FIFA plans yellow card amnesty for the 2026 World Cup

Celebration in Buenos Aires

Fans of the Argentine national team gathered this Monday in several parks in the capital to celebrate another performance by Lionel Messi in the 2026 World Cup. The captain scored both goals in the 2-0 victory over Austria, played in Dallas, corresponding to the second date of Group J.

In Seeber Square, in Palermo, a giant screen brought together hundreds of supporters. Omar, arriving from Rosario – Messi’s hometown, 300 kilometers to the north – saw him “sharp, as always, very good.” And he added: “For me we are here to win the Cup again.”

Another meeting point was Plaza San Martín, in Retiro, where office workers and fans celebrated the notable presentation of the 10.

Messi, who will turn 39 on June 24, became the top scorer in World Cup history with 18 goals, surpassing German Miroslav Klose. He achieved it in 28 games.

“I suffered a lot and now I am happy, calmer, enjoying Messi’s goals. We are doing well and I trust the team a lot,” said Eliana.

Fernanda was “excited” and “happy”, excited about a new title after Qatar 2022. Gonzalo acknowledged “some complications in the midfield due to pressure from Austria at the beginning, but the National Team was quite solid later with the modifications.” Carolina stated that Argentina played “very well” and has “the greatest, which is number 10.”

Martín, hugging his son, described the experience as “beautiful, everything very nice, we are very excited, with two great goals from Messi and now we are going for the fourth.” María Fernanda, from Costa Rica, praised the “great atmosphere.”

Argentina is seeking its fourth World Cup, after those in 1978, 1986 and 2022. Their next match will be on Saturday, June 27 against Jordan, also in Dallas, for the last date of the group.

Colombia against Congo: a key match

The Colombian team will seek its second consecutive victory in the World Cup this Tuesday. Néstor Lorenzo’s team faces Congo in Guadalajara with the goal of sealing their ticket to the round of 32.

“We are going to play each game as if it were a final,” said coach Néstor Lorenzo.

Colombia leads Group K with three points, after beating Uzbekistan 3-1. A victory against the Congolese would give them the pass and peace of mind to face the most demanding duel against Portugal.

The rival and the tricolor style

Regarding the rival, Lorenzo warned that Congo “has two important forwards” and that it will be vital to maintain the team’s style.

“We have to maintain our style,” he asserted.

The coach highlighted the versatility of his players, especially Luis Díaz, whom he defined as a “complete forward.”

“It doesn’t matter where you start, just that you feel comfortable. That gives us versatility as a team, a way to reach different sectors,” he said.

Controlled nerves

Lorenzo acknowledged that the emotion of the debut could have had an influence, but he believes that it has already passed.

“The ice has already been broken, we cried what we had to cry, now the World Cup begins. Emotion cannot betray us. We have to play with a warm heart and a cold head,” he declared.

Regarding the alignment, he avoided giving clues.

“Changes are always considered,” he said, noting that the coaching staff evaluates modifications until the last minute.

Lorenzo is confident that Colombia will advance “step by step” until the final phases, despite the level of the rivals.

“Here we have the best players in the world, from the Champions League and the Copa Libertadores, as well as African and Asian competitions. The show is being good,” he concluded.

Two days before the closing of the group stage of the World Cup, Mexico held its penultimate training session. Already classified in first place in Group A, coach Javier Aguirre keeps a decision in suspense: will Guillermo Ochoa save?

The team is looking for its first win in three World Cup matches – something unprecedented – and to avoid a difficult match in the round of 32. However, the debate over who should be in goal has dominated the analysis.

Debate over Ochoa’s ownership

Ochoa, 40 years old and in his fourth World Cup, announced his retirement from the national team after the tournament. Placing him against the Czech Republic would be a symbolic gesture, according to former goalkeeper Óscar Pérez.

“Memo has been a very important image for Mexico. Having him on the field, even for a few minutes, would be a symbolic gesture to recognize everything he has done for the national team,” he told Claro Sports.

Pérez added that his entry would not affect defensive stability. However, fans and analysts like Jorge Valdano consider that a World Cup is not a space for diplomatic gestures.

Aguirre, who in 2010 opted for Pérez over Ochoa, could give minutes to the veteran as a tribute.

Possible changes in the attack

Santiago Giménez, already recovered from ankle surgery, could make his debut as a starter. This would give Raúl Jiménez, 35, a rest ahead of the knockout match on June 30.

In midfield, Erik Lira has served as a recovery midfielder, but Edson Álvarez — who played as a center back against Korea due to César Montes’ suspension — could return to his natural position. Montes is now available.

Aguirre will reveal his starting eleven until Tuesday. For now, doubts persist.