From around the league
Wednesday, 17 June 2026
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Harry Kane breaks World Cup penalty record after retake drama against Croatia
Harry Kane is the first player to score five World Cup penalties after a retake against Croatia, moving past Lionel Messi's previous mark of four.
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At 40, Vozinha makes World Cup history - but almost without his mother watching
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, earns man of the match with clean sheet against Spain while his mother races to secure a U.S. visa to watch him.
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Cristiano Ronaldo makes World Cup history, but Portugal held to disappointing draw
Portugal held 1-1 by DR Congo as Ronaldo becomes oldest World Cup outfield player. Wissa's stoppage-time header gives Leopards historic draw.
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João Neves shines as Portugal held by Congo DR
João Neves scored in the opening six minutes with an 8.0 rating, but Portugal drew 1-1 with Congo DR. Cristiano Ronaldo extended his nine-game major
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Djed Spence selected for England's World Cup opener against Croatia
Djed Spence selected for England's World Cup squad for today's Croatia opener, sporting distinctive protective headgear as the Three Lions begin their campaign.
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Tuchel's system-first philosophy: tournament readiness over reputation
Tuchel's England squad drops star players for system fit. Chalobah's selection restructures the defense; Foden, Palmer, Maguire, Shaw pay the price.
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Scotland's possession lesson: how Clarke plans to test Morocco
Steve Clarke demands improved possession from Scotland against Morocco, but plans to strike on the break.
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Portugal vs DR Congo: Leao and Conceicao on the bench
Portugal open their 2026 World Cup campaign against DR Congo with Rafael Leao and Francisco Conceicao on the bench, while Bernardo Silva and Pedro Neto start.
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England World Cup: Micah Richards backs England but warns on heat and Foden
Micah Richards says England have a real chance at the 2026 World Cup, but heat, strong opposition and Phil Foden's omission complicate things.
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Thomas Tuchel explains why Trent Alexander-Arnold was left out again
Tuchel explains why Chalobah replaced injured Livramento and why Trent Alexander-Arnold still was not recalled for England’s opener against Croatia.
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Croatia’s experienced core still makes England’s opener awkward
Croatia's World Cup opener against England looks awkward for one reason: Modric, Gvardiol, Kramaric and a proven core still carry real weight.
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Adrien Rabiot pitch concerns overshadow France's win over Senegal
Adrien Rabiot criticised the New York New Jersey Stadium pitch after France's 3-1 win over Senegal, with Vinicius Junior backing the complaint.
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Jude Bellingham back in England's No 10 debate
Jude Bellingham’s World Cup case is back in focus as Paul Robinson and Jordan Henderson back his X factor, while Thomas Tuchel keeps the No 10 battle with
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England World Cup opener in Dallas turns into a fan takeover
England's World Cup opener in Dallas is being turned into a travelling home end, with Harry Kane calling it one of the team's best chances to win and fans
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Trevoh Chalobah call shows Tuchel is prioritising cover over reputation
Tuchel explained why Trevoh Chalobah replaced injured Tino Livramento in England's squad, saying it gives full defensive coverage.
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Roberto Martinez shrugs off Portugal exit talk as World Cup pressure builds
Roberto Martinez brushed off exit talk as Portugal prepared for the World Cup, while FIFA celebrated 1,028,429 fans and crowd concerns lingered.
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Harry Kane one World Cup away from his strongest Ballon d'Or case
Harry Kane says this could be his last World Cup and his best Ballon d'Or chance after 67 goals this season and 10 in his last 11 games.
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Kylian Mbappé's brace did not tell the full story against Senegal
Kylian Mbappé scored twice in France's 3-1 win over Senegal, but Michael Olise and a denied penalty shaped the game before the records did.
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Tuchel says England will keep their style in Dallas heat
Thomas Tuchel says England will keep their style in Dallas, where temperatures will exceed 30C for the Croatia opener and hydration breaks apply.
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Erling Haaland's World Cup debut showed Norway are more than a one-man team
Erling Haaland scored twice on his World Cup debut as Norway beat Iraq 4-1 in Boston and moved top of Group I on goal difference.