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GUADALJARA, Mexico (AP) — Shortly after FIFA announced 48-team expansion world cupcriticism began pouring in about how the quality of the tournament could deteriorate.Critics argued that allowing smaller teams to participate on the expanded field would increase the number of weak games and increase the likelihood of skewed results. But as the biggest World Cup in history gets underway, those fears haven’t fully materialized. Through the first 24 games, the goal difference remained unchanged compared to the 2022 edition in Qatar, suggesting that the wider field did not increase one-sided competition.Germany Defeated newcomer Curacao 7-1.Qatar was defeated 6-0 Canadaand Haiti…
England continued their preparations after the win over Croatia, with Thomas Tuchel’s side playing a friendly against Sporting KC in the United States.June 19, 2026 02:29Updated June 19, 2026 05:33England’s stars played a friendly behind closed doors against Sporting KC and the team trained together (Image: England/X)England beat Sporting KC 5-1 behind closed doors on Thursday, their second win in as many days. The Three Lions didn’t stop after their win over Croatia just 24 hours ago.For those who did not feature in England’s 4-2 win, it was an opportunity to stake their claim for Tuesday’s game against Ghana. Striker…
MORRISTOWN, N.J. (AP) – Brazil forward Rafinha will undergo treatment for a hamstring injury in hopes of returning to the World Cup, the country’s national team announced Saturday. Rafinha was sent off at the end of the first half. Team’s victory over Haiti Friday night after seeing a doctor in Philadelphia. The Brazilian Football Federation later announced that the 29-year-old felt something in his right hamstring and would undergo further tests.These tests confirmed an injury, but it was not an injury that would rule him out of the tournament. Defender Wesley prior to Brazil vs Morocco opening match. The federation…
Switzerland secured a late win against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but coach Murat Jakin admitted they used a hydration break to thwart their World Cup opponents.June 19, 2026, 11:24Updated June 19, 2026 11:41Switzerland coach Murat Yakin admits the tactical use of the hydration break was a pre-determined plan.Switzerland coach Murat Yakin admitted that he used the second half’s hydration break to time his substitutions because “then the opponents wouldn’t be able to react.”The Swiss international scored four goals in the final 16 minutes, all of which came after the second hydration break of the match. Three substitutions helped the match turn…
The Real Madrid midfielder took charge of media duties after England’s 4-2 win against Croatia in their first game, a clear change from his stance at Euro 2024.June 19, 2026 11:16amUpdated June 19, 2026 11:16Jude Bellingham took a different approach this World Cup (Image: Getty Images)Jude Bellingham’s approach to the 2026 World Cup has been praised by Gary Neville and Ian Wright, with both pundits highlighting his stance with the media in recent weeks. This is a clear change from Euro 2024, when Real Madrid’s star was reluctant to give interviews and felt he had been made a scapegoat for…
On the 10th day of the World Cup, a close battle between the Netherlands and Sweden begins. In other matches, Germany will face Ivory Coast, Ecuador will face Curaçao in their first meeting, and Tunisia will face Japan. Teams line up on the pitch ahead of the World Cup Soccer Group F match between Netherlands and Sweden on Saturday, June 20, 2026 in Houston. (AP Photo/Karen Warren) Teams line up on the pitch ahead of the World Cup Soccer Group F match between Netherlands and Sweden on Saturday, June 20, 2026 in Houston. (AP Photo/Karen Warren) Add AP News to…
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi will go on trial for raping a 24-year-old woman at his Paris home in February 2023 after his appeal was rejected.June 19, 2026 13:06Updated June 19, 2026 13:20Achraf Hakimi will stand trial for rape (Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)Achraf Hakimi’s appeal has been rejected and he will go on trial for rape.The Paris Saint-Germain and Moroccan national team star allegedly raped a 24-year-old woman at his home in Paris on February 25, 2023.The 27-year-old defender has consistently denied the allegations. Prosecutors began an investigation in March 2023, and a judge ordered a trial in February of…
Canada’s World Cup campaign was rocked Thursday night when midfielder Ismael Cohn suffered a gruesome injury following a challenge from Qatar’s Asim Madibo.June 19, 2026 16:35Updated June 19, 2026 17:22Ismael Cohn stretches (Image: (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images))Ismael Cohn gave his first speech since sustaining a gruesome injury during Canada’s World Cup win over Qatar, vowing to be “back soon.” Kone broke his leg when his team won 6-0 following a challenge from Asim Madibo.The tackle occurred in the 52nd minute of a Group B game in Vancouver, and although Cone was able to get up as he was carried off the…
Arsenal will begin their Premier League title defence against Coventry City after the fixtures for the 2026-27 season were announced. The Gunners ended their 22-year wait to become champions of England again last month.But Arsenal and Mikel Arteta’s focus has quickly turned to defending the title while their rivals bid to topple them. They start their title defence at home to Championship winners Coventry on the first day of the new season at 8pm on Friday, August 21.Last season’s runners-up, Manchester City – who’ll be under the management of Enzo Maresca following the emotional departure of boss Pep Guardiola -…
Olivier Giroud was one of the BBC’s big names for the World Cup, but he has proven boring in his debut as a pundit and has so far enjoyed high ratings for ITV.June 19, 2026 15:28Updated June 19, 2026 15:29Olivier Giroud is struggling as a critic (Image: BBC)Every team is currently participating in the World Cup. Judgments are made, opinions are formed, and routes to the finals are planned.Some of the very popular teams have underperformed, some minor teams have had surprising results, and many big names have already been named in goal. And while the entertainment is primarily provided…