Alireza Beiranvand made seven saves while Iran and Belgium played to a 0-0 draw at the World Cup on Sunday, with Team Melli unable to break through after the Red Devils went down to 10 men in the second half.
Belgium defender Nathan Ngoy received a straight red card in the 66th minute when he miskicked a ball backward and then fouled Mehdi Taremi to prevent the Iran star from getting a clean breakaway scoring chance.
Iran couldn’t capitalize, and Belgium actually generated better scoring chances down the stretch — but both teams left with their second straight draw in group play.
Neither team will feel good about the result at SoFi Stadium.
During a tumultuous World Cup trip affected by travel restrictions and visa denials from the U.S., Iran will regret missing a golden opportunity to beat a European powerhouse sitting 10th in FIFA's world rankings while playing before a loud, supportive crowd in the Los Angeles area.
Iran's Alireza Beiranvand in action with Belgium's Maxim De Cuyper, Iran's Ali Nemati and Belgium's Hans Vanaken (Reuters)
Meanwhile, star-studded Belgium has yet to score in two matches at the World Cup, getting on the scoreboard only through an own goal in its opening draw with Egypt.
Belgium dominated possession in the first 60 minutes, but Iran had a handful of strong chances stopped by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who matched Beiranvand's excellence.
(Getty)
Maxim De Cuyper was denied twice in the second half by Beiranvand, including a golden opportunity in the 86th minute.
Belgium dominated possession from the start, but repeatedly failed to get behind Iran's defensive shell. Team Melli had the best scoring chances early, including a beautiful set piece for a goal by Taremi — who was ruled offside by video review.
Standout Belgian winger Jérémy Doku missed the match with an illness.
Part of the beauty of this World Cup 2026 has been the stardom experienced by previously unknown players now starring on a new stage for the genuine underdogs.
None other than Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha demonstrates this, with his heroics frustrating Spain in a 0-0 draw, leading to the 40-year-old’s Instagram following to sky rocket.
Vozinha gasped and laughed, in shock as his 50,000 followers ballooned to more than 1 million, and then 24 hours after the game, his total touched 10 million. To add perspective, that is more than NBA superstar and France international Victor Wembanyama (6.2 million) and NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes (6.4 million).
“Crazy, that's crazy,” Vozinha told Brazilian YouTube channel CazéTV after the match, which catapulted him to becoming one of the biggest new names of the World Cup so far.
Vozinha was tearful, though, not only due to the history created on the pitch with Cape Verde, but the absence of his mother in the stadium, with issues over her visa. CazéTV, the only channel in Brazil with the rights to all 104 World Cup games, has taken credit for his rise in popularity. CazéTV, anchored by the popular Brazilian streamer Casimiro Miguel, used its 31 million subscribers on YouTube, and even asked those watching at home to show some love to Vozinha and his modest, at the time, following on social media.
Spain, one of the World Cup favorites, was widely expected to cruise past the tournament debutants. But La Roja could not find a way past Vozinha and a stubborn defense that had an answer to everything Spain’s superstars threw at them.
“Normally we ask for subscribers,” Cazé said. “We are not going to ask for subscribers today, we are going to ask for followers. For Vozinha. He is stopping Spain. He is shocking the world. He is the standout player of the first half. Why not show him some love?”
His followers increased by a few hundred thousand shortly after that, and kept growing and growing throughout the day. Vozinha, who only began playing professionally at 25, is one of the few players 40 or older in the tournament. He made several crucial saves against Spain's powerful attack and was named the man of the match.
The result sparked celebrations in Cape Verde, the group of islands off Africa’s west coast that is home to about half a million people. Cape Verde is the third-smallest nation by population to ever qualify for the World Cup.
Cape Verde's Vozinha and Marcio Rosa during the warm up vs Uruguay (Reuters)
In Washington, the U.S. State Department said it had no record of her ever applying for a visa, but that it was working on resolving the situation with Cape Verde authorities. The department said it had notified all players from World Cup countries affected by the $15,000 visa bond requirement that they and their families would be exempt from posting the bond.
Vozinha starred for Cape Verde against Spain (Reuters)
“All relatives of players are eligible for visa bond waivers, and the department is actively reaching out to this player’s family to assist with visa services,” the department said.
A person familiar with the situation said that the State Department believes that Vozinha's mother did not apply for a visa because she did not hold a valid Cape Verde passport, but that she is now in the process of getting one.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential visa deliberations. A request for comment was sent to the team Tuesday afternoon. The team's next match is Sunday.
FCape Verde's Vozinha on the pitch before the match vs Uruguay (Reuters)
A similar case to Vozinha's virality happened last month, with New Zealand defender Tim Payne, after an Argentine influencer called on his followers to make the little-known player a “hero” of the World Cup.
El Scarso, a soccer influencer also known as Valen Scarsini, identified the 32-year-old Payne as the least-known player at the World Cup based on his small social media following.
Payne had around 4,700 followers on Instagram before being singled out by El Scarso. That number quickly rose to more than a million. He had nearly 6 million followers on Tuesday.
FIFA has made a push to engage a new generation of fans by giving younger audiences more options to access soccer’s showcase event. For the 2026 World Cup, it reached what it described as a record number of deals with broadcast partners carrying digital-only platforms, and partnered with TikTok and YouTube to allow users to see parts of matches live.
Ana Candida Evora, mother of Cape Verde's Vozinha arrives in the U.S. (Reuters)
Brazil historically has been one of the countries with the most engagement on social media and digital platforms. FIFA took notice and four years ago did a type of a test run with CazéTV after Cazé's success on Twitch. He broadcast 22 matches during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, leading to a bigger deal for this year's tournament.
“Thank you,” Vozinha told CazéTV. “The Brazilians have always supported us. We felt it during our campaign to qualify for the World Cup and now we are feeling it again at the biggest stage. We are thankful for it.”
Austria's German head coach Ralf Rangnick speaks to the media (Paul ELLIS)
Coach Ralf Rangnick warned his Austria team on Sunday that World Cup holders Argentina are "more than just Messi", saying: "They have no weaknesses."
Lionel Messi has 16 World Cup goals in total and needs one more to become the outright all-time top-scorer in the tournament's history when the two sides meet in Texas on Monday.
Asked at the pre-match press conference about Argentina's strengths and weaknesses, Rangnick replied: "Let's talk about the weaknesses -- there are none, nothing that we were able to observe."
The 67-year-old German, a former Manchester United coach, waxed lyrical about Argentina's "outstanding players", their pace, tactical flexibility and the depth of their squad.
"We need to be very strong tactically, but we also need to be very courageous, and we need to bring a lot of energy, we need to bring our A-game tomorrow," said the experienced Rangnick, who has been credited with reviving Austria's fortunes since taking over in 2022.
"We maybe need to show the best performance that my team has ever done under me."
The 38-year-old Messi scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria to launch Argentina's World Cup defence.
Austria also started with a win in North America, beating debutants Jordan 3-1.
The victories put both within reach of the knockout rounds, and with Messi on the cusp of another landmark, all eyes will be on the player widely regarded as the greatest of all time.
But Rangnick said it would be a mistake only to focus on Messi.
"In every single position they are outstanding," he said, adding: "I already said that Argentina is more than just Messi."
For all that praise, Rangnick said his unfancied team can pull off a shock under the roof of the Dallas Cowboys' stadium.
"Tomorrow we will play against all odds," he said.
"And against all odds, that means that we might cause some surprise tomorrow.
"It might be a draw, or even a victory for us. Everything is possible.
"We have grit and courage, and we can decide the match in our favour."
Georgios Donis' Saudi Arabia were beaten 4-0 by Spain (Florencia Tan Jun)
Saudi Arabia coach Georgios Donis said he remains "proud" of his players as he called for realism in the wake of a 4-0 World Cup thrashing by Spain on Sunday.
The Arabian Falcons were 3-0 down inside 24 minutes in Atlanta as Lamine Yamal led a La Roja rout on his first World Cup start.
Barcelona star Yamal opened the scoring before Mikel Oyarazbal's double put the outcome beyond doubt before the mid-half hydration break in the first half.
Hassan al-Tambakti's second-half own goal rubbed salt in Saudi wounds.
"I'm proud of everything the players do every day, I am not going to lose my pride in the players after a poor result," said Donis, who only took charge in April.
"I've seen games at the World Cup that have ended 5-1 and 6-0. We are here to take the criticism, but I also expect all those that criticise us to be realists as well."
The Saudis held Uruguay 1-1 in their opening game but there was little evidence that the billions splashed to raise the level of their domestic league on foreign stars has aided the national team.
They do have a chance to make amends against Cape Verde in their final group game, where victory will likely secure passage to the knockout stages for the first time since the 1994 World Cup.
And Donis rejected the suggestion his side had been scared of Spain.
"When a match isn't going your way and you've conceded three quick goals, insecurities start to creep in," he added.
"It's obvious we were affected. We're human, but I wouldn't call it fear."
Brazil's Lucas Paqueta speaking to reporters at the World Cup on Sunday (Mauro PIMENTEL)
Brazil must find a way to overcome the loss of injured star Raphinha as quickly as possible, midfielder Lucas Paqueta said Sunday, as Carlo Ancelotti's side prepare for their final group game of the World Cup against Scotland.
Barcelona forward Raphinha came off before half-time in Friday's 3-0 win over Haiti in Philadelphia with a right thigh injury, and the Brazil team later said he would undergo "intensive treatment" with the aim of being back in time for a possible game in the last 16 in early July.
The 29-year-old will therefore definitely miss Wednesday's last Group C match against Scotland in Miami, which could open the door to a return for superstar Neymar.
"We are all sad, especially Rafa, because of the little setback with this injury, but he can count on all of us for support. We are all by his side," Paqueta, of Flamengo, told reporters at Brazil's World Cup base in New Jersey.
"He is a dedicated kid, and I am sure he will do everything possible and impossible to be back as soon as possible. But in terms of how important he is, well, I don't think I need to say anything.
"He has had an incredible couple of seasons and has been getting better and better for the national team, so I think that when any player of that importance is missing you are going to have to restructure quickly."
Raphinha's season with Barcelona was regularly impacted by problems with his right hamstring, and he has missed a total of 24 matches for club and country since the campaign began.
A starter in both of the Selecao's games so far, he was replaced by the young Bournemouth forward Rayan when he came off late in the opening half against the Haitians.
"We all know his characteristics, his qualities, his pace, his ability to create space and his finishing ability, so I think we are losing a very important player," added ex-West Ham United player Paqueta.
"But we are not paying too much attention to how long he is going to be out. We just hope he is back as soon possible."
Ancelotti's side have four points from two games so far, and will clinch qualification for the last 32 in one of the top two places in the section if they avoid defeat against the Scots.
Neymar is being tipped to feature against Scotland after overcoming the injury which has stopped him from featuring at the tournament so far.
If Brazil's all-time top scorer does play, it will be his first appearance for his country since October 2023.
"He is a very important player for the national team, who has a marvellous history with us and can still help us a lot," Paqueta said of the 34-year-old former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward.
The expanded 2026World Cup sees a record 48 teams compete to lift the biggest prize in football, but while there are plenty of new faces and potential fairytales in North America this summer, one thing remains the same – the usual suspects are favourites once again.
While 2018 winners and 2022 runners-up France will bid to make a third World Cup final in a row this summer, it’s European champions Spain who head into the tournament as favourites, with Luis de la Fuente’s side hoping to build on the success of Germany two years ago.
La Roja surprised plenty of fans and pundits in a superb run to the final at Euro 2024, and their World Cup campaign should provide a similarly comfortable route through to the knockout rounds.
Two-time winners Uruguay will provide a fairly stern test for Spain early on and will be confident of qualifying in second as they look for another surprise run to the latter stages, while third place is up for grabs – on paper anyway – between 61st ranked Saudi Arabia and 69th ranked Cape Verde, who are one of the feel-good stories of the summer after qualifying for a first World Cup in their history.
27 June, 1am: Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia - NRG Stadium, Houston
Spain
Luis de la Fuente’s side begin the tournament as favourites after a hugely successful last few years that started with a victorious Euro 2024 campaign two summers ago. La Roja have been in fine form since beating England in Berlin, losing just once – in the 2025 Nations League final, on penalties to Portugal.
Spain have not come close to winning football’s biggest prize since their famed campaign of 2010, but there is a feeling at home that this squad is the best equipped to do so since the days of Iniesta, Xavi and co. After exiting the tournament at the round of 16 stage to Morocco in Qatar, a semi-final berth would be the minimum expectation this time round, but in private there might be questions asked if this side doesn’t go all the way.
Many of the same names from the 2024 squad will be present in North America this summer. De la Fuente has already made a bold move in selecting a squad devoid of any Real Madrid players, with both Dani Carvajal and Dean Huijsen left at home as La Roja go for a blend of experience and youthful verve. Lamine Yamal will once again be the focal point of the squad, supported by the likes of Rodri, Pedri and Mikel Oyarzabal, who scored the winner in Berlin two years ago.
There are some questions over defensive options and the fit of some of the attackers in the squad, but if de la Fuente can successfully adapt the game plan used in 2024, Spain may well end this summer with another star over the famous crest.
Lamine Yamal could miss some of Spain’s early matches due to a hamstring issue picked up in April (AFP/Getty)
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Joan Garcia (Barcelona).
Defenders: Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Marc Pubill (Atletico Madrid), Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen).
Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City), Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Pedri (Barcelona), Gavi (Barcelona), Fabian Ruiz (Paris St-Germain), Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid).
Forwards: Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Victor Munoz (Osasuna), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Borja Iglesias (Celta Vigo).
Star player - Lamine Yamal, Barcelona: It’s difficult to pick a star man in a team that will include the likes of Pedri and 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, but teenage sensation Lamine Yamal stands out this summer as Spain’s main man. The 18-year-old was the breakout star of the tournament as Spain won Euro 2024 and he has only improved since two summers ago. He comes into his first World Cup off the back of another title-winning season at Barcelona, having scored 16 goals and registered 12 assists in just 28 games in La Liga. Yamal is at risk of missing the first two group games for La Roja after picking up a hamstring injury late into the season, but expect him to hit the ground running one he returns as he looks to add the biggest trophy of all to an already impressive cabinet.
Breakout talent - Marc Pubill, Atletico Madrid: Such is the talent in the Spain squad that most of its members are already household names, though defender Marc Pubill could be the player who has the most to gain from his call-up this summer. The 22-year-old has already impressed at times for Atletico Madrid this season - with manager Diego Simeone saying he is “growing at an enormous rate” - and while he’s not been able to nail down a starting spot at the club, his versatility at the back means he could feature for La Roja this summer in what could be the first major steps of a successful international career.
La Celeste are famed as one of the World Cup’s biggest over-achievers, having won the competition in 1930 and 1950, and the 2026 crop of players will be hoping to emulate the likes of Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan as they look to advance to the latter rounds.
Manager Marcelo Bielsa is said to be stepping down after the tournament, with the former Leeds boss leading the side into a second major tournament after finishing a respectable third at the 2024 Copa America.
And while Bielsa’s squad doesn’t possess the same level of talent as the previous golden generation, that Copa run and the performance against England in March showed that they are capable of digging in and getting results against ‘better’ sides.
With plenty of defensive steel, a bit of midfield nous – including Rodrigo Bentancur and Giorgian de Arrascaeta – and potential match-winners in the form of players such as Valverde and Darwin Nunez, Uruguay could be among the dark horses this summer. Having failed to get out of the group in 2022, a place in the quarter-finals this time around would likely be seen as a successful campaign – and a repeat of 2010 would be seen as a small miracle.
Fede Valverde will be key to Uruguay's hopes as the South Americans look to punch above their weight once more (Getty)
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Sergio Rochet (Internacional), Fernando Muslera (Galatasaray), Santiago Mele (Junior FC)
Defenders: Guillermo Varela (Flamengo), Ronald Araujo (Barcelona), Jose Maria Gimenez (Atletico Madrid), Santiago Bueno (Wolves), Sebastian Caceres (Club America), Mathias Olivera (Napoli), Joaquin Piquerez (Palmeiras), Matias Vina (Flamengo)
Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte (Manchester United), Emiliano Martinez (Palmeiras), Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Agustin Canobbio (Fluminense), Juan Manuel Sanabria (Atletico San Luis), Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Flamengo), Nicolas de la Cruz (Flamengo), Rodrigo Zalazar (Braga), Facundo Pellistri (Panathinaikos), Maximiliano Araujo (Sporting), Brian Rodriguez (Club America)
Star player: Federico Valverde: Real Madrid captain Fede Valverde is Uruguay’s talisman, and he’ll lead the Celeste as they look to make another surprise run to the latter stages of the World Cup. Valverde is coming off the back of a disappointing season at club level but his undoubted talent and versatility mean he remains one of the most useful players in world football. He might want to improve his record of goal contributions – having scored just nine times this season at club level – but as shown with his goal against England and a hat-trick against Manchester City, the 27-year-old remains a man for the big occasion. With the help of Nunez and Gimenez, can Valverde spur his nation into another surprise performance?
Breakout talent: Maxi Araujo: The battle to be Uruguay’s breakout star this summer may well be between ‘rival’ wingers in Club America’s Brian Rodríguez and Sporting’s Maxi Araujo. The former scored 13 goals in 34 games for the Mexican club and has become known for his pace, but 26-year-old Araujo has been a key man for Sporting for a couple of seasons now. He’s hardly a nobody after winning a Primeira Liga title last season - and putting in a great performance in Sporting’s 4-1 win over Man City in the Champions League – but this could be the tournament where more fans begin to notice him.
Fifa ranking: 17.
Odds to win the World Cup: 100/1.
Saudi Arabia
2026 marks a seventh World Cup finals for Saudi Arabia, though the 2034 hosts have plenty to do if they want to equal their best-ever performance.
Saudi Arabia got to the round of 16 the last time the World Cup was held in the USA in 1994, though their previous six tournaments have all ended at the group stage. The fact that there will be some third-placed teams qualifying in this expanded tournament gives the side hope of making it out of Group H, though realistically a group-stage exit still feels the most likely outcome.
Nevertheless, this is a team that will benefit from the experience of qualifying for the last two World Cups, while new manager Herve Renard brings great international expertise having won Afcon with Zambia and the Ivory Coast previously.
A 1-0 loss to Jordan in the semi-finals of the Arab Cup at the end of last year demonstrated the limitations of this Saudi side though, and it remains to be seen if they can build on their previous tournament experience – in any case, a place in the round of 32 would be seen as a huge success.
Salem Al-Dawsari – who scored the famous winner in 2022 against Argentina – remains Saudi Arabia’s key man (PA Wire)
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Mohammed Al Owais (Al Ula) Nawaf Al Aqidi (Al Nassr), Ahmed Al Kassar (Al Qadsiah), Abdulqudus Attiah (Al Taawoun)
Defenders: Abdulelah Al Amri (Al Nassr), Hassan Tambakti (Al Hilal), Jehad Thikri (Al Qadsiah), Ali Lajami (Al Hilal), Hassan Kadesh (Al Ittihad), Saud Abdulhamid (RC Lens), Mohammed Abu Al Shamat (Al Qadsiah), Ali Majrashi (Al Ahli), Moteb Al Harbi (Al Hilal), Nawaf Boushal (Al Nassr), Zakaria Hawsawi (Al Ahli).
Midfielders: Mohammed Kanno (Al Hilal), Abdullah Al Khaibari (Al Nassr), Ziyad Al Johani (Al Ahli), Nasser Al Dawsari (Al Hilal), Musab Al Juwayr (Al Qadsiah), Alaa Al Hajji (NEOM SC), Salem Al Dawsari (Al Hilal), Khalid Al Ghannam (Al Ettifaq), Ayman Yahya (Al Nassr), Sultan Mandash (Al Hilal), Saleh Abu Al Shamat (Al Ahli).
Forwards: Feras Al Buraikan (Al Ahli), Abdullah Al Salem (Al Qadsiah), Saleh Al Shehri (Al Ittihad), Abdullah Al Hamdan (Al Nassr).
Star player: Salem Al-Dawsari: Midfielder Al-Dawsari had perhaps the best moment of his career so far when he scored the goal that beat Argentina in Qatar in 2022, and in 2026 the 34-year-old once again leads his team at a World Cup, hoping to go one better than last time in making it out of the group. He scored eight goals in just 26 games from left wing at club level this season, and he’ll need to replicate that sort of form if Herve Renard’s side are to make the round of 32.
Breakout talent - Saud Abdulhamid: Lens defender Abdulhamid – who is on loan at the club from Roma – is the only player in the squad who plays his club football outside of Saudi Arabia, and he was part of the squad that just won the French Cup to secure the first trophy in Lens’ history. It was also an immensely successful season in the league as they finished second in Ligue 1, just six points behind PSG. While Abdulhamid often featured for Lens at right wing-back, he has been used as a traditional right-back in defence at international level too. At 26 years old, this could be the stage where he takes the next step in his career ahead of potentially playing in the Champions League next season.
Fifa ranking: 61.
Odds to win the World Cup: 1000/1.
Cape Verde
2026 marks a first appearance at a World Cup for Cape Verde, with manager – and former player – Bubista leading his nation to the world’s biggest tournament with a qualifying campaign that produced seven wins from 10 games against the likes of Cameroon and Angola.
On the pitch they will be led by former Lille and Nottingham Forest forward Ryan Mendes, with a supporting cast including Omonoia’s Willy Semedo, Benfica’s Sidny Lopes Cabral and the qualification campaign’s top scorer in Dailon Livramento.
The minnows head into the tournament with nothing to prove but everything to gain, with their best previous tournament performances coming as they reached the quarter-finals of Afcon in 2013 and 2023.
The celebrations seen when Cape Verde secured qualification show that hopes are not exactly high for their performance in North America this summer, and that will not have changed when they were drawn in a group against Spain and Uruguay. However, with the expanded tournament leaving room for third-placed sides to qualify, there can always be dreams of making it to the round of 32 at the first time of asking.
Daylon Livramento was Cape Verde's top scorer in qualifying and will likely lead the line in North Amercia (Getty)
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Vozinha (Chaves), Marcio Rosa (Montana), CJ dos Santos (San Diego).
Defenders: Stopira (Torreense), Roberto Lopes (Shamrock Rovers), Joao Paulo (FCSB), Diney (Al Bataeh), Logan Costa (Villarreal), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Wagner Pina (Trabzonspor), Sidny Lopes Cabral (Benfica), Kelvin Pires (SJK).
Forwards: Ryan Mendes (Igdir), Garry Rodrigues (Apollon Limassol), Willy Semedo (Omonia), Jovane Cabral (Estrela Amadora), Gilson Tavares (Akron Tolyatti), Dailon Livramento (Casa Pia), Helio Varela (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Nuno da Costa (Istanbul Basaksehir).
Star player - Dailon Livramento: Veteran midfielder Ryan Mendes may be the anchor of the team but forward Dailon Livramento was the key man in qualification, scoring five times in a historic campaign. The 25-year-old failed to find the net for his new side Casa Pia since joining in September, though he found opportunities hard to come by. Conversely, he scored and assisted in the 4-2 loss to Chile in March, showing that he remains a focal point of the team at international level.
Breakout talent - Sidny Lopes Cabral: Versatile Benfica defender Sidny Lopes Cabral looks certain to be Cape Verde’s breakout star this summer, helped in part by his €6m move to Benfica in January. Jose Mourinho is said to have personally approved the signing of the 23-year-old, who impressed for Portuguese side Estrela Amadora in the first half of the season. Lopes Cabral can play at both full-back and on the wing, though he may be used as a more attacking option at times this summer – something he can do to great affect, as shown with a hat-trick against Casa Pia in November and a goal and assist against Chile in March.
Fifa ranking: 69.
Odds to win the World Cup: 2000/1.
Group H prediction
Spain should face little opposition in their bid to finish first in Group H, though their match against Uruguay should be an interesting one (and perhaps a good early yardstick for how the favourites are performing early on). La Celeste should have more than enough to qualify in second, while Saudi Arabia will hope to sneak into the last 32 via a third-placed finish. It looks like it will be difficult for Cape Verde to earn any points in their maiden World Cup journey, but – as Saudi Arabia proved against Argentina in 2022 – anything is possible with enough morale and belief.
Lamine Yamal scored Spain's first goal of the 2026 World Cup (Justin Setterfield)
Lamine Yamal's return sparked Spain's World Cup into life as the European champions ran riot to beat Saudi Arabia 4-0 in Atlanta.
Making his first start in two months after a hamstring injury, Yamal ended La Roja's long wait for a World Cup goal just 10 minutes in.
Mikel Oyarzabal then struck twice to put Luis de la Fuente's men 3-0 up inside 24 minutes.
De la Fuente's careful management of Yamal's minutes continued as the Barcelona superstar was replaced at half-time before Hassan al-Tambakti's own goal rounded off the scoring.
Victory propels Spain to the top of Group H ahead of Uruguay's meeting with Cape Verde later on Sunday.
Billed as one of the pre-tournament favourites, Spain got off to a slow start in a 0-0 draw against debutants Cape Verde.
A pedestrian performance despite dominating possession only highlighted the importance of Yamal to their quest to be world champions for a second time.
De la Fuente also warned his players had been "stung" by the criticism they faced following their opening result and they responded emphatically.
Yamal's return was one of four changes in total with Pedro Porro, Dani Olmo and Alex Baena also coming into the starting line-up.
After over 2,500 passes and 50 attempts at goal since their last World Cup goal, Spain finally found the net and fittingly Yamal made the breakthrough.
- Pressure rises on Saudis -
Oyarzabal found space in behind the Saudi defence and his low cross picked out the 18-year-old to slot in at the back post.
The Saudis held Uruguay 1-1 in their opening game but there was little evidence that the billions splashed to raise the level of their domestic league has aided the national team.
Coach Georgios Donis looked particularly irked that two of Spain's goals came from corners.
Oyarzabal pounced on Aymeric Laporte's flick on to give the 2010 winners the breathing space they craved.
Just three minutes later, the Real Sociedad forward volleyed home from Dani Olmo's header for his 14th international goal in his last 13 caps.
Oyarzabal was inches away from a first half hat-trick when his audacious effort with the outside of his foot from a narrow angle came back off the crossbar.
But with the job done by half-time, De la Fuente could afford the luxury of replacing Yamal and Oyarzabal at the break.
The changes did not disrupt the waves of Spanish attack towards the Saudi goal, but the fourth also came via a corner.
Cucurella was afforded acres of space to shoot and although his effort was repelled by Mohammed al-Owais, the rebound deflected in off the unfortunate Tambakti.
To round off an ideal afternoon for De la Fuente on his 65th birthday, Nico Williams and Mikel Merino were afforded valuable minutes off the bench in the second period as they too get up to match speed after lengthy absences due to injury.
By contrast, the pressure is now on Donis to deliver in Saudi Arabia's final group game against Cape Verde in Houston.
Victory will likely take the Arabian Falcons into the knockout stages for the first time since the World Cup was last in the United States 32 years ago.
Spain travel to Guadalajara next for the final group game against two-time winners Uruguay on Friday.
Liverpool have rejected a €25m offer from Inter for Curtis Jones and told the Serie A champions the bid is so far from their valuation of the midfielder they do not want further talks.
Inter made a second proposal to try and sign the England international but it was rejected by Liverpool, who feel Jones is worth around £40m, not the £21m Inter have proposed.
Jones is out of contract next summer and Liverpool risk losing him on a free transfer in 12 months’ time but they are holding out for a higher fee for the Merseysider.
But Liverpool hope that Jones stays at Anfield and have not given up hope he will sign a new contract.
Inter believe they have an agreement with Jones but are not willing to pay £40m. They have other midfield targets including Manu Kone of Roma.
Inter first showed an interest in Jones at the end of the January transfer window and recently Liverpool’s Italy international Federico Chiesa said the 25-year-old has been asking him about the Milan club.
But Liverpool feel Inter have lowballed them with a £21m bid as they take note of the prices in the midfield market, with Manchester City offering over £100m for Elliot Anderson and players such as Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes expected to command far higher amounts.
They are aware, too, that Tottenham have paid £52m for Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke who, like Jones, only had a year left on his contract.
Jones made 49 appearances last year for Liverpool, but only started 18 Premier League matches. He finished the season in Arne Slot’s team but playing at right-back.
Romelu Lukaku starts for Belgium in their crucial Group G fixture against Iran in Los Angeles. Here's how to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 clash for free online and from anywhere.
Lamine Yamal starts for Spain in their FIFA World Cup 2026 clash with Saudi Arabia in Atlanta. Here's how to watch the Group H fixture for free online and from anywhere.
A French TV presenter has apologised after criticising Belgium winger Jeremy Doku’s decision to leave the World Cup to be with his wife for the birth of their first child.
Doku, who will Belgium’s match against Iran on Sunday due to a chest infection, revealed that his wife Shireen is due during the second week of July - which will coincide with the quarter-finals.
The Manchester City forward, 24, told Reuters that he plans to leave the World Cup and return home even if Belgium are still in the tournament. Belgian media reported that plans are being put in place so Doku can travel home via private jet.
“It depends on when it happens, but it's my first child, so I would definitely want to be there,” Doku said. “If you ask me what I want, my answer is that nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child. But I also know that football involves many other considerations.”
However, Doku’s comments were criticised by Channel L'Equipe presenter France Pierron, who said the father is “completely useless” during their child’s birth.
"There are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your shoes. It might never happen again in your life,” Pierron posted on social media.
"You're living out a childhood dream, yet you're going to walk away from it all to attend the birth of your child - a disgusting moment, if you'll pardon the expression, where the dad is completely useless."
Pierron later apologised for her comments. "I was expressing a personal opinion, within the framework of a debate," she wrote on X.
“I understand that they may have shocked, hurt, or wounded some of you, and I am sorry for that.
“My intention has never been to minimise the place or role of fathers with their partner and their child.”
This World Cup has already witnessed its first birth, with Norway’s Leo Ostigard celebrating the arrival of his firth child by video link. The 26-year-old Ostigard’s partner Aurora Eidmann gave birth to their son on Friday.
“I’m completely exhausted myself, it was absolutely amazing,” Ostigard said in a video published by the Norwegian FA. “She did so well, there wasn’t much I could say, I just had to help her work and get him out. I’m proud, amazing.
Leo Ostigard (Getty)
“When I saw him for the first time, I was blown away. It’s absolutely insane. I’m so happy and proud. It’s definitely the greatest thing I’ve ever experienced.”
Ostigard said he celebrated with team-mates Erling Haaland, Jorgen Strand Larsen and Sander Berge, who burst into his hotel room.
Ostigard, who scored for Norway in their opening win against Iraq, added: “I think it makes me a little more relaxed, that everything has gone well, because you never know. Now it’s just joy and I’m very happy that things are good, and that my boy is out.”
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei has criticised the US authorities for how they have scheduled the team’s World Cup training, arguing there has been no consistency between games and that Iran are at a significant disadvantage for their upcoming fixtures.
Speaking on Saturday, Ghalenoei said the latest schedule left his team with less than 16 hours to prepare and forced them to cut training short ahead of their meeting with Belgium.
He said: “We only managed to train half the time we usually spend on training. We wanted to have optimal physical and technical preparation.
“Look at the Belgium team,” he added. “They arrived yesterday noon. They've managed to have proper training.”
He said they had had 24 hours to prepare before their 2-2 draw with New Zealand on the first matchday. “The conditions have become even harder,” he said.
Ghalenoei reserved some of his sharpest criticism for what he described as an inconsistency in the treatment of Iran's travel plans. US officials have said the squad’s travel arrangements would continue to be assessed, while discussions over easing some restrictions have continued.
Ghalenoei said he had been told Iran would have greater control over their arrangements before their final group match in Seattle against Egypt on 26 June.
Amir Ghalenoei criticised inconsistency in how much time the team has been awarded to train (Reuters)
He said: “For the third game, they've allowed us to decide to make our own decisions with regards to planning the travel. But what my problem is, why didn't they let us come earlier for the first two games as well? If they've managed to do this now, why didn't they do that for our first game and for this game?”
Ghalenoei, however, praised Fifa president Gianni Infantino and the governing body for attempting to help. “I know for sure that Fifa and Mr Infantino are doing the utmost to ease these challenges that we are facing. I think FIFA did its utmost to minimise the problems we have faced.”
He also thanked US authorities for facilitating the team’s arrival procedures despite his frustrations over the lost preparation time. “Once we entered the United States, they made sure that in customs everything went smoothly,” he said. “I'd like to thank the US for that. But unfortunately, it's our training time that they did not give us.”
Wales and Manchester United legend Mark Hughes has said he and his family are “totally heartbroken” following the sudden death of his son Alex aged 38.
Alex Hughes had spells playing at Stockport and Wrexham before turning to performance analysis and recruitment.
He worked with his father during his time as manager of Blackburn, Manchester City and Fulham. He became Grimsby Town’s player recruitment lead last July.
Everyone at Grimsby Town Football Club is devastated to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of our Player Recruitment Lead, Alex Hughes.
Rest in peace, Alex. Once a Mariner, always a Mariner.#GTFC
In a statement released via the League Managers Association, Wales and Manchester United great Hughes said: “Jill and I are totally heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected loss of our beloved son Alex.
“Alex was a wonderful son, brother to Curtis and Xenna, devoted husband and father to Jessica and their two beautiful children Sebastian and Leonardo. Alex was Player Recruitment Lead at Grimsby Town FC, and had many good friends and colleagues. He will be so deeply missed by us all.
“We ask for privacy during this sad time as we come to terms with our family’s loss.”
Grimsby Town chairman Andrew Pettit said: “Everyone at Grimsby Town Football Club is shocked and saddened by the news of Alex’s passing.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. He will always be remembered as a valued member of the Mariners family who contributed so much during his time with us.”
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois makes a save during the Red Devils' 0-0 draw with Iran in Los Angeles (Patrick T. Fallon)
Lamine Yamal made a goalscoring return for Spain as the European champions got their World Cup campaign back on track with a 4-0 drubbing of Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
Yamal, 18, opened the scoring after just 10 minutes of the Group H game in Atlanta to put La Roja on course for a comfortable victory against an outclassed Saudi team.
Spain had been determined to bounce back after being held to a shock 0-0 draw by lowly Cape Verde in their opening game last week, when their much-vaunted attack drew a blank.
But with teenaged starlet Yamal making his first start in two months since recovering from a hamstring problem, Spain launched an early onslaught that left the Saudis reeling.
Yamal ghosted in at the back post to tuck away Mikel Oyarzabal's low cross before Oyarzabal scored twice in three minutes to leave Spain 3-0 up after just 24 minutes.
Spain bagged their fourth goal on 49 minutes, when Marc Cucurella's shot was saved by Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed al-Owais only to bounce off defender Hassan al-Tambakti into the net.
Spain coach Luis De la Fuente said his squad had been fuelled by criticism of their opening performance.
"When someone questions your work, it is only human that anyone with courage and pride reacts to prove people wrong," said De la Fuente.
The win leaves Spain on top of Group H with four points after two matches.
Cape Verde will attempt to join the Spaniards on four points later Sunday when they face Uruguay in Miami, with coach Pedro Leitao Brito, known as "Bubista", vowing his team will play "without fear".
"We didn't come just to take part. We want to play all the matches and to be able to show that we have the level to take on the best teams in the world," he added.
"Our aim is to play all the games with courage, in an organised way but also without fear."
- Belgium frustrated by Iran -
In Los Angeles, meanwhile, Belgium are still waiting for their first win after being held to a 0-0 draw by Iran in Group G.
The Red Devils, who also drew with Egypt in their opening game, finished the game with 10 men and struggled to break down a resolute Iranian side despite dominating possession.
For the second Iran game running, protesters from Los Angeles' large Persian exile community gathered at the stadium to chant against the country's hardline regime.
Inside the stadium, Iran's anthem again drew a chorus of boos and whistles -- a reception at odds with the response to the players themselves, who were loudly cheered.
Iran's Mehdi Taremi had the ball in the net from a clever first-half free-kick that was ruled out by VAR, while Belgium's Nathan Ngoy was sent off after the break for hauling down the striker following a mis-hit backpass.
The result means all three games so far in Group G have ended in draws.
With just two points from two games, Belgium will be targeting a big win against the World Cup's lowest-ranked team, New Zealand, in their final group game in Vancouver on Friday.
- Germany advance -
On Saturday, Germany booked their place in the knockout rounds with a dramatic injury-time winner in a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast.
It is the first time since 2014 that Germany have made it out of the group stage.
Germany's victory was made even sweeter later on Saturday as Curacao -- the smallest country by population ever to qualify for the World Cup with just 160,000 inhabitants -- dug deep to secure a shock 0-0 draw with Ecuador in Kansas City that ensured the Germans will win Group E with a game to spare.
In Houston, the Netherlands stayed firmly on course for qualification with a 5-1 demolition of Sweden in Group F.
Japan are level on four points with the Dutch after cruising to a comfortable 4-0 victory over Tunisia in Monterrey, Mexico, in Saturday's late match -- the 1,000th game in World Cup history.
Belgium eye their first win at the 2026 World Cup today, as they take on Iran in each team’s second game in Group G.
On Monday, Belgium got off to an underwhelming start as they drew 1-1 with Egypt, coming from behind to salvage a point as substitute Romelu Lukaku forced Mohamed Hany into an own goal.
However, with Iran next for the Red Devils before a final group-stage match with New Zealand, Belgium will still fancy their chances of topping the group.
Belgium were held to a draw by Egypt in their Group G opener (Reuters)
Here’s everything you need to know about this World Cup 2026 game:
When is Belgium v Iran?
Belgium will play Iran at 8pm BST on Sunday 21 June (12pm ET) in Los Angeles.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the match free-to-air on ITV1 with coverage starting at 7pm BST. It can also be live-streamed on ITVX.
Team news
Romelu Lukaku forced an own goal out of Egypt’s defence on their first gameday (Getty)
After Belgium’s first-choice centre forward Charles de Ketelaere missed training this week and was seen sporting a bandage, there was some speculation that he could make way for Lukaku in the starting XI to face Iran – especially given Lukaku’s instant impact off the bench against Egypt. However, De Ketelaere is expected to be fit enough to begin the game. Otherwise, Zeno Debast remains a confirmed absentee, with the defender having entered the World Cup injured.
For Iran, Saman Ghoddos’s presence is up in the air after the midfielder went off injured against New Zealand, battling an ankle problem. And Rouzbeh Cheshmi will miss this Belgium tie, having also missed Iran’s opener.
Predicted line-ups
Belgium XI: Courtois; Meunier, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper; Onana, Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; De Ketelaere.
Spain do not have to win when they take on Saudi Arabia in Atlanta on Sunday, owing to the bloated format at World Cup 2026, but improvements in attack will be a must.
Having been held by Cape Verde in one of the great World Cup shocks on Monday, Luis de la Fuente will be hoping star man Lamine Yamal can contribute more than 19 minutes off the bench as he battles back from a hamstring injury.
Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, battled to a creditable draw against Uruguay in their opener and have no reason to feel overawed having beaten Argentina at the last tournament in Qatar.
Here’s everything you need to know about this World Cup 2026 game:
When is Spain v Saudi Arabia?
Spain and Saudi Arabia is at 5pm BST on Sunday 21 June (12pm ET) in Atlanta.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the match free-to-air on BBC1 with coverage starting at 4:30pm BST. It can also be live-streamed on BBC iPlayer.
Team news
The big news from Spain is that Lamine Yamal starts against Saudi Arabia. He may not play the full match, but he starts a World Cup game for the first time after recovering from his hamstring injury. He is one of four changes from the 0-0 against Cape Verde. Tottenham’s Pedro Porro replaces Marcos Llorente at right back, Dani Olmo comes in for Fabian Ruiz in midfield, Yamal takes the place of Ferran Torres, and Alex Baena is given the nod ahead of Gavi on the left, with Nico Williams still unavailable for the European champions.
Saudi Arabia could name an unchanged line-up.
Confirmed line-ups
Spain XI: Simon; Pedro Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Olmo, Rodri, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Oyarazabal, Alex Baena.
Saudi Arabia XI: Al-Owais; Abdulhamid, Tambakti, Al-Amri, Al-Harbi, Ali Lajami; N Al-Dawsari, Al-Juwayr, Al-Khaibari; Al-Buraikan, S Al-Dawsari
Both ITV and BBC Sport have star-studded line-ups for their commentary, presenter and pundit teams at the 2026 World Cup.
With 104 matches in the United States, Canada and Mexico, fans will be able to watch 54 games on BBC television, while ITV Sport will take in 29 group stage matches from its Brooklyn studio.
And fans can look forward to some new insight from ex-Premier League stars, alongside some household names to BBC Sport’s coverage.
Mark Pougatch is on hosting duties for Scotland’s clash with Morocco on ITV tonight with Ally McCoist on commentary.
Here are the punditry and commentary line-ups to look out for at this summer’s tournament:
Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room made a string of saves to deny Ecuador in Kansas City (JUAN MABROMATA)
Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room was the hero on Saturday as the tiny Caribbean island claimed its first-ever World Cup point in a goalless draw against toothless Ecuador.
Ecuador, who finished second in South American qualifying, had 28 shots, including 15 on target, in Kansas City but Room stood firm in an astonishing display.
The 0-0 draw in Group E keeps alive Curacao's hopes of reaching the knockout phase, extending their fairytale journey at their first World Cup.
The tiny country -- the smallest by population ever to play on football's biggest stage -- have Miami FC goalkeeper Room to thank for their point against Ecuador.
Room's 15 saves are the most on record -- since 1966 -- by any goalkeeper at a World Cup match that did not feature extra-time.
The draw in the American Midwest restored pride after a 7-1 mauling by Germany in their opening match.
"History! Our first ever point at the @fifaworldcup," Curacao posted on X.
"I still have to process it myself," said Room. "The match was full of emotions. I knew it was going to be a tough match.
"There were lots of saves, but I think after the first save, the tone was put in place, also for the team. It gave me confidence, and I grew. We all grew, and this was a team effort.
"We were fighting up to the last minute. Earning a point this way for Curacao is absolutely great."
- Royal backing -
Ecuador fans turned the Arrowhead Stadium, the home of NFL team Kansas City Chiefs, yellow, hugely outnumbering supporters of Curacao.
But Curacao had royalty on their side in the form of Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. The island is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Out of their 26-strong squad, managed by vastly experienced Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, 25 were born in the Netherlands, and many play their football there.
The match started at a fizzing pace.
Ecuador seemed certain to open the scoring in the third minute when former West Ham forward Enner Valencia burst through the middle but Room tipped the ball around the post.
Sherel Floranus fired over at the other end as Curacao showed their pace on the break.
Ecuador captain Valencia failed to beat Room from close range before Jordy Alcivar had an effort as Ecuador continued to dominate.
The South American team ended the first half with 65 percent of possession but nothing to show for their dominance.
They went close to breaking the deadlock just before the hour mark but Room kept out a Gonzalo Plata header, before a flurry of Curacao chances.
Ecuador, more than 50 places higher than their opponents in the FIFA rankings, looked increasingly frazzled as they pressed for an opener.
They continued to pour forward and rained shots on Room's goal but he stood firm.
Ecuador substitute Angelo Preciado mishit a cross that bounced off the top of the crossbar and went behind in the final minutes.
The Curacao players swarmed around goalkeeper Room at the end of the match, celebrating an extraordinary point.
Ecuador have yet to score in two games at the World Cup after netting just 14 goals in 18 qualifying matches.
"There are things you cannot explain in football," said Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece.
"We wanted to win, we didn't do it. I am the one who is responsible and I've told my team, if I see that you are giving it all competing, I have no complaints. No one wants to miss out on scoring."
Earlier, four-time champions Germany came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in Toronto, sealing their qualification for the round of 32. Curacao's draw ensures Germany will top the group.
Ecuador will play Germany on Thursday while Curacao take on Ivory Coast, with all of the teams in Group E still alive in the competition.
Here's how to watch Tunisia vs Japan for free online and from anywhere as the Samurai Blue seek a crucial victory to reach the World Cup 2026 knockout stage.
Georgios Donis is hoping for another Saudi Arabia World Cup 'miracle' against Spain (Florencia Tan Jun)
Saudi Arabia coach Georgios Donis said his side cannot show Spain too much respect as they aim to repeat a shock victory over eventual winners Argentina at the 2022 World Cup.
Spain are under pressure to bounce back from a 0-0 draw against World Cup debutants Cape Verde, but face a Saudi side that themselves held Uruguay to a 1-1 draw in their opening game.
Donis only took charge of the 2034 World Cup hosts in April after short-lived reigns for Roberto Mancini and Herve Renard.
It was Renard who oversaw the famous win over Lionel Messi's Argentina in Qatar during his first spell as Saudi boss and Donis is hoping those memories can inspire a similar outcome in Atlanta on Sunday.
"It's nice to have miracles in football and we've seen it many times. We've seen it in the World Cup, we've seen it in other tournaments, we've seen favourites losing against underdogs," the Greek coach said at his pre-match press conference.
"It's great to have great memories in our national team such as the game against Argentina.
"We have to play against one of the best teams in the world and it's very important when you get to this sort of tournament and you have this sort of joy of playing against these teams to be able to enjoy those games, to respect the opponent but also not to respect them more than you should."
Spain's inability to break down the Cape Verdean defence highlighted La Roja's reliance on the brilliance of Lamine Yamal.
The 18-year-old only featured as a second half substitute as he is eased back to fitness after a hamstring injury.
Yamal is expected to take his place in the starting line-up on Sunday, even though he is not yet ready to play 90 minutes.
Donis hailed the Barcelona winger as the "biggest talent" in world football right now and did not hold back in recognising that Spain are less effective without him.
"Spain is not the same team when Yamal is on the bench," added Donis.
"I think Yamal is maybe this period the biggest talent in the world. I think he started to replace Messi in Barcelona in the best way.
"I didn't see a player at this age to make this difference and to have this quality and to play with this maturity.
"For me the most important is not about the skills, but about the maturity and he knows what he can do every moment and that is the biggest difference."
With the second round of World Cup 2026 group stage matches well underway, teams are starting to prepare for the knockout stage with USA, Mexico and Germany already there.
Those teams may well consider the potential for suspensions in the last 32 should any of their players accumulate a second yellow card in that final group stage match.
Clint Dempsey analysed why teams may take the risk over players featuring in a third game, even with a ban on the horizon should they pick up one more yellow card.
“It's different to World Cups in the past, way more rest, starters who played against Australia, who do not play against Turkey, that's 12 days without playing a game,” the forward USA forward told FS1. “If you're Christian Pulisic, that's 18 days without playing a game. It's important Pochettino gets that right, he's got everything right so far. But you need the best chemistry in the team.”
So what are the yellow card rules for the World Cup 2026?
With 48 teams and a new last 32 round, Fifa had an issue with suspensions due to yellow card accumulation and more games, with the added risk of key players missing games during the tournament.
To combat that, Fifa will wipe the slate clean twice, instead of once previously. Yellow cards will be wiped after the group stage ahead of the knockout stage, then once more after the quarterfinals, preventing a final suspension due to just two yellow cards earned beforehand.
Referee Felix Zwayer shows a yellow card to Folarin Balogun (Reuters)
But with two yellow cards before that cutoff, including just two across three group stage games, players will trigger an automatic one-game ban.
This has already been seen by South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena, who will be unavailable Bafana Bafana’s upcoming crunch third match against South Korea on Wednesday.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann has led Germany to the World Cup knockout round for the first time since 2014 (Cole Burston)
Coach Julian Nagelsmann was thrilled by Germany's comeback victory against Ivory Coast on Saturday, but stopped short of celebrating his side advancing to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 2014.
"We have high ambitions," Nagelsmann said when asked by AFP if booking a place in the next round was something to celebrate.
"The most important topic for us is to focus on the next step," he said.
Germany failed to get out of the group stage both at Russia 2018 and four years ago in Qatar.
Saturday's dramatic win, secured in extra time with a second goal from substitute Deniz Undav, guarantees the Germans will advance and snaps a streak of bitter World Cup disappointment for the four-time winners.
"This is exactly what we hoped for and I'm very happy for me team," Nagelsmann said.
He said that after his two-goal performance, Undav could make the starting 11 in Germany's third group stage match against Ecuador, but also stressed that the Stuttgart forward was thriving as a substitute.
"I could have him in the starting lineup," Nagelsmann said. "I think that every player would love to be in the starting lineup, but I think he's very happy as it is right now."
Franck Kessie put Ivory Coast ahead in the first half but the African side was largely on the defensive in the second half, ultimately unable to withstand the relentless German pressure.
But the Elephants remain in a strong position to advance and could book Ivory Coast's first ever ticket to the World Cup knockout with a decisive win over Curacao next week.
"We still have everything to play for," said Ivorian coach Emerse Fae.
"I'm really happy with the performance of my players during these 90 minutes... I think we had two teams that deserve to win," he added.
"Our primary objective is to get out of the group phase."
Two-goal Deniz Undav was Germany's hero (Cole Burston)
Germany reached the World Cup knockout phase for the first time since 2014 with a dramatic come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast on Saturday.
Substitute Deniz Undav scored twice, including the crucial goal four minutes into injury time, triggering a massive roar from the overwhelmingly pro-German crowd of 43,000 in Toronto.
Germany had not advanced from the group stage since winning the 2014 tournament in Brazil, and coach Julian Nagelsmann had been under huge pressure to make that breakthrough.
He paid tribute to Undav's clinical finishing -- and said it was "not out of the question" that he could start the next game against Ecuador.
"That was great for him. You can't get more decisive than that!" Nagelsmann told MagentaTV.
Germany were chasing their opponents in the first half and the Ivorians surged ahead when Franck Kessie struck in the 30th minute.
Kessie turned in from close range following strong work by teenage Ivorian phenomenon Yan Diomande, who is in the sights of some of Europe's top clubs, including Liverpool.
The Germans thought they had found the net twice in the first half.
Nathaniel Brown's corner in the 21st minute was knocked into the net by Aleksandar Pavlovic, but Paraguayan referee Juan Gabriel Benitez immediately called it back, adjudging that Pavlovic had fouled Ivorian goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.
Then, in the 38th minute, German forward and Arsenal star Kai Havertz had the ball in the net, but that too was disallowed, this time because of a foul by Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala.
When the second half began, the Germans applied relentless pressure.
The Ivorian defence held firm until the 68th minute, but ultimately the Germans broke through when Undav volleyed in a cross by Nadiem Amiri.
His second, thanks to an assist from Felix Nmecha, sent Nagelsmann and the German crowd into wild celebrations as the Germans snapped a string of disappointments at the last two World Cups.
"Winning mentality, team spirit -- we had exactly what you need to be successful in a tournament," Germany defender Jonathan Tah said.
"We never gave up, we kept going no matter what. The guys coming off the bench brought energy. Deniz deserves a special mention, outstanding!"
The Ivorians have never advanced at a World Cup, but may still move on with a win over debutants Curacao in their final group stage match.
Deniz Undav scored two goals off the bench as Germany pulled off a thrilling comeback to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in their World Cup Group E match, securing their place in the knockout stage for the first time since they won the title in 2014.
After having two goals disallowed in the first half on Saturday, Germany did not lose focus and used intricate passing to find their way, while the West Africans produced their dynamic brand of attacking football in a wild Group E clash.
Undav levelled the score with a controlled, volleyed finish in the 68th minute and struck again when he received a pass on the turn, before swivelling and firing home a ball that Yahia Fofana had no chance at stopping.
The versatile striker now has nine goals in his last eight matches.
Simon Adingra had a late chance for Ivory Coast, but he failed to get a shot off in the area before Germany charged back down the field and Fofana blocked a low shot from Nathaniel Brown.
Ivory Coast had opened the scoring in the first half when Franck Kessie slotted home a rebound off a shot by Amad Diallo on a play created when Yan Diomande charged down the left side and sent in a cross.
With more than 100,000 people of German ancestry living in Toronto, Julian Nagelsmann’s men enjoyed plenty of support but were a frustrated group at the interval with nothing to show for their eight attempts on goal.
Germany looked to have opened the scoring when midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic rose to meet a short corner in the 25th minute but was deemed to have fouled Fofana in the process.
The ruling left Pavlovic with his hands atop his head in disbelief while Fofana received some attention after the collision, and the partisan German crowd made their disdain for the referee’s decision known.
Shortly after, it was Ivory Coast who finally broke through with Kessie’s goal. The West Africans have scored in their last seven matches at the tournament – the longest such sequence on the global stage in their history.
Germany once again put the ball in the back of the net, but their celebrations were cut short as the referee determined that Jamal Musiala had fouled Odilon Kossounou in the buildup.
Germany top Group E with six points and are through to the last 32, while Ivory Coast remain on three after two matches. Ecuador and Curacao meet in Kansas City later on Saturday.
Germany will close out the group stage against Ecuador on Thursday in New Jersey, while Ivory Coast face Curacao in Philadelphia.
Few footballers are as intrinsically associated with their hometown as Dan Burn but, if only for a day or two, the boy from Blyth had a taste of what it is like to be American. The giant from the north-east might have been the biggest cowboy in the Midwest; or the tallest, anyway.
Burn is 34, probably at his only World Cup and determined to savour it. He has had a bit of downtime between England’s win over Croatia and their clash with Ghana. A man who spent the last World Cup in an Airbnb in Newcastle, while his house was being renovated, has found a different way to occupy himself now. Along with Harry Kane and Djed Spence, he went to watch the Kansas City Royals, seeing manager Thomas Tuchel throw the ceremonial first pitch in their game against the St Louis Cardinals.
Burn has gone even more native than that. “Last night Ella Langley was playing so I had my cowboy hat and cowboy boots on,” said the centre-back. “I went and got kitted out. I thought if you were going to do it, do it properly. Luckily, there’s no photos flying about.”
Others may consider that a shame; an image of Burn in a Stetson could have been iconic. He had his captain and goalkeeper Jason Steele for company at a gig. Some of Kane’s American influences are well known, and the forward is looking forward to heading to Boston, to the stadium where Tom Brady picked out many a pass as the quarterback for the New England Patriots. But, Burn revealed, Kane is also a fan of one of the most American genres of music. “We have a record player in the hotel and he did a captain’s pick and there was a lot of country in it,” he said. “We got asked to go and watch Ella Langley.”
Dan Burn of England looks on during an England training session (Getty)
Sadly Kane did not share Burn’s sartorial sense on a night out. “I was the only person suited and booted with cowboy hat and boots and all the lot,” said the defender. “We missed the last three songs because we had to be back for curfew which I was a bit gutted about because they are her three best ones.”
England's Dan Burn plays darts during a press conference (PA)
If nothing else, it proves at least one England international who plays for a north-east club has abided by curfews of late. It may be damning Burn with faint praise, though, to suggest that one of the reasons Tuchel took him was because he was sure to prove a good tourist. Yet Burn’s good humour forms part of his appeal. So does his realism. He wants to play but knows his role. Tuchel clearly enjoys his company but has also showed an honesty.
“He takes the mick out of me but I like it,” said Burn. “When he called me up, he said I probably wouldn’t be starting.” Without entering the fray, Burn witnessed Tuchel’s transformative team-talk after 45 minutes against Croatia. “People have said he gave us a rocket but it was the opposite,” he said. He missed Anthony Barry’s revelatory interview with ITV at the break but has known Tuchel’s assistant for longer than most. They were together at Wigan and Burn said: “There’s no grey areas with Baz and the manager. They are not going to beat around the bush.”
England manager Thomas Tuchel throws a ceremonial first pitch before the game at the St. Louis Cardinals vs Kansas City Royals (Reuters)
Tuchel’s clarity as a communicator means he has told Burn the kind of situations when he could be called upon, allowing the defender to visualise them. One is if England need a goal, when they could summon a sizeable figure for his ability at set-pieces. Burn scored the goal that won Newcastle their first major trophy since 1969. It allowed him to imagine becoming the man who brings England glory.
Kane may be a likelier candidate but Burn deadpanned: “Me and Harry are quite similar in our technique and goalscoring prowess, so it is only natural we are compared. In all seriousness, I know I don’t get many goals but the goals I do get tend to be important. I’d love it to be a World Cup final winner, last minute.”
Even before then and even without taking the field, his World Cup has brought memorable moments, some of them musical, some from country stars and some alongside his country’s stars. The England fans belted out Oasis’ Wonderwall after Croatia were beaten in Dallas. Burn enjoyed it. “Wonderwall was an amazing moment, a special moment,” he said. “If that's every game it's going to be amazing.”
Luis de la Fuente said Spain are "fired up" after criticism following a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde (Florencia Tan Jun)
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente said his players have been stung by the criticism that followed a shock 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, but will put that right against Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
The European champions arrived in North America as one of the favourites for the tournament.
But with Lamine Yamal only able to make an appearance as a second-half substitute on his return from injury, La Roja were laboured in attack as the African archipelago of just over 500,000 people held out for a historic result.
"This generation of footballers is highly competitive and really fired up... It's going to be a completely different story," De la Fuente told his pre-match press conference in Atlanta on Saturday.
"There is no drama or crisis. The bottom line is simply that we need to win tomorrow."
Despite the disappointment, Spain are now 32 competitive games unbeaten from open play, stretching back over three years.
"This team has a lot of heart and always responds," added De la Fuente.
"I am sure tomorrow we will be better than what we showed the other day."
Yamal's fitness has been the dominant topic of Spain's World Cup so far.
The 18-year-old rose to prominence with his performances as De la Fuente's side romped to victory at Euro 2024.
Yamal has since established himself as one of the world's best players at Barcelona but suffered a hamstring injury in April that had kept him sidelined until his cameo off the bench against Cape Verde.
The winger is not yet ready to play 90 minutes, but the pressure is on De la Fuente to include him from the start with Spain badly lacking his spark in attack.
"The most important thing is that he's back," said De la Fuente.
"Seeing how he competes, how he is rediscovering that feeling, spirit, finesse which he had and has back now, that is the best possible news."
Yamal is expected to replace Barcelona team-mate Gavi in the starting line-up, while De la Fuente hinted there could also be other changes.
Saudi Arabia also drew their opening game 1-1 with Uruguay.
Netherlands' forward Cody Gakpo celebrates after scoring his team's fourth goal in a 5-1 thrashing of Sweden (Paul ELLIS)
Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey both scored twice as the rampant Netherlands thrashed Sweden 5-1 in a World Cup warning on Saturday in Houston.
The big win in front of nearly 69,000 put the delighted Dutch on the cusp of the knockout rounds and gave them liftoff after being held by Japan.
Ronald Koeman's side top Group F with four points from two games, ahead of Sweden on three, Japan (one) and Tunisia (none).
Despite the sobering loss the Swedes had plenty of chances but were denied by good goalkeeping and wasteful finishing.
They are still in with a good chance of progressing into the last 32 but face a test in the form of Japan in their final group game.
"We attacked, had some opportunities but obviously defensively you can't concede that many and hope to win, but we'll learn a lot from the game," Sweden coach Graham Potter told BBC TV.
"Sometimes you have to have these experiences, I didn't think it was that type of game, but again that's the scoreline, we have to accept it and learn from it."
Sunderland striker Brobbey got his first start of the tournament and repaid Koeman with predatory goals after five and 17 minutes.
Before that the 24-year-old had scored only once for his country.
In a game full of Premier League talent, Liverpool's Gakpo -- who set Brobbey up for the opener -- scored twice early in the second half.
Substitute Anthony Elanga pulled one back for Sweden just before the hour with a classy finish.
Substitute Crysencio Summerville, who was replaced in the starting line-up by Brobbey, had the last word for the five-star Dutch.
"If you look further at the goals we scored, that will cause fear among opponents," Koeman said.
"The way those goals came about, in transition with a lot of pace and a lot of quality, we can be incredibly dangerous."
- Liftoff for Dutch -
Two crew members from the historic Artemis II lunar mission were among the VIP guests, a nod to Houston's place as the home of space flight.
The Dutch, twice pegged back in a lively 2-2 draw with Japan to start their title bid, made the brighter start in front of their orange-clad fans and King Willem-Alexander.
Brobbey, who came in for Summerville despite the winger scoring against Japan, started and finished the first goal.
It was made in the Premier League, with goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and Gakpo all involved.
Brobbey exchanged passes with Gakpo, before the Anfield attacker crossed in low from the left for his team-mate to stab in from close range.
At the other end the much-vaunted attack of Liverpool's Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal were feeding on scraps for Sweden.
Twelve minutes after his opener Brobbey made it 2-0 when a deflected Denzel Dumfries cross from the right fell perfectly into his path and he toe-poked past Kristoffer Nordfeldt.
Sweden, who thrashed Tunisia 5-1 in their first game, then created several opportunities for Gyokeres and Yasin Ayari to reduce the deficit but they failed to find a way past Verbruggen before half-time.
- World Cup warning -
Koeman sent on Summerville for Malen at the break, and two minutes later it was mission impossible for Sweden, Gakpo prodding in from close range after yet another dangerous low cross from Dumfries.
Gakpo scored a lovely fourth on 54 minutes, turning inside his defender before firing low into the bottom corner.
Elanga pulled one back when he raced clear of the Dutch defence and rattled the ball past Verbruggen.
West Ham's Summerville made it five in the dying minutes with his second goal in North America.
"Of course this match was better than the previous one. That's what you want, ideally you want to win right from the start," said Koeman.
"But if this is a sign of more to come, then were heading in the right direction."
William Saliba played through the pain to help France to a winning start in Group I against Senegal (FRANCK FIFE)
France centre-half William Saliba said Saturday he has been "gritting his teeth" and playing through the pain at the World Cup after suffering from a back problem for the past few months.
The defender was a key figure in helping his club Arsenal secure their first Premier League title in 22 years last season, but told reporters that he is not operating at "100 percent" in North America as he bids to help France win a third World Cup.
"I've had some minor niggles for several months. I've been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League. But the coaching staff are handling it very well," Saliba said at a press conference ahead of his country's upcoming Group I match against Iraq.
"The World Cup comes round only once every four years, so you've got to grit your teeth."
"I'm not at 100 percent, but there are plenty of players who aren't at 100 percent either -- you can't make excuses," he added.
Saliba has been following a personalised training programme since the France squad met up for the World Cup but still managed to put in a strong showing in the 1998 and 2018 champions' opening group-stage win against Senegal on Tuesday.
Les Bleus take on Iraq on Monday in Philadelphia, where they can ensure progression to the knockout stages with a victory, before taking on Norway four days later.
Raphinha hobbled off in the 40th minute of Brazil's World Cup win over Haiti (Kevin C. Cox)
Brazil forward Raphinha will undergo "intensive treatment" after suffering a muscle injury to his right thigh in their World Cup win over Haiti, the Brazilian football confederation (CBF) said Saturday.
Barcelona winger Raphinha was substituted in the first half on Friday in Philadelphia.
The CBF did not say how long he would be sidelined for, but Brazilian website Globo Esporte reported he could be fit to return for a possible game in the last 16, which starts in two weeks' time.
"The player will follow an intensive treatment protocol under the supervision of the Brazilian national team's medical team, with the goal of recovering and returning to action as soon as possible," the CBF said in a statement.
Raphinha struggled with various injuries to his right thigh last season.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti could turn to either of the 19-year-old duo of Endrick and Rayan, or Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli to replace Raphinha.
Five-time world champions Brazil, who have four points from two games, round off their Group C campaign against Scotland on Wednesday in Miami.
That game could provide Neymar, sidelined for a month with a calf injury, a first international appearance since October 2023.
The pre-match discourse focused almost exclusively on Sweden’s luxury strikers. Graham Potter was asked three times about Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres, about how he could squeeze the best from his uber-talents. Ronald Koeman was asked whether he was scared by them. “We’re not scared,” he said, and so it proved. Instead this was an afternoon in Houston when Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey out-did them both.
Brobbey scored two first-half goals which took the game away from Sweden, before the excellent Cody Gakpo added another two and Crysencio Summerville topped this 5-1 win. Perhaps most importantly, Brobbey showed the striker’s instincts that have been marked out as the great weakness of this Dutch team, a side full of defensive steel and midfield class but who supposedly lack a killer in the box.
Which was a fair assumption. Brobbey had only one goal in 13 international caps before this game. Gakpo doesn’t play like this for Liverpool. Summerville has just been relegated with West Ham. But after starting Brobbey on the bench in Netherlands’ 2-2 draw with Japan, Ronald Koeman may now have a formula for Dutch success at this World Cup.
Brian Brobbey scores Netherlands’ first goal of the game (AP)
Sweden remain the great enigma of this tournament, a team of technical midfielders and a luxury front line, hoarding two elite strikers when most countries would spill blood for one. Spain would trade a playmaker for Isak. Brazil and Germany would be scary with a ruthless goalscorer. Imagine Portugal playing to Gyokeres instead of a famous relic.
On paper, Sweden should be the side that tore apart Tunisia in their opening game, and there were flashes of that quality here in Houston after Potter switched from 5-3-2 to 4-3-3 during the first hydration break – a pointless exercise in an air-conditioned stadium which was loudly booed. From there on Gyokeres was excellent, linking play with one-touch flicks that found rushing teammates and the chances flowed.
But defensively, this performance was more like the Sweden who lost to Kosovo in qualifying, and who can be found plying their trade in Nations League C along with Luxembourg and the Faroe Islands. Atalanta centre-back Isak Hien was bullied by Brobbey, and Hien wasn’t helped by the way the Dutch prised open the Swedish flanks and fired in the low crosses which brought about their first three goals.
Brobbey celebrates after scoring the Netherlands' opening goal (Getty)
Instead it was the Netherlands who looked like a serious World Cup force. It helped that this was almost a home game, with orange shirts outnumbering yellow by perhaps 10 to 1. There are around 9,000 Dutch-born residents in Houston and most of them seemed to be here alongside thousands more who travelled across the Atlantic.
The NRG Stadium emerges from the concrete like some great alien office building, all square corners and steel girders hanging over the sides. It is very Houston, a city that doesn’t buy into aesthetics or pretence. Big is good. Metal is strong. Inside there are photos on the walls celebrating the occasional glories of the Houston Texans, interspersed with pictures of other stars to have graced this venue: mainly country musicians, monster trucks and cattle.
Koeman’s decision to start Brobbey paid off within six minutes. Netherlands made football seem like a simple game in those opening forays. Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen played a long pass to Brobbey, who bumped off Hien before racing past him to knock in Gakpo’s low cross. Brobbey’s second was another piece of classic centre-forward play, again bursting past Hien to toe in Denzel Dumfries’ cross.
Viktor Gyokeres is challenged by Virgil van Dijk (Reuters)
Sweden looked panicky in midfield, where Jesper Karlstrom and Yasin Ayari kept lobbing aimless balls forwards rather than bringing it down to play as they did so well against Tunisia. The hydration break came at a good time for Potter, who chatted to an assistant for the first minute before gathering his players in a huddle.
His switch to a back four put Sweden on the front foot. They began creating chances, first for Ayari who chose to chest the ball rather than head it, wrongly as it turned out, when his torso trampolined the ball behind. Gyokores tried a curling shot and Verbruggen saved at full stretch. A Gustaf Lagerbielke header was ruled out for offside, and Verbruggen saved well from Ayari before half-time.
The game felt alive despite the 2-0 scoreline, but it was effectively killed off two minutes into the second half when Dumfries again scurried free down the right and sent a low cross into the six-yard box. Gakpo did his best to miss the open goal, skewing the ball in with his ankle from two yards. Gakpo cut inside to drill in Netherlands’ fourth, proving World Cup Gakpo is a different beast to Liverpool Gakpo.
Cody Gakpo celebrates after scoring the fourth Dutch goal (AP)
The introduction of Anthony Elanga gave Sweden new energy and he scored on the break, Verbruggen’s floodwalls finally breached. Elanga evoked a little history too, pulling off a Cruyff-turn-nutmeg which brought ooooos from the crowd, 52 years after Johan Cruyff first produced his famous turn against Sweden at the 1974 World Cup.
But Summerville added a fifth and ultimately the Netherlands were too good. Perhaps Sweden’s passive start was a tacit admission of that fact before the game had even begun. It was a match partly shaped by the two managers, by Koeman’s decision to start Brobbey, by Potter’s decision to switch to a back four. It just happened that Koeman’s decisive move came before kick-off, and Potter’s was made during a hydration break that shouldn’t exist.
Ronaldinho (R) has not played since a two-month stint at Fluminense in 2015 (Mauro PIMENTEL)
Former Ballon d'Or and World Cup winner Ronaldinho is set to come out of retirement aged 46 to play for Ravenna in the Italian third tier, according to reports in Italian daily Gazzetta dello Sport.
The sports daily said that Ronaldinho was scheduled to sign a deal in Miami on Tuesday and that he was already in the United States for the World Cup.
Consulted by AFP, a source close to the deal confirmed the news.
"I can't wait to get back dancing with the ball again and to write a new story with Ignazio Cipriani (the Italian-American owner of Ravenna) and his entire family," Gazzetta quoted Ronaldinho as saying.
"Football has always been a source of joy for me. I want to bring the same spirit to Ravenna," added the former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona star.
However, Ravenna vice-president Ariedo Braida, told Italian media that Ronaldinho's signing was more a marketing ploy than a piece of squad-building and he may never actually play.
"He's a magical player, who will have his registration, that's a huge coup for us," he said.
"Will he play at 46? That depends, but he'll be registered."
Ronaldinho has not played since a two-month stint at Fluminense in 2015.
Malik Tillman was on superb form in the United States' 2-0 win over Australia in Seattle (JAMIE SQUIRE)
Could the United States really win the World Cup?
After two opening victories, by an aggregate 6-1 scoreline, that is the wildly optimistic question being posed to many US television pundits, including Fox's Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who answered a simple "Yes."
While aware they are still vast underdogs against traditional powerhouses like Spain, France and Argentina, the US players were not exactly afraid to stoke those hugely ambitious dreams either, after beating Australia 2-0 Friday.
"I think we came here to compete, and to compete, you have to win every game," US star midfielder Malik Tillman told AFP in Seattle after the win.
"In the end, if you want to win the tournament, same again, you have to win every game. I think that's also our goal for the next one."
So far the US have only faced limited opposition in Paraguay, who they beat 4-1, and Australia. Next up is eliminated Turkey, in what will be a dead rubber for both teams.
Sterner tests surely await in the knockout, with Belgium and then Spain among the likeliest foes in wait if the US win their last-32 clash.
It is worth noting that the US have only won one knockout game in their entire World Cup history -- a 2-0 win over Mexico in the round-of-16 in 2002, when they reached the quarter-finals in their best campaign of modern times.
World Cup hosts do have an impressive track record of lifting the trophy on their home turf.
Six have won in the tournament's history, most recently France in 1998, who followed up that inaugural win by building a dynasty and reaching three more finals.
But no host winners have ever been such extreme long shots as the US, perennially seen as potential future giants of untapped promise, too distracted by homegrown sports like NFL, basketball and baseball to truly compete at the world’s most popular sport.
- 'Why not us?' -
If that has started to change, the rapid rise of the domestic Major Soccer League has played a part, providing homegrown talent like Friday's goalscorer Alex Freeman.
So too has the emergence of a "golden generation" of stars playing for Champions League clubs, like AC Milan forward Christian Pulisic, Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie and Bayer Leverkusen's Tillman.
But perhaps no factor has been as great as the expensive hiring of elite coach Mauricio Pochettino, who deconstructed and rebuilt an underperforming, complacent squad in his own image.
US and Crystal Palace center-half Chris Richards on Friday praised the former Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager's track record and motivational powers for instilling belief.
"We've seen him do it with big teams, and he's very passionate in the way that he speaks," said Richards.
"It kind of reflects on us as well. So we take that passion and we try to apply it to how we go out there on the pitch."
While urging his players to remain grounded and focused, Pochettino has urged fans to dream, frequently asking "Why not us?" in public comments.
So, does Richards really believe the US could pull off what would be comfortably the greatest upset World Cup win in modern history?
"Obviously we take it one game at a time," said Richards.
But "I don't think it's ridiculous to say that we want to win it," he said.
Here's how to watch Netherlands vs Sweden for free online and from anywhere as the Dutch seek a vital win against an in-form Sweden at the World Cup 2026.
Alexander Isak and Sweden continue their World Cup against European foe the Netherlands on Saturday.Photograph: DiaEsportivo/Shutterstock
Group F is shaping up to be one of the most competitive at the 2026 World Cup with Japan, the Netherlands and Sweden all talented enough to make a deep run. The second round of group games could reveal whether or not that is realistic. The stakes are high.
Japan and the Netherlands started their World Cup campaigns by sharing the spoils, but both teams could do with a win in their second game to be sure of their place in the last 32. They may have to demonstrate more ambition than they did in their opener.
Sweden, meanwhile, made a statement by putting five goals past Tunisia. Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak both found the back of the net in a display that made others sit up and take note. Graham Potter’s team are worth watching.
Here is your complete guide on how to watch today’s World Cup games, including kick-off times, broadcast networks and online streaming options.
Ronald Koeman has faced some criticism for the changes he made when the Netherlands were leading against Japan, and many are expecting a more assertive approach against Sweden. Koeman, however, may lack the creative personnel for the Dutch to truly impose their own game.
Sweden, on the other hand, demonstrated their attacking threat in a 5-1 win over Tunisia that hinted at a growing understanding between Gyökeres and Isak. If Potter can balance the forward line with the rest of his team, Sweden could be dark horses to make a run.
Player to watch: Alexander Isak, Sweden – after he missed so much of his first season at Liverpool with injuries, it was refreshing to see Isak at something close to his best against Tunisia. His direct threat could trouble club teammate Virgil van Dijk.
While Germany put seven goals past Curaçao in their World Cup opener, the standard of the opposition means the true gauge of Julian Nagelsmann’s team is still to be taken. The four-time winners have failed to reach the knockout stage of the last two World Cups, but they are well-placed to end that streak.
In overcoming one of Conmebol’s strictest defenses in their opening match against Ecuador, Côte d’Ivoire made a statement of intent even if they needed a late winner. The Elephants have a variety of taking options that could take them far.
Player to watch: Yan Diomande, Côte d’Ivoire – the in-demand RB Leipzig winger was relentless against Ecuador, showing why Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly interested in his services.
While Ecuador underwhelmed in their opener against Côte d’Ivoire, the team who finished an impressive second in Conmebol qualifying could still make an impact at this tournament. They must, however, show more attacking intent.
Livano Comenencia’s equalizer for Curaçao against Germany was one of the moments of the World Cup so far. While his team ultimately suffered a heavy defeat, their ambition to venture forward when possible should be a warning sign to Ecuador.
Player to watch: Moisés Caicedo, Ecuador – the Chelsea midfielder is Ecuador’s valve in the center of the pitch, giving them the ability to hit out on the break. Caicedo will also have to be at his creative best against Curaçao’s low block.
Tunisia shot themselves in the foot more than once as they opened their World Cup campaign with a 5-1 loss to Sweden – a result so poor they sacked their head coach and appointed Hervé Renard until the end of the tournament. If they can cut out the mistakes, though, they could still salvage their World Cup.
Japan could be one of the most adaptable teams at this tournament if their opener against the Netherlands is anything to go by. Hajime Moriyasu knows how to set up his side to sit deep, but also to control games higher up the field.
Player to watch: Takefusa Kubo, Japan – while the Real Sociedad playmaker wasn’t at his best against the Netherlands, his ability as a creator could be key to breaking down Tunisia.
Long after Brazil’s 3-0 win over Haiti had eased to the pace of a training game, and Carlo Ancelotti was actually playing some of the positives down, there was suddenly a rush of energy near the press conference room. People were hurrying over, in a way they weren’t quite doing for Matheus Cunha or even Vinicius Junior.
In the corridors leading up from the Philadelphia Eagles dressing room, where the post-game media duties were taking place, was a proper constellation of stars.
All of Romario, Bebeto, Rivaldo and Kaka were just… milling around waiting to go somewhere. They were so idle, in fact, that they were happily posing for the multiple requests for selfies. People were of course doing the cradle celebration to Bebeto, who was only too delighted to smile along.
Now with silver hair, the former striker was wearing a resplendent blue suit and pink tie, making him look like a Republican senator.
On his lapel, though, was one reason for all the fuss. He and Rivaldo had little pins of the World Cup itself, given they’ve actually won it.
Romario wasn’t quite dressed like that, since he is working for Brazilian television. The star of USA 94 in fact conducted the flash interview with Vinicius.
Vinicius Junior isn’t fazed by much but perhaps an interview with Romario did it (AP)
While the Real Madrid forward is hardly fazed by much, you can imagine how intimidating it could be to be interviewed by a legend who has done what you never have but an entire nation is desperate for
And that, as well as all the buzz around legends, raises something else around this Brazil team. It was already written in these pages last week that the famous yellow shirt has lost its allure. That goes hand in hand with how this team – at least as a concept – have lost their fear factor.
Sure, you are still wary of them. You wouldn’t want to face them in the knockouts. But are you really scared of them? Are you intimidated by what they can do to you in an instant, in the way Romario or Bebeto could?
You can see all of that old awe in the very wonder at their presence. They inspire delight because of how devastating they used to be.
Even in victory, this Brazil team aren’t as intimidating as previous iterations (Getty)The likes of Cafu, Rivaldo and Bebeto still have an aura about them (Reuters)
One of many tricks such stars pulled is that they actually played in dour sides – in both 1994 and 2002 – but what lasts in the memory are the moments of magic; those flashes when they’d suddenly illuminate and decide a match in seconds.
That’s what this shirt used to represent. It was spectacle, sparkle and… stardust. It was awesome, as they say here, but in the truest sense of the word.
You were afforded a rare glimpse of a higher level of player. You feared what they could do to you. This was Brazil.
Now, it’s just another good team, with some stars. If England were to face them in a potential quarter-final in Miami, could they really be considered favourites?
The 1994 Brazil team were actually pretty dour but the moments of magic live long in the memory (Getty)
Brazil haven’t even had a properly good World Cup since they last won it.
Little wonder they’ve lost their fear factor. In the 24 years since Rivaldo, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho all won it – and the other two ‘Rs’ were also here tonight in even more elevated circumstances – Brazil have got past the quarter-finals just once. And that ended up being the worst experience of the lot, as a home World Cup clouded by so much nervous energy collapsed into that 7-1 humiliation against Germany.
They’ve otherwise been beaten by France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Croatia in relatively staid eliminations.
The former winners present in Philadelphia aren’t just heroes, then. They’re ghosts, whose success haunts every team. You can see some of this – the sense of some kind of mythic quest – in one of the main obsessions around the team.
They are still looking for the messiah, the singular figure arising out of their history to carry the team again.
Neymar’s time as the golden boy of Brazilian football has passed (Reuters)
So it is that Neymar is in the squad almost as a totem, with Endrick now the chosen one. The majority Brazilian crowd were desperate for his eventual introduction from the bench, especially when Raphinha went off injured. Endrick offered real spark and then scored, only for the strike to be ruled out for offside.
One of Ancelotti’s most important responsibilities with this team might be to temper all of that, to bring the kind of balance that his famous composure lends itself to. Here, he had to explain why Rayan initially came on.
The win over Haiti otherwise duly showed how this Brazil aren’t quite one level or the other. They don’t look elite as a side, but there is quality in moments. They are exceptional in certain positions, but so mediocre in others.
They put on a bit of a show, but that in a game where it was still occasionally difficult not to turn to your phone for distraction. Maybe the most important development, however, is how they are picking up momentum as Ancelotti gradually figures things out.
Carlo Ancelotti is slowly figuring things out as Brazil boss (AP)
Vinicius made it two goals in two, while scoring another that is classically Vinicius. How many times have we seen him outstrip a defence to finish like that?
He may not yet have the aura that his predecessors present here tonight did, but it shouldn’t be forgotten he’s one of the best in the world.
The same could be said of Alisson for his position, and the goalkeeper even added to the show with one fine turn.
Gabriel and Marquinhos are both so secure at centre-back. Bruno Guimaraes is sought-after in the engine room and, for all the focus on the midfield, were the workmen of 1994 and 2002 like Mauro Silva and Kleberson really better?
Matheus Cunha may have offered Ancelotti an answer to one of his problems (AP)
The first showed a poacher’s instinct. The second was the type of thrashed high finish he has already made a trademark for Manchester United.
Just when you thought the chance had gone, Cunha produced something. Maybe it will be like that for the team as a whole.
Typically, though, just as one solution presented itself another problem arose. Raphinha went down injured, when he’d been so impressive in stretching the game.
Ancelotti addressed this in the same tempered way. Maybe it will be the story of their campaign.
No, Brazil do not have that fear factor. But they do have something, and it can grow.
Miguel Almiron became the first player to be sent off for covering his mouth during an altercation with an opponent, but Paraguay clung on for a 1-0 World Cup win over Turkey.
The former Newcastle player was dismissed following a VAR review in first-half stoppage time. Almiron had covered his mouth while speaking to Turkey’s Mert Muldur.
PARAGUAY DOWN TO 10 MEN 🟥
Almiron becomes the first player to get a straight red card for covering their mouth at the World Cup pic.twitter.com/ru2GNZifkx
The rule change came is in light of the controversy surrounding Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr in a Champions League game in February. Prestianni covered his mouth during a confrontation with Vinicius, who accused him of racist abuse. This was unable to be proven but Prestianni received a six-game ban from Uefa for homophobic conduct.
Miguel Almiron could not believe his dismissal by referee Ivan Barton (Reuters)
“If the conversation is friendly, they can continue to do it without any problem,” refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina explained. “When the conversation is confrontational, covering the mouth means that you are doing something very wrong, potentially, and the sanction is the red card.”
Matias Galarza gave Paraguay a second-minute lead as he collected a pass from Julio Enciso and fired a low effort into the bottom corner from 20 yards.
With both sides having lost their opening game, there was plenty at stake at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium and the tension soon led to a fiery encounter.
Mert Muldur’s header from a free-kick hit the crossbar and post before bouncing away as Turkey came close to a 33rd-minute equaliser.
Given their numerical advantage it was no surprise that Turkey dominated the second half, with Orlando Gill saving from Abdulkerim Bardakci.
Enciso fired a good chance wide on the counter attack while Can Uzun missed from six yards out at the other end.
Needing a goal to maintain any chance of progressing, Turkey became increasingly desperate as Gill denied Uzun and Deniz Gul put the rebound off target. Merih Demiral headed a stoppage-time effort wide as defeat saw Turkey eliminated.
It begins with the round of 32, which runs from June 28 to July 3.
What is the format and criteria for qualification, and which teams have progressed or been eliminated?
What is the format of the World Cup knockouts?
The top two teams in each of the 12 groups, along with the eight best third-place finishers, advance to knockouts.
The knockout phase begins with the round of 32, introduced for the first time at a World Cup after the expansion of the tournament from 32 to 48 teams.
Then comes the round of 16, followed by the quarterfinals, semifinals and a playoff for third place. The final is on July 19.
The stage-wise breakdown of the tournament’s schedule is:
Group stage: June 11 to June 27
Round of 32: June 28 to July 3
Round of 16: July 4-7
Quarterfinals: July 9-11
Semifinals: July 14-15
Bronze medal match: July 18
Final: July 19
What are the rules change for the tie-breaker criteria at the 2026 World Cup?
Fifa is using head-to-head records instead of goal difference as the primary tiebreaker for teams level on points for the first time at a World Cup.
Haiti and Turkiye have been eliminated because they are unable to catch the third-placed teams in their respective groups because of they lost to those teams.
Tie-breaker criteria for World Cup groups
According to FIFA’s rules for the tournament, if two or more teams in the same group are equal on points after the group stage ends, the following criteria, in the order below, will be applied to determine the ranking:
Step one
Greatest number of points gained in the group matches.
Superior goal difference in the group matches between the teams concerned (head-to-head).
Greatest number of goals scored in the group matches between the teams concerned (head-to-head).
If the teams are still tied, the criteria below applies:
Step two
Superior goal difference across all group matches.
Greatest number of goals scored across all group matches.
Highest team conduct score (players and team officials) relating to the number of yellow and red cards obtained.
If the teams somehow still cannot be separated, then the following criteria below applies:
Step three
The two or more teams still equal on points shall be ranked according to the most recent published edition of the FIFA world rankings.
The criteria for the eight best‑ranked teams
The eight best teams among those ranked third will be determined as follows:
Greatest number of points gained in all group matches.
Goal difference resulting from all group matches.
Greatest number of goals scored in all group matches.
Highest team conduct score (players and team officials) relating to the number of yellow and red cards obtained in all group matches.
The two or more teams still equal on points shall be ranked according to the most recent published edition of the FIFA world rankings.
The FIFA World Cup trophy is displayed during a stop of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City on June 2, 2026 [Timothy A Clary/AFP]
Which teams have reached the World Cup round of 32?
(As of June 20, 07:00 GMT)
⚽️ Mexico (Group A)
The cohosts were the first to qualify for the knockouts, after taking top spot in Group A with a 1-0 win over South Korea on Thursday, June 18. The Mexicans started their campaign with a 2-0 win over South Africa in a chaotic tournament opener.
Which teams have been knocked out of the World Cup 2026?
⚽️ Haiti (Group C)
Haiti became the first team to be sent home packing from the World Cup after suffering a 3-0 loss to Brazil on Friday, June 19. Playing in their first tournament since 1974, they also lost 1-0 to Scotland in their first game.
⚽️ Turkiye (Group D)
Turkiye soon followed suit, bowing out of the tournament after a 1-0 defeat to 10-man Paraguay later on Friday. They also suffered a shock 2-0 defeat to Australia in the first group match – their first appearance at the tournament after 24 years.
Turkiye’s Can Uzun, left, and Kenan Yildiz look dejected after the team was eliminated from the tournament [Luisa Gonzalez/Reuters]
As the Tartan Army descended upon Boston for the World Cup, the city's hospitality venues are reportedly struggling to keep pace with the demand for beer.
More than 20,000 Scotland fans have travelled to Massachusetts, where Scotland’s first two group stage matches took place.
Bars have reported running out of beer as the thirsty travelling fans caused a surge in demand.
Dillon's manager, Eric Lemoult, said the city is used to lots of football fans, but the Tartan Army “party them under the table”.
“We’ve doubled and tripled our orders, and (Scotland fans) have still drunk us out of our draught beer and some of our bottles,” Mr Lemoult said.
“I’ve never seen anything like it. You guys come, you party, you drink, it’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen.”
At around 2pm on the delayed 9am train to Boston, two shocked locals were engaged in bemused conversation.
The subject, a kilted man presumably in his early 60s, had just returned down the carriage after an hour or so sitting with his new-found friends.
“It’s only 2pm! The game isn’t for another seven hours!” one exclaimed. “Those drinks must have had at least five shots in them, and he definitely got through at least three,” came the shocked reply.
Boston is no stranger to a British siege, but they didn’t quite expect this.
Scotland fans packed into the Boston Stadium for their opening game against Haiti (Reuters)
Whether it’s South Koreans in Mexico or Brazilians in New York, social media is awash with videos and photos of fans and locals enjoying their own World Cup parties.
And one story that has proved particularly captivating is that of Scotland fans’ takeover of Boston.
Scotland were one of few teams who played the first two games of their group stage campaign in the same city, with Steve Clarke’s side narrowly losing to Morocco in Boston on Friday, just six days after beating Haiti.
With fans arriving a few days ahead of their opener on 13 June, some had a week or so to make Boston a home away from home. They got to work quickly.
Scotland fans brought a unique atmosphere to the city ahead of their first World Cup game in 28 years (Getty)
Scots were dotted all around the city and surrounding areas, and from the North End to Back Bay, locals quickly came to realise that a World Cup party 28 years in the making was not something the visitors would be taking lightly.
News that the flagship taproom of Samuel Adams (Boston’s signature beer) ran dry will come as no surprise, with a representative telling the BBC that “the Tartan Army drank four times as much Boston Lager as we run through on a typical four-day holiday stretch like 4th of July”.
The fact the opening game against Haiti fell on a Saturday meant that locals and visitors alike had ample time to party, and it made for a jovial, boisterous Beantown atmosphere.
“I love the Scots, they brought their charm,” said a manager at a bar outside Quincy Market. “It’s so genuine and heartfelt, they just want to come here, support their team, eat, drink and be merry!”
Scotland fans with bagpipes marched to Fenway Park ahead of Sunday’s game (Reuters)
Nowhere was this more apparent than at Fenway Park last Sunday. A day after beating Haiti, thousands of Scottish fans marched to the stadium ahead of the Red Sox’s game against the Texas Rangers, and they carried their now-famous atmosphere into another Boston institution.
An impromptu rendition of the Scottish national anthem was louder than the pre-planned American one, and from John McGinn chants to ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’, the visitors made good on the ‘No Scotland, No Party’ slogan.
The consensus from locals was that this great stadium had probably never seen anything quite like it. A local news anchor said that she had “never experienced an environment like that at Fenway or anywhere else”, and the injection of energy was so appreciated by the Red Sox that they announced a free beer for all Scotland fans for the games in the following week.
Get your tickets and complimentary drink at tonight's @RedSox game at @fenwaypark ⚾️
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) June 17, 2026
Fans at Fenway said they’d never been to a Red Sox game with this kind of atmosphere. Others went further. “I’ve never seen the city more lively,” a local quipped. “I think you’ve come to see Boston for the best week in about 20 years!”
Local news was infatuated with the Scots too, with stations running several segments on the Scots’ various adventures and interactions with locals.
There were certainly glowing reviews, though the city played its own part in a party for the ages too. Bostonians certainly held up their end of the bargain, combining a warm welcome with plenty of good faith to help lay the platform for one of the feel-good stories of the World Cup.
And such was the strength of goodwill and positivity around Boston that the city once referred to as the ‘Hub of the Solar System’ again felt like the centre of the universe, if only for a fleeting week in June.
Scotland’s loss to Morocco leaves their hopes of qualification in the balance (Getty)
As they bid farewell to Boston, Scotland’s win over Haiti and the loss to Morocco means that Clarke’s side are still in with a chance of extending their stay in North America into the knockout rounds.
Miami will be next as the Tartan Army hope for a famous result against Brazil, with a draw likely to be enough to secure a place in the last 32.
Depending on where they finish in Group C, Scotland could play in Boston once more, returning after making the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time. Beantown has already seen a party for the ages, but the best may be yet to come.
And even if their stay only lasts one more game, it’s been a successful campaign both on and off the pitch, for Scotland fans in Boston have embodied exactly what makes the World Cup so special.
Scotland fans could be found all around Boston, from Fenway Park to the North End and the suburbs (PA Wire)
It only took a week for the world to remember what football – and indeed all sports – are really about. In a world of ticket rip-offs, staged Peace Prizes and visa denials, fans have come together to produce something organic and overwhelmingly positive. Boston now knows that when it comes to a World Cup, only one team can win, but anyone can take part.
Indeed, sometimes the game is not about winning. As fans of Scotland, Cape Verde or even the Red Sox would tell you, sometimes it’s just about being there.
Nico Schlotterbeck scored Germany's second goal of seven against Curacao (Molly Darlington)
High-scoring Germany face a powerful Ivory Coast side at the World Cup on Saturday with the winner guaranteed a place in the last 32, while Sweden can also book their ticket.
Those three nations can join co-hosts the United States and Mexico who are already through.
Germany thrashed debutants Curacao 7-1 in their opener and would be confirmed as Group E winners if they defeat Ivory Coast in Toronto and Ecuador fail to beat Curacao in Kansas City.
Progressing to the knockout round would be a relief for the Germans who astonishingly have failed to reach that stage since they won their fourth World Cup in Brazil in 2014.
So tight are the margins that Ivory Coast could lock up their place in the next round too, if they beat the Germans.
Julian Nagelsmann said his team had to be prepared for Ivory Coast's athleticism.
"Their speed is one of their biggest strengths and that's what I think they do best," he told reporters, highlighting the French-born Ivorian winger Nicolas Pepe.
"During the last game, he was everywhere," Nagelsmann said of Pepe.
Ivory Coast could also count on forward Elye Wahi who has been authorized to enter Canada after initially being denied a visa over reported spot-fixing allegations in France.
Sweden face the Netherlands in Houston knowing that a win will secure a place in the knockout round -- an extraordinary turnaround for the Scandinavians who only qualified for the World Cup through the Nations League, essentially the back door.
Coach Graham Potter warned that Sweden striker Alexander Isak will get "stronger and stronger" as the tournament goes on.
Isak had a poor season by his standards, interrupted by frequent injuries, after Liverpool paid Newcastle United a British record £125 million ($165 million) for him.
He made a strong start to the World Cup, though, as the 26-year-old scored one goal and set up two in the 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia.
"Alex has had a season that has been interrupted," Potter said. "Most football players would say they need a certain amount of time and games to get up to top, top level, so we've had to try to build Alex up. I think there's more to come from him."
- 1,000th game -
History will be made in another of Saturday's games as Japan face Tunisia in Monterrey, Mexico for the 1,000th game at a World Cup.
Hajime Moriyasu warned his Japan side they will need to match the intensity of a Tunisia team fired up by the introduction of coach Herve Renard after Sabri Lamouchi became the first coach in World Cup history to be sacked after one game.
On Friday, the United States marched into the knockout round with a 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle.
A day of raucous celebrations for the co-hosts got even better when Paraguay's 1-0 win against Turkey confirmed that the US would clinch top spot in Group D, ensuring a theoretically easier draw in the last 32.
A Cameron Burgess own goal in the 11th minute and a headed effort from Alex Freeman two minutes before half-time sealed a comfortable three points for Mauricio Pochettino's USA side, who have won the group with a game to spare.
After an unconvincing build-up to the World Cup, the Americans have made a dream start to the tournament with Friday's victory following a stylish 4-1 demolition of Paraguay in their opener.
"It was a fantastic game again, very good first half," Pochettino said. "I think we dominated the game against a very tough team.
"When the draw happened in December I thought it was going to be a really difficult, a really tough game."
In other games on Friday, Brazil took control of their destiny in Group C with a 3-0 victory over Haiti that ended the Caribbean nation's chances of progressing. Haiti join Turkey in exiting the tournament.
Two goals from Matheus Cunha and a Vinicius Junior strike sealed an easy win for the Brazilians in Philadelphia.
Brazil are now level on four points with Morocco, but lead the North Africans on goal difference.
Morocco secured their first win of the tournament on Friday with a 1-0 defeat of Scotland at Foxborough.
Morocco face Haiti in their final Group C game on June 24, while Brazil take on the Scots in Miami.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side are top of Group D and are through to the knockout stages with a game to spare.
Alex Freeman celebrates his goal against Australia (Reuters)
Their place in the last-32 as group winners was even secured when Turkey lost 1-0 to Paraguay in the later game.
The USA play Turkey next in their final Group D fixture – on Thursday 25 June in Los Angeles – but this will have no bearing on group position and simply see the US aim to continue momentum.
USA’s route at World Cup as group winners
As winners of Group D, USA will play one of the third-placed teams who advance to the last 32. Their opponent would either come from Group B, Group E, Group F, Group I or Group J. As it stands, that’s set to be Bosnia-Herzegovina – but that is likely to change by the end of the group stages.
USA celebrate Alex Freeman’s goal against Australia (Getty)
However, what’s locked is in the time and location of the last-32 clash, as the USA head to Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara for their last-32 match on Wednesday 1 July, with kick-off at 5pm local time (1am BST on Thursday 2 July). Levi’s Stadium the home of the San Francisco 49ers, known as the Bay Area Stadium for the purposes of the World Cup.
Should the USA progress to the last 16, they would then play either the winner of Group G or another of the third-placed teams who progress to the knockout stages. Group G contains Belgium, Iran, New Zealand and Egypt. If the USA play in that match, they would return to Lumen Field, Seattle on Tuesday 6 July.
Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi insists his team are “behind” captain Achraf Hakimi after a French appeals court confirmed that he will stand trial in a rape case.
Hakimi, who denies any wrongdoing, was booed by members of the Tartan Army during each touch of the ball during the 1-0 win for the African side at the World Cup 2026.
But the Paris Saint-Germain star, who is due to stand trial after recommendations from the public prosecutors, remains "very relaxed”, according to his coach Ouahbi.
He added: “Did you see the game? I suppose you did. Hakimi was extraordinary so we’re very relaxed, he’s very relaxed and I believe he played really well.”
Hakimi, who had appealed the decision by an investigative judge in February, claimed in a social media post on Friday that he felt he was "an easy target."
After being targeted by Scotland fans at the Boston Stadium, Hakimi responded by whipping up the Morocco fans and urging them to raise their voices during several corners.
Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and Achraf Hakimi following the Scotland game (PA)
“He did a good job, why talk about management?” Ouahbi questioned. “He woke up in the morning, ate like everybody, he was focused, he played with everybody, he wanted to play strongly and that’s what he did.
“We don’t have to say anything – we’re behind him, he’s very relaxed and hopefully he’s going to show he’s the best wingback in the world. I believe this is important for me, the players and the 44 million Moroccans who are following us.”
A 24-year-old woman said she was raped by Hakimi at his home in a Paris suburb, which led to the player facing preliminary charges of rape in March 2023.
The Versailles appeals court stated that Hakimi should be formally charged with rape. The court detailed how investigations conducted during the inquiry and the judicial investigation contributed to the investigating chamber recommending that the player should stand trial due to finding sufficient evidence.
Rachel-Flore Pardo, the lawyer representing the plaintiff, said her client had “a sense of relief and hope” following more than three years of legal proceedings, while also hitting out at Hakimi’s defense "after being defamed and dragged through the mud."
Morocco's Achraf Hakimi (right) and Azzedine Ounahi (PA)
While Hakimi’s social media post read: “Justice looked me in the eyes and said to me: ‘If you weren’t famous, there never would have been a case.’
“I chose to remain silent for years. I thought that staying dignified, being patient, and trusting the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made.
“Today, a story that is not mine is being told to the detriment of my family, my life, and above all, the truth.
“I sometimes get the feeling that I have become an easy target. I have been awaiting the trial since day one. And I await it now impatiently. At last, I will be able to speak.”
Germany meet Ivory Coast in Toronto knowing a win for either will secure their passage into the knockout stages and all but guarantee top spot with a round of fixtures still to play.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side may have scored seven against minnows Curacao in their opener but it was not until the second half that they pulled away and the Mannschaft’s head coach remains under an intense spotlight at home from a punditry team led by Jurgen Klopp.
Now they face the far sterner prospect of this meeting against an Ivorian team possessing plenty of attacking talent. Amad scored the late winner against Ecuador with plenty of eyes on young winger Yan Diomande amid interest from a host of big European clubs. Diomande was outstanding against Ecuador while several team-mates showed some early nerves in their tournament debuts.
Here’s everything you need to know about this World Cup 2026 game:
When is Germany v Ivory Coast?
Germany face Ivory Coast at 9pm BST on Saturday 20 June (4pm ET) in Toronto.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the match free-to-air on ITV1 with coverage starting at 8pm BST. It can also be live-streamed on ITVX.
Team news
Nagelsmann has no fresh injury concerns and seems likely to stick with Jamal Musiala in the No. 10 role instead of Denis Undav.
Ivorian defender Evan N'Dicka continues to struggle with a hamstring injury, while forward Elye Wahi has been denied entry to Canada owing to a previous arrest
Jan Paul van Hecke has spoken out for the first time since joining Tottenham from Brighton in a £52m transfer.
Van Hecke will move to Tottenham after manager Roberto De Zerbi took charge and steered the club to Premier League safety on the final day of the season.
De Zerbi previously worked with Van Hecke at Brighton and made the 26-year-old, who had 12 months left on his Brighton contract after a six-year stint on the south coast, a high priority.
Asked about the days leading up to the transfer, Van Hecke said “A lot of calls, and of course I’ve not been involved the whole time in this subject. It’s important for me, and the head coach [Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman] gave me the time on this transfer. I’m grateful for this because this is a great step forwards in my professional career.
“I am proud to have played for Brighton, it boosted my confidence, but now I will play for one of the most important clubs in England. It’s important for my future. but now I’m focused on the World Cup here.”
Jan Paul van Hecke in action against Japan (Reuters)
Dutch club NAC Breda stand to earn around £3.5m from the transfer after agreeing a sell-on clause when selling Van Hecke to Brighton in 2020. His youth club, VV Goes, also stand to earn from the move.
“It’s great for these two teams where I played. I had youth training in the province of Zeeland [with VV Goes], I played there six years. it was great. Goes will earn money thanks to this transfer. These clubs will be happy with this transfer and they deserve that.”
Van Hecke’s uncle is Jan Poortvliet, who played for the Netherlands in the 1978 World Cup final.
“I think De Zerbi played a big role in the decision,” Poortvliet, who is now manager of second-tier FC Eindhoven, told Dutch outlet sportnieuws. “Several clubs were interested but De Zerbi was clear and absolutely wanted him. Jan Paul would have been at the top of the list. He knows De Zerbi’s playing style well and had a fantastic season under him.”
Spurs have also signed Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson and Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi on free transfers.
The World Cup 2026 is into the second round of group stage fixtures, with sides including England, Germany and France well-placed to put a foot in the round of 32 over the coming days.
Despite the fact that their opponents could finish with a better goal difference, Mexico have secured top spot in Group A thanks to a subtle change in group stage rules that is new for this World Cup.
For the first time ever, the tournament is using head-to-head records – rather than goal difference – as a tiebreaker for teams who are level on points in the groups.
This new rule is sure to influence the eventual round of 32 fixtures, so here’s more information on how it could affect the final group stage games.
What is Fifa’s new head-to-head rule?
Essentially, the new rule means that a team’s head-to-head record against another team is the first thing to separate teams who are level on points. This is the same as the system used in Uefa competitions.
Goal difference is then used as the next differentiator, with the total number of goals scored in all group matches then considered before the highest “team conduct” score, which takes into account the total record of yellow and red cards.
Interestingly, if two teams still can’t be separated after all these criteria, then the team that is ranked higher “according to the most recent published edition of the Fifa/Coca‑Cola Men’s World Ranking” will go through.
In terms of tie-breaking criteria for the group stages, Fifa’s official website reads that the following criteria – in the same order as below – will be used to determine group rankings:
The greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned
Superior goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned (in other words, head-to-head record)
Greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned
How does the head-to-head rule apply to Mexico?
For a team to secure top spot in a group after just two games, a group either needs to have two draws or for the team in first place to have beaten any team(s) on three points.
Mexico have won both of their opening games, and they now sit three points clear of second-placed South Korea. However, they cannot be overtaken as they beat South Korea 1-0 in the game between the two nations.
The new rule means that England will top Group L if they beat Ghana and Panama fail to beat Croatia (Reuters)
How can the rule affect other teams?
The fact that some teams can secure top spot after just two games comes with both advantages and disadvantages for the other teams in the group depending on how they’ve performed so far.
In Mexico’s example, El Tri could opt to rest their entire starting XI, so the Czech Republic – who currently sit in third, two points behind South Korea – could benefit, leaving South Korea needing to beat South Africa to be certain of second place.
Who else could win their group on matchday two?
As mentioned, the US have secured top spot thanks to Turkey losing to Paraguay, while Germany could win their group if they beat the Ivory Coast and Ecuador don’t beat Curacao.
Sweden can qualify as group winners if they beat the Netherlands and Japan don’t win against Tunisia, while Lionel Messi and Argentina can top their group if they beat Austria and Algeria fail to beat Jordan.
Finally, Thomas Tuchel’s England can ensure they qualify top of Group L if they beat Ghana and Panama fail to beat Croatia.
Achraf Hakimi played for Morocco against Scotland, hours after French authorities confirmed he must face trial on rape charges (FRANCK FIFE)
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi is "very calm" despite confirmation that he faces trial in France on rape charges, his national team coach Mohamed Ouahbi said after the 1-0 win over Scotland at the World Cup on Friday.
"He is fine. He woke up this morning, ate like everyone else, got ready for the game and motivated everyone," Ouahbi said of the Paris Saint-Germain player.
"He was there in the dressing room, focused and determined to put in a big performance. He did that, and so there is nothing to say. We are behind him, and he is very calm, totally unfazed."
Hakimi, 27, is facing allegations that he raped a 24-year-old woman in the Paris region in 2023, which he denies.
The reigning African footballer of the year was regularly booed by fans in the crowd of over 64,000 at the Gillette Stadium near Boston during Friday's encounter.
His team's win over Scotland followed a 1-1 draw with Brazil in their opening World Cup game last weekend, leaving them with four points from two outings in Group C.
They now face Haiti in Atlanta next Wednesday as they aim to clinch a place in the next round.
"He will play more great games. He is the best right-back in the world and he is going to show that at this World Cup," Ouahbi added.
"He is a very important person for me, for the staff, for the players, for the Moroccan team."
Ismael Saibari was Morocco's match-winner against Scotland with a goal after just 71 seconds, the earliest so far at this year's World Cup.
It was a second goal of the tournament for the 25-year-old, who also netted against Brazil.
The Spanish-born PSV Eindhoven star is understood to be close to sealing a 55 million-euro ($63m) move to Bayern Munich.
"It has been a dream of mine since I was little to play at a World Cup for my country," he said, as he played down suggestions that he is the revelation of the tournament so far.
"I have done it, and scored two goals. So I am really pleased but the most important thing is to get out of the group and go as far as possible."
John McGinn gets away from Achraf Hakimi during Scotland's World Cup defeat against Morocco on Friday (FRANCK FIFE)
Scotland players led by star John McGinn retained the belief that they can secure a historic qualification for the knockout phase of the World Cup despite going down 1-0 to Morocco in their second match on Friday.
A brilliant second-minute strike by Ismael Saibari settled the Group C game in Morocco's favour at the Gillette Stadium near Boston, leaving the Atlas Lions on four points and Scotland on three with one match still to play.
Steve Clarke's team beat Haiti 1-0 at the same stadium in their first outing, but now face needing to get something against Brazil next Wednesday to be sure of a place in the last 32.
"Tonight we showed we can compete with the teams in the top 10. Brazil will be a different game, they play with less structure but they have quality that can hurt you at any point," McGinn told reporters after a battling Scotland display in which they lacked quality in the final third.
"We will need to be at our best. We know what we need to do to try to get through to the next round."
Scotland showed great resilience after conceding the earliest goal of the World Cup so far, and caused problems right to the end against a Morocco side who lie seventh in the FIFA rankings.
Aston Villa skipper McGinn felt he should have had a penalty, but they struggled to seriously test Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
"We are a resolute group and what we lack sometimes in quality to compete with the top 10, we have in fight and character," added McGinn, who was Scotland's match winner against Haiti.
"Can we improve? Of course we can, but we keep going. I think the second half showed that once we get after teams, no one likes being under pressure, even players at the top level make mistakes as they were near the end."
Scotland are appearing at the World Cup for the ninth time and are desperate to make it beyond the group stage at a major competition for the first time ever.
- Brazil await -
"It just shows you how difficult it is to win a World Cup game. Every team is top, top level," midfielder Lewis Ferguson told broadcaster ITV.
"I am delighted with the response but gutted with the result. We probably deserved a point."
Coach Clarke added: "This group of players, this squad, have shown that resilience in abundance over the years. They're in there, they are flat, disappointed, but we've got another chance.
"We're here to try and do what no Scottish team has done before. We gave it everything tonight, and we'll try and do it again."
Having played their first two matches in Massachusetts, where the Tartan Army have taken over Boston, they now return to their base in Charlotte, North Carolina.
From there they head to Miami, the venue for the game against sixth-ranked Brazil -- that will mean adapting to the warmer Florida conditions.
"Ill be keeping my eye on the weather app," joked McGinn, as Scotland prepare to play the record five-time champions at a World Cup for the fifth time.
"I have played in Orlando before and it is tough going. But we have prepared for it. We had the pre-camp there.
"Scotland against Brazil in Miami to make some history is something you dream of. We will prepare right as we have throughout the whole tournament and we have to go one step further."
Iran have been training in Mexico ahead of their fixtures in the USA (Guillermo Arias)
The United States marched into the last 32 of the World Cup on Friday with a 2-0 victory over Australia as Brazil rediscovered their scoring touch to eliminate Haiti.
A day after Mexico sealed their place in the knockout rounds, the USA emulated their fellow World Cup co-hosts with a clinical Group D win over Australia in Seattle.
A Cameron Burgess own goal in the 11th minute and a headed effort from Alex Freeman two minutes before half-time sealed a comfortable win for Mauricio Pochettino's side, who have advanced to the second phase of the tournament with a game to spare.
After an unconvincing build-up to the World Cup, the Americans have made a dream start to the tournament with Friday's victory following a stylish 4-1 demolition of Paraguay in their opening game last week.
The co-hosts could even clinch first place in Group D later on Friday if Turkey lose or draw against Paraguay in the late match.
"It was a fantastic game again, very good first half," Pochettino said. "I think we dominated the game against a very tough team.
"When the draw happened in December I thought it was going to be a really difficult, a really tough game."
Australia coach Tony Popovic blamed "lethargy" for his team's loss.
"We were slow to every ball, and we couldn't really wrestle back any momentum, which made it difficult," Popovic said.
"We conceded a couple of really soft goals but we just looked flat and lethargic in the first half."
- Brazil romp, Scotland stumble -
In other games on Friday, Brazil took control of their destiny in Group C with a 3-0 victory over Haiti that ended the Caribbean nation's chances of reaching the last 32.
Two goals from Manchester United striker Matheus Cunha and a Vinicius Junior strike sealed a comfortable win for the Brazilians in a one-sided game at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field.
The result ensured Haiti will finish bottom of Group C and are the first team to be eliminated from contention for a place in the knockout rounds.
Brazil's victory though was marred by an apparent injury to star forward Raphinha, who left the game in the 40th minute after an innocuous-looking tussle with Haiti defender Martin Experience.
Brazil are now level on four points with Morocco in Group C, but lead the North Africans on goal difference.
Morocco secured their first win of the tournament on Friday with a 1-0 defeat of Scotland at Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Ismael Saibari scored the games's only goal, lashing home a thunderous angled strike in the second minute to leave the Scots reeling.
Morocco will face Haiti in their final Group C game on June 24, while Brazil take on the Scots in Miami.
"Tonight we showed we can compete with the teams in the top 10. Brazil will be a different game, they play with less structure but they have quality that can hurt you at any point," Scotland's John McGinn said.
"We will need to be at our best. We know what we need to do to try to get through to the next round."
- Iranian complaints -
Off the field, a leading Iranian football official said on Friday that Iran's treatment at the World Cup was a "dark point" in the history of the competition.
Hedayat Mombeyni, the secretary general of the Iranian football federation, was speaking to reporters the day after his organization said it would lodge a complaint with FIFA, claiming the team was being subjected to travel restrictions that were jeopardizing its performance.
Iran wanted to fly from their base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, to Los Angeles two days before their next match, against Belgium on Sunday.
But the Iranian federation said its request was turned down.
The US administration has pushed back against the Iranian demands.
Neymar has returned to limited training as he bids to return to fitness in time to feature for Brazil at what could be his last World Cup.
The superstar forward has been out of acting nursing a calf problem sustained while playing for Santos in May, and underwent tests on Monday to determine the progress of his recovery.
He is not expected to play in Brazil’s second Group C outing against Haiti on Friday, with the Selecao desperately needing an injection of attacking spark after putting in an underwhelming display in their opening 1-1 draw with Morocco.
Elsewhere, Lamine Yamal has stepped up his return to full fitness after making his return to action in Spain’s goalless draw with Cape Verde off the bench - will he start their next match against Saudi Arabia?
See below for a full list of key injuries at this year’s World Cup.
Neymar (Brazil)
Neymar sustained a grade two calf injury just three weeks out from the tournament.
The 34-year-old missed the opening match against Morocco and underwent tests on Monday to determine the progress of his recovery.
He has only just returned to partial training with Brazil and did not feature against Haiti on Friday in Philadelphia. It is uncertain if he will be available to face Scotland in their final group game, but after beating Haiti he should still get a shot to play in the knockouts.
Neymar missed Brazil’s opener due to a calf injury (Getty)
Lamine Yamal (Spain)
The 18-year-old star injured his left hamstring and had been out since 22 April, but he has now made his return to action after coming off the bench in Spain’s goalless draw with Cape Verde.
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente insisted he was in “perfect condition” with Yamal no doubt eager to start for the European champions against Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
Fellow Spain winger Nico Williams also returned off the bench against Cape Verde, as did Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino who had been sidelined for much of the year so far.
Lamine Yamal in action for Spain against Cape Verde (Getty)
Christian Pulisic (United States)
The co-hosts’ star player shone in the first-half of USA’s 4-1 win against Paraguay in Los Angeles but was withdrawn by Mauricio Pochettino at half-time due to a calf problem.
The US remained without Pulisic for their win over Australia, which sealed their place in the knockout stages.
“It was impossible for him today to play,” Pochettino said. “We hope that next game he will be available but if we want to win the competition we need the whole team.
"All of the players need to be important but of course Christian is one of the best players in the world and I hope that he can recover as soon as possible and can show it on the pitch and help the team."
The US play Turkey in their final group outing next Friday.
Christian Pulisic was withdrawn at half-time in USA’s opening win against Paraguay (Getty)
Declan Rice (England)
England are facing a series of injury concerns ahead of their second World Cup game against Ghana on Tuesday, with Declan Rice leading that list.
He was replaced with a hamstring injury in their opener against Croatia, with Thomas Tuchel insisting it is a minor issue.
“Declan had some unusual ball losses and I saw a bit of discomfort,” Tuchel said. “I asked him, and he pointed directly to his lower back, upper hamstring, that he feels the discomfort.
“I didn’t want to take any risk, so I decided to take Declan off – which I never wanted to do – but it was the moment to protect him, and I think Reece James did so well to replace him in the central midfield. [Rice] had a fantastic game, so I hope it’s nothing more, and he just reassured me at the end: ‘It’s good, and I know the discomfort’. We will take care of it, and this is nothing big to worry about.”
Declan Rice is an injury concern for England (Getty)
Bukayo Saka (England)
Saka has been managing a long-term Achilles problem and while he was able to feature off the bench against Croatia, Tuchel says he will not rush things with the Arsenal winger, with Gunners team-mate Noni Madueke likely to start ahead of him against Ghana.
"Bukayo is ready and will get more and more ready," Tuchel said after the win over Croatia. "Once we get to the last game in the group it is the moment. He was strong yesterday [Tuesday] in training in small spaces. It's just a matter of if the game is open and up and down."
Bukayo Saka allayed injury fears after featuring for England against Croatia (Getty)
Harry Kane (England)
Kane suffered a bout of cramp late in the Croatia clash and wore strapping in training, which sparked concerns of a problem.
However, it is not expected to threaten his involvement in the Ghana game as he chases the Golden Boot, having scored a brace in the opener.
Harry Kane endured a bout of cramp against Croatia (Getty)
Marcus Rashford (England)
Rashford complained of muscle tightness after their World Cup opener and he is being monitored ahead of England’s next match.
The winger netted off the bench against Croatia to seal the 4-2 win.
Marcus Rashford after the Croatia win (Getty)
Raphinha (Brazil)
Raphinha suffered a hamstring injury during Brazil’s 3-0 win over Haiti on Friday.
He limped off at the end of the first half of the contest in Philadelphia and was seen walking gingerly out of the stadium after the game’s conclusion.
The Barcelona star has undergone treatment on a hamstring injury with the hope of him returning to the World Cup, the country's national team said Saturday.
Raphinha is set to go through an intensive treatment protocol with the aim of resuming normal activities in a short period of time, the confederation said.
Raphinha limped off with a hamstring problem against Haiti (Reuters)
Wilfried Singo (Ivory Coast)
The Ivory Coast right-back was substituted during the second half against Germany, with Guela Doue coming on in his place after 82 minutes.
Singo was seen clutching his left hamstring and sat on the bench in tears, covering his face his orange Elephants jersey.
Alphonso Davies (Canada)
Canada’s captain and star player had to sit out their 1-1 draw against Bosnia on Friday in Toronto but returned to the bench for their 6-0 thrashing of Qatar in Vancouver on Thursday.
He didn’t make a cameo but it will be hoped he can feature in their final group outing against Switzerland.
Bayern Munich’s Davies sustained a hamstring injury in May and the team remained tight-lipped about his recovery during Tuesday’s training session.
"Mentally, it was very draining, suffering these injuries," Davies told reporters ahead of Canada's opener. "I was going into a hole where I was doubting myself, but I had that time off (during the injuries) and I thought about why I'm doing this, and how important this is to me."
Alphonso Davies missed Canada’s opener (Reuters)
Ruben Dias (Portugal)
Manchester City defender Dias missed Portugal’s opener against DR Congo in a hefty blow for Roberto Martinez’s side.
He has been dealing with an injury in training in recent days and Martinez confirmed that Portugal “won’t take any risks” against the African nation, with Dias still “not fully fit”.
Ruben Dias will miss Portugal’s opener against DR Congo (Getty)
Tino Livramento (England)
England have been dealt their first real injury blow of the campaign after Newcastle defender Livramento was ruled out for the tournament with a calf injury.
Tuchel could have called up a raft of other full-back options, including Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly and Newcastle’s Lewis Hall. However the England manager chose to bring Trevoh Chalobah, a centre-back, into the fold.
Chalobah will not be available in England’s opener against Croatia.
England’s Tino Livramento has been ruled out of the World Cup through injury (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Wire)
Ismael Kone
Canada midfielder Ismael Kone has undergone successful surgery to repair severe fractures in his lower left leg, after sustaining a horror injury during Thursday’s match against Qatar.
The injury, which involved both the tibia and fibula bones, means the 24-year-old will miss the remainder of the Fifa World Cup 2026 campaign.
Canada coach Jesse Marsch described the immediate aftermath, recalling he "could hear the bone snap."
(Reuters)
Mohammed Kudus (Ghana)
Another confirmed absentee, Tottenham forward Kudus will miss the World Cup because of a quadricep injury.
The 25-year-old has not featured since January, in a blow to Ghana - who are in England’s group.
Mohammed Kudus has been ruled out of the World Cup (Getty)
Wataru Endo (Japan)
Liverpool defensive midfielder Endo injured his foot in February and has been ruled out of the World Cup - and the 33-year-old has immediately retired from international duty.
“Since my injury, I’ve done everything I possibly could up to this point, so I have no regrets whatsoever,” he said. “From here on, I’ll be cheering for the Japan national team as one of the fans.”
Wataru Endo has not played for Liverpool since February (Getty)
Jurrien Timber (Netherlands)
The Arsenal defender had been out since March due to a groin problem, but came on in the second half of the Champions League final against PSG.
However, the Dutch FA believe Timber had “not recovered sufficiently” to take part in the tournament in a “medically responsible manner.”
As such, Timber has left the Dutch squad and been ruled out of the World Cup.
Jurrien Timber has been ruled out of the World Cup (Getty)
Lennart Karl (Germany)
The 18-year-old was expected to be one of the young stars of this tournament but suffered a torn thigh muscle in training, ruling him out of the World Cup.
Lennart Karl has been ruled out of the World Cup (Getty)
Billy Gilmour (Scotland)
It was heartbreak for Scotland’s creative midfielder Gilmour, as he suffered an injury in their warm-up victory against Curacao.
The 24-year-old Napoli player picked up a knee injury in the 4-1 win, with teammate Scott McTominay saying he was “absolutely devastated” by the news.
Gilmour was, however, in camp to support his teammates ahead of their opening win against Haiti on Saturday.
Billy Gilmour suffered a knee injury in Scotland’s warm-up game against Curacao (PA)
The US celebrate their second goal against Australia on Friday. Photograph: Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images
After two wins in two to start the World Cup, the US have gained a high-profile supporter: Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Asked on Fox’s postgame broadcast whether he thinks the co-hosts can win the World Cup, the Swede offered a simple answer: “Yes.”
Asked about Ibrahimovic’s comments after Friday’s 2-0 win over Australia, US players were uniform in their response: Sure, why not?
“I don’t think it’s ridiculous,” Chris Richards said. “We want to lift a trophy by the end of this.”
His fellow defender, Auston Trusty, had similar feelings.
“That’s our mindset,” Trusty said. “I don’t think you enter this tournament not to have that mindset. To have [Ibrahimovic] say that about us, that’s amazing. But I’m sure he knows as well, it’s game-by-game.”
If the US do make it deep into the tournament – Friday’s win guaranteed their spot in the knockout stage – it will likely be due in no small part to the emergence of Alex Freeman. The 21-year-old defender, now at Villarreal after becoming one of the best young players in MLS with Orlando City, has been a revelation at this World Cup. Playing on the right side of a three-man backline, Freeman scored the second goal to seal Friday’s win – a goal that was initially ruled out for offside but was later given after a lengthy VAR review.
“I think you dream of this moment,” said Freeman, the son of Super Bowl champion Antonio Freeman. “And for it to finally happen with such a support system to help you celebrate it makes is so much more special. When it was confirmed, I saw all my teammates running and I thought: ‘I’ve got to run away, they’re going to tackle me!’”
Mauricio Pochettino said at his introductory press conference as US head coach that his goal is to win the World Cup with the US. He too had praise not just for Freeman, but the system that developed him.
“The evolution is massive,” Pochettino said after Friday’s game. “He has potential to be one of the best players in his position in the world. He’s [a] humble guy, he has an amazing profile. He wants to learn. He always listens … you really enjoy being with him.”
The best US finish at a men’s World Cup was third-place in the tournament’s first edition in 1930. Their best result in the modern era was a run to the quarter-finals in 2002.
The first ever 48-team World Cup features an additional round of 32, offering the world’s top strikers an additional opportunity of bagging an extra goal as they dream of embarking on a deep run into the tournament.
If players are tied for goals, the number of assists will determine who ranks higher. If there is still a tie, it comes down to minutes played and the goals-per-minute ratio. Here are the latest 2026 World Cup golden boot standings.
Ismael Saibari (L) celebrates with teammate Bilal El Khannouss after scoring for Morocco against Scotland at the World Cup on Friday (FRANCK FIFE)
Ismael Saibari scored the fastest goal of the World Cup so far after just 71 seconds as Morocco beat Scotland 1-0 on Friday to close in on a place in the knockout rounds.
Saibari scored in Morocco's opening 1-1 draw with Brazil last weekend and his clinical finish with just over a minute gone settled a hard-fought, physical contest watched by a crowd of 64,146 at the Gillette Stadium near Boston.
The 25-year-old, who was born in Spain and raised in Belgium, is reportedly on the brink of a 55 million-euro ($63m) transfer from Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven to Bayern Munich.
The quality of his strike past goalkeeper Angus Gunn showed why he is attracting such interest, and it was telling that Scotland lacked the same quality in the opposition box -- that helps explain why Morocco are ranked fifth in the world, and Scotland 40th.
With four points from two games, Morocco are now primed to advance to the last 32 as they aim to at least match their historic run to the semi-finals in Qatar in 2022.
However, it was a sobering evening for Scotland and their army of fans who have taken over Boston during this World Cup, as their team never really tested Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
The laboured 1-0 win over Haiti in their opening game at the same stadium last weekend -- which was their first victory at a World Cup since 1990 -- gave them a platform to build on and reason to believe they can progress beyond the group stage at a World Cup for the very first time.
Another win here would have secured progress from Group C, but their chances of going further remain up in the air going into their next match against Brazil in Miami next Wednesday.
Morocco, whose captain Achraf Hakimi started hours after it was confirmed he must stand trial in France on rape charges, face Haiti in Atlanta next.
- Scots lack cutting edge -
Moroccan coach Mohamed Ouahbi went with an unchanged starting line-up here following the Brazil clash, but opposite number Steve Clarke made three changes.
Clarke sought to reinforce his defence, meaning striker Lawrence Shankland dropped out as defender Kieran Tierney came into the side to make a back five.
But that was of little use as Morocco went ahead practically from kick-off.
The assist came from Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz and Grant Hanley played Saibari onside as the latter latched onto the ball over the top, controlled and rifled high into the net.
Morocco, who defeated Scotland 3-0 when the teams met at the 1998 World Cup, threatened to overrun their opponents every time they got forward but were wasteful, with Bilal El Khannouss squandering a good chance on 36 minutes.
Scotland were as stodgy in attack as they have been for a long time, and it took until first-half stoppage time for them to create anything dangerous.
That was a cross whipped in from the left by skipper Andy Robertson that John McGinn was unable to make anything of, and the opening period ended without Bounou needing to make a save.
Morocco hit the woodwork five minutes into the second half as Saibari met a cutback by El Khannouss and his attempt was deflected onto the bar by Jack Hendry.
Moments later Gunn made a fine stop to keep out an El Khannouss header from a corner taken by Hakimi, who was regularly booed by the crowd.
Morocco nevertheless seemed content to see the game out and soak up what Scotland could throw at them.
Ryan Christie fired over on 64 minutes after being teed up by Scott McTominay, who hit the side-netting late on, but a Scotland goal proved elusive.
Mauricio Pochettino praised the intelligence of his US players (JAMIE SQUIRE)
US coach Mauricio Pochettino backed his "high IQ" players not to get carried away after they secured progress to the World Cup knockouts with Friday's win over Australia and sent fans' hopes soaring.
Thanks to an own goal and an Alex Freeman header, the US have reached the last-32 of the tournament they are co-hosting with a game to spare, winning two group matches for the first time since 1930.
The already-surging hype surrounding the US team's prospects among the American public sky-rocketed following the 2-0 win over the Socceroos in front of a jubilant crowd in Seattle.
Pochettino's men could be assured of top place in Group D in just a few hours' time if other results go their way, but the manager said he trusts his team not to treat next week's Turkey clash any differently.
"We need to go for the next one. To be sure that we are going to arrive in good condition, like we arrived in the last two games," said Pochettino.
His players and staff need to "keep being very tough with ourselves, to push to be better and better every day," he added.
Pochettino, whose stellar career includes leading Tottenham Hotspur to a Champions League final and managing the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar at Paris Saint-Germain, said his players have the footballing nous to not let standards slip.
"That is part of being intelligent... For me, the IQ of the players that I have in my squad, they are so high over the average," he said.
If Turkey do not beat Paraguay later on Friday, the US will be guaranteed top spot in Group D, and a theoretically easier route into the knockout rounds.
The US still have to play Turkey in a group game next week. Pochettino did not rule out making changes to his team for that clash.
"We had a lot of fatigued bodies in the first half both physically and mentally," he said.
"I think it's too early to talk about our decision against Turkey... If we want to win and we want to be one of the good teams, dreaming big, I think we need to talk about the team and not the (individual) names."
As his players took a victory lap around the field, the fans sang along to "Livin' on a Prayer," and many will now be dreaming of a deep run into the World Cup that would defy most pundits' expectations in a tournament stacked with favorites like Spain, France and Argentina.
Pochettino himself has dared fans to dream of winning the World Cup, repeatedly asking "Why not us?" in press conferences.
The Argentinian coach paid tribute to Friday's crowd, comparing it to the football-mad country of his birth.
"Amazing. I was saying yesterday Argentina have amazing fans but I think we are matching Argentina," he said.
Sweden forward Alexander Isak in action against Tunisia (Julio Cesar AGUILAR)
Striker Alexander Isak will get "stronger and stronger" and is smiling again, Sweden coach Graham Potter said Friday in a World Cup warning to defences.
Isak had a poor season by his standards after Liverpool paid Newcastle United a British-record £125 million last summer for him.
He struggled for fitness and form, but showed some of his brilliant best as Sweden opened their World Cup with a 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia.
The 26-year-old scored one goal and set two up, with strike partner Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal also netting.
Speaking on the eve of Saturday's tasty group clash with the Netherlands in Houston, the Englishman Potter said: "Alex has had a season that has been interrupted.
"Most football players would say they need a certain amount of time and games to get up to top, top level, so we've had to try to build Alex up.
"I think there's more to come from him.
"He's not at that place where he's at absolute maximum, but obviously with the quality he has and the type of player he is, he can still influence the game.
"I think he'll get stronger and stronger as the tournament goes, and that's where our work is to try and help him get better and better, stronger and stronger."
After a trying first season at Liverpool, where he made only 14 appearances in the Premier League and scored three goals, Potter said he saw a player enjoying his football again.
"That's the most important thing, I think, with Alex. I think he likes being with the team, he likes being with the players.
"He enjoys it, plays with a smile on his face.
"And if we do that, then he's fantastic."
There are several intriguing battles looming in the Group F match in Houston.
Chief among them, Isak will come face to face with Netherlands and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
The Dutch, who drew 2-2 with Japan to start their World Cup, have another Anfield attacker in Cody Gakpo.
In the Netherlands midfield there is also Ryan Gravenberch.
The big win over Tunisia and the strike force of Gyokeres and Isak has sparked talk that Sweden could go far in North America.
But they only squeezed into the tournament via the playoffs, and Potter, who took charge in October, said: "We know that we're a work in progress and we're improving.
"We've taken a step, but all we've done is played one match. That's it."
Even after winning the national championship, Curt Cignetti isn’t changing his philosophy in recruiting. But he also knows how important NIL is in the process, which is why the Indiana coach said schools have to “be smart.”
Cignetti told Rich Eisen that the Hoosiers have developed a bigger profile on the recruiting trail and can bring more prospects to Bloomington as a result. The program still looks for traits such as toughness, character and toughness, though, even with more access to higher-rated prospects.
However, Cignetti said it’s important to keep pace with the times as the NIL and rev-share eras evolve. it comes down to finding the balance between making a splash on the trail and retaining key pieces already on the roster.
“Yeah, there are more guys we can get in on and get on campus. But you’ve got to be smart, too, because the market’s always changing and this high school market is out there,” Cignetti said on The Rich Eisen Show. “So you really can’t go all the way with everybody you’d like to because you’ve got to be able to keep the good players and add a few guys in the portal where you’ve got critical needs.”
Curt Cignetti: ‘I don’t deal with agents anymore’
When asked if anyone has ever come into his office asking for more money, Curt Cignetti said it has “never” happened on his watch. After all, many of the athletes have agents, and he made it clear he’s not part of those conversations. He leaves those to his recruiting staffers and noted talks about NIL dollars don’t happen during the season.
“The time for negotiation is when the season’s over,” Cignetti said. “The high school deal, when you’re recruiting, you’ve got agents calling your guy.
“I don’t deal with agents anymore. I let our people deal with them and they come to me. It’s like anything else. How bad do you want it?”
After winning the national championship, Cignetti and Indiana once again reloaded in the transfer portal. The Hoosiers brought in the No. 1-ranked transfer class, according to the On3 Team Transfer Portal Rankings, headlined by former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover.
Additionally, IU’s 2026 recruiting class comes in as the nation’s No. 30 overall group, according to the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Ranking. That includes seven four-stars on the way to Bloomington.
Alex Freeman celebrates scoring for the United States in their 2-0 win over Australia (JAMIE SQUIRE)
Alex Freeman said scoring a World Cup goal for the USA in Seattle where his father once scored two touchdowns for the Green Bay Packers was a "full circle family moment."
Emulating his NFL wide receiver dad, Freeman was the first to the ball when Sergino Dest's effort looped into the air, heading past Australia's 'keeper for the second goal in a 2-0 win.
Victory sends the United States into the knockout rounds of the World Cup they are co-hosting.
Right-back Freeman has played a vital role defensively too across two matches so far.
He follows in the footsteps of father Antonio, who most famously caught a touchdown in the Green Bay Packers' Super Bowl XXXI win in 1997, but also grabbed two in a Packers win at Seattle the previous year.
"For me that is a full circle family moment. I think for me it just shows how great the family tree is," said Freeman, after Friday's win.
"I think that just shows how he can be great, but I can be great in my own way as well.
"And I think that just shows how amazing it is to have a dad who's successful and that could mentor me to be able to be ready for moments like this."
One of the youngest members of the US squad at 21, Alex Freeman only made his senior international debut last year, selected by coach Mauricio Pochettino based on his Major League Soccer performances for Orlando City.
Arguably one of the less starry members of the US starting XI, he has nonetheless made the right-back position his own, fending off Timothy Weah and pushing Sergino Dest further up the field.
He also earned a move this year to Spanish club Villarreal.
"It's hard for me to kind of take it all in, but I think it's good also to kind of go through these challenges at such a fast pace at a young age," said Freeman.
"I feel like for me it's just going to make me an even better player to be able to kind of adjust the different atmospheres and be able to kind of adjust the different circumstances."
The popular Freeman was mobbed by his teammates including most of the bench after the goal, initially ruled offside, was cleared by VAR.
"I was very anxious to see whether it was a goal or not. And then when it was a goal, I looked back and I saw my teammates running out there and thought 'Oh Lord'... it just made me very emotional."
Here's how to watch Brazil vs Haiti for free online and from anywhere in Group C of the FIFA World Cup 2026, as Vinicius Jnr hopes to inspire A Selecao.
Japan fans tidied up after themselves after their team's opening World Cup game against the Netherlands in Texas (Charlotte Wilson)
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said Friday he was proud that the country's fans had forged a global reputation for tidying up after themselves at the World Cup -- as long as it does not put cleaners out of work.
Footage went viral online after Japan supporters were seen putting their rubbish in blue plastic bags following Sunday's 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in Texas.
Fans told AFP it was "Japanese culture" to leave any public place cleaner than when they arrived.
Speaking on the eve of Japan's second group game, against Tunisia on Saturday in Mexico, Moriyasu said: "I think this is one part of the Japanese culture that we can be proud of in the world."
It extends to his squad, who left the changing room at the Dallas Cowboys' stadium immaculate after the game.
But Moriyasu said there was a possible downside.
"I have met Brazilian players, Brazilian coaches and people from different countries and then they would all point out something different," he said.
"They said, by picking up people's garbage it would be clean, but wouldn't you be taking away the work from the cleaners?
"So I guess that is one way of looking at it."
And while images of Japan fans cleaning up gained widespread praise abroad, back in Japan a social media post went viral complaining men rarely do the same at home.
"Japanese men spend among the least time on housework internationally," read the post.
One of college football‘s biggest sagas in recent memory came to an end this week, but it remains a major topic across the sports world. Texas Tech and Brendan Sorsby mutually agreed to part ways, clearing the path for Sorsby to enter the NFL. The news came as a massive relief throughout college football. Otherwise, a Big 12-Texas Tech civil war appeared to be brewing.
One prominent voice in the sport echoed what much of the college football world was thinking about how the situation concluded. Fans and media members alike found themselves agreeing with Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti. During an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Cignetti discussed the Sorsby-Texas Tech controversy.
Although Sorsby ultimately will not continue his college career—as many believe he shouldn’t—Cignetti knows the larger issues remain unresolved.
“I do think we’re at a tipping point,” Cignetti said.
Indiana Head Coach Curt Cignetti smiles as he is interviewed on the podium after the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
That tipping point centers on the increasingly blurred line between NCAA authority and the willingness of courts to challenge or override its rules and bylaws.
Drawing to line?
There are plenty of valid criticisms of the NCAA. However, its handling of the Sorsby case is not one of them. It took the involvement of three state attorneys general, the Big 12, and a federal court complaint before Texas Tech and Sorsby finally backed down. If anything, Cignetti believes the outcome benefited college football.
“I think some of the things that have happened in the last couple days were a real plus for college football. We need to move forward in a positive direction,” Curt Cignetti said.
Where does that positive direction lead college football?
Nov 29, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Brendan Sorsby (2) runs with the ball during the game between the Horned Frogs and the Bearcats at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Action being taken
At the moment, the United States Congress is evaluating the Protect College Sports Act in an effort to bring order to the sport’s growing chaos. In 2021, student-athletes gained the ability to profit from their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). Combined with an increasingly active transfer portal, college athletics quickly evolved into what many view as a pay-for-play marketplace.
Several coaches have voiced concerns about the spending levels associated with NIL deals, with some programs reportedly stretching or exceeding collective budgets. At the same time, athletes are delaying their departures for the professional ranks to maximize earning opportunities. In sports like football, elite prospects who once left after three seasons are now often staying for five.
That trend provides some continuity for college football, but it also creates new challenges. Critics argue it has fueled instability and eroded the integrity of the game. Sorsby became a prime example, choosing to remain in college and pursue a reported $5 million NIL deal despite concerns surrounding his decision to gamble on his own team.
While this controversy ended without impacting the 2026 season on the field, the bigger question remains: What will it take to bring the chaos under control?
Ben Gannon-Doak misses out on the starting lineup as Scotland face Morocco at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Here's how to watch the Group C clash for free online and from anywhere.
Brazilian star Neymar is working remotely at the World Cup said Brazil president Lula (MAURO PIMENTEL)
Brazilian star Neymar is "the first player in the world to be called up to the national side and be working remotely", Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula de Silva joked on Friday.
Neymar, Brazil's record goalscorer with 79 goals, only returned to training with the squad at the World Cup in the United States this week after recovering from a calf injury.
The 34-year-old missed the opening 1-1 draw with Morocco and has also been omitted by coach Carlo Ancelotti from the squad for their second group game against Haiti later on Friday.
"Neymar? He is not even playing!" Lula replied to a young boy when he mentioned Neymar's name.
"Neymar is the first player to be called up (to the national team) who is working remotely," added the 80-year-old, who was speaking during a ceremony at a hospital in the southeast city of Belo Horizonte.
Lula has been in fine form since the Morocco match, joking on Wednesday that he was thinking of signing Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi to play for Brazil.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain striker was diagnosed in late May with an injury to his right calf, and has featured in just half of the games for his club Santos this year due to various fitness issues.
Ancelotti and his coaching staff are reluctant to rush the return of Brazil's all-time record goalscorer and compromise his availability for matches later in the tournament, according to Brazilian media.
Neymar, who has not played for his country since October 2023, did train with his teammates for the first time on Wednesday.
He has been an integral part of Brazil's last three World Cup campaigns but there was some surprise at his inclusion this time owing to his series of injuries.
Brazil's final group stage game is against Scotland in Miami on June 24.
Lionel Messi caught Aissa Mandi with a nasty tackle in Argentina's 3-0 World Cup win over Algeria (ROBERTO SCHMIDT)
Algeria have lodged a complaint with FIFA over "refereeing injustice" in their opening World Cup loss to Argentina, particularly a tackle by Lionel Messi, an Algerian football federation source told AFP on Friday.
Messi caught Algeria defender Aissa Mandi on the calf with a studs-up challenge from behind in the 30th minute of Tuesday's match but was not booked.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, who had already given reigning world champions Argentina the lead, went on to score a hat-trick.
"The complaint primarily concerns Messi's challenge, which deserved a red card, in everyone's opinion," said the federation source.
"There were also two elbow incidents... Both of which warranted dismissals."
Algeria face Jordan in their second match on Monday, before completing their Group J campaign against Austria on Saturday, June 27.
"We are not saying that the Argentine team was not strong, but we cannot remain silent in the face of injustice," the source added when asked why Algeria decided to file a complaint.
"There were three incidents that were crystal clear, and VAR did not intervene."
Messi's treble saw him tie former Germany striker Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals.
Algeria are hoping to reach the World Cup knockout phase for only the second time, following an extra-time loss to eventual winners Germany in the last 16 in 2014.
Christian Pulisic misses USA's clash with Australia due to injury, as the co-hosts continue their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign. Here's how to watch the Group D fixture for free online and from anywhere.
The U.S. is expecting millions of international visitors this summer as fans come to watch their favorite teams compete in the World Cup. But along the way, many have become obsessed with the uniquely American sauce.
In fact, so many visitors have tried to bring ranch home that TSA had to get involved. The agency has shared several social media posts reminding airport travelers that large bottles of ranch have to go in their checked bags, rather than their carry-ons, which can only have liquids that are 3.4 ounces or less.
But now, Kraft has a solution: “TSA Compliant Ranch.”
World Cup fans are visiting the US for the first time and falling in love with ranch dressing. Now, Kraft has unveiled 'TSA Compliant Ranch' to help those fans bring the uniquely American condiment back home (Instagram/@kraftsauces)
The company announced the “travel-friendly way to bring the taste of America home” via Instagram on Thursday. The post includes a “partially” AI-generated photo depicting a kit of mini ranch dressing packets — seemingly small enough to go in a carry-on bag — sitting inside a TSA bin alongside a pair of sunglasses, a wallet and keys.
“Some visitors leave with souvenirs. Others leave with America’s favorite dressing,” the company said, adding that fans should “stay tuned for details on how to get yours.”
The Independent has contacted Kraft for more information.
TSA celebrated the trend with an Instagram post Thursday, writing, “One World. One Ranch.”
“Who knew dip-lomacy could be achieved through addressing the obvious: ranch is the king of condiments. The world is slowly discovering ranch pairs perfectly with pizza, chicken wings, fries, onion rings, quesadillas, crackers, chips, vegetables, and the list just keeps growing,” the post said.
“Are you kicking around the idea of flying home with your favorite dip? If you’re traveling within the U.S., make sure to keep your carry-on sauces to 3.4oz or less and place any larger containers in your checked bags. Some heroes wear capes. Others bring ranch,” it continued.
The World Cup is ongoing in the US, Mexico and Canada and bring fans from across the globe to North America (Getty Images)
TSA shared screenshots of its recent social media posts joking about the trend, including one asking travelers to “avoid chugging your ranch outside security,” because “airlines will check it for you.” In another post, the agency wrote: “Yeah, soooo your carry-on wasn’t made for *check notes* four bottles of ranch & a taser.”
In response, several companies flooded the comments with their own jokes about the ranch craze.
Hidden Valley, a popular ranch dressing brand, wrote: “I approve this message.”
“Does this apply for ketchup too or just ranch? (asking for a friend),” Heinz commented.
The U.S. is hosting more than 70 World Cup games across 11 cities this summer, including the highly anticipated final match, set for July 19 at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
Who: Germany vs Ivory Coast What: FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match Where: Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada When: Saturday, 4pm (20:00 GMT) How to follow: Keep up with all updates on Al Jazeera Sport
One of the most mouthwatering matches in the second round of games in the World Cup 2026 group stage sees four-time champions Germany facing a talented Ivory Coast outfit in Toronto on Saturday evening.
Kai Havertz has scored in four straight major tournaments for Germany, despite not being a recognised No 9 [Annegret Hilse/Reuters]
Germany under the radar?
After disappointing group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022, Germany came into this tournament somewhat under the radar, with the perennial powerhouse ranked only seventh-favourites to lift their fifth World Cup.
While they turned on the style thanks to young stars like Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz to pile on the goals against Curacao – the smallest nation by size and population ever to have taken part in a World Cup – and the goals have flowed in 10 straight wins, this will be a far stiffer test.
Curacao caused the German defence a few problems, especially in the opening half-hour, and it’s their pivotal central-defensive pairing of Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck, playing in front of 40-year-old keeper Manuel Neuer, that will ultimately decide how deep the Germans can go in this tournament.
Dynamic Arsenal attacking midfielder Kai Havertz continued his recent goalscoring run for club and country with a double for Germany in the opening game, but he will likely find the Ivory Coast defence a harder challenge than that posed by Curacao’s backline.
By winning their group opener, Germany did what they couldn’t in 2018 and 2022 and appear certain to progress to a first knockout match since the 2014 World Cup Final. Whether they advance as group winners, or limp through in the minor places, might well come down to the result in Toronto.
A win against Ivory Coast would secure direct top-two qualification to the Round of 32 and would likely be enough to top Group E should Ecuador fail to beat Curacao four hours later in Kansas City.
In an alternate scenario, even with a German victory against Ivory Coast, Ecuador – if they can beat both Curacao and then the Germans in Thursday’s group finale – would make things very interesting, with the potential for three teams – Germany, Ivory Coast and Ecuador – to be locked on six points and tiebreakers needed to separate them.
It matters because the team finishing first will play a third-placed qualifier, while the runner-up will face the team finishing second in the group featuring France, Norway, Senegal and Iraq, and the team qualifying third would face a group winner, potentially England or Mexico.
The Elephants might have ridden their luck, but ending Ecuador’s 19-match unbeaten streak across nearly two years in their opening game caught the eye of their fan base and will have raised expectations.
Amad Diallo’s last-minute winner ensured Ivory Coast have now won a game at all four World Cups for which they have qualified, and they can reach the knockout stages for the first time, if they defeat Germany.
In fact, they can seal top spot in Group E should they beat Die Mannschaft and Ecuador fail to beat Curacao in the other group game later on Saturday evening.
A draw against Germany would make for an intriguing group finale on Thursday night, as it would likely leave all three teams in with a chance of finishing first going into the final game, with Ivory Coast potentially needing to beat Curacao by more than six goals to ensure supremacy on goal difference.
How does the group stage work?
Germany, Ivory Coast, Ecuador and Curacao are in Group E.
They will play each other once in the initial stage of the tournament. The top two teams from each of the 12 groups – along with the eight best third-placed teams – will proceed to the next phase, the round of 32, which has been introduced at the World Cup for the first time.
Head-to-head
This will be just the second meeting between Germany and Ivory Coast.
The previous game was a friendly in November 2009, which saw Lukas Podolski score twice, including a last-gasp equaliser in a 2-2 draw.
Form guide:
(Last five games, latest match first)
Germany: W-W-W-W-W
Ivory Coast: W-W-W-W-L
Germany’s thumping win over Curacao last Sunday means they have won 10 straight games going back to September 2025 and have scored two or more goals in nine of those matches.
They have, however, struggled at the opposite end of the pitch, conceding goals in seven straight World Cup matches, their longest run since 1970, and their last clean sheet came in the 2014 final against Argentina in Brazil.
Ivory Coast go in search of a fifth straight victory, and confidence is high after both the Ecuador triumph last Sunday, which followed their 2-1 win against world number-three France in their final warm-up game in Paris on June 4.
Their last defeat came in the AFCON quarterfinal against Egypt in January.
5 - Last night for @equipenatciv vs Ecuador, Yan Diomande became the first player Opta has on record since 1966 to create 5+ chances (5), make 5+ tackles (5), win 10+ duels (11) and have 10+ touches in the opposition’s box (12) in a FIFA World Cup match.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann might well keep faith with the same XI that eventually put Curacao to the sword, but if he does, it might be tough on Deniz Undav.
The Stuttgart forward came off the bench to replace Jamal Musiala with 26 minutes to go and scored and provided two assists as Germany picked up their biggest win since the 2014 semifinal against Brazil. The versatile Undav has scored seven times and added four assists in just 10 appearances for Die Mannschaft.
Team news: Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae likely has more decisions to make.
Elye Wahi started the win over Ecuador up front before being replaced just before the hour by Ange-Yoan Bonny.
He was initially denied entry into Canada for this match due to visa complications. He was linked to a sports betting scandal while playing for Nice in Ligue 1 last month, but has since been authorised to travel and could yet be involved.
Bonny and unused subs from the first game, Oumar Diakite and Evann Guessand, are alternative options in attack.
Diallo came off the bench to win it, and the Manchester United attacking midfielder will be pushing to start, which might mean a switch of flanks for teenage starlet Yan Diomande, who stole the show on the right against Ecuador and will be eager to put on a show against the nation in which he plays for RB Leipzig.
Y. Fofana (goalkeeper); Doue, Singo, Agbadou, Konan; Diallo, Kessie, S. Fofana, Diomande; Bonny, Toure.
You can follow the action on Al Jazeera’s dedicated FIFA World Cup 2026 page with all the latest news, match build-up and live text commentary and keep up to date with group standings, real-time match results and schedules.
The American’s handsy sideline shuffle after Jonathan David rifled the first goal of a hat-trick past Qatar duly racked up social media views by the million. Shots of Marsch holding up six fingers to Canada fans at the end of the match were chopped and put side by side with Michael Jordan in identical pose after winning his sixth NBA title with the Chicago Bulls.
The man himself was adamant it would be remembered for what it was: a moment in time and a moment for all times, including the dark ones after Ismaël Koné’s World Cup was ended with a broken leg. Koné’s horrifying injury came almost halfway through an afternoon that saw records fall like confetti through the Vancouver air.
“To create an identity for what Canadian soccer could be, you can say and do all the right things, but you need moments like today, where everybody remembers what happened,” Marsch said after the victory, the Canada men’s first in this tournament, the biggest ever by a Concacaf nation and the joint-largest by any World Cup host.
“No Canadian will forget this day. There’ll be 40 million people that said they were here. It’s an incredibly seminal moment for everyone to understand that there’s talent in this country, that there’s mentality, desire, a lot of things that make this country special, even though it’s a hockey country. I’m very proud that we’ve accomplished a moment everybody can remember.”
The truth of the matter is there was too much to remember. Six goals, two reds, a broken limb, the Canadian hearts that shattered with it, touchline confrontations after the Koné incident and at full-time which came awfully close to boiling over, another atmosphere to redefine what this sport looks like in a hockey country and the prime minister, Mark Carney, in the dressing room saluting Canadian character. As a script, it would have been sent back for trimming. Koné’s social handle is Hollywood.IK and when something like Nathan Saliba coming on to replace him, rapidly scoring a free-kick and holding up Koné’s jersey happens, the username feels a little too on the nose.
An emotional overload of an afternoon left Canadian players filing through the mixed zone, processing the last few hours in real time. On Friday they can properly kick back and reflect at a team barbecue in Vancouver.
Where does it all leave them? The simplest answer is atop Group B with destiny very much in their hands. But there’s more to it. Thursday left Les Rouges with a huge hole in the heart of their lineup and some intriguing options to fill the void. It also left them with so many positives that the crushing nature of the negative may fade faster than one would expect.
It’s important to recall they faced an awful Qatar side, who were limited with 11 men and lamentable when they were reduced to nine. Nonetheless, Canada’s attack finally clicked and turned clinical in a hurry – Cyle Larin and David savouring their greatest day together. Moïse Bombito, mere weeks after reports ruled him out of this World Cup, instead made his tournament debut with 45 minutes off the bench.
When Canadian players broke out of their post-match huddle – Bombito led that outpouring – they embarked on their lap of celebration. Alphonso Davies, however, did not. The captain instead went for pitch-length runs. He’d been declared available for Thursday but wasn’t needed. He will be eventually though and his sprints suggested he’s not far away. Canada are growing into the tournament and, even with the loss of Koné, getting stronger.
Saliba, who has flourished in his first season in Europe at Anderlecht, will take Koné’s spot in the middle, alongside Stephen Eustáquio. But he doesn’t have the invention and dynamism of his close friend. “I don’t think we have another player like Ismaël. He’s a bit of an X factor for us,” Marsch admitted after the game. “We’re going to miss him. We can use different guys in different ways.”
That’s where Davies comes in. While he clearly won’t occupy a central role when he returns, his creativity off the left – even from full-back – can pick up some of what Koné left behind.
After rest and well-cooked meats by the Pacific Ocean, Canada will get back to it next Wednesday against Switzerland, coming off their own fine win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. That could be a crucial match. The winner of the group play their last-32 match a whopping four days after the runner-up and stay in Vancouver to do so. An enormous advantage.
In brief moments around BC Place on Thursday it felt as if 40 million people were in the stadium; the Canada fan march to the ground was bigger and louder than it was in Toronto. This country simply loves a sporting bandwagon. Baseball’s Blue Jays and basketball’s Raptors will testify to that. This is Canada’s national team rising up on a global stage with cinematic twists.
In putting himself out front and centre Marsch has, arguably, given his players the room to feel their way into the roles, before meeting the moment. Out there in the rest of the world, some may already be tiring of Marsch’s excesses but Canada is revelling in his leadership. Thursday was both catharsis and crisis and Marsch led the country through both and left windmilling his arms for more.
The memes aren’t done. In spite of Koné’s loss, Canada are far from it too.
Players during the World Cup Group H, Round 1 match between Uruguay and Saudi Arabia at Miami Stadium on 15 June 2026.Photograph: Richard Dole/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock
Two of the first round of matches at the World Cup were played at a level of severe heat that a football players’ union has previously said should trigger the delay or postponement of games, a Guardian analysis has found.
A further four games were played in cities with temperatures also beyond that level of heat, though conditions inside the stadiums were mitigated by air conditioning.
Saudi Arabia’s game against Uruguay in Miami had the most severe heat conditions in the analysis of the first 24 matches of the World Cup, ie each team’s first game, in the tournament being held across the US, Mexico and Canada. The second most severe heat conditions of the first 24 matches in stadiums without AC were in Sweden v Tunisia in Monterrey.
These games, despite being evening kick offs, were played amid wet-bulb temperatures of 28C (82F) or above, according to temperature and humidity data for the place and time of the games.
Fifpro, the global players’ union, has previously argued that games played at 28C or above should be delayed or postponed. Asked about the Guardian analysis, the union declined to comment on the heat situation at the World Cup. This tournament is forecast to be the hottest such tournament to be held since the quadrennial competition began in 1930.
Wet-bulb temperatures are a measure of heat stress that combines air temperature, humidity and cloud cover to determine how well a human body can cool itself through sweating. Beyond a certain level of heat and humidity, sweat is unable to evaporate properly, leading to swift overheating that can result in illness or even death.
The Guardian used weather data from government agencies in the US and UK and derived the wet-bulb temperatures from a formula used by authorities in several countries, including Australia and Canada.
Faced by the prospect of a roasting North American summer, Fifa has moved some kick-off times to later in the day and introduced mandatory water breaks. A handful of the 16 World Cup venues have roofs or air conditioning that has ameliorated some of the high temperatures.
On Wednesday, for example, England played Croatia in Dallas in the fiercest wet-bulb temperatures to date at nearly 35C (95F), although the air conditioning inside the stadium brought this down to a more reasonable 22C (71F).
In total, six of the first 24 matches have been held in places where the wet-bulb temperature hit 28C or above – Germany v Curacao in Houston, Saudi Arabia v Uruguay in Miami, Portugal v DR Congo in Houston, the Netherlands v Japan in Dallas and England v Croatia, also in Dallas. The stadium in Houston also has air conditioning.
Record-high temperatures in some places resulted in some fans wilting in shadeless heat, with warnings that stadium workers, who often have to toil long before games with heavy equipment, are facing potentially hazardous conditions.
Current Fifa guidelines state that cooling breaks should take place if games are held in heat of 32C (89F) or above – in practice, these drinks breaks have occurred at lower temperatures at this World Cup – with delay or suspension of games at the discretion of competition organizers.
On the eve of the World Cup, a group of heat and public health experts urged Fifa in an open letter to implement more extensive heat protections, citing Fifpro’s call for games to be potentially called off if they reach 28C or above.
“Temperatures are often taken from shaded areas and if players are in direct sun, it can be double figures more than the temperature readings,” said Robbie Parks, an environmental epidemiologist at Columbia University and a signatory of the open letter. “Standing in the sun can be dangerous even at lower temperatures, even above 23C (73F) or 25C (77F) would make me concerned for older adults out there for more than few minutes.”
Parks said that air conditioning, later kick-off times and water breaks will help players, but that further measures are needed for fans and workers. “Shade is super important and hydration is super important,” he said.
“You need to allow people to bring in their own water and think about having misters for evaporative cooling. The final is going to be held in New Jersey, and that stadium isn’t covered which makes me worry. But I’d hope Fifa will learn the best way to deal with that by then.”
Extreme heat is the deadliest hazard worsened by the climate crisis, causing more deaths each year than hurricanes, floods and wildfires combined. The World Cup tournament itself is set to add to the planet-heating pollution that is causing worsened heatwaves around the planet, with the staging of more than 100 matches expected to result in 7.8m tonnes of greenhouse gases, double the amount of the previous World Cup in Qatar, according to estimates by Greenly, a global carbon accounting platform.
A Fifa spokesperson said the governing body is “committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff” at the World Cup. Fifa has stationed meteorologists at match venues to assist on preparing for extreme weather and that tournament planning includes “close coordination” with host city organizers as well as stadium authorities and national agencies.
Ahead of the tournament, Fifa agreed a “tiered mitigation model” for extreme temperatures, with added interventions kicking in at different thresholds. For players, alongside mandatory hydration breaks, there is access to water and electrolyte drinks as well as other cooling tools including ice, cold towels, fans, mist and shade.
For spectators, elevated temperatures mean match stadiums will “activate additional cooling capacity, including shaded areas, misting systems, cooling buses and expanded water distribution”, the Fifa spokesperson said.
A medical set-piece protocol for the treatment of heat exertion has also been introduced, with cooling bags set to be used for the first time.
Fifa added it will “continue to monitor conditions in real time, integrating wet bulb globe temperature and heat index surveillance, and stands ready to apply established contingency protocols should extreme weather events occur”.
The Texas Tech-Brendan Sorsby gambling scandal came to an unceremonious conclusion with Sorsby opting to leave college football entirely. After fighting tooth and nail for months to overturn his gambling probe-related ban from the NCAA, Sorsby ultimately applied to the NFL’s supplemental draft, ending a lengthy legal and PR battle.
As the quarterback turns his attention to the NFL, his agent, Ron Slavin, is making his feelings clear about the media’s overarching reaction to the saga.
“Everybody loves to have an opinion. I’m so tired of watching people get on TV and blab their mouth when they have no idea what they’re talking about,” Slavin said on Shan & RJ. “Unfortunately, it’s not just in Brendan’s situation; it’s in most situations.
“Unless you’re Brendan or Brendan’s family or myself and my team, nobody really knows what happened. The opinions out there were, you would have thought this kid committed major crimes and did the horrible things. The reality is, as an 18 year old, he made some bad decisions from his dorm room when he wasn’t traveling with the team in Indiana.”
Slavin pointed toward the widespread prevalence of gambling advertisements as leaving young people susceptible to the pitfalls of betting.
“The predatory world of gambling, where you turn 18 and deposit $5 you get a free $100. Every single show on TV, every single radio show, everything is sponsored by a gambling site. So, it’s a scary world we’re living in. These kids have all been raised now with phones in their hands. So, it’s real easy to get on an app and place a bet.”
Slavin isn’t alone in this feeling. Colin Cowherd echoed his sentiment, saying on his podcast that “Sorsby’s a college kid who grew up in the first gambling generation. Of course, this was going to happen.” Pardon the Interruption’s Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon also called out the hypocrisy. Still, regardless of whether the media’s or the NCAA’s ties to gambling are a part of the cause, athletes betting on their teams and compromising the integrity of games is a symptom that has to be treated.
The new season is set to run from Friday, August 21 to Sunday, May 30. Here's every Premier League fixture, including the ones we're most looking forward to.
The Buffalo Bills signed the former Louisville Kings running back Thursday after Wheeler capped his UFL season by being named the United Bowl Most Valuable Player.
Wheeler rushed for 81 yards and scored the go-ahead touchdown on 10 carries to help Louisville win the UFL championship, completing a comeback journey that started after his first NFL opportunity ended before it really began.
Buffalo entered the week with the same four running backs it had last season: James Cook, Ray Davis, Ty Johnson and Frank Gore Jr., who spent the season on the practice squad.
Wheeler, who is 5-foot-10 and 205 pounds, gives the Bills another option heading into training camp at St. John Fisher University, and he’s already made an impression on his new team.
Wheeler scored twice against the Buffalo Bills in 2024 preseason
Wheeler originally signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent out of Howard in 2024.
His NFL preseason debut came against Buffalo, and Wheeler took advantage of the opportunity.
He rushed for two touchdowns in the fourth quarter of Chicago’s 33-6 preseason win over the Bills on Aug. 10, 2024.
Wheeler seemed poised to make the Bears' roster before a torn ACL landed him on injured reserve before final roster cuts. He was released by the Bears and spent time on the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad before rebuilding his career in the UFL.
Wheeler rushed for 370 yards and six touchdowns during the UFL regular season before helping Louisville win the championship.
Wheeler put medical school on hold for NFL dream
Wheeler’s football journey almost ended before it reached the professional level.
The Houston native graduated from Howard with a degree in psychology and was accepted into the Howard University College of Medicine.
Instead, Wheeler deferred his acceptance to chase his NFL opportunity.
In five seasons at Howard, Wheeler rushed for 1,154 yards and 14 touchdowns while averaging 6.5 yards per carry. He also caught 23 passes for 234 yards and a touchdown and returned three kickoffs for touchdowns.
The new Premier League season will begin with Arsenal launching their title defence, as they take on newly-promoted side Coventry City, while Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea reign starts with a derby to cap off the weekend.
After Mikel Arteta guided Arsenal to their first Premier League trophy in 22 years, the north London club will try to go back to back, and some fans will see their season-opener as a kind one, as they face a side who will simply be happy to avoid relegation this year.
Meanwhile, Liverpool and Chelsea will venture away from home for interesting tests as they begin their bids to challenge for the title again; Andoni Iraola’s first game in charge of the Reds will play out at Newcastle United, while Alonso’s Blues make a short trip across west London to play rivals Fulham.
Elsewhere, Roberto De Zerbi will aim to pick up where he left off as Tottenham coach, with some positive results late in the season giving way to a trip to Brentford to launch their upcoming campaign.
Everton will welcome Europa Conference League champions Crystal Palace to the Hill Dickinson Stadium; Nottingham Forest and Leeds United will square off in a clash of teams who just avoided the drop last term; and Aston Villa – still buoyed by their Europa League triumph, no doubt – visit Brighton.
Premier League 2026/27, opening-weekend fixtures (all times BST)
Friday 21 August, 8pm – Arsenal v Coventry City
Saturday 22 August, 12.30pm – Hull City v Manchester United
Saturday 22 August, 3pm – Everton v Crystal Palace
Manchester United's 2026-27 season will be the subject of a new Amazon Prime documentary (PA)
Saturday 22 August, 3pm – Ipswich Town v Sunderland
Saturday 22 August, 3pm – Nottingham Forest v Leeds United
Saturday 22 August, 5.30pm – Brentford v Tottenham Hotspur
Sunday 23 August, 2pm – Brighton and Hove Albion v Aston Villa
Sunday 23 August, 2pm – Manchester City v Bournemouth
Sunday 23 August, 4.30pm – Newcastle United v Liverpool
In a post-Pep Guardiola era at Man City, it’s still unclear who will manage the team next term, while Andoni Iraola has replaced Arne Slot at Liverpool, and Xabi Alonso comes in for Liam Rosenior at Chelsea.
Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi collides with Manchester City’s Nico O'Reilly (PA)
Could there be surprise challengers, though? Below, we look at five games that could decide the 2026/27 Premier League title race.
Man City v Arsenal, 30/1/2027
It would’ve been easy to use both of Arsenal’s clashes with their main title rivals as two of the five games here, but we’ll go with the second of the two. Arsenal host Man City in November, but this rematch at the Etihad Stadium in late January might come at a more telling time – and in a more difficult place for the Gunners.
As impressive as their title triumph was last season, Mikel Arteta’s Reds did not beat City in any competition. That will be one area where Arsenal will aim to improve this season, and an away victory over City could make for a statement – and three important points. Conversely, a City win could give the Manchester side a mental edge over Arsenal, as it has appeared to do in certain moments in the last few years.
Arsenal v Liverpool, 6/2/2027
Again, we’re working on the assumption that Liverpool will be in the title race, or at least a threat to the sides running it. Arsenal hosting Andoni Iraola’s men (assuming the new coach is still in place by then?!) could be a tantalising showdown, and early February is certainly deep enough into the season that you start running out of opportunities to claw back points, if you lose. This one should be fun, and hopefully it’s important, too.
Chelsea v Man City, 24/4/27
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso (PA Wire)
We’re getting late in the season now, just a month before the final weekend. It’ll be interesting to see whether Alonso’s Chelsea are in contention, and the same with Man City given we don’t know for sure who will be replacing Guardiola yet. Again, it’s even possible that Alonso’s reign will have come to an abrupt end by this point, knowing Chelsea, but this match could be pivotal if these different shades of Blues are in the running for the title – or even if just one of them is.
Arsenal v Tottenham, 1/5/2027
The north London derby, surely another feisty rendition and a potential banana skin for Arsenal. Who knows what exactly Tottenham will have to play for, too; at this stage last season, they were desperate for points in a bid to avoid relegation, so will it be similar next year, or will they even be vying for European football – or something greater? Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves, but this game could be impactful either way.
Roberto De Zerbi (centre) steered Tottenham narrowly away from relegation last season (PA)
Man City v Liverpool, 8/5/2027
Almost always a thrilling fixture, and just a couple of weeks before the end of the season? Corrr. Let’s hope there’s still something on the line for either or both teams by this point, because if so, we could be looking at an instant classic.
Hull, meanwhile, host Manchester United in their first game after promotion via the play-offs, while Ipswich take on Sunderland on the opening Saturday of the season.
A full array of Boxing Day fixtures is set to return to the schedule with Lampard and Coventry up against Chelsea, now managed by Xabi Alonso.
The two North London derbies will be held on 5 December and 1 May with Tottenham seeking a better campaign under Roberto De Zerbi.
Everton host Liverpool at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on 28 November before travelling across Merseyside on 30 January – a week before Iraola’s team take on Arsenal in a potentially pivotal period.
Andoni Iraola will take on former club Bournemouth early in his Liverpool tenure (PA Wire)
Manchester City, who are primed to appoint Enzo Maresca as successor to Pep Guardiola, begin against Bournemouth on Sunday 23 August and take on cross-town rivals Manchester United on 12 September.
There are 33 weekend rounds and five midweek sets of fixtures across the season, although plenty will be subject to change with nine Premier League clubs in European competition.
Sky Sports and TNT Sports will again share television coverage, with the former channel showing at least 215 exclusively live games including the Boxing Day action.
Iran’s 2026 World Cup team will lodge a complaint with FIFA claiming they are being subjected to travel restrictions during the tournament in North America, the Iranian football federation spokesperson said on Thursday.
“Despite having submitted its preparation schedule for the tournament well in advance, Iran’s national football team has once again encountered restrictions imposed by the organisers, affecting the implementation of its technical staff’s plans,” the spokesperson said, according to AFP news agency.
Iran wanted to fly from their base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, to the United States two days before their next group match against Belgium in Los Angeles on Sunday. But the Iranian federation claims its request was turned down.
Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their opening World Cup match on Monday in Los Angeles [Patrick T Fallon/AFP]
“Given that the game will be played at 12pm local time in Los Angeles, the football federation of Iran requested that the team be allowed to travel to Los Angeles two days before the match,” the spokesman said.
“The aim was to provide sufficient time for players to adapt to the match conditions, complete their final training session, and finalise preparations.
“Despite the technical reasons presented by the federation, the request was once again denied.”
After Iran’s first World Cup game on Monday – in which they drew 2-2 with New Zealand in a politically charged encounter – US officials said that the team will have to leave the country within hours of the full-time whistle at their World Cup group games in Los Angeles and Seattle.
The Iranian delegation left the US hours after the match in LA ended at about 8pm local time (03:00 GMT) and returned to their base camp in Mexico, prompting criticism of the US handling of their visas, as the team did not get a day to recover at their hotel.
Mehdi Taremi #9 and other Iran players walk out of the tunnel for the warm-up before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match against New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium on Monday [Richard Heathcote/Getty Images/AFP]
‘Match day minus one,’ says US government
The US administration has pushed back against the Iranian claims.
Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, said on Monday that Iran had been informed in advance that they would be allowed to come into the US only on the day before the game.
“The team will be allowed to come in, match day minus one, so the day before the match,” Giuliani told CBS News.
“They’ll be asked to leave the day that the match wraps up, so the evening of the match. And they’ll be able to do that again in Los Angeles.”
He added that the procedure would be the same for Iran’s final group game against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
Iran, who are in Group G, kicked off their campaign this week in North America after months of uncertainty over the team’s participation in the World Cup amid the US-Israel war on Iran.
When Nestory Irankunda made a beeline for the corner flag after putting Australia in front against Turkey last Saturday, everyone knew who he was paying tribute to. Twenty years on, Australia are still trying to replicate the magic of Tim Cahill guiding them towards the last-16 in Germany.
The sight of Cahill bobbing and weaving around the flag after the Socceroos’ first World Cup goal against Japan in 2006 remains a defining image in their history, so Irankunda thought it right to pay tribute to his “biggest inspiration” after the moment of his nascent career to date.
“I look up to him and I want to be like him one day,” the Watford winger said afterwards, instantly winning the hearts of many casual fans back home. But if they appear overly committed towards nods to the past, this was equally a breakout party for a team that are determined to far exceed low external expectations at World Cup 2026 - and simultaneously become central to a depressingly familiar political discourse.
Nestory Irankunda celebrated in familiar fashion after scoring against Turkey (Getty)
Thanks to one fine result Tony Popovic’s squad, unperturbed by being so unfancied to emerge from Group D, face a battle for top spot against the USA in Seattle at 8pm BST on Friday, a match predictably being framed as the Soccer Derby.
Yet parallel to an opportunity few will have envisaged one week ago, Irankunda and a handful of his team-mates – yes, the migrants – have been inserted into that invidious position of becoming figures in a societal battle.
A couple of hours after Irankunda’s fantastic counter-attacking goal, a poll was released down under that said the far-right One Nation party is winning the nationwide popularity contest for the first time. On Wednesday its leader Pauline Hanson delivered an aggravating 51-minute address to Australia’s National Press Club in which she took aim at targets familiar to anyone who keeps tabs on the US Republican Party, Reform UK and other contemporaries.
Stop us if you think you’ve heard these ones before but there were attacks on left-wing media outlets, Islam, transgender rights. More pertinent when it comes to the Socceroos were her comments on immigration. “We cannot be a multicultural society,” she said. “We are a multiracial society but we must be monocultural. Australians must live under the one cultural umbrella.”
The Australia squad are drawn from many backgrounds (Reuters)
Were that the case, Australia would not be looking well-placed to reach the knockout rounds for only the third time in history. Indeed they might not even be at the tournament.
Irankunda was born in a Tanzanian refugee camp after his parents fled civil war in Burundi. Defender Alessandro Circati moved to Perth from Italy as a toddler because his dad, a journeyman in Serie B and C, got a transfer. Norwich forward Mohamed Toure was born in a camp in Guinea where his family lived for 14 years after escaping war in Liberia.
The defender Milos Degenek fled from Croatia to Belgrade as a baby and ended up in Sydney, the city where Ajdin Hrustic was born to a Bosnian father and Romanian mother. Awer Mabil spent the first 10 years of his life as a refugee in Kenya because his family fled from war in South Sudan. Captain Harry Souttar is from Aberdeen, eligible through his mother. There are others but you get the idea: all are Australian, all are from different backgrounds.
Zoom out a bit, though, and at a World Cup where minnows such as Curacao and Cape Verde have assembled squads that are not far off entirely reliant on the diaspora, the composition of Australia’s squad is merely reflective of a global game.
Irankunda celebrates with fans after the Turkey win (Reuters)
A significant majority of England’s squad, as with the previous few tournaments, were eligible to represent other nations. England can look at France and Germany and pick out players who could easily be in Thomas Tuchel’s squad now. Nationality is an increasingly layered social construct. Football, as so often, just happens to offer a crystalisation.
Before the tournament the Australia squad filmed a video in which they spoke about their journeys to this point, taking turns to deliver a message that is stirring and easy to get behind.
“No matter where you come from, football is for everyone,” part of the script reads. “We are a reflection of modern Australia. Our diversity is our strength. The Socceroos right now are a representation of what Australia is. There are a lot of journeys behind the jersey. To be a Socceroo has many meanings but with one purpose: to do the country proud.”
There was joy as the Socceroos kicked off their World Cup campaign in style (Getty)
It had not been picked up in huge numbers before the Turkey win but since then the views have rocketed. Speaking at a press conference earlier this week, Mabil underlined its meaning further. “The reason why it went viral is because it was raw. It was not edited. It was just purely what the players wanted to say and all put together,” he said. “It had an effect because individually Australians can feel and relate with it.”
It is just a shame that the myopia of Hanson and her ilk renders them incapable of realising the irony that the Australian team have already done more good for their nation than she is ever likely to achieve.
And while Irankunda may continue to speak glowingly of Cahill’s influence, the impact he has already had on other migrants this week still searching for a sense of belonging must not be underplayed.
Iran had a troubled buildup to the World Cup due to the war in the Middle East (Patrick T. Fallon)
The Iranian football federation said Thursday it will lodge a complaint with FIFA claiming its team is being subjected to travel restrictions during the World Cup in North America.
Iran wanted to fly from their base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, to the United States two days before their next match, against Belgium in Los Angeles on Sunday.
But a spokesman for the Iranian federation said its request was turned down.
"Despite having submitted its preparation schedule for the tournament well in advance, Iran's national football team has once again encountered restrictions imposed by the organizers, affecting the implementation of its technical staff's plans," the spokesman said.
"Given that the game will be played at 12:00 pm local time in Los Angeles (1900 GMT), the Football Federation of Iran requested that the team be allowed to travel to Los Angeles two days before the match."
It said the aim of its request was to allow players "to adapt to the match conditions, complete their final training session, and finalize preparations".
"Despite the technical reasons presented by the federation, the request was once again denied," the federation spokesman added.
"The federation will formally express its dissatisfaction and lodge an official complaint with FIFA through the appropriate channels."
The Iranians were also angry that they had to leave Los Angeles the night of their first game of the World Cup, a 2-2 draw against New Zealand.
The US administration has pushed back against the Iranian claims.
Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, said on Monday that Iran had been informed in advance that they would only be allowed to enter the United States on the day before the game.
"The team will be allowed to come in, match day minus one, so the day before the match," Giuliani told CBS News.
"They'll be asked to leave the day that the match wraps up, so the evening of the match. And they'll be able to do that again in Los Angeles."
He added that the procedure would be the same for Iran's final group game against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
Iran had a troubled buildup to the World Cup due to the war in the Middle East.
It switched its training base from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana on the US-Mexico border shortly before the tournament began and says up to 15 team officials have been refused visas to enter the United States.
The 2026 World Cup is underway as 48 nations are split into 12 groups for the first time in the tournament’s long history.
Co-hosts Mexico, USA and Canada are the top seeds in Groups A, B and D respectively, while Scotland are in Group C with Brazil, Morocco and Haiti, and England are all the way down in Group L with Croatia, Ghana and Panama. The top two sides in each group will qualify for the World Cup’s first ever round of 32, as will the eighth best third-place teams. Just three points could be enough for some teams to reach the knockout stages.
There will be 104 matches, up by 40 since the Qatar World Cup in 2022, while Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo likely to play on this stage for the last time in their glittering careers.
Here are all the fixtures, results and latest group standings:
It was also the venue for two classic World Cup finals: Brazil’s win over Italy in 1970 which included Carlos Alberto’s iconic team goal to cap a 4-1 win; and Argentina’s 3-2 win over West Germany in 1986, where Jorge Burruchaga grabbed an 84th-minute winner.
Mexico and Canada will host 13 games in each, and the United States will host 78.
From the quarter-finals onwards, the US will host all of the remaining matches, with the final in New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
Who will win the World Cup?
Football’s biggest question is back – and the debate is already heating up. England’s new golden generation, Argentina’s defending champions, France’s relentless depth and Spain’s evolving young side all have strong claims to glory at the World Cup.
Now it’s your turn: who do you think will lift the trophy?
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Lionel Messi announced his presence at the 2026 World Cup in dramatic fashion on Wednesday night, scoring all three goals in their win over Algeria. The 38-year-old scored his first ever hat-trick at the World Cup for Argentina, in a masterclass that will live long in the memory. There had been some doubt about Messi’s level, after several seasons in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, and some injury issues during that time. Messi himself had expressed uncertainty that he would even make the tournament last year, but against Algeria he appeared to dispel all doubts. It remains to be seen how he will hold up physically as the tournament goes on.
Messi believes he is ‘very similar’ to Nadal
Image via Seleccion Argentina. Messi celebrates against Algeria.
Following the game, Messi spoke to the press in the mix zone. He revealed that he and his Argentina teammates are currently watching RAFA, a new biopic on the career of Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal. “I love playing football, it’s been my passion since I was little and when I’m feeling good I give it my all. We’re watching Rafa Nadal’s series right now and I identify with him a lot, I think we’re very similar in that sense, that I always want to give my all and I want to feel good and I enjoy it that way. As long as I can and am well enough to do it, we’ll be there,” quote MD.
Can Messi lead Argentina back to glory?
Lionel Messi celebrates scoring for Argentina against Algeria (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni may be pleased that the Albiceleste do not face any of the heavyweights in the group stage, allowing them to grow into the tournament. Certainly their midfield looked in fine fettle, and with Messi in that form, they will be a handful for any side. Perhaps the biggest question mark will be the pace of this Argentina side, who are relying on Giuliano Simeone to provide some of Angel di Maria’s runs in behind, although there is no substitute for the latter’s quality.
England fans will be keen to follow the Three Lions’ progress despite time differences (PA)
Of course, you do have to factor in the time difference, with the kinder kick-off times including slots at 6pm BST and 8pm BST, while there are games throughout the night for UK viewers.
Here’s how you can watch every game at the 2026 World Cup on the BBC and ITV – and STV in Scotland.
Tournament favourites Spain ground to a shock 0-0 draw with Cape Verde to open their World Cup campaign, with the African side securing their first ever point on the world stage at the first time of asking. The Blue Sharks held Spain at arms’ length for most of their encounter, as evidenced by a remarkable statistic to emerge from the game.
While Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, 39 years of age, made a total of seven saves during the match, but he did not finish the game being peppered by efforts from La Roja. Although it was backs to the wall defending, they looked capable of holding Spain at bay throughout, who were unable to get their forwards into the game.
Mikel Oyarzabal sets unwanted World Cup record
Image via RFEF. Oyarzabal against Cape Verde.
That was epitomised by Mikel Oyarzabal, who came into the game on a run of 10 goal contributions in eight games in qualifying. Yet the Real Sociedad forward started at nine, and could not get into the match. Opta have reported that Oyarzabal was the first player in World Cup history, since records began in 1966, to go for thirty minutes without touching the ball.
0 – Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal is the first player on record since 1966 to play the first 30 minutes of a FIFA World Cup match without touching the ball once.
When he finally did, it was a loose first touch that broke down a half-chance, with Oyarzabal looking to get a shot off. He finished the game with 25 touches, getting five shots off and making 10 passes, eight of which were successful.
Spain’s attacking issues against Cape Verde
Image via RFEF. Spain against Cape Verde.
Although Oyarzabal did not have a great game, it was symptomatic of their performance overall than just the Basque forward’s contribution. With Gavi and Ferran Torres out wide for the first 70 minutes, La Roja could not stretch their opposition, and there was little space in the final third. Luis de la Fuente will no doubt hope the return to fitness of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams will go some way to remedying that.
Tournament favourites Spain are set to open their World Cup campaign this evening against Cape Verde in Atlanta at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Many eyes will be on Lamine Yamal, to see how the Barcelona star fares as he recovers from injury.
The Euro 2024 winners are seeking their second ever win, and optimism is high in Spain that they have the quality to do so. Up against them in their first game is Cape Verde, who are participating in their first ever tournament, with the oldest squad in the competition by average age.
Rodri and Pedri to anchor Spain midfield
Image via Marca. Predicted Teams for Spain-Cape Verde.
According to Marca, Manchester City star Rodri Hernandez will anchor the midfield, with Pedri and Fabian Ruiz ahead of him. Mikel Oyarzabal will continue to lead the line between Alex Baena and Ferran Torres, in a line-up without too many surprises. New Real Madrid signing Marc Cucurella is also expected to start.
For Cape Verde, manager Bubista said he and his players were ready to take on any challenge. Veteran forward Ryan Mendes will captain the side, with Shamrock Rovers defender Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes marshalling the backline.
Lamine Yamal to start on the bench
Image via Diario AS. Predicted Teams for Spain-Cape Verde.
Many will be watching closely to see how Lamine Yamal fares, with the 18-year-old returning from injury after nearly two months out. Diario AS say that he will start on the bench, and manager Luis de la Fuente did not give away what his plan was. It seems Nico Williams and Victor Munoz, who have both been dealing with injuries too, will be sat alongside him. The latter is currently in negotiations to join Newcastle United this summer, and alongside Williams, is one of two wide players that stand out for their pace, an essential for de la Fuente.
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