From around the league
Tuesday, 16 June 2026
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![Iran's World Cup opener became about travel chaos as much as the 2-2 draw]()
Iran's World Cup opener became about travel chaos as much as the 2-2 draw
Iran's 2-2 World Cup opener with New Zealand was overshadowed by travel restrictions, anthem boos and flag protests in Los Angeles.
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![Norway World Cup preview: Haaland has help]()
Norway World Cup preview: Haaland has help
Norway's World Cup case is bigger than Erling Haaland alone, with Antonio Nusa and Martin Odegaard backing a side built to spread the load.
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![Marc Guehi one of the main England selection calls before Croatia]()
Marc Guehi one of the main England selection calls before Croatia
England legends back Marc Guehi for the World Cup opener against Croatia, while John Stones' recent minutes are questioned.
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![Iran and New Zealand share a 2-2 World Cup opener shaped by politics]()
Iran and New Zealand share a 2-2 World Cup opener shaped by politics
Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand in a World Cup opener marked by protests, rival symbols and Mehdi Taremi’s message on identity.
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![Iran vs New Zealand ends level as Ramin Rezaeian drives Iran comeback]()
Iran vs New Zealand ends level as Ramin Rezaeian drives Iran comeback
Iran vs New Zealand finished 2-2 as Ramin Rezaeian scored and assisted, with Iran fighting back twice in Group G in Los Angeles.
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![Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay: Al-Owais stands out in a 1-1 draw]()
Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay: Al-Owais stands out in a 1-1 draw
Mohammed Al-Owais made eight saves and earned a 7.9 rating as Saudi Arabia drew 1-1 with Uruguay, before Maxi Araújo struck late.
Monday, 15 June 2026
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![Scotland's World Cup return is being sold as a no-regrets reset]()
Scotland's World Cup return is being sold as a no-regrets reset
Scotland are back at the men’s World Cup after 28 years, with Andy Robertson and Steve Clarke framing it as a no-regrets reset.
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![Spain player ratings vs Cape Verde Islands show a night wasted up front]()
Spain player ratings vs Cape Verde Islands show a night wasted up front
Pedri led Spain's ratings, but Ferran Torres and Mikel Oyarzabal wasted chances in a 0-0 draw with Cape Verde Islands behind Vozinha.
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![Argentina vs Algeria: Messi is one cap from 200]()
Argentina vs Algeria: Messi is one cap from 200
Argentina open the World Cup 2026 defence against Algeria with Lionel Messi one cap from 200, Emiliano Martínez fit and selection calls to settle.
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![Spain held by Cape Verde as Vozinha leads a deserved defensive stand]()
Spain held by Cape Verde as Vozinha leads a deserved defensive stand
Spain vs Cape Verde Islands ended 0-0 as Vozinha made seven saves and posted a 9.2 rating in Cape Verde's standout World Cup draw.
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![Jordan Pickford backs Thomas Tuchel as England's winner-in-chief]()
Jordan Pickford backs Thomas Tuchel as England's winner-in-chief
Jordan Pickford says Thomas Tuchel is a winner who drives a different mentality from Gareth Southgate, with England's camp mood adding context.
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![Grant Hanley emotional after Scotland's historic win over Haiti]()
Grant Hanley emotional after Scotland's historic win over Haiti
Grant Hanley said Scotland's 1-0 World Cup win over Haiti was emotional, tense and must-win as he reflected on family, pressure and the long wait for a victory.
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![Kylian Mbappe one focus before France's opener: defensive work]()
Kylian Mbappe one focus before France's opener: defensive work
Kylian Mbappe has pledged to improve his defensive work before France's opener against Senegal, while BBC data underlines the scrutiny.
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![Scotland's shape debate ahead of Morocco is the real story]()
Scotland's shape debate ahead of Morocco is the real story
Scott Allan and Andy Halliday expect Scotland to change shape for Morocco, weighing midfield control against extra defensive cover after the Haiti win.
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![Virgil van Dijk questions FIFA's hydration breaks after Netherlands draw]()
Virgil van Dijk questions FIFA's hydration breaks after Netherlands draw
Virgil van Dijk criticised FIFA's mandatory hydration breaks after scoring in Netherlands' 2-2 draw with Japan, saying they should be game by game.
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![Virgil van Dijk scores, but the criticism still follows him after Japan draw]()
Virgil van Dijk scores, but the criticism still follows him after Japan draw
Virgil van Dijk scored in the Netherlands’ 2-2 draw with Japan, but Dutch media and pundits still criticised his display.
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![Lamine Yamal available for Spain, but not for 90 minutes]()
Lamine Yamal available for Spain, but not for 90 minutes
Lamine Yamal is available for Spain's World Cup opener against Cape Verde, but Luis de la Fuente says he is not ready for 90 minutes.
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![Jude Bellingham’s England warning and why Thomas Tuchel cares about chemistry]()
Jude Bellingham’s England warning and why Thomas Tuchel cares about chemistry
Jude Bellingham’s blunt England remarks have put Thomas Tuchel’s chemistry test and the No.10 battle with Morgan Rogers back in focus.
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![Ivory Coast vs Ecuador showed why Amad and Diomande matter]()
Ivory Coast vs Ecuador showed why Amad and Diomande matter
Ivory Coast vs Ecuador ended 1-0 after Amad Diallo's 90th-minute winner, with Yan Diomande producing a standout debut in Philadelphia.
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![Brazil vs Morocco leaves Casemiro and Gabriel under fire]()
Brazil vs Morocco leaves Casemiro and Gabriel under fire
Brazil's 1-1 draw with Morocco drew criticism for Casemiro and Gabriel, with Casemiro hooked at half-time and Brazil's control questioned.
