Most fans know exactly what a hat-trick signifies: a player scores three goals in a game, and they’ve got a hat-trick. But where did the name actually come from? Surprisingly, the origin has nothing to do with soccer.

It all started with a cricket bowler, H.H. Stephenson. During an 1858 match in Sheffield while playing for the England national team, he hit the wooden stakes behind the cricket batter three times in a row (consecutive wickets). After the game, he was gifted a new hat, and that’s how the term “hat-trick” was born.

The first hat-trick in history

Two decades after the term was coined in cricket, the first international soccer hat-trick was recorded on March 2, 1878, when Scotland’s John McDougall scored three goals against England.

When it comes to domestic leagues, one of the earliest recorded hat-tricks occurred 10 years after McDougall’s international feat. In 1888, William Tait scored three goals against the Bolton Wanderers in what was then the English Football League.

In MLS, the first player to record a hat-trick was D.C. United’s Steve Rammel, who netted three goals to help secure a 5-2 win against the Columbus Crew on May 15, 1996. He was named an MLS All-Star later that year.

The player with the most hat-tricks

According to Guinness World Records, Pelé holds the record for the most hat-tricks with a total of 92 official hat-tricks. That staggering tally spans his career playing for the Brazil national team, Santos FC, and the New York Cosmos. No one has broken that record yet, and it’s highly likely no one ever will.

Cristiano Ronaldo sits in second place with 66 hat-tricks, five more than Messi, who currently has 61 playing for Barcelona, Inter Miami, and Argentina (Messi didn’t manage to score one during his stint with Paris Saint-Germain). However, both legends are tied when it comes to international play, with 11 hat-tricks each for their respective national teams.

The offside rule dictates that if an attacking player is ahead of the second-to-last defender, either completely or with any part of their body (excluding hands and arms), and attempts to receive a pass from a teammate, that is the moment an assistant referee will raise their flag.

But it’s not just about being ahead of that second-to-last defender; the attacking player must also be in the opponent’s half of the field and closer to the goal line than the ball. It sounds complicated, but it’s relatively easy to understand when you see it in action. If an attacker is already past that second-to-last defender and a teammate passes them the ball, that’s an almost instant offside.

The final pass determines offside

To clarify the rule further, offside is judged at the exact moment a player makes the pass to a teammate who is up against the opposing defenders. If that attacker has already crossed the “imaginary line” of the last defender before the ball leaves their teammate’s foot, it’s offside.

Because of this, timing is everything between the passer and the receiver. Ideally, the receiver should start their run right after the ball is kicked. That way, they can enter the zone without committing an infraction. This is where vision and anticipating the pass come into play.

The human factor complicates offside

It’s worth noting that even though almost all international tournaments, domestic leagues, and the World Cup now use Video Assistant Referee (VAR), human judgment still ultimately decides the call. Even when a TV replay shows a player is offside, it’s still up to the officiating crew whether or not to review a controversial play.

With the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, these close calls are now tracked with high-tech cameras. This ensures that millimeter-accurate decisions can be made during crucial goal-scoring moments.

How to watch Portugal U20 vs Tunisia U23 in the USA

Soccer fans in the United States can follow every moment of this highly anticipated clash on FOX Deportes through its live TV broadcast.

Streaming coverage will also be available on FOX One and Fubo, giving viewers multiple ways to watch the action unfold. With plenty at stake, this is one matchup fans won’t want to miss.

Can I watch Portugal U20 vs Tunisia U23 for free?

Soccer fans across the United States can stream this highly anticipated contest live on Fubo, which is currently offering a five-day free trial for new subscribers.

With nationwide coverage, fans can watch every key moment, crucial play, and game-changing sequence from the opening whistle through the final whistle.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Maurice Revello Tournament is ready for its championship match as Portugal U20 and Tunisia U23 square off for the title. Portugal earned their place in the final with an unbeaten group-stage run, collecting three wins and a draw for 10 points.

Tunisia advanced after edging DR Congo on goal difference following a seven-point finish. With a trophy at stake and two talented young squads on display, this final promises to be an exciting contest.

Portugal U20 vs Tunisia U23: Predicted Lineups

Portugal U20 (4-2-3-1): João Afonso; José Silva, Jónatas Noro, José Sampaio, Miguel Alves; Mathys De Carvalho, Afonso Assis Cunha Almeida, Tiago Freitas, Flávio Gonçalves; João Rego, Mauro Couto.

Tunisia U23 (4-2-3-1): Anas Khardani, Rayan Boukadida, Josef Taieb, Mohamed Amine Allela, Youssef Herch, Dhirar Brik, Amenallah Meherzi, Mohamed Sadok Mahmoud, Louay Trayi, Omar Ben Ali, Walid Dhouib.

What time is the Portugal U20 vs Tunisia U23 match?

The match kicks off today, June 13, at 1:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 1:00 PM
Central Time: 12:00 PM
Mountain Time: 11:00 AM
Pacific Time: 10:00 AM

According to transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano, the Portuguese midfielder is nearing a move to Real Madrid, where he could become one of the first major additions of the new Jose Mourinho era after the tournament concludes.

Real Madrid has already confirmed Mourinho’s return as head coach through June 2029, with the Portuguese manager set to begin his second spell at the club on July 13. If Bernardo Silva arrives as expected, Mourinho would inherit one of the deepest and most talented squads in world soccer as he looks to restore Madrid to the top of European stage.

The potential addition of Silva would provide another elite creative option alongside stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Federico Valverde. Known for his versatility, work rate, and technical quality, the Portugal international could quickly become a key piece in Mourinho’s plans for the 2026-27 season.

How could Bernardo Silva fit into Jose Mourinho’s system?

One of Silva’s greatest strengths is his ability to operate in multiple positions. Throughout his career, he has played as an attacking midfielder, central midfielder, winger, and even in deeper playmaking roles when required.

That versatility could make him an ideal fit for Mourinho, who has traditionally valued intelligent players capable of adapting to different tactical situations. Silva’s experience in high-pressure matches for both club and country would also bring additional leadership to a squad already filled with world-class talent.

Real Madrid’s projected lineup with Bernardo Silva

If the reported move is completed following the World Cup, Real Madrid could line up as follows: Thibaut Courtois; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, Alphonso Davies; Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Bernardo Silva; Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe.

The depth behind that lineup would remain equally impressive, with Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler, Endrick, and Brahim Diaz providing Mourinho with multiple alternatives throughout the season.

As Portugal continue their World Cup journey with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the way, Real Madrid supporters will be closely monitoring Bernardo Silva’s future. If the deal is finalized, Mourinho could begin his second chapter at the Santiago Bernabeu with one of the strongest squads in Europe.

On May 13, Guatemala’s soccer federation (Federacion de Futbol de Guatemala) released a statement explaining that the Austria friendly had to be called off because FIFA didn’t approve the fixture.

“The Guatemala national team is preparing to play several high-level international friendly matches in U.S. territory during the FIFA match window of June 2026. As part of the match schedule, a game against the Austria National Team had been programmed for June 10. However, the FFG has received a notification stating that FIFA does not endorse the staging of said match,” the statement read.

Guatemala’s June friendlies without the Austria game

Without FIFA’s approval to play a third game in the June international window, Guatemala had to settle with the two friendlies they were authorized to play in the United States.

On June 4, Luis Fernando Tena’s men suffered a 3-1 loss to Czechia at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. Three days later, Guatemala were handed a 3-0 defeat by Ecuador at Scotts Miracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio.

Even though the results weren’t great, these games allowed Los Chapines to test themselves against strong teams set to compete at the 2026 World Cup, unlike Guatemala.

Thefore, a third match against another World Cup opponent like Austria would’ve further helped Tena’s team, which is aiming to grow with the 2030 World Cup Qualifying cycle in sight.

Austria’s June activity before the 2026 World Cup

Without the Guatemala fixture, Austria seized the pre-World Cup international window to face Tunisia, who are also playing in the 2026 event. It was a 1-0 win for the European side, which is now ready to compete in Group J against defending world champions Argentina, Algeria, and Jordan.

Nigeria’s lineup against Portugal, instead, will feature other names who hope to contribute for the next World Cup Qualifying cycle: Maduka Okoye; Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi; Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tochukwu Nnadi, Christian Akpan; Moses Simon, Akor Adams. Follow Portugal vs Nigeria live with us for updates and minute-by-minute coverage!

On the bench, the following players will hope to impress coach Eric Chelle: Francis Uzoho, Arthur Okonkwo; Abdullahi Bewene, Zaidu Sanusi, Emmanuel Fernandez; Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika; Philip Otele, Terem Moffi, Paul Onuachu.

Osimhen, Lookman have yet to play at a World Cup on the senior level

Once again, Osimhen is missing the World Cup as Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 edition. At 27, the Galatasaray star has yet to play at the senior global tournament, having made an impression as a youngster in the 2015 U-17 World Cup played in Chile.

Lookman, only a year older than Osimhen, is also waiting for his first senior World Cup appearance. Perhaps the 2030 edition sees the duo redeem themselves and put the country back on the map as Nigeria‘s last World Cup appearance to date came in 2018, when they suffered a group stage exit.

Ronaldo starts ahead of sixth World Cup appearance

Ronaldo, on the other hand, is preparing to play in his sixth World Cup as he chases an unprecedented record. If he scores in the 2026 edition, CR7 will become the first player in tournament history to score in six different World Cups.

The fact that he’s already making a sixth appearance is also setting a record, one he’s sharing with Lionel Messi and Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. But the Portuguese needs just one goal to secure an exclusive record of his own.

“Following a pitch inspection at the stadium, today’s match against Costa Rica will now kick off at 10pm (UK time) – subject to there being no further lightning strikes in the area,” England’s national team announced on social media.

The matchup between England and Costa Rica was originally scheduled for 4:00 p.m. ET (9 p.m. UK). As a result of the pouring thunderstorm that caused the delay, the start time has now been pushed back an hour. Still, it’s all subject to change as inclement weather could become present at any given moment and further complicate things.

Due to U.S. regulations and FIFA protocols, if lightning is detected within roughly 8 miles of the stadium, a mandatory shelter-in-place order is implemented. All players and fans must leave their seats and seek shelter until the danger has passed. There is a 30-minute countdown that resets whenever new lightning is detected.

Weather forecast

Considering it’s only a friendly and the 2026 World Cup is right around the corner, there was reason to believe the match could’ve been called off if the weather didn’t improve.

However, these kinds of summer storms are quite common in the Sunshine State, meaning there was a good chance the skies would clear, the pitch drained properly, and the Three Lions and Los Ticos could play their international friendly in Orlando. As it stands, that’s exactly what happened and the game is set to kickoff at 5:00 p.m. ET.

According to the U.S. National Weather Service, though, a flood warning remained in effect until roughly 4:00 p.m. ET. Thus, it was clear the match was never going to start on the original time set.

England’s last game before World Cup

Once the international friendly comes to an end, England will turn its focus entirely to the 2026 World Cup. The Three Lions will make their long-awaited debut against Croatia on June 17 at 4:00 p.m. ET in Arlington, Texas. Considering the venue has a roof, there shouldn’t be much reason for concern about a weather-related delay.

Costa Rica failed to qualify for this year’s tournament, and the fans on hand quickly saw why. Los Ticos struggled to generate any meaningful attacking threats and allowed the Three Lions to dictate the tempo entirely from the opening whistle. At this point, Costa Rica‘s focus must completely shift toward rebuilding for the 2030 World Cup qualifying cycle as they aim to return to soccer’s biggest stage.

The opening goal came from Pedro Neto, who, after an assist from Francisco Trincão, finished accurately with his left foot. The equalizer came from Akor Adams, following a well-executed counterattack.

In the second half, Francisco Conceição, who had come off the bench, scored the decisive goal for Roberto Martínez’s side. Now, Portugal’s focus is already set on the upcoming World Cup, with their debut set for Wednesday, June 17, against DR Congo.

How to watch Portugal vs Nigeria in the USA

Soccer fans in the United States can catch all the live action on FOX Soccer Plus as this marquee showdown unfolds.

Those who prefer to stream can follow the match through Fubo and ViX, ensuring they don’t miss a single moment from kickoff to the final whistle.

Can I watch Portugal vs Nigeria for free?

Viewers in the United States can watch this high-profile matchup live on Fubo, which includes access to the channel broadcasting the game nationwide.

Although Fubo often offers a free trial period for first-time users, that promotion does not apply to this matchup, so fans in the U.S. will need an active subscription to stream the action. Follow Portugal vs Nigeria live with us for minute-by-minute updates!

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

With their 2026 World Cup opener rapidly approaching, Portugal enter the tournament as one of the favorites to contend for the title, powered by a star-studded roster headlined by Cristiano Ronaldo and packed with talent across every position.

With Ronaldo expected to play today, the Portuguese will square off against Nigeria in a high-profile friendly, giving them a valuable test against one of Africa’s most respected national teams.

Although Nigeria narrowly missed out on World Cup qualification, the Super Eagles still possess plenty of quality and will welcome the opportunity to measure themselves against a European powerhouse while building momentum for upcoming international competitions. That’s why we can expect strong lineups from Portugal and Nigeria today.

Portugal vs Nigeria: Lineups

Portugal: Diogo Costa; Diogo Dalot, Gonçalo Inácio, Rúben Dias, Nelson Semedo; João Neves, Vitinha; Francisco Trincão, Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto; Cristiano Ronaldo.

Nigeria: Maduka Okoye; Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi; Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tochukwu Nnadi, Christian Akpan; Moses Simon, Akor Adams.

What time is the Portugal vs Nigeria match?

The match kicks off today, June 10, at 3:45 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 3:45 PM
Central Time: 2:45 PM
Mountain Time: 1:45 PM
Pacific Time: 12:45 PM

Roberto Martínez’s side arrives in strong form after defeating Chile 2-1 in their previous friendly thanks to goals from Gonçalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese have won three of their last four matches and are widely viewed as one of the leading contenders to challenge for the World Cup title this summer.

Nigeria, meanwhile, will use the friendly as an opportunity to test themselves against elite opposition despite missing out on a World Cup spot. The Super Eagles reached the final stage of the African playoffs but fell short against DR Congo, extending their absence from the World Cup to a second consecutive edition.

Portugal’s confirmed lineup

Portugal are fielding a strong starting XI featuring several of their biggest stars. Cristiano Ronaldo is playing against Nigeria today as Martínez continues preparing his preferred lineup for the tournament.

Portugal’s confirmed lineup: Diogo Costa; Diogo Dalot, Gonçalo Inácio, Rúben Dias, Nelson Semedo; João Neves, Vitinha; Francisco Trincão, Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto; Cristiano Ronaldo.

Nigeria’s confirmed lineup

Nigeria may not be heading to the World Cup, but the squad still features several experienced players capable of challenging one of Europe’s strongest teams. The match provides an important opportunity to evaluate the group’s progress ahead of future international competitions. Stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman aren’t playing today as Nigeria opted to give them rest.

Nigeria’s confirmed lineup: Maduka Okoye; Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi; Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tochukwu Nnadi, Christian Akpan; Moses Simon, Akor Adams.