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

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

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

Scotland’s current global standing

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

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

Historic context and trajectory

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

Scotland’s FIFA Ranking History

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

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

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

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

Australia may shock rivals with a double defensive line high press

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s the USMNT’s FIFA world ranking?

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

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

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

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

Tournament that could change everything

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It will kick off at 9 p.m. ET.

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

Mexico match schedule, results from World Cup 2026

World Cup Group A standings

How to watch Mexico matches at World Cup 2026

• TV channel: FOX, FS1
• Streaming:Fubo

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

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

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

Mexico World Cup 2026 draw bracket for Group A

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

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

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

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

Round of 32

Round of 16

Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Third-place match

Final

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Canada match schedule, results at World Cup 2026

World Cup Group B standings

How to watch Canada matches at World Cup 2026

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

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

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

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

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

Canada World Cup 2026 draw bracket for Group B

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Potential path 1 — Face Winner of Group D

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

Potential path 2 — Face Winner of Group E

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

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

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

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

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

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

USA vs. Australia live stream, TV channel

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

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

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

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

What time does USA vs. Australia start?

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

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

World Cup schedule today and tomorrow

All times Eastern.

Friday, June 19

• USA vs. Australia (3 p.m.)
• Scotland vs. Morocco (6 p.m.)
• Brazil vs. Haiti (9 p.m.)

Saturday, June 20

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

MORE:Complete World Cup schedule and fixtures

2026 FIFA World Cup FAQs

When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

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

Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being played?

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

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

How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?

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

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

How many games are in the 2026 World Cup?

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

Can I stream the 2026 World Cup?

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

What channel is the 2026 World Cup on?

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

When is the 2026 World Cup final?

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

What time do World Cup games start?

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

Is the United States playing in the 2026 World Cup?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Australia 2026 World Cup roster

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

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

Caps and stats are correct as of June 1.

Australia players to watch in 2026 World Cup

Australia is quietly blessed with a handful of gifted young stars. Nestory Irankunda earned rave reviews for his performances at Watford and, at 20 years old, is already being tipped for greatness. He found the target in Australia's shock 2-0 win over Turkey in the Socceroos' group stage opener. He's joined in Australia's attacking corps by Norwich winger Mohamed Toure, who tallied nine goals in 11 appearances for Championship side Norwich City upon his arrival in Feb. 2026.

Christian Volpato got the nod, having made his bones at Sassuolo in Serie A. He'll look to add pace and dynamism into an attacking unit teeming with it already.

Captain Mathew Ryan has spent more than a decade in Europe, plying his trade for powerhouses like Club Brugge, Valencia, Brighton & Hove Albion, Arsenal, Lens and, most recently, Levante.

Other noteworthy talents include St. Pauli pairing Jackson Irvine and Connor Metcalfe and hulking Leicester City defender Harry Souttar.

MORE WORLD CUP NEWS:

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

Who is coaching Team Australia in the 2026 World Cup?

Australian soccer legend Tony Popovic holds the reins for the Socceroos. The Sydney native starred at the domestic and international level, playing more than 100 times for Crystal Palace during the early 2000s. Popovic was a fully fledged Australian international, earning 58 caps with his home nation from 1995-2006.

After retiring from the sport in 2008, Popovic got into coaching. He was named the head coach of Western Sydney Wanderers in May 2012. Popovic led Wanderers to an A-League title in his first season with the club. In his second, they triumphed in the AFC Champions League, besting Al-Hilal in the final.

Popovic has remained a coaching star in the years since his coaching debut. He lent his services to Karabukspor, Perth Glory, Xanthi and Melbourne Victory before agreeing terms to become Australia's head coach in Sept. 2024.

Under Popovic’s tutelage, the Socceroos have shined. They are 11-4-4 in 19 appearances, cementing themselves as one of Asia’s finest sides.

Australia World Cup history

The Socceroos are one of Asian soccer's most decorated outfits, having appeared in seven World Cups in their history.

Formerly a member on the Oceania Football Confederation, Australia made its first World Cup appearance in 1974. The Socceroos' deepest run saw them qualify for the Round of 16 in 2006 and 2022, respectively.

Here's a look at the Aussies' history in soccer's grandest international competition.

Australia World Cup 2026 schedule

Australia will play in Group D at this year's World Cup. It will be joined by Paraguay, Turkey and the United States. Here's a look at their slate of games during the group stage of the 2026 tournament:

Where is USMNT playing in World Cup? Full schedule for USA's group games and potential knockouts originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

As the United States Men's National Team continues its journey as a home World Cup team, it will travel throughout the country.

The team begins its quest out west for all three of its group stage matches, which is why those games are scheduled for late at night in many parts of the country. Depending on where the USMNT is placed in the knockout stage, however, it could make its way to other parts of the country in hopes of making a championship run.

The key to the USMNT making a legitimate run is its path through the knockout stage, and the team should benefit from always playing on home soil. Certain locations should also provide the team with a more raucous home-field advantage than others.

Here's a look at where the USMNT could play its World Cup matches.

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

Where is USMNT playing in World Cup?

What stadium is USA playing in today?

June 12: SoFi Stadium/Los Angeles Stadium

The USMNT opened its World Cup campaign at SoFi Stadium, known as Los Angeles Stadium for this tournament, with a convincing 4-1 victory over Paraguay. The home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers provided a fitting stage as the United States played a World Cup match on home soil for the first time since 1994.

SoFi Stadium opened in 2020 and has since hosted a Super Bowl and a College Football Playoff National Championship before becoming one of the primary venues for the 2026 World Cup.

June 19: Lumen Field/Seattle Stadium

For their second matchup, the United States will travel north to Seattle to take on Australia on June 19. This game will take place at Lumen Field, the home of the Seattle Seahawks, and it will be the second match at the stadium after Belgium and Egypt played earlier in the tournament.

Lumen Field opened in 2002 and has gone through multiple names, including Seahawks Stadium, Qwest Field and CenturyLink Field.

June 25: SoFi Stadium/Los Angeles Stadium

The United States will return to Los Angeles for its third and final group stage match against Turkiye on June 25. The game will take place at 10:00 p.m. ET, 7:00 p.m. local time, as the USMNT looks to secure a a good seed in the knockout stage.

MORE WORLD CUP NEWS:

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

Where will USA play in World Cup knockouts?

Round of 32

Depending on where the United States finishes in the group stage standings, the team has five potential options for its round of 32 match.

Levi's Stadium/San Francisco Bay Area Stadium

The United States has a great opportunity to win Group D, which would send it to Levi's Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., for its Round of 32 match. The match would take place on Wednesday, July 1.

AT&T Stadium/Dallas Stadium

If the United States finishes as the runner up in Group D, then they would travel to Dallas to play the round of 32 game at AT&T Stadium, which is where the Dallas Cowboys play their home games. If this is the USMNT's path, this game would be played on Friday, July 3.

Gillette Stadium/Boston Stadium

If the United States finishes third in Group D, the team has three possible stadium options for the knockout stage. First, the USMNT could play at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots, on Monday, June 29.

MetLife Stadium/New York New Jersey Stadium

Another possibility is that the USMNT could travel to New Jersey to play its Round of 32 match at MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Giants and New York Jets. The match is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30.

Arrowhead Stadium/Kansas City Stadium

Finally, the United States could also play a round of 32 match at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, which is the home of the Kansas City Chiefs. This would mean the USMNT plays on Friday, July 3.

Round of 16

Lumen Field/Seattle Stadium

The path in which the United States wins its group includes a round of 16 match at Lumen Field in Seattle on Saturday, July 4.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium/Atlanta Stadium

If the USMNT finishes in second in their group, that path would have the team heading to the Atlanta Falcons Stadium in the round of 16. This match at Mercedes-Benx Stadium is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7.

Lincoln Financial Field/Philadelphia Stadium

A third place finish in the group stage would likely but the United States on the path that includes playing in Philadelphia for the round of 16. Lincoln Financial Field, which is where the Philadelphia Eagles play their home games, is the host stadium, This match will occure on Saturday, July 4.

BC Place/Vancouver Stadium

There is one unlikely scenario that would have the United States playing a game in Canada. The USMNT would have to not only third in their group, but would also have to be placed on a path that would lead to game in Vancouver. This match will take place on Tuesday, July 7.

Quarterfinals

SoFi Stadium/Los Angeles Stadium

The United States could return to Los Angeles for a quarterfinal match if they make it this far after winning Group D. This quarterfinal match is scheduled for Friday, July 10.

Arrowhead Stadium/Kansas City Stadium

There is also a path that would have the United States playing a quarterfinal match at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Saturday, July 11.

Gillette Stadium/Boston Stadium

Another possible match in Boston for the United States could be in play, as this stadium will host a quarterfinal match on Thursday, July 9.

Semifinals

AT&T Stadium/Dallas Stadium

There are two designated stadiums for the semifinal round. First, the USMNT could find itself playing in Dallas at AT&T Stadium on Tuesday, July 14.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium/Atlanta Stadium

If the United States makes it to the second semifinal game, it would take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 15.

Third place match

Hard Rock Stadium/Miami Stadium

The United States would welcome a possibility to play in the third-place match, which is scheduled for Saturday, July 18 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Finals

MetLife Stadium/New York New Jersey Stadium

It's unlikely that the United States makes it all the way to the World Cup final, but if they do, the game is set for Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium.

What time is USA vs. Australia? Live stream, TV channel, kickoff schedule for World Cup 2026 match originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The World Cup is underway, and the USA's second match may be its most important yet.

The co-host face Australia in a Group D matchup in Seattle. While the USA stands as the strongest contender to advance out of the group, it won't be a walk in the park for anyone. Now is the chance to make a move.

The Socceroos faced the USMNT just a matter of months ago in October, and while it ended in a 2-1 loss for Australia, that doesn't guarantee the same results again.

The Sporting News takes a look at key details for the USA-Australia matchup including TV channel and start time.

What time is USA vs. Australia? 

USA vs. Australia at the World Cup takes place Friday, June 19 at 12 p.m. local time from Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington.

Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:

USA vs. Australia live stream, TV channel

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

This match will be broadcast on Fox with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.

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

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

World Cup fixtures today and tomorrow

All times Eastern.

Friday, June 19

• USA vs. Australia (3 p.m.)
• Scotland vs. Morocco (6 p.m.)
• Brazil vs. Haiti (8:30 p.m.)
• Turkey vs. Paraguay (11 p.m.)

Saturday, June 20

• Netherlands vs. Sweden (1 p.m.)
• Germany vs. Ivory Coast (4 p.m.)
• Ecuador vs. Curaçao (8 p.m.)

MORE:Complete World Cup schedule and fixtures

2026 FIFA World Cup FAQs

When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

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

Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being played?

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

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

How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?

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

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

How many games are in the 2026 World Cup?

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

Can I stream the 2026 World Cup?

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

What channel is the 2026 World Cup on?

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

When is the 2026 World Cup final?

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

What time do World Cup games start?

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

Is the United States playing in the 2026 World Cup?

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

What time is Brazil vs. Haiti? Live stream, TV channel, kickoff schedule for World Cup 2026 match originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

World Cup Group C matchups continue on Friday as Brazil and Haiti go head-to-head at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

As five-time winners of the global tournament, Brazil is always a nation to watch when it comes to the World Cup. Seleção have not reached the mountaintop in 24 years though, with early exits at the quarterfinal stage in four of the last five tournaments. With this summer expected to be veteran star Neymar's last dance representing his country, anything could happen.

Amidst political instability in Haiti, the national team did the improbable and qualified for the World Cup while playing each game away from home. This marks only the second time the country has ever competed in soccer's pinnacle tournament, with the last being nearly 60 years ago in 1974.

Be sure to tune in for this group stage matchup.

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

What time does Brazil vs. Haiti kick off?

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

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

Brazil vs. Haiti live stream, TV channel

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

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

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

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

World Cup schedule today and tomorrow

All times Eastern.

Friday, June 19

• USA vs. Australia (3 p.m.)
• Scotland vs. Morocco (6 p.m.)
• Brazil vs. Haiti (8:30 p.m.)
• Turkey vs. Paraguay (11 p.m.)

Saturday, June 20

• Netherlands vs. Sweden (1 p.m.)
• Germany vs. Ivory Coast (4 p.m.)
• Ecuador vs. Curacao (8 p.m.)

MORE:Complete World Cup schedule and fixtures

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2026 FIFA World Cup FAQs

When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

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

Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being played?

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

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

How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?

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

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

How many games are in the 2026 World Cup?

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

Can I stream the 2026 World Cup?

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

What channel is the 2026 World Cup on?

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

When is the 2026 World Cup final?

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

What time do World Cup games start?

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

Is the United States playing in the 2026 World Cup?

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

Matchday 2 of 2026 World Cup Group A has officially wrapped up, and co-hosts Mexico are moving on. Thanks to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea, combined with a 1-1 stalemate between Czechia and South Africa earlier in the day, El Tri have mathematically secured their spot in the Round of 32.

In what was an incredibly cagey and physical midfield battle, as Luis Romo found the breakthrough in the 50th minute. The defining moment came from a costly blunder by South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, who fumbled a catch and dropped the ball right into the path of the Mexican midfielder, who tapped it into the back of the net for the lone goal of the match.

The Taegeuk Warriors threw everything forward in the final stages hunting for an equalizer, and they nearly found it in stoppage time. Yang Hyun-jun connected with a header, but Mexican goalkeeper Raúl Rangel came up with a spectacular save to preserve the clean sheet and lock down the massive win.

With a perfect six points, Mexico are safely through to the Round of 32, while South Korea remain in a strong position to advance, sitting comfortably in second place with 3 points.

Meanwhile, the tournament outlook has grown far more complicated for Czechia and South Africa. Following their 1-1 draw at Atlanta Stadium, both nations remain stuck at the bottom of Group A with just a single point each heading into the final matchday.

The road ahead of Group A

Mexico heading into Matchday 3 against Czechia at the historic Estadio Azteca on Wednesday, June 24, means they only need a single point to officially lock down the top seed out of Group A.

With qualification already comfortably secured, manager Javier Aguirre will likely utilize the opportunity to rotate his starting eleven and protect key players currently carrying minor knocks.

For South Korea, their path remain fully alive but entirely clear of any safety margins. In a high-stakes scenario, they will square off against South Africa at the exact same time as the other group finale.

A victory directly guarantees the Taegeuk Warriors passage to the next round, whereas a draw would force them to spend a nervous 90 minutes keeping a close eye on the tiebreaking math unfolding between Mexico and Czechia.

Endrick earned his spot on Brazil‘s 2026 World Cup roster surrounded by immense expectations, viewed as a foundational piece for both the current tournament and the national team’s long-term future. However, after the teenage phenom remained an unused substitute during a frustrating opening draw against Morocco, head coach Carlo Ancelotti immediately preached patience regarding the young star’s integration.

With Vinicius Junior tasked with rescuing a point by scoring the second-half equalizer against Morocco, Brazil’s starting front line, which featured Lucas Paqueta, Igor Thiago, and Raphinha, frequently lacked the fluid creativity needed to break down the defense. Ancelotti attempted to spark the attack by introducing Matheus Cunha and Luiz Henrique off the bench, but the tactical adjustments failed to yield a winning goal as Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou secured the draw with crucial saves.

Looking ahead to Friday’s Matchday 2 fixture against Haiti, Ancelotti was directly questioned about whether Endrick would finally see the pitch, prompting a firm response from the Italian manager. “We have to play Endrick at the right moment,” Ancelotti told reporters with a smile during Thursday’s press conference. “Let’s wait a little bit. He is going to be important.“

Ancelotti justified his decision to leave the young forward on the bench against Morocco by pointing to the intense emotional pressure that naturally accompanies a tournament opener: “The first part of the game was unexpected. I think the World Cup debut, the weight of the shirt, everything influenced the mental aspect of the players. Starting well is important, but it is not the most important thing. The team has to be more than perfect, it has to be resilient. The team is resilient and is going to improve.“

The veteran manager also highlighted Endrick’s psychological maturity, identifying his calm demeanor as the exact quality that will eventually transform him into an indispensable part of the squad. “He is patient, he is in no rush, he is very mature for his age. These are important aspects. Having his family close to him is also patient, these are important aspects,” he added.

Ancelotti recently signed a contract extension to remain Brazil‘s head coach through 2030, ensuring he will oversee the entire evolutionary cycle leading into the next World Cup cycle. By the time that tournament arrives, Endrick will be 23 years old and established at Real Madrid, positioned perfectly to serve as the undisputed superstar of the Selecao.

Endrick and his competition in the Brazil squad

With Vinicius Junior and Raphinha firmly entrenched as the team’s indispensable options on the wings, Ancelotti’s tactical setup leaves room for fluid competition at the central striker position. While a productive loan spell at Olympique Lyon ultimately solidified Endrick’s place on the final World Cup roster, the teenager still faces a crowded depth chart to earn consistent minutes.

Analyzing his diverse attacking options, Ancelotti concluded his press conference by sharing his distinct tactical evaluation of the 19-year-old talent. “Matheus Cunha is more of a link-up player; he has more quality as a second striker than as a target man, which is something Igor Thiago has. He is strong, he is very aggressive. Endrick is neither one nor the other. Endrick is an extraordinary talent. Brazil will take advantage of his qualities in this and the next World Cup,” he stated.

Brazil will return to action against Haiti on Friday, June 19, before wrapping up its Group K campaign against Scotland on Wednesday, June 24. Having not logged a single minute in the opener, Endrick is widely expected to receive his first true tournament opportunity against opponents heavily favored to fall to the South American powerhouse.

Argentina launched their 2026 World Cup journey with a historic masterclass from Lionel Messi. The captain put on a clinic in Kansas City, netting a brilliant hat trick in a commanding 3-0 shutout against Algeria to open Group J play. The performance seamlessly ignited La Albiceleste’s campaign as they begin their official world title defense.

Messi’s historic night in North America also saw him draw level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose as the joint all-time top scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals—just one of several feats the captain reached after leading Argentina to the win.

That dominant tournament opener also catapulted Messi to the top of the charts as the first round of games concluded. FIFA unveiled its official tournament Power Rankings—a purely data-driven performance indexing model—with the Argentine icon leading the way in the headline metric.

For this edition of the tournament, FIFA has categorized player data into three distinct performance pillars: Attacking, Creativity, and Defending. Messi comfortably dictates the pace in the Attacking category, finishing Matchday 1 with a tournament-high 8.13 rating out of a maximum score of 10.

Trailing just behind the Argentine star is New Zealand forward Elijah Just, who locked down second place with a 7.74 rating after bagging a brace against Iran. Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo rounds out the top three attacking performers with a strong 7.47 score.

Who leads the other two categories?

While Messi reigns supreme in the attacking department, he lands in 11th place on the Creativity chart with a 7.15 rating. That category is currently commanded by Iran’s right-back Ramin Rezaeian, who set the playmaking standard with an impressive 8.02 score.

On the Defending side of the ball, Canada’s Derek Cornelius stands alone at the top of the elite performers list with a 7.31 rating, following his physically imposing defensive display in a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Austria’s midfield engine Xaver Schlager sits in second place with a 7.11 score after breaking up play cleanly in their 3-1 win over Jordan. Cape Verde’s Willy Semedo rounds out the defensive podium, earning a 6.91 rating after anchoring a historic clean sheet in a shocking 0-0 draw against Spain.

In the long list of teams at the 2026 World Cup, some are much further ahead than others. South Korea have reached this point in the middle of the pack.

The FIFA world ranking puts South Korea in 25th place with 1591.63 points in the June 11 update, a figure that will not change until the competition ends.

That is not too far from their highest ranking in 1998, when they were 17th under a different system than the current one. It also made them third in the continent.

South Korea’s rivals

If FIFA’s ranking is any indication of which teams are most likely to reach the next round, South Korea should advance, though not as group winners. That position belongs to Mexico, who are ranked 14th.

A much wider gap separates South Korea from the other teams in the group, with the closest rival being Czechia, which sits 40th in the ranking.

The lowest-ranked team in this version of the list is South Africa, who are 60th overall and the 11th team in their continent.

FIFA ranking procedure

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

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

The time came for some teams to get back on the field at the 2026 World Cup, as Group A returned to action with Mexico and South Korea looking to seal their tickets to the next round in a match that finished 1-0, with a goal that sealed Mexico as the group winner.

In the first half, imprecisions were everywhere from both teams. For some time Mexico controlled the ball, with South Korea just covering spaces, which then occurred the other way around as they went into halftime tied 0-0.

It was a match in which only mistakes could turn into a goal. This occurred precisely in favor of Mexico on a high ball that looked easy for the South Korea goalkeeper, but he crashed into a teammate and dropped the ball into Luis Romo’s area, leaving him with only a simple finish into the net. Mexico could then hang on to the advantage to get the victory.

Canada secured its first-ever victory in men’s World Cup history on Matchday 2, routing Qatar 6-0 in front of a capacity crowd at BC Place in Vancouver. While the dominant performance propelled Jesse Marsch’s squad to the top of the Group B standings, the team still has crucial details to finalize heading into their group-stage finale.

The Canadians entered the critical Matchday 2 fixture after opening their tournament with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, the exact same result Qatar recorded in its debut. With a victory guaranteed to put either nation in a prime position to advance, Les Rouges emphatically seized the moment on home soil.

Cyle Larin opened the scoring in the 16th minute before Jonathan David added goals in the 29th and first-half stoppage time, while Qatar’s Homam Al-Amin received a straight red card to leave his side short-handed. Despite a concerning injury to midfielder Ismael Kone, Canada extended their lead through Nathan-Dylan Saliba and a Mohamed Naceur Almanai own goal before David completed his hat trick in the final minutes.

How do the 2026 World Cup Group B standings look after Canada’s win?

The lopsided victory officially moves Canada into first place in Group B, leaving them level with Switzerland at four points apiece at the top of the table. Conversely, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar find themselves anchored to the bottom of the group with just one point each following an opening draw and a Matchday 2 defeat.

While knockout-stage qualification remains mathematically undecided, the six-goal explosion provides Les Rouges with a massive advantage in overall goal difference, where they currently sit at +6. This goal cushion places them ahead of second-place Switzerland at +3, while Bosnia (-3) and Qatar (-6) face a steep uphill battle to rescue their respective tournament lives.

What’s next in Group B

Matchday 3 will feature a high-stakes showdown between Canada and Switzerland on June 24 to directly determine who wins the group. Simultaneously, Bosnia and Herzegovina will clash with Qatar at Lumen Field in Seattle, a fixture that could still vault either nation into the Round of 32 depending on external scorelines.

Because Canada and Switzerland both sit comfortably at the top of the table with four points, a draw in their final match would automatically send both nations through to the knockout stage regardless of the other game’s outcome. A tie would push both teams to five total points, keeping them completely out of reach from the bottom two teams, who can only max out at four points.

However, if either Canada or Switzerland claims a decisive victory, the losing side will be left vulnerable to the winner of the Bosnia-Qatar match. Should two teams finish level on four points for the final qualification spot, FIFA tiebreaker rules state that head-to-head points will serve as the primary differentiator, followed immediately by goal difference and total goals scored within those specific matchups.

Canada put on a clinic at Vancouver Stadium, completely dismantling Qatar 6-0 on 2026 World Cup Matchday 2 of Group B. However, what should have been a historic night of celebration for Canadian soccer was completely overshadowed by a devastating injury to midfielder Ismael Kone.

With Canada comfortably cruising ahead 3-0 in the 51st minute, the midfielder received the ball in the center of the pitch. As Qatari midfielder Assim Madibo flew in with an aggressive challenge to dispossess him, the Canadian star collapsed heavily to the grass with an apparent leg fracture.

According to reporter Fabrizio Romano, Kone suffered a fractured tibia and fibula. The injury will sideline him completely for the remainder of the World Cup, as he could be out for four to five months.

The sheer severity of the injury caused immediate distress on the pitch, with several Canadian teammates visibly shaken. While referee Cristian Garay initially issued a yellow card to Madibo, an intervention from the VAR prompted an on-field review. Upon witnessing the replay, the referee immediately upgraded the decision to a straight red card, reducing Qatar to 9 men.

The midfielder was eventually loaded onto a stretcher and taken down the tunnel, though he provided a brief moment of relief to the home crowd by sitting up and waving back to the fans chanting his name.

Nathan Saliba pays tribute to Kone

Following that heartbreaking moment, a somber mood fell over the entire stadium as everyone processed the severity of Kone’s injury. As play resumed, the Canadians aggressively hunted for more goals to completely put the game to bed, capitalizing on a massive structural advantage after Qatar was reduced to 9 men following a pair of red cards.

Just minutes after subbing into the match for his fallen teammate, Nathan Saliba struck a spectacular direct free-kick into the back of the net. He immediately raced over to the touchline, holding up Kone’s No. 8 jersey to all four sides of the stadium in a touching tribute to his teammate.

Madibo laments Kone’s injury

When Assim Madibo first lunged in to dispossess Ismael Kone, sending the Canadian crashing to the turf, it initially didn’t look like anything overly catastrophic had occurred to the 23-year-old midfielder.

However, the sequence quickly evolved into a nightmare far more severe than anyone inside the stadium could have anticipated. In a poignant moment of sportsmanship, even the Qatari midfielder who committed the foul—and was subsequently sent off—was left entirely shocked, visibly distraught and overwhelmed with remorse as he witnessed the gravity of the injury he had caused.

In the 2026 World Cup, there are three host countries for the first time ever. While they are not far apart from one another, Mexico are the highest-ranked team in the FIFA world ranking.

Mexico are currently 14th after moving ahead of Senegal in the latest update. In the June 11 edition, their total points were 1687.48, and that will remain the case until the competition ends.

With this position, Mexico are three spots ahead of the United States and 16 ahead of Canada. Their highest ranking has been fourth on multiple occasions, while their lowest position was 40th in 2015.

Mexico’s rivals

Mexico are the clear No. 1 team in Group A, 11 places ahead of their next opponent. That team is South Korea, who are ranked 25th in the most recent ranking and are also the main challenger for first place.

The rest of the group is close to one another, but much further behind Mexico. The third-ranked team in the group is Czechia, which is placed 40th.

The lowest-ranked team in the group is South Africa. As the 11th-ranked team in their confederation, they are 60th overall, which reflects their place in the talent pool.

FIFA ranking procedure

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

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

The Guadalajara Stadium is locked for a massive 2026 World Cup showdown as co-hosts Mexico take on South Korea for Matchday 2 of Group A. With a coveted ticket to the Round of 32 squarely on the line, a victory for either nation would automatically punch their ticket out of the group stage early.

El Tri enter the match on a high after dominating South Africa 2-0 in the tournament opener. Julián Quiñones will feature in Javier Aguirre’s setup, but his status as a starter hangs on a late fitness test.

The Al-Qadsiah forward picked up a minor knock late in the opener and has been nursing the injury in training camp, making him a slight doubt to log a full 90 minutes.

Across the pitch, South Korea will prove a formidable roadblock. The Asian giants demonstrated immense resilience on Matchday 1, orchestrating a brilliant second-half comeback to edge past Czechia 2-1 and keep their own perfect start alive.

Mexico confirmed lineup

Javier Aguirre will be forced into at least one mandatory tactical adjustment. Defensive anchor Cesar Montes received a red card in the opener against South Africa, meaning he is suspended for the clash in Guadalajara. West Ham star Edson Alvarez is expected to slide deeper into the backline to partner Johan Vásquez.

Mexico’s confirmed lineup: Raúl Rangel; Jorge Sánchez, Edson Álvarez, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo; Erik Lira, Brian Gutiérrez, Luis Romo; Roberto Alvarado, Raúl Jiménez, Julián Quiñones.

South Korea confirmed lineup

In stark contrast, South Korea manager Hong Myung-bo boasts a fully fit contingent. The squad emerged completely unscathed from their physical battle against Czechia, leaving them clear of any injury or disciplinary concerns.

South Korea’s confirmed lineup: Kim Seung-gyu; Han-beom Lee, Kim Min-jae, Kim Moon-hwan, Young-woo Seol; Lee Jin-hyuk, Hwang In-beom; Seung-Ho Paik, Lee Kang-in, Lee Jae-sung; Son Heung-min.

Argentina kicked off its World Cup title defense in dominant fashion, powered by a spectacular Lionel Messi hat trick in their opening match against Algeria. With the squad’s focus now shifting toward a Matchday 2 clash against Austria, head coach Lionel Scaloni reportedly plans to alter his starting lineup rather than stick with the same eleven.

During the pre-tournament training camp, Scaloni had to manage several players arriving with physical discomfort, while a few additional fitness concerns cropped up over recent weeks. Despite securing a comfortable result against Algeria, the Albiceleste were missing several key pieces due to these lingering ailments, though some of those stars could return to action in the coming days.

According to TyC Sports journalist and national team insider Gaston Edul, Scaloni is fully expected to shuffle his personnel ahead of the meeting with Austria. This constant tactical adjustment has become a signature trait for the Argentine manager during major tournaments, as he consistently adapts his lineups based on specific player profiles and tactical matchups.

Changes weighed against Austria

Aside from Messi‘s brilliant individual display, Argentina looked incredibly organized on both sides of the ball against Algeria, limiting their opponents to zero official shots on target excluding the offside goal. Meanwhile, Austria enters the matchup following a 3-1 victory over Jordan, though their overall performance suggests vulnerabilities that Scaloni will undoubtedly look to exploit.

One of the primary selection dilemmas sits at right-back, a position that drew some criticism during the opener, where Nahuel Molina could potentially replace Gonzalo Montiel as both finish their respective injury recoveries. The center-forward position is also under heavy discussion, with Julian Alvarez pushing to replace Lautaro Martinez now that his recent ankle discomfort has completely subsided.

While Thiago Almada‘s role in the midfield remains a subject of debate, coaching staff are also closely monitoring the left-back position ahead of the match. Incumbent starter Nicolas Tagliafico is still working his way back from a muscle strain and will face late fitness tests, but Facundo Medina‘s steady performance in the opener means there is no urgent need to rush the Lyon defender back into action.

Scaloni and rotating the lineup, a tactic with results

Despite taking the Argentina job as his first-ever gig as a first-team manager, Scaloni has quickly developed into one of the most tactically astute coaches in international soccer. While Messi remains the undisputed centerpiece of the national team, Scaloni’s willingness to implement subtle tactical tweaks and build a versatile roster has been fundamental to the federation’s recent trophy haul.

During their championship run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Scaloni seamlessly shifted between 4-3-3, 4-4-2, and 3-5-2 formations, famously starting a different lineup in all seven matches. He utilized a similar rotation strategy throughout the 2024 Copa America, opting to repeat a starting lineup only when transitioning from the semifinals against Canada to the final against Colombia.

World Cup announcers by match: Meet the broadcasters for Fox's 2026 group stage games originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

This World Cup season has countless games to watch for teams from 48 countries. But with greater teams comes greater broadcasters.

And in 2026, the World Cup broadcasting team is massive. For the group stage matches, there are a total of nine duos that will be on the call, joined by six different sideline reporters and two rules analysts. 

This team will ensure that Fox has English-language coverage for each match during this World Cup season. As of now, the assignments are only revealed for the first eight days of the event. The rest will be released at a later date. 

Here is what to know about each broadcasting pair. 

2026 WORLD CUP HQ:Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Updated World Cup standings

World Cup group stage match announcers

Between 48 teams across 12 groups, there is no shortage of a need for broadcasters during this World Cup season. In total, there will be nine duos tackling the group stage announcing duties. 

Darren Fletcher and Owen Hargreaves 

Darren Fletcher is a Scottish former soccer player and coach. Currently, he coaches the Manchester United U18 team. 

Owen Hargreaves is a Canadian former midfielder. He spent over a decade bouncing between Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Manchester City. 

Derek Rae and Robert Green

Derek Rae is a longtime Scottish soccer commentator. He works for ESPN and ABC, typically broadcasting La Liga and the Bundesliga. 

Robert Green is the lead match for Sky Sports and BBC Sport's Premier League coverage. He is a former goalkeeper for Chelsea. 

Ian Crocker and Danny Higginbotham

Ian Crocker is a soccer broadcaster for Sky Sports, frequently featured on Premier League coverage. He was also the voice of Scottish soccer from 1998-2002. 

Danny Higginbotham is an analyst for Apple TV's MLS coverage and NBC Sports' Premier League coverage. 

Ian Darke and Landon Donovan

Ian Darke is an icon in the soccer broadcasting world. He currently works for ESPN as their lead broadcaster for all things soccer. He also commentates boxing. 

Landon Donovan is a former USMNT player, who is tied for the record of most international goals in team history. Since retirement, he has served as an analyst and coached in the USL and NWSL. 

Jacqui Oatley and Warren Barton

Jacqui Oatley is an English broadcaster who is primarily known for her work with TNT Sports UK. She has broadcasted for many leagues, including the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League and the NWSL. 

Warren Barton is a coach, analyst and former soccer pro. He played at Wimbledon and Newcastle before eventually coaching the San Diego Flash. 

John Strong and Stu Holden

John Strong is the leading voice of MLS games on Fox. The American broadcaster has also appeared on NBC and ESPN. 

Stu Holden is a Scottish former midfielder turned Fox Sports analyst. He played soccer in college for the Clemson Tigers before spending most of his career with the Houston Dynamo of the MLS. 

JP Dellacamera and Lori Lindsey

JP Dellacamera broadcasts games for the Philadelphia Union of the MLS. He has covered 18 World Cups between men's and women's in his nearly half-century-long career. 

Lori Lindsey is a former midfielder turned analyst. She spent most of her playing career in the United States and played with the USWNT from 2005-2013. 

Mark Scott and Cobi Jones

Mark Scott is a soccer broadcaster for the BBC, known for BBC Match of the Day and BBC Radio 5 Live. 

Cobi Jones is a former midfielder for the LA Galaxy. He now broadcasts the sport as an analyst for Apple TV. 

Tyler Terens and Maurice Edu

Tyler Terens is a play-by-play broadcaster for Fox Sports, who recently joined for the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. He also broadcasted the Concacaf Champions Cup and MLS games. He previously played soccer at Hobart College. 

Maurice Edu was the first overall pick in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft. Today, the former USMNT member is a broadcaster for Apple TV's MLS coverage. 

MORE WORLD CUP NEWS:

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

World Cup group stage announcing schedule

Fox released the announcer schedule for the remainder of the group stage on June 18:

Group A

STADIUM GUIDES:Estadio Azteca | Estadio Akron | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Estadio BBVA

Group B 

STADIUM GUIDES:BMO Field | Levi's Stadium | SoFi Stadium | BC Place | Lumen Field

Group C 

Group D

Group E

Group F

Group G

Group H

Group I

Group J

Group K

Group L

Christian Pulisic replacement: Three lineup options if USMNT star doesn't play vs. Australia due to injury originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The United States started their 2026 World Cup slate in blistering fashion, blitzing Paraguay 4-1 in their opening match of Group D play.

However, the one negative from that match was the mysterious withdrawal of Christian Pulisic at halftime, as the USMNT superstar had been their best player through the first 45 minutes.

With a spot in the knockout stage now there for the taking, the United States will now meet Australia, winners of their opening match against Turkey, and the absence of their star left winger is a real possibility.

The Sporting News discusses what could be the Plan B if Pulisic is unable to pass fit for action in the USA's next World Cup match.

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

Christian Pulisic injury update

Christian Pulisic exited the USMNT's 4-1 win at halftime, departing after taking "a bit of a kick" he told Fox Sports postgame. While Mauricio Pochettino at the time said it was a "precaution," he also noted that Pulisic "could not walk" after his calf seized up.

As of June 18, it's unclear if Pulisic will take part in the USMNT's match against Australia. The American forward has yet to take part in full team training this week, missing each of the past three sessions with an apparent calf injury.

Pulisic has taken to the pitch for individual training, spurning the wider team sessions for one-on-one work. Interestingly, Pulisic's left leg was cloaked in a sleeve when he was seen practicing. He did not return to full team training at any point before the match, still remaining in individual training for the team's final training session the day before the match, often a sign that he may not be fully fit for the game.

In his pre-match press conference, Pochettino would not give a definitive update on Pulisic's status, saying only that the medical staff would meet that evening to make a determination on his status.

Mauricio Pochettino says they will meet with the medical staff today and make a call on Christian Pulisic’s status tomorrow

“He’s doing a massive effort to get ready” but will likely be available for Turkiye game if he can’t play against Australia#USMNTpic.twitter.com/1sUJIpm9GA

— Pardeep Cattry (@pcattry) June 18, 2026

MORE:Previewing Australia, the USMNT's next opponent at the World Cup

Who could replace Christian Pulisic for the USMNT vs. Australia?

There are three viable options to replace Christian Pulisic should he not be fit to start against Australia.

Mauricio Pochettino won't change his formation or approach to the game, but he could move personnel around the cover the absence.

Option 1: Haji Wright — Like-for-like

USA (4-4-2, right to left): 24. Freese (GK) — 16. Freeman, 3. Richards, 13. Ream, 5. A. Robinson — 4. Adams, 17. Tillman — 2. Dest, 8. McKennie, 19. Wright — 20. Balogun.

The simplest change is the most like-for-like, where Mauricio Pochettino could keep everyone in their positions and bring Haji Wright in to play on the left wing.

Many USMNT fans are familiar with Wright’s talent as a central striker — and Australia are too, as the Coventry City star bagged a brace as the No. 9 the last time these teams squared off — but fans may be surprised by the fact that Wright most regularly plays out wide left for his club, a position he’s thrived in in the Championship in helping Coventry earn promotion to the top flight.

This would be an exciting option for Pochettino to take if Pulisic is out or only fit for a place on the bench.

Option 2: Tim Weah — Flip sides

USA (4-4-2, right to left): 24. Freese (GK) — 16. Freeman, 3. Richards, 13. Ream, 5. A. Robinson — 4. Adams, 17. Tillman — 2. Dest, 8. McKennie, 21. Weah — 20. Balogun.

Similar to bringing on Haji Wright to replace Christian Pulisic would be slotting Tim Weah into that position.

Weah is most commonly a right-sided player, but he does have some experience playing on the left for both club and country. He saw some action early in the season on the left with his French club Marseille, and did so for the USMNT against South Korea in a 2-0 defeat last September.

The son of a former Ballon d’Or winner, Weah is a spark plug on the field for the U.S., but it’s hard to argue he’s the right addition in a non-natural position.

Option 3: Sebastian Berhalter — The Paraguay option

USA (4-4-2, right to left): 24. Freese (GK) — 16. Freeman, 3. Richards, 13. Ream, 5. A. Robinson — 4. Adams, 14. Berhalter — 2. Dest, 8. McKennie, 17. Tillman — 20. Balogun.

The most likely option is probably the one which Mauricio Pochettino made at halftime of the opener against Paraguay when Christian Pulisic first came off injured.

At that time, Pochettino brought Sebastian Berhalter into midfield and moved Malik Tillman out wide on the left.

It was a move that made the U.S. noticeably worse, but it's hard to tell if that's simply because Pulisic was no longer on the field, or because the replacement was the wrong one. Tillman had been playing quite well in a deeper role next to Tyler Adams while Weston McKennie had freedom to roam in a No. 10 role, so the dismantling of that dynamic was a net negative in the second half.

MORE:The latest news on Christian Pulisic's injury ahead of the USMNT match vs. Australia

Cristiano Ronaldo drew heavy scrutiny as one of Portugal’s lowest-performing players following his minimal impact during a disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo on Wednesday. In the wake of this sluggish 2026 World Cup group-stage debut, France legend Thierry Henry singled out the veteran forward by stating that the team’s collective success must always override personal scoring ambitions.

The veteran forward failed to record a single shot on target, successful dribble, or fouled won throughout the match, which severely limited Portugal’s ability to sustain pressure inside the final third. Dropping two crucial points against a resilient DR Congo squad has raised immediate internal concerns before upcoming Group K fixtures against Uzbekistan and Colombia.

Analyzing the match footage as a studio pundit for Fox Sports, Henry focused heavily on a squandered 68th-minute sequence where the scoreline remained deadlocked: “The team needs to score, not you need to score…. Because he wants to score he goes into the path of Bruno Fernandes. If he goes into that six yard box it would have been a tap in for Bruno Fernandes.“

The former Arsenal star elaborated on how the 41-year-old striker inadvertently disrupted the attacking movement instead of dragging the opposing center-backs out of position. “If you make the run here (into the six-yard box), you make the defender take a decision. If he goes into that six yard box it would have been a tap in for Bruno Fernandes,” Henry added.

The play developed when winger Francisco Conceicao received a precise pass from Joao Cancelo inside the penalty box before tracking back to find an open trailing teammate. While Fernandes was perfectly positioned to strike, Ronaldo intercepted the path to take the shot himself, misfiring wide of the target and leaving the Manchester United midfielder visibly frustrated on his knees.

Henry concluded his tactical breakdown by targeting Ronaldo’s overall positioning and on-field behavior throughout the difficult World Cup opening match: “Because HE wants to score, he goes into the path of the back pass, where you see both players, and it’s easier to defend. And that’s my think, the team needs to score, not you. We saw the reaction of Bruno Fernandes behind doing like ‘let it roll, make a run, create space so I can tap it in. It didn’t happen.”

Roberto Martinez backed Ronaldo after the game

With Portugal visibly lacking offensive creativity, head coach Roberto Martinez attempted to alter the dynamic by introducing Conceicao and Rafael Leao along the flanks to inject much-needed pace. He also substituted midfielder Vitinha for Goncalo Ramos to add physical height inside the box, though removing a struggling Ronaldo from the pitch was never considered.

When questioned about his substitution strategy during the postmatch press conference, Martinez firmly defended his captain’s role in the starting lineup: “In a match like today’s, where it was difficult to get into the box, it is important to use Cristiano’s quality. His experience in the box is important, the way he drags defenders… Every player has their role on the pitch and, when we think about goals, we need to have Cristiano on the pitch.”

The final round of matches in 2026 World Cup Group B could provide a clear picture of who will advance to the next stage. Before that, Canada and Qatar meet in a match that could have a major impact on the standings.

It was not the best debut for Canada in front of their fans, although they left with a positive feeling because it could have been worse against Bosnia and Herzegovina. In a match where they fell behind, they were at least able to salvage a 1-1 draw.

Qatar also had a historic first match, even if it ended in a 1-1 draw as well. They were facing the group’s top team, Switzerland, and went down 1-0, but scored in the final minute to earn their first point in the competition and keep their knockout-round hopes alive.

How Canada’s win vs Qatar impacts the 2026 World Cup Group B standings

Switzerland beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 earlier in the day, leaving the winners with 4 points and a +3 goal difference, while the losing side has 1 point and a -3 goal difference. If Canada beat Qatar, they would join Switzerland on 4 points, while Qatar would need to avoid a heavy defeat to stay in the race for a third-place finish.

How Canada’s draw vs Qatar impacts the 2026 World Cup Group B standings

If Canada draw with Qatar, they would need a win in their final match to take the group. Canada and Qatar would be tied for second place with 2 points and a 0 goal difference, Switzerland would lead alone with 4 points, and Bosnia and Herzegovina would remain last with 1 point.

How Canada’s loss vs Qatar impacts the 2026 World Cup Group B standings

A loss to Qatar would put Canada at serious risk of missing out on a top-two finish. Switzerland and Qatar would lead the group with 4 points each heading into the final match, while Canada would be tied with Bosnia and Herzegovina in third place on 1 point, with goal difference potentially determining their position after the match.

Following a 2-0 victory over South Africa in the 2026 World Cup opener, co-hosts Mexico sit before a golden opportunity at the Estadio Guadalajara. A strong performance against South Korea could secure El Tri an early passport into the tournament’s next stage.

Both Mexico and South Korea enter the fixture tied atop Group A with three points apiece. Javier Aguirre’s men currently hold the technical edge in first place courtesy of a slightly superior goal differential.

The baseline pressure for this clash shifted slightly following the other group fixture, where Czechia and South Africa played out a 1-1 draw—leaving both trailing at the bottom of the table.

Consequently, a victory for either side on the Guadalajara pitch will automatically seal a spot in the Round of 32, while a draw leaves both firmly in control of their destinies.

What happens if Mexico beats South Korea

If Mexico walk out of Guadalajara with all three points, they automatically advance to the Round of 32. Their final group-stage match against Czechia would simply become a tactical battle to determine whether they advance as group winners or as the runners-up.

What happens if Mexico and South Korea draw

Should the teams split the points, both Mexico and South Korea will move to 4 points at the top of the table. Under this script, a simple draw in their final respective group matches would be mathematically sufficient to push both nations safely through to the knockouts.

What happens if Mexico lose to South Korea

A loss means South Korea leave Guadalajara with a knockout berth in hand, forcing Mexico to fight for survival on the final matchday. Even with a loss in their last matchday, El Tri’s road remain highly manageable.

Facing Czechia in their final game, a win or a draw automatically books their advancement. Because FIFA’s primary tiebreaker relies on head-to-head results, Mexico’s opening 2-0 win over South Africa guarantees they hold the mathematical leverage even if both finish level on points.

Reported Arsenal transfer target Johan Manzambi stole the show for Switzerland last night, firing a sensational late brace to help his country secure a commanding 4-1 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The 20-year-old midfielder completely turned the match on its head after being introduced from the substitutes’ bench, solidifying his reputation as one of Europe’s most electric young prospects.

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Johan Manzambi scores late brace to help Switzerland to a 4-1 win

The Group B World Cup clash at SoFi Stadium seemed destined for a tense finish until Manzambi’s introduction in the second half.

The SC Freiburg starlet broke the deadlocked match in the 74th minute, producing an outstanding, technically flawless volley that flew into the back of the net to give the Swiss a 1-0 lead.

Johan Manzambi that is TERRIFIC ?

The youngest player in Switzerland's squad shines on the biggest stage! pic.twitter.com/S64RIjq6Xl

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 18, 2026

After Ruben Vargas doubled the advantage in the 85th minute, Manzambi wasn’t done. In the 90th minute, he capped off a fluid team move orchestrated by Granit Xhaka, opening his body up to calmly steer a side-footed finish past Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.

Johan Manzambi at the double ?

Superb from Switzerland in the build-up! pic.twitter.com/GRvISWxdZM

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 18, 2026

Although Bosnia grabbed a late consolation goal via a thunderbolt from Enis Mahmic, a stoppage-time penalty from Xhaka put the final gloss on a stellar 4-1 win, moving Switzerland to the top of the group.

Arsenal linked in contest to sign Manzambi

Manzambi’s international heroics come amid swirling rumors regarding his future, with Arsenal heavily linked with a move for the versatile midfielder.

Previous reports have stated that the Gunners have emerged as ‘serious contenders’ to sign the Swiss international, who was recently named the UEFA Europa League Young Player of the Season after guiding Freiburg to the final.

Mikel Arteta is known to be in the market for a dynamic, energetic box-to-box midfielder to bolster his engine room.

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Manzambi’s rare combination of raw pace, defensive industry, and clinical execution in the final third has made him a player in demand this summer, with reports also linking the likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United with the player.

With his stock rapidly rising on the grandest stage of the World Cup, Arsenal may have to act quickly before a multi-club bidding war drives his price tag through the roof.

The post Watch: Arsenal and Man United target steals the show with outrageous volley and two-goal masterclass appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Canada and Qatar will square off on Thursday, June 18, for a crucial Matchday 2 Group B showdown at BC Place in Vancouver. With both nations aiming to secure a decisive victory to climb to the top of the group standings, the fitness and availability of Canadian superstar Alphonso Davies has become the central storyline surrounding Les Rouges.

Davies is expected to make his tournament debut against Qatar after fully recovering from a lingering muscular issue. Canada head coach Jesse Marsch confirmed that the versatile left-back has been cleared by the medical staff, while he’s decided to leave him out of the starting XI, Marsch indicated that Davies will feature at some point during the match.

During Wednesday’s pre-match press conference, Marsch provided an encouraging update regarding his star player’s overall conditioning. “Alphonso is looking really good,” Marsch told reporters. “It’s just a matter of evaluating the game model, determining how the match flows, and deciding how we feel Alphonso can best contribute to the squad right now, but he is completely ready and available.“

The dynamic fullback originally sustained a hamstring injury on May 6 while playing for Bayern Munich against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League, an ailment that sidelined him for the remainder of the European domestic season. After watching Canada’s tournament opener from the bench as an unused substitute, Davies returned to full first-team training sessions this week to put himself back into selection contention.

The top of Group B up for grabs

The opening round of fixtures in Group B left the section completely deadlocked, as both matchups finished in identical 1-1 draws last week. Canada fought back to split points with Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Switzerland and Qatar battled to a stalemate, leaving all four nations on level terms heading into the second World Cup matchday.

A victory on Thursday would put either Canada or Qatar on the absolute brink of qualifying for the Round of 32 knockout stage, while simultaneously leaving the losing side facing a must-win scenario in the final group match. The winner of this fixture will temporarily claim sole possession of first place in Group B, with overall goal difference serving as the primary tiebreaker to separate the field.

Confirmed lineups for Canada and Qatar

Canada’s confirmed lineup (4-4-2): Maxime Crepeau; Alistair Johnston, Luc De Fougerolles, Derek Cornelius, Richie Laryea; Tajon Buchanan, Ismael Kone, Stephen Eustaquio, Ali Ahmed; Jonathan David, Cyle Larin.
Head coach: Jesse March.

Qatar’s confirmed lineup (4-3-3): Mahmud Abunada; Ayoub Al Oui, Pedro Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi, Homan Al Amin; Jassem Gaber-Abdulsallam, Assim Madibo, Issa Laye; Edmilson Junior, Yusuf Abdurisag, Akram Afif.
Head coach: Julen Lopetegui.

Qatar arrive at the 2026 World Cup seeking to rewrite their international reputation. The Maroons are currently ranked No. 56 in the official FIFA world rankings, giving them a clear underdog status in a balanced Group B. They face stiff competition to reach the knockout rounds alongside European mainstays Switzerland (No. 19), co-hosts Canada (No. 30), and Bosnia & Herzegovina (No. 64).

Following a brutal 2022 campaign on home soil where they failed to secure a single point, the Qatari squad lands in North America hungry for redemption. Their primary objective is simple yet historic: secure their first-ever World Cup points.

Boasting a squad clear of massive, high-profile global superstars—with the vast majority of the roster playing domestically in the Qatar Stars League—the team will have to rely on collective synergy to beat the odds and navigate into the Round of 32.

They do, however, possess elite tactical leadership on the bench. Veteran Spanish manager Julen Lopetegui is at the helm for his first major World Cup deployment, bringing a high-end pedigree from past managerial stints with the Spanish National Team, Real Madrid, West Ham, and Wolverhampton.

How Qatar qualified for the 2026 World Cup

What makes this World Cup cycle incredibly distinct for Qatar is that they earned their ticket through the fires of the AFC qualification rounds, whereas their 2022 appearance was automatically granted as the host nation.

Qatar cruised through the early stages, completely dominating Group A. They finished atop the standings with 16 points out of a possible 18, ending the round entirely undefeated with five wins and a draw.

The competition stiffened significantly at Phase 3. Qatar finished fourth in a grueling group with 13 points across 10 matches—relegating them to the fourth round while powerhouses Iran and Uzbekistan snatched the automatic group tickets.

Forced into a winner-take-all triangular playoff against Oman and the United Arab Emirates, Qatar showed their resilience. They secured four points across two high-stakes matches (one win, one draw) to top the table and book their tickets to North America.

After a decent debut at the 2026 World Cup, Canada are ready to show how much they have grown in the last few years in the sport, which also came with an improvement in their FIFA world ranking.

The current ranking of Canada is 30th in the table made by FIFA on June 11. This ranking isn’t updated monthly, meaning this won’t change during the competition as the team tries to make history.

This ranking isn’t bad at all considering Canada’s best ranking since this method was established in 2018 is 26th in September 2025. It is however, the third in CONCACAF, 16 spots below Mexico and 13 spots away from the United States.

Canada’s rivals

While the ranking should say as it is right now with 1559.48 points, once the competition ends it could be higher. What Canada should do may be improve more from what they did in the past.

If the metrics of the ranking are worth something, Canada should be expected to reach the next round as they stand only behind Switzerland in this mathematic number, which are in the 19th.

The other teams on Group B are far behind with Qatar being 26 places below in the 56th position. A bit lower are Bosnia and Herzegovina as the lowest ranked team from the four competing in the 64th.

FIFA Ranking procedure

The FIFA ranking announced by the entity on their website may not be very easy to follow because it requires a complex algorithm that uses many variables. Its next update is on July 19 with the explanation of how it works appearing on the official site.

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

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

The World Cup is underway, and that means the second round of group stage action is here. Mexico will now face South Korea in Guadalajara.

These squads know each other well, facing off just a matter of months ago for a friendly. While that ended in a draw, the 2018 World Cup match did not as Mexico earned a 2-1 victory over South Korea in that group stage meeting.

To continue to the knockouts, every point counts, and there's no time like the present to put three-points next to your nation's standings.

The Sporting News breaks down key details for the Mexico vs. South Korea match including live stream and start time information.

LIVE: Follow Mexico vs. South Korea updates from 2026 World Cup

Mexico vs. South Korea free live stream

This game is available to stream for FREE on fubo. 

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

Mexico vs. South Korea channel, live stream

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

The Mexico vs. South Korea match will be broadcast on Fox with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.

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

What time does Mexico vs. South Korea kick off?

Mexico vs. South Korea kicks off on Thursday, June 18 at 7 p.m. local time from Estadio Akron in Guadalajara.

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

World Cup fixtures today and tomorrow

All times Eastern.

Thursday, June 18

• Czechia vs. South Africa (12 p.m.)
• Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (3 p.m.)
• Canada vs. Qatar (6 p.m.)
• Mexico vs. South Korea (9 p.m.)

Friday, June 19

• USA vs. Australia (3 p.m.)
• Scotland vs. Morocco (6 p.m.)
• Brazil vs. Haiti (8:30 p.m.)
• Turkey vs. Paraguay (11 p.m.)

MORE:Complete World Cup schedule and fixtures

2026 FIFA World Cup FAQs

When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

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

Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being played?

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

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

How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?

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

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

How many games are in the 2026 World Cup?

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

Can I stream the 2026 World Cup?

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

What channel is the 2026 World Cup on?

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

When is the 2026 World Cup final?

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

What time do World Cup games start?

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

Is the United States playing in the 2026 World Cup?

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

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

Mexico is no stranger to the FIFA World Cup, but the team faces extra pressure entering the 2026 tournament.

Along with the United States and Canada, Mexico is serving as a co-host for the tournament, making this the third time the World Cup has come to Mexico. Each of the last two times Mexico was the tournament's host, in 1970 and 1986, Mexico made it all the way to the quarterfinals, the furthest Mexico has advanced in the World Cup.

From 1994 to 2018, Mexico made the Round of 16 seven-straight before failing to make it out of the group stage in 2022. Therefore, Mexico hopes to make it back on track and return to the knockout stage this year.

In Mexico's way is South Korea, who has been a fierce competitor over the past four decades. South Korea has appeared in every World Cup since 1986, peaking with a fourth-place finish in 2002 and making two other Rounds of 16 in that span.

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

LIVE: Follow Mexico vs. South Korea updates from 2026 World Cup

Mexico vs. South Korea live stream, TV channel

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

The Mexico vs. South Korea match will be broadcasted nationally on Fox in the United States along with streaming options available on Fox's platforms.

Additionally, another streaming service option is fubo, which offers a free trial for new users.

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

What time does Mexico vs. South Korea start?

This World Cup battle between Mexico and South Korea will take place on Thursday, June 18 at 7 p.m. local time at Guadalajara Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico.

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

World Cup schedule today and tomorrow

All times Eastern.

Thursday, June 18

• Czechia vs. South Africa (12 p.m.)
• Switzerland vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina (3 p.m.)
• Canada vs. Qatar (6 p.m.)
• Mexico vs. South Korea (9 p.m.)

Friday, June 19

• USA vs. Australia (3 p.m.)
• Scotland vs. Morocco (6 p.m.)
• Brazil vs. Haiti (8:30 p.m.)
• Turkey vs. Paraguay (11 p.m.)

MORE:Complete World Cup schedule and fixtures

2026 FIFA World Cup FAQs

When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

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

Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being played?

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

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

How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?

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

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

How many games are in the 2026 World Cup?

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

Can I stream the 2026 World Cup?

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

What channel is the 2026 World Cup on?

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

When is the 2026 World Cup final?

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

What time do World Cup games start?

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

Is the United States playing in the 2026 World Cup?

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

Switzerland is currently making its 13th World Cup appearance in North America, highlighting a remarkable run of international development despite the nation’s relatively small population. Looking to finally break through the round of 16 ceiling in the modern era, the Nati enters the competition firmly established as one of Europe’s most consistent squads.

According to the final official FIFA world ranking update ahead of the tournament, Switzerland sits in 19th place globally with 1650 total points. The Swiss side has maintained a steady presence inside the global top 20 since September 2012, though their historical peak dates back to the ranking system’s infancy in 1993, when they reached an all-time high of third.

Despite tournament co-hosts Canada occupying the top-seeded slot during the group draw, Switzerland remains heavily favored to secure advancement to the knockout stages. The Swiss lead Group B ahead of Les Rouges at 32nd, tournament newcomers Qatar at 49th, and a resilient Bosnia and Herzegovina squad sitting in 64th place globally.

Switzerland dominated its UEFA qualification group to punch its ticket to North America, executing an unbeaten campaign that featured four victories and two draws. While the national team historically reached the tournament quarterfinals in 1934, 1938, and 1954, they have struggled to replicate that deep knockout success in recent decades.

This 2026 campaign marks Switzerland’s 13th trip to soccer’s grandest international stage. Across their previous tournament appearances, the Nati played 41 total matches, accumulating an all-time World Cup record of 13 wins, nine draws, and 19 defeats.

Switzerland’s World Cup schedule

Following a competitive 1-1 draw against Qatar in their June 13 tournament opener, the Swiss must secure positive results in their remaining fixtures to guarantee advancement. The Nati returns to the pitch on June 18 to face Bosnia and Herzegovina before wrapping up group-stage play against Canada on June 24.

Bosnia and Herzegovina secured its World Cup ticket following a dramatic run through the UEFA qualifying playoffs back in March. The Dragons are now heading to their second-ever World Cup appearance, carrying renewed optimism into the 2026 tournament despite sitting well below their all-time peak in the global standings.

In the last official update of the FIFA Ranking prior to the beginning of the 2026 World Cup, Bosnia and Herzegovina is ranked in 64th place with 1387 points. Suffering a drop over the last years, Bosnia’s best ranking in history was when they were sitting in 13th back in August 2013 in the anteroom of the 2014 World Cup.

Competing in a highly balanced Group B, Bosnia and Herzegovina faces stiff competition to assert dominance despite its European pedigree. Switzerland currently anchors the top of the group’s rankings at 19th with 1640.92 points, followed by Canada at 32nd with 1551.50 points, and Qatar at 49th after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against the Swiss side.

The Dragons navigated a grueling qualification path to book their spot in North America after finishing second in their initial qualifying group. During the high-stakes March playoff bracket, Bosnia first eliminated Wales in a tense semifinal shootout before knocking out four-time World Cup champion Italy on penalties to seal their tournament berth.

The 2026 tournament marks only the second time Bosnia has qualified for soccer’s biggest international stage. Their lone prior appearance came during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where they finished group play with a 1-2 record following a narrow 2-1 defeat to Argentina, a 1-0 loss to Nigeria, and a 3-1 victory over Iran.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s World Cup schedule

Following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Canada in their June 12 tournament opener, Bosnia’s aspirations of reaching the knockout stage remain firmly within reach. The Dragons return to the pitch today, June 18, to face Switzerland at Los Angeles Stadium before wrapping up group play against Qatar on June 24 at Seattle Stadium.

Cristiano Ronaldo has found himself at the center of attention after Portugal was held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening 2026 World Cup match, a result that raised questions about the European side’s attacking edge. While Ronaldo endured a frustrating night in front of goal, DR Congo midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau’s post-match remarks added a sharper talking point to an already tense opener for the national team.

The result left Portugal under early pressure in Group K, while DR Congo celebrated a historic point on the world stage. But it was Mukau’s candid assessment of Ronaldo that quickly dominated headlines after the final whistle.

Portugal entered the match as the favorites, yet it struggled to break down a disciplined Congolese side that refused to be intimidated. Joao Neves gave the European side a sixth-minute lead, but the rhythm quickly faded as the game progressed.

DR Congo grew into the match and eventually struck back through Yoane Wissa’s equaliser before halftime, punishing the Selecao das Quinas’ drop in intensity. From that moment, the African side held firm, securing a famous draw and their first-ever point at a World Cup.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, found himself isolated for long periods and failed to register a shot on target despite playing the full match, a rare statistical low for a player of his stature.

Mukau delivers blunt verdict on Ronaldo’s current level

After the match, attention shifted to DR Congo midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau, who was asked whether his team had prepared a specific plan to deal with Ronaldo. His response was direct, but carefully balanced between honesty and respect: “A special plan to contain Cristiano Ronaldo? To be honest, not really.”

He also suggested that age has naturally changed Ronaldo’s physical impact at 41 years old: “We know he is not the same player he was a few years ago. He’s a bit older now. But still, he’s one of the greatest… much respect to him.”

While he still acknowledged the Portuguese forward’s legendary status, his words hinted that opponents no longer fear him in the same way they once did. That perception, whether intentional or not, has become one of the defining narratives of Portugal’s opening match.

Stat sheet paints bleak picture for Ronaldo

Ronaldo’s performance statistics underlined Mukau’s assessment. The Portugal captain finished with just 25 touches, one of the lowest totals of his World Cup career, and failed to test the goalkeeper throughout the match.

He also extended an unwanted record, now going 10 consecutive major tournament matches without scoring across the World Cup and European Championships. For a player who built his legacy on decisive moments, the drought has become a growing talking point.

Even so, Portugal coach Roberto Martínez defended his captain, insisting that Ronaldo’s presence remains valuable for structure and experience inside the box.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of the biggest names at the 2026 World Cup, but Portugal’s opening match has sparked fresh debate around the legendary forward. The 41-year-old extended an unwanted scoring drought after Portugal’s 1-1 draw with DR Congo, raising questions about his recent record on soccer’s biggest stages.

Despite the disappointing result, Portugal‘s campaign is still very much alive, and Martinez has made it clear that Ronaldo continues to play a central role in the national team’s ambitions. The veteran striker will now look to silence his critics as Portugal prepares for its remaining Group K fixtures.

The Selecao das Quinas appeared to be in complete control after Joao Neves opened the scoring in just the sixth minute, giving the European side the ideal start in Houston. However, instead of building on that momentum, Portugal gradually became more cautious, allowing DR Congo to grow into the contest.

The African nation punished that drop in intensity before halftime when Yoane Wissa found the equalizer, earning his country a historic first World Cup point since returning to the tournament after more than five decades away.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s unwanted record continues

Much of the attention after the final whistle centered on Cristiano Ronaldo, who completed the full 90 minutes but failed to register a single shot on target.

The performance extended his goal drought to 10 consecutive appearances in major international tournaments, combining matches at the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship. It also marked his fifth straight World Cup appearance without finding the net, while six of his World Cup matches have now ended without a shot on target.

Although Ronaldo managed three attempts against DR Congo, none troubled goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, and Portugal finished with only one shot on target as a team after Neves’ early breakthrough.

When did Ronaldo last score for Portugal in a major tournament?

While the current drought has become a major talking point, Ronaldo’s last non-penalty goal at a major international tournament came against Germany at UEFA Euro 2020 on June 19, 2021.

His most recent World Cup goal arrived later, from the penalty spot in the 3-2 win over Ghana during Portugal’s opening match at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Since then, the Portugal captain has gone through the remainder of that tournament, UEFA Euro 2024, and the opening match of the 2026 World Cup without scoring.

During that stretch, Ronaldo has taken 33 shots in major tournaments without finding the back of the net, highlighting an unusual run for the most prolific goalscorer in men’s international soccer history.

The family of Lionel Messi have put out an official statement in response to growing speculation about his father Jorge’s health.

The statement has confirmed that Messi’s dad has been experiencing some health troubles, though he is now seemingly recovering well.

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They have not gone into any specific details, as one would expect, but it’s clear that the Messi family were keen to end the speculation and gossip about the situation, which must make an already unpleasant experience a great deal more stressful.

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Messi family statement in full

“The Messi family informs that Jorge Messi is currently going through a health situation.

“At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favorably within the condition he is experiencing.

“In light of the reports, rumors, and speculation that have circulated in recent hours, the family wishes to express its deep concern regarding the lack of sensitivity, respect, and discretion with which some individuals have treated a strictly private family matter.

“The family would also like to clarify that only Jorge’s immediate family has real and accurate information regarding his condition. Therefore, any version, statement, or information that does not come directly from the family and its official channels should not be considered valid or truthful.

“At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence, and humanity. A person’s health and the peace of mind of their loved ones should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media attention.

“We sincerely appreciate the expressions of affection, respect, and concern we have received, and we ask that Jorge’s privacy, confidentiality, and personal space—as well as that of his entire family—be respected throughout this process.

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“Any relevant updates will be communicated in due course by the family and through the appropriate channels.

“Thank you for your understanding.”

Messi’s tears during World Cup win

Messi has started the 2026 World Cup on fire with a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening game against Algeria.

However, as quoted by BBC Sport, the former Barcelona forward explained why he was tearful during the game as he admitted he was being affected by something away from football.

When asked about it after the game, he said: “Why did I cry? It was something completely unrelated to football.

“I went through some difficult days, but I’m grateful to the entire delegation and my team-mates because they were always by my side, giving me a lot of strength to help me get through it.”

One imagines this was related to his father’s health, now that more information about the matter has come to light.

The 38-year-old continues to perform at an extraordinary level on the pitch and he’ll be looking to help Argentina retain the World Cup after their win in Qatar four years ago.

The post Lionel Messi’s family release statement amid rumours about father’s health appeared first on CaughtOffside.

A giant American flag belonging to American Outlaws—the largest of three official supporters groups for the U.S. men’s and women’s national soccer teams—has been displayed inside venues at four World Cups.

Last week, however, it wasn’t allowed into Los Angeles Stadium (temporarily renamed from SoFi Stadium) for the U.S. Men’s National Team’s World Cup opener against Paraguay, which it won in dominant fashion before a sold-out crowd of approximately 70,000. 

“We submitted the flag for approval by FIFA, and it was denied for its size,” says Whitney Zaleski, operations manager for American Outlaws. “We’ve resubmitted it for approval for [the USMNT’s] next game in Seattle this Friday. It seems like it comes down to both FIFA and the stadium itself … things are kind of changing all the time.” 

The rejected flag is one of several frustrations that U.S. fan-group leaders tell Front Office Sports they’ve encountered before the World Cup and during its opening week.

Their complaints are primarily tied to layers of approval from FIFA, stadium operators, security personnel, and U.S. Soccer. What they see as opaque, labyrinthine policies and procedures  have left the American Outlaws and other fan groups confused about who is making the decisions—and a growing sense among U.S. supporters that they’re being pushed to the margins. 

“It’s on our own soil, so we thought [the experience] was going to be bigger and better at home,” Zaleski says. 

While American Outlaws’ oversized flag was denied entry to Los Angeles Stadium altogether, another official U.S. Soccer supporters group, Sammers SC, encountered different challenges. Board member Craig Hahn says the group’s smaller flag was approved but could not be displayed in its usual fashion—hung over a railing at the base of a seating section—because of restrictions surrounding advertising signage. 

Sammers SC also spent several hours trying to get its drum into the stadium despite receiving prior approval. “We had the FIFA paperwork, but then stadium security itself said no,” says Hahn. “There’s some kind of disconnect between what FIFA says and what the stadiums are actually doing.” 

Beyond the difficulty with celebration rituals, however, one of the most visible issues for supporters groups specifically has been where their ranks can sit. Instead of having dedicated sections in high-visibility areas such as behind the goal—a common set up in international soccer—members of U.S. supporters groups are largely dispersed across the nosebleeds due to a complicated ticketing process.

“We were spread out in the 300-level,” says American Outlaws’ chapter management lead, Trevin Wurm, of the USMNT’s first match in L.A. on June 12. “A lot of countries do have supporters behind the goal. But for the U.S., our sections are mostly up in the 300 or 400-levels, depending on the stadium.” 

Late last year, following backlash over high World Cup ticket prices and limited availability of affordable tickets, FIFA made a small number of additional $60 tickets available for fans of each country through what it called the “Supporter Entry Tier.” The low-cost tickets were limited to roughly 500 seats per participating team, per match—and members of official supporters groups were supposed to have priority access.

However, the rollout of these tickets did not go as planned. Wurm says the “whole allocation process was murky,” adding that many people in his group didn’t even know where their tickets were going to be until a couple of weeks before kickoff. The scattered arrangement, he argues, comes at a cost: “[Our group] not being together cuts down on our ability to push the players.” 

Gerald Foston, president of Sammers SC, places some additional blame on U.S. Soccer and its “Insiders” loyalty program, which directed fans to apply for the discounted tickets via unique links and codes that did not pan out. (Most supporters group members are also U.S. Soccer Insiders because the program promises to deliver extra exclusive benefits.)

“We are not happy with U.S. Soccer,” says Foston. “We have people who are higher-up ‘Insiders’ members. They pay $4,000 or $5,000 a year and they got zero tickets.”

U.S. Soccer did not respond to a request for comment.

Still, the USMNT’s 4–1 victory over Paraguay “really gave people something to get excited about,” says American Outlaws’ Zaleski, who added that the group drew “several thousand fans” to its pregame festivities around L.A. last Friday.

Supporters are particularly optimistic about the USMNT’s next group-stage matchup against Australia. Hahn of Sammers SC says he expects Seattle Stadium “may be more lenient” given the city’s reputation as a U.S. soccer hub. 

After the final whistle blows in July, Foston says the official U.S. supporters groups, which also include Barra 76, will likely hold a post-mortem to discuss their experiences and potentially reach out to U.S. Soccer with ideas for improvements moving forward.

For now, U.S. supporters are trying their best to focus on enjoying a World Cup they waited decades to host. “As big as FIFA tries to make themselves,” Wurm says, “they’re still not bigger than the World Cup.”

The post U.S. Supporters Groups Feel Pushed to the Margins at World Cup appeared first on Front Office Sports.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

World Cup bracket 2026

SN

World Cup Group A standings and scenarios

• Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
• E = Eliminated

Mexico

Will qualify as group winner if they beat South Korea.

South Korea

Will qualify as group winner if they beat Mexico.

South Africa

Cannot be eliminated yet after draw vs. Czechia.

Czechia

Cannot be eliminated yet after draw vs. South Africa.

Group A schedule, results

World Cup Group B standings and scenarios

• Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
• E = Eliminated

Canada, Bosnia, Qatar and Switzerland

After each game in the first round of matches finished 1-1, no team can qualify or be eliminated in their second match. Any team that takes at least four points from their next two matches (a win and a draw) will be guaranteed a top-two spot.

Group B schedule, results

World Cup Group C standings and scenarios

• Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
• E = Eliminated

Scotland

Will guarantee a knockout place if they beat Morocco. If Steve Clarke's men secure this result and Brazil fail to beat Haiti they would be confirmed as group winners.

Haiti

Will be eliminated if they lose to Brazil and Morocco beat Scotland.

Morocco and Brazil

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

Group C schedule, results

World Cup Group D standings and scenarios

• Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
• E = Eliminated

United States

Will qualify as group winners if they defeat Australia and Turkey do not beat Paraguay

Australia

Will qualify as group winners if they defeat the United States and Paraguay do not beat Turkey.

Paraguay

Will be eliminated if they lose to Turkey and Australia avoids defeat against the United States

Turkey

Will be eliminated if they lose to Paraguay and the United States avoids defeat against Australia.

Group D schedule, results

World Cup Group E standings and scenarios

• Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
• E = Eliminated

Germany

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

Ivory Coast

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

Ecuador

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

Curacao 

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

Group E schedule, results

World Cup Group F standings and scenarios

• Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
• E = Eliminated

Sweden

Will qualify with a victory over the Netherlands. Will go through as group winners if they beat the Dutch and Japan does not beat Tunisia.

Tunisia

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

Netherlands and Japan

Neither can be eliminated nor guaranteed qualification after their opening match finished 2-2.

Group F schedule, results

World Cup Group G standings and scenarios

• Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
• E = Eliminated

Iran, New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt

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

Group G schedule, results

World Cup Group H standings and scenarios

• Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
• E = Eliminated

Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Cape Verde

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

Group H schedule, results

World Cup Group I standings and scenarios

• Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
• E = Eliminated

Norway, France, Senegal and Iraq

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

Group I schedule, results

World Cup Group J standings and scenarios

• Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
• E = Eliminated

Argentina

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

Austria

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

Jordan

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

Algeria

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

Group J schedule, results

World Cup Group K standings and scenarios

• Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
• E = Eliminated

Colombia

Will qualify as group winners if they beat DR Congo.

DR Congo and Portugal

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

Uzbekistan

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

Group K schedule, results

World Cup Group L standings and scenarios

• Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
• E = Eliminated

England

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

Ghana

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

Panama

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

Croatia

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

Group L schedule, results

World Cup 2026 group stage tiebreakers

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

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

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

The family of Lionel Messi has released an official statement regarding the health status of his father, Jorge Messi.

The family confirmed that Jorge Messi is currently undergoing medical treatment and monitoring. According to the update, his condition is stable, and he is showing positive signs of recovery within his specific medical framework.

The captain’s emotional display on the pitch during the tournament debut had already drawn considerable attention from fans and international media alike. In response to the wave of unsourced public narratives that followed, the inner circle chose to release this collective message to ensure clarity and request formal privacy.

Addressing media speculation and privacy concerns

The statement was issued directly by the family to clarify the situation and correct unconfirmed narratives. The communication strongly expressed dissatisfaction with the insensitive manner in which some individuals and media platforms have handled what they emphasize is a strictly personal family matter.

The inner circle emphasized that accurate information regarding Jorge Messi’s health remains strictly within the immediate family. Consequently, any external claims or reports not distributed through official family channels should be considered inaccurate and unauthorized.

Complete official family statement in English

The translated text of the message released by the Messi family reads as follows:

Statement | June 18, 2026

The Messi family informs that Jorge is currently going through a health situation.

At this moment, he is under medical supervision, recovering and evolving favorably within the framework of his clinical picture.

In light of the versions, rumors, and speculation that have circulated in recent hours, the family wishes to express its deep discomfort regarding the lack of sensitivity, respect, and scruples with which some individuals have treated a strictly private and family situation.

Furthermore, the family wishes to clarify that only his closest family members possess real and precise information regarding Jorge’s condition. Therefore, any version, statement, or report that does not originate from the family itself and its corresponding channels should not be considered valid or truthful.

In moments like this, we ask for responsibility, prudence, and humanity. A person’s health and the peace of mind of their environment should not be subject to speculation or irresponsible media interest.

We sincerely appreciate the expressions of affection, respect, and concern received, and we request that the privacy, confidentiality, and intimacy of Jorge and his entire family be preserved during this process.

Any relevant updates will be communicated in due course by the family through the appropriate channels.

Thank you for your understanding.

The family concluded the message by requesting space and confidentiality as they navigate the recovery process. They assured that any substantial changes regarding his condition will be shared transparently when appropriate.

Switzerland heads into the 2026 World Cup carrying genuine optimism after another impressive qualification campaign, but one familiar face will not be part of the journey. Yann Sommer’s absence has become one of the biggest talking points surrounding the Swiss national team, leaving many supporters wondering why the legendary goalkeeper is missing from a tournament where Switzerland hopes to make history.

The national team arrives in North America for its sixth consecutive World Cup appearance, determined to improve on previous campaigns and finally move beyond the quarterfinal stage. With experienced leaders combining with an exciting new generation, coach Murat Yakin believes Switzerland has the quality to produce its finest World Cup performance yet.

The Red Crosses earned their place at the tournament after comfortably topping their UEFA qualifying group, finishing ahead of Kosovo, Slovenia, and Sweden. The campaign showcased a disciplined and organized side that remained unbeaten, collecting four victories and two draws while conceding only two goals.

One of the team’s greatest strengths is the balance throughout the squad, as Captain Granit Xhaka, Manuel Akanji, and Ricardo Rodriguez provide leadership and experience. Meanwhile, younger players, including Dan Ndoye, Fabian Rieder, and Johan Manzambi, offer creativity and energy. However, the country’s former captain, Yann Sommer, will not be participating in a major event for the first time in more than ten years.

Why Yann Sommer is missing the 2026 World Cup

The reason behind Yann Sommer’s absence has nothing to do with injury or selection. The veteran goalkeeper retired from international soccer in August 2024 following the conclusion of Euro 2024, bringing an outstanding 12-year career with Switzerland to an end.

Sommer decided to focus entirely on his club career with Inter, closing the chapter on an international journey that included 94 appearances, three World Cups, and three European Championships. His final appearance came in Switzerland’s Euro 2024 quarterfinal defeat to England on penalties.

Few goalkeepers have left a greater legacy in Swiss soccer. His unforgettable penalty save against Kylian Mbappe during the Euro 2020 shootout victory over France remains one of the defining moments in Switzerland’s soccer history, while his 35 international clean sheets underline his consistency between the posts.

Gregor Kobel steps into the spotlight

With Sommer retired, Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel has become Switzerland’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper. Although he spent several years serving as Sommer’s understudy, Kobel has gradually established himself as one of Europe’s most reliable goalkeepers.

The 28-year-old already possesses valuable international experience, including appearances during the 2022 World Cup. Switzerland believes Kobel has the quality to continue the high standards set by his predecessor while adding his own presence to the defensive unit. Behind Kobel, Marvin Keller and Yvon Mvogo provide additional depth, but there is little doubt over who will start throughout the tournament.

The pressure is already mounting ahead of a crucial Group A showdown between Czechia and South Africa at the 2026 World Cup. With both national teams seeking their first points of the tournament, another storyline has also emerged around Tori Penso, whose appointment for the match has attracted significant attention.

Both teams arrive in Atlanta after disappointing opening defeats. Czechia surrendered a lead in a 2-1 loss to South Korea, while South Africa fell 2-0 to co-host Mexico, leaving little margin for error heading into the second round of group-stage matches. The expanded 48-team World Cup offers more opportunities to advance, but neither Czechia nor South Africa can afford another setback.

A victory would place either national team back in contention for a place in the knockout rounds. However, finishing third is no guarantee of progression, as only the best-performing third-place teams across the tournament will move forward.

The Czech Republic initially showed promise against South Korea. The European side took the lead through captain Ladislav Krejci and appeared on course for a positive result before conceding twice during the closing stages.

South Africa endured an even more difficult opening match. The African representative struggled to impose itself against Mexico and eventually finished the game with only nine players after two red cards compounded an already challenging evening.

Who is Tori Penso?

While the focus naturally falls on the players, the referee assigned to the contest has become a major talking point. Tori Penso of the United States will officiate the Group A encounter, making history as the first American woman ever selected to referee a men’s FIFA World Cup match.

The appointment represents another milestone in a career that has consistently broken new ground. Born in Florida, Penso first gained widespread recognition in 2020 when she became the first woman in two decades to referee a Major League Soccer match. Her rise has continued rapidly since then.

In 2023, she officiated the FIFA Women’s World Cup final between Spain and England, becoming the first American referee to oversee that showpiece event. She is also one of only two female on-field referees appointed for the 2026 World Cup.

Tori Penso and her officiating team set unprecedented World Cup milestone

Penso arrives at the tournament with extensive experience across both domestic and international soccer. Since joining FIFA’s international referees list in 2021, she has worked in Major League Soccer, the National Women’s Soccer League, Olympic competitions, FIFA Club World Cups, and numerous international tournaments.

Statistics suggest she prefers a balanced approach to officiating. Across 109 matches in various competitions, she has issued 423 yellow cards and only four red cards, indicating a willingness to manage games without excessive disciplinary intervention.

Her officiating team will also make history. Assistant referees Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt will join Penso, creating the only all-female on-field officiating trio at the 2026 World Cup. The group previously worked together during the 2025 U.S. Open Cup final and has become one of the most respected officiating crews in international soccer.

The road back to soccer’s biggest stage has been a long and demanding one for the Czech Republic. After two decades away from the tournament, the national team finally secured its place at the 2026 World Cup through a campaign filled with resilience, dramatic comebacks, and nerve-shredding penalty shootouts. Now, with a talented squad and renewed belief, Czechia arrives in North America eager to show that its return is more than a brief appearance.

The Czech Republic enters the competition carrying a mixture of expectation and opportunity. While the nation has enjoyed regular appearances at the European Championship, qualification for the World Cup had remained elusive since 2006. That drought finally ended thanks to a group of players determined to restore the country’s standing on the international stage.

The Repre finished second behind Croatia in UEFA Group L, forcing the team into the playoffs. Their route to qualification was anything but comfortable, but it revealed a side capable of handling pressure and adversity.

The playoff semifinal against Ireland looked lost after the Czech Republic fell 2-0 behind within the opening 23 minutes. However, a penalty from Patrik Schick gave the team hope before Ladislav Krejci struck an 86th-minute equalizer, forcing extra time and eventually a penalty shootout victory.

A similar story unfolded in the playoff final against Denmark. The Czech Republic twice saw its lead erased, but remained composed during another tense shootout in Prague, eventually securing a place at the tournament after converting its chances from the spot.

What’s Czechia’s FIFA world ranking?

After years of inconsistency, the Czech Republic arrives at the tournament with a respectable standing in international soccer. The national team is currently ranked 40th in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, having climbed several places before the tournament began.

While the ranking places the Czech Republic below some of the competition’s heavyweights, it also reflects a team that has regained stability after a turbulent qualifying campaign. The squad sits alongside other competitive nations and enters the tournament knowing that rankings alone rarely determine World Cup success.

Historically, the Czech Republic has reached far greater heights. The nation previously climbed as high as second in the FIFA rankings during the late 1990s and again in the mid-2000s, a period widely considered the golden era of modern Czech soccer.

Chance to surprise again

The Czech Republic enters Group A alongside Mexico, South Korea, and South Africa. None of those opponents can be taken lightly, but neither are they considered among the tournament’s leading favorites.

That creates a realistic opportunity for the Czech Republic to reach the knockout stage. The team’s recent performances suggest it can compete effectively in tight, physical matches where organization and mentality become decisive factors.

History suggests that the underdog role often suits the Czech Republic. Whether as modern Czechia or as former Czechoslovakia, the nation has frequently produced its best tournament performances when expectations were low.

After a 20-year absence, the Czech Republic finally has another opportunity to write its story on the global stage. With Miroslav Koubek guiding the team, Patrik Schick leading the attack, and a squad built on resilience and determination, the nation will hope its long-awaited return becomes one of the tournament’s most memorable stories.

South Africa returns to the FIFA World Cup after a 16-year absence, carrying renewed belief that this tournament could mark the beginning of a new chapter. While supporters are eager to discover South Africa’s current FIFA world ranking, the squad’s immediate focus remains on proving it belongs among the world’s elite as it prepares for another challenging campaign.

The South Africa national team enters the tournament under the guidance of veteran coach Hugo Broos, while key figures such as Lyle Foster, Ronwen Williams, Oswin Appollis, and Teboho Mokoena are expected to play crucial roles. After ending a 16-year absence from the competition, the squad now faces the challenge of turning promise into results on the global stage.

Bafana Bafana’s journey to the World Cup was anything but straightforward. The campaign became controversial when the team was penalized for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during a qualifying victory over Lesotho.

The sanction transformed a 2-0 win into a 3-0 defeat and cost South Africa three valuable points. As a result, the race for qualification suddenly became far tighter, with Benin moving level and increasing pressure on the team heading into the final stretch. Despite the setback, South Africa responded impressively.

While Nigeria defeated Benin 4-0 in a decisive match, South Africa secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Rwanda to book a place at the World Cup. It ultimately finished top of CAF Group C and qualified for its fourth World Cup appearance, and its first since hosting the tournament in 2010.

What’s South Africa’s FIFA world ranking?

Heading into the tournament, South Africa is ranked 60th in the latest FIFA World Rankings, making it the 10th-highest-ranked nation in Africa. Within Group A, the national team enters as the lowest-ranked side, alongside higher-ranked opponents such as Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Korea.

Although rankings indicate recent performances, World Cup history has repeatedly shown that they do not always determine results. South Africa will hope disciplined performances and tactical organization can outweigh any statistical disadvantage against stronger opposition

Chance to make history

South Africa has appeared at three previous World Cups, in 1998, 2002, and 2010. On each occasion, the national team failed to progress beyond the group stage. That history serves as motivation for the current squad. The primary objective is clear: reach the knockout rounds for the first time in the country’s history.

With a disciplined tactical setup, an experienced coach, and a talented group of players drawn from both domestic and international soccer, South Africa believes it has the tools to challenge expectations.

Whether Bafana Bafana can finally break through remains to be seen, but after a 16-year absence, their return has already reignited excitement across the country. The next challenge is transforming that excitement into a memorable World Cup campaign.

Brazil heads into a crucial 2026 World Cup Group C clash against Haiti with plenty of questions to answer after an underwhelming opening performance, while Neymar‘s availability continues to dominate the headlines surrounding Carlo Ancelotti’s squad. As the five-time world champion looks to get its campaign back on track, fresh details have emerged regarding the superstar forward’s situation ahead of the must-win encounter.

The 1-1 draw against Morocco in the opening game exposed several weaknesses in Brazil’s performance. While there were flashes of individual brilliance, particularly from Vinicius Junior, the overall display left supporters concerned about whether the team has developed the cohesion needed to challenge for another world title.

Brazil entered the tournament among the favorites, but Morocco provided a stern examination. The African champion took an early lead through Ismael Saibari and looked the more organized and confident side for large periods of the contest. The Selecao struggled to establish control in midfield and found itself pinned back more often than expected.

The equalizer eventually arrived through Vinicius, whose moment of quality rescued a point and prevented what would have been a damaging opening defeat. Several of Ancelotti’s selections came under scrutiny afterward. Igor Thiago and Roger Ibanez were handed starting roles, while experienced midfielders Casemiro and Lucas Paqueta endured difficult first halves that highlighted Brazil’s lack of balance.

Changes after halftime helped stabilize the side. The introductions of Danilo, Fabinho, and Matheus Cunha brought additional energy and composure, giving the South American giant a platform to finish the match more strongly.

Neymar’s status vs Haiti comes to light

The Haiti fixture, therefore, carries importance beyond simply earning three points. It represents an opportunity to show that the Morocco performance was an isolated setback rather than a sign of deeper structural problems.

While Brazil searches for its first victory of the tournament, the biggest update concerns Neymar’s availability. The veteran forward has been recovering from a calf injury suffered while playing for Santos in May. Although he recently returned to portions of training and has begun increasing his workload, Brazil has decided not to rush him back into competitive action.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed that Neymar will not travel with the squad for the Haiti match and will remain in New Jersey to continue the final phase of his rehabilitation. In an official statement, the federation explained the reasoning behind the decision: “He will remain in New Jersey to make the most of the final stage of his recovery, making use of the excellent facilities at The Ridge hotel and the Columbia Park training centre.”

Reports from ESPN Brasil and Globo indicate the 34-year-old has resumed field work and participated in selected drills with teammates, but Brazil remains determined to avoid any setback. The coaching staff views his long-term availability as more important than forcing an early return during the group stage.

Haiti will not arrive intimidated as pressure builds on Brazil

Although Haiti opened the tournament with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Scotland, the Caribbean side demonstrated enough quality to suggest it cannot be underestimated. The Bicolor showed attacking ambition throughout much of that match and created several promising moments despite failing to find the net.

Brazil’s vulnerability in wide areas could offer encouragement. If Sebastien Migne and his players approach the game with confidence, they may be capable of creating problems similar to those Morocco exposed in the opening round.

Brazil enters the contest with only one point after its draw against Morocco. Haiti remains without a point after losing to Scotland, meaning both teams desperately need a positive result for different reasons.

Gio Reyna gave United States fans another reason to celebrate after scoring in the USMNT‘s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 23-year-old midfielder revealed that he and his wife, Chloe Reyna, are expecting their first child during a memorable goal celebration in the Americans’ 4-1 victory over Paraguay on June 12.

Reyna entered the Soccer match as a substitute and capped off the dominant win with a stunning 98th-minute trivela finish. After finding the net, he tucked the ball underneath his jersey and sucked his thumb, a gesture commonly used by soccer players to announce a pregnancy.

MORE: Christian Pulisic injury update offers hope for USMNT star’s status vs. Australia

The celebration has since caught attention worldwide, with Reyna later confirming the news after the match.

“My wife’s pregnant,” Reyna said. “I’ve known for a couple months now. So, I was waiting for the perfect time. And this sort of felt like it.”

The midfielder later shared photos from the match on Instagram with the caption, “Celebration was for the little one on the way 👶🏻🙌🏼.”

Chloe Reyna reposted pictures from the moment on her Instagram, writing, “proud of you and so excited for 👶🏻🤍”.

The announcement marked a major milestone for Reyna and Chloe, who have been together since their teenage years. The couple married in July 2025 after getting engaged the previous year.

Gio Reyna’s goal highlights a strong tournament start for USMNT

The goal capped a perfect evening for both Reyna and the USMNT. Under manager Mauricio Pochettino, the United States opened Group D with three points and moved to the top of the standings after the convincing win over Paraguay.

For Reyna, the moment represented another positive chapter in a career that has experienced significant ups and downs. After a difficult 2022 World Cup cycle and limited club minutes with Borussia Monchengladbach, he has entered the 2026 tournament with renewed confidence.

His impact against Paraguay showed why Pochettino values him as a creative option off the bench. Reyna’s late strike completed a dominant U.S. performance and highlighted the technical quality that has long made him one of the country’s most gifted players.

With Australia next on the schedule, Reyna and the USMNT will look to build on their strong start. For one night, however, the biggest news came after the final touch of a brilliant goal.

How Gilberto Mora's age compares to Messi, Ronaldo and youngest World Cup debuts ever originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

There is no bigger stage for a young soccer star to announce their arrival than the World Cup.

Because the tournament only arrives every four years, some up-and-coming players have had to wait until their early 20s to compete for their country — but others, like Mexico's Gilberto Mora in 2026, have been given a shot as a teenager.

At the 2026 World Cup, Mora is officially joining some elite company among the youngest players to make their debut in the international tournament.

Here's a look at where Mora now falls among the youngest World Cup debuts ever.

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How old is Gilberto Mora?

Mora is 17 years old. After already becoming the youngest player to make his international debut last summer at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, he's now the youngest player in the entire 2026 World Cup.

Born on Oct. 14, 2004, Mora won't be turning 18 until long after the 2026 World Cup is over.

MORE: What to know about Gilberto Mora's background, club

Youngest players to make World Cup debut

When Mora recently made his official World Cup debut in Mexico's opener vs. South Africa, he joined exclusive company.

He's now one of eight players to play in a World Cup match before their 18th birthday — although no player has made their tournament debut at 16 years old. Northern Ireland's Norman Whiteside remains the youngest player to appear in the World Cup, competing at 17 years and 41 days old in 1982.

Here's a look at where Mora now ranks among the youngest World Cup debuts:

How old was Messi in his first World Cup?

Lionel Messi made his World Cup debut in 2006, when he was 18 years old. On June 16, 2006, he and the Argentina squad faced off against Serbia and Montenegro, and Messi came off the bench with his first World Cup goal and assist in a 6-0 win.

How old was Ronaldo in his first World Cup?

When Cristiano Ronaldo made his World Cup debut in 2006, he was 21 years old. He made his debut for Portugal on June 11, 2006, against Angola.

Over six appearances in his debut run, Ronaldo scored one goal for Portugal, which finished fourth in the tournament.

Five biggest overreactions to 2026 World Cup: Portugal will right ship, USMNT to dominate knockout stage and more originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The first round of games have concluded at the 2026 World Cup. There are still 80 more contests to go before a champion is crowned. Nevertheless, that hasn't stopped people from using social media as a sounding board for their most fiery takes.

There has been plenty made about this year's tournament, held across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The on-field competition has proved eye-catching, even as political turmoil has erupted behind the scenes.

The first week of action proved enchanting. Giants were tamed, underdogs were cemented and the game's greatest stars embraced the spotlight. Suffice to say, it was hard to separate fact from fiction during the opening round of fixtures, with hyperbole running amok.

With that, The Sporting News looks at the fool's gold that took hold on spectators during the first week of action at this year's World Cup.

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Biggest overreactions to 2026 World Cup

‘USMNT will advance further than ever before’

The Americans enjoyed a glistening showcase at SoFi Stadium on Friday, sweeping aside Paraguay 4-1 as Folarin Balogun shined. Predictably, that brought about some notable reactions from U.S. soccer fans, with some believing it was a sign that the side could compete for a spot in the quarterfinals — or beyond.

Don't get it twisted; the USMNT is in pole position to secure a spot in the knockout stage. It's understandable why the performance had some people swooning: after all, it was the most goals the USMNT ever scored in a World Cup fixture.

MORE: Predicting USA's path out of Group D and into World Cup knockouts

We'd advise to proceed with a little more caution, however. The U.S. put forth solid displays in its tune-up games against Senegal and Germany and have generally looked more capable of taking on the world's elite than it has in the past. Still, the Americans are without a win against a European foes for nearly five years.

Paraguay were unable to test the USMNT fully in their group stage opener. Turkey and Australia appear better equipped to do so. Let's wait and see before deciding to buy tickets to the USMNT's semifinals

‘Spain are sinking after 0-0 draw with Cape Verde’

The Spaniards endured a difficult day at the office in their World Cup opener, seeing effort after effort turned away en route to a momentous — and infamous — draw to Cape Verde.

There was reason for concern within the Spanish ranks. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, two players who entered into this year's tournament mending injuries, were forced to be called upon as Luis de la Fuente looked for some edge from the substitute's bench.

Yamal and Williams keyed Spain's run to the European Championships title in 2024. They are dynamic, blessed with explosive strides and dancing feet. There might not be a side in world soccer that can boast of having as good of wing options as Spain.

MORE: Looking back at every World Cup goal Messi has ever scored

The lack of a No. 9 to hang your hat on does bring some concerns for Spain, as does the depth on the flanks beyond Yamal and Williams. Nevertheless, the talent is there to make another deep run in the tournament — even if it didn't look like it during Matchday 1.

‘Portugal will turn things around after stinker in group stage opener’

Portugal has ample talent within its ranks, with Bruno Fernandes, Rafa Leao, Vitinha and Nuno Mendes anchoring a roster laden with stars. And yet, there might not be a European giant more susceptible to shocks than the Selecao das Quinas, who looked second-best for much of its group-stage opening draw against DR Congo.

Let's not be mistaken here: if any team was going to win that game, it was going to be DR Congo. Roberto Martinez's side looked toothless at the top of the pitch, both in terms of chance creation and execution when the ball got into dangerous places.

Cristiano Ronaldo's selection was a large reason for the underwhelming display. The 41-year-old (yes, 41!) produced a forgettable showing in front of NRG Park faithful, failing to record a shot on target while tallying his second-fewest touches in a World Cup start.

MORE: How Cristiano Ronaldo held Portugal back in World Cup draw vs. DR Congo

Martinez, who has been Portugal's manager since before the 2024 European Championship, has shown no willingness to drop the aging No. 9 — even if his skills are waning in real time. It's hard to see a route to real success for the Portuguese if Ronaldo keeps on getting his number called. The Al-Nassr star hasn't scored in 10 consecutive major international matches. Martinez didn't feel compelled to take him off despite his woeful record, perhaps an indication of his clout within the Portuguese ranks.

Simply, Cristiano Ronaldo should not be the starting No. 9 for Portugal at this year's World Cup. If he continues to play in such a role, he'll limit Portugal's potential to advance deep in tournament play.

MORE: Why Ronaldo's best chance of winning a first World Cup is as a back-

‘The World Cup goes through Europe’

There's a notion in world soccer that Europe is an infallible force. It's reflected in the sport's media across the Western world, with those tasked with offering analysis often, implicitly or explicitly, talking down upon the countries and lands that are housed by the "wretched of the Earth."

Portugal's draw to DR Congo inspired think pieces about Ronaldo's place on the team, not DR Congo's tactical flexibility or how the Leopards used transitions to threaten the Portuguese backline. Cape Verde's draw against Spain became a forum to talk about Spain, not the archipelago nation that has overcame all odds to become one of Africa's best sides.

South Korea, Morocco, Ivory Coast and Japan all showed signs of life during their World Cup openers. And yet, it feels that they've disappeared into the background, replaced by whispers that, more or less, work to exaggerate Europe's dominance in international competition.

So, here's to a paradigm shift. The Global South isn't merely a site of Euro-American extraction. It is a living and breathing locale that is rapidly rising up soccer's food chain. Morocco's run at the 2022 World Cup was just the start. Expect more stories like that to become the norm as the infrastructure in Global South countries begins to match the talent level.

MORE: Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi both in pursuit of World Cup scoring record

‘Canada will be the worst-performing host nation at this year's World Cup’

The Canadians were the lone host nation to fail to record a win in their group stage opener, drawing with Bosnia & Herzegovina following a late Cyle Larin equalizer. Given the USMNT and Mexico's showings, some might have felt compelled to take a victory lap on Jesse Marsch's side.

Canada struggled to contain the Bosnians' threat in the first half. In the second, however, things looked a bit more steady. If not for some timely interventions from Bosnia & Herzegovina's defenders and goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj, the net could have already bulged by the time Larin entered the contest. Ismael Kone and Stephen Eustaquio anchored the midfield while Larin produced a moment of magic to bring things level.

Oh, and did we mention Alphonso Davies didn't play? The Canadians are in prime position to advance to the knockout stages in this year's World Cup, no matter what people think of their exploits in their opening match.

MORE WORLD CUP NEWS:

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

Chelsea are reportedly showing an interest in Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall and scouting him heavily at this summer’s World Cup.

The 20-year-old will be one to watch if you follow World Cup 2026 news as he could be a key player for the Swedish national team as they make a strong start to the tournament.

According to Simon Phillips, Bergvall is now someone being closely monitored by Chelsea as they sense he could be open to leaving Tottenham this summer.

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It was a difficult season for Spurs, who only narrowly avoided relegation with a win on the final day of the Premier League season, so work is needed to fix Roberto De Zerbi’s squad.

This surely also means some sales could be likely, with a talented young player like Bergvall perhaps likely to be tempted to look elsewhere for opportunities.

Could Chelsea swoop for Lucas Bergvall?

Chelsea have been mentioned to us as suitors for Bergvall before, and it seems this is increasingly likely to be one to watch.

It will be interesting to see how the Sweden international performs at the World Cup, as that could be key to earning him a big move.

It’s not easy to flourish in this under-performing Tottenham side, but Bergvall might look better with his national side, who thrashed Tunisia 5-1 in their opening group game.

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Chelsea could be a good destination for Bergvall if he does look to leave Spurs for a new challenge, with the Blues showing they’re prepared to invest in young players for the future.

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On the other hand, it’s debatable if a move to Stamford Bridge would be enough of a step up, as they were also pretty poor in 2025/26, finishing trophyless and in 10th place in the Premier League, meaning they won’t be in Europe next season.

THFC need a lot of work to improve, but that’s true of their London rivals as well, so it might be more realistic to see Bergvall moving if even bigger clubs end up looking into a transfer.

The post World Cup star being heavily scouted by Chelsea as he’s open to transfer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry criticised Cristiano Ronaldo for seeming more focused on getting goals for himself than for his team as Portugal drew with DR Congo yesterday.

The 41-year-old is still going strong despite his age, with his performances with Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League getting him close to a remarkable 1000 career goals.

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Still, it wasn’t Ronaldo’s day yesterday as Portugal could only draw 1-1 with Congo in a disappointing start to their 2026 World Cup campaign.

As well as missing some chances, it also seemed like Ronaldo was getting in the way of his teammates due to a strong desire to be on the scoresheet himself, as highlighted by Henry in the video clip below…

Really good analysis from Henry. This is the Ronaldo issue right now.

He's playing as a 9, but he's never been a 9 and he's not acting as a 9. Not giving Portugal those traits and it hurt them today. pic.twitter.com/yjSaOK2J5J

— Marc Geschwind (@MarcGeschwind) June 17, 2026

“One thing that’s important … the team needs to score, not you need to score,” Henry said.

“Cristiano Ronaldo has been in this situation multiple times – if you make the run here then you make the defender take a decision, but because he wants to score he goes into the path of Bruno Fernandes.”

Henry added that if Ronaldo had instead made the run into the six yard box, the defender would have had to follow him, leaving space for Fernandes.

The Frenchman even said you could see the frustrated reaction of his teammates.

Cristiano Ronaldo struggles as Lionel Messi shines at World Cup

It’s just one game, but you just know there are going to be the usual big debates about Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, with the latter making a dream start to the World Cup.

While Ronaldo looked like a weak link for Portugal in their draw with Congo, Messi was in unplayable form to hit a hat-trick for Argentina in their win against Algeria.

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Messi won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022, scoring twice in the final victory over France, while Ronaldo has never won this competition.

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Jun 18 2026, 12:07

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This year will surely be Ronaldo’s last chance to do so, but at the moment there are surely serious questions about if he should even be starting games for his country anymore.

Messi, meanwhile, looks like he’s still good enough to guide Argentina to glory again.

The post Video: Thierry Henry slams selfish Cristiano Ronaldo antics as Portugal start World Cup with draw appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Former Arsenal and England star Ian Wright praised Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham as the key players that stepped up for the national team last night.

For those who weren’t following the World Cup live, England started their campaign with an impressive performance to beat Croatia 4-2.

Wright was really pleased with the “brilliant” performance and style of play from England as they picked up an important three points from what looks, on paper at least, like being the toughest game in their group.

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Kane scored twice on the night and Bellingham also got an important goal to put the Three Lions back in front after Croatia had twice pegged them back.

Speaking after the game, Wright said it will be significant for England this summer if those two players can continue to perform at that high level.

Ian Wright praises Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham

“What we saw tonight is they both (Kane and Bellingham) stepped up and I’m sure when the games get tougher they will do that again,” the pundit said on ITV, as quoted by the Metro.

“We’ve got to make sure we are funnelling it into those two because they will deliver, they both will deliver.

“It’s been a long time since I watched an England team going forward with as much gusto as we saw from them tonight. It was brilliant.

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“Croatia weren’t as good as we thought they might be given their experience but we beat them quite comfortably which was really promising.”

Who else impressed for England?

England can take a lot of positives from last night’s game, with Kane and Bellingham perhaps the stand-out stars, but with the likes of Declan Rice and Noni Madueke also doing an impressive job.

Reece James and Nico O’Reilly also showed a lot of promise as the two full-backs, but the defence probably should have done more to prevent Croatia’s goals, even if the first one in particular was a fantastic finish.

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Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka impressed off the bench, and that kind of depth is hugely encouraging for Thomas Tuchel, though perhaps Anthony Gordon and Elliot Anderson could’ve done more.

The post “They both stepped up” – Ian Wright singles out England duo for praise in “brilliant” World Cup win appeared first on CaughtOffside.

World Cup games on TV today: Schedule and start times for all matches on Friday, June 19 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to electrify soccer fans not only across the three host nations USA, Canada, and Mexico, but across the globe as the biggest sporting event on the planet descends upon North America.

For five weeks in June and July, the greatest football tournament will be played throughout the three host nations, as 48 qualifiers do battle for the most famous trophy in the sport.

In the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup, and the first-ever expanded edition of the competition, top teams from around the world will push to write their name in soccer history.

The Sporting News brings you a look at what games are on the docket today, and what the schedule looks like throughout the entire World Cup so you can plan your viewing experience accordingly.

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

World Cup games on TV today

The ninth day of the 2026 World Cup see the second round of group stage matches continue with USA vs. Australia.

Scotland then hope to build on their opening win against Morocco before five-time champions Brazil face Haiti.

Turkey play Paraguay to round off the action.

Friday, June 19

Where to watch World Cup games in 2026

• TV channel: FOX, FS1
• Live stream: fubo,Fox One, Fox Sports app/website

2026 FIFA World Cup matches will be broadcast nationally on either FOX or FS1 in the United States, with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.

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

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

World Cup round-by-round schedule 2026

FIFA World Cup daily schedule, results 2026

Thursday, June 11

Friday, June 12

Saturday, June 13

* Kicking off 12 a.m. ET the morning of Sunday, June 14, which is 9 p.m. local on Saturday, June 13 in Vancouver

Sunday, June 14

Monday, June 15

Tuesday, June 16

* Kicking off 12 a.m. ET the morning of Wednesday, June 17, which is 9 p.m. local on Tuesday, June 16 in California

Wednesday, June 17

Thursday, June 18

Friday, June 19

Saturday, June 20

* Kicking off 12 a.m. ET the morning of Sunday, June 21, which is 9 p.m. local on Saturday, June 20 in Monterrey

Sunday, June 21

Monday, June 22

Tuesday, June 23

Wednesday, June 24

Thursday, June 25

Friday, June 26

Saturday, June 27

Sunday, June 28

Monday, June 29

Tuesday, June 30