals as the tournament heads into the quarter-finals.
Mbappé moved to the top of the scoring chart after converting a penalty in France’s 1-0 Round of 16 victory over Paraguay. Messi had reached the same tally a day earlier with a goal in Argentina’s extra-time win over Cape Verde, while Haaland joined the leading duo after scoring twice in Norway’s 2-1 victory over Brazil.
The three forwards have emerged as the tournament’s leading scorers, setting up a closely contested battle for the Golden Boot with the knockout stages still to come.
If two or more players finish level on goals, FIFA’s tiebreaking criteria will consider assists first, followed by the fewest minutes played. Based on the current standings, Mbappé holds the advantage.
England captain Harry Kane remains within striking distance after scoring six goals, matching the tally that earned him the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup.
Several players are also in contention with four goals, including England midfielder Jude Bellingham, France winger Ousmane Dembélé and Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal.
Meanwhile, the race for the Golden Glove award remains wide open. France goalkeeper Mike Maignan has strengthened his credentials after conceding just two goals in five matches.
Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez, who won the award at the 2022 World Cup, is also among the leading contenders, while Spain’s Unai Simón has impressed with a series of composed performances as his side advanced to the quarter-finals.
By Abigail David
Spain have been crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a thrilling final on Sunday.
Substitute Ferran Torres emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal in the second period of extra time to hand La Roja their second World Cup title, 16 years after their maiden triumph in South Africa in 2010.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced a series of outstanding saves to keep his side in the contest, but the South Americans’ task became more difficult in stoppage time of the second half when midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí.
With Argentina reduced to 10 men, Spain dominated possession in extra time and finally found the breakthrough when Nico Williams brilliantly knocked the ball into Torres’ path, allowing the forward to fire home the winning goal.
Luis de la Fuente’s side capped an outstanding tournament with another disciplined defensive display, conceding just one goal in seven matches while combining defensive solidity with their trademark possession-based football.
Argentina, led by captain Lionel Messi, fought valiantly throughout the tournament, overcoming Egypt in the knockout stages and coming from behind to defeat England in the semi-finals.
However, the holders were unable to find a way past Spain, who claimed the biggest prize in world football for the first time since 2010.
By Abigail David
FIFA has announced that the winners of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will receive championship rings for the first time in the tournament’s history, alongside the World Cup trophy and gold medals.
The world football governing body unveiled the initiative on Thursday ahead of Sunday’s final between Spain and Argentina at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
According to FIFA, the introduction of championship rings brings a tradition commonly associated with American sports to the FIFA World Cup.
In a statement, FIFA said a limited edition of 2,026 individually numbered rings would be produced to commemorate the tournament.
Thirty rings will be presented to members of the World Cup-winning team, while the remaining 1,996 will be offered to fans worldwide as officially licensed memorabilia.
FIFA said each ring will feature the FIFA World Cup trophy on one side, while the other side will be customised to reflect the identity of the championship-winning team. The rings will also be individually numbered, custom-fitted and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
The governing body added that the winning team’s captain and head coach will receive temporary rings immediately after the final, with the customised versions to be presented at a later date.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will see Spain and Argentina compete for the title on Sunday.
By Abigail David
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have been drawn in Group B alongside Ghana, Burkina Faso and Togo for the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship, the qualifying tournament for the 2027 Africa U20 Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The draw, held on Wednesday, also placed hosts and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire in Group A with Niger and Benin Republic.
The Group B fixtures will see Nigeria renew its long-standing youth football rivalry with Ghana’s Black Satellites, while Burkina Faso and Togo complete the group.
The WAFU B Championship serves as the qualification tournament for the 2027 U20 AFCON, which will be hosted by Ghana. The continental competition will feature 12 teams, with the four semi-finalists earning places at the FIFA U20 World Cup.
Nigeria enters the tournament with a strong record in the regional competition. The Flying Eagles won the WAFU B title in 2022 and successfully defended it in 2024, defeating Ghana 2-1 in the final played in Lomé.
The team also reached the final of the inaugural edition in 2018 and finished runners-up at the most recent tournament after a 1-0 defeat to hosts Côte d’Ivoire.
The Flying Eagles will begin preparations for the championship as they seek another regional title and qualification for the 2027 U20 AFCON.
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