Ecuador head into their Group E match against Curacao at the 2026 World Cup with plenty to prove after a drop in the FIFA world ranking following their loss to Ivory Coast, but they still remain in a strong position to compete for a place in the next round.

The current ranking of Ecuador is 28th, which is five spots lower than the June 11 update. Only three teams lost more positions than them in this competition: Turkey (10), Tunisia (9) and Panama (6).

In a system that gets updated with every match, Ecuador will be looking to respond against Curacao. A positive result would help them stay in the race in a group that also includes Germany, so this is a must-win match for them.

Ecuador’s rivals

As expected, the team that stands out most in the group is Germany. They are currently 8th in the FIFA world ranking, making them the highest-ranked side in the section by a clear margin after climbing one spot.

Ivory Coast follow at 31th, a gap that was narrowed by the match between them a few days ago. That result also made the battle for the top spot much harder for Ecuador, who may need a major upset in their final appearance, not just in this one.

Curacao are further behind in 83rd, leaving them as the lowest-ranked team in the group and the side with the most ground to make up. That position puts them just ahead of Haiti among the 48 teams in the competition.

Ecuador’s highest ranking

Ecuador have had some notable moments in the FIFA ranking over the years. Their highest position came in 2013, when they reached 10th place, while their lowest ranking came in 1995, when they were 76th.

Brazil cruised to a dominant 3-0 victory over Haiti on Matchday 2 of Group C at the 2026 World Cup, but the celebration for Carlo Ancelotti’s squad was overshadowed by an injury to Raphinha. The winger was forced to exit the match during the first half, raising concerns about his status for the upcoming games.

The Brazilian medical staff confirmed that the forward sustained a muscle injury to his right thigh. They noted that he will immediately undergo intensive treatment in hopes of getting him fit for the knockout stages.

While the exact recovery timeline was not detailed, the Barcelona winger has already been ruled out for the Matchday 3 clash against Scotland, where Brazil will look to officially lock up their spot in the Round of 32.

Meanwhile, Ancelotti confirmed that Neymar will be named to the squad facing Scotland. The plan is for the superstar to log some minutes and test his fitness on the pitch after a prolonged spell on the sidelines.

A familiar setback for Raphinha

This diagnosis marks the fifth time Raphinha has suffered an injury to that exact area just this season. The recurring issue previously forced the winger to miss critical matches with Barcelona, including a decisive Champions League clash against Atlético Madrid and the final stretch of their successful La Liga title run.

His most recent setback prior to this tournament occurred on international duty during the March FIFA window. In a friendly against France in Boston, he was subbed off at halftime after suffering a torn biceps femoris in his right thigh.

When could Raphinha return?

Although no official timeline has been released by the federation, Brazilian outlet GE Globo reports that the national team’s medical staff is targeting a potential return for the Round of 16 in two weeks, should Brazil advance.

“The imaging tests didn’t reveal anything severe, but the national team’s medical department will wait a few days to monitor the injury. Because the setback is so recent, fluid and swelling are currently making a more precise diagnosis difficult,” the outlet reported.

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.

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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.

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.

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

There could be more movement in Group E of the 2026 World Cup, with Curacao looking to improve against Ecuador the image left in the first match, a 7-1 loss to Germany that pushed them down slightly in the FIFA world ranking.

The current ranking of Curacao is 83rd, which is one spot lower than the June 11 update. That puts the Caribbean side in a difficult position ahead of the match, even if they are mostly enjoying their first-ever appearance in the competition.

With the ranking changing after every match, Curacao will be looking to climb if it can put together a strong result. A positive performance against Ecuador would help them keep pace, even if their goal may be more modest than what some other teams might aim for.

Curacao’s rivals

As expected, the team that stands out most in the group is Germany. They are currently 8th in the FIFA world ranking, making them the highest-ranked side in the section by a clear margin after being 10th in the latest ranking.

Ecuador are next in line, but far behind at 28th, which made them one of the main contenders to advance from the group until they lost their opening match and put themselves at risk of missing out on the next round.

Ivory Coast follow closely behind at 31th after starting the competition three spots lower. The most important thing for them is that they beat their direct rivals, which also means Curacao are the lowest-ranked team among the four.

Curacao’s highest ranking

Curacao have remained in a steady position over the years in the FIFA ranking. Their current position is not too far from their highest ranking, which came in 2017 when they reached 68th place. Their lowest ranking came in 2014, when they were 183rd.

Christian Pulisic’s situation has become one of the biggest talking points around the United States after the captain missed the historic victory over Australia. While the USMNT secured its place in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage, questions remain over how Mauricio Pochettino will manage his star player ahead of the final Group D clash against Turkiye.

The United States entered the final group match with the pressure removed after a perfect start to the tournament. Back-to-back wins over Paraguay and Australia secured first place in Group D, giving the national team valuable flexibility before the knockout rounds.

The Americans had already completed the most important part of their group-stage mission after defeating Australia 2-0 in Seattle. Hours later, Paraguay’s 1-0 victory over Turkiye officially confirmed that the United States could not be overtaken at the top of the group.

The result meant that the final match against Turkiye would no longer decide qualification or first place. Thanks to FIFA’s new head-to-head tiebreaker system, the USMNT holds the advantage over both Australia and Paraguay regardless of what happens on the final matchday.

Pulisic’s status ahead of Turkey clash comes to light

The biggest question now revolves around Pulisic’s involvement. The forward suffered a calf injury during the opening match against Paraguay and was unable to recover in time for the 2-0 win over Australia. However, reports suggest that Pulisic is expected to be fit enough to face Turkiye, although his participation is far from guaranteed.

With the USMNT already locked into first place, playing the captain could create an unnecessary risk before the knockout stage. Journalist Ben Jacobs explained the situation to talkSPORT and revealed why Pochettino may decide to protect his most important attacking player. “I think he’ll be back for Turkiye, but the only caveat is now the game means nothing because they’ve already won the group.”

Jacobs added that the injury itself is not considered serious: “It’s just a kick to the back of the calf. But now that game doesn’t mean that much. Maybe it’d be more prudent for Mauricio Pochettino to wait to rest him and then bring him back for that Round of 32 game.” The decision will likely depend on Pochettino’s evaluation of Pulisic’s fitness and how much match sharpness the coaching staff believes he needs.

Pochettino has freedom to rotate the squad

The victory over Australia gave the USMNT something it rarely experiences at a World Cup: the ability to approach the final group match without fear. Several important players are carrying yellow cards, including Tyler Adams, Antonee Robinson, Folarin Balogun, and Chris Richards. Another booking against Turkey could create suspension problems for the knockout round.

With first place already secured, Pochettino now has the option to rest key players and avoid unnecessary injuries or suspensions. Pulisic’s situation fits perfectly into that strategy, as the team can prioritize having him fully ready for the more important matches ahead.

The USMNT’s depth was already proven against Australia. Without Pulisic, Pochettino changed his approach and started Balogun alongside Ricardo Pepi, creating a more aggressive attacking setup. The adjustment worked immediately, with Balogun helping create the opening goal before Alex Freeman scored a historic World Cup goal to complete the 2-0 victory.

Christian Pulisic experienced one of the biggest moments of the United States’ World Cup journey from the sidelines, but his influence around the group remained clear. The USMNT achieved a historic milestone with a victory over Australia, and the captain’s reaction afterward showed the importance of the bond inside Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.

The American national team produced a confident performance in front of a passionate crowd in Seattle, earning a 2-0 win over Australia and securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 with one group match remaining. Even without its biggest star on the pitch, the United States continued its impressive tournament start.

In the days leading up to the game, Pulisic’s fitness was the main talking point. The Milan forward suffered a calf injury during the opening victory over Paraguay and was unable to recover in time to feature against Australia.

Despite losing their main attacking leader, the United States showed that the squad has enough depth to compete. Pochettino made a tactical adjustment by starting both Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi together in attack, and the decision immediately paid off.

The USMNT controlled the tempo from the beginning and created constant pressure against an Australian side trying to remain compact. The breakthrough arrived in the 11th minute when Balogun exploded down the left side before sending a dangerous cross into the box, forcing Cameron Burgess into an own goal.

Alex Freeman writes his name into USMNT history

The second goal arrived shortly before halftime and created another unforgettable moment for American soccer. A long-range attempt from Sergiño Dest took a deflection and bounced into the air, allowing 21-year-old defender Alex Freeman to react quickly and score his first World Cup goal.

Freeman’s header made him the third-youngest American player to score at a men’s World Cup, joining Julian Green and Bert Patenaude among the youngest goalscorers in USMNT history. The goal was especially meaningful because Freeman had already shown incredible growth over the previous year.

After struggling for opportunities at club level, the defender quickly became an important part of Pochettino’s plans and earned his place on the biggest stage. The second half belonged to the American defense. Led by Chris Richards, who completed 91 of 95 passes, the United States managed the match professionally and recorded its first World Cup clean sheet in ten games.

Pulisic’s message after watching the milestone from the bench

Although Pulisic could only watch his teammates complete the historic victory, he still celebrated the achievement with the group. After the final whistle, the captain shared a message on social media that highlighted his pride in being part of the team. “Grateful to be a part of this group. Onto the next round all together”, he wrote on social media.

The message reflected the atmosphere inside the USMNT camp. While the 27-year-old remains one of the most important players for the national team, the victory over Australia showed that the squad has developed beyond depending on one individual.

There could be more teams reaching the next round of the 2026 World Cup in Group E, with Ivory Coast far behind Germany in the FIFA ranking.

The current ranking of Ivory Coast is 30th with 1568.62 points ahead of their match. This takes into account the matches played after the previous update on June 11, with the nation gaining some spots compared to the start of the competition.

With the ranking changing after every match, Ivory Coast were able to climb three places because of how they started the group. Their victory over Ecuador with a late goal by Amad Diallo made them move ahead of countries like Algeria provisionally.

Ivory Coast’s rivals

As expected, no other team in the group is close to Germany. They are clearly the highest-ranked team, in ninth place after climbing over Belgium with the 7-1 victory over Curacao, along with Belgium’s draw with Egypt.

While Ecuador remain the nearest team to Germany, their opening match caused them to lose several positions, with the defeat dropping them from 23rd to 28th in the world ranking.

Not many changes were expected for Curacao, who are enjoying their first appearance in the competition. Their current ranking is 83rd, having been overtaken by New Zealand after a draw with Iran. Haiti remain the only team below them among the 48 participating countries.

Ivory Coast’s highest ranking

This country has been known for producing many talented players this century. Even if this is not Ivory Coast’s best period, they were much higher in the ranking in the past. Their highest position came in 2013, when they were 12th, while their lowest came in 2004, when they were 75th in the ranking.

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.

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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

• 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

World Cup Group B standings and scenarios

• 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

World Cup Group C standings and scenarios

• 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

World Cup Group D standings and scenarios

• Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
• E = Eliminated

United States

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

World Cup Group E standings and scenarios

• 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

World Cup Group F standings and scenarios

• 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

World Cup Group G standings and scenarios

• 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

World Cup Group H standings and scenarios

• 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

World Cup Group I standings and scenarios

• 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

World Cup Group J standings and scenarios

• 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

World Cup Group K standings and scenarios

• 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

World Cup Group L standings and scenarios

• 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

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.

1. Total goals scored: whichever team scores the most goals in the group stage.
2. Head-to-head points: most points in group matches when the teams tied in the standings went against each other.
3. 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.
4. Head-to-head goals scored: most goals in group matches when the teams tied in the standings went against each other.
5. Highest team conduct score: a score that is diminished as team players/personnel get carded.
6. 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.

Germany and the Ivory Coast head into one of the biggest matches of the 2026 World Cup group stage knowing that the outcome could dramatically reshape the battle for qualification. While both national teams opened their campaigns with victories, the impact of the final result has become one of the tournament’s biggest talking points ahead of their showdown in Toronto.

Germany arrives full of confidence after dismantling Curacao 7-1 in one of the standout performances of the opening round, while Ivory Coast claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ecuador thanks to a dramatic late winner. Both sides sit on three points at the top of Group E, making this second-round clash a potential turning point in the race for the Round of 32.

Julian Nagelsmann’s side sent an early message to the rest of the tournament with its ruthless display against Curacao. Despite the emphatic victory, Germany was not flawless defensively after conceding once and extending its run without a World Cup clean sheet. Even so, confidence remains sky-high as Die Mannschaft carries a lengthy winning streak into arguably its toughest group-stage fixture.

Meanwhile, the Ivory Coast may not have produced the fireworks Germany managed in its opener, but Emerse Fae’s side demonstrated resilience and patience against Ecuador. Amad Diallo’s dramatic 90th-minute winner secured a priceless 1-0 victory, placing the African nation alongside Germany atop Group E.

The Elephants also entered the tournament in excellent form after impressive friendly victories over France and South Korea. Their disciplined defensive structure and dangerous counterattacking style make them one of the tournament’s most difficult teams to break down.

Why this match carries enormous significance

The meeting in Toronto is far more than a battle for first place after one round of matches. Because FIFA now prioritizes head-to-head results as the primary tiebreaker before overall goal difference, Saturday’s outcome could have a major influence on the final Group E standings.

Germany currently leads the group with a superior goal difference following its 7-1 victory, while the Ivory Coast also sits on three points after edging Ecuador. Curaçao and Ecuador remain without a point heading into the second round.

What happens if Germany wins?

A German victory would move Nagelsmann’s side to six points and automatically secure qualification for the Round of 32. The four-time world champion would also place itself in an outstanding position to finish top of Group E.

Germany would officially clinch first place if Ecuador later fails to beat Curacao. Meanwhile, the Ivory Coast would remain on three points and still require a positive result against Curaçao in its final group match to secure progression.

The result would also increase the pressure on Ecuador and Curaçao, with one of those teams facing possible elimination depending on the outcome of the group’s later fixture.

What happens if the match ends in a draw?

A draw would leave both Germany and the Ivory Coast on four points, keeping qualification within reach for each while delaying any official advancement until the final round of group matches.

Germany would still enjoy an excellent position because of its massive +6 goal difference, while the Ivory Coast would likely need another strong performance against Curaçao to challenge for the top spot. The group would remain completely open, with Ecuador and Curacao still capable of entering the qualification race.

What happens if Ivory Coast wins?

An Ivory Coast victory would completely flip the complexion of Group E. The Elephants would move to six points and automatically qualify for the Round of 32, while also putting themselves in position to secure first place if Curacao does not defeat Ecuador.

Germany, meanwhile, would remain on three points and head into its final match against Ecuador under significant pressure. Although its impressive goal difference would still provide an advantage, qualification would no longer be guaranteed, and the final group fixture would become a decisive encounter.

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.

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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.

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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

The Netherlands and Sweden head into one of the biggest matches of the early 2026 World Cup group stage with plenty on the line, even if the full significance is not immediately obvious. With both national teams producing entertaining opening performances, the meeting in Houston has the potential to reshape Group F dramatically.

Sweden arrives after an emphatic victory, while the Netherlands is looking to bounce back after dropping points in its opening fixture. Although there are still matches to be played after this encounter, the outcome could leave one national team firmly in control while placing the other under enormous pressure heading into the final round.

The match at NRG Stadium promises an entertaining tactical battle between Ronald Koeman’s possession-oriented Netherlands and Graham Potter’s direct, transition-based Sweden. Both national teams found the net in their opening games but also conceded, highlighting attacking quality alongside defensive concerns.

Recent trends suggest another open contest could be on the cards. The Netherlands has failed to keep a clean sheet in its last five matches, while Sweden has now gone 12 consecutive matches without one. Both sides have also regularly featured in matches where both teams score, making goals a realistic expectation once again.

The historical record also favors the Dutch, who have enjoyed better results across previous meetings. However, Sweden has consistently posed problems, and four of the previous five encounters have seen both national teams score.

What happens if the Netherlands wins?

A victory would completely change the complexion of Group F.

The Netherlands would move onto four points, putting itself in a commanding position ahead of the final group-stage match against Tunisia. More importantly, Ronald Koeman’s side would regain control of its own qualification destiny after surrendering a two-goal lead against Japan in the opener.

Sweden, meanwhile, would remain on three points. Although qualification would still be within reach, Graham Potter’s team would suddenly face real pressure entering its final fixture, particularly if other Group F results also tighten the standings.

For the Dutch, three points would erase much of the disappointment from the draw against Japan and restore confidence after concerns over defensive lapses.

What happens if the match ends in a draw?

A tie would leave the qualification picture finely balanced heading into the final round of matches. The Netherlands would move to two points, leaving the national team with little room for error against Tunisia. Victory in that final match would likely become essential to avoid depending on results elsewhere.

Sweden, on the other hand, would climb to four points, remaining in pole position within Group F. While qualification would not yet be mathematically secured, Potter’s side would enter the final group fixture knowing another positive result would almost certainly be enough to reach the knockout rounds.

This outcome would also increase the importance of every remaining Group F fixture, ensuring the battle for qualification stays alive until the final matchday.

What happens if Sweden wins?

This is the scenario that would create the biggest shift in Group F.

Sweden would collect six points from two matches, guaranteeing a place in the Round of 32 while moving into an outstanding position to finish first in the group. Potter’s side would reward its impressive opening victory over Tunisia by securing qualification with a game to spare.

The Netherlands, however, would remain on just one point, placing enormous pressure on Koeman’s squad before facing Tunisia. Qualification would still be possible, but the Dutch would likely need both a victory in the final match and favorable results elsewhere, depending on the final standings.

Such a result would transform what many expected to be a comfortable qualification campaign into a tense finish for one of Europe’s traditional football powers.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to deliver intriguing storylines, and another fascinating chapter will be written when Sweden faces the Netherlands in a crucial Group F encounter at NRG Stadium in Houston. Both national teams arrive with momentum of different kinds, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated matches of the second round of group-stage fixtures.

While the Netherlands is searching for its first victory of the tournament, Sweden enters the contest after one of the most impressive opening performances of the competition. Ahead of the showdown, attention has also turned to Sweden’s current position in the FIFA World Rankings and what it says about the challenge awaiting Ronald Koeman’s side.

The group standings have already created significant pressure heading into Matchday Two. The Netherlands opened its World Cup campaign with a dramatic 2-2 draw against Japan, surrendering the lead twice and leaving itself with little margin for error.

Sweden, meanwhile, emphatically announced itself by dismantling Tunisia 5-1. That result placed the Scandinavian nation at the top of Group F and handed Graham Potter’s team a valuable early advantage in the race for qualification.

For the Netherlands, three points would restore control over its World Cup destiny. Sweden, on the other hand, could move a major step closer to the knockout rounds with another victory.

Sweden’s current FIFA ranking before Netherlands clash revealed

Despite Sweden’s impressive start to the tournament, FIFA‘s latest rankings reveal a significant gap between the two teams. Sweden currently sits 34th in the FIFA Men’s World Rankings with 1,533.19 points, having moved four places since the start of the World Cup

On the other hand, the Netherlands enters the match in a much higher position, occupying eighth place in the world rankings with 1,749.20 points. They hold this position from the start of the tournament. The Dutch remain one of Europe’s highest-rated national teams and were widely viewed as favorites to finish top of Group F before the tournament began.

However, World Cup soccer rarely follows rankings alone. Sweden’s dominant victory over Tunisia demonstrated that Potter’s side is capable of troubling far more highly rated opponents.

What is at stake?

The importance of the match cannot be overstated. A Swedish victory would place the national team on the verge of securing qualification for the Round of 32. For the Netherlands, a loss would leave qualification hopes hanging in the balance heading into the final group-stage fixture.

History slightly favors the Dutch. The Netherlands has enjoyed a better overall head-to-head record and has not lost to Sweden in a competitive match since 2011. However, World Cup matches often create new narratives, and Sweden’s confidence is growing rapidly.

The rankings suggest the Netherlands should have the edge. Yet Sweden’s explosive start to the tournament has ensured that this Group F showdown feels far more balanced than the numbers alone might indicate.

The Netherlands and Sweden meet in a crucial World Cup Group F battle, with both national teams facing very different situations after their opening matches. Especially with Ronald Koeman’s side needing a response and Graham Potter’s team looking to build on a statement victory.

The Oranje entered the tournament expecting to compete for top spot in the group, but a dramatic 2-2 draw against Japan exposed defensive concerns and left them chasing a win in Houston. Sweden, meanwhile, arrived with confidence after a dominant 5-1 victory over Tunisia, putting themselves in control of Group F and increasing the pressure on their European rivals.

The match will take place at NRG Stadium in Houston, a venue capable of hosting more than 70,000 supporters and expected to provide a major World Cup atmosphere. The Netherlands are listed as the home team, while Sweden travels with momentum and belief after producing one of the strongest performances of the opening round.

Koeman’s national team showed attacking quality against Japan but struggled to maintain control defensively. The Netherlands twice took the lead through their attacking players but allowed Japan to fight back, with the late equalizer serving as a warning sign ahead of facing a much more direct Swedish side.

Sweden’s opening performance was almost the opposite. Potter’s national team played with energy, speed, and efficiency, scoring five goals while constantly threatening in transition, with Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres, and Yasin Ayari leading the attacking charge.

What is at stake for both teams?

The Netherlands holds the stronger overall record in this matchup, with more victories across their previous meetings. However, Sweden has always been a difficult opponent, and their history includes competitive battles against the Oranje in major tournaments.

Their previous World Cup meeting came in 1974, when the two national teams played out a goalless draw. The Netherlands later reached the final of that tournament, while Sweden continued to build a reputation as a disciplined and resilient side.

For Sweden, a victory would put them in an excellent position to qualify for the knockout stage and potentially secure top spot in the group. A draw would also keep Potter’s team in a strong position after their opening win.

For the Netherlands, the pressure is much greater. Another dropped result would make the final group match far more complicated, meaning Koeman’s national team needs a complete performance against a Sweden side full of confidence.

Netherlands vs Sweden: Confirmed lineups

Netherlands confirmed XI (4-3-3): Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Dijk, Van Hecke, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, Frenkie de Jong, Reijnders; Gakpo, Malen, Brobbey.

Sweden confirmed XI (3-5-2): Nordfeldt; Lindelof, Hien, Lagerbielke; Gudmundsson, Ayari, Karlstrom, Bernhardsson; Nygren; Isak, Gyokeres.

A team that could create problems for other sides at the 2026 World Cup is Japan, but they are missing a major player in Takumi Minamino.

The reason Minamino is not competing for Japan is that he did not recover in time from a severe injury. It was impossible for the attacking midfielder to be ready in full form after tearing his ACL in December while playing for Monaco.

This injury typically takes six to eight months to recover from. Even if the timeline may have been in his favor, not all cases are the same with this injury. It also requires time to build up slowly to avoid setbacks, so Minamino was not able to be called up.

Minamino’s role with the team

While the player could be doing his rehab in his preferred city, Minamino accepted the invitation from the staff to stay close to them. His rehab continues on a schedule parallel to the light movements he makes with the team.

His role as a mentor could be very important for many reasons, and it is even more needed in this edition because, before the first match, the team captain, Wataru Endo, was left off the list because of an injury.

Minamino said about his role, according to Kyodo News: “Lots of people helped me get here and I’m hoping to give my maximum support to the team by offering my personal experience and coming up with my own approach.”

Takehiro Tomiyasu on Minamino’s supporting role

There are many players with respectable experience in Japan, and Takehiro Tomiyasu is one of them after playing for an elite club like Arsenal. The defender, who now plays for Ajax, praised Minamino for his ability to leave his ego aside as he described his role, according to Nikkan Sports.

Tomiyasu said: “Minamino is definitely a plus for the team. He has only just arrived, but just having Takumi here makes everyone smile, and we are happy too, so I think he will do a good job.”

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:

Third place qualifiers

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):

1. Overall goal differential: whichever team has the higher margin between how many goals they score and allow.
2. Total goals scored: whichever team scores the most goals in the group stage.
3. Head-to-head points: most points in group matches when the teams tied in the standings went against each other.
4. 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.
5. Head-to-head goals scored: most goals in group matches when the teams tied in the standings went against each other.
6. Highest team conduct score: a score that is diminished as team players/personnel get carded.
7. 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:

• Who will win the World Cup in 2026?
• Updated FIFA World Rankings
• How World Cup qualifying works
• Explaining the expanded World Cup bracket
• Full list of teams to qualify for 2026 World Cup

World Cup 2026 schedule for knockout stage

Round of 32

Round of 16

Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Third-place

Final

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!

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:

• 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. 

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:

1. 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.
    
2. 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.
    
3. 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.
    
4. 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.

England may have started their World Cup campaign with an impressive 4-2 win over Croatia, but not everyone is convinced Thomas Tuchel’s side have the full package needed to go all the way.

Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has raised serious doubts over England’s chances of winning the tournament with Jordan Pickford as first-choice goalkeeper.

Speaking on CBS Sports, as reported by the Mirror, Deeney suggested Pickford’s style creates too much uncertainty in high-pressure moments.

Pickford has been England’s trusted No.1 for years and has produced big tournament performances before.

However, his critics argue that he can look emotional, reactive and occasionally chaotic, traits that become magnified in knockout football.

Deeney did not hold back with his criticism

On CBS Sports, Deeney was asked if he felt Pickford was too chaotic, replying:

‘To say the least, yeah. I don’t really know the stats and all of that. I’m just saying what my eyes told me.

‘I still think he should have saved the first one [Croatia goal], that’s my opinion. I think when you get a hand to it, it’s got to be a solid hand and keep it out.

‘There’s just that feeling when I watch Jordan…there’s a shot from 50 yards and it trickles to him and he’s screaming at everyone, “Do your job! Don’t let any shots come in!”

‘Every time he parries one, fouls someone, does whatever, he’s like, “Don’t look at me!”

‘We’re trying to win a World Cup. That’s why we’re here. In my opinion, and respectfully Jordan, because you know I like you. We can’t win it with that guy in goal. He doesn’t give you any confidence.’

More Stories / Latest News

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Fabrizio Romano reveals Liverpool target is “really tempted” by blockbuster move

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Tottenham “very focused” on blockbuster move, in “direct contact” to execute backup plan as well

Jun 20 2026, 13:00

A debate Tuchel cannot ignore

The comments feel harsh, but they tap into a wider question around England’s tournament mentality.

Pickford has experience, leadership and loyalty from managers, but England are chasing the biggest prize in football. Small details matter.

Tuchel is unlikely to change goalkeeper immediately. But if England concede more soft goals, this debate will only get louder.

The Three Lions face Ghana in their next match at the World Cup.

‘Incredibly skilled’ Liverpool player agrees personal terms with 2025/26 league winners

The post Troy Deeney has named the weakest link in the England team at the World Cup appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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

Lock in your match-winner bets on Dafabet now! 

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

Australia Women vs Netherlands Women

Bet Mooney could make hay against Netherlands bowling line up. 

Pakistan Women vs Bangladesh Women

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!

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:

• Ranking World Cup groups from hardest to easiest
• 10 World Cup teams with best chance to win
• Ranking 7 best matches of the World Cup

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

The World Cup has already produced one of its most unusual disciplinary moments, with Paraguay attacker Miguel Almiron becoming the first player at the tournament to be sent off for covering his mouth during a confrontation.

The incident happened late in the first half of Paraguay’s Group D match against Turkey.

During a heated exchange with an opponent, Almiron covered his mouth while speaking, which triggered the tournament’s new disciplinary protocol.

After a VAR check, the referee showed him a straight red card.

According to The Guardian, the decision left Paraguay down to 10 men while they were trying to protect their position in a crucial group-stage fixture.

It was a major moment not only in the match, but also in the wider debate around how football handles abuse on the pitch.

Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón is sent off with a red card pic.twitter.com/adQyHF296s

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 20, 2026

Why the rule was introduced ahead of World Cup

The new law was approved in April by IFAB ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

It was designed to stop players from hiding potentially discriminatory language by covering their mouth with a hand, arm or shirt during confrontations.

The rule gained momentum after Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior alleged he had been abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni during a Champions League match.

That incident created pressure for football authorities to act more aggressively against hidden insults and abusive language.

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Jun 20 2026, 7:33

Important caution over the incident

However, Almiron’s red card also raises an important question.

There was no immediate suggestion that he said anything racist or discriminatory.

The punishment appeared to be based on the act of covering his mouth itself, rather than confirmed evidence of what was said.

That is where the controversy lies. The rule has good intentions, and football clearly needs stronger protection against racism and abuse.

But if referees apply it automatically, players may now be punished severely even when the actual words remain unknown.

This incident has made one thing clear: the new rule will not be ignored.

Players have been warned, and the World Cup has already delivered its first major test case.

The post Paraguay’s Almiron becomes first player to get sent off at World Cup under new FIFA rule appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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:

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.

Paraguay‘s Miguel Almirón was shown a straight red card during his team’s Matchday 2 Group D fixture against Turkey at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. The ejection came after the midfielder covered his mouth while exchanging words with an opponent.

Under strict new regulations implemented by FIFA ahead of this World Cup, any player who intentionally covers their mouth while arguing with an opponent or an official is subject to an automatic red card. This marks the 2026 World Cup very first ejection under the newly ratified FIFA disciplinary guidelines.

The incident unfolded right before the halftime whistle, with the Albirroja holding a 1-0 lead courtesy of an opening goal from Matías Galarza. Following a hard foul that triggered a brief scuffle between both sets of players, Almirón exchanged words with a Turkish opponent.

In the heat of the argument, the Paraguayan midfielder brought his hand up to cover his mouth while speaking—instantly triggering the referee’s whistle and the historic red card.

What is the origin of the rule?

The mandate was originally introduced following a high-profile controversy between Vinícius Jr and Gianluca Prestianni during Real Madrid’s clash against Benfica at the Champions League.

In that incident, the Brazilian forward accused the Argentine of using racial slurs while deliberately covering his mouth. The act helped Prestianni to hide his words from television cameras and made lip-reading impossible, leaving officials without definitive video evidence.

Some countries arrive at the 2026 World Cup with high expectations, and Turkiye are one of those teams after steadily maintaining their position in the FIFA world ranking over the last few years.

The current FIFA world ranking of Turkiye is 22nd with 1605.73 points in the latest June 11 update, a position that is not going to change until the competition ends.

This leaves them far from the best moments in their history because the country reached fifth place in 2004. Their lowest point came earlier, when they were 67th in 1993.

Turkiye’s rivals

If the FIFA world ranking is any indication of the favorites in Group D, Turkiye should be among the main candidates to reach the next round. Only the United States stand above them in the group, occupying 17th place in the ranking.

The next closest team to Turkiye is Australia, who are positioned 27th in the list. While not far behind, that gap still gives the European side an advantage on paper.

The lowest-ranked country in the group is Paraguay. They sit in 41st place in the ranking, making them the only team in the group outside the top 30.

FIFA ranking procedure

The FIFA ranking published on the federation’s website is not always easy to follow because it relies on a complex algorithm that uses several variables. Its next update is scheduled for July 19, with an explanation of how it works available on the official site.

According to FIFA: A new model took effect in August 2018 after approval by the FIFA Council. This new version relies on adding/subtracting points won or lost for a game to/from the previous point totals rather than averaging game points over a given time period as in the previous version of the World Ranking. The points which are added or subtracted are partially determined by the relative strength of the two opponents, including the logical expectation that teams higher in the ranking should fare better against teams lower in the ranking.

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.

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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 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.”

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.”

Under Carlo Ancelotti’s guidance, Brazil have managed to significantly improve their competitiveness. Despite this, they disappointed in their debut against Morocco, managing only a disappointing draw. Because of this, their place in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup is not secured. Nonetheless, they are still among the best-ranked national team in the FIFA world ranking, but are still far from their best spot.

According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Brazil are ranked 6th with 1,765.34 points. Despite their draw against Morocco, they did not lose any positions like Portugal, that lost two spots. With Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival, they have managed to significantly improve their international standing. However, they have yet to match their highest-ever ranking, which was 1st during 5000 days.

Despite their inconsistent performances, Brazil remain as the second highest-ranked national team in their group at the 2026 World Cup. Morocco currently hold the 5th spot with 1769.98 points. Scotland rank as the second-lowest ranked national team in the group, holding the 40th spot with 1504.41 points. Finally, Haiti remain as the lowest ranked national team in the group, holding the 85th spot with 1277.67 points.

After two consecutive tournaments reaching only the quarterfinals, they aim to reach the final for the first time in 24 years. However, they do not have an easy path, as they may need to defeat Argentina, France, Portugal, and other national teams that are in top form. To achieve this, Carlo Ancelotti’s team needs to boost its scoring prowess, which has constantly failed. Moreover, their creative midfield may need to take a step forward.

What are Brazil’s upcoming matches in the 2026 World Cup?

Following their disappointing draw against Morocco in their 2026 World Cup debut, Brazil face Haiti on June 19 at Philadelphia Stadium. Having the need to secure a victory, the game could be quite competitive, as a draw or a defeat would complicate their future in the tournament. Concluding their group stage campaign in the tournament, they face Scotland on June 24 at Miami Stadium.

Brazil are far from their best moment, as they lack players like Ronaldinho or Ronaldo Nazário, who could win matches on their own. Therefore, Carlo Ancelotti must rely on collective play as his greatest strength. After years of inconsistent performances, they need to prove once again that they can compete for titles. With this in mind, the pressure is quite high, as it could reshape their sporting project.

With the expansion to 48 teams, more countries were able to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, with Paraguay ranked among the lowest of the participants in the FIFA world rankings.

Paraguay are currently 41st in the FIFA world ranking with 1505.35 points in the latest June 11 update, a position that will not change until the competition ends.

This is not their best moment, even if they are returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2010. Their highest ranking came in 2001, when they were eighth in the world. Their lowest point is also far away, as they were 103rd in 1995.

Paraguay’s rivals

While they entered the competition with expectations, that was not based on the FIFA world ranking, as they are the lowest-ranked team in Group D, where the United States are ahead of the rest in 17th place.

There are also several teams ahead of Paraguay. The closest country is Turkey, which sits 22nd in the ranking with a strong group of talented players.

Australia are also close to Turkey, leaving Paraguay in last place in the group. They are just a few spots below the European side in 27th, which makes the gap significant with the third-place team.

FIFA ranking procedure

The FIFA ranking published on the federation’s website is not always easy to follow because it relies on a complex algorithm that uses several variables. Its next update is scheduled for July 19, with an explanation of how it works available on the official site.

According to FIFA: A new model took effect in August 2018 after approval by the FIFA Council. This new version relies on adding/subtracting points won or lost for a game to/from the previous point totals rather than averaging game points over a given time period as in the previous version of the World Ranking. The points which are added or subtracted are partially determined by the relative strength of the two opponents, including the logical expectation that teams higher in the ranking should fare better against teams lower in the ranking.

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

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.

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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.

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• Pink cleats are everywhere at the World Cup

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.

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Brazil will hunt for their first three points of the 2026 World Cup when they face underdogs Haiti at the Philadelphia Stadium on Matchday 2 of Group C. Carlo Ancelotti’s squad is under immense pressure to secure a decisive victory that will get their knockout-stage aspirations back on track.

Following a frustrating 1-1 draw against Morocco in their tournament opener, the Seleção need a dominant performance to avoid a nightmare scenario heading into the final week of group play. Real Madrid superstar Vinícius Júnior is expected to start and will carry the mantle as the focal point of the Brazilian frontline.

Brazil will once again take the pitch in Philadelphia without their star Neymar, who stayed behind at the team’s base camp in New Jersey to continue his rehabilitation.

On the other side of the pitch stands a gritty Haiti team. While they dropped a tight 1-0 to Scotland in their opening match, the Caribbean nation generated several opportunities, proving they possess the defensive discipline and transition speed to potentially frustrate the South American giants and fight for a historic draw.

Brazil confirmed lineup

With Neymar as his only major absentee, Ancelotti is highly favored to run back a similar starting eleven to the one deployed at the New Jersey Stadium against Morocco, though Matheus Cunha and Danilo are replacing Roger Ibañez and Igor Thiago.

Brazil’s confirmed lineup: Alisson; Roger Ibañez, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos; Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Lucas Paqueta; Vinicius, Igor Thiago, Rapinha.

Haiti confirmed lineup

Haitian manager Sébastien Migné enters the match with a fully healthy roster, as his squad avoided any fresh injury setbacks or disciplinary suspensions during their physical opener against Scotland.

Haiti’s confirmed lineup: Johny Placide; Carlens Arcus, Romain Adé, Houboulang Mendes Delcroix; Martin Expérience, Jean-Kevin Duverne; Jeff Bellegarde, Danley Jean Jacques; Ruben Providence, Frantzdy Pierrot, Josue Casimir.

Brazil marched into Philadelphia Stadium fully aware that they needed an emphatic victory to keep control of their 2026 World Cup destiny, and they absolutely delivered for their fans, dismantling Haiti 3-0 on Matchday 2.

Carlo Ancelotti’s squad came out with aggressive intent right from the opening whistle, hunting for an early breakthrough to settle any nerves. That opener arrived in the 23rd minute when Matheus Cunha found the back of the net to break the deadlock.

With the early advantage secured, the Seleção looked completely in their element, turning up the pressure to hunt for more. Cunha struck again just 12 minutes later to double the lead. Right before the halftime whistle, Vinícius Júnior added a third to effectively ice the game before the teams even headed down the tunnel.

With this crucial three points in the bag, Brazil climb to four points, putting them level with Morocco at the top of Group C, despite the Seleção currently holding the top spot on goal difference. Brazil will close out group play against Scotland on Wednesday, June 24, where they will look to officially punch their ticket to the Round of 32.

Under Carlo Ancelotti’s guidance, Brazil have managed to significantly improve their competitiveness. Despite this, they disappointed in their debut against Morocco, managing only a disappointing draw. Because of this, their place in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup is not secured. With this in mind, the Canarinha face Haiti today, under more pressure than usual, meaning that a win, a draw, or a defeat could change the Group C standings.

Without being a soccer powerhouse, Haiti arrive into today’s game with serious problems. After their loss to Scotland, they need a victory or a draw against Brazil. While they delivered a competitive game, they did not reach to dominate offensively, causing them huge of problems. Nonetheless, they face no pressure, giving them an edge over their opponents that may make mistakes during the game.

While Brazil showed their offensive strength against Morocco, they also exposed many weaknesses in midfield, highlighting a worrying lack of creativity. After failing to secure the victory, they have no clear path to the Round of 32, arriving under extreme pressure for today’s match. Against this backdrop, head coach Carlo Ancelotti could make notable adjustments to his starting lineup.

What happens if Brazil win over Haiti?

In case Brazil secure a victory over Haiti, they would not immediately guarantee a place in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32. With a total of four points, Carlo Ancelotti’s team would need at least a draw against Scotland to reach the five points needed. If Scotland lose today against Morocco, they would still have a chance to fight for first place in Group C, but they would need to improve their scoring output.

What happens if Brazil draw Haiti?

After the draw in their debut against Morocco, Brazil would complicate their future in the 2026 World Cup if they draw today against Haiti. With only two points in Group C, they would need a victory against Scotland in the last match and would depend on the results of the other teams. Having one of the most powerful rosters in the tournament, they would disappoint the fans quite a lot.

What happens if Brazil lose to Haiti?

If Brazil are defeated by Haiti, they would be left with only one point in the Group C standings. Against this, they would find it quite difficult to secure their place in the Round of 32, as they would need a victory against Scotland. However, this would not guarantee anything, as they would depend on the results of their rivals, and their most likely outcome would be to advance as best third-placed team.

There are several notable names missing from the 2026 World Cup, and Morocco is leaving out one of its biggest stars in Youssef En-Nesyri.

The reason En-Nesyri is not in the competition is that the manager did not call him up for technical reasons. While injuries can often play a role at this stage of the year, that was not the case for the forward.

When Morocco learned that Walid Regragui was stepping down from his position in March, the federation turned to Mohamed Ouahbi. The new manager decided to go with a younger group, which left En-Nesyri off the list.

En-Nesyri’s club career

While leaving En-Nesyri out of the Morocco squad was a big decision, his club career has not included many of the biggest names in world football. Most of his résumé has been built in Spain, where he spent the bulk of his career.

He began his career at Málaga before moving to Leganés to build his name. His best years came at Sevilla, where he played 196 matches and scored 73 goals during a golden period for the club.

It was in the last few years that the forward moved away from the most competitive leagues in the world when he joined Galatasaray in 2024. Earlier this year, he joined Al Ittihad, but his performances there were not enough to convince the manager.

En-Nesyri’s career with Morocco

What made En-Nesyri’s omission even more notable was his record with Morocco. Even if his club form has not been at its best lately, he has scored 25 goals in 92 matches for his country. His biggest moment came in Qatar, when he scored the winning goal against Portugal in the quarterfinals during Morocco’s run to the semifinals.

Following a long absence of 52 years, Haiti achieved the historic milestone of returning to the World Cup, playing in the 2026 edition. By surpassing Honduras, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua, they managed to secure a direct spot in the competition thanks to Duckens Nazon and his scoring power. Following their comeback, they have gained greater recognition, climbing positions in the FIFA World Ranking.

According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Haiti are ranked 85th with 1,277.67 points. While they had the 83th spot, their lost against Scotland in their first game directly affected them in the standings. After being ranked 155th in April of 1966, they have managed to significantly improve their international standing. However, they have yet to match their highest-ever ranking, which was 38th in January of 2013.

Haiti have improved their FIFA ranking spots, but they remain the lowest ranked national team in their group at the 2026 World Cup. Brazil currently hold the 5th spot with 1765.34 points. Morocco hold the 6th spot in the ranking with 1755.09 points. Finally, Scotland rank as the second-lowest ranked national team in the group, holding the 37th spot with 1518.77 points.

In their second World Cup participation, they aim to reach the knockout stage for the first time in their history. However, Haiti do not possess a particularly strong chance as their loss to Scotland leave them in a sensitive spot. To reach the knockout stages, they may need to win or tie against Brazil and secure a victory to Morocco. With this in mind, they may need to secure a strong defense strategy to complicate their rivals.

What are Haiti’s upcoming matches in the 2026 World Cup?

In their debut at the 2026 World Cup, Haiti were defeated by Scotland in a match that much competed than expected. Following this, they face Brazil on June 19 at Philadelphia Stadium. With the defeat in their debut, they are forced to look for a win or a draw against Carlo Ancelotti’s team. Concluding their group stage in the tournament, they face Morocco on June 24 of 2026 at Atlanta Stadium.

Haiti are far from being a soccer powerhouse, as few of their players stand out greatly. In their first participation in the World Cup in 1974, they played three games and left without any victory. Therefore, they would be looking for a victory that would make them enter the history of the tournament. However, they have Brazil and Morocco as their next opponents; they have a quite difficult task ahead.

Brazil opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco—a match Neymar missed entirely due to ongoing fitness complications. Now, manager Carlo Ancelotti’s squad is preparing to take the pitch for their second group fixture against Haiti, and their star will once again be missing from the team sheet.

Officials from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed that Neymar did not travel with the team to Philadelphia for the upcoming group stage match. Instead, he will remain at the team’s training camp in New Jersey to focus strictly on the final stage of his medical rehabilitation.

The 34-year-old forward, who stands as the all-time leading goalscorer in Brazilian national team history, is currently recovering from a Grade 2 right calf strain. He originally sustained the injury in May while playing domestically for Santos.

At this time, medical staff have not determined whether he will be cleared to face Scotland on Wednesday, June 24, when both nations wrap up their respective group stage campaigns.

Can Brazil clinch a spot in the knockout stage vs Haiti?

Even with a dominant performance at Philadelphia Stadium, Brazil cannot mathematically lock up a spot in the Round of 32 on Matchday 2. Even if they secure a victory over Haiti, moving them to four points and putting them in an excellent position to advance, there remains a slim mathematical chance they could still be left on the outside looking in.

Should Carlo Ancelotti’s men take down Haiti, the Seleção would only need a simple draw on Matchday 3 against Scotland to officially punch their ticket to the knockout rounds. Even a final-day loss to the Scots could potentially see them slide through as one of the tournament’s top-ranked third-place wildcards.

On the flip side, a draw or a shock defeat against the Caribbean nation wouldn’t completely eliminate the South American giants, but it would paint an incredibly bleak picture. Any dropped points against Haiti would leave Brazil in a must-win situation against Scotland just to keep their World Cup campaign alive.

Several major names are missing the 2026 World Cup, and Morocco is one of the teams affected, with Hakim Ziyech among the players who shined for the national team in the past.

The reason Ziyech was not called up is the lack of form he has shown in recent years. While the talented winger has been productive for Wydad AC, the coach did not consider that enough to include him in the squad.

A surprising change came when then-coach Walid Regragui stepped down in March. That led to the hiring of Mohamed Ouahbi, who opted for a much younger team to refresh the attack, leaving the 33-year-old Ziyech out of the list.

Ziyech’s club career

It has been a steady decline for the experienced player in recent years, which may seem unexpected given how good his peak years were. Ziyech began with Heerenveen and Twente before making a major move within the country.

His best performances clearly came at Ajax, where he was part of a team that came close to making history, especially in 2019 when they beat teams like Real Madrid and Juventus on their way to the Champions League semifinal.

In 2020, he moved to a more competitive league such as the Premier League, with Chelsea investing 40 million euros in him. However, his spell there was not his best, as he scored 14 goals in 107 matches. He then had two uneven years with Galatasaray, spent a few months with Qatari club Al-Duhail, and eventually joined his current club last year.

Ziyech’s career with Morocco

While Ziyech represented another country, the Netherlands, in the youth categories in the past, he chose Morocco at senior level. The left-footed winger scored 25 goals in 64 matches for the national team, but he has not played for them since 2024. His biggest moment came when Morocco reached the semifinal in Qatar before falling to France.

The USMNT put on a dominant show at Seattle Stadium, cruising past Australia with a 2-0 victory on Matchday 2 of the 2026 World Cup to officially punch their ticket to the knockout stage.

Following a commanding 4-1 blowout win over Paraguay in their tournament opener, Mauricio Pochettino’s squad stepped onto the pitch knowing that a victory would seal an early advancement.

However, they faced a resilient Socceroos side in the exact same position, as Australia had previously blanked Turkiye 2-0 in their debut and was looking to pull off a massive upset against the co-hosts in Seattle.

But the match completely belonged to the Americans from the opening whistle. The U.S. jumped out to an early lead in the 11th minute after an intense attacking sequence forced an own-goal from Australian defender Cameron Burgess.

The USMNT essentially iced the game just before the break when Alex Freeman found the back of the net, sealing the first-half brace of goals that sent the USMNT straight into the Round of 32.

When and who will the USMNT play in the Round of 32?

While the USMNT have already secured their spot in the bracket, they still have their Matchday 3 group finale against Turkiye on the schedule, which will ultimately determine exactly where they finish in the group.

Sitting on a perfect six points, Pochettino’s squad is in prime position to finish as the Group D winners. Should they lock down the top seed, they will take the pitch on July 1 against one of the tournament’s top wildcard third-place finishers.

There is still a mathematical scenario where a final-day loss to Turkiye could drop the Americans into second place. If they fall to the runner-up spot, the USMNT would instead play on July 3 against the second-place team from Group G, which features Belgium, Iran, New Zealand, and Egypt.

Lionel Messi enjoyed a historic night during Argentina’s 2026 World Cup opener, netting a spectacular hat trick to spark a dominant 3-0 shutout against Algeria. However, the African nation firmly believes the Argentine captain shouldn’t have finished the match on the pitch.

According to prominent Algerian outlets TSA and Compétition, citing official federation sources, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has reportedly launched a formal protest with FIFA. The complaint heavily targets the on-field officiating of Polish referee Szymon Marciniak and the bunker VAR team.

The primary point of friction stems from a controversial sequence in the 32nd minute. The FAF argues Messi committed a send-off-worthy offense when his studs caught the calf of defender Aissa Mandi on a challenge. Marciniak whistle-blew the foul but declined to flash a card or halt play for a formal VAR review, instantly triggering massive debates across sports media.

Weighing in on the controversy, soccer icon Thierry Henry contested the idea of a red card. While acknowledging heavy contact, Henry noted that Messi clearly intended to play the ball rather than malicious intent, validating the referee’s decision to bypass an ejection.

Algeria protest second flashpoint

The Messi incident isn’t the only grievance the FAF has raised against Marciniak’s crew. Algerian officials contend that the refereeing team missed another crucial call that completely altered the trajectory of the match.

The secondary protest focuses on a 74th-minute collision involving Alexis Mac Allister. The Algerians argue the Liverpool midfielder intentionally caught Ibrahim Maza in the face with an elbow and claim he should have received a straight red card for violent conduct.

What’s next for Algeria?

Despite the administrative uproar, Vladimir Petkovic’s squad faces a grueling uphill battle in Group J. With zero points on the board, the FAF knows that dropped points in their next fixture will effectively extinguish their dreams of reaching the knockout stage.

Algeria will look to salvage their tournament when they face Jordan on Tuesday, June 24, in a high-pressure, must-win battle between two sides fighting for survival after opening-day defeats.

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:

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

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.

Brazil vs. Haiti free live stream: How to watch World Cup game online without cable originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Brazil and Haiti will each be taking the pitch for the second time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup when the two nations meet on June 19. 

When it comes to soccer, Brazil is no stranger to the world stage. Seleção has hoisted the trophy more than any other country, with five wins across 70 years. Even with Neymar confirmed to join the national team one last time, Brazil enters the summer as more of an underdog than usual. Of course, anything could happen in this global tournament.

On the other hand, Haiti has a much different relationship with the World Cup — the Caribbean nation is only making their second-ever appearance this year. The Haitians qualified against all odds, and played each integral matchup on the road as their home country experienced political turmoil. Their reward? A global soccer giant.

Who will excel in Philly?

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

Brazil vs. Haiti free live stream

This game is available to stream for FREE on fubo. 

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.)

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:

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

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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. 

Who scored Australia's own goal? Meet Cameron Burgess, who handed USMNT early lead in World Cup game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

While Australia was riding high after earning a full three points from its first match against Turkey, its second group-stage match against the U.S. got off to a less-than-ideal start.

The USMNT came out attacking from the opening whistle, and inside 15 minutes, it scored the first goal. To make matters worse for Australia, the American goal came courtesy of an Australian defender.

This is the second game in a row in which the U.S. was gifted a goal by an opponent after its first goal in the previous match came courtesy of a Paraguayan.

Here's who had the misfortune of gifting the U.S. a goal off an Australian boot.

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

Who is Cameron Burgess?

In the 11th minute of the U.S. vs. Australia match, Folarin Balogun whipped in a cross in an attempt to find Ricardo Pepi in the center of the box. The first player to get a boot on the ball wasn't Pepi, but Australian defender Cameron Burgess.

The 6-foot-4 center back was unfortunate to redirect the cross into his own net while trying to clear the ball from danger. Instead, the own goal handed the U.S. an early lead.

1-0! GOOOOAL FOR USA! 🇺🇸

Flo Balogun charges in and the @USMNT finds the back of the net on the own goal pic.twitter.com/GdivDaeNt9

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 19, 2026

Burgess is 30 years old, according to Transfermarkt, and plays center back for EFL Championship side Swansea. Burgess has 29 international caps for Australia and has yet to score a goal.

The Australian was not happy with the Americans' reaction to drawing Australia in their group ahead of the 2026 World Cup. According to Burgess, he would be keeping receipts to use as motivation.

USA media think the Socceroos will be easy beats at the World Cup. Cam Burgess is keeping receipts 🧾🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/5uWmtNDK9P

— Football360.com.au (@football360au) December 9, 2025

MORE WORLD CUP NEWS:

• Ranking World Cup groups from hardest to easiest
• 10 World Cup teams with best chance to win
• Ranking 7 best matches of the World Cup

How many own goals have there been in World Cup history 

Burgess's unfortunate kick into his own net has been tallied as the 61st own goal at the World Cup, according to Wikipedia. 

This year's World Cup has already seen seven own goals, including the Burgess effort. The record for most own goals in a group stage is nine, set in 2018.

During the previous 2022 World Cup in Qatar, there were only two own goals throughout the tournament's entirety (Nayef Aguerd for Morocco and Enzo Fernandez for Argentina). Four years prior at the World Cup in Russia, there were a whopping 12 that set the record for most own-goals at a World Cup tournament.

MORE USMNT NEWS:

• Why isn't USA better at soccer by now?
• Meet USA's 2026 World Cup soccer team
• How far will the USMNT go in World Cup?
• How USA could play Iran in World Cup
• Mauricio Pochettino's flirtation with AC Milan is not his biggest issue

What is an own goal?

In soccer, an own goal is when a player kicks, heads, or deflects the ball into their own net. They are a part of the game that is demoralizing to be responsible for. Sometimes, however, they can't be avoided in the case of an unlucky deflection.

In Burgess's case, he kicked the ball into his own net while trying to get the ball away from the doorstep of his own net.

In 1994, Andres Escobar, a Colombian, was assassinated in his home country after scoring an own goal for the United States in the 1994 World Cup. An ESPN documentary named The Two Escobars was created in 2010 to recount the events that led up to and followed the tragedy. 

USMNT player ratings vs. Australia: Live grades for USA in 2026 World Cup Group D match originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

After trouncing Paraguay in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the United States now welcomes Australia to Seattle as both sides target a knockout stage place in the second round of Group D matches.

Mauricio Pochettino's side romped to a 4-1 victory in a match they fully dominated from start to finish, from Folarin Balogun's brace to Gio Reyna's late cherry on top.

They will do their best to follow up that performance with another strong showing against the Socceroos, who won their opener as well in an upset of Turkey.

The Sporting News brings you a full list of player ratings for the match, analyzing the USMNT's individual performances from the opening kickoff to the final whistle.

MORE:How three 1994 USMNT legends hope the USMNT gets its grit back

USA vs. Australia score

Location: Lumen Field (Seattle, WA)
Referee: Felix Zwayer (GER)

USMNT starting lineup:

USA (4-4-2, right to left): 24. Freese (GK) — 16. Freeman, 3. Richards, 13. Ream, 5. A. Robinson (Trusty, 80') — 2. Dest (Scally, 80'), 8. McKennie, 4. Adams, 7. Tillman — 9. Pepi (Berhalter, 74'), 20. Balogun.

USA substitutes: Turner (GK), Brady (GK), Arfsten, McKenzie, M. Robinson, Roldan, Reyna, Aaronson, Zendejas, Weah, Wright.

MORE:Player ratings from the USMNT victory over Paraguay

USMNT player ratings vs. Australia

This starting lineup for the UMSNT against Australia was almost identical to the XI deployed against Paraguay in the opening game. The only difference was that Chris Richards, now recovered from his ankle injury, slotted in for Miles Robinson along the back.

All ratings are on a 10-point scale

MORE:Why the best advice Clint Dempsey can give the USMNT World Cup team is no advice at all

Starters

GK — Matt Freese: 6

Safe hands in the very first minute of the game, making a stop at his near post on a shot from a tight angle. That was all the work Freese had to do through the opening 45 minutes, as he only touched the ball 10 times in the first half.

This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the game progresses.

RB — Alex Freeman: 8

After some loose possessional work in the opening five minutes, Alex Freeman locked down defensively and got forward in the attack as well. It was a sensational first half from the U.S. defender, who logged a whopping five defensive contributions, including two tackles, and completed 36 of his 39 first-half passes as well.

Freeman got the second goal for the U.S. as he reacted quickest to the deflection of Sergino Dest's shot, heading the ball in before VAR showed he was onside. An excellent first half from Freeman, who has grown leaps and bounds under Mauricio Pochettino over the last 18 months.

This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the game progresses.

Alex Freeman with some great defense for the @USMNT 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/dZZc0C3QlS

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 19, 2026

RCB — Chris Richards: 7

A little loose with possession under pressure early on, but managed to prove a safe presence after. The few times he lost the ball, he worked exceptionally hard to win it back, and was often successful. Completed 53 of 54 passes in the first half, which was impressive considering he was occasionally under pressure, at least more than he was against Paraguay.

Good tackling and challenging in the air as well. Handled the pacey Nestory Irankunda off the bench very well, as the Watford star was flopping all over the place trying to win fouls in the penalty area but could not con the experienced German referee.

This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the game progresses.

LCB — Tim Ream: 5

A bit shaky whenever he was pressured on the ball, but as Australia sagged back throughout the first half, he was able to breathe a little more. After a strong passing performance against Paraguay, he struggled here, completing less than 90% of his passes in the first half, including just one of six long balls.

This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the game progresses.

MORE:What does success look like for the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup?

LB — Antonee Robinson: 6

Safe passing and defensive contributions from Jedi Robinson through the first half, as he was very solid preventing Australia from getting out on the counter. Not good crossing the ball, however, a strategy that was always going to be unsuccessful against the exceptionally tall Australia defensive line.

This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the game progresses.

LM — Malik Tillman: 7

Was a spark plug in the middle throughout the first half against Australia. He made the most of his 34 touches, creating two chances and winning three of his five ground duels, combining often with Folarin Balogun in the moments he got forward. A great first half performance, showing great physicality holding off multiple defenders to win the set piece that resulted in Freeman's late first-half goal.

This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the game progresses.

CM — Tyler Adams: 8

Not only did Tyler Adams repeatedly blow up Australia's possession through the middle of the field, but he also did an exceptional job relieving pressure on the ball once he won it back, winning two hard fouls in the opening 45 minutes while recovering a loose ball four times and intercepting possession twice.

On a yellow card suspension, Adams handled himself extremely well, not fouling once through the opening 70 minutes while collecting eight defensive contributions to that point. He hit on four of his five long balls, and won four of seven ground duels, an excellent overall performance.

This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the game progresses.

CM — Weston McKennie: 8

The best player for the U.S. in the first half against Australia, Weston McKennie was absolutely cooking in midfield, getting forward often, usually down the right half of the field where he combined effectively with Sergino Dest over and over again.

McKennie was a chaos merchant over and over, creating three first-half chances and getting two shots off of his own. He was good facing goal, facing the touchline, and facing his own net, causing all kinds of problems in various different situations. Also logged four defensive contributions in the opening 45 minutes, including one tackle and three interceptions and his marauding had Australia losing sight of him constantly.

The Juventus midfielder faded a bit in the second half, but still had massive influence on the game overall.

This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the game progresses.

MORE:A thin midfield leaves USMNT dangerously exposed in 2026 World Cup journey

RM — Sergino Dest: 7

Absolutely smoked defenders down the right side, able to combine with Weston McKennie or make things happen on his own. Nutmegged a defender in the penalty area in a delicious play with Malik Tillman that nearly resulted in a goal and ended up in the set-piece that led to Freeman's header.

His influence faded considerably in the second half. Had a very loose pass in the 73rd minute back to Tyler Adams that could have been really problematic had it not been safely dealt with by the back line.

This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the game progresses.

"Dest has just been electric all tournament long." - @stuholden ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/u6Q6GaVdmJ

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 19, 2026

FWD — Ricardo Pepi: 6

Didn't have a huge impact on the match through the opening 45 minutes, but played his role as a foil to Folarin Balogun effectively.

This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the game progresses.

FWD — Folarin Balogun: 7

Should have had more in front of goal through the opening 45 minutes, as a few promising moves forward failed to result in a shot, but overall caused good chaos up front as he tried to link up with Malik Tillman and Weston McKennie through the middle.

While not traditionally known as a strong player out wide, it was his run forward on the ball down the left that resulted in the early own-goal by Australia's Cameron Burgess.

FOLARIN BALOGUN MAKING THINGS HAPPEN ONCE AGAIN! 🦅pic.twitter.com/Xgvu7OW1QZ

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 19, 2026

Did extremely poorly with a 52nd-minute counter-attack where he was clean through on goal but slowed considerably once he received the ball near midfield, allowing the defender to catch up.

This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the game progresses.

USMNT substitutes vs. Paraguay

74th min — Sebastian Berhalter: Grade pending

Came on for Ricardo Pepi with Australia building more and more pressure.

80th min — Auston Trusty: Grade pending

Came on for Antonee Robinson with 10 minutes to go.

80th min — Joe Scally: Grade pending

Came on for Sergino Dest with Australia's pressure building late in the game.

This section will be updated with analysis and commentary once substitutes enter the match for the United States and begin to influence the game.

USMNT coach vs. Paraguay

Mauricio Pochettino: Grade pending

This section will be updated with analysis and commentary on the performance of the USMNT head coach following the conclusion of the match.

Cristiano Ronaldo may still be searching for his first goal of the 2026 World Cup, but his influence continues to reach far beyond the scoresheet. Teboho Mokoena became the latest player to remind the soccer world of Ronaldo’s global impact after a dramatic moment in South Africa’s clash against the Czech Republic sparked huge reactions.

The South African midfielder delivered one of the most emotional performances of the tournament so far, beginning the night with tears during the national anthem before becoming the hero who rescued his country’s World Cup hopes. His late equaliser secured a valuable 1-1 draw and created one of the most talked-about celebrations of the competition.

Both South Africa and Czechia entered the match knowing that another defeat could seriously damage their chances of reaching the knockout stage. Bafana Bafana had already suffered a 2-0 loss against Mexico in its opening game, while the European side had fallen 2-1 to South Korea after failing to hold onto an early advantage.

The pressure was clear from the opening whistle, and Czechia quickly made life difficult for South Africa. Michal Sadilek gave his country the perfect start in the sixth minute after Alexandr Sojka found him in space, allowing him to slide a finish past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

For South Africa, the early setback created another difficult World Cup situation. The national team has struggled historically at this stage of the competition, having failed to progress beyond the group stage despite hosting the tournament in 2010.

Ronaldo’s iconic celebrations steal the spotlight

The midfielder then delivered the moment South Africa needed most. After Thapelo Maseko’s long-range effort struck Pavel Sulc’s hand inside the penalty area, the referee awarded a penalty in the closing stages.

Mokoena stepped up in the 83rd minute and showed incredible composure, sending a low strike past Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar to level the match. The goal gave South Africa a lifeline and changed the mood inside the stadium.

After scoring the equaliser, Mokoena and his teammates celebrated in a way that immediately caught global attention. The South African players recreated Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous “Siuuu” celebration before following it with another trademark Ronaldo-inspired celebration.

The second celebration, often referred to as Ronaldo’s “sleep” celebration, saw Mokoena close his eyes and put his hands together before his teammates joined him. The tribute quickly spread across social media, with fans praising the respect shown toward one of soccer’s biggest icons.

Ronaldo’s influence remains bigger than goals

The timing made the moment even more interesting because Ronaldo himself had just played Portugal’s opening World Cup match against DR Congo without scoring. The 41-year-old forward was unable to find the net in a 1-1 draw, but his popularity was once again demonstrated through another player celebrating in his honour.

The player has previously paid tribute to Ronaldo after South Africa’s famous victory over Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations, when he and his teammates also copied the Portuguese superstar’s celebration.

Ronaldo’s difficult start to the tournament has created discussions about his current role with Portugal, especially after Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick for Argentina in the same World Cup round. However, moments like Mokoena’s celebration show that Ronaldo’s legacy is measured through more than statistics.

The Portuguese captain has now seen a rare goal drought of 10 consecutive appearances in major international tournaments, combining matches at the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship. However, in spite of that, he remains one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, and his celebrations have become part of soccer culture.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Martinez, and Jorge Jesus are all connected by a potential managerial shake-up that could reshape the future of both Portugal and Al-Nassr after the 2026 World Cup. While Ronaldo remains focused on chasing success with Portugal on the biggest stage, a surprising chain of events involving his national team coach and his club side has started to attract attention.

The latest reports suggest that the story surrounding Ronaldo may continue far beyond his performances at the tournament. Portugal’s future after the World Cup could see a major change, with Martinez linked to a move to Saudi Arabia and Jesus emerging as a possible successor in Lisbon.

According to reports from RMC Sport and A Bola, Roberto Martinez is expected to leave the Portugal national team after the 2026 World Cup, regardless of the tournament result. The Spanish coach’s contract with the Portuguese Soccer Federation is approaching its end, and sources indicate that he is already exploring his next challenge.

Martinez took charge of Portugal in 2023 after leaving his role with Belgium, inheriting one of the most talented squads in international soccer. His team includes global stars such as Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao, and Joao Felix, but expectations have remained extremely high because of the quality available.

“When I arrived in Portugal, the objective was to win everything, but the focus was on preparing for the World Cup. Now we are here, 40 games later, with the Nations League trophy in the works, and the focus remains exactly the same: to be world champions. Naturally, my contract ends after the tournament. That’s a fact,” Martinez previously said.

Martinez could reunite with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr in surprise twist

The biggest development is the possibility of Martinez moving directly from international soccer to club management in Saudi Arabia. RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins claims that Al-Nassr have opened discussions with Martinez to become their next head coach, potentially reuniting him with Cristiano Ronaldo at club level.

The Riyadh-based club is searching for a high-profile manager after Jorge Jesus’ successful spell in charge. Jesus guided Al-Nassr to major success and helped transform the team into one of the strongest sides in Saudi soccer, but the club is now looking toward a new era.

Martinez’s experience with elite international players is believed to be one of the reasons behind Al-Nassr’s interest. A move would also bring him together with another Portugal star, Joao Felix, who is currently part of Ronaldo’s club environment.

The idea of the Spanish boss working with Ronaldo every day at club level has created plenty of discussion. The coach has consistently defended the 41-year-old forward’s role with Portugal, even after criticism following the team’s disappointing opening World Cup draw against DR Congo.

Jorge Jesus emerges as a candidate to replace Martinez

While Martinez could be heading toward Al-Nassr, ESPN Brasil and CNN Portugal suggest that Jorge Jesus is one of the strongest candidates to replace him as Portugal coach. The Portuguese manager has built an impressive reputation throughout his career, winning trophies with previous clubs such as Benfica, Flamengo, and Al-Hilal.

Jesus’ success in Saudi Arabia has strengthened his profile, and his tactical experience could make him an attractive option for the Portuguese federation. If the change happens, the Selecao das Quinas could move from one experienced manager to another as it prepares for the next generation.

The possibility creates an unusual managerial exchange: Martinez could replace Jesus at Al-Nassr, while Jesus could take over the Portugal national team after the World Cup.

Arriving as clear favorites, USMNT managed to defeat Australia in convincing 2-0 fashion. Imposing a high press and a brilliant possession-based style of play, they dominated the entire match. For this, the impact of Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest on the flanks was key, as they opened up spaces in Tony Popovic’s team’s defense. Nevertheless, Alex Freeman led the scoring phase toward the Round of 32.

Australia struggled to find their rhythm throughout the match. In the first half, they were virtually nonexistent. Pochettino’s side’s high press completely neutralized them, forcing them to focus solely on defense. Faced with their opponent’s repeated attacks, the defense made mistakes that led to Cameron Burguess’s own goal, which came off a great play by Folarin Balogun.

Unlike the first half, Tony Popovic’s team did show an incredible improvement. After the adjustments to the starting lineup, they were able to go toe-to-toe with the USMNT. However, they never managed to capitalize on their chances, having long spells of possession but never converting in front of goal. In fact, they only managed two shots on target throughout the entire match, exposing their major offensive problems.

Despite the absence of Christian Pulisic, USMNT managed to organize their attack in a notable way with Malik Tillman and Weston McKennie. Nevertheless, they pushed their play through the wings, where Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest shone and opened up spaces in the opponent’s defense. Against this, Folarin Balogun had good attacking chances, but Alex Freeman was the one who scored the key goal and led them to the 2026 World Cup Round of 32.

Alex Freeman caps brilliant offensive USMNT build-up

USMNT remained the most dominant national team in the match. With their high press, Mauricio Pochettino managed to suffocate Australia, focusing them on their offensive side. Against the accumulation of defenders in the middle, they opted to play through the wings, where many spaces opened up that ended in crosses. After a shot from Dest, the rebound falls to Alex Freeman, who finished his team’s attack by scoring a crucial goal.

After a free kick on Antonee Robinson’s wing, the ball rebounds off the central defenders. Taking advantage of the rebound, Sergiño Dest attempts a long-range shot, unleashing a powerful strike that ends up bouncing again. Against this, Alex Freeman ran into space, heading the ball, beating Patrick Beach. With this, they established as the most outstanding team of the match, securing their place in the Round of 32.

The debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has followed soccer for nearly two decades, and the 2026 World Cup has added another fascinating chapter to their historic rivalry. While Portugal’s opening match ended in disappointment, a new headline emerged from Houston as Ronaldo reached yet another landmark that further strengthened his remarkable legacy.

The result itself was far from ideal for Portugal, which was held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in its opening Group K fixture. Yet amid the frustration, attention quickly shifted toward a milestone that could keep Ronaldo’s name in the record books for years to come, while leaving Messi with one more achievement to pursue.

The Selecao das Quinas entered the tournament with high expectations and appeared to be on course for victory when Joao Neves gave the side an early lead. However, DR Congo responded brilliantly, with Yoane Wissa scoring the nation’s first-ever World Cup goal to secure a historic point.

Despite controlling possession, Portugal struggled to convert dominance into meaningful chances. The African side remained organized throughout the contest and frustrated Roberto Martinez’s team with disciplined defending and effective counterattacks. The draw leaves Group K wide open ahead of Portugal’s upcoming matches against Uzbekistan and Colombia.

Ronaldo reaches another historic World Cup milestone

While the result disappointed Portuguese supporters, the match itself marked another extraordinary achievement for Ronaldo. The Portugal captain joined Lionel Messi as only the second player in soccer history to appear in six different FIFA World Cups. The milestone further cemented his place among the sport’s most enduring stars.

The achievement arrived during what is already becoming one of the most memorable World Cups ever staged. Messi had grabbed headlines less than 24 hours earlier after scoring a hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria, once again proving why he remains one of soccer’s greatest performers. Yet Ronaldo responded by creating a piece of history of his own.

The record that Messi will chase next

The biggest talking point from Ronaldo’s appearance was the age-related record he established. Aged 41 years and 132 days, Cristiano Ronaldo became the oldest outfield player to start a match in FIFA World Cup history, according to Opta. The previous record belonged to Canada’s Atiba Hutchinson, who started a World Cup match at 39 years and 296 days during the 2022 tournament.

Only a handful of outfield players have ever appeared at a World Cup after turning 40. Cameroon legend Roger Milla famously played at the 1994 World Cup at age 42, although his appearances came as a substitute.

The milestone means Messi still has a significant record left to chase. The Argentina captain will turn 39 shortly on June 24. Thus, if he somehow extends his career until the 2030 World Cup at the age of 43, he could potentially surpass Ronaldo’s age-related achievement.

The United States enters a crucial Group D showdown with Australia carrying momentum, confidence, and the expectation of another strong performance. Yet ahead of the match in Seattle, one major talking point has dominated discussion around the squad, with Christian Pulisic‘s absence from the lineup becoming the focus of attention.

After opening the 2026 World Cup with an emphatic victory, the host nation finds itself in a strong position. Australia also arrives full of belief following an impressive result of its own, setting up a meeting between two teams aiming to take a significant step toward the Round of 32.

The USMNT made a statement in its opening World Cup match, defeating Paraguay 4-1 in a performance many described as one of the strongest under Pochettino’s leadership. Folarin Balogun stole the headlines with a brace, while the attacking unit consistently caused problems throughout the match.

The result pushed the United States to the top of Group D and reinforced growing optimism around the team’s chances of making a deep run on home soil. On the other hand, Australia also enjoyed a memorable start, defeating Turkiye 2-0 despite entering the match as the underdog.

That victory placed the Socceroos level on points with the Americans and created a high-stakes encounter between the group’s two early winners. A victory for either nation would move it significantly closer to securing qualification for the knockout stage and potentially claiming first place in the group.

The reason why Christian Pulisic is missing

The United States will surely benefit from a strong home record in Seattle. The national team has never lost at Lumen Field, and the expected crowd of more than 69,000 supporters is set to create a vibrant atmosphere.

With so much on the line, the Americans hoped to have all their stars available. However, attention soon shifted to Pulisic’s fitness. The reason for the star forward’s absence stems from a left calf injury suffered during the opening match against Paraguay.

The American forward was outstanding during the first half of that game and registered an assist before being substituted at halftime. According to the 27-year-old himself, he had already taken a knock to the same area shortly before the tournament began and then received another kick during the match.

Initially, Pulisic attempted to ease concerns: “I’ve had similar things before. I’m staying positive. I don’t think it’s anything.” Despite that optimism, the winger spent the week training separately from the main group.

He completed modified sessions, worked individually with fitness staff, and was frequently seen wearing a protective sleeve on his left calf. As a result, Pochettino and the medical staff opted for caution rather than risking their most influential player in the second group-stage match.

What did Mauricio Pochettino say?

Speaking before the Australia clash, Pochettino confirmed that a final decision would be made after discussions with the medical team. “Tonight, we have a meeting with our medical staff. We will assess the whole group,” the coach explained.

He also delivered an encouraging update regarding the player’s progress: “He’s evolving and much better from Friday. We will see.” Pochettino remained optimistic that the issue would not keep Pulisic out for long: “If he’s not available tomorrow, he’ll be back for the next game.”

The Argentine emphasized the effort Pulisic has made throughout the recovery process. “Christian is strong and has a great mentality and is doing a fantastic effort to try to be ready as soon as possible”, the USMNT boss added.

The FIFA World Cup has delivered unforgettable goals, dramatic upsets, and emotional celebrations throughout its history. It has also produced moments when discipline became the defining story, leaving national teams to battle with fewer players after costly dismissals. One particular edition stands above all the others for the number of red cards shown, making it one of the most controversial tournaments in soccer history.

From the earliest tournaments to the modern era of VAR, red cards have shaped countless World Cup matches. Some dismissals changed the course of title races, while others became iconic moments that are still discussed decades later. Before the introduction of colored cards, referees still had the authority to send players off, although they relied solely on verbal instructions and hand gestures.

The first recorded World Cup dismissal came in 1930, when Peru captain Placido Galindo was expelled during a group-stage match against Romania after protesting a referee’s decision and becoming involved in a heated confrontation.

To make disciplinary decisions easier to understand across different languages and cultures, FIFA introduced the yellow and red card system at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. Interestingly, although the cards were available for the first time, no player received a red card during that tournament.

The World Cup edition with the most red cards

As soccer became faster and more physical, disciplinary records steadily increased. The 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany remains the tournament with the highest number of dismissals, producing an incredible 28 red cards across 64 matches.

That edition became famous for several explosive encounters, none more memorable than the infamous “Battle of Nuremberg” between Portugal and the Netherlands. Referee Valentin Ivanov issued 16 yellow cards and four red cards, making it the most ill-tempered match in World Cup history.

Another unforgettable moment arrived in the tournament’s final when France captain Zinedine Zidane was sent off for headbutting Italy defender Marco Materazzi during extra time. The dismissal marked one of the most shocking endings to an iconic international career and remains one of the defining moments in World Cup history.

Red card trends throughout World Cup history

Disciplinary records have fluctuated significantly across different tournaments. Early editions generally featured very few dismissals, although matches were often highly physical and referees lacked the visual card system that exists today.

Following the introduction of red cards in 1974, the numbers gradually increased before reaching their peak during the 1990s and 2000s. The 1990 tournament produced 16 dismissals, 1998 recorded 19, and 2006 established the all-time record with 28.

In contrast, recent tournaments have seen a dramatic decline. Both the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2022 tournament in Qatar produced only four red cards each, making them the cleanest editions in the modern era.

Many observers attribute this decline to improvements in officiating, greater emphasis on player discipline, and the arrival of Video Assistant Referee (VAR), which has helped referees make more accurate decisions during critical incidents.

National teams with the most World Cup red cards

Some national teams have accumulated far more dismissals than others over the years. Brazil holds the unwanted record with 11 red cards in World Cup history, reflecting both its long participation record and several controversial moments.

Argentina follows with 10 red cards, while Uruguay has collected nine. Cameroon, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, and Russia also rank among the teams with the highest disciplinary totals across multiple tournaments.

Individual records that still stand

Several individual dismissals have become permanent parts of World Cup folklore. Uruguay’s Jose Batista remains the fastest player ever sent off, receiving a red card just 56 seconds into a match against Scotland during the 1986 tournament.

Only two players have ever been dismissed twice at the World Cup. Cameroon defender Rigobert Song received red cards in 1994 and 1998, while France legend Zinedine Zidane was sent off in both 1998 and the unforgettable 2006 final.

Goalkeepers have rarely suffered the same fate. Only Gianluca Pagliuca (Italy), Itumeleng Khune (South Africa), and Wayne Hennessey (Wales) have been dismissed during World Cup matches.

What time is it in Australia? Socceroos fans have to wake up ridiculously early to watch USA match originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Time zones were always going to make it tough for the United States to take on Australia at a match start that worked smoothly for everyone.

When the USMNT takes on the Socceroos in Seattle, though, it's going to be a particularly early start for those waking up to watch the World Cup game in Australia.

And to be clear -- they'll be waking up. The sun won't have risen yet.

FIFA chose, a bit oddly, to make the USA-Australia game the first one on Friday in North America. It has a 3 p.m. ET kickoff on the East Coast of the United States, but it's being played on the West Coast -- in Seattle, which has Pacific Time, making it a 12 noon start.

Australia will be in a totally different universe when it comes to the start time, though.

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

What time is it in Australia?

To get this right, you actually have to take into account the fact that Australia has five time zones, and that it's ahead of the United States.

All the time zones will have this as an early Saturday morning kickoff in Australia.

This is how it will break down for a 12 noon kickoff on Friday in Seattle:

• Norfolk Island Standard Time (Kingston): 6 a.m.
• Australian Eastern Standard Time (Canberra): 5 a.m.
• Australian Central Standard Time (Adelaide): 4:30 a.m.
• Australian Western Standard Time (Perth): 3 a.m.
• Christmas Island Time: 2 a.m.

MORE: Mexican goalie saves the day against South Korea

Maybe someone living in Perth could stay up through the night to prepare. But those are some tough kickoff times overall for the Aussies.

More FIFA World Cup news:

• USA, England can't actually play on July 4th
• Why Norway brought 600 pounds of salmon to the World Cup
• Messi, Mbappe, Haaland provide a World Cup day made in heaven
• Cape Verde pulls off one of craziest results in World Cup history
• Pink cleats are everywhere at the World Cup

The 2026 World Cup has turned out to be an awesome experience because of all of the different countries and cultures coming to North America and having a wonderful time. But in the case of the BBC, they may have taken some creative liberties when it comes to celebrating the city of Houston.

Houston has a lot going for it. The city is the fifth most-populous metropolitan area in the country. Its port on the Gulf of Mexico drives international and global trade. It’s the center of American space travel. It’s one of the most diverse cities in America. And for the 2026 World Cup, it’s serving as one of the host cities for the tournament.

One thing Houston does not have is mountains.

Houston sits on the Gulf Coastal Plain and rests at just 105 feet above sea level. Nobody is going to confuse it with Denver anytime soon.

However, when the BBC was at halftime of the Portugal vs Democratic Republic of the Congo game that was taking place in the city, they showcased a green screen backdrop of the Houston skyline. Except for some unknown reason, they added mountains in the background to try to dress it up a little bit in what may have been some kind of stroke of AI or CGI genius.

.@BBC adding mountains to the green screen background of Houston is one of the most dubious things I’ve ever seen pic.twitter.com/3AltHaHwLR

— Reed Wilburn, MD, MS (@drwilburnmd) June 17, 2026

The pro sports teams in Houston had some fun with the BBC’s geographical error with both the Dynamo and the Rockets making light of their newfound mountain scenery.

You just can’t beat this view https://t.co/s374v1svtypic.twitter.com/21vKwVTE6n

— Houston Dynamo FC (@HoustonDynamo) June 18, 2026

Just another beautiful day in the Houston Alps https://t.co/7mTko482Hspic.twitter.com/Me0zn03MN2

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) June 18, 2026

We’ve seen some creative liberties or oversights in B-roll footage around sports telecasts happen before, but never quite to this level. But if the BBC is going to give Houston a nice desert mountain range they should just go all the way with it. Let’s see some beautiful waterfalls in New York, a Kansas City tropical paradise, and a view of Los Angeles that has no traffic to speak of.

The post BBC somehow gives Houston glorious mountain range appeared first on Awful Announcing.

The World Cup has always been the stage where soccer’s biggest stories are written, but some performances remain almost impossible to match. One of those moments came when a national team produced an attacking explosion that still stands as one of the most unbelievable scorelines in tournament history. The question of what is the record for most goals scored in a World Cup game by one team continues to bring fans back to one unforgettable match from the 1982 tournament.

High-scoring matches have appeared throughout World Cup history, with legendary teams finding ways to dominate opponents on the biggest stage. However, only one national team has managed to reach double figures in a single World Cup match, creating a record that has survived for more than four decades.

The record belongs to Hungary, which defeated El Salvador 10-1 at the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain. The match took place on June 15, 1982, in Elche during the group stage, and it remains the highest number of goals scored by one team in a single World Cup game.

Hungary entered the tournament with a talented squad and showed its attacking quality immediately. The national team raced into a 3-0 lead before halftime and continued the pressure after the break, adding seven more goals to complete one of the most dominant victories ever seen in the competition.

The goals came from several different players, showing the depth of Hungary’s attack. Tibor Nyilasi scored twice, while Gabor Poloskei, Laszlo Fazekas, Jozsef Toth, Lazar Szentes, and Laszlo Kiss also found the net, with Kiss producing the most memorable individual contribution.

Laszlo Kiss created World Cup history

One of the biggest stories from Hungary’s incredible win was the performance of Laszlo Kiss, who scored a hat-trick after coming off the bench. His three goals arrived in just seven minutes, making it the fastest hat-trick in World Cup history and the only hat-trick ever scored by a substitute in the tournament.

Despite the historic scoreline, Hungary’s tournament did not end with glory. The national team failed to advance from the group stage after losing to Argentina and drawing with Belgium, meaning their record-breaking performance became one of soccer’s greatest examples of individual brilliance without a deep tournament run.

El Salvador’s only goal in the match came from Luis Ramirez Zapata, but the national team was unable to stop Hungary’s relentless attacking display. The 10-1 defeat remains the biggest loss suffered by El Salvador in World Cup history.

Other biggest World Cup wins in history

While Hungary’s 10-goal performance remains unmatched, several national teams have come close by recording huge victories. The largest winning margin in World Cup history is nine goals, a mark shared by three different matches.

Hungary previously recorded another dominant result in 1954, defeating South Korea 9-0 during the tournament in Switzerland. That same year, Yugoslavia matched the achievement by beating Zaire 9-0 at the 1974 World Cup in West Germany.

The difference between those results and Hungary’s 1982 performance is that Hungary became the only national team to score 10 goals in a World Cup match. Modern attacking giants such as Germany and Spain have produced memorable victories, but none have reached that milestone.

Germany’s 8-0 win over Saudi Arabia in 2002 and Spain’s 7-0 victory against Costa Rica in 2022 were dominant performances, but they still fell short of Hungary’s record.

Despite not being top contenders for the 2026 World Cup, USMNT and Australia surprised everyone by winning their debuts. Following this, they face each other today in their second match of the competition. Mauricio Pochettino’s team’s offensive approach will be tested against Tony Popovic’s defensive setup with a high press. Seeking a victory to determine the leader of Group D, both teams could field their biggest stars.

Australia have managed to remain quite competitive. Without being an offensive powerhouse, they already managed to score two goals against Türkiye, already showing their power on the counterattack. As their best facet of the game, they impose a defensive strategy based on high pressing, being quite effective at breaking up their opponents’ offense. Therefore, they could keep Mohamed Toure as their reference.

USMNT have managed to establish as one of the best offensive teams. Surprisingly, they managed to score four goals against Paraguay, allowing Folarin Balogun to shine. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has managed to make his team quite dominant, keeping Max Tillman as the creative focal point. Because of this, they are expected to be protagonists against Australia, looking to shine once again on the offensive side.

USMNT confirmed lineup vs Australia

After shining against Paraguay, USMNT arrive as a favorite to defeat Australia. For this, head coach Mauricio Pochettino have ruled out Christian Pulisic due to muscle problems. In his absence, Max Tillman and Weston McKennie will look to open spaces in the opponent’s stubborn defense. Nevertheless, Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi will be the offensive stars, looking to score.

Considering this, USMNT will lineup as follows: Matt Freese; Sergiño Dest, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson, Alex Freeman; Tyler Adams, Malik Tillman, Weston McKennie; Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi.

Australia confirmed lineup vs USMNT

Australia managed to surprise everyone in their 2026 World Cup debut. Looking to defeat the USMNT, they will look to repeat their defensive approach, imposing their high press as a key axis of the game. For this, head coach Tony Popovic will keep Alessandro Circati, Harry Souttar, and Cameron Burgess as his defensive structure. Nevertheless, the counterattacks will be led by Mohamed Toure.

With this in mind, Australia will play as follows: Patrick Beach; Alessandro Circati, Harry Souttar, Cameron Burgess; Jacob Italiano, Aiden O’Neill, Paul Okon-Engstler, Jordan Bos; Mathew Leckie, Nishan Velupillay; Mohamed Toure.

The United States arrives in Seattle riding a wave of confidence after a statement-making opening victory, with Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, and company helping the national team surge to the top of Group D. Now comes a clash with Australia that could shape the rest of the World Cup journey, with both nations entering the contest on three points and looking to take control of the group.

After dismantling Paraguay 4-1 in its opener, the USMNT suddenly finds itself among the most talked-about teams in the tournament. Australia, meanwhile, earned plenty of respect after defeating Turkiye 2-0, proving once again that the Socceroos remain a difficult opponent on the biggest stage.

The stakes are enormous because the outcome could influence qualification, knockout-round positioning, and the path that follows. While the exact consequences may not be obvious at first glance, every scenario carries major implications for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.

Fast start has changed expectations

The United States could hardly have asked for a better opening performance. The 4-1 victory over Paraguay was the highest-scoring World Cup match in USMNT history and tied the nation’s largest-ever margin of victory at the tournament.

Balogun’s two goals made history as well, with the striker becoming only the second American player to score multiple goals in a World Cup match. Gio Reyna added a spectacular late finish, while Pulisic contributed an assist to become the USMNT’s all-time World Cup assists leader with three.

Australia also enters the match full of confidence after overcoming Turkiye. The Socceroos showed discipline, defensive organization, and enough quality in attack to secure a victory that many observers did not expect. With both nations sitting on three points, Friday’s meeting effectively becomes a battle for control of Group D.

The United States currently leads the group thanks to its superior goal difference. However, everything could change depending on the result against Australia and the outcome of Turkiye’s meeting with Paraguay.

What happens if the USMNT wins?

A victory would be the ideal outcome for the United States. Three points against Australia would guarantee qualification for the knockout stage. The Americans would move to six points, while Australia would remain on three with only one group match remaining.

The result would also place the United States in a strong position to finish first in the group. If Turkiye either draws or loses against Paraguay later that day, the USMNT would officially clinch top spot in Group D with a match to spare.

Finishing first carries significant benefits. It would provide a more favorable route through the knockout rounds and keep the team on a pathway that could avoid several dangerous opponents in the early elimination stages. Perhaps most importantly, a second straight victory would further reinforce the belief that Pochettino’s project is gaining momentum at exactly the right time.

What happens if the USMNT draws with Australia?

A draw would leave the group finely balanced heading into the final round of fixtures. Both teams would move to four points, with the United States likely remaining ahead due to its superior goal difference. However, neither side would secure qualification mathematically, meaning everything would still be on the line during the final group match.

The Stars and Stripes would then head into a decisive showdown with Turkiye, knowing that their destiny remains firmly in their own hands. A positive result in that final match would almost certainly be enough to advance.

While a draw would not generate the same excitement as a victory, it would still keep the USMNT in a favorable position. The team would avoid defeat, maintain momentum, and preserve its opportunity to finish first in the group.

What happens if the USMNT loses?

Defeat would dramatically change the picture, as Australia would move to six points and take a commanding grip on first place in Group D. The United States would remain on three points and enter the final matchday under far greater pressure.

Although elimination would not become immediate, Mauricio Pochettino and his players would lose control of the race for first place and would likely be battling for second or even third, depending on other results.

The final game against Turkiye would then become critical. A poor result there could leave the United States relying on tiebreakers or hoping to qualify as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams. Even in that scenario, advancement would remain possible because of the expanded 48-team format. Still, the path forward would become significantly more complicated.

The dynamic nature of international soccer means that team standings are constantly in flux, especially during a major tournament cycle. For fans keeping a close eye on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, tracking the quantitative metrics behind the world’s most improved teams provides an excellent roadmap for predicting knockout stage brackets and monitoring tactical quality on the pitch.

Few teams have captured the attention of global analysts quite like Morocco over the last four years. Following their historic semi-final run at Qatar 2022, the Atlas Lions entered this tournament determined to prove that their status as an elite soccer power was no fluke, using a star-studded core to assert complete continental dominance over Africa.

For viewers evaluating the balance of power, Morocco’s placement in the global tier illustrates why they are no longer viewed as a spunky underdog, but rather as an undisputed heavyweight contender.

Morocco’s current FIFA world ranking

According to the live FIFA Men’s World Rankings updated during the tournament’s group stage, Morocco currently occupies a staggering 6th place in the world.

The team entered the tournament securely in 7th place following the official June 11 pre-tournament coefficient release, which already broke national records.

However, following a thrilling 1-1 opening draw against Brazil and subsequent results across other groups, the Elo-based live calculation system pushed the North African side up to sixth with 1,755.62 points.

This puts Morocco within touching distance of the all-time highest rank ever secured by an African nation, which was achieved by Nigeria back in April 1994 when they climbed to fifth.

Evaluating the Group C landscape

Within the competitive boundaries of Group C, Morocco’s elite ranking makes them a primary force to navigate the path to the knockout rounds. The operational hierarchy of the group underlines the massive test facing their group opponents on the pitch.

Group C global ranking comparison

The data proves that the showdowns in Group C feature some of the highest-rated tactical battles of the entire opening round. With an array of high-caliber talent displaying their skills in the English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, and French Ligue 1, Morocco’s unprecedented 6th-place standing reflects their technical evolution into a structured global giant.

World Cup's new group tiebreaker rule has brutal side effect — but not for Mexico, United States, England originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup decided on a new tiebreaker rule for this edition of the massive tournament.

If there is a tie on points in the group stage, and one of those teams defeated the other team, the team with the head-to-head win takes the spot above the team with the head-to-head loss.

It switches the within-group first tiebreaker from goal differential, which now becomes the second tiebreaker.

It has a potentially disastrous side effect, though.

MORE: How Cristiano Ronaldo cost Portugal in its draw with DR Congo

Before, it was very rare that a team could clinch the group win after just two matches. Now, it's very possible.

Mexico has already done it. Mexico beat South Africa on the first matchday, while South Korea beat Czechia. Then on the second matchday, Mexico was playing the Korean side, and whichever won would clinch the group.

Mexico pulled out a 1-0 win, which means the third group stage game doesn't matter at all for Mexico. They'll be atop Group A no matter what, because the best South Korea can do is be tied on six points but not hold the tiebreaker.

MORE: Messi, Mbappe, Haaland provide a World Cup day made in heaven

As the tournament goes on, this will be a conceptual possibility for group favorites who won their first match of the group stage -- like the United States, and England, and Germany, and the list goes on.

It greatly impacts the third matchday of the group, when a lesser team has a much better chance of beating a strong side if the better roster is actually resting all its key players with no group positioning to play for.

Because of the new tiebreaker Mexico has clinched their group and can rest their entire team.

Czechia in turn has a really good shot at getting 3 points in a game they would’ve been massive underdogs in.

FIFA really didn’t think this one through. https://t.co/YEfxYdIeS6

— Matt Smith (@SamENole) June 19, 2026

MORE: Mexican goalie saves the day against South Korea

In that situation, it becomes advantageous for a lesser team to play the group's best team third, rather than first or second.

For Czechia, they might face a much-reduced Mexican side on matchday three in Group A, rather than the full-strength outfit South Africa had to deal with in the opener.

Will it decide who wins the entire World Cup? Maybe not. But will it impact who gets out of the groups? Almost certainly, given that the eight-best third-place teams advance, too.

This rule change matters, and we'll just have to see how it all plays out.

More FIFA World Cup news:

• USA, England can't actually play on July 4th
• Why Norway brought 600 pounds of salmon to the World Cup
• Ref cams are making quite the fashion statement
• Cape Verde pulls off one of craziest results in World Cup history
• Pink cleats are everywhere at the World Cup

How costly World Cup decision lost $57 million in tax revenue in Florida, Georgia and Missouri originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The scene was incredible, of course -- Lionel Messi's hat trick for Argentina in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, played in Kansas City, Missouri.

The financial implications of the match for the state of Missouri, though? Something was missing -- in this case, tax dollars.

It's a problem recently revealed by The Athletic, and it pertains to Missouri, Georgia and Florida.

With Kansas City, Atlanta and Miami all in the running to host games at this World Cup in the United States, those three states made a bold decision to ensure they'd get the games.

They aren't taking taxes on World Cup ticket sales.

MORE: How Cristiano Ronaldo cost Portugal in its draw with DR Congo

How FIFA World Cup costs $57 million to Florida, Georgia, Missouri

The Athletic determined that the decision to waive taxes on ticket sales in those three states adds up to a combined $57.8 million in lost revenue, at least.

"Missouri, Georgia and Florida introduced exemptions on taxes ordinarily applied to ticket sales for matches at their Arrowhead (Kansas City), Mercedes-Benz (Atlanta) and Hard Rock (Miami) stadiums. Each state signed legislation which approved the tax waiver in early 2022, giving up both state and local taxes from games," The Athletic writes.

MORE: Messi, Mbappe, Haaland provide a World Cup day made in heaven

It also sounds like estimates may have been done poorly. The Athletic calculated that Florida will lose $14.9 million in tax revenue, when the state's estimate had only been $7.5 million.

The same is true in Missouri, with The Athletic's estimate of $15.7 million more than double the state's projection of $7.2 million.

Georgia was closer, projecting $25.6 million lost while The Athletic came up with $27.2 million.

The rest of the U.S. states hosting games did not take this same step.

MORE: Mexican goalie saves the day against South Korea

The idea, of course, is that the overall local economy gets a boost from the worldwide fans who come to town. So these states made a concession to FIFA to ensure that the traveling circus would arrive.

Those bigger-picture numbers will come out eventually, but the losses in tax revenue are already pretty clear.

More FIFA World Cup news:

• USA, England can't actually play on July 4th
• Why Norway brought 600 pounds of salmon to the World Cup
• Ref cams are making quite the fashion statement
• Cape Verde pulls off one of craziest results in World Cup history
• Pink cleats are everywhere at the World Cup

One week of the World Cup is officially in the books. And for all the complaints over hydration breaks, Fox’s coverage of the event, or whether other networks are giving the tournament requisite attention, one thing remains abundantly clear. The World Cup is a viewership event like no other.

Through the first weekend, Fox’s viewership is up 152% versus its Group Stage average for 2022 in Qatar. Telemundo, the Spanish-language broadcaster, is up an even more eye-watering 234%. Unsurprisingly, both are on record pace.

The data would seem to indicate that viewers are still quite happy finding the World Cup on good, old-fashioned linear television. Sure, these numbers include streaming viewership on Fox One and Peacock, respectively, but by-and large, World Cup viewers are watching on linear television.

Next year, no such option will be available. The 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup will stream exclusively on Netflix in the United States. It’ll be the first major global sporting event to air exclusively on streaming in this country, and could very well be a sign of things to come as we look towards who will broadcast the 2030 FIFA Men’s World Cup.

It’s worth examining the differing economic models at play here between streamers and traditional broadcasters, because that could very well determine where that 2030 tournament goes.

The World Cup is a unique property in the context of other live sporting events, most of which occur on an annual, or at least biannual in the case of the Olympics, basis. That’s an important distinction. Traditional broadcasters like Fox, NBC, or ESPN are still largely in the business of distribution fees. Since the advent of cable and satellite bundles, the overarching economics of these networks can be boiled down to one question: How much is your content worth to viewers? That question determines the per-subscriber fee distributors like DirecTV, Comcast, or Fubo are willing to pay networks. It’s why NFL programming, far and away the most popular content left on television, is borderline existential for legacy broadcasters.

However, the quadrennial nature of the World Cup makes it a difficult bargaining chip for networks during distribution negotiations. Most major distribution deals are done on a three-year cycle. So for Fox, it’s possible that there have been distribution agreements in the past where the network wasn’t able to leverage its World Cup rights at all, or at least had to extend the deal’s term to ensure the value of the event was included, perhaps at a discount. But it’s not simply the cycle disparity that creates issues, it’s the difficulty of valuating an event that only happens once every four years, in different parts of the globe, broadcast to an audience that is historically soccer-agnostic.

The value of a World Cup varies greatly based on where it’s played, and the time zones the American audience will be dealing with. Obviously, one held in North America, with the United States having a guaranteed spot in the tournament as a host country, is going to be a much easier sell to distributors than, say, the 2018 tournament in Russia, where the United States failed to qualify. Location, of course, can be accounted for during distribution negotiations. Those are known far in advance. Whether the United States will be participating? At least back when the field was 32 teams, rather than 48, that was far from a guarantee. That downside risk, at least previously, made the World Cup far more challenging for networks to leverage during distribution negotiations than a surefire annual property like the NFL or college football.

There’s no such calculus for a streamer, whose business fortunes are determined by selling subscriptions directly to the consumer, rather than through a middleman distributor. In that way, purchasing a sports property like the World Cup is similar to producing a handful of big-budget feature films. You hope that the subscriptions generated from the event make the rights fee worthwhile. What you don’t have to do is convince DirecTV that it should pay you more for a five-week-long sporting event that’s 28 months away.

Fox is paying a reported $485 million for this year’s World Cup, a price that some experts say is two- or three-times under market value, thanks to the no-bid contract FIFA awarded the network on account of moving the 2022 Qatar World Cup to autumn. It’s safe to assume, then, that when FIFA goes to market with the 2030 World Cup, it’s expecting upwards of $1 billion for the rights.

The question becomes, does the quadrennial event drive more than $1 billion in incremental distribution revenue for legacy broadcast networks? Maybe, but it’s a tough sell, particularly when the majority of that event will be played in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

Of course, this is a bit of an oversimplification. The World Cup also drives plenty of ad revenue and streaming subscriptions for legacy broadcasters. But at a time when these same broadcasters are tightening content spends in preparation for an expected increase in price of NFL rights, the World Cup might fall firmly in the “nice to have” rather than “must have” category. Between the volatility in value and the fact that it’s simply hard to capitalize on an event that happens in only one of every 48 months, the World Cup just seems to make more sense for a streamer.

If so, the World Cup Final one month from today could mark the end of an era.

This originally appeared in the Friday edition of  The A Block, Awful Announcing’s daily newsletter with the latest sports media news, commentary, and analysis. Sign up here and be the first to know everything you need to know about the sports media world.

The post Will this be the last World Cup on TV? appeared first on Awful Announcing.

The FIFA World Ranking system serves as the definitive yardstick for measuring a nation’s competitive standing ahead of and during major international tournaments. For soccer fans tracking the 2026 FIFA World Cup across North America, checking where a country sits globally provides essential context on their true strength, knockout stage potential, and overall tactical progression.

Scotland’s position on the global stage has undergone a massive resurgence, reflecting their transformation under long-term manager Steve Clarke. After enduring a painful 28-year absence from the world’s biggest tournament, the Tartan Army successfully punched their ticket to the 2026 finals by shockingly winning UEFA qualifying Group C ahead of Euro heavyweights Denmark.

As the expanded 48-team tournament takes over stadiums in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, tracking Scotland’s official rank gives an accurate picture of their position relative to global elite forces.

Scotland’s current global standing

According to the official FIFA Men’s World Ranking published directly ahead of the tournament, Scotland currently occupies 42nd place globally. This ranking positions the Scots firmly inside the upper echelon of the top 50 footballing nations, sitting neck-and-neck alongside competitive peers from Europe and South America.

Within Group C of the 2026 World Cup, Scotland’s ranking positions them as a compelling middle-tier threat. They sit significantly higher than group underdogs Haiti (ranked 83rd), but face a steep uphill battle against their other two group heavyweights: global powerhouse Brazil (ranked 6th) and 2022 World Cup semifinalists Morocco (ranked 7th).

Historic context and trajectory

To understand the weight of Scotland’s current position, it helps to look at the extreme highs and lows of their ranking history. The nation reached its absolute peak in October 2007, when a legendary run of form propelled them to an all-time high of 13th in the world. Conversely, structural issues and a lack of tournament qualification saw the country plummet to an all-time low of 88th in March 2005.

Scotland’s FIFA Ranking History

Throughout the last few years, Australia have managed to be a recurring participant in the World Cup. Since the 2006 edition, they have qualified for the tournament consecutively. Although they do not usually get past the group stage, they reached the Round of 16 in Qatar 2022. In the 2026 World Cup, they already defeated Türkiye, surprising everyone. With this, they managed to climb positions in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, which has improved in recent years.

According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Australia are ranked 27th with 1,605.61 points. After having defeated Turkiye in their debut, they have escalated their position in the standings. In November of 2024, they were ranked as 102nd, being his worst position ever. With his great performances, they have managed to significantly improve their international standing. However, they have yet to match their highest-ever ranking, which was 14th in September of 2009.

Australia have improved their FIFA ranking spots, but they remain the second-highest ranked national team in their group at the 2026 World Cup. USMNT currently hold the 15th spot with 1688.53 points. Turkiye hold the 26th spot in the ranking with 1579.47 points. Finally, Paraguay rank as the lowest-ranked national team in the group, holding the 52nd spot with 1488.05 points.

In their seventh World Cup participation, they aim to reach the knockout stage for the second time in a row after Qatar 2022. Even though Australia do not possess a particularly strong attacking unit, they have demonstrated their defense solidity, being able to counterattack efficiently. With USMNT as their next clash, they may need to repeat their consistency, as Mauricio Pochettino’s team have impose as one of best offensive units.

Australia may shock rivals with a double defensive line high press

Despite not being one of the top contenders, Australia managed to surprise everyone, defeating Türkiye by a convincing 2-0 scoreline. Far from shinning in an offensive spot, head coach Tony Popovic has built his team from the defense line ahead. Showcasing his great work, they managed to shine with a double defensive line that excels with a high press. With this strategy, they may surprise USMNT and Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup.

In case they manage to impose their brilliant style of play, they could secure their place in the knockout stages of the tournament. By pressing their opponents high, Australia suffocate any attacking threat, relying on counterattacks and aerial play as its main strengths. Far from being simple, they could suffer from balls played in behind, as the USMNT could take advantage of their pace to counterattack, meaning a solid defense will once again be key.

The 2026 World Cup has brought renewed attention to the United States, with excitement building around Mauricio Pochettino’s squad as it competes on home soil. As supporters look ahead to what could be a landmark summer for American soccer, one question continues to generate discussion: What is the USMNT’s current FIFA world ranking?

The tournament represents a major opportunity for the United States to showcase its progress on the international stage. With stars such as Christian Pulisic leading the way and a talented generation entering its prime years, expectations have rarely been higher for the national team.

Since taking charge in 2024, Mauricio Pochettino has experimented with multiple tactical approaches in search of the ideal formula. The Argentine coach inherited a team that had suffered a disappointing exit from the Copa America and has spent the last two years trying to build a side capable of controlling matches against elite opposition.

The USA has generally enjoyed more possession against lower-ranked opponents, while contests against stronger teams have been far more balanced. Rather than relying heavily on the aggressive pressing style that defined much of his club career, Pochettino has frequently favored a structured mid-block designed to limit dangerous attacks.

In possession, the team prefers to progress through central areas using a double pivot and advanced midfielders. Width is often supplied by attacking full-backs and wing-backs, creating space for creative players to operate between the lines.

What’s the USMNT’s FIFA world ranking?

While discussions about tactics and personnel continue, FIFA’s rankings provide another way to measure where the United States stands entering the tournament.

The USMNT entered the 2026 FIFA World Cup ranked 17th in the world according to the latest FIFA rankings. The ranking places the United States among the stronger nations in the competition, though still outside the elite group of traditional title contenders.

Within Group D, the Americans are viewed as the highest-ranked side. Turkiye follows at 23rd, Australia at 27th, and Paraguay at 40th, highlighting why many observers consider the group favorable for the tournament hosts.

The ranking also demonstrates how far the program has come over the last decade. While there is still a gap between the United States and the world’s biggest powers, the team enters the World Cup with legitimate ambitions of making a deep run.

Tournament that could change everything

The 2026 World Cup is unlike any before it. Hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, it will feature 48 teams and a record 104 matches.

For American soccer, the tournament carries significance far beyond results on the field. Many view it as an opportunity to elevate the sport’s profile even further and build on the momentum created since the 1994 World Cup transformed the game’s popularity in the country.

The United States has not reached a World Cup quarter-final since 2002. After Round of 16 exits in 2010, 2014, and 2022, supporters are eager to see whether this generation can finally break through.

The talent is there, the home support is there, and the opportunity is there. Now the challenge for Pochettino’s squad is turning potential into achievement when the world’s biggest tournament begins.

Mexico next World Cup match: Schedule, start time, draw bracket and results as El Tri face Czechia originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

As co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexico are set to embark on a potentially defining summer.

Hosted two World Cups previously in 1970 and 1986, El Tri are embedded in global soccer lore. Yet they have a dodgy past at the FIFA tournament, and currently sit on the precipice of troubled times.

After seven straight appearances in the Round of 16, Mexico fans were hoping to finally break through their World Cup glass ceiling in 2022, but instead found themselves embarrassed in Qatar with a group stage elimination, their first since 1978.

Now, Javier Aguirre leads El Tri into the 2026 tournament hoping not only for redemption, but a chance to provide fans with a return to global prominence on home soil. They will look to pull from past experience, as their only two appearances in a World Cup quarterfinal both came on familiar ground during their two previous hosting opportunities.

Can Mexico reverse course and put themselves back on the World Cup map? The Sporting News brings you a closer look at their next match at the 2026 World Cup, knowing the trek is fraught with danger at every turn.

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

When is Mexico's next match at World Cup 2026?

Having beaten South Africa 2-0 in their opener and edged past South Korea, Mexico have qualified for the knockout stages.

El Tri now face Czechia on Wednesday, June 24at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

It will kick off at 9 p.m. ET.

MORE:A deeper look at the Mexico squad for the 2026 World Cup

Mexico match schedule, results from World Cup 2026

World Cup Group A standings

How to watch Mexico matches at World Cup 2026

• TV channel: FOX, FS1
• Streaming:Fubo

The opening match of the entire 2026 FIFA World Cup will be televised in the United States on FOX network channel. After that, all World Cup games will be televised on either FOX or FS1.

Mexico's game against South Africa, along with every other World Cup match through the 2026 tournament, is available to stream on Fubo.

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.)

Mexico World Cup 2026 draw bracket for Group A

The winner and runner-up from each group enter the bracket on opposite sides.

The Group A winner will meet a third-place finisher from either groups C, E, F, H, or I, while the group's second-place finisher will take on the second-place from Group B, which includes Canada.

The third-place finisher in Group A has several potential landing spots in the bracket, but only eight groups will have a third-place qualifier for the knockout stage.

Until all third-place qualifiers are known, it is impossible to predict where or when they could potentially play because there are 495 mathematical combinations of third place qualifiers.

Round of 32

Round of 16

Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Third-place match

Final

Canada next World Cup match: Schedule, start time, draw bracket and results as CanMNT face Switzerland originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

After winning hearts and minds but crashing out of the group stage at the 2022 World Cup, Canada hope to take a more tangible step towards building their soccer credentials as they contest the 2026 FIFA tournament on home soil.

Having qualified for their first World Cup in decades, Les Rouges failed to earn a single point in Qatar four years ago, but their plucky nature gave many hope for a brighter future.

Now, under head coach Jesse Marsch's steady leadership, the CanMNT hopes to win more than just emotional victories, having lost all six of their World Cup matches to date.

The Sporting News brings you a closer look at Canada's next match at the 2026 World Cup, with Les Rouges aiming to rewrite their FIFA history.

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

When is Canada's next match at World Cup 2026?

Having drawn 1-1 with Bosnia & Herzegovina in the opening match, Canada then thumped Qatar 6-0.

They'll now remain in Vancouver for their final game on Wednesday, June 24 with kickoff set for 3 p.m. ET.

MORE:A deeper look at the Canada squad for the 2026 World Cup

Canada match schedule, results at World Cup 2026

World Cup Group B standings

How to watch Canada matches at World Cup 2026

• TV channel: TSN, CTV
• Streaming: TSN via Amazon Prime, TSN+, CTV app

The broadcast rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada are owned by Bell Media, who will air all matches in English on TSN and CTV, and in French on RDS.

All 104 matches of the tournament will be televised in Canada, with streaming available on both CTV GO and TSN GO. Audio commentary will also be broadcast on TSN Radio.

TSN channels set to air games in English include TSN1, TSN3, TSN4, and TSN5.

TSN can also be added as a separate subscription channel on Amazon Prime with fans able to access all of TSN's live and on demand content.

Canada World Cup 2026 draw bracket for Group B

As co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Canada were pre-drawn out of Pot 1 into Group B.

This is a traditional process, as the host of every World Cup is given Pot 1 treatment, and is pre-drawn into a group ahead of time to maximize the home nation's positioning amongst the venues and bracket.

They were then drawn alongside Switzerland from Pot 2, Qatar from Pot 3, and late UEFA playoff qualifiers Bosnia & Herzegovina from Pot 4.

It was a relatively kind draw for the 2026 co-hosts, who have a good chance of reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their nation's history.

Should Canada advance through the group stage and into the knockout stage, their placement within the 32-team bracket will be dependent on their finish within the four-team Group B table.

If Les Rouges qualify for the Round of 32, either by placing top two in their group or being one of the eight third-place qualifiers, they have four potential places they could end up in.

Here are all four possible locations Canada could wind up slotting into, as well as their path to the final from each one.

Path for Canada in World Cup knockout — 1st place in Group B

Winning Group B would place Canada in an exceptional position, slated to host both their Round of 32 and potential Round of 16 matches on home soil.

Path for Canada in World Cup knockout — 2nd place in Group D

Path for Canada in World Cup knockout — 3rd place qualifier

As a member of Group B, Canada have two potential places in the knockout stage bracket they could be sorted into should they qualify as one of the eight third-place qualifiers.

Until all qualifiers are known, it is impossible to predict where or when they could potentially play should this come to pass. There are 495 mathematical combinations of third place qualifiers. All of these have been spelled out in advance, and every potential outcome can be found in Annex C (pg. 80) of the 2026 FIFA World Cup regulations.

Potential path 1 — Face Winner of Group D

Of Canada's 330 potential sorting options as a potential Group B third-place qualifier, 329 of those see them face the winner of Group D, which is the group featuring the United States.

Potential path 2 — Face Winner of Group E

Of Canada's 330 potential sorting options as a potential Group B third-place qualifier, only one of those see them face the winner of Group E.

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

On Friday, Team USA and Australia will share the pitch at 9 p.m. ET from Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.

Team USA will be making its 12th appearance in a World Cup, and the first in front of its home crowd since hosting the 1994 tournament. Australia, on the other hand, will be making its seventh World Cup appearance, and sixth in a row.

This game could have massive consequences for both sides in relation to who will finish where in Group D. As the second of three games in the group stage for each of these teams, how they finish today in Seattle could have massive consequences. Their knockout qualification picture will be painted after Friday's game, with the U.S. taking on Turkey in its final game, while Australia will face Paraguay in its third and final group stage match.

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

USA vs. Australia 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 USA vs. Australia start?

This World Cup clash kicks off Friday, June 19, at 3 p.m. ET at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.

Here's how that time translates across the United States timezones:

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 (9 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

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.

Inside Australia's soccer team: A complete roster and more about 2026 World Cup squad originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The ghosts of Tim Cahill, Mark Viduka and Harry Kewell still linger on the soccer fields that litter Australia's landscape more than a decade after they last laced their cleats.

The Socceroos have been one of the region's most successful sides, emerging as a titan of Asian and Oceanian soccer in the 21st century. Now, they're setting their sights at a new pinnacle — securing a spot in the knockout stages of the World Cup for the second-straight trip. Armed with a gaggle of talented youngsters and wily veterans, they look well-equipped to compete for a spot in the business end of the competition.

The Group D outfit isn't quite faultless. But it is enticing, particularly in the attacking areas of the pitch. It proved as much in its 2-0 triumph over Turkey in its first match, showcasing all the typical tenets of Australian soccer — speed, dynamism and creativity.

With that, here's a look at the Socceroos' roster for the 2026 World Cup.

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

Australia 2026 World Cup roster

Australia has rolled out a 26-man roster ahead of this year's World Cup in North America. The Socceroos' roster features talent spanning as far as Cyprus and as nearby as Melbourne City.

Here's a look at Australia's full roster for the 2026 World Cup.

Caps and stats are correct as of June 1.