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Yesterday — 23 June 2026Channel-Sport

Browns won't be tempted by Brendan Sorsby with NFL supplemental draft cancellation

Cleveland Browns fans can worry a little less about what the quarterback room will look like after the NFL informed Brendan Sorsby, his reps and all 32 teams that there will be no supplemental draft this year, effectively stopping any debate about the controversial quarterback before it can begin.

Sorsby, who has admitted to gambling on his team while at Indiana University, underwent treatment for a gambling addiction.

There has been endless speculation about which NFL teams would be interested in the signal caller.

Where did Brendan Sorsby play?

Sorsby began his career at Indiana before transferring to play for the Cincinnati Bearcats. This past offseason he entered the transfer portal after securing a $5 million NIL deal with Texas Tech. While he won the right to play after successfully suing the NCAA, the subsequent backlash resulted in him deciding to enter the NFL supplemental draft.

What did the NFL say about Brendan Sorsby’s application for the supplemental draft?

The NFL declined to allow to have the supplemental draft, one that the Browns have used in the past to acquire quarterback Bernie Kosar and wide receiver Josh Gordon, citing a number of reasons. Most notably:

“The League does not have the complete record of the NCAA’s investigation, and you did not provide any such materials with your Petition. Available information nonetheless indicates that, over the course of your collegiate career, you knowingly engaged in repeated and significant violations of NCAA rules designed to preserve the integrity of athletic competition.

Full letter to Sorsby:

Dear Mr. Sorsby:

We are in receipt of your Petition for Special Eligibility, dated June 16, 2026 (“Petition”). As announced earlier today, the League has elected not to conduct a Supplemental Draft this year.

Under our Collective Bargaining…

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 23, 2026

"Reported conduct includes placing wagers on your own team and teammates and, to avoid detection, establishing or funding accounts in the names of intermediaries who placed bets on your behalf. There are also reports that you may have violated state criminal law.”

The letter is signed by Lawrence P. Ferazani, Jr., who is general counsel for the league.

Texas Tech's Brendan Sorsby looks on during the spring football game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Jones AT&T Stadium.

What does this mean for the Cleveland Browns?

For the Browns and other teams – New York Jets, Miami Dolphins - bereft of a franchise quarterback, Sorsby will not be an option this year.

The Browns will go into training camp with the battle for the No. 1 quarterback spot wide open with Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson, likely getting the most reps with the first-team offense as Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green, receive scraps.

It's clear the NFL anticipated the potential problem given its decision. Ultimately, it saves the Browns the temptation of using a pick on Sorsby, something that coach Todd Monken didn’t seem remotely in favor of during minicamp.

Browns Head Coach Todd Monkenon gestures as he watches the first day of minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 9, 2026.

General manager Andrew Berry took the opposite tact during a recent interview on a Cleveland sports radio show when he talked about grace for the quarterback.

“But I think the most important thing in Brendan’s case is what he does from here. Obviously, it’s a great first step to get the help that he needs. But then it’s like, OK, what is around him? What is he doing to make sure that he can maintain healthy habits moving forward? So, it seems like it’s a very good start there. Obviously, I don’t know all the details at this point. But I think, probably, within society, so to speak, we could all use a little bit more grace.”

Those remarks have fueled speculation that Berry, who’s not been shy at taking shots on players with baggage (remember Perrion Winfrey), would be willing to spend one of the team’s many draft picks to take gamble on potentially solving the team’s 27-year quarterback problem.

There’s little doubt that Berry wouldn’t be alone in exploring the possibility. But the NFL, in its letter to Sorsby, reminded those teams.

“As Commissioner [Roger] Goodell has emphasized, participation in the NFL is a privilege that carries with it significant responsibilities, including accountability. By all accounts, you are a talented player with the potential for future success. We encourage you to focus on preparing for possible entry into the NFL through the 2027 NFL Annual Draft.”

George M. Thomas covers a myriad of things including sports and pop culture, but mostly sports, he thinks, for the Beacon Journal.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: NFL decision on Brendan Sorsby saves Cleveland Browns from temptation

Is Thomas Partey playing for Ghana against England today at World Cup

FOXBORO -- Ghana vice captain Thomas Partey is included in Ghana's starting lineup for its World Cup game against England at Boston Stadium.

The former Arsenal, Athletico Madrid and Villareal player has represented Ghana since 2016 and is appearing in his second World Cup.

He has 16 goals in 58 appearances for the Black Stars.

Partey did not play in the Black Stars' World Cup opener in Toronto a 1-0 win over Panama last week because his visa application to Canada was denied. The visa was denied because he claimed he was not facing criminal charges in any country when he applied for the visa, according to the Guardian.

What is the controversy surrounding Thomas Partey?

Partey is set to stand trial in the UK on seven charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault. The charges first came about in July 2025 when he was accused of five instances of rape against two women and sexual assault by a third between 2021 and 2022, for which Partey pled not guilty. In February, two more charges of rape were brought about by accusations from a fourth woman for alleged instances in 2020, for which he also pled not guilty. On April 13, a judge at the Westminster Magistrates' Court ruled all eight charges should be tried together, but that the trial could be pushed back until January 2027.

CARDIFF, WALES - JUNE 02: Thomas Partey of Ghana reacts during the International Friendly match between Wales and Ghana at the Cardiff City Stadium on June 02, 2026 in Cardiff, Wales.

TV, rosters, predictions: England vs Ghana World Cup at Boston

For Partey's case, he "vehemently defends his innocence and denies all charges against him," per a statement by Villarreal when he signed last August. He has also received the backing of Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku, who told Ghanian broadcaster Asaase Radio in February that the GFA stands "shoulder to shoulder with him during these challenging times" and that as vice-captain, he was a "key member of the Black Stars." Coach Carlos Quieroz, who took the reigns of the Black Stars in April, defended his selection of Partey to reporters in a press conference ahead of a friendly against Wales on Monday, June 1, saying that "until the court makes a decision, that the presumption of innocence is on the side of all court cases."

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Is Thomas Partey playing for Ghana at the World Cup against England?

Harry Kane to play at Gillette Stadium, home of his favorite NFL team

FOXBORO — Harry Kane is on a favorable pitch.

When the England national team star walks into Boston Stadium, at one point he will likely look up at the Patriots' six Super Bowl banners hanging above the south end zone, some of the stadium's last remaining fixtures not hidden or removed by FIFA regulations.

Kane is well-known to be a Patriots fan, dating back to the tenure of his favorite player, Tom Brady.

When the Drake Maye-led Patriots appeared in Super Bowl LX in February, Kane shared a photo of himself and Brady, captioned, "Super Bowl this weekend! Throwing it back to 2019... let’s go @Patriots!"

Kane and England face Ghana in World Cup Group L in Foxborough at 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 23.

June 17, 2026; Arlington, Texas, U.S.; England's Harry Kane celebrates after the match.  Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

"The American stadiums are going to be great to play in," Kane said in a FIFA-provided video, which was taped before the tournament began. "We play at the New England stadium, which I'm really looking forward to. I've never been before, so that will be a special one for me."

Kane, 32, is playing in his third World Cup and stands as his nation's all-time leading goal-scorer with 81 goals and 15 assists. However, like Brady, he spent time early in his career outside of the spotlight, playing on low-profile squads like Leyton Orient, Millwall, Norwich City and Leicester City on loans from his Premier League contract with Tottenham.

Kane found inspiration in Brady's 'The Brady Six' documentary at the time of its release in 2011, when he was 16 years old, and became a Patriots fan soon after.

"I really appreciated him as a sportsman," Kane said in the clip. "From that moment, I learned a bit more about NFL and the sport itself. I became a New England Patriots fan because of it and because of Tom. I fell in love with it. Loved watching it and playing it on the PlayStation and stuff."

Kane scored twice in England's 4-2 win over Croatia in the Group L opener June 17 in Arlington, Texas. The game in Foxborough will be his 115th appearance playing for the England national team, which owns a 76-21-18 record with Kane in uniform dating back to 2015.

Kane has scored in 10 of his last 13 games for the national team since 2024.

"For me, he's one of the players you'll be telling the kids when you're older that you got to play with Harry Kane," England midfielder Declan Rice said. "That's how good he is. I'm very fortunate, one, he's our captain and, two, how he leads by example every day, how he pushes in training. ... I'm very lucky to get to play with a striker like him."

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: England's Harry Kane, Patriots fan, plays World Cup match in Boston

Is Harry Kane playing for England today? Projected lineup vs Ghana

Old England is descending upon New England.

The Three Lions are set to play their second of three Group L matches at Gillette Stadium (which, for sponsorship reasons, will be known as “Boston Stadium” for the duration of the tournament) on Tuesday, June 23 at 4 p.m. against Ghana.

England kicked off its 2026 FIFA World Cup run with a strong showing against Croatia on Wednesday, June 18, taking down the 2018 runners up 4-2 in Dallas led by a brace from captain Harry Kane. The Black Stars, meanwhile, also secured an opening win on the same day, defeating Panama 1-0 in Toronto thanks to an extra time winner from Caleb Yirenkyi. Ghana did so without the help of midfielder and vice-captain Thomas Partey, who was denied a visa to enter Canada stemming from the seven charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault he faces in the United Kingdom and had to remain at their base in Providence.

The BetMGM Sportsbook has the Three Lions with the third best odds (+550) to win the tournament and as a 1.5 goal favorite to beat the Black Stars. A win here should be enough to secure England the top spot in Group L.

England's Jude Bellingham celebrates scoring their third goal with Harry Kane.

Is Harry Kane playing today?

The 32 year old Bayern Munich forward and England captain is not only playing, but once again should prove vital to the success of the Three Lions. After opening the scoring from the penalty spot against Croatia in the 12th minute, having gotten a second chance after goalkeeper Dominik Livaković was ruled to be off his line on the first chance, Kane broke a 1-1 stalemate in the 42nd minute with a thunderous header to the right of the keeper. The goal not only complete a first half brace, but tied him with Gary Lineker for the most World Cup goals scored by an Englishman (10), so history is likely on the table for this match.

He entered the World Cup on the back of a strong club campaign for Die Roten, scoring 61 goals across all competitions while helping the Bavarian giants win both the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal, Germany's premier cup competition. It marks the second straight league title for Kane, who had never won a major trophy during his 13 years at Tottenham, and should only increase his appetite for success with the Three Lions.

Playing in Foxboro should be extra special for Kane as well, as the England captain is a noted fan of both Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. He attended Super Bowl LIII in 2019, the same year he also expressed interest in becoming an NFL kicker someday, and shared a throwback photo of himself and Brady on Instragam ahead of Super Bowl LX in February to show his support for the Pats.

Is Jude Bellingham playing today?

The 22-year-old Real Madrid midfielder proved some of his doubters wrong in Dallas after an inconsistent season in the Spanish capital, putting in a strong performance including netting the go-ahead goal in the 47th minute.

The Birmingham City academy product had 8 goals in 40 appearances for Los Blancos across all competitions this past season, having missed some matches early following shoulder surgery last summer. Now recovered and rejuvenated, Bellingham looks well suited to play the central role as England's No. 10, driving the Three Lions forward and earned a strong endorsement from his teammate Morgan Rogers following the Croatia match.

"Jude’s one of the best players in the world," Rogers told reporters. "I know that, and if we’re going to do well in this tournament, he’s going to have to be at the forefront of it."

England predicted lineup vs. Ghana

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford

Defenders: Reese James, Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Nico O'Reilly

Midfield: Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice

Forwards: Noni Madueke, Harry Kane, Anthony Gordon

Projected England XI vs Ghana: Pickford; James, Konsa, Stones, O'Reilly; Anderson, Bellingham, Rice; Madueke, Kane, Gordon

England Men’s National Team 2026 FIFA World Cup 26-man squad

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton FC), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guéhi (Manchester City), Reece James (Chelsea FC), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea FC), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur), John Stones (Manchester City)

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal FC), Jordan Henderson (Brentford FC), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal FC), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

Forwards: Anthony Gordon (FC Barcelona), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Arsenal FC), Marcus Rashford (FC Barcelona), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal FC), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: England World Cup projected lineup vs. Ghana. Kane, Bellingham stars

Before yesterdayChannel-Sport

Expert predictions for World Cup match England vs. Ghana at Boston Stadium

The English are in Boston.

England’s second match of the World Cup lands the one-time cup winners in Foxboro for a Group L contest vs. Ghana. England can advance to the knockout round with a win after it opened with a 4-2 victory over Croatia.

Harry Kane scored twice in that first half and Jude Bellingham added the winner just two minutes into the second 45. Kane found a different level with Bayern Munich after finishing 2025-26 with 61 goals across all competitions with the German club. England’s potential return to the top, for the first time since 1966, starts with the striker.

“Last time we talked, I was saying that arguably Scotland-Morocco could be one of the best matches [of the tournament],” Rhode Island FC assistant coach Marcos Ugarte said. “I think this match even [tops] that one and for it to be at Gillette is super exciting.”

The Providence Journal’s Jacob Rousseau and Bill Koch have been at every match at Boston Stadium for the World Cup and we’ve teamed with Ugarte for our coverage. Ugarte, a Rhode Islander, is on call for pregame and postgame evaluations of the matches at Boston Stadium. Match start time between England and Ghana is set for 4 p.m. Tuesday in Foxboro.

“I don't expect it to be a lopsided affair at all,” Ugarte said. “I would predict for sure England to win, but I think it'll be a really entertaining match.

“[Antoine] Semenyo is a player that can beat anyone on the dribble, and he can make the difference. So, to have someone of Semenyo’s caliber on your team, he's going to be a threat no matter who he plays against.”

England won all eight World Cup qualifying matches without conceding a goal. The English are favored against Ghana, and a draw would be considered a win for the African side. It would also position Ghana to advance from Group L after it opened the tournament with a 1-0 win vs. Panama on Caleb Yirenkyi’s stoppage-time goal.

“Super athletic, physical, aggressive team, but with quality as well,” Ugarte said. “I predict England to certainly have more of the ball. But I expect Ghana to be really dangerous in some counter attacking moments and even in some moments where they're settled in possession. They certainly have enough to cause England trouble.”

Ghana's Caleb Yirenkyi, left, celebrates the team's goal vs. Panama with Christopher Baah in Toronto.

Ghana needs to score first to bring England out of its form. Scotland couldn’t do that against Morocco, conceding a goal in the first two minutes of a 1-0 defeat last Friday at Boston Stadium. A draw, or an English defeat, begins with Ghana striking first.

“It’s a team that's youthful and full of energy,” Ugarte said. “Unbelievable team spirit, that isn't hard to tell, as you see videos of them dancing. Their legend, Asamoah Gyan, joined the party [after the win against Panama], so with Ghana it seems to be just a real excitement to be at this tournament.”

England's Jude Bellingham celebrates scoring their third goal with Harry Kane.

England, ranked fourth in the world, left Harry Maguire (Manchester United) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid) at home. Their reserves would compete with some teams in this tournament -- it might be the year where England finally wins something substantial.

“What makes [England] at the forefront with France and Argentina, to an extent, the Portugals, even Portugal had a disappointing first match, is their squad,” Ugarte said. “And their depth. I would actually only really say France rivals them in terms of their overall squad.”

Predictions for England vs. Ghana

Ugarte: This is an opportunity for England to already advance into the knockout round. So, I think Ghana, knowing that, will tactically set up where they'll be really tough to break down. England 2, Ghana 1.

Koch: If the opener against Croatia was any indication, this version of England won't hesitate to shift out of second gear. They were threatening going forward and benefit from a wealth of attacking options -- too many for Ghana to fully contain. England 3, Ghana 0.

Rousseau: England is too deep for even the top half of the world to contend against. Ghana’s chances of an upset dwindle with each hour before the match starts. England 3, Ghana 0.  

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Expert predictions for England vs. Ghana World Cup matchup

NFL announces Cleveland Browns training camp, practice session dates

The Cleveland Browns will open training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea July 23.

That’s the day the rookie class is required report. Veterans will must arrive by July 28.

The NFL announced the date for joint practices with other teams. The Buffalo Bills will travel to Berea Aug. 20 to scrimmage the Browns.

Parker Brailsford works with Spencer Fano at the Browns OTA in Berea on May 27, 2026.

Who is in the Cleveland Browns rookie class?

The Browns received stellar grades for their 2026 NFL Draft from a number of national draft analysts, often being given an A. Their draft picks include:

  • Round 1, Pick 9: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
  • Round 1, Pick 24: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
  • Round 2, Pick 39: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
  • Round 2, Pick 58: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
  • Round 3, Pick 86: Austin Barber, OT, Florida
  • Round 5, Pick 146: Parker Brailsford, C, Alabama
  • Round 5, Pick 149: Justin Jefferson, LB, Alabama
  • Round 5, Pick 170: Joe Royer, TE, Cincinnati
  • Round 6, Pick 182: Taylen Green, QB, Arkansas
  • Round 7, Pick 248: Carsen Ryan, TE, BYU

George M. Thomas covers a myriad of things including sports and pop culture, but mostly sports, he thinks, for the Beacon Journal.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns 2026 training camp dates, Bills scrimmage day announced

Who is Thomas Partey? A look at the controversial Ghana vice-captain

Ghana has long been one of the giants of African soccer, and the Black Stars are off to a solid start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The team, which is based in Providence for the duration of its tournament run while training at Bryant University in Smithfield, RI, kicked off Group L play on Wednesday, June 17 in Toronto against Panama. After a sluggish opening 45 minutes, the Black Stars picked up momentum in the second half and capitalized in extra time as Caleb Yirenkyi found the back of the net in the 95th minute for the 1-0 win.

However, the Black Stars were without their vice-captain Thomas Partey, whose visa application to Canada was denied and he was forced to remain in Rhode Island. While the midfielder is expected to play against England on Tuesday, June 23 at Gillette Stadium (which will be referred to as “Boston Stadium” for sponsorship reasons for the duration of the World Cup), his potential inclusion in that match, and the tournament as a whole, has been a source of controversy.

Here's what you need to know about Partey and the charges he's facing in the nation he's set to go up against in Foxboro.

CARDIFF, WALES - JUNE 02: Thomas Partey of Ghana reacts during the International Friendly match between Wales and Ghana at the Cardiff City Stadium on June 02, 2026 in Cardiff, Wales.

Who is Thomas Partey?

Partey is a 33 year old midfielder who currently plays for La Liga club Villarreal CF and the Ghana Men's National Team. He was named the Ghana Player of the Year by the Ghana Football Association in 2018 and 2019 and has served as the Black Stars' vice captain since 2020.

Born and raised in Krobo Odumase, Ghana, Partey came up through the academy of local club Odometah FC before signing to the academy of Spanish club CD Leganés in 2012 and shortly after La Liga side Atlético Madrid. He spent eight seasons contracted to Atleti, spending the 2013-14 season on loan at RCD Mallorca and 2014-15 on loan at UD Almería, and helped the capital club win the 2018 UEFA Europa League and earned a 2020-21 La Liga winners medal.

On Oct. 5, 2020, Partey's £45 million ($58,185,000) releaser clause was triggered by Premier League club Arsenal FC, with him joining the Gunners on a five-year contract. During his time in North London, he became a key part of the squad and helped them to win the 2023 FA Community Shield. His contract, however, was not renewed at its conclusion.

On Aug. 7, 2025, Partey signed with Villarreal on a free transfer for one year with an additional year option, appearing in 25 matches without scoring a goal this past season. On Wednesday, June 17, The Athletic reported Villareal will not activate the option on Partey's contract, meaning he's set to become a free agent for a second summer in a row.

More: Somali referee denied US entry for World Cup: What Trump administration said

What is the controversy surrounding Thomas Partey?

Partey is set to stand trial in the UK on seven charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault. The charges first came about in July 2025 when he was accused of five instances of rape against two women and sexual assault by a third between 2021 and 2022, for which Partey pled not guilty. In February, two more charges of rape were brought about by accusations from a fourth woman for alleged instances in 2020, for which he also pled not guilty. On April 13, a judge at the Westminster Magistrates' Court ruled all eight charges should be tried together, but that the trial could be pushed back until January 2027.

For Partey's case, he "vehemently defends his innocence and denies all charges against him," per a statement by Villarreal when he signed last August. He has also received the backing of Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku, who told Ghanian broadcaster Asaase Radio in February that the GFA stands "shoulder to shoulder with him during these challenging times" and that as vice-captain, he was a "key member of the Black Stars." Coach Carlos Quieroz, who took the reigns of the Black Stars in April, defended his selection of Partey to reporters in a press conference ahead of a friendly against Wales on Monday, June 1, saying that "until the court makes a decision, that the presumption of innocence is on the side of all court cases."

Why was Thomas Partey's visa application to Canada denied?

On June 12, FIFA confirmed to USA TODAY Sports that Partey's visa application had been denied and he would not be allowed into Canada for Ghana's opening match against Panama. According to the Canadian government, Partey falsely answered on his application that he had never been arrested or charged with a crime in any country.

The Ghanian government appealed the decision in Canadian federal court, but the ruling was upheld on Tuesday, June 16.

"Canada has been consistent that hosting major events does not change Canada’s immigration laws," the Canadian government wrote in a statement to USA TODAY. "Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies."

NWSL: Hingham's Lilly Reale traded to Boston. When you can see her play

How will England fans, players react going up against Thomas Partey?

Based on how he was received when he played for Villarreal against Tottenham in the Champions League, and the chorus of boos he received during a pre-tournament friendly against Wales in Cardiff on June 1, Partey can expect similar treatment at Boston Stadium.

According to The Times of London, England's Football Association is "weighing its options" on whether or not to direct the Three Lions' players to avoid shaking hands with Partey ahead of the match against the Black Stars. Meanwhile in Ghana, National Sports Agency Director General Yaw Ankrah suggested on Joy News that the team could make Partey the captain for the match so that he would lead the handshake line and that if he was ignored, that the rest of the Black Stars refuse to shake hands out of solidarity.

When asked about the impact of Partey's absence in a press conference following the win over Panama, Quiroz gave a dismissive response.

"I think if you saw the game, then you have the answer to your question," Quiroz said. "I think you can have better questions for me, thank you."

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Ghana's Thomas Partey faces rape, sexual assault charges in the UK

Morocco coach says Achraf Hakimi ‘especially relaxed’ despite rape trial

FOXBORO - Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi focused on captain Achraf Hakimi's on-field performance after Friday's 1-0 win World Cup win over Scotland rather than the news that he will face trial over a rape charge in France that broke in the morning.

"Did you see the game? I suppose that you did. Hakimi was extraordinary. Hakim had a very strong game,” Ouahbi said as translated by FIFA's interpreting app. "We’re relaxed, and he’s especially relaxed and he played really really well."

A French prosecutor's office opened its investigation in 2023, and Hakimi appealed his referral to criminal court. Morocco goalscorer Ismael Saibari declined to address Hakimi's situation after the game.

Hakimi played all 90 minutes of Morocco's 1-1 draw against Brazil and the victory over Scotland.

"He did a good job. Why talk about management? He woke up in the morning, he ate like everybody, he was focused he played like everybody, he wanted to play strongly and he did," Ouahbi said as translated by FIFA's interpreting app. "We didn’t have to say anything. He’s very relaxed and hopefully he’s going to show during this World Cup he’s the best wing in the world. This is important for me, the players and the 44 million Moroccans that are following us."

Get ready: Ghana v England is the next 2026 World Cup match at Boston Stadium

Morocco closes the group stage against Haiti at 6 p.m. Wednesday in Atlanta.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Morocco coach addresses Achraf Hakimi rape trial after World Cup win

Ismael Saibari's early goal leads Morocco past Scotland in World Cup

FOXBORO -- Morocco broke Scotland's Tartan Army siege of Boston Stadium with an early bombardment.

Ismael Saibari opened the gates for the Atlas Lions with a goal in the second minute during a 1-0 victory in the World Cup Group C game on Friday, June 19. He tracked down a long ball to the right side of the 18-yard box and ripped it across the face of goal to the top left corner. It's the fastest goal scored at the 2026 World Cup and the fastest the Atlas Lions have ever found the net at a World Cup, supplanting Hakim Ziyech's fourth-minute strike against Canada in the 2022 group stage.

Scotland, whose fans have charmed and overrun Boston over the past two weeks playing two matches in six days, made a desperate late push but couldn't put a final shot on frame. Scott McTominay gasped for a penalty multiple times after contact in the box. Morocco also deflected multiple attempts from him in or near the six-yard box.

The Tartan Army and Scotland's bench screamed for a penalty in the 49th minute after John McGinn went down following contact in the box, but no official called a foul. Morocco took possession and immediately broke in transition. Bilal El Khannouss hit the crossbar with a shot after a block.

Ryan Christie nearly equalized for Scotland in the 64th minute after Scotlands' press corralled the ball in the left corner. He dribbled into just enough space at the top of the box but sent his shot over the bar.

Andy Robertson earned a yellow card after taking down Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi as he sprung loose down the right flank in transition in the 66th minute.

Scotland lined up a chance on a free kick after Issa Diop wiped out a Scotland player on the attack in the 23rd minute and was shown a yellow card.

It was the second time the teams met at a World Cup. Both nations were put in Group A at the 1998 World Cup. Morocco won that game 3-0.

How it happened: Scotland v Morocco World Cup play by play and analysis

Is Scotland out of the World Cup?

No, Scotland can still secure a sure place in the knockout stage with a win against Brazil on Wednesday. The math gets murky with a draw and murkier with a loss. The top eight third-place teams also advance to the knockout stages.

How does the World Cup work? : Everything to know about 2026 men's tournament

Group points will be considered first followed by goal differential then most goals scored. With only one goal in two games and an even goal differential, Scotland will have work to do even with three points.

What the win means for Morocco

The Atlas Lions claim the top spot in Group C at least until the end of Brazil vs. Haiti. The Brazilians could overtake Morocco if they beat Haiti by more than two goals.

When is Scotland's next World Cup game?

The Tartan Army will head to Miami, where Scotland will close out Group C play against five-time World Cup champion Brazli at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

When is Morocco's next World Cup game?

The Atlas Lions will try to complete an unbeaten group stage run and finish atop Group C when they play Haiti at 6 p.m. Wednesday in Atlanta.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Ismael Saibari keys Morocco World Cup win vs Scotland with early goal

Ghana v England is the next 2026 World Cup match at Boston Stadium

The England-Ghana game is staged at Boston Stadium, otherwise known as Gillette Stadium, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Kickoff is at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23.

This is the fourth group round match to be held at the stadium and the second to last, Norway v France is Friday, June 26, at 3 p.m.

England is fourth in the FIFA rankings with 1,847.68 points, trailing No. 3 Spain by approximately nine points. England defeated Croatia, 4-2, in the Group L opener on Wednesday, June 17.

Ghana is 65th in the FIFA rankings with 1,380.71 points, trailing No. 64 Cabo Verde by approximately 9 points. Ghana defeated Panama, 1-0, in the Group L opener on Wednesday, June 17.

England Ghana World Cup tickets in Boston

There are very few tickets remaining for England vs. Ghana at Boston Stadium in Foxborough. None of them are cheap.

The 132 tickets lsited on StubHub range from $1,161 for the top corner of section 317 to more than $8,300 for a row 26 ticket in the lower bowl.

Has England won the World Cup?

Yes. England won its only World Cup in 1966 — a 4-2 win over West Germany in the final.

This marks the nation's 12th appearance in the tournament since then, and it advanced past the group stage all but one time.lan

How to stream the England Ghana World Cup from Boston

FOX holds the English-language US broadcast rights for all 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The Morocco vs. Scotland match will be aired on the main FOX channel (WFXT for Boston, WNAC for Providence/New Bedford) and be streamed on both the FOX Sports and FOX One apps. Viewers can also watch the match via a free trial with Fubo.

Watch England vs. Ghana with a free trial on Fubo

NBCUniversal holds the Spanish-language US broadcast rights for all 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The Morocco vs. Scotland match will be aired on Telemundo Nueva Inglaterra (WNEU) and streamed on Peacock.

Watch England vs. Ghana in Spanish on Peacock

Who is in World Cup Group L

  • Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czechia
  • Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
  • Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
  • Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey
  • Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
  • Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia
  • Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
  • Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
  • Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway
  • Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
  • Group K: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia
  • Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Ghana v England's Group L match the next World Cup match at Boston

What happens is Scotland loses World Cup match against Morocco?

A quick goal for Morocco just seconds into the game has made for a fierce World Cup from Scotland as they try to come back from behind.

Despite making many chances for themselves in the second half, the question still nags: what happens if the lose?

It wouldn't immediately knock them out of the tournament if they lose this Group C match to Morocco, but it wouldn't be good.

The Scots travel to Miami for a meeting with world superpower Brazil to close out group play. Scotland certainly won’t be favored against Brazil on Wednesday, June 24, and it’ll need three points to reach the knockout stage.

The top two teams from the group stage advance, and there is a chance for some of the teams that rank third in the group stage to advance. But it will only be the top 8 of them. Scotland has never made it out of the group stage.

 Scotland currently has three points, ranked second behind Morocco (which has four points) in Group C.

What’s Scotland's World Cup record? 

Scotland hasn't been to the World Cup since the France tournament in 1998. 

They've made the tournament 8 times before this tournament, but have never made it out of the group round. They played in 1954, 1958, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990 and 1998.  

Scotland qualified for the 2026 World Cup in a qualifying gamed against Denmark in 

How does the World Cup tournament work?  

The 2026 World Cup tournament is the largest ever with 48 competing nations. For the group round, the teams have been divided into 12 groups of four. For, example Norway and Iraq are in Group I. In this phase of the tournament, the team play round robin style and are awarded three points for a win, one for a draw, and none if they lose. 

The top two teams in each group advance to the Round of 32, plus the eight best teams that came in third place in their groups. 

Tiebreakers in the group standings will be resolved using the following criteria: 

  • Greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned 
  • Superior goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned 
  • Greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned 
  • Superior goal difference in all group matches 
  • Greatest number of goals scored in all group matches 
  • Highest team conduct score (players and team officials) relating to the number of yellow and red cards obtained 
  • The two or more teams still equal on points shall be ranked according to the most recent published edition of the FIFA Men's World Ranking 

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: What happens if Scotland loses tonight against Morocco?

Why did Tartan Army clap at 76th minute of World Cup against Morocco?

Wondering why Scottish soccer fans just clapped at the 76th minute of play against Morocco during event though the team is down a goal?

The Tartan Army was paying tribute at to a 76-year-old fellow supporter who died while visiting Boston for the FIFA World Cup.

Donny Strathie, of Grangemouth, Scotland, died suddenly on Sunday, June 14, according to the Tartan Army, the official Scotland fan group. He had planned to attend the Scotland vs. Morocco match at Boston Stadium on Friday, June 19, the group said.

"He had a ticket for the Morocco game, but never got the chance to realize his World Cup dream," the Tartan Army said in a statement on X.

The team posted in Stathie's honor ahead of the game.

There will be a moment’s applause in the 76th minute of tonight’s match to honour Donny Strathie.

Donny sadly passed away this week in Boston, having travelled to fulfil a life-long dream of supporting Scotland at a World Cup 💙

Our thoughts are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/aAQ9ygD8sN

— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) June 19, 2026

His daughter, Cheryl Strathie, reached out to the group to organize a minute of applause for her father at Friday's match, the Tartan Army told the USA Today Network.

Donny Strathie, a 76-year-old Scottish soccer fan, is said to have died in Boston this week while attending the FIFA World Cup.

Strathie belonged to the Falkirk District Tartan Army, which was established in 2016, according to the group.

Strathie's family could not be reached for comment.

A family friend, Lynne, told Scottish broadcaster STV News that attending a Scotland match at the FIFA World Cup was "all he wanted to do."

"Since Scotland qualified in November, he’s never shut up about it. He was telling everybody this was his lifelong dream," Lynne told STV News. "He thought this was his last chance. He was 76, and you never know when Scotland are going to qualify for the next one."

Lynne told the outlet the family is comforted in the fact that he "went out doing his dream."

The Boston World Cup 2026 organizing committee said on X on Thursday, June 18, that it sends condolences and prayers to Strathie's loved ones.

Sending condolences and prayers to Donny’s family, friends and @TartanArmyGroup on behalf of Boston https://t.co/SSq9k30Ls1

— FIFA World Cup™️ Boston 2026 (@FWC26Boston) June 18, 2026

The New England Patriots also expressed their support for the tribute on X.

"The Patriots send their condolences to all those who knew and loved Donny Strathie," the team wrote.

The Patriots send their condolences to all those who knew and loved Donny Strathie. https://t.co/jnSVM81vOj

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) June 18, 2026

A spokesperson for the Boston Police Department said the department did not have any information available to release about Strathie's death.

This article originally appeared on wickedlocal.com: Scotland fan dies in Boston. How the Tartan Army honored him

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