From around the league
Tuesday, 16 June 2026
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Portugal vs Congo DR: Ronaldo minutes are the real issue
Portugal face Congo DR with Cristiano Ronaldo expected to start, but Roberto Martinez must manage his minutes if they want a deep World Cup run.
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England vs Croatia referee Clement Turpin carries Tuchel history
Clement Turpin’s England vs Croatia appointment brings Thomas Tuchel’s old criticism, England’s 4-1-2 record and Croatia’s 4-0-0 run.
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Argentina World Cup opener now looks like a selection puzzle
Messi, Emiliano Martínez and Julián Alvarez are all available for Argentina's World Cup opener. Only Nicolas Tagliafico is still being monitored.
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Austria vs Jordan preview: World Cup debut meets long-awaited return
Austria return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, while Jordan make their debut in a Group J opener shaped by form and injuries.
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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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World Cup Brief #2: Germany 7-1, Brazil Held & More
Germany 7-1, Vinicius rescuing Brazil, the Netherlands held, Sweden 5-1 and Bellingham warning — the 2026 World Cup Matchday 1 brief.
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Spain vs Cape Verde: Yamal benched in a frustrating 0-0 opener
Spain's World Cup opener against Cape Verde ended 0-0 despite four Barcelona starters, Lamine Yamal's bench role, and a seven-save display from Vozinha.
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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
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 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 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
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 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
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 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 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 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 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 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
Scott Allan and Andy Halliday expect Scotland to change shape for Morocco, weighing midfield control against extra defensive cover after the Haiti win.