Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games
Long Marches, Heat Struggles for Houston’s World Cup Visitors 21 June 2026 at 02:47

Long Marches, Heat Struggles for Houston’s World Cup Visitors

Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

21 June 2026 at 02:47

HOUSTON — For one weekend, Houston was even more orange than usual.

The Netherlands trounced Sweden 5–1 in Houston on Saturday afternoon in front of a packed crowd wearing orange and yellow.

Though the flag of the Netherlands is red, white, and blue, the national team and its supporters wear orange because it’s the color of the Dutch royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau, and a symbol of Dutch independence. (King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, and Princess Ariane attended Saturday’s win.) It was easy for locals to jump on board, as the Astros, Dynamo, and Dash all have bright orange in their color schemes.

The Dutch brought their Oranje Fanwalk to Houston after doing the same march in Dallas last week. An estimated 15,000 people gathered at Rice University and followed the bright orange fan bus about two and a half miles to the Texans’ stadium, which will take on its new corporate name of Reliant Stadium when FIFA leaves town. It was a spectacle: standing in one spot, it took 10 minutes for the sea of orange to pass by. Most supporters were Dutch, but quite a few Houstonians dressed in Astros and Dynamo gear blended into the crowd.

Two Houston natives, brothers Mason and Mac, told FOS they inherited Dutch fandom from their dad, who watched the team play at the last U.S.-hosted World Cup in 1994. “He brought us over here to give us a similar experience,” Mason said from underneath a bright orange wig.

The Swedes also showed up in droves to Houston. A long line of blue and yellow spanned more than a full block to get into a pre-match Midsommar celebration at soccer bar Pitch 25 on Friday night, and on Saturday morning, between 4,000 and 6,000 supporters held an impressive march from Helix Park to the stadium. But while the crowd felt large on the ground, the Swedes were badly outnumbered once they got to the stands. Pockets of bright yellow poked out in a stadium that was otherwise predominantly highlighter orange, creating perhaps the most striking color combination of the tournament so far.

European fans in particular have descended on Texas excited to experience an Americana alternative to big cities like New York and Los Angeles. Several English fans told FOS they specifically sought out Houston—where England does not have any group stage matches—so they could experience the city.

Johan from Sweden told FOS he’s been enjoying “meat, of course, it’s in Texas,” and said the state is “a very nice place.” His son, Dennis, agreed: “It’s amazing. I love USA. And Texas!”

The biggest adjustment for European travelers was easily the weather. The Texas summer heat combined with rainstorms and thick humidity made for a sticky, sweaty atmosphere all weekend.

“We are not used to these temperatures,” said Edna from Holland.

“We’re struggling,” said Dan from England.

Fire trucks sprayed fans with water at the Fan Fest and along the supporter routes. The indoor stadium and its air conditioning provided a welcome escape from the humidity on Saturday—and a reminder of how strange the new tournament-wide hydration breaks are.

Hours before the match, the get-in price on resale sites was $1,166, about 110% higher than they were a month ago, according to Ticket Data. Between flights, roughly $430 match tickets, and an Airbnb, Edna from the Netherlands said, “It’s not cheap, but it’s once in a lifetime.”

The stadium announced a FIFA sell-out crowd of 68,777 fans. Unlike some other matches in the tournament, the official attendance seemed to be accurate, with few empty seats visible in the stands.

Immediately after the match ended, the stadium announced a shelter in place warning over the loudspeaker due to lighting in the area, with messages on the video boards. The vast majority of fans did not heed the warning, and the stands were mostly empty about 15 minutes after the final whistle, even as the directive stayed on the screens.

The win was an important one for the Netherlands after drawing 2–2 with Japan in their opening match. The team will head back to Kansas City, where it set up base camp at the KC Current’s training facility, to play Tunisia on June 25 to try to clinch the group. Sweden, which beat Tunisia 5–1 last weekend, will try to beat Japan to stay alive and advance to the knockout round. (Eight of the best 12 third-place teams will also advance.)

As for Houston, the city is roughly midway through its hosting slate of seven World Cup matches. The city will stage Portugal–Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia–Cape Verde next week before it hosts two matches in the knockout round, including a Round of 16 game on July 4.

The post Long Marches, Heat Struggles for Houston’s World Cup Visitors appeared first on Front Office Sports.

Young local athletes walk players onto field at Brazil-Haiti match in Philadelphia

Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

21 June 2026 at 02:44

A group of young athletes from the Manayunk-based Starfinder Foundation experienced what many soccer fans only dream of: walking onto the field alongside professional players before the Brazil vs. Haiti match in South Philadelphia Friday night.

More than 100 Starfinder participants were selected to serve as player escorts for five of the six matches taking place in the city. Among them were Emma Miller of Mount Airy, Isabella Ritter of Roxborough, and Bryan Frazier of North Philadelphia.

"It was really fun meeting all the players, they would wave to us and give us high fives," Miller said. "It was nerve-wracking, but it was also a lot of fun."

Frazier said he was especially excited to walk out with the Brazilian team. "I think their team is amazing because yesterday they won the game," he said.

The young athletes stepped onto the field as more than 68,000 fans filled the stadium with cheers. For Starfinder coach, Andrea Rodgers, watching the moment unfold was emotional.

"Oh my gosh, when I watched them walk out on the field with those players, the amount of chills and tears that welled up - just because we talked about it leading up to the opportunity, but not until they're on the field could they recognize how huge it was," Rodgers said.

"It was very energetic. Just crazy," Ritter said. "I could feel a bunch of vibrations through me and when we were rehearsing one time, the seats are empty. The next, the seats are full of people!"

The opportunity came through Common Goal, a global charitable organization that partners with Starfinder to expand access to soccer.

"We are about reducing barriers to entry and so for many of our youth and families, obviously the price of entry for the World Cup is out of reach," she said. "And the fact that not only could they go, could they participate, but they got to actually be on the field is just incredible."

And the experience may have earned these kids a little celebrity status among their friends.

"They were in shock," Ritter said. "Very shocked that I got to do that and probably a little jealous!"

Rodgers hopes the World Cup's presence in Philadelphia will inspire more young people to get involved in the sport. "We will be a place for those kids to be able to land," she said. "They don't have to have skill, they don't have to have tremendous resources. They can just come here, we give equipment, we give resources, we give instruction and we really do create a community where everybody is included and welcome and I'm excited for what that will look like after FIFA leaves Philly."

Another group of Starfinder players is scheduled to escort athletes during Monday's match between France and Iraq.

Who is Franck Kessie? Meet experienced midfielder whose first-half goal gave Ivory Coast early lead over Germany at World Cup

Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

21 June 2026 at 01:08

Who is Franck Kessie? Meet experienced midfielder whose first-half goal gave Ivory Coast early lead over Germany at World Cup originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Germany have endured a World Cup nightmare since winning their fourth title in 2014.

Die Mannschaft bowed out at the group stage in 2018 and 2022, to widespread derision in their homeland.

The 2026 World Cup should be different after Julian Nagelsmann's side teed off on minnows Curacao to claim an opening 7-1 win in Group E.

But game two in Toronto against the Ivory Coast became more of a struggle when a face familiar to European football aficionados gave the African nation a first-half lead.

2026 WORLD CUP HQ:Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Buy World Cup tickets

Who is Franck Kessie?

Frank Kessie is an experienced central midfielder who boasts 102 caps for the Ivory Coast.

After starting his career in his homeland with Stella Club, Kessie moved to Europe in 2015 when he joined Serie A club Atalanta.

Kessie truly came to prominence in Italy's top division when he moved to AC Milan in 2017 on an initial two-year loan deal.

He spent five years with the Rossoneri, signing off with a Scudetto triumph in 2021/22, before he joined La Liga giants Barcelona.

MORE:Germany vs. Ivory Coast at the 2026 World Cup, live updates

Franck Kessie goal vs. Germany

With half an hour on the clock at BMO Field, highly rated winger Yan Diomande attacked the Germany backline and drilled in a low cross from the left wing.

Amad Diallo struggled to get the ball out of his feet, but when the Manchester United star had his attempt blocked on the line, Kessie was on hand for an instinctive first-time finish.

It was Kessie's 15th goal for his country and first at the World Cup.

IVORY COAST TAKES THE LEAD OVER GERMANY! 🇨🇮

Yan Diomande sends a beautiful ball in and it's the captain Franck Kessié who cleans it up with the goal! pic.twitter.com/mRVfy6Ypkh
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 20, 2026

Which club does Franck Kessie play for?

Kessie plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, who he joined in 2023 after one year at Barcelona. He has won two AFC Champions League titles with Al-Ahli.

MORE:Who is Yan Diomande? Meet Ivory Coast's 19-year-old soccer World Cup standout linked to Liverpool

How old is Franck Kessie?

Kessie should still have a few years left at the elite level as his is 29 years of age. He turns 30 on December 16 this year.

Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games
FIFA’s World Cup hydration breaks are probably here to stay 21 June 2026 at 01:01

FIFA’s World Cup hydration breaks are probably here to stay

Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

21 June 2026 at 01:01

Scotland's Andy Robertson reacts alongside teammates during the first half hydration break. — Credit: REUTERS/Brian Snyder

The hydration break. The scourge of the soccer fan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup (well, the other one, aside from Alexi Lalas).

Aside from who you think is going to win it all, it’s been the most hotly debated aspect of this year’s tournament.

Not because they’re entirely new, per se. There were three-minute breaks around the 22nd minute at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. However, the extreme temperatures in that climate gave them credence and a valid reason for their existence.

In 2026, however, when many of the matches are played in climate-controlled domes and at temperatures well within the normal range, their continued existence was presumed to be more about the possibility of incorporating advertising into the middle of a match than about player welfare.

Sure enough, some World Cup broadcasters took FIFA up on the offer. The governing body left it up to each broadcaster to decide whether to show ads or remain with the game. The BBC, ITV, and Telemundo are among those who declined to show commercials, but many others have. American English-language rights holder Fox Sports and Canadian host broadcaster TSN are among those showing ads, as are the broadcasters in Spain, Italy, France, Mexico, Ireland, and Germany (per The Athletic).

And if one thing has become abundantly clear to all of them, it’s that these hydration break ads, which add up to around 10 hours of extra ad time over the course of the whole tournament, are incredibly lucrative.

30-second hydration break spots on Fox are reportedly going for anywhere from $200,000 to $750,000, depending on the match. The broadcaster could potentially bring in $250 million in revenue from those ad spots alone.

Writing for CBC, Richard Deitsch spoke with several media analysts and experts in the industry, and they all seem convinced that hydration breaks, and the financial incentives to show commercials during them, are here to stay.

“This is a tremendously valuable move from the standpoint of sports media, and Fox has indicated as much by taking advantage of the ad breaks to run at least four commercials within each half,” Ed Desser, the president of consultancy Desser Sports Media Inc., told CBC.

“Many may not like it as it’s a change in tradition,” said John Kosner, the president of Kosner Media. “But in time, it will become the bathroom/kitchen break for hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide.”

Deitsch also spoke with former MLS star and Apple TV analyst Taylor Twellman, who said that there are valid situations where a hydration break is helpful, but it can “really kill rhythm and momentum” of a match. Still, he thinks the most obvious reason, money, is what will ensure they’ll be back for the 2030 World Cup and beyond. He also thinks you might start to see them appear elsewhere.

“I think the amount of money made here will catch FIFA’s attention,” Twellman told CBS. “COVID brought five subs to our game, and we never thought we’d see five subs. Now no one even thinks twice about that. I think it’s a conversation that’s going to be had post-World Cup, and if FIFA keeps this, UEFA is going to be like, “Whoa, look at how much money we can make for Champions League?” You are looking at a conversation that is going to go on for quite some time.”

The post FIFA’s World Cup hydration breaks are probably here to stay appeared first on Awful Announcing.

World Cup group scenarios 2026: How teams can qualify and advance to Round of 32 knockout bracket

Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

20 June 2026 at 23:20

World Cup group scenarios 2026: How teams can qualify and advance to Round of 32 knockout bracket originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

As the World Cup group stage enters its second round of matches, some nations will be booking their places in the knockout stages, while others will be heading home.

The new tournament format means most routes to the latter stages will remain open heading into the third round of games.

2026 WORLD CUP HQ:Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Buy World Cup tickets

At the previous seven World Cups, a 32-team slate was reduced to 16 for the knockout rounds, with the simple equation of the top two from each of the eight four-team groups going through.

Now a 48-team tournament, the top two from each of the 12 groups will be joined by the eight best third-place teams.

It means that we will lose 16 teams at the end of the round-robin phase, with plenty of moving parts to keep track of, especially when it comes to the ranking of the best third-place finishers.

Below is a breakdown of every World Cup group as they stand and what each team needs to progress to the knockout rounds or avoid early elimination.

JUMP TO GROUP:A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L

World Cup bracket 2026

SN

World Cup Group A standings and scenarios

Pos	Team	PTS	GP	W	L	D	GF	GA	GD
1.	Mexico - Q	6	2	2	0	0	3	0	+3
2.	South Korea	3	2	1	1	0	2	2	0
3.	Czechia	1	2	0	1	1	2	3	-1
4.	South Africa	1	2	0	1	1	1	3	-2

Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
E = Eliminated

Mexico

Has qualified as group winner with a win over South Korea

South Korea

Will qualify as second-place team with win or tie vs South Africa

South Africa

Is still alive to qualify as second-placel with win over Mexico and and South Korea loss to Czechia.

Czechia

Is still alive to qualify as second-place with win over South Korea and and South Africa loss or draw to Mexico.

Group A schedule, results

Date	Match	Time (ET)
Thu, June 11	Mexico 2, South Africa 0	FINAL
Thu, June 11	South Korea 2, Czechia 1	FINAL
Thu, June 18	Czechia 1, South Africa 1	FINAL
Thu, June 18	Mexico 1, South Korea 0	FINAL
Fri, June 24	Czechia vs. Mexico	9 p.m.
Fri, June 24	South Africa vs. South Korea	9 p.m.

World Cup Group B standings and scenarios

Pos.	Team	PTS	GP	W	L	D	GF	GA	GD
1.	Canada	4	2	1	0	1	7	1	+6
2.	Switzerland	4	2	1	0	1	5	2	+3
3.	Bosnia and Herzegovina	1	2	0	1	1	2	5	-3
4.	Qatar	1	2	0	1	1	1	7	-6

Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
E = Eliminated

Canada and Switzerland

Canada and Switzerland are tied atop the group with four points apiece. The two teams are set to face each other next with first place on the line. Switzerland must win to finish atop the group because Canada holds the goal-differential advantage. Canada will secure first place with either a win or a draw.

Bosnia and Qatar

It's not mathematically impossible for either team to finish second in the group, but that would require significant help in the goal-differential tiebreaker. That said, the two countries are set to face each other in the final group-stage match, and the loser still stands a solid chance of advancing as a third-place finisher.

Group B schedule, results

Date	Match	Time (ET)
Fri, June 12	Canada 1, Bosnia and Herzegovina 1	3 p.m.
Sat, June 13	Qatar 1, Switzerland 1	3 p.m.
Thu, June 18	Switzerland 4, Bosnia and Herzegovina 1	3 p.m.
Thu, June 18	Canada 6, Qatar 0	6 p.m.
Fri, June 24	Switzerland vs. Canada	3 p.m.
Fri, June 24	Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar	3 p.m.

World Cup Group C standings and scenarios

Pos	Team	PTS	GP	W	L	D	GF	GA	GD
1.	Brazil	4	2	1	0	1	4	1	+3
2.	Morocco	4	2	1	0	1	2	1	+1
3.	Scotland	3	2	1	1	0	1	1	0
4.	Haiti - E	0	2	0	2	0	0	4	-4

Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
E = Eliminated

Morocco

Will be through with a win or draw in their final group stage match against Haiti.

Scotland

Will be through to the knockout rounds with a victory in final group stage match against Brazil

Haiti

Eliminated with 3-0 loss to Brazil

Brazil

Will get through with draw or win vs. Scotland

Group C schedule, results

Date	Match	Time (ET)
Sat, June 13	Brazil 1, Morocco 1	6 p.m.
Sat, June 13	Scotland 1, Haiti 0	9 p.m.
Fri, June 19	Morocco 1, Scotland 0	6 p.m.
Fri, June 19	Brazil 3, Haiti 0	8:30 p.m.
Wed, June 24	Scotland vs. Brazil	6 p.m.
Wed, June 24	Morocco vs. Haiti	6 p.m.

World Cup Group D standings and scenarios

Pos	Team	PTS	GP	W	L	GF	GA	GD
1.	United States - Q	6	2	2	0	6	1	+5
2.	Australia	3	2	1	1	2	2	0
3.	Paraguay	3	2	1	1	1	2	-1
4.	Turkey - E	0	2	0	2	1	5	-4

Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
E = Eliminated

United States

Won Group D and qualified for the knockout rounds after beating Australia 2-0 and Turkey's loss to Paraguay.

Australia

Clinched a spot in the knockout round with Turkey's loss to Paraguay. Can finish second in Group D with a win against Paraguay.

Paraguay

Clinched a spot in the knockout round with win against Turkey. Can finish second in Group D with a win against Australia.

Turkey

Eliminated after 1-0 loss to Paraguay

Group D schedule, results

Date	Match	Time (ET)
Fri, June 12	United States 4, Paraguay 1	9 p.m.
Sat, June 13	Australia 2, Turkey 0	12 a.m.
Fri, June 19	United States 2, Australia 0	3 p.m.
Fri, June 19	Paraguay 1, Turkey 0	11 p.m.
Thu, June 25	Turkey vs. United States	10 p.m.
Thu, June 25	Paraguay vs. Australia	10 p.m.

World Cup Group E standings and scenarios

Team	PTS	GP	W	L	GF	GA	GD
1. Germany	3	1	1	0	7	1	+6
2. Ivory Coast	3	1	1	0	1	0	+1
3. Ecuador	0	1	0	1	0	1	-1
4. Curacao	0	1	0	1	1	7	-6

Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
E = Eliminated

Germany

Will qualify as group winners if they beat the Ivory Coast and Ecuador does not beat Curacao.

Ivory Coast

Will qualify as group winners if they beat Germany and Curacao does not beat Ecuador.

Ecuador

Will be eliminated if they lose to Curacao and Germany avoids defeat against the Ivory Coast

Curacao

Will be eliminated if they lose to Ecuador and the Ivory Coast avoids defeat against Germany.

Group E schedule, results

Date	Match	Time (ET)
Sun, June 14	Germany 7, Curacao 1	1 p.m.
Sun, June 14	Ivory Coast 1, Ecuador 0	7 p.m.
Sat, June 20	Germany vs. Ivory Coast	4 p.m.
Sat, June 20	Ecuador vs. Curacao	8 p.m.
Thu, June 25	Curacao vs. Ivory Coast	4 p.m.
Thu, June 25	Ecuador vs. Germany	4 p.m.

World Cup Group F standings and scenarios

Team	PTS	GP	W	L	D	GF	GA	GD
1. Netherlands	4	2	1	0	1	7	3	+4
2. Sweden	3	2	1	1	0	6	6	0
3. Japan	1	1	0	0	1	2	2	0
4. Tunisia	0	1	0	1	0	1	5	-4

Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
E = Eliminated

Sweden

Will qualify to knockout stage if Japan loses to Tunisia or if they beat Japan in their final match.

Tunisia

Will be eliminated if they lose to Japan and the Netherlands beat Sweden.

Netherlands

Will clinch a knockout stage position if Tunisia beats Japan, or if the Netherlands wins against Tunisia in their final group-stage match.

Japan

Must beat either Tunisia and/or Sweden in their final two group-stage matches.

Group F schedule, results

Date	Match	Time (ET)
Sun, June 14	Netherlands 2, Japan 2	4 p.m.
Sun, June 14	Sweden 5, Tunisia 1	10 p.m.
Sat, June 20	Netherlands 5, Sweden 1	1 p.m.
Sat, June 20	Tunisia vs. Japan	12 a.m.
Thu, June 25	Japan vs. Sweden	6 p.m.
Thu, June 25	Tunisia vs. Netherlands	6 p.m.

World Cup Group G standings and scenarios

Team	PTS	GP	D	GF	GA
1. Iran	1	1	1	2	2
2. New Zealand	1	1	1	2	2
3. Belgium	1	1	1	1	1
4. Egypt	1	1	1	1	1

Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
E = Eliminated

Iran, New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt

After each game in the first round of matches finished all square, no team can qualify or be eliminated in their second match. Any team that takes at least four points from their next two matches (a win and a draw) will be guaranteed a top-two spot.

Group G schedule, results

Date	Match	Time (ET)
Mon, June 15	Belgium 1, Egypt 1	3 p.m.
Mon, June 15	Iran 2, New Zealand 2	9 p.m.
Sun, June 21	Belgium vs. Iran	3 p.m.
Sun, June 21	New Zealand vs. Egypt	9 p.m.
Fri, June 26	Egypt vs. Iran	11 p.m.
Fri, June 26	New Zealand vs. Belgium	11 p.m.

World Cup Group H standings and scenarios

Team	PTS	GP	D	GF	GA
1. Uruguay	1	1	1	1	1
2. Saudi Arabia	1	1	1	1	1
3. Spain	1	1	1	0	0
4. Cape Verde	1	1	1	0	0

Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
E = Eliminated

Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Cape Verde

After each game in the first round of matches finished all square, no team can qualify or be eliminated in their second match. Any team that takes at least four points from their next two matches (a win and a draw) will be guaranteed a top-two spot.

Group H schedule, results

Date	Match	Time (ET)
Mon, June 15	Spain 0, Cape Verde 0	12 p.m.
Mon, June 15	Saudi Arabia 1, Uruguay 1	6 p.m.
Sun, June 21	Spain vs. Saudi Arabia	12 p.m.
Sun, June 21	Uruguay vs. Cape Verde	6 p.m.
Fri, June 26	Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia	8 p.m.
Fri, June 26	Uruguay vs. Spain	8 p.m.

World Cup Group I standings and scenarios

Team	PTS	GP	W	L	GF	GA	GD
1. Norway	3	1	1	0	4	1	+3
2. France	3	1	1	0	3	1	+2
3. Senegal	0	1	0	1	1	3	-2
4. Iraq	0	1	0	1	1	4	-3

Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
E = Eliminated

Norway, France, Senegal and Iraq

Norway and France, as the two winners from the first matches, playing the two defeated teams next means that no qualification or elimination matters can be decisively settled in the forthcoming round of fixtures.

Group I schedule, results

Date	Match	Time (ET)
Tue, June 16	France 3, Senegal 1	3 p.m.
Tue, June 16	Norway 4, Iraq 1	6 p.m.
Mon, June 22	France vs. Iraq	5 p.m.
Mon, June 22	Norway vs. Senegal	8 p.m.
Fri, June 26	Norway vs. France	3 p.m.
Fri, June 26	Senegal vs. Iraq	3 p.m.

World Cup Group J standings and scenarios

Team	PTS	GP	W	L	GF	GA	GD
1. Argentina	3	1	1	0	3	0	+3
2. Austria	3	1	1	0	3	1	+2
3. Jordan	0	1	0	1	1	3	-2
4. Algeria	0	1	0	1	0	3	-3

Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
E = Eliminated

Argentina

Will qualify as group winners if they beat Austria and Jordan does not beat Algeria.

Austria

Will qualify as group winners if they beat Argentina and Algeria does not beat Jordan.

Jordan

Will be eliminated if they lose to Algeria and Argentina avoids defeat against Austria.

Algeria

Will be eliminated if they lose to Jordan and the Austria avoids defeat against Argentina.

Group J schedule, results

Date	Match	Time (ET)
Tue, June 16	Argentina 3, Algeria 0	9 p.m.
Tue, June 16	Austria 3, Jordan 1	12 a.m.
Mon, June 22	Argentina vs. Austria	1 p.m.
Mon, June 22	Jordan vs. Algeria	11 p.m.
Sat, June 27	Algeria vs. Austria	10 p.m.
Sat, June 27	Jordan vs. Argentina	10 p.m.

World Cup Group K standings and scenarios

Team	PTS	GP	W	D	GF	GA	GD
1. Colombia	3	1	1	0	3	1	+2
2. DR Congo	1	1	0	1	1	1	0
3. Portugal	1	1	0	1	1	1	0
4. Uzbekistan	0	0	0	0	1	3	-2

Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
E = Eliminated

Colombia

Will qualify as group winners if they beat DR Congo.

DR Congo and Portugal

Neither can be eliminated nor guaranteed qualification after their opening match finished 1-1.

Uzbekistan

Will be eliminated if they lose to Portugal and DR Congo defeats Colombia.

Group K schedule, results

Date	Match	Time (ET)
Wed, June 17	Portugal 1, DR Congo 1	1 p.m.
Wed, June 17	Colombia 3, Uzbekistan 1	10 p.m.
Tue, June 23	Portugal vs. Uzbekistan	1 p.m.
Tue, June 23	Colombia vs. DR Congo	10 p.m.
Sat, June 27	Colombia vs. Portugal	7:30 p.m.
Sat, June 27	DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan	7:30 p.m.

World Cup Group L standings and scenarios

Team	PTS	GP	W	L	GF	GA	GD
1. England	3	1	1	0	4	2	+2
2. Ghana	3	1	1	0	1	0	+1
3. Panama	0	1	0	1	0	1	-1
4. Croatia	0	1	0	1	2	4	-2

Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
E = Eliminated

England

Will qualify as group winners if they beat Ghana and Croatia defeats Panama.

Ghana

Will qualify as group winners if they beat England and Panama defeats Croatia.

Panama

Will be eliminated if they lose to Croatia and England defeats Ghana.

Croatia

Will be eliminated if they lose to Panama and Ghana defeats England.

Group L schedule, results

Date	Match	Time (ET)
Wed, June 17	England 4, Croatia 2	4 p.m.
Wed, June 17	Ghana 1, Panama 0	7 p.m.
Tue, June 23	England vs. Ghana	4 p.m.
Tue, June 23	Panama vs. Croatia	7 p.m.
Sat, June 27	Panama vs. England	5 p.m.
Sat, June 27	Croatia vs. Ghana	5 p.m.

World Cup 2026 group stage tiebreakers

When wins, losses and draws alone aren't enough to determine a group's standings, the following tiebreaking procedure will be used. Expect these to come into play as the permutations noted above play out.

Overall goal difference: whichever team has the higher margin between how many goals they score and allow.

Total goals scored: whichever team scores the most goals in the group stage.
Head-to-head points: most points in group matches when the teams tied in the standings went against each other.
Head-to-head goal difference: the highest margin of goals scored/against in group matches when the teams tied in the standings went against each other.
Head-to-head goals scored: most goals in group matches when the teams tied in the standings went against each other.
Highest team conduct score: a score that is diminished as team players/personnel get carded.
Higher FIFA/Coca‑Cola Men’s World Ranking: the team with the higher international team rank will move on. If the teams somehow have the same ranking, the most recent past edition of the rankings will be examined.

Who is Brian Brobbey? Meet Premier League striker that scored twice for Netherlands vs. Sweden

Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

20 June 2026 at 21:39

Who is Brian Brobbey? Meet Premier League striker that scored twice for Netherlands vs. Sweden originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

During the first half of Saturday's group-stage match between the Netherlands and Sweden, Brian Brobbey introduced himself to a broader audience that may not have tuned into the English Premier League this season.

The Sunderland AFC attacker was thrust into the Oranje's starting lineup after a fellow forward was managing an injury. Saying Brobbey picked up the slack would be an understatement.

Brobbey scored twice inside the opening 20 minutes, giving the Netherlands a commanding lead over a Sweden side featuring dangerous forwards Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak. After settling for a draw against Japan in their opening match, the Dutch needed a big result in their second outing, and they appeared well on their way to getting it.

Here's a closer look at Brobbey, who wreaked havoc on the Swedish defense in the first half.

2026 WORLD CUP HQ:Latest World Cup news | World Cup schedule | Buy World Cup tickets

Who is Brian Brobbey?

In the fifth and 17th minute of Saturday's Netherlands vs. Sweden group-stage match, Brobbey introduced himself to the world by adding a double tally of goals. The Sunderland AFC attacker was filling in for Crysencio Summerville, who was on the bench after picking up a slight injury.

Brobbey is playing in the striker position for the Netherlands with Cody Gakpo on his left and Donyell Malen on his right.

According to Transfermarkt, Brobbey has made 14 caps for his country and has scored his first two World Cup goals of his career. It is yet to be determined whether or not Brobbey will continue starting for the Dutch when Summerville is fit again.

MORE WORLD CUP NEWS:

Brian Brobbey's goals vs. Netherlands

In under 20 minutes, Brobbey wrote his name on the scoresheet not once, but twice for the Netherlands. Le Oranje needed a new forward to establish himself after Summerville was managing an injury. Brobbey filled his shoes, and then some.

In the fifth minute, Brobbey scored his first goal of the match after Cody Gakpo crossed the ball in from the left wing.

NETHERLANDS FINDS THE EARLY LEAD OVER SWEDEN! 🇳🇱

Gakpo finds Brian Brobbey to make it 1-0 for the Dutch! pic.twitter.com/wzCO5Hy91R
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 20, 2026

About 12 minutes later, in the 17th minute, it was Brobbey again who doubled the Netherlands' lead and put the match's favorites up 2-0. Inside 20 minutes, the Orange Army found themselves cruising on the shoulders of the Sunderland attacker.

The Dutch are FLYING in Houston! 🇳🇱

Dumfries sends it in to Brobbey who already has a Brace for Netherlands! pic.twitter.com/4RIHcBgJ0f
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 20, 2026

World Cup teams to qualify for Round of 32: Updated 2026 knockout bracket, schedule and fixtures

Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

20 June 2026 at 16:58

World Cup teams to qualify for Round of 32: Updated 2026 knockout bracket, schedule and fixtures originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

With the 2026 World Cup well into play now, it's never too early to look ahead to the knockout stages.

Co-hosts Mexico and the United States were the first two teams to lock in positions in the Round of 32, and more teams will join them in the future. After that, the world's best will continue to fill out that stage and future knockout rounds at the latest edition of the World Cup.

Once the knockout stages begin, each match can be a country's last, so anything can happen. While the group stages feature a format of each team playing each other, a country has one game per round of the knockout stages. A win means they move onto the following stage, and a loss means a flight home and the end of their 2026 World Cup campaign.

Here's a live look at how the knockout stages have shaped up thus far for the 2026 World Cup.

2026 WORLD CUP HQ:Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Buy World Cup tickets

World Cup bracket 2026

SN

World Cup teams in Round of 32

Co-host nation Mexico became the first team to qualify for the Round of 32 after winning its first two games of the 2026 World Cup. Less than 24 hours later, fellow co-host the United States also punched its ticket into the next round.

In the coming days, more countries will move out of the group stages and into the knockouts. Here are the countries that have qualified for the Round of 32 so far:

	Qualified	Group winner	Runner-up
Group A	Mexico	Mexico	TBD
Group B		TBD	TBD
Group C		TBD	TBD
Group D	United States	United States	TBD
Group E		TBD	TBD
Group F		TBD	TBD
Group G		TBD	TBD
Group H		TBD	TBD
Group I		TBD	TBD
Group J		TBD	TBD
Group K		TBD	TBD
Group L		TBD	TBD

Third place qualifiers

Rank	Third-place team
1.	TBD
2.	TBD
3.	TBD
4.	TBD
5.	TBD
6.	TBD
7.	TBD
8.	TBD

Mexico

After being one of the teams to win their first two games of the 2026, Mexico has already clinched a prime spot in the knockout stages. With their win over South Korea, the second-place team in Group A, Mexico has already clinched the top seed in their group. In the Round of 32, they will take on a third-place team that qualifies from Group C, E, F, H, or I.

United States

The USMNT also punched their ticket into the Round of 32, and won Group D — the third time ever finishing first in the group stage and first since 2010. The U.S. will played their Round of 32 match on July 3 against a third-place opponent from either Group B, E, F, I, or J.

MORE:Updated scenarios for every team to advance in World Cup

How does the World Cup bracket work?

The Round of 32 is the start of what is commonly referred to as the knockout rounds because every match is single elimination from here on out.

There are no points earned. There are no standings. There's simply a winner and a loser.

What happens if knockout matches finish tied?

There has to be a winner on the day for each Round of 32 match and for subsequent knockout-round matches (Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, third-place match, final). So if teams are tied after 90 minutes of regulation, the match goes into a 30-minute period of extra time.

If the deadlock persists after those 30 minutes of extra time, then a penalty shootout will determine the team that moves on to the quarterfinals.

The Round of 32 pairings are set in advance. Teams that finish in first place in the group stage match up against teams that are runners-up in their respective groups.

How third place qualifiers work

All 12 third-place finishers are sorted into a table just like the groups based on their points gained in group stage play and other metrics such as goal differential.

The top eight teams in this table will advance to the knockout round.

Knockout stage tiebreakers for 2026 World Cup

If teams are tied on points in their group, which comes through three for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss, the following tiebreakers are enacted to determine final standings, in accordance with the official 2026 World Cup rules (page 26):

Overall goal differential: whichever team has the higher margin between how many goals they score and allow.
Total goals scored: whichever team scores the most goals in the group stage.
Head-to-head points: most points in group matches when the teams tied in the standings went against each other.
Head-to-head goal difference: the highest margin of goals scored/against in group matches when the teams tied in the standings went against each other.
Head-to-head goals scored: most goals in group matches when the teams tied in the standings went against each other.
Highest team conduct score: a score that is diminished as team players/personnel get carded.
Higher FIFA/Coca‑Cola Men’s World Ranking: the team with the higher international team rank will move on. If the teams somehow have the same ranking, the most recent past edition of the rankings will be examined.

MORE WORLD CUP NEWS:

World Cup 2026 schedule for knockout stage

Round of 32

Date	Match No.	Matchup
Sun., June 28	73	Group A runners-up v Group B runners-up
Mon., June 29	74	Group E winners v Group A/B/C/D/F third place
	75	Group F winners v Group C runners-up
	76	Group C winners v Group F runners-up
Tues., June 30	77	Group I winners v Group C/D/F/G/H third place
	78	Group E runners-up v Group I runners-up
	79	Mexico v Group C/E/F/H/I third place
Wed., July 1	80	Group L winners v Group E/H/I/J/K third place
	81	Group D winners v Group B/E/F/I/J third place
	82	Group G winners v Group A/E/H/I/J third place
Thurs., July 2	83	Group K runners-up v Group L runners-up
	84	Group H winners v Group J runners-up
	85	Group B winners v Group E/F/G/I/J third place
Fri., July 3	86	Group J winners v Group H runners-up
	87	Group K winners v Group D/E/I/J/L third place
	88	Group D runners-up v Group G runners-up

Round of 16

Date	Match No.	Matchup
Sat., July 4	89	Winner match 74 v Winner match 77
	90	Winner match 73 v Winner match 75
Sun., July 5	91	Winner match 76 v Winner match 78
	92	Winner match 79 v Winner match 80
Mon., July 6	93	Winner match 83 v Winner match 84
	94	Winner match 81 v Winner match 82
Tue., July 7	95	Winner match 86 v Winner match 88
	96	Winner match 85 v Winner match 87

Quarterfinals

Date	Match No.	Matchup
Thurs., July 9	97	Winner match 89 v Winner match 90
Fri. July 10	98	Winner match 93 v Winner match 94
Sat., July 11	99	Winner match 91 v Winner match 92
	100	Winner match 95 v Winner match 96

Semifinals

Date	Match No.	Matchup
Tue., July 12	101	Winner match 97 v Winner match 98
Wed. July 13	102	Winner match 99 v Winner match 100

Third-place

Date	Match No.	Matchup
Sat., July 18	103	Runner-up match 101 v Runner-up match 102

Final

Date	Match No.	Matchup
Sun., July 19	104	Winner match 101 v Winner match 102

Women's T20 World Cup 2026 winner odds & latest betting: Who will win ICC tournament?

Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

20 June 2026 at 15:09

The 2026 Women's T20 World Cup is in full swing across England and Wales, with an expanded 12-team field competing for cricket's biggest prize in the shortest format. Featuring 33 matches across seven iconic venues, the tournament has already produced thrilling contests, surprise results, and plenty of talking points. With the final set for July 5 at Lord's, the race for the trophy remains wide open.

Australia entered the tournament as favourites, eager to reassert their dominance after New Zealand claimed the 2024 title, and they have wasted little time making their intentions clear. A nine-wicket dismantling of Bangladesh at Headingley sent an early and emphatic message to the rest of the field.

India have matched them stride for stride. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma powered a commanding total against the Netherlands before the bowlers finished the job in style.

Hosts England, meanwhile, made a statement of their own in the tournament opener at Edgbaston, piling up their highest-ever T20I total against Sri Lanka. A four-wicket win over Ireland in their second match cemented England at the top of Group 2.

Defending champions New Zealand, however, are in serious trouble. They have now lost twice, to West Indies in their opener and to Sri Lanka in a thrilling final-over finish. A calamitous fielding display has compounded their problems, and their semi-final hopes are hanging by a thread.

South Africa, runners-up in 2024, are showing exactly why they cannot be written off. They came from the brink of collapse to edge past Pakistan by two wickets, with Annerie Dercksen's half-century doing the rescue work. It was nervy, it was scrappy, but it was a win and that is exactly the kind of character that goes deep in a tournament.

As the group stage enters its middle phase, the battle for semi-final spots is tightening. Australia and India look the class of Group 1. In Group 2, England are ahead of the pack, but Sri Lanka, fresh off two upsets, are very much in the conversation.

Who Will Win The Women's T20 World Cup?

We are backing Australia to win the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup. While the Australian women's team remains one of the most powerful powers in international sport, their relative silence over the last 18 months has been deafening, at least by their own lofty standards.

However, underestimating them is a mistake. The team had a big yet very smooth change. While famous individuals such as Meg Lanning and Alyssa Healy have left, the current roster still has an unrivalled depth of quality and tournament experience.

Why Australia Represents The Best Betting Value

Tournament Record: Six T20 World Cup titles. More than any other nation. Australia do not just win this tournament, they define it. They have set the standard by which all other teams are measured.
The Vengeance Factor: Losses in the semi-finals of both the 2024 T20 World Cup to South Africa and the 2025 ODI World Cup to India will be stinging them. That is not a statistic Australian cricket forgets. T20 World Cups are where this team has always excelled, and they arrive in England with something to prove.
Squad Depth: Sophie Molineux has assembled a terrific squad. Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll have the technical skill and aggression to take down any bowling attack. The middle order features players who have played 100 international matches. And the bowling lineup of Megan Schutt, Ashleigh Gardner and Georgia Wareham is among the most potent in world cricket.

Think Australia can capture the crown, or fancy an English masterclass? Lock in the best tournament outrights today with Dafabet!

Bet Now: Get 200% deposit match up to INR 20,000 when you sign up with Dafabet!

When is the Women's T20 World Cup? Key Dates And Schedule

The 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup runs from June 12 to July 5, with 12 teams competing across seven venues in England and Wales. This is the first edition to expand to 12 teams, creating more group stage matches and more opportunities for the unexpected to happen.

Here are the key fixtures critical for your betting strategy:

Date	Fixture	Venue	Why It Matters
June 20	England vs Scotland	Headingley, Leeds	Historic home nations encounter
June 21	India vs South Africa	Old Trafford, Manchester	Critical Group A progression match
Early July	Semi-Finals 1 & 2	TBA	In-play markets peak during knockouts
July 5	ICC Women's T20 World Cup Final	TBA	Outright market settlement

Group A contains Australia, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Bangladesh and the Netherlands.
Group B features England, New Zealand, West Indies, Ireland, Scotland and Sri Lanka.
The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage.

MORE: Cricket matches today | List of best live fixtures, latest betting odds & predictions

Women's T20 World Cup Odds: Who is the Favourite?

Australia head the Dafabet market at 1.72, with England their closest pursuers at 3.75. India at 6.00 carry genuine each-way appeal, and South Africa at 15.00 are the final name in the frame for anyone hunting a longer-priced flutter.

Team	Odds
Australia	1.72
England	3.75
India	6.00
South Africa	15.00
West Indies	26.00
Sri Lanka	101.00
New Zealand	151.00
Scotland	251.00
Bangladesh	401.00
Pakistan	501.00
Ireland	2001.00
Netherlands	2001.00

Note: Odds are correct at the time of publishing and subject to change.

How to bet on cricket: Complete guide for types of bets, odds, best online sites

How To Bet On The Women's T20 World Cup 2026

Betting on the ICC Women's T20 World Cup offers multiple markets and opportunities for profit. Here is how to approach the tournament:

Tournament Outright Winner: A simple bet on which country lifts the trophy on 5 July. Great for locking in early value on teams like Australia, England or India.
Match Betting (Moneyline): Wager on individual fixtures. The Australia vs South Africa clash and India vs Pakistan encounter are likely to attract the heaviest betting volume and most competitive odds.
Prop Bets (Player Markets): High-yield options include Top Tournament Batter (watch Georgia Voll, Smriti Mandhana, Nat Sciver-Brunt), Top Bowler (Megan Schutt, Alana King), or Player of the Match markets across individual fixtures.
In-Play / Live Betting: T20 cricket's volatility makes live betting particularly rewarding. Bet on the next wicket to fall, individual over runs, or match outcomes as they shift throughout the innings.

Ready to place your tournament bet? Don't just watch the action, experience it. Access competitive cricket odds, secure deposits and exclusive promotions through Dafabet today.

BEST WOMEN'S T20 WORLD CUP ODDS AND OFFERS

CLICK TO BET

Today's match in Women's T20 World Cup 2026: Schedule, times and predictions for Saturday, June 20

Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

20 June 2026 at 13:18

Today in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, three matches light up the schedule across English venues.

Australia take on Netherlands at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton, before Pakistan face Bangladesh at the same ground later in the evening. Headingley in Leeds then hosts England against Scotland under the lights to round off a packed day of cricket

Today's Women's T20 World Cup Matches: Schedule & Venues

Match	Venue	Time (IST)
Australia Women vs Netherlands Women	Hampshire Bowl, Southampton	15:00
Pakistan Women vs Bangladesh Women	Hampshire Bowl, Southampton	19:00
England Women vs Scotland Women	Headingley, Leeds	23:00

Lock in your match-winner bets on Dafabet now!

Cricket Offers

CLICK TO BET

Women's T20 World Cup Predictions: Today's Best Bets

Australia Women vs Netherlands Women

Betting Tip	Odds
Beth Mooney to score over 30.5	1.66

Bet Mooney could make hay against Netherlands bowling line up.

Pakistan Women vs Bangladesh Women

Betting Tip	Odds
Pakistan women to win	1.46

Pakistan women are the favourites to win this clash. Fatima Sana's side have more match winners than the Bangladesh side.

*All odds via Dafabet .

Top Tips for Cricket Betting

Profitable T20 betting is rarely about picking the obvious favourite. The best punters combine solid research with the ability to react quickly as conditions change. Whether you're betting on today's matches or planning for the rest of the tournament, these key principles can help sharpen your edge.

Pay Close Attention to Weather and Pitch Reports: English conditions can change rapidly, especially during evening fixtures. A bit of cloud cover or increased humidity can bring seam bowlers into the game and significantly impact scoring rates. Always review the toss, weather forecast, and pitch report before placing your bets.

Understand Venue Characteristics: Not all grounds play the same. Factors such as boundary size, pitch pace, and historical scoring trends can heavily influence match outcomes. Grounds like Edgbaston and Headingley often reward aggressive stroke-makers who are comfortable playing square of the wicket.

Take Advantage of Live Betting Opportunities: Momentum shifts happen quickly in T20 cricket. One expensive over or a key wicket can completely change the complexion of a match. In-play markets can offer excellent value for bettors who are able to identify pressure situations before the odds adjust.

Look Beyond the Main Match Markets: Popular match-winner bets often leave little room for value, particularly when strong favourites are involved. Player-focused markets, including runs, wickets, and performance points, can frequently present more attractive opportunities for those willing to dig deeper into the numbers.

Maximise Your Match-Day Experience! Take advantage of premium live streaming, competitive odds, and seamless in-play cricket markets updated every single over. Claim Your Daily Betting Bonus with Dafabet Now!

Bet Now: Get 200% deposit match up to INR 20,000 when you sign up with Dafabet!

Why is Ivory Coast called CIV? Explaining country code for 2026 World Cup team

Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

20 June 2026 at 11:10

Why is Ivory Coast called CIV? Explaining country code for 2026 World Cup team originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

On June 14, the Ivory Coast earned a win at the World Cup for the first time in 12 years after a last-minute 1-0 victory over Ecuador.

The Ivory Coast, also known as Les Elephants, are back in the winning column at this summer's World Cup. A bonus that comes with that is garnering more eyes that may not have been familiar with the country before the tournament.

Fans tuning into the TV broadcast will have noticed that the Ivory Coast was abbreviated to 'CIV' in the score box. The fact that the team uses "CIV" and not "IVC" or "IVO" seemed to have confused many viewers.

Here's why the Ivory Coast has a different abbreviation than what many would have expected.

2026 WORLD CUP HQ:Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Buy World Cup tickets

Why is Ivory Coast CIV?

Ivory Coast's abbreviation is "CIV" because the country's official name is "the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire."

According to the Department of State, the United States has recognized the Ivory Coast, or Côte d'Ivoire, since 1960. In 1986, 26 years after being recognized by the U.S., the Ivory Coast officially changed its name to Côte d'Ivoire.

The official French name translates to "Ivory Coast" in English. Ivory Coast gained independence from France on August 7, 1960, according to the American African Registry.

MORE WORLD CUP NEWS:

Where is Ivory Coast?

The Ivory Coast is nestled on the Western side of Africa. The northwestern half of Africa protrudes outwards, and the Ivory Coast is on the Southern part of that edge.

It borders Guinea and Liberia to the west, Mali and Burkina Faso to the north, and Ghana to the east.

Google Maps

Where to watch Netherlands vs. Sweden live stream, TV channel, start time for World Cup Group F match

Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

20 June 2026 at 09:00

Where to watch Netherlands vs. Sweden live stream, TV channel, start time for World Cup Group F match originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The 2026 World Cup group stage continues as Netherlands and Sweden meet in Houston in a Group F clash that could go a long way to deciding who tops the section.

Ronald Koeman's side arrive as clear favorites، unbeaten through qualifying and stacked with Premier League talent across the pitch. But they head into this one without Xavi Simons, Jurrien Timber, and Matthijs de Ligt, three players who were ruled out through injury before a ball was even kicked.

Sweden are no pushovers. Graham Potter's side qualified through the playoffs and have two of Europe's best strikers in Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak, enough to cause the Dutch real problems in Houston.

The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match and kickoff times.

Netherlands vs. Sweden Africa live stream, TV channel

TV channel: Fox
Live stream: fubo,Fox One, Fox Sports app/website

This match will be broadcast nationally on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.

The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up a for a FREE trial.

Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

What time does Netherlands vs. Sweden Africa kick off?

This World Cup clash takes place at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas and kicks off on Saturday, June 20 at 12 p.m. local time.

Here's how that time translates across North America:

	Date	Kickoff time
Eastern Time	Sat, June 20	1 p.m.
Central Time	Sat, June 20	12 p.m.
Mountain Time	Sat, June 20	11 a.m.
Pacific Time	Sat, June 20	10 a.m.

World Cup schedule today and tomorrow

All times Eastern.

Saturday, June 20

Netherlands vs. Sweden (1 p.m.)
Germany vs. Ivory Coast (4 p.m.)
Ecuador vs. Curaçao (8 p.m.)
Tunisia vs. Japan (12 a.m.)

Sunday, June 21

Spain vs. Saudi Arabia (12 p.m.)
Belgium vs. Iran (3 p.m.)
Uruguay vs. Cape Verde (6 p.m.)
New Zealand vs. Egypt (9 p.m.)

MORE:Complete World Cup schedule and fixtures

2026 FIFA World Cup FAQs

When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 through July 19, 2026. It will be the first World Cup hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being played?

The 2026 World Cup will be played across 16 host cities in North America, with matches taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will be the first men’s World Cup hosted by three countries.

The 16 host cities are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle in the United States; Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; and Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey in Mexico.

How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, expanding from the 32-team format used in previous tournaments. The larger field also means more matches, more knockout-round games and more countries involved than ever before.

The 48 teams are Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Curaçao, Czechia, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Türkiye, United States, Uruguay and Uzbekistan.

How many games are in the 2026 World Cup?

There will be 104 matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That includes the group stage, knockout rounds and the final.

Can I stream the 2026 World Cup?

Yes. Streaming options will depend on the match, language and broadcast partner. In the U.S., Fox Sports lists FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for English-language coverage, while Telemundo will stream every match live on Peacock and the Telemundo App for Spanish-language coverage.

What channel is the 2026 World Cup on?

In the U.S., English-language matches are expected across FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for those without cable, while Spanish-language coverage will air on Telemundo and Universo, which you can stream on DIRECTV and Peacock. Check the schedule for the specific match you want to watch.

When is the 2026 World Cup final?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026. The match will be played at New York-New Jersey Stadium, FIFA’s tournament name for MetLife Stadium.

What time do World Cup games start?

Kickoff times vary by date, host city and round. Because the tournament is being played across multiple time zones in the United States, Canada and Mexico, fans should check the official match schedule for start times in their local time zone.

Is the United States playing in the 2026 World Cup?

Yes. The United States automatically qualified for the 2026 World Cup as one of the three host nations, along with Canada and Mexico.

Why it's Turkiye and not Turkey after change leads to World Cup name difference

Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

20 June 2026 at 05:39

Why it's Turkiye and not Turkey after change leads to World Cup name difference originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Turkiye is at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and their name has gathered attention.

This is the country that used to be known in sporting competition as Turkey, but no longer, and it's a subtle but important difference.

Here's more of what you need to know about the change.

MORE: How Folarin Balogun's mom being too pregnant to fly led him to USMNT

Why is it Turkiye and not Turkey?

It's specifically Türkiye, which is pronounced as three syllables, and it has to do with cultural identity.

Türkiye is what the locals have used since their country was founded in 1923.

Now, the country has tried to align its name worldwide with how they know themselves.

There's also the obvious: a turkey is a bird. The country didn't want to be the same as the bird associated with Thanksgiving.

MORE: Mexican goalie saves the day against South Korea

The switch to Türkiye is meant to create a stronger national image.

It's much the same as what Czechia has done in rebranding on the world stage from the Czech Republic.

There's no reason for countries to identify as anything other than themselves, and that's what Türkiye is doing.

More FIFA World Cup news:

US team awed by Seattle World Cup, tell Cristian Roldan they want to be Sounders

Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

20 June 2026 at 05:36

Cristian Roldan told ‘em what they were in for.

The Sounders and former University of Washington Huskies soccer star, in his second World Cup playing for the United States, told his U.S. teammates how raucous Friday was going to be. Roldan tried to explain to them how packed Lumen Field — FIFA calling it “Seattle Stadium” — was going to be for the first U.S. World Cup match ever in the Pacific Northwest.

He tried to tell them about the noise, how it was going to shake the building, the bench and them.

Then just before noon Friday, Roldan and his U.S. teammates lined up shoulder to shoulder across the sideline plus the width field on its north, downtown half. The sold-out crowd of 66,925 stood. And all but the few thousand Australian “Socceroos” fans in gold behind the opposite goal — heck, maybe some of them, too — roared the words to The Star-Spangled Banner. Over the music. Without an on-field performer signing.

“It was amazing,” 27-year-old American center back Auston Trusty said, after he made his World Cup debut as a substitute late in Friday’s match. “Obviously, to not have a singer and have the whole, entire crowd singing, that just gives you chills.”

Then, just as the anthem ended, the Black Hawks arrived.

U.S. Army pilots for four attack helicopters from Joint Base Lewis-McChord made the short flight up from Pierce County. The choppers roared over the stadium. The sun-splashed, international spectacle now had its might.

The flyover before the first half of FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between United States of America and Australia at Seattle Stadium in Seattle., on Friday, June 19, 2026, in Seattle.

The crowd gasped, then cheered.

The players stood on the pitch and looked to the sky — in awe.

“To have the Black Hawks fly over like that? Even more chills,” Trusty, a native of Media, Pennsylvania, who plays professional for Scottish side Celtic FC, said.

“It gives you the extreme national pride. And it really puts your mind on who you’re playing for.

“You play for yourself,” Trusty said.

“Well, you are playing for the badge (on the chest of the U.S. jersey). You are playing for this country.”

They excelled for this country.

For the second consecutive match to begin this World Cup co-hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico, the Americans dominated. Seven days after a 4-1 drubbing of Paraguay, the U.S. scored against Australia in the 11th minute. That was because of dynamic Folarin Balogun’s zooming run, turn and cross. Balogun created an own-goal off an Aussie defender.

Later in the first half U.S. defender Alex Freeman wanted a free, deflected ball in the air more than the Aussie keeper and center back did in front of the goal. That’s why Freeman won the header. That’s why the USA led 2-0 before halftime.

With how the Americans consistently applied offensive pressure into the Australian’s five-man defense and midfield line, the match was over. It ended 2-0.

These are the first consecutive victories for the United States in a World Cup in 96 years, before the initial World Cup in 1930.

After his third goal created in two World Cup matches, after the two he scored against Paraguay in Los Angeles last week, Balogun marveled over the spectacle in Seattle Friday. He was in awe of the anthem. Of the Black Hawk flyover.

Of the whole, Pacific Northwest soccer vibe.

“It was special. So special. It’s tough to put into words,” Balogun said.

“The national anthem. And then you are seeing the helicopters go above. It was really special.

“It just gives us — not that we need it — it just gives us that extra bit of motivation before we go out there to just go out there and, really, just go crazy.”

A United States of America fans looks on during the first half of FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between United States of America and Australia at Seattle Stadium in Seattle., on Friday, June 19, 2026, in Seattle.

On the United States’ bench throughout the team’s shutout victory, then in the locker room after the Americans clinched a spot in the round-of-32 knockout stage with one game still left in group play, teammates kept coming up to Roldan.

They couldn’t get over the fervor and fandom for this match, this World Cup, for soccer, in Seattle.

“Our teammates were raving about the crowd. And the city, in general,” said Roldan, who has yet to play in two World Cup matches but says he’s ready well called upon.

“You know, some of them even spoke to me about playing for Seattle in the future,” Roldan said.

He smiled.

“That’s what you want to hear.”

United States of America fans celebrate a United States of America 2-0 win against Australia during the second half of FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match at Seattle Stadium in Seattle., on Friday, June 19, 2026, in Seattle.

Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games
How to watch Brazil vs Haiti for free: Live stream 2026 World Cup 20 June 2026 at 04:00

How to watch Brazil vs Haiti for free: Live stream 2026 World Cup

Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

20 June 2026 at 04:00

Brazil enters its second Group C match under pressure after opening the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Morocco, a result that left Carlo Ancelotti’s side searching for its first victory of the World Cup.

MORE: FIFA World Cup 2026 power rankings

June 13, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S.; Brazil’s Raphinha reacts. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-Imagn Images

How to Watch Brazil vs Haiti

Date: Friday, June 19, 2026
Time: 8:30 PM ET
Channel: FOX
Stream: Fubo (try for free)

Despite possessing one of the tournament’s deepest squads and being a five-time world champion, Brazil struggled to find rhythm in its opener and is expected to make tactical adjustments against Haiti.

– Live Stream Brazil vs Haiti with Fubo –

Haiti, meanwhile, arrives with plenty of belief despite a narrow 1-0 defeat to Scotland in its opening match. The Caribbean nation is making just its second-ever World Cup appearance and first since 1974. Head coach Sébastien Migné has embraced the underdog role, calling the opportunity to face Brazil a dream for his players and a source of pride for the Haitian people. Haiti still has a path to the knockout stage, but could face elimination pressure depending on other Group C results.

Historically, Brazil has dominated this matchup. The teams’ most recent meeting came during the 2016 Copa América Centenario, when Brazil earned a 7-1 victory over Haiti. However, World Cup matches often bring surprises, and Haiti will look to channel its energy and resilience into what would rank among the biggest upsets of the tournament. Brazil, meanwhile, knows that anything less than three points would significantly complicate its path out of Group C.

Live stream Brazil vs Haiti with Fubo: Start your free trial now!

With Fubo, you can watch live television without cable on your phone, TV, or tablet. Fubo carries a wide array of sports and entertainment channels, including local sports packages and top national channels like ABC, FOX, CBS, ESPN, FS1, MTV, Comedy Central, and much more. The best part is you can try it out today for free.

Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games
Who is Haiti's goalie? Brazil pose massive challenge for Johny Placide 20 June 2026 at 03:54

Who is Haiti's goalie? Brazil pose massive challenge for Johny Placide

Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

20 June 2026 at 03:54

Who is Haiti's goalie? Brazil pose massive challenge for Johny Placide originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The task is tall for Haiti on Friday night in Philadelphia.

They will be opposed by powerhouse Brazil in what, on paper, appears to be a massive mismatch.

In a match like this, much like when Cape Verde played Spain, the strongest path to a heroic result for Haiti is in goal.

And so it's time to meet Johny Placide.

MORE: How Folarin Balogun's mom being too pregnant to fly led him to USMNT

Who is Haiti's goalie?

Johny Placide is the top goalie for Haiti, an all-time legend within their national team program.

Placide is 38 years old now, and he's the captain of the national team.

The sturdy Placide was born in France and came up through the Le Havre academy, eventually reaching Ligue 1.

He also played with Reims in Ligue 1 before beginning a journeyman career.

Placide now plays with Bastia in Ligue 2 in France.

MORE: Mexican goalie saves the day against South Korea

In his career, Placide has 83 appearances for Haiti's senior national team.

Placide did see time with the French under-21 team, but he never got a senior call-up before deciding instead to play for Haiti.

His biggest moment internationally prior to this World Cup came in the 2019 Gold Cup, when Haiti won its group and reached the semifinals for the first time before being eliminated by Mexico.

Now, Placide takes on Brazil. There won't be a bigger test in his career.

More FIFA World Cup news:

Why Miguel Almiron will be suspended with a yellow card for Paraguay vs. Turkiye or Australia

Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

20 June 2026 at 03:45

Why Miguel Almiron will be suspended with a yellow card for Paraguay vs. Turkiye or Australia originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Miguel Almiron isn't the type of player you picture mixing it up all that much.

Despite that, the talented Paraguay midfielder picked up a yellow card in the opening match of their World Cup, a loss to the United States.

That brings with it the risk of suspension.

Almiron will want to avoid getting a yellow for the remainder of the group stage, first when Paraguay takes on Turkiye, and then against Australia.

MORE: How Folarin Balogun's mom being too pregnant to fly led him to USMNT

How a 2nd yellow card would be a Miguel Almiron suspension

Two yellow cards total within the group stage at the World Cup equals a one-game suspension.

Since Almiron got one against the U.S., it would take just one more to activate the suspension.

If Almiron can avoid a second before the end of the group stage, he'll be at least temporarily in the clear.

MORE: Mexican goalie saves the day against South Korea

Yellow card amnesty rules at the World Cup

The yellow card count resets after the group stage.

You could miss the Round of 32 if you get your second yellow in the final group match, but if you make it through the group with just one, your counter is then at zero to begin the Round of 32.

The next erasure comes after the quarterfinal. You could be suspended for the semifinal if you get a yellow in the Round of 16 and then again in the quarters, but the only way to be suspended from the final is a red card.

More FIFA World Cup news:

Where to watch Brazil vs. Haiti live stream, TV channel, start time for World Cup Group C match

Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

20 June 2026 at 00:56

Where to watch Brazil vs. Haiti live stream, TV channel, start time for World Cup Group C match originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

On Friday, Haiti and Brazil will share the pitch at 9 p.m. ET from Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Stadium).

Haiti will be playing in its second World Cup in the country's history, their first since the 1974 tournament in West Germany. On the other side of the midfield line stands football giant Brazil, who are making their 23rd appearance and are the only country to win five World Cup trophies.

While Haiti has pulled the short end of the stick, being paired up in a group with Brazil, the country could make history with what would be their most significant football result, with a win or draw against A Seleção. Anything other than a blowout for Brazil would be a massive disappointment, regardless of the three points picked up with a win.

The Sporting News takes you through all the information you need to follow the game.

LIVE:Follow Brazil vs. Haiti updates from 2026 World Cup game

Brazil vs. Haiti live stream, TV channel

TV channel: Fox
Live stream: fubo,Fox One, Fox Sports app/website

This match will be broadcast nationally on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.

The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up a for a FREE trial.

Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

What time does Brazil vs. Haiti start?

This World Cup clash kicks off Friday, June 19, at 8:30 p.m. ET at Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Stadium) in Philadelphia, Penn.

Here's how that time translates across North America time zones:

	Date	Kickoff time
Eastern Time	Fri., June 19	8:30 p.m.
Central Time	Fri., June 19	7:30 p.m.
Mountain Time	Fri., June 19	6:30 p.m.
Pacific Time	Fri., June 19	5:30 p.m.

World Cup schedule today and tomorrow

All times Eastern.

Friday, June 19

USA vs. Australia (3 p.m.)
Scotland vs. Morocco (6 p.m.)
Brazil vs. Haiti (8:30 p.m.)

Saturday, June 20

Turkey vs. Paraguay (12 a.m.)
Netherlands vs. Sweden (1 p.m.)
Germany vs. Ivory Coast (4 p.m.)
Ecuador vs. Curacao (8 p.m.)

MORE:Complete World Cup schedule and fixtures