Germany have lost a key ball-playing defender just as their World Cup path begins to open up.

Nico Schlotterbeck’s tournament is over after only two group games.

Julian Nagelsmann knows the impact goes beyond replacing a name on the team sheet.

Germany lose Nico Schlotterbeck after World Cup breakout

The DFB confirmed that Schlotterbeck will miss the rest of the competition after suffering medial ligament damage to his left ankle during Germany’s 2-1 win over the Ivory Coast in Toronto.

Coach Nagelsmann addressed the loss of a key contributor in the middle of their World Cup campaign.

That line about this being his World Cup did not feel exaggerated. Schlotterbeck started both of Germany’s first two Group E games, played the full 90 minutes in the 7-1 win over Curacao, and scored the goal that put Germany back ahead after Curacao had briefly stunned them.

His impact was not limited to the header. Match data credited him with 74 completed passes from 82 attempts against Curacao, then another 36 passes in only 45 minutes against the Ivory Coast before Antonio Rudiger replaced him at half-time.

That is the playmaking Nagelsmann will miss. Schlotterbeck gave Germany a left-footed release valve, a vertical passer, and a defender comfortable stepping through pressure.

Nico Schlotterbeck replacements give Germany a depth test

Germany still have senior options, starting with Rudiger, who came on against the Ivory Coast.

His pace, physicality, and big-game edge make him the safest choice to partner with Jonathan Tah when the knockout games start.

Tah should remain the anchor. Waldemar Anton offers reliability, aerial strength, and familiarity with Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund, while Malick Thiaw gives Germany another athletic center-back profile from the bench.

The harder part is balance. None of those options gives Germany the same left-footed progression, which may force more build-up responsibility onto Joshua Kimmich, Nathaniel Brown, Florian Wirtz, and the midfield pivot.

Germany has already won Group E and reached the Round of 32, with Ecuador still to come before a knockout match against a third-place team in Boston.

Schlotterbeck’s absence might impact them, especially in the knockout stages against high-level opponents who can press Germany’s build-up and make them miss the defender who had looked ready for a defining summer.

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Mohamed Salah dragged Egypt to history on Sunday — and he was in no mood to let the moment pass quietly.

His side came from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1 at BC Place in Vancouver, claiming their first-ever win at a World Cup. Egypt had reached the tournament in 1934, 1990 and 2018 without ever taking three points. Salah ended that wait, scoring one goal and setting up another to turn the game around.

When the final whistle blew, the celebrations poured out of the stadium and onto the streets of Vancouver, with Salah right in the thick of it.

Mohamed Salah delivers on the biggest stage for Egypt

The game itself did not start well. Finn Surman headed New Zealand in front in the 15th minute, and Egypt went in behind at the break for the first time in their World Cup history.

Mostafa Zico levelled with a header just before the hour. Then came Salah. The 34-year-old swept home a low finish in the 67th minute to put Egypt ahead for the first time.

His corner from the left then found substitute Trezeguet, who forced in the third with eight minutes left. One goal, one assist, a fitting way for the captain to lead Egypt to a result they had chased for 92 years.

And the party did not stop at full time. Footage posted to X by The Anfield Wrap showed Salah in the thick of it, lifted onto the shoulders of Egypt supporters, dancing as the celebrations spilled out of BC Place and into the city streets.

The win does not seal qualification just yet. But four points from two games leaves the Pharaohs top of Group G, with a final match against Iran to come on Friday.

For Salah and Egypt, the goal will be to keep the celebrations going for a few more weeks.

Jeremy Doku’s plan to leave Belgium’s World Cup camp for the birth of his first child has turned into one of the tournament’s sharpest family-versus-football debates.

The Manchester City winger is preparing for fatherhood while Belgium are still trying to steady themselves in the group stage.

Then a French reporter’s criticism pushed the argument far beyond tactics.

Jeremy Doku World Cup baby plan sparks France Pierron backlash

A Football Tweet post shared France Pierron’s reaction to Doku potentially leaving camp if his wife, Shireen, gives birth during the tournament.

Pierron asked: “Are you seriously telling me these players have sacrificed everything to come to the World Cup, and you’re leaving just to cut an umbilical cord?”

She continued: “You’re lucky enough to play in a World Cup. It’s an incredible privilege, and hundreds of footballers would do anything to be in your position. That opportunity might never come around again in your life.”

Pierron added: “And you’re going to throw it all away just to attend your child’s birth?”

The backlash was swift, with fans labeling her a “Karen” and accusing her of reducing a once-in-a-lifetime family moment to a sporting inconvenience. Pierron later apologized, saying she did not intend to minimize the role of fathers.

Doku receives support as Belgium World Cup pressure grows

Many fans sided firmly with Doku. One wrote: “I’m on the side of being there for your child’s birth. The World Cup is huge. The birth of your child is bigger.”

Another questioned the outrage: “I don’t get why these reporters think they have a say on a footballers personal life.”

A harsher reaction said: “Who the hell is this Karen? The birth of his child only comes once in a life time. Prioritising a World Cup over your child’s birth? That’s not dedication, that’s just being a deadbeat with better PR. Doku’s right. Real men show up.”

One fan added: “This coming from a woman baffles me even more. Indeed a woman’s greatest enemy is her fellow woman 🙌”

Another summed up the emotional argument: “Someone needs to sit her down and explain to her like a 5 year old what MOMENTS mean in a person’s life.“

Doku’s child is due in the second week of July. He played 86 minutes in Belgium’s 1-1 draw with Egypt, then missed the Iran match through illness.

Former Olympic boxing champion Brahim Asloum also backed the family-first view, making clear this debate is no longer only about football.

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Iran earned a valuable 0-0 draw against Belgium on Sunday in a tense Group G match.

Alireza Beiranvand won the Man of the Match award after a commanding goalkeeping display, recording seven saves.

Beyond the result, Beiranvand’s heroics also paved the way for Iran to reach a new World Cup milestone.

Iran unbeaten after first two World Cup matches for first time

According to ESPN, Iran is unbeaten after its first two FIFA World Cup matches for the first time ever.

That is a significant marker for Amir Ghalenoei’s squad, especially given the difficult circumstances around their tournament.

Iran opened with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand, then backed it up by frustrating Belgium in Los Angeles.

Belgium had Nathan Ngoy sent off in the second half, giving Iran a major chance to chase a famous win.

They could not capitalise, but the draw still keeps them alive in the race for a first World Cup knockout-stage appearance.

That remains the bigger prize. Iran have never reached the knockout rounds, and they now carry real hope into the third round.

A win over Egypt would be enough to send them through.

There may also be other routes depending on how Egypt vs New Zealand unfolds, but Iran know their clearest path.

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Christian Pulisic missed the USMNT’s 2-0 win over Australia because of a calf injury.

With qualification already secured, his role against Turkey is now uncertain even if he recovers.

That situation generated an obvious debate, and former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha has taken a clear position.

Nedum Onuoha would play Christian Pulisic if he is fully fit

Onuoha believes Mauricio Pochettino should not automatically protect Pulisic from the final Group C match.

He told ESPN’s SportsCenter that he would play the AC Milan winger if he was properly recovered.

“I think for Christian Pulisic, if he’s fit and he’s available, I play him because I think he would want to play as well to get into a rhythm, because he’s not played that much football now through the tournament,” Onuoha began by saying.

The ex-defender also pointed to another issue for Pochettino, with some key players carrying yellow cards before the last group match.

“And for those players who are already on the yellow cards, you don’t want to risk some of those guys being suspended when it comes down to the knockouts, because they’re crucial for what has been an excellent start for the USMNT.

“So I think Pochettino has got some big decisions to make because those players that we see there, they have been key for the US so far. But this is why we have a 26-man roster. There are players who can come in, and given the fact that they’re top of the group already, maybe these changes won’t matter too much,” he concluded.

Mauricio Pochettino did not guarantee Christian Pulisic return

Pochettino made it clear after Australia that leaving Pulisic out had been difficult.

The winger had come off against Paraguay and was unable to fully train before the second group match.

Pochettino said it was “impossible” for him to play against Australia, while adding that he hoped Pulisic would be available next time.

That is not the same as a guarantee. The Argentine head coach knows the USMNT need Pulisic later in the tournament more than they need him against Turkey.

Onuoha wants rhythm. Pochettino may prefer caution.

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Thomas Tuchel’s hoodie at England training only looked out of place if it was treated like ordinary winter gear.

In the American summer, England is trying to fight the heat before matches even begin.

Tuchel’s training gear is part of that wider plan.

Thomas Tuchel’s hoodie represents cutting-edge heat technology

The sight of Tuchel covered up while England players trained in vests drew attention, but the explanation is practical rather than fashionable.

England have been preparing for this for weeks. They flew to Miami on June 1 for their pre-tournament camp, then moved into their Kansas City base around June 13, meaning they had about 20 days in the United States by June 21 and roughly eight days at their tournament base.

Their base has been humid and changeable. Kansas City is forecast to move from the mid-70s into the high 80s this week, with England training under direct Missouri sun.

Their opener against Croatia came in Arlington, where the outside high was around 92 degrees, though Dallas Stadium’s air conditioning softened that problem. Ghana in Foxborough is forecast around 74 degrees near kickoff, while Panama in East Rutherford could be closer to 85 at the start.

England’s cooling measures could still change performance

Palm-cooling devices target blood vessels in the hands to help players cool between bursts. Cooling jackets and misting stations aim to lower skin and core temperature during recovery windows. UV hoodies reduce direct sun exposure for staff spending long periods outside.

Studies on soccer-specific cooling vests suggest they may lower physiological and perceived strain, even if they do not automatically improve repeated sprint output. In tournament football, that still matters.

A player who feels fresher at halftime, recovers quicker after training, or manages heat stress better in the final 20 minutes has a small edge.

Tuchel has already admitted England are not naturally used to this heat and humidity, but he has also insisted it cannot become an excuse. The hoodie is not a gimmick. It is a visible sign that England are chasing every marginal gain before the weather can take one away.

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Watching the USMNT in a World Cup knockout game is becoming a serious money decision, not just a soccer one.

The possible July 1 Round of 32 match at Levi’s Stadium has become one of the tournament’s hottest resale tickets, with prices moving fast as the United States build momentum at home.

For fans, the window to buy cheap has already closed.

USMNT World Cup knockout tickets surge on StubHub and TicketData

StubHub inventory and TicketData tracking show how expensive the potential USMNT Round of 32 game in Santa Clara has become.

The match is scheduled for July 1 at Levi’s Stadium, with the United States potentially facing a third-place qualifier from Groups B, E, F, I or J.

TicketData tracks resale listings across marketplaces, and its World Cup page showed tickets for upcoming tournament matches starting at $431 overall. But the USMNT knockout market is far above that baseline.

Reports around the Santa Clara match have put the cheapest resale seats near $1,900 after earlier prices were closer to $1,200, a jump of roughly 58%. Some broader resale reports have shown even sharper spikes when the U.S. path became clearer.

That is the power of a home World Cup. Neutral matches can cool off, but the USMNT brings local demand, national emotion and limited knockout inventory together at once.

World Cup ticket prices expose huge USMNT demand

This is not the same for every team. Big-name countries, host nations and knockout games drive the biggest jumps, while less glamorous group-stage matches can move more slowly.

The wider tournament has already shown volatile pricing. TicketData listed group-stage get-in prices up 16% over seven days and 71% over 14 days, proving demand can swing quickly once results shape the bracket.

FIFA’s official ticket portal and resale marketplace remain the safest buying route, while StubHub, SeatGeek, Vivid Seats and other resale sites are used by fans comparing availability. Outside platforms can carry risk if tickets violate FIFA terms.

The 2026 World Cup runs through July 19, when the final will be played at New York New Jersey Stadium.

For now, the USMNT’s Santa Clara price surge tells its own story. A home knockout game is no longer just a match. It is one of the most expensive seats in American soccer.

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Heinz found a very World Cup way to turn FIFA’s strict sponsor rules into free attention.

The joke started with one of the strangest sights of the 2026 tournament: condiment bottles inside stadium areas having their labels covered with tape.

For FIFA, it was brand protection. For Heinz, it became a marketing opening.

Heinz mocks FIFA clean stadium policy with World Cup ketchup move

A Front Office Sports post said FIFA taped over condiment bottles at the World Cup to cover non-sponsor logos, so Heinz made its own version of ketchup that fits the rules.

The policy is known as a clean-stadium or clean-site rule. It requires World Cup venues to remove, cover or rename non-FIFA sponsor branding so official partners get exclusive visibility inside the stadium footprint.

That is why corporate stadium names disappear during the tournament, with venues rebranded under generic city names. It is also why permanent signs, card machines, concession items and even sauce bottles can get covered.

Heinz leaned into the absurdity by releasing a FIFA-friendly ketchup look after labels were reportedly hidden with black tape. The brand did not fight the rule. It mocked the rule by designing around it.

The result was a small product gag that understood the internet perfectly: make the restriction the campaign.

FIFA sponsor rules turn stadium cover-ups into World Cup comedy

Heinz is not the only brand to find attention in being hidden.

Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara had its branding covered for the tournament, but Levi’s embraced the joke on social media by using covered-logo imagery. Other venues, including MetLife, SoFi, NRG, Lincoln Financial Field and Gillette Stadium, have also been renamed or stripped of regular sponsor visibility.

The policy existed at previous World Cups too, including 2018 and 2022. FIFA uses it because official sponsors pay huge fees for category exclusivity, and the tournament broadcast reaches a global audience.

That does not make the taped ketchup any less funny. It just explains why FIFA cares about a sauce bottle in the first place.

The 2026 World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, with the final scheduled for New York New Jersey Stadium. By then, clean-stadium rules will have hidden hundreds of logos.

Heinz simply found a way to make everyone notice the one FIFA tried to cover.

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Eloy Room turned Curacao’s first World Cup point into a goalkeeping record that had stood untouched across nearly six decades of tracked tournament data.

The 37-year-old did not just keep Ecuador out. He dragged Curaçao through wave after wave of pressure and made the draw feel like a victory.

For a nation still new to this stage, it was a survival act with historic weight.

Eloy Room World Cup saves record stuns Ecuador in Curaçao draw

An OptaJoe post confirmed Room made 15 saves against Ecuador, the most on record since 1966 by any goalkeeper in a World Cup match that did not feature extra time.

The match finished Ecuador 0-0 Curacao in Kansas City, giving Curaçao their first-ever World Cup point. Ecuador dominated possession, territory and chances, but Room kept finding a way across his line.

His saves came against repeated pressure from Ecuador’s attackers, including efforts involving Enner Valencia, Gonzalo Plata and John Yeboah. Curacao defended deep, absorbed long spells without the ball and relied heavily on Room’s positioning and reactions.

The record-setting night was not just about volume. Ecuador put 15 shots on target and Room stopped all 15, turning a statistical mismatch into a clean sheet.

Eloy Room passes 90-minute mark but Tim Howard remains above overall

The important distinction is extra time. Tim Howard’s iconic 16-save performance for the United States against Belgium in 2014 remains the widely cited overall single-game World Cup benchmark, but that match lasted 120 minutes.

Howard set that mark in a 2-1 round-of-16 defeat, holding Belgium scoreless through 90 minutes before Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku struck in extra time.

Room now sits above every goalkeeper for a non-extra-time World Cup match. Howard is still just above him on the broader list with 16, while Guillermo Ochoa’s 2014 display for Mexico against Brazil remains another modern high-save reference point below that elite tier.

The draw also changed Curaçao’s tournament mood after their heavy opening defeat to Germany. Instead of another painful night, Room gave them belief and a place in World Cup record books.

Some clean sheets are routine. This one was a goalkeeper building a wall for 90 minutes.

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The United States of America are hosting the majority of games at the 2026 World Cup.

The USMNT have enjoyed a prolific start to the tournament as one of the hosts, securing two wins from their first two games to guarantee themselves a place in the Round of 32.

While America are flying on the pitch, English pundit Alan Shearer has questioned the lack of atmosphere as well as not many USA fans being around for their country’s games.

Alan Shearer questions why there were ‘hardly any USA fans around’ for their game

When speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, which is streaming on Netflix throughout the tournament, Shearer said he thought it was ‘strange’ there was not really much of an atmosphere, and he saw more fans from other nations during a day when the US were playing.

He stated: “Yeah, it’s really strange here in Houston.

“During the game here today with USA, I was expecting a great atmosphere but it was really flat, all I can see is Dutch shirts and Sweden shirts, there were hardly any USA fans around.”

Football, or soccer as it is mainly known in America, is not one of the leading sports in the country, with focus instead put on the NFL, NBA and more.

That may go some way to explaining why the people from the USA are not creating atmospheres like other countries’ fans.

Scottish supporters loved their time in Boston earlier this week, while there are countless social media posts showing other nations enjoying themselves at the World Cup.

Argentina fans took over Arrowhead Stadium after Lionel Messi’s hat-trick against Algeria.

Elsewhere, we have seen England fans celebrating their first win of the summer using a Donald Trump banner.

But perhaps the USA fans may come alive once they are playing knockout football and there is more on the line.

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The USMNT have turned a strong Group D start into a knockout path that suddenly makes a World Cup semifinal feel realistic.

Nothing is locked in beyond first place in the group.

Still, the first look at the bracket is exactly why beating Australia mattered so much.

USMNT’s potential World Cup path opens after Group D win

The current snapshot has the USA lined up with a route that would avoid many of the tournament’s biggest names until the final four.

As things stand, the USA’s path to the semifinal is Bosnia in the Round of 32, then New Zealand or Czechia in the Round of 16, before a quarterfinal against Congo DR, Ghana, Austria or Uruguay.

That is the reward for beating Australia 2-0 in Seattle and watching Paraguay’s win over Turkey confirm the Americans as Group D winners with a game to spare.

It also places them, for now, away from Germany, Brazil, the Netherlands, Norway, Morocco, and several other heavy hitters sitting elsewhere in the bracket picture.

The caution is obvious. Groups E through L still have to play their second games, and every team in the tournament still has one final group match left after that.

That means the standings can move quickly. A goal difference swing, a surprise third-place qualifier, or a favorite slipping to second could change the route before the Round of 32 field locks.

USMNT’s potential World Cup path makes a medal game believable

The door is open enough to take seriously.

The USA has not reached a World Cup semifinal since 1930, so any talk of a medal game should come with perspective. This still requires three knockout wins, pressure handling, and probably one opponent with more tournament pedigree.

But the setup is far friendlier than a path through Brazil, Germany, or the Netherlands before the semifinals. Bosnia would be a manageable opening assignment, and New Zealand or Czechia would give the USA a real chance to dictate the tempo in the next round.

The quarterfinal is where the run would become real. Uruguay would be the most dangerous name from that projected pool, while Ghana, Austria, or Congo DR would still bring enough pace and physicality to punish any sloppy night.

Home soil matters here. The USA has already beaten Paraguay and Australia, controlled long spells without Christian Pulisic against the Socceroos, and generated the kind of stadium energy that can tilt knockout moments. They’re also guaranteed to play all knockout games until the semis in the West Coast (San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles), which is perfect given where their training base is.

The bracket can still move before it hardens. For the first time in this tournament, though, a USMNT semifinal run sounds like more than patriotic hope.

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Freddy, the German fan who has become a viral World Cup sensation, received a last-minute lifeline after a canceled flight threatened to make him miss Germany’s clash in Canada.

Freddy has quickly become one of the most followed fan stories of the tournament, turning his trip into a travel diary across North America.

But when his connecting flight in Dallas was canceled, that feel-good journey suddenly became a race against the clock.

Freddy Germany fan gets Airshare rescue before Canada trip

In an Airshare post, the private aviation company replied to Freddy’s travel crisis before Germany’s World Cup match in Canada.

Airshare wrote: “Missing the Germany match is not an option. We’ll get you to Canada! Check your DMs.”

That came after Freddy posted the problem that had put his trip in danger. He said: “Our connecting flight from Dallas to Canada has been canceled due to weather. They rebooked us on a flight tomorrow evening. We‘re gonna miss the Germany match💔”

Freddy, who posts as @FreddyLA7, has gone viral during the World Cup by sharing his journey across the United States and Canada while following Germany.

His posts about American food stops, road-trip culture and wide-eyed travel reactions have made him a fan favorite far beyond German soccer circles.

Germany vs Ivory Coast gives Freddy trip real World Cup stakes

The match he was trying to reach was Germany vs Ivory Coast at BMO Field in Toronto.

Germany went into that game top of Group E after a 7-1 opening win over Curaçao. Ivory Coast had also won their first match, making the Toronto clash a genuine fight for control of the group.

That is why missing the game would have hurt. Freddy was not just trying to catch any match, he was chasing a fixture that could push Germany closer to the knockout stage.

The offer alone became part of his World Cup story. What could have been a trip-ending setback turned into another viral moment.

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Thousands of England fans travelled across the pond to Texas this week to watch their team in action against Croatia.

The Three Lions’ World Cup group-stage campaign began with a meeting against the Kockasti at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

England won the tie 4-2 after a shaky first half, and spirits are high among the fanbase, who have been speaking about their time in the USA so far, with one supporter revealing he has been left surprised by how much you sweat in Texas.

England fan surprised by how much he’s sweated in Texas

TheBlaze recently conducted a number of interviews on the street with European fans to get their verdict on the US.

The majority of the fans interviewed were from England, with one sharing: “We’ve given everything to be here. House mortgage, car payments, and we’re here.”

Another was asked: “Is there anything about Texas in particular that’s surprised you?”

To which he simply replied: “How much you sweat.”

A third England fan who made the trip to North America said: “The US is fantastic,” while the women in the US also earned a compliment from one travelling fan.

Meanwhile, the food in America has been praised by another supporter already this week, who was quick to mention just how good the beef he had tried in the BBQ was.

But England’s time in Texas is coming to an end, and they will now make the journey over to Boston to watch Thomas Tuchel’s team in action against Ghana on Tuesday.

Following that tie, they will go head-to-head with Panama at the New York New Jersey Stadium on June 27.

England are expected to advance past the group stage and qualify for the Round of 32, so they will be playing at the Atlanta Stadium in the knockout phase as long as they are able to top Group L.

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Ismael Saibari put Morocco ahead against Scotland inside 71 seconds and matched a World Cup record held by Mohamed Salah.

The early goal set the tone for a game that quickly became difficult for Scotland, giving Morocco control of the Group C contest.

It also put Saibari into rare company among African players at the World Cup, despite it being only his second appearance on the biggest stage.

Ismael Saibari equals Mohamed Salah World Cup record for Morocco

According to OptaJoe, Saibari became only the second African player to score in each of his first two World Cup appearances, after Mohamed Salah.

Salah scored against Russia and Saudi Arabia at the 2018 World Cup. Saibari has now joined him after scoring against Brazil and Scotland.

The lack of other names on that list makes the achievement sharper. Opta placed Saibari directly beside Salah, with no other African player above or between them.

His goal in Foxborough was a clean, ruthless finish. Brahim Diaz lifted a pass over the Scottish back line, Saibari timed his run and fired past Angus Gunn.

It was also the fastest goal of the 2026 World Cup at that stage. More importantly for Morocco, it changed the game before Scotland had settled.

Scotland vs Morocco result puts Group C pressure on Steve Clarke

Morocco won 1-0 at Foxborough, with Saibari’s early strike proving enough to separate the sides.

The midfielder played 84 minutes and contributed more than the goal. Operating in an advanced role, he pressed high, linked play well and helped protect Morocco’s lead before being substituted late.

Scotland saw more of the ball after halftime and had penalty appeals, but they struggled to create clear chances. Morocco were stronger in duels and managed the game well.

The result moved Morocco to four points from two games, following their opening draw with Brazil. Scotland stayed on three points after their win over Haiti.

That sets up a tense final round of group fixtures. Morocco face Haiti with a place in the knockouts within reach, while Scotland must take something from Brazil to stay in control.

Saibari’s record will draw the headlines, but the impact of his early goal could matter even more in shaping Group C.

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Former England star Danny Murphy has highlighted the differences between the USMNT fans in Seattle and Los Angeles.

The USA played their opening World Cup match against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles last week.

Mauricio Pochettino’s team then faced Australia in their second group-stage game, winning 2-0 at Seattle’s Lumen Field.

Murphy has explained why the supporters in Seattle were much more impressive than those in Los Angeles.

Danny Murphy spots key difference between USMNT fans in Seattle and Los Angeles

Everyone knows that football is not as popular in the United States as several other sports, such as basketball.

As a result, many fans were concerned that the atmosphere at the USMNT may not give them a significant home advantage.

This was not an issue in Los Angeles, as the USA beat Paraguay 4-1, but Murphy was not overly impressed by the crowd.

However, the noise inside Lumen Field for the Australia game on Friday was deafening from start to finish.

Murphy claimed there was more “excitement” in the stadium because the USA fans now have more “belief.”

“This is a step up from the opening game that we did in LA,” Murphy said on the BBC. “There’s more excitement. There’s more energy. There’s a belief that they can go far. They’re just so excited.

“It’s a far cry from what I anticipated. And the team deserve credit because they’re the ones who have created it in many ways with their performance on the pitch.

“Yes, you can question the opposition, but they’ve been brave. They’ve been on the front foot. They’ve been creative. They’ve made things happen. They’ve scored goals. Now they’ve set themselves a high bar.”

Who could blame the USA for dreaming about going all the way after two superb performances so far?

Their final group match against Turkey should be a good barometer of where they are at ahead of the knockout rounds.

But whatever happens in that game, Pochettino’s side will be optimistic that a quarter-final push is on the cards.

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Alan Cawley criticized Canada head coach Jesse Marsch for his post-match reaction following their 6-0 World Cup win over Qatar in Vancouver.

Cawley’s issue was not with the celebration itself, but the tone, given Qatar finished the match with just nine men.

While he acknowledged the result was historic for Canada, Cawley felt more restraint would have been appropriate.

Alan Cawley unimpressed by Jesse Marsch reaction after Canada win

Speaking in a TSN clip, former Irish soccer player Alan Cawley questioned the way Marsch handled Canada’s win over Qatar.

Canada had just claimed their first men’s World Cup victory, with Jonathan David scoring a hat trick in a dominant performance. Cawley, though, felt the reaction was over the top.

“Have a bit of class and decorum of what you’ve just beaten. And in terms of, it’s only the second group game of the tournament. So just put a lid on it. Cool the jets a little bit.”

Cawley also drew a comparison to Marsch’s time at Leeds United, suggesting this was not a new pattern of behavior.

“He’s doing a rallying call every press conference. He does. It was the same at Leeds. It was the same everywhere. That’s the way he carries on, but it’s nonsense. It’s absolute nonsense.”

To some, Marsch’s public calls for belief and unity can help shape identity. In this case, Cawley saw it as excessive given the circumstances.

He did give credit to Marsch for the result, but did not hold back on his wider point. “Even if you listen to some of the stuff that’s coming out of his mouth, it’s ridiculous. So in fairness, as I said, I’m praising him on one hand, but just have a bit of class.”

Jesse Marsch Canada closing in on World Cup knockout stage

Despite the criticism, there is no denying the progress Canada have made under Marsch.

The win put them top of Group B on goal difference, with four points from two matches and seven goals scored. Only Switzerland remain in the group stage.

Marsch has brought energy and aggression to Canada’s approach, and that identity was clear in the way they dismantled Qatar, even if the opposition was weakened.

Cawley’s comments reflect a divide in how Marsch is viewed. For some, his passion drives the team forward. For others, it can feel performative.

The next match could shift the conversation. Another win would back Marsch’s methods. A slip-up might give critics like Cawley more to talk about.

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NFL great Marshawn Lynch added another surprising entry to his growing photography portfolio on Friday, serving as a credentialed photographer at the USMNT’s World Cup group stage match against Australia at Lumen Field.

Back in familiar territory, the former Seattle Seahawks star was spotted before kick-off wearing a green photographer’s bib and holding a camera on the sidelines, a far cry from his usual role as the centre of attention on the pitch.

Lynch photographed the United States claimed a 2-0 win over Australia in Group D, a result that secured their spot in the Round of 32 on home soil. Australia’s Cameron Burgess gifted the host nation the opening goal when he poked the ball into his own net in the 11th minute.

The US doubled their lead through Alex Freeman just before half-time.

The US secured back-to-back wins at a World Cup tournament for the first time since 1930, and will be confirmed as group winners if Turkey fail to beat Paraguay.

This is not the first time Lynch has been behind the camera for a big sporting occasion. He’s already worked as a credentialed photographer at a Seahawks game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Seattle’s Super Bowl 60 win, the Canelo-Crawford fight, and the Daytona 500.

He’s not the only big name in sport to step behind the lens recently. Simone Biles was seen photographing a Chicago Bears game in December, while Caitlin Clark held credentials for an Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers in March.

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American sports attention has been split recently. The NBA Finals and UFC Freedom 250 both competed with the World Cup for a short spell, making soccer only one part of a crowded national conversation.

That situation is changing. The USMNT have played well, already secured a knockout-stage place and given casual soccer fans a clear reason to stay involved as the tournament grows.

That momentum now aligns with a new move in New York City, as Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced a Telemundo partnership designed to bring World Cup matches directly to public sidewalks.

Zohran Mamdani announces free World Cup screenings on LinkNYC kiosks

Mamdani announced that five World Cup matches will be shown on 200 LinkNYC kiosks across New York City, with Spanish-language coverage from Telemundo.

The plan includes four Friday matches and the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium. The first listed game was this Friday’s United States vs Australia.

Mamdani framed the idea as a way to make the tournament feel accessible beyond stadiums.

He claimed New York is a city of sidewalks as much as stadiums, and that fans should not need a ticket to MetLife to feel connected to the world’s game.

Mamdani’s World Cup project continues his close sports bond

The announcement also fits Mamdani’s increasingly visible connection to sport.

This week, he was deeply involved in the New York Knicks’ NBA championship parade, underlining how closely he has tied himself to the city’s sporting moments.

He was also spotted several times at Madison Square Garden during the Knicks’ title campaign.

Now the World Cup gives him another platform. With the USMNT winning and New York hosting the final, the LinkNYC project seems to arrive at the right moment.

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Folarin Balogun is developing into the next superstar of American soccer at the 2026 World Cup.

Balogun scored twice in the USMNT’s 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their first game of the tournament last week.

The striker has now delivered again in their second match against Australia, in the absence of Christian Pulisic.

Pulisic has been the USA’s biggest star for almost a decade, but he missed the Australia game with a calf injury.

Thankfully for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, Balogun created a goal with his best impression of the AC Milan winger.

What Christian Pulisic said about Folarin Balogun

Balogun made an excellent run into the box from the left wing in the 11th minute—Pulisic’s trademark move.

He attempted to pass the ball to Ricardo Pepi, but Australia defender Cameron Burgess kicked the ball into his own net.

It may not have been as satisfying as a goal, but Balogun can be proud of another great performance for the USA.

The former Arsenal striker is even rivalling Pulisic as the USMNT’s best player under Pochettino.

However, there is no rivalry between the two USA stars; instead, Pulisic has been complimentary about Balogun.

“The kid’s insane,” Pulisic said, via USA Today. “Yeah, he’s lethal right now in front of goal. We’re really lucky to have him and [hope he] keeps going like this.”

USA supporters will be incredibly optimistic about the Turkey game, as they should have both Balogun and Pulisic up front.

They can even start dreaming of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time since 2002.

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The USMNT has made a bright start to their World Cup campaign under Mauricio Pochettino. A 4-1 win over Paraguay changed the mood around the team, and the early signs against Australia only added to that optimism.

Previous doubts about Pochettino’s work have faded quickly. The United States look sharper, braver and more coherent than many expected before the tournament began.

There is no denying, though, that their opponents have given them some help, and that became part of history just 11 minutes into the Australia match.

USMNT becomes first World Cup team to benefit from back-to-back own goals

The United States became the first team ever to benefit from an own goal in two consecutive FIFA World Cup matches, according to Opta.

Both own goals also opened the scoring. Against Paraguay, Damián Bobadilla turned the ball into his own net in the seventh minute, setting the tone for a 4-1 USMNT win.

Against Australia, Cameron Burgess did the same after 11 minutes, giving Pochettino’s side another early lead.

There was even a similarity in how the goals arrived. Both plays were generated from the left side of the American attack, where the USMNT has looked dangerous across the opening stretch of the tournament.

Still, the record should not be used to dismiss the performances. Own goals can be fortunate, but they usually come from pressure, movement and defenders being forced into difficult situations.

That is what the United States have done well. They have played with tempo, attacked with conviction and made opponents uncomfortable.

The own goals have eased pressure, but they have not created a false picture. Pochettino’s team have started this World Cup campaign with genuine authority. That is a fact.

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Flags have become another unlikely controversy at a World Cup already marked by criticism over ticket prices, food costs and hydration breaks. FIFA’s rules around supporter displays are now drawing extra attention.

There had already been debate around the pre-revolutionary Iran flag, with FIFA’s ban upheld after a late hearing in Los Angeles. Now the talking point has shifted to a customised England flag linked to Barrow AFC.

England beat Croatia 4-2 last Wednesday, but one group of supporters could not show their flag during the game. The reason, according to a BBC report, was the submarine included in the design.

England supporters told Barrow AFC flag could not be displayed

Barrow fans had added the club badge and a submarine silhouette to a St George’s flag.

The image was chosen for a reason. Barrow-in-Furness has a long history of shipbuilding and submarines, and the vessel is closely tied to the town’s identity.

But FIFA rejected the application related to the flag because images of military or weaponry are not allowed under its policy.

The entity later told the group the flag could be approved if the submarine imagery was covered and the application resubmitted.

The episode became the subject of jokes on Barrow’s official X account, as the club posted their badge with the submarine symbol censored and stated: “In order to make sure our supporter John Little can represent the Bluebirds over in Boston properly, we’d like to unveil our new *temporary club badge for the duration of the World Cup…”

“FIFA, let us know if the Arrow has to go too,” the England team message concluded.

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The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico will see a historic milestone in FIFA’s history reached.

The tournament is now in full swing, and the group-stage matches are coming thick and fast.

On June 20, Japan and Tunisia are set to face off in a Group F clash, and that game will be the 1,000th World Cup tie in FIFA’s history.

Referee gifted a special shirt to mark 1,000th FIFA game

FIFA have appointed Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs to take charge of the 1,000th match.

Ahead of the tie, the organisation have presented the official with a special Adidas match shirt that features gold sleeve stripes and a ‘Match 1000’ patch to mark the historic moment.

FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer and Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee Pierluigi Collina has also commented on the milestone.

In a statement on the organisation’s website, he said: “We selected the referee that we think is the best referee for this match. And of course, by coincidence, he is also appointed for the 1,000th match.

“So, for him, it is something extra, something special on top. Refereeing a FIFA World Cup match is always a huge privilege, it’s a great honour.

“Certainly, becoming part of the history of football – part of the history of the FIFA World Cup, being appointed to and being on the field of play to officiate the match number 1,000 is definitely something extra.

“We decided to create a special match kit to celebrate this match and it’s a nice one with some golden details; stripes and a patch with the trophy and the number 1,000 on it.”

FIFA’s first World Cup took place all the way back in 1930 and saw Uruguay emerge as the winners.

During that tournament, the first two matches were played at the same time. One saw France beat Mexico 4-1 and the other saw the USA beat Belgium 3-0.

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With the 2026 World Cup taking place in North America, the debate around whether the sport should be called football or soccer is raging once more.

The modern version of football was popularised in Europe, and on that continent, it is called by its original name.

Only some nations refer to the sport as soccer, one of which is the United States. Now, former USMNT player Alexi Lalas has explained he will never change his mind and call it football.

Alexi Lalas will not call football soccer

The ex-player, who made 96 appearances for the USA in the 90s, responded to a tweet from a fan talking about why he still calls it soccer.

The fan stated: “Alexi we need to talk about you continuing to call the sport ‘soccer’ cmon man.. you could bridge the gap. Even the US players call it ‘football’ in overseas interviews out of respect.”

However, Lalas was unmoved by the comment and said it is ‘cringe’ to start saying football if you previously grew up referring to the sport as soccer.

He stated: “Yeah… that’s not gonna happen. I call it soccer. I own it proudly. I never apologize for it.

“If you grew up calling it soccer and changed out of insecurity or some misguided belief it makes you more authentic/credible… it doesn’t. It’s cringe. It makes you look like a weak poser.”

In the US, football is, of course, used to refer to American football and the NFL, which is a different sport altogether.

There would perhaps be some confusion if everyone in the country started to call both sports football. But that does seem unlikely to happen anytime soon.

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s role in Portugal’s World Cup squad is facing renewed scrutiny following another debate over whether he is being carried through matches.

The latest criticism came after Portugal’s 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their 2026 World Cup opener, a match where Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes but struggled to make any real impact in attack.

Now 41, Ronaldo remains one of the game’s biggest names. But questions are growing over whether his presence is helping Portugal, or forcing one of the tournament’s most talented squads to adapt around him.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s role questioned after World Cup draw

Speaking on goodbadfootball’s podcast, former Manchester United player Paul Scholes said: “Yeah, for a 40, 41 year old to be playing centre forward, I just don’t get it.”

The criticism continued: “I think you might get away with it at the centre half, you might do in a team that keeps the ball, but as a centre forward of the 40, I think it’s a little bit selfish that he’s actually.”

Nicky Butt summed up why the conversation around Ronaldo is so complicated: “You know what he’s like.”

The point was not that Ronaldo lacks greatness. It was that his competitive drive, which made him a legend, can also make it harder for Portugal to move on tactically.

Portugal performance makes Ronaldo question harder to avoid

Against DR Congo in Houston, Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes, failed to score and did not register a shot on target. Portugal led early through Joao Neves, but Yoane Wissa equalized before halftime and the game ended 1-1.

Roberto Martinez defended keeping Ronaldo on, saying there was no sense in taking out the best goal scorer in world football when Portugal needed a goal.

That is exactly why this is such a big story. Ronaldo now plays club soccer for Al-Nassr and can still finish chances, but Portugal also have Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao and Goncalo Ramos in a squad built for speed and movement.

The ex-United debate therefore cuts beyond one poor match. It asks whether Ronaldo’s final World Cup chapter is still about Portugal’s best XI, or about making room for a legend who refuses to step back.

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Bruno Fernandes’ latest Instagram post has become a pressure point for Cristiano Ronaldo fans after Portugal’s frustrating start to the World Cup.

Portugal opened with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo, and Ronaldo’s quiet night quickly shifted attention toward the service around him.

Fernandes, one of Portugal’s main creators, then found his comments filled with supporters urging him to do more for the 41-year-old forward. One long message, in particular, started spreading quickly.

Cristiano Ronaldo fan sends emotional message to Bruno Fernandes

The viral reaction was highlighted by The Touchline on X, which noted that Bruno’s post had received more than 20,000 comments from Portugal fans.

The comment asked Fernandes and Portugal’s players to remember Ronaldo’s history with the national team, beginning with his tears as a 19-year-old after the Euro 2004 final defeat and later after Portugal’s 2006 World Cup semifinal loss to France.

The fan wrote, “Before you step onto that pitch remember who opened the door for all of you,” before calling Ronaldo the player who “made an entire generation dream.”

The message then turned into a direct plea to the current Portugal squad, telling them to “fight for him,” “create chances for him” and “pass him the ball.” It ended by arguing that Ronaldo had carried Portugal for more than 20 years, and that this time his teammates must carry the fight for him.

Bruno Fernandes’ pressure rises after Portugal draw

The timing of the comment explains why it travelled so quickly, because Portugal’s opening draw left fans frustrated with how little Ronaldo received in the areas where he can still decide matches.

Portugal led early through Joao Neves against DR Congo, but Roberto Martinez’s side could not turn possession into control. Yoane Wissa equalized, and Ronaldo finished the match without a goal on a night that brought fresh scrutiny of Portugal’s attack.

Fernandes is central to that discussion because he is expected to link Portugal’s midfield with Ronaldo. When the service looks slow, forced or disconnected, the criticism naturally falls on the player most associated with final passes and chance creation.

The emotional tone of the viral comment also reflects Ronaldo’s larger World Cup situation. At 41, he is likely playing on the tournament’s biggest stage for the final time, and the one major trophy missing from his international career remains the World Cup.

That does not mean Portugal’s attack should become one-dimensional. But the reaction under Fernandes’ post shows how many Ronaldo fans believe the team owes him one final push, and they are making that demand directly to the player they see as best placed to provide it.

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Argentina’s World Cup defense has already produced a Lionel Messi hat-trick, but the champions’ early control has shown up in the data as well as the scoreline.

Lionel Scaloni’s side opened with a 3-0 win over Algeria, giving Argentina the kind of calm start every title holder wants.

Messi took the headlines with all three goals, yet Argentina’s passing under pressure may say just as much about why they remain so difficult to unsettle. The first round of fixtures left Argentina top of one telling World Cup category.

Argentina lead World Cup in passing under pressure

OptaJoe highlighted the stat on X, showing how cleanly Argentina have moved the ball even when opponents have tried to close them down.

“Argentina have completed 89 percent of their passes under high-intensity pressure at this FIFA World Cup, the highest accuracy of any team,” OptaJoe revealed on X.

The number points to the same composure that has defined Argentina under Scaloni. They are not just keeping possession when the game slows down; they are still finding teammates when the pressure comes quickly.

That matters for a team built around Messi’s moments but protected by structure behind him. Argentina can absorb pressure, play through crowded spaces and still move the ball into areas where Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and the rest of the attack can take over.

Lionel Messi’s hat-trick showed Argentina’s World Cup threat

Argentina’s opening win over Algeria gave the defending champions three points, a clean sheet and another reminder that Messi is still shaping World Cup games at 39.

Messi scored in the 17th, 60th and 76th minutes of the 3-0 win, taking his career World Cup total to 16 goals. The hat-trick placed him level with Miroslav Klose at the top of the men’s all-time World Cup scoring list.

The performance also underlined how Argentina can win in more than one way. Messi’s finishing gave them the margin, but the team’s control under pressure helped keep Algeria from turning the game into something chaotic.

That blend is why Argentina still look like a serious threat in 2026. They have the star power to decide games and the passing security to stop opponents from dragging them away from their rhythm.

One match does not define a title defense, but Argentina’s first showing was exactly the kind of start that makes the rest of the field take notice. The champions looked calm, clinical, and difficult to disrupt.

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