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World Cup 2026: US Coach Offers Support to Messi as Mexico and South Korea Vie for Knockout Stage Berth

As the World Cup 2026 enters its crucial second round, the US coach expresses solidarity with Lionel Messi, while Mexico and South Korea battle for a spot in the last 32.

News Published 19 June 2026 3 min read FootballGames10 Desk
Lionel Messi celebrates a goal during a FIFA World Cup 2026 match.
Leo Messi v Granada 2014.jpg | by Lluís from Sabadell (Barcelona), España | wikimedia_commons | CC BY 2.0

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is in full swing, with the tournament’s second round commencing and the stakes rising for qualification to the knockout stages. Amidst the intense competition, US Men’s National Team head coach Gregg Berhalter has voiced his support for Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi.

Group C Showdown

A pivotal match in the upcoming fixtures will see Mexico face South Korea. The outcome of this game is critical, as it will determine which of the two nations secures a coveted spot in the World Cup’s last 32. Both teams are expected to give their all in this high-pressure encounter.

US Coach’s Perspective

Gregg Berhalter, the tactician leading the United States, has commented on the ongoing World Cup narrative, specifically mentioning Lionel Messi. While the specifics of his comments are not detailed in the provided summary, the mention of his support suggests an acknowledgment of Messi’s enduring impact on the global football stage, even as teams like Mexico and South Korea fight for their own tournament survival.

Live Blog Coverage

The De Telegraaf’s live blog is providing comprehensive coverage of the World Cup 2026, ensuring fans stay updated on all developments. This includes news surrounding the Dutch national team, as well as significant matches and storylines from across the tournament. The live blog aims to capture the essence of each matchday, offering real-time updates and insights.

Tournament Momentum

As the tournament progresses, home nations like Mexico and Canada are set to feature prominently. The opening of the second round signals an acceleration of the competition, with teams now entering a phase where every match carries immense weight. The narrative is building towards the decisive knockout rounds, and the performances of teams like Mexico and South Korea will be closely watched.

Key facts

Team/Player Competition Stage Significance
Lionel Messi FIFA World Cup 2026 Focus of US coach’s support
Mexico National Team FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C Competing for knockout stage qualification
South Korea National Team FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C Competing for knockout stage qualification
Gregg Berhalter USMNT Head Coach Commented on tournament narratives, including Messi

This developing story highlights the intense competition at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the interconnected narratives that captivate fans worldwide. The focus on Lionel Messi’s journey, coupled with the high-stakes battle between Mexico and South Korea, underscores the drama and passion inherent in the tournament. For fans of international football, the progress of these teams and the individual brilliance of players like Messi remain central to the unfolding story of the World Cup.

Source: De Telegraaf Voetbal, https://www.telegraaf.nl/sport/voetbal/live-wk-2026-bondscoach-vs-leeft-mee-met-messi-gaat-mexico-of-zuid-korea-naar-de-laatste-32/157411818.html

Source

De Telegraaf Voetbal Original publication: 2026-06-19T00:32:27+00:00