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All the records Messi smashed in his historic match against Algeria

The Argentine captain put in an unprecedented performance against Algeria. We take a detailed look at all the historic records that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner equalled or broke in just 90 minutes.

Messi, always Messi: 200 matches, a hat-trick and an all-time record

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s victory over Algeria and achieved two incredible milestones in his professional career.

Kylian Mbappé, France’s all-time top scorer

Winner of the Kopa Trophy in 2018, eight-time Ballon d’Or nominee, the France captain scored twice against Senegal on Tuesday at the World Cup to net his 57th and 58th international goals. A brace to break Olivier Giroud's record.

Viktor Gyokeres: Gerd Muller recipient back on the scoring trail

Sweden’s impressive opening to their World Cup adventure put a nationwide concern to rest. Now, it’s the turn of international defenders to be worried.

Portugal bring together Cristiano Ronaldo and nine other Ballon d’Or nominees as they aim to top Group K

Backed by a squad featuring Cristiano Ronaldo and nine other players who have previously been nominated for the Ballon d’Or, Portugal begin their 2026 World Cup campaign as the clear favourites in Group K. But how does the Portuguese team compare to the other teams in the group – DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia? Taking into account tradition, star players and historic campaigns, we analyse what each of the four nations brings to the contest for a place in the round of 16.

David Trezeguet, in an exclusive interview: "France are the clear favourites to win the World Cup"

David Trezeguet, a World Cup winner with France in 1998, sat down with the ballondor.com team for an in-depth interview: the contenders for the 2026 World Cup, Kylian Mbappé’s role, his time with the French national team, and much more.

David Trezeguet: The Full Interview

In an exclusive interview with Ballondor.com, David Trezeguet opens up about his career with the French national team, his time at Juventus, and the World Cup. A tournament our 5-time nominee won in 1998.

With a heroic performance from Vozinha, Cape Verde held off a Spain side packed with Ballon d'Or nominees

In their first ever World Cup, Cape Verde stunned one of the tournament favourites by securing a goalless draw against Spain, in a historic performance led by goalkeeper Vozinha.

With Cristiano Ronaldo in the squad, Portugal heads into the 2026 World Cup dreaming of a first-ever title

Driven by a generation brimming with talent and led by Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese national team begins its 2026 World Cup campaign in pursuit of an unprecedented goal: to win the first World Cup title in its history.

Ayyoub Bouaddi: Distinguished by the Kopa, confirmed against Brazil at the World Cup

Nominated for the 2025 Kopa Trophy, midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi delivered a solid performance against Brazil (1-1) during his World Cup debut with Morocco.

Siblings at the World Cup: The Doue brothers set to join an exclusive club

This summer a record number of brothers will participate in the World Cup, with Kopa nominee Desiré Doue among them.

Cape Verde: the unlikely road to the World Cup

For the first time in history, Cape Verde has qualified for the World Cup. This is the story of a small nation made up of islands scattered across the globe, whose national team was built on the diaspora, resilience and an identity that transcends borders – and which now dreams of competing on the biggest stage in world football.

With Neymar, Brazil heads into the World Cup boasting the tournament’s all-time records

As the most successful team and the top goalscorer in World Cup history, Brazil begins its 2026 campaign carrying the weight of a tradition built up over almost a century. Under Ancelotti’s leadership, the Seleção take to the pitch in pursuit of their long-awaited sixth title, whilst seeking to add to a collection of records that already places them at the pinnacle of the tournament’s history.

Ballon d’Or and the World Cup: How reigning champions have fared

Since the inception of Ballon d’Or in 1956 there have been 14 reigning recipients of the famed award who have gone to a World Cup, burdened or bolstered by being considered the best player on the planet. Here’s how each fared.

Xavi: The Full Video Interview

Out of a job since leaving FC Barcelona in 2024, Xavi has agreed to look back for France Football and Ballondor.com (in January 2025) on his footballing philosophy, his ambitions as a manager, Barça, and the Spanish national team. Video interview.

Kylian Mbappe set to break French goalscoring record at World Cup

Another successful World Cup campaign will see the Real Madrid star hailed at France’s all-time record goalscorer.

Marcelo's son chose Spain. Which other rising stars could slip away from Brazil?

In a world of football without borders, more and more young talents with Brazilian roots are growing up far from home and have to decide which shirt to wear. From Enzo Alves to Renato Marin, and including promising players scattered across Europe, Asia and North America, the CBF faces a new challenge: convincing the next generation to choose the Yellow Jersey.

Raphinha: the exclusive video interview

In January 2025, in his home in Barcelona, Brazilian winger Raphinha welcomed France Football and Ballondor.com to discuss his ambitions, his journey, and his new status as one of the best attackers in the world.

Brazil v Morocco: a history of their encounters

Brazil and Morocco are set to face each other again at the 2026 World Cup in a clash that pits two of the most talented national teams on the planet against one another. Ahead of the Seleção’s opening match, we look back at the three previous encounters between the two nations and how the history of this rivalry has unfolded.

The 13 players who have won the Ballon d’Or and the World Cup

An exclusive look at the select group of legends who have gone on to become world champions and win the Ballon d’Or throughout history.

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