Match reports
Match reports, previews and analysis.
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 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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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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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.
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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 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 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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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's 1-1 draw with Morocco drew criticism for Casemiro and Gabriel, with Casemiro hooked at half-time and Brazil's control questioned.
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France vs Senegal preview: Mbappe, Saliba and the 2002 shadow
France face Senegal in a World Cup opener shaped by Saliba's back issue, Mbappe's milestones and the 2002 shadow.
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Sweden's front line tears Tunisia apart in emphatic 5-1 opener
Sweden vs Tunisia finished 5-1 as Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres drove the opener, with Yasin Ayari scoring in the 7th and 90+6th.
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Netherlands vs Japan: Van Dijk defends the game plan after late equaliser
Virgil van Dijk and Ronald Koeman defended the Netherlands’ approach after Dutch pundits accused them of going too defensive in a 2-2 draw with Japan.
Sunday, 14 June 2026
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Netherlands let Japan back in as Ogawa seals 2-2 draw in Group F
Netherlands vs Japan ended 2-2 after Japan came from behind twice, with Koki Ogawa's late equaliser denying the Dutch in Group F.
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Spain vs Cape Verde Islands preview: Oyarzabal, Olmo and the line-up calls
Spain’s opener against Cape Verde Islands is a selection call, with Oyarzabal in form, Olmo chasing a record and Yamal and Williams unlikely to start.
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Germany player ratings vs Curaçao: Nmecha, Brown and Undav lead the way
Germany’s 7-1 World Cup opener was a ratings showcase for Felix Nmecha, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav, with Havertz, Musiala and Kimmich also standing out.
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Germany crush Curaçao 7-1 after early scare in World Cup opener
Germany vs Curaçao finished 7-1 in Houston as Kai Havertz scored twice, Felix Nmecha struck early and Deniz Undav changed the game off the bench.
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Belgium vs Egypt in Seattle puts De Bruyne and Salah back in the same game
Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah headline Belgium vs Egypt in Seattle, where the Group G opener brings reunion, fitness questions and a strong Egypt
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Ayyoub Bouaddi outshines Casemiro on World Cup debut
Ayyoub Bouaddi starred in Morocco’s 1-1 draw with Brazil, with an 8.15 rating, 53 progressive carries and transfer interest already building.
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Germany vs Curaçao preview: Advocaat turns opener into a real test
Dick Advocaat says Curaçao will find out where they stand against Germany in a World Cup opener, with history already behind them.
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Scotland’s 1-0-2 gamble pays off in opening World Cup win
Scotland beat Haiti 1-0 in Boston, with John McGinn scoring in the 28th minute and Steve Clarke’s 4-4-2 helping the Scots hold on.