Real Madrid & Barcelona News

Norway v England: World Cup 2026 quarter-final – live

⚽️ World Cup kick-off: 5pm EDT/10pm BST/7am AEST ⚽️ Player guide | Bracketology | Golden Boot | Mail Scott You won’t need reminding that tonight’s game could go to extra time and penalty kicks. So if it indeed goes all the way, what on earth should Harry Kane do if he wins the toss? Mo Salah has the answer … England have four players walking the disciplinary tightrope this evening. Jude Bellingham was booked against DR Congo, while Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly and Declan Rice were all cautioned against Mexico. A yellow card for any of them tonight, and they’ll miss the semi-final should England get through. Norway have only one player on a yellow in winger Antonio Nusa. (Yellow cards were wiped at the start of the knockouts, and will be again after the quarters.) Continue reading...

Rudi Garcia faces Belgian backlash for taking Courtois off in World Cup loss to Spain

Replacement keeper Lammens made crucial error Garcia: ‘Only players who are 100% fit can play’ Rudi Garcia came under a barrage of fire for replacing his injured first-choice goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, in Belgium’s World Cup quarter-final defeat by Spain on Friday, adding to questions about the coach’s ⁠future. Courtois felt he could continue ⁠despite a twinge in ​his leg, but Garcia insisted that he came off as he was not 100% fit. Senne Lammens went on as his replacement after 71 minutes but spilt a low strike by Pau ⁠Cubarsí, allowing the Spain substitute Mikel Merino to pounce in the 86th minute and secure a 2-1 victory. Continue reading...

Survey results: Who will win World Cup 2026 and will Lionel Messi claim the Golden Ball?

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 07: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally enhanced.) Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates after the 3-2 victory during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Patrick Smith - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) | FIFA via Getty Images Ahead of the quarter-finals of World Cup 2026, we asked you for your predictions regarding who will win World Cup 2026 and which player will take home the Golden Ball, as part of the latest edition of SB Nation Reacts. France, Spain, Argentina and England are the four seeded teams in the competition but it’s the defending champions who came out top in the vote ahead of their quarter-final tie with Switzerland on Sunday. Argentina scooped 46% of the vote to finish top of the pile and ahead of France and Spain. Our second question related to the Golden Ball – the trophy given to the tournament’s best player – and perhaps unsurprisingly it’s Lionel Messi who wins our poll. The 39-year-old has been in inspirational form once again for Argentina, scoring eight goals in five games, and takes the No. 1 spot ahead of Kylian Mbappe. Once again a big thank you to everyone who took the time to take part in our survey. There may be more to follow in the future. This poll and the graphics are sponsored by Fanduel.

OPEN THREAD | JULY 11, 2026

Welcome to The Daily Merengue! THESE ARE YOUR MODS: Ezek XI, Valyrian Steel, KungFuZizou, NeRObutBlanco, Felipejack, and Juninho LOOKS LIKE SPAIN Somehow spain got past belgium but now they have france to beat. NORWAY V ENGLAND Norway have the tendency top shock. so we’ll see ARGENTINA’S DAYS ARE NUMBERED

How Jude Bellingham is defining England’s World Cup run so far

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - JULY 05: Jude Bellingham #10 of England celebrates after the team's victory and progression to the Quarter-Final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after the Round of 16 match between Mexico and England at Mexico City Stadium on July 05, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images) | The FA via Getty Images There has been so much strange dialogue surrounding England during this World Cup run that it’s hard to make sense of it all. Media debates about Jude Bellingham’s presence in the team took unnecessary attention just before the campaign started. They complained about his attitude and his fit within the team. But one of the most refreshing things about this tournament has been Bellingham himself, and the way he’s done all of his talking on the pitch — putting to bed any nonsensical noise about whether or not he should start as part of Thomas Tuchel’s blueprint. England head into the quarter-finals against Norway on the back of the game of the tournament — a thrilling 3-2 win against Mexico at the Azteca — overcoming the conditions and atmosphere. If England are to win the World Cup, that’s the game they will look back on. More than a tactical test, it was a physical and mental battle. The degree of difficulty of that game should not be understated — prior to the England game, Mexico hadn’t lost at the Azteca since 2013, and had conceded just nine goals since that loss 13 years ago. England needed a leader, and that leader emerged in Bellingham. He dribbled out of ravenous pressure, won challenges in midfield, had a goal-saving block just before half-time, and, oh, there’s a couple more key points: he scored England’s first two goals within a two-minute block, and, to close the game, he helped a 10-man England survive the onslaught of Mexican attacks. By the end of the 90, Bellingham had the most touches of any player on his team as well as the most dribbles and shots. He also had three tackles, four clearances, and was masterful in his ball carrying. As a little cherry on top, he also won the Man of the Match award — his third of the tournament. Any conversation about Bellingham’s place in any scheme should be preemptively ignored and annulled. It doesn’t make any sense for a variety of reasons: Bellingham is probably the most complete and versatile player in the world, and his array of specialties makes him a tactical fit in any system. He can defend like a defensive midfielder, attack like a 10, drop in as a central midfielder, attack the box like a striker, and create from the wings. Conversations about whether or not a player can fit within a team should be reserved for limited players that are defined into one singular role — not unicorns like Bellingham that have a deep bag of tools. He is elite at several things. The Bellingham question is very easy to answer. ‘Does he fit’ is rhetorical. A more complicated question would be: ‘Should Trent Alexander-Arnold have been called up?’ With England’s current situation, it’s hard to answer ‘no’ to that question. Reece James is elite when healthy and played under Tuchel at Chelsea, but he’s already out and Tuchel also knew that it was a risk relying on James to be stay injury-free. When James’s backup, Tino Livramento, went down injured before the tournament started, Tuchel had the opportunity to call up Trent as an emergency reinforcement, but opted not to, going for a Trevoh Chalobah, who is primarily a center-back, instead. Now Tuchel faces a crisis: James is out, Jarell Quansah, who played right-back against Mexico, is suspended, and Djed Spence is not 100% either. The most likely scenario here is that Dan Burn comes into the team. It’s hard to see the justification for leaving Trent home. Tuchel’s reasoning will be that he wants wing-backs who can defend, and Trent clearly does not fit that profile. But it’s still hard to rationalize. Trent, when healthy, was very good for Real Madrid this season, and his long range passing and runs down the right unlocked a lot of good offensive sequences for Real Madrid. Not having him in the squad as an option, especially given the health of James as well as the injury to Livramento, could come back to haunt Tuchel now. But England will have enough talent still to get past Norway, who are a difficult matchup. One of the keys will be to make sure Bellingham doesn’t pick up a yellow card, which could see him miss the semi-final against (probably) Argentina.

Marc Cucurella’s Spain book semi-final spot with late win over Belgium

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 10: Marc Cucurella #24 of Spain is congratulated by Thibaut Courtois #1 of Belgium after the 2-1 victory during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Spain and Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium on July 10, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) | Getty Images Spain have booked their ticket to the semi-final of the 2026 World Cup courtesy of an 88th minute goal from Mikel Merino in a game marred for Madridistas by an apparent injury to Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Marc Cucurella continued at left-back and remains one of only two outfield players to have played every minute of the tournament so far for Luis de la Fuente’s side. He had the challenging task of stopping in-form Arsenal winger Leandro Tossard but was effective, with two possession recoveries and one duel won, but was largely untroubled by a Belgium side with few chances. Spain took the lead in the first half as Fabian Ruiz scored on the 30 minute mark, but Charles de Ketelaere equalised on the stroke of half-time courtesy of a cross down Cucurella’s flank from Timothy Castagne with the leveller coming against the run of play. La Roja had the better chances, with 2.10 xG compared to 0.37 xG for Belgium, but failed to convert until Merino appeared at the death to give Spain a dramatic late winner as he reacted fastest to a spill from Senne Lammens, who replaced Courtois after he went off with a thigh problem. The result means Spain remain unbeaten and with five consecutive wins after the disappointment of a 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in their opening group stage fixture. Spain will now take on France on Tuesday in Dallas, with the victor set to face either England, Norway, Argentina or Switzerland in a potential final on July 19th in New Jersey.

Merino puts Spain into World Cup semi-finals as Belgium rue costly Courtois injury

Mikel Merino’s amazing moment arrived once more, an entire country circling the corner flag with him as football, which somehow always finds a way, provided another absurdly tall tale. The man who came on to score the late, late goals that took Spain into a European championship semi-final two years ago and a World Cup quarter-final four days ago, only went and did it again. And this time it was even better, his two-month old son Marco, who he has hardly seen, in attendance here. “As he wasn’t there for the quarter-finals, I had to do it in the semi-final too so he could experience it as well,” Merino said. It is some experience, some hat-trick, some story. What Merino did doesn’t make any sense. For this to happen once is dramatic enough, for it to happen twice messes with your mind, for it to happen a third blows it to bits; what is this sorcery? It was 1-1, the seconds were slipping from them and Spain were desperately seeking a way through when he was introduced as a sub again. Continue reading...

Kylian Mbappé embraces leadership role for France to urge team humility

Didier Deschamps’ decision to give the inspirational forward the captaincy has paid off with no complacency on their run to the semi-finals The driving force behind France’s semi-final win over Morocco in 2022, Antoine Griezmann, was watching on from the stands this time as Les Bleus powered past the Atlas Lions to reach a third consecutive World Cup semi-final. The 35-year-old, who recently completed a move to Orlando City, had not attended a France match since his international retirement in 2024 following a brief stint as vice-captain. Continue reading...

The Managing Madrid World Cup 2026 Predictions Survey (Part III)

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 04: Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates the team's 1-0 victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Paraguay and France at Philadelphia Stadium on July 04, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) | Getty Images The 2026 World Cup is down to its final eight teams, and while many Real Madrid players have already seen their campaigns come to an end, five representatives remain with their sights set on lifting the trophy. Now it’s your turn to decide who you think has the best chance of finishing the tournament as a World Cup winner. France are represented by Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni, England still have Jude Bellingham, Morocco are led by Brahim Díaz, Belgium have Thibaut Courtois, and Spain’s Marc Cucurella rounds out the list of players with Real Madrid ties still alive in the competition. Each faces a different path to the final, but only one of them can end the tournament as a world champion. Cast your vote in the poll below and let us know your reasoning in the comments. We’ll reveal the results once voting closes to see which remaining Madridista the Managing Madrid community is backing to go all the way. Please take our survey

What's going on with penalties - is it time to end the stutter?

Kylian Mbappe's penalty miss in France's win against Morocco is the latest example of a player missing a penalty after stuttering in the run-up.

Mbappe magic sees off Morocco as France skipper shrugs off penalty miss

Kylian Mbappe shrugged off a missed penalty to star as France beat Morocco 2-0 in Boston to clinch their spot in the semi-finals of the World Cup.

France into semi-finals after comfortable win over Morocco

Kylian Mbappe scores his eighth goal of this World Cup to make up for an earlier penalty miss with Ousmane Dembele adding a second as France prove too good for Morocco and move into the semi-finals.

Managing Madrid Podcast: REACTION: Mbappe, France Eliminate Morocco

AUDIO: View Link VIDEO: On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani reacts to France beating Morocco 2 – 0 in the World Cup quarter finals, including: – The penalty call – The eternal VAR review – Kylian Mbappe’s penalty + his inevitable golazo – A reflection on Morocco’s run, specifically Bonou, Brahim, and Bouaddi – And more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Get a ton of bonus content exclusively on Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid. The site is run by a small team that works tirelessly around the clock to make it into what it is today. Your contributions will allow us to continue to have a real and full-time presence in keeping this website, and it’s podcasts, going. Hosts this week: Kiyan Sobhani (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@KiyanSo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)

Mbappé stunner ends Morocco resistance to send France into World Cup semi-finals

There is a relentlessness to this France that might make them irresistible. Morocco no doubt had the best of intentions, ideas of how they could hurt the side that had beaten them in the semi-final in Qatar, but France press so well that they soon accepted they had no option but to retreat and endure. France have such attacking quality that simply surviving isn’t really a viable option. Kylian Mbappé, once again, was the key figure, missing a penalty, scoring a stunning opener and then teeing up Ousmane Dembélé for the second. He went off with 13 minutes remaining to a deserved ovation: the game had seemed to be drifting, and there had just been a sense that Morocco might conceivably pull off an implausible rearguard action, when he produced a goal from nowhere. Continue reading...

Mbappe penalty SAVED with Morocco holding on vs France LIVE!

Bellingham unlocked? How Tuchel has helped him find a new level

England's strength lies in the collective according to Thomas Tuchel. "If any team has heart and belief, then it's this team," he said after the victory over Mexico. But Jude Bellingham, together with Harry Kane, is showing the value of star quality too.

Who will win World Cup 2026 and will Lionel Messi claim the Golden Ball?

Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi has tears in his eyes as celebrates winning the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on July 7, 2026. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images World Cup 2026 has hit the quarter-final stage with just eight teams left in the competition in the USA, Mexico and Canada. France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, Norway, England, Argentina and Switzerland are the teams still eyeing glory this summer and hoping to lift the famous trophy on July 19th. As part of the latest edition of SB Nation Reacts we want to hear from you and who you think will be crowned world champions now we’re close to the end of the competition. We also want to hear which player you think will win the Golden Ball. Lionel Messi is among the favorites as he tops the scoring charts but big names such as Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are also in the running. So vote in the poll below and feel free share any thoughts in the comments. Welcome to SB Nation Reacts. Be on the lookout for results from the survey soon! Please take our survey

No league tables, no trophies: how Norway made sport fun for kids – and built a football team that beat Brazil

Country’s model prioritises joy while offering choice – and Erling Haaland’s World Cup exploits show that it works At full time, the arithmetic felt wrong. A team from a country of 5.5 million people, back at a World Cup after 28 years away, had just beaten the five-time champions to reach a first quarter-final. During Norway’s victory over Brazil on Sunday there was little between the fast feet of Vinícius Júnior and the raw power of Erling Haaland. But look at how that pair and others on the two teams were raised and a different story emerges. Neymar, Matheus Cunha and Vinícius grew up in a system that prioritises prodigies – spotting talent early and fast-tracking it through academies built around a single sport. Haaland, Martin Ødegaard and Antonio Nusa grew up inside something altogether different. Continue reading...

‘Lionel Messi became an animal’ – Zlatan Ibrahimovic blown away by Argentina star’s World Cup heroics

Lionel Andres Messi (Argentina) scores and celebrates his teams second goal during Round of 16 FIFA World Cup 2026, Argentina and Egypt, Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, United States on July 07 2026. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Zlatan Ibrahimovic has waxed lyrical about Lionel Messi after seeing the GOAT help inspire Argentina to a sensational comeback at World Cup 2026. The defending champions looking to be heading out of the tournament after going 2-0 down to Egypt in the last 16 on Tuesday. However, Messi helped inspire an amazing turnaround, scoring the equaliser to make it 2-2 before Enzo Fernandez headed home in stoppage time to seal an incredible 3-2 victory. Here’s what Zlatan made of the drama in Atlanta. “Messi became an animal and nobody could catch him. He just went on, went on and this is the one I saw, the one we’re used to seeing and that we are still seeing,” he said on Fox Sports. “You can still see also emotionally how much it means for him. Remember that he’s already won this World Cup. He already won a lot of trophies, the Ballon d’Or, everything. I can sit here and give his CV and it looks perfect. But he still wants it and that is impressive. Look at that.” Messi now leads the scoring charts at World Cup 2026 on eight goals, one clear of nearest challengers Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland and will face either Colombia or Switzerland in the quarter-finals next with Argentina. Can he inspire Argentina to another World Cup victory? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

OPEN THREAD | JULY 7, 2026

Welcome to The Daily Merengue! THESE ARE YOUR MODS: Ezek XI, Valyrian Steel, KungFuZizou, NeRObutBlanco, Felipejack, and Juninho POORTUGAL Portugal are out, terrible midifeld and lack of serious threat all around. Martinez a terrible coach. Players look crazy under him. ARGENTINA VS EGYPT lets see

Why Jude Bellingham’s world is bigger than most of us can understand

The boy who has it all has ambitions to play James Bond but for the time being he is more reminiscent of Novak Djokovic There has never been an English footballer quite like Jude Bellingham. He has the cockiness and explosiveness of a teenage Wayne Rooney and the vision of Paul Scholes, but that doesn’t come close to covering it. There are endless layers to Bellingham, the boy who has it all. He can be the No 8, the No 9 or the No 10. He has the flair of a Glenn Hoddle and the chest-out bravado of Paul Gascogine, but he also has the bravery of Bryan Robson, the rampaging qualities of Steven Gerrard and, as Mexico discovered at the Estadio Azteca, the ability to morph into the world’s best defender and drag his team out of the mire with a goal-saving challenge. More? Bellingham has film-star looks, can charm like David Beckham and, given how much he has achieved, does not sound ridiculous when he says his post-retirement ambition is to play James Bond. Continue reading...

The superstar double act that became England's Wonderwall

With 10 of England's 11 goals at the World Cup scored by either Harry Kane or Jude Bellingham, BBC Sport looks at how dependent on them the team is.

Mbappé, governments of France and Paraguay react to racist remarks made by Senator Celeste Amarilla

PARIS, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 27: Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian Mbappe arrives to attend a state dinner organized by French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron for Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani at the Elysee Presidential Palace on February 27, 2024 in Paris, France. This state visit is an opportunity for the two heads of state to congratulate themselves on the quality of the Franco-Qatari consultation on all regional and international subjects. It will also make it possible to deepen the bilateral relationship, in line with the 2030 visions of France and Qatar, in the economic and investment fields, in the field of defense and security, but also in terms of relations. cultural and development cooperationphoto by Christian Liewig - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images) | Corbis via Getty Images In the aftermath of France’s win over Paraguay in the round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup, Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé was subjected to racist abuse from Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla. Kylian Mbappé, a leading advocate against racism in football, has responded, and so have the governments of France and Paraguay. The Paraguayan government announced: “The Government of the Republic of Paraguay deplores and rejects the statements made by Senator Celeste Amarilla, directed at the captain of the French national football team, Kylian Mbappé. These statements are contrary to the values and principles that inspire peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity, which our country promotes. Paraguay is a democratic republic governed by the principle of the separation and independence of the branches of government. In this context, the statements made by the aforementioned legislator correspond exclusively to the exercise of her individual responsibility as a member of the Legislative Branch and in no way represent the position of the Government of the Republic of Paraguay or of the Paraguayan people. The Government of Paraguay reaffirms its firm commitment to the promotion of human rights, equality, and respect among all people, as well as to the fight against racism, xenophobia, intolerance, and every form of hatred or discrimination. Likewise, it expresses its solidarity with those who may have felt affected by these statements and reiterates its respect for the French people, with whom Paraguay maintains a historic relationship of friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding.” The French government has also shared its thoughts. In a statement from President Emanuel Macron, they announced the following: “The President of the Republic supports Kylian Mbappé and the French national team in the face of the racist attacks to which the captain of Les Bleus has been subjected. The Paraguayan President wrote to the French President to this effect, condemning the remarks made, as did the Paraguayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.” The current leading goalscorer of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Mbappé, announced the following on X: Madame Celeste Amarilla, Vous êtes une femme méprisable et indigne de sa fonction. Vous ne représentez pas le Paraguay, ce pays qui a transpiré la passion et l’honneur tout au long de la compétition. Par votre inconscience et votre racisme décomplexé, le monde entier a déjà… pic.twitter.com/EnYmgQXvPL — Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) July 6, 2026

Spain knock Bernardo Silva, Portugal out of the World Cup

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 06: Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal shows dejection after Spain's first goal with Bernardo Silva #10 during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Portugal and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 06, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Joosep Martinson - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) | FIFA via Getty Images Spain narrowly beat Portugal 1-0 to knock them out of the World Cup in the Round-of-16 clash on Monday. Bernardo Silva, as has been the case in all but one match in this World Cup, started on the bench as Portugal looked to advance to the quarter-finals of the tournament. Portugal defended well all game, and had a few good chances going forward, but a costly, collective defensive error cost them the game when Mikel Merino slipped through the defense to score the winner towards the end of the game. Silva’s shift was full of chaos, as he picked up a yellow card just a couple of minutes after coming on. He also had a brilliant chance to equalise for Portugal in stoppage time, but his header went over the bar. Portugal would have played the winner of the Belgium and United States match later on Monday night, but their campaign — which has been full of inconsistencies and holes — ended prematurely, as did Cristiano Ronaldo’s last ever World Cup match for Portugal.

‘A despicable woman’: Kylian Mbappé hits out at Paraguayan senator over racist attack

Celeste Amarilla called striker a ‘colonised Cameroonian’ French Football Federation to file criminal charges The France striker Kylian Mbappé has hit back at a Paraguayan senator, describing her ⁠as a “despicable woman” after she launched a racist attack on him. Mbappé’s ⁠penalty proved ​the difference in an ill-tempered match as France beat Paraguay 1-0 in Philadelphia on Saturday to advance ⁠to the quarter-finals. Celeste Amarilla wrote a long racist tirade on X, describing Mbappé as a “colonised Cameroonian, desperately trying to ⁠pass himself off as French,” and as a “brute who had not learned to ​write”. Paraguay’s players should have ‌slapped him after the ‌match, she added. Continue reading...

Portugal v Spain: World Cup 2026 last 16 – live

⚽️ Kick-off time: 2pm local, 3pm EDT, 8pm BST, 5am AEST ⚽️ Player guide | Bracketology| Golden Boot | Email Scott All the Golden Boot talk is currently of Mbappé and Messi, Haaland and Dembélé, Bellingham and Kane. In the meantime, Mikel Oyarzabal modestly goes about his business. Some pre-match reading courtesy of the Good Doctor. Spain are in If It Ain’t Broke mode. No changes to their starting XI having swept aside Austria. Continue reading...

‘These guys are losers’: Brazil berated back home after defeat by Norway

Carlo Ancelotti and his players have been lambasted for their ‘shameful’ and ‘embarrassing’ World Cup exit The wait for the hexa – the record-extending sixth World Cup – continues. Brazil’s 2-1 loss to Norway in the last 16 of the World Cup on Sunday means they have gone six tournaments in a row without being crowned champions. Some in Brazil are calling it the reverse hexa. As you would expect, the reaction back home has been scathing. Neto, the former international who is now a pundit on Radio Bandeirantes, laid into the current crop of players. “It’s a generation that won fuck all,” he said. “There are six players who won one Copa América and that’s it. It was embarrassing from the beginning and everything that happened before that game. It was a shameful campaign and these guys are losers. It’s a generation of lies.” Continue reading...

Belgium are looking for a new beginning at the World Cup against USA | Jonathan Wilson

Parts of 2018’s Golden Generation still remain, but there are more than enough good players in this Belgian side to give the US headaches • Predict the winner | Daily podcast | Download our app The whiff of unfulfilment lingers around Belgium. The Golden Generation – and the fact it never quite achieved what it might have done – has dominated coverage of their last three tournaments.This perhaps isn’t quite fair – either on those who were part of that group or those who have followed. Beating Brazil in the quarter-final to reach the semi-final in Russia 2018 was a fine achievement, but that side featuring Vincent Kompany, Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne then lost 1-0 to France in the semi. The squad was good enough to win a tournament, but that was as close as they came. Courtois, Lukaku, De Bruyne, Axel Witsel and the right-back Thomas Meunier have all endured since 2018. The 2026 Belgium squad is not, as 2022 felt, the Golden Generation redux, just a little bit older and a little bit more tired. A new wave is emerging and, while the likes of Leandro Trossard, Youri Tielemans, Jérémy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere may not have quite the star quality of the previous generation, they’re still decent players – perhaps not World Cup winners, but certainly not to be dismissed. And remember, this is Belgium, a country of just under 12 million; it’s not realistic to think it can consistently produce potential world champions. This is an extract from Soccer Desk: World Cup edition, a newsletter from the Guardian US that will run regularly during the tournament. Subscribe for free here. Continue reading...

England ratings: Bellingham shines but heroic defence secures QF spot

England held on for an excruciating 3-2 win against Mexico thanks to a heroic defensive performance to book their place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

England win epic tie against Mexico to reach quarter-finals

Jude Bellingham scores twice and Harry Kane converts a penalty as 10-man England beat Mexico 3-2 in the World Cup.

Bellingham scores two in 98 seconds to silence the Azteca

Jude Bellingham scores two goals in 98 seconds to give England a 2-0 lead over Mexico during their last 16 match at the Mexico City Stadium.

Managing Madrid Podcast: REACTION: Brazil Are Eliminated From The World Cup. PLUS: Mbappe And Brahim Are On Fire!

AUDIO: View Link VIDEO: On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani reacts to Brazil’s elimination against Norway in the World Cup. Also: – Vinicius Jr’s performance – Carlo Ancelotti’s football – Endrick – Casemiro – Neymar – Erling Haaland – The xG from this game… – Brahim Diaz’s performance vs Canada – Kylian Mbappe vs Paraguay and his World Cup legacy – Are Portugal saving their best performance for Spain? – And more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Get a ton of bonus content exclusively on Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid. The site is run by a small team that works tirelessly around the clock to make it into what it is today. Your contributions will allow us to continue to have a real and full-time presence in keeping this website, and it’s podcasts, going. Hosts this week: Kiyan Sobhani (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@KiyanSo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)

Vinicius Jr, Endrick shocked by Norway, bow out of World Cup

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 5: Vinícius Júnior of Brazil in possession during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 5, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images) | Getty Images Brazil were shockingly defeated 2-1 by Norway to bow out of the World Cup on Sunday evening. In a game that lacked control and a finishing touch from Brazil, the five-time champions’ ambition of adding a sixth was put down by Erling Haaland’s brace, before Neymar Jr scored a consolation penalty kick in the last minutes of the game. Norway played good football against Brazil, and were able to control the game for large stretches. Despite Brazil’s higher xG count (most of which would be the two penalties they got), they only had a couple of big chances in the game. One was Vinicius Jr’s brilliantly threaded trivela pass to Endrick, whose second touch fumbled the chance of him scoring before Norway opened the scoring. Soon after that, Erling Haaland scored two brilliant goals within 11 minutes of each other to put all of Brazil’s hopes to rest. Vinicius Jr created two chances and completed six dribbles. He took just two shots all game, which was surprising — one of which was a pretty big chance. Endrick, on the other hand, only came on in the second half, and was not able to put the ball in the net, despite having a brilliant opportunity to do so. Norway will now play one of Mexico and England in the next round, while both of these Real Madrid players will come back to train under Jose Mourinho a bit earlier than they would have wanted.

Paraguay showed France can be stifled – Morocco will have taken note | Paul MacInnes

This was the least convincing performance by the World Cup favourites and their quarter-final opponents will also make it uncomfortable for them There were furious celebrations when France secured their place in the quarter-finals. The entire squad charged from the centre spot to the end of the Philadelphia stadium where the core of French support was gathered. There was a pile-on, there was roaring and chests were actively thumped. Leading the proceedings, as ever, was Kylian Mbappé. As soon as the revelry had subsided, the French captain immediately turned to the TV cameras and framed the narrative of the game. This had been less of a match and more of a battle, he said, against a Paraguay side who had nagged, nibbled and, occasionally, smashed their way through proceedings. “We knew what kind of match we were going to have,” Mbappé said. “But we know how to get our hands dirty.” Continue reading...

Mbappé’s World Cup legacy is already scary good

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 04: Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates scoring a penalty for the team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Paraguay and France at Philadelphia Stadium on July 04, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) | Getty Images Kylian Mbappé made his World Cup debut eight years ago in Russia. He’s only in his third tournament, and he already sits one goal behind Lionel Messi atop the competition’s all-time scoring list, with 19 goals from as many appearances. At the rate he’s going, whatever gap remains between the two won’t last long, and the record will likely belong to Mbappé outright before his career is done. The numbers keep piling up in strange ways. He is now the only player ever to score at least three goals in the knockout stage at three separate World Cups. He was already a world champion at 19, in 2018. Four years later in Qatar, he dragged France to another final almost single-handedly and scored a hat-trick against Argentina. Add his goal in the 2018 final against Croatia, and Mbappé has four goals across the two biggest matches in the sport, more than anyone else in World Cup history has managed in finals alone. The kid who arrived in Russia as a lanky winger with a jet engine for a first touch is now the most feared finisher in the tournament. He played in back-to-back finals in 2018 and 2022. Whether anyone finds a way to stop him from making it three in a row is one of the more interesting questions left in this tournament.

Brazil vs Norway preview: 'No anti-Haaland plan', says Ancelotti

World Cup 2026: Mexico v England buildup, France battle past Paraguay, Morocco march on – live

⚽ All the latest news and reaction from the World Cup ⚽ Player guide | Bracketology | Knockout draw | Email us Kylian Mbappe has pulled level with Lionel Messi at the top of the Golden Boot charts. Both icons have seven after the Frenchman tucked away the winning penalty against Paraguay. Erling Haaland (5), Harry Kane (5) and Vinícius Júnior (4) all have the chance to close the gap in the next 24 hours. And also look out for Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal (4) creeping up on the rails. Continue reading...

Football is at the centre of the universe in Brazil in a way it is not in the US | Rodrygo

Huge parties take place when the national team play but people in Brazil cherish a good game, whoever is playing The World Cup atmosphere, which, for many of us, is one of the most infectious feelings there is, has, in the US been confined to the stadiums, the surrounding streets and fan festivals. This has been played out before and comes as no surprise. Football has limited traction in North American culture. This highlights how different it is being in the US to being in Brazil, where I am now after following the national team in North America. Football’s extremely important role in Brazilian culture explains why the national team at the World Cup is the centre of our universe. Continue reading...

France find a way past Paraguay and what awaits England in Mexico? - World Cup Daily

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Archie Rhind-Tutt, Barney Ronay and Philippe Auclair as France beat a spiky Paraguay side to reach the quarter-finals Rate, review, share on Apple Podcasts and join the conversation on email. On the podcast today; a masterclass in the dark arts from Paraguay, who somehow didn’t receive a yellow card until after the game had finished. Ultimately a Kylian Mbappé penalty was enough to see France through to the quarter-finals where they will play Morocco. Continue reading...

Brahim Díaz Shines With Two Assists Vs Canada

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JULY 04: Brahim Diaz #10 of Morocco celebrates after the 3-0 victory during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Canada and Morocco at Houston Stadium on July 04, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Hannah Peters - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) | FIFA via Getty Images Morocco are through to the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16, becoming the first African nation to reach the last eight of the tournament on more than one occasion. After making history with a semifinal run in Qatar four years ago, the Atlas Lions have once again established themselves among the world’s elite. They will now face France in Boston on Thursday for a place in the semifinals. Brahim Díaz delivers for Morocco Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz was the lone Madridista involved in the match and played an important role in Morocco’s victory from the right wing. Although he wasn’t on the scoresheet, Brahim produced two assists, including a perfectly timed pass that set up Azzedine Ounahi’s second goal during a devastating counterattack in the 82nd minute to effectively seal the contest. The 25-year-old also contributed defensively throughout the match, finishing with: 2 assists 32 touches 3 defensive recoveries 1 tackle 1 interception It was another well-rounded display from Brahim, whose work rate off the ball complemented his creativity in transition. Morocco withstand Canadian pressure The final scoreline hardly reflected the balance of play. Canada controlled large stretches of the opening half and spent much of the match pushing Morocco onto the back foot. However, the Atlas Lions defended with discipline before punishing the hosts as they committed more bodies forward in search of an equalizer. Ounahi was the star of the afternoon, scoring twice, with his second arriving after Brahim Díaz released him on the break before the midfielder calmly finished with his right foot from inside the penalty area. Substitute Soufiane Rahimi, who had entered after Ismael Saibari was forced off through injury in the 22nd minute, completed the scoring deep into stoppage time. Bounou stands tall Canada created opportunities to get back into the match but found Yassine Bounou in inspired form. The Moroccan goalkeeper, who was born in Canada to Moroccan parents, made three saves, including an excellent diving stop to deny Tajon Buchanan’s powerful long-range effort late in the second half. Jonathan David also came close with a free kick in the 78th minute, but his effort sailed over the crossbar. The physical nature of the contest was reflected in the referee’s notebook, with eight yellow cards shown—four to each side. Another historic chapter for Morocco Morocco entered the knockout rounds after eliminating the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout and have continued their impressive World Cup run with another composed performance under pressure. The victory also served as a repeat of the 2022 World Cup meeting between these two nations, when Morocco defeated Canada 2-1 during the group stage on their way to becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal. For Canada, the defeat brings an end to a memorable tournament. The co-hosts had reached the knockout stage and celebrated their first-ever World Cup knockout victory after defeating South Africa in the Round of 32, but Morocco once again proved to be an obstacle they could not overcome.

Mbappé spot-on to take France past stubborn Paraguay into World Cup quarter-finals

On this occasion, France kept the champagne football on ice. Which was probably just as well, given the temperature. As Philadelphia broiled in an independence day heatwave, the World Cup favourites were forced to drop a gear or two but still had too much for a Paraguay team that set out for a fight but were ultimately no more than a nuisance. In the annals of France-Paraguay encounters this was more France 98 than Sweden 58, where Just Fontaine embellished his World Cup legend with a hat-trick. Les Bleus’ modern-day goal machine, Kylian Mbappé, had to make do with just the one, a penalty, to draw him level again with Lionel Messi in the golden boot race, but one behind the great man in terms of the all-time goalscoring record. Continue reading...

‘An incredible man’: how Carlo Ancelotti has turned Brazil into potential World Cup winners

Italian’s man-management and decisiveness has shielded the talented Seleção squad and made fans believe again Brazil arrived at the World Cup with several open wounds. Since Qatar in 2022 there were four changes of manager, 95 players called up and a political crisis, including the ousting of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) president. It has been a big mess, with many uncertainties, and the mood among the fans was one of pessimism. But then Carlo Ancelotti arrived. Gradually under the Italian, the team has taken shape and transformed its relationship with fans, who are again dreaming of a sixth World Cup after 24 years without one, the longest such drought alongside the period between 1970 and 1994. Ancelotti has become a shield for the players. Even the most experienced ones, such as Alisson, Danilo, Marquinhos and Casemiro, feel more at ease having such a great figure on the bench, the most successful manager in the Champions League, with five titles. Continue reading...

Fede Valverde accepts responsibility after Uruguay’s World Cup exit: “I know I wasn’t up to it”

ZAPOPAN, MEXICO - JUNE 26: Federico Valverde of Uruguay is seen prior the 2026 FIFA World Cup First Stage Group H match between Uruguay and Spain at Estadio Akron (Guadalajara Stadium) in Zapopan, Guadalajara, Mexico on June 26, 2026. (Photo by Juancho Torres/Anadolu via Getty Images) | Anadolu via Getty Images Fede Valverde has broken his silence following Uruguay’s disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking full responsibility for his performances and expressing the heartbreak of another group-stage elimination with his national team. The Real Madrid midfielder admitted he fell short of his own expectations and those of Uruguay, describing the tournament as one of the most painful moments of his career. Valverde also referenced the lingering disappointment from Uruguay’s first-round exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, saying that experience remains a “thorn” he has never fully overcome. After a demanding campaign for both club and country, the 27-year-old will now head on vacation with his wife, Mina Bonino, and their two children before returning to prepare for another important season with Real Madrid. The couple is also expecting their third child, Bruna. In a heartfelt message published on his social media accounts, Valverde wrote: “Several days have passed since the elimination and I can only now begin to process everything I experienced, although I know that there is a part of me that will possibly never manage to overcome another first round elimination, like the one I suffered in the Qatar World Cup. That thorn is still stuck. I feel a huge responsibility for my country. It’s a pride that fills my soul. I did everything in my power: I prepared myself physically and emotionally and tried not to repeat what happened again, working hard all season. But obviously it wasn’t enough. I assume the defeat. I take full responsibility for not being able to fulfill my duty to the selection and to you. I handle the failure and I know I wasn’t up to it. But in no way will I give up representing my country, even if it costs me my life. I don’t know how or when, but I swear on my life I’m not leaving this selection without leaving it at the highest.”

Mbappé becomes leader of France’s collective under Deschamps’ regime of trust

Les Bleus’ thrilling front four is built on the spirit the head coach has fostered in his squad, allowing them to be both secure and adventurous It was a striking image, the picture that best captured France’s World Cup campaign to this point. Not the one that caught Michael Olise in full flight as he executed a perfect bicycle kick that only sprang ungratefully off a Swedish post. Nor the one of the squad posing together on their private jet, turqoise hoods drawn tight to their chins. Instead it was the one of the hug, first between Kylian Mbappé and Didier Deschamps, and then with the rest of the squad too, as they celebrated the opening goal of their 3-0 last 32 victory over Sweden in a purposeful manner. Deschamps said later that Mbappé’s dash towards the technical area had “touched me deeply”. The head coach had briefly stepped back from his duties the week before to grieve the loss of his mother. Mbappé and the squad had wanted publicly to show how much he meant to them. “The group is united,” Deschamps said. “They delivered when I was away and now I’m back, they know I’m here 100%. Team spirit doesn’t win you matches but it can help you lose them. The collective strength is above everything and Kylian is the best shining example.” Continue reading...

Managing Madrid Podcast: Reaction To Portugal’s Win Over Croatia And Luka Modric’s Farewell

AUDIO: View Link VIDEO: On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani goes live to give his reaction Portugal’s 2 – 1 win over Croatia, with special emphasis on: The emotional roller coaster Madridistas experienced during this match Portugal’s tactical struggles Can they beat Spain? Croatia’s heart-breaking loss The controversial end The greatness of Luka Modric And more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Get a ton of bonus content exclusively on Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid. The site is run by a small team that works tirelessly around the clock to make it into what it is today. Your contributions will allow us to continue to have a real and full-time presence in keeping this website, and it’s podcasts, going. Hosts this week: Kiyan Sobhani (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@KiyanSo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)

In ceding the reins to Mbappé, Olise and Dembélé, France look as under control as ever

Didier Deschamps used to manage with an iron fist. This time, he’s letting his stars run the show – to Les Bleus’ benefit When a cat has cornered a mouse and appears to be toying with its prey, it isn’t actually being cruel so much as it is planning and practicing all the ways in which it may finally kill it off. We are, it almost goes without saying, speaking about France at the 2026 World Cup here. Les Bleus have scored at least three goals in their last four games and, each time, looked an awful lot like they might have run the score up further, if only they hadn’t run out of time, energy or interest. Continue reading...

Who has scored the most goals at a World Cup without winning the Golden Boot?

Plus: World Cup teams stuck on nul points and teams who broke their duck with a drubbing Mail us with your all of your questions and answers “Who has scored the most goals at a World Cup finals without winning the Golden Boot?” asks Sam Edwards. With Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé already on six goals and leading an elite bunch in the 2026 race, we may well see the men’s record broken this summer. As it stands, Messi shares the record – as if he needs another one – with the Brazil great Jairzinho. Continue reading...

Managing Madrid Podcast: REACTION: Mbappe And France Rip Sweden Apart

AUDIO: View Link VIDEO: On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani reacts to France’s 3 – 0 win over Sweden in the World Cup (2026) Round of 32 action, with special emphasis on Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, and why Mbappe and France tick so well with superstars but at Real Madrid it’s more complicated (and why Vinicius and Mbappe play great in isolation but not together). Did you enjoy this podcast? Get a ton of bonus content exclusively on Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid. The site is run by a small team that works tirelessly around the clock to make it into what it is today. Your contributions will allow us to continue to have a real and full-time presence in keeping this website, and it’s podcasts, going. Hosts this week: Kiyan Sobhani (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@KiyanSo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)

Neville: France ‘a level above’ and Mbappe ‘on verge of greatness’

Gary Neville says France are "a level above" any other team at the World Cup after they cruised to a 3-0 win against Sweden in the round of 32.

Ruthless Mbappe sets tone as France breeze past Sweden

Kylian Mbappe helped book France's place in the World Cup round of 16 by taking his tournament total to six goals in a slick 3-0 victory over Sweden.

Mbappe scores twice as France dominate Sweden

Kylian Mbappe becomes the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup knockout matches with after scoring twice as France crusie past Sweden 3-0 to set up a last-16 tie with Paraguay.

Kylian Mbappé at the double as France swat aside Sweden in World Cup masterclass

When people form memories of the World Cup, it’s matches like this that do it. France once again won comprehensively, and against decent opposition, but the quality of their attacking play, and the sheer beauty of their goals, were difficult to fully appreciate in the moment. It’s the sort of thing that only comes into true focus upon reflection. Kylian Mbappé drew alongside Lionel Messi in the race for the golden boot here with another brace of unerring finishes. Michael Olise should have had a hat-trick but made do with two assists and a virtuoso performance that left jaws across the floor of the New York-New Jersey stadium. At this point it is very hard to see beyond Didier Deschamps’ men, and there is equally the sense that there is more to come. Continue reading...

Mbappe scores twice against Sweden for France

Kylian Mbappe scores twice as France cruise to a comfortable win over Sweden in their World Cup round of 32 match at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

Mbappé scores two as France sail past Sweden

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 30: Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between France and Sweden at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 30, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images France once again had Kylian Mbappé to thank as they booked their place in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, with the captain scoring his fifth and sixth goals of the tournament in a 3-0 win to eliminate European rivals Sweden. Mbappé broke the deadlock just before half-time, cutting in from the left flank and firing a rasping effort inside the post from a tight angle with a shot which registered only 0.05 xG but left Swedish goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström with no chance. The attacker immediately made a move pointing to coach Didier Deschamps to celebrate with him, as Deschamps was back on the touchline after missing the win over Norway to return to France for his mother’s funeral after her passing last week. Just shy of 30 minutes into the second period, Mbappé struck again from a remarkably similar angle to make it 3-0. The goal keeps him joint top on the goalscoring charts with Argentina’s Lionel Messi with six goals each. In midfield, Aurélien Tchouameni also continued and played the full 90 minutes in a double pivot. He completed 62 passes with a 93% completion rate in the middle, including eight into the final third, and was powerful defensively with five successful duels and seven recoveries. The French national team will now take on Paraguay at the Philadelphia Stadium on Saturday, July 4th. The winner would then face either Canada or Morocco in Boston on Thursday, July 9th, in the quarter-final, before a semi-final on Tuesday, July 14th, in Dallas, which could be against Spain.

France v Sweden: World Cup 2026 last 32 – live

⚽️ Kick-off time: 5pm local/10pm BST/7am AEST ⚽️ Player guide | Bracketology | Golden Boot | Mail Will Wrap your eyeballs around Football Daily. France (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Barcola; Mbappe Continue reading...

Ferland Mendy to stand trial over alleged dog attack incident in Madrid

SEVILLA, SPAIN - 2026/04/24: Ferland Mendy of Real Madrid seen in action during LaLiga EA Sports game between Real Betis Balompie and Real Madrid CF at Estadio La Cartuja stadium. Final Score; Real Madrid 1:1 Real Betis Balompie. (Photo by Maciej Rogowski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy is set to stand trial after a court in Alcobendas, Madrid, moved forward with criminal proceedings stemming from an incident in January 2023 in which one of his dogs allegedly attacked two other dogs and injured a teenager. According to court documents obtained by EFE, a judge ordered the case to proceed to trial on January 7. The proceedings will be heard by Madrid’s Criminal Court No. 26, although a hearing date has not yet been scheduled. Mendy faces a minor assault charge brought by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, which is seeking a fine of €1,200. Meanwhile, the private prosecution representing the injured 17-year-old is requesting a six-month prison sentence for alleged serious negligent assault. The court has also required the French international to post €7,410 as financial security to cover potential civil compensation claims should he ultimately be found liable. The alleged incident The case relates to an incident on January 4, 2023, when four dogs allegedly belonging to Mendy escaped from his property in an exclusive residential area of Alcobendas. According to the prosecution, one of the dogs attacked a woman’s dachshund, causing injuries so severe that the animal was later euthanized. A 17-year-old who attempted to intervene was reportedly bitten on the left leg, while the German Shorthaired Pointer he was walking also suffered injuries to its neck and chest that required surgery. Prosecutors allege that the four dogs—identified as two mastiffs, a Turkish Kangal and a Great Dane—did not have identification microchips, lacked the legally required liability insurance and had not been vaccinated against rabies. Prosecution’s allegations The Public Prosecutor’s Office argues that Mendy failed to exercise the level of care required for keeping large dogs. According to the prosecution, the defender did not adequately ensure that the property’s entrance was secured after a vehicle entered, allowing the animals to leave the premises. As a result, prosecutors are seeking compensation totaling €5,660, including: €450 for the owner of the deceased dachshund. €4,970 for the injured teenager, covering his injuries and resulting scars. €240 to reimburse veterinary expenses for the owner of the second injured dog. Separately, the private prosecution is seeking €20,000 in compensation for the teenager and an additional €2,500 for the owner of the injured German Shorthaired Pointer. The trial date has yet to be announced. Mendy has not been convicted of any offense, and the proceedings will determine whether he bears criminal responsibility for the incident.

Erling Haaland fires Norway into last 16 with dramatic winner against Côte d’Ivoire

Decision vindicated. The Norway coach, Ståle Solbakken, had taken a major gamble in resting almost his entire side in the final group game against France, drawing stiff criticism, not least from those who had paid hundreds of dollars to witness a showdown between Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé. As Solbakken said, the decision would stand or fall on the result of this game. Norway are in the last 16, and therefore his policy can be considered justified. It was, though, a mightily close-run thing. Having taken a first-half lead through Antonio Nusa, Norway had seemed to be in control, Côte d’Ivoire’s possession sterile. But then Amad Diallo produced one of the great substitute interventions, making a remarkable clearance to keep out a Torbjørn Heggem volley before scoring a stunning equaliser. But with four minutes remaining, Erling Haaland bundled in the winner. He may had mis-hit it, but none of the Norway fans packed behind that goal cared as they progressed to a last-16 tie against Brazil at New York New Jersey Stadium. Continue reading...

Merson: Bellingham's deeper role has given Tuchel midfield headache

Paul Merson thinks England boss Thomas Tuchel has a bit of a midfield headache after Jude Bellingham's excellent performance in a deeper role in the 2-0 win over Panama.

4 -time World Cup champion Germany eliminated from 2026 World Cup in shocking defeat against resilient Paraguay

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 29: Antonio Sanabria #9 of Paraguay and Antonio Rudiger #2 of Germany battle for head ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Germany and Paraguay at Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium) on June 29, 2026, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Andrew Katsampes/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) | ISI Photos via Getty Images Jules Nagelsmann’s Germany, which had started the World Cup with an impressive 7-1 defeat of Curaçao, saw their World Cup dreams end in a penalty shootout against Paraguay.  Many questions will be asked of whether the German manager should continue to lead the effort to return the Deutschland to World Cup glory. The Germans dominated the ball in the first half with 79% possession but had little to show from it as they produced no shots on target (compared to two for Paraguay) or big chances in the first 45 minutes. Paraguay opened the scoring in the 42nd minute as River Plate midfielder Matías Galarza crossed the ball, finding Strasbourg’s Julio Enciso near the penalty spot, Enciso clinically heading the ball into the back of the net to give the South American side a surprising lead going into the half. Germany’s first shot of the 2nd half arrived in the 54th minute via an excellent cross from Florian Wirtz who found Kai Havertz inside the box, the Arsenal centre-forward glancing the ball with his head and past Paraguayan keeper Orlando Gill to draw the Germans level.  It was one of 55 crosses the Germans attempted on the day, Wirtz’s being 1 of only 10 that successfully found a teammate. The Germans thought they had taken the lead in extra-time through a Jonathan Tah header near the far post, but VAR correctly called down to Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed to review a possible foul by Waldemar Anton on the Paraguayan keeper and the goal was disallowed. After 120 minutes with the match still tied 1-1, the penalty shoot-out began with Germany shooting first.  Germany had only missed one penalty in a World Cup penalty shoot-out prior to today’s match.  But Havertz and Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade had Germany’s 1st and 4th penalties saved by Gill, giving Paraguay a golden opportunity to win the shootout.  However, forward Antonio Sanabria sent Paraguay’s 4th penalty wide of Manuel Neuer’s right post and the German keeper dived to his left to save centre-back Fabián Balbuena’s penalty, giving German fans new hope.  That hope turned out to be short-lived as Tah sailed Germany’s 6th penalty well over the crossbar, before 29-year-old José Canale converted the most important penalty of his career to send the nation of 7 million into the round of 16. Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger played 110 minutes in what was likely the 33-year-old’s final World Cup match.  The Real Madrid centre-back completed 114 of 123 passes (93%), including 22 passes into the final third, with only Joshua Kimmich and Tah completing more to that part of the pitch.  Rüdiger added 9 ball recoveries and 6 clearances, including 5 headed clearances to lead the German team. Paraguay next faces the winner of the France / Sweden match on Saturday, July 4th in Philadelphia.

Every World Cup needs a cult hero: 2026 has given us touchline dreamboat Sebastián Beccacece

The Ecuador manager is a beautifully manicured buzz of energy with Bolivarian liberation in his heart. The tournament is all the better for him An underrated pleasure for spectators at every World Cup is observing the managers. If club football, an increasingly regimented domain of set pieces and systems, is all about structure, international soccer is much more a matter of style – and at this tournament, the theatrics of the sport’s touchline strutters have been rich with emotion and figurative power. Didier Deschamps patrols his technical area with the watchful pride of an outer-arrondissement charcutier. Luis de la Fuente is a veteran wealth manager at Banco Santander. Japan’s Hajime Moriyasu is about to go postal at his dreary office job in a Kiyoshi Kurosawa film. Socceroos coach Tony Popovic looks like he’s on his way to MC a wedding at Sydney’s King Tomislav Croatian Club. And Carlo Ancelotti is … well, he’s just Carlo Ancelotti, a man with Champions League-winning eyebrows whose fierce allegiance to his three-piece suit, even through the worst of a North American summer, suggests he’s somehow in command of his own climate. Continue reading...

Dumfries and the Netherlands crash out of the World Cup vs. Morocco

GUADALUPE, MEXICO - JUNE 29: Denzel Dumfries #22 of the Netherlands and Azzedine Ounahi #8 of Morocco compete for the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Netherlands and Morocco at Monterrey Stadium on June 29, 2026 in Guadalupe, Mexico. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Netherlands are out. After a stellar show at the group stage, Ronald Koeman’s men could not survive the merciless uncertainty of a penalty shoot-out and crashed out of the tournament in the round of 32 at the hands of Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz’s Morocco. The Netherlands went ahead in the 72nd minute thanks to Cody Gakpo’s opener. Morocco left it late to equalize but remained in the game due to Issa Diop’s 91st-minute goal. Neither team could trouble the scorers in extra time, and the game headed for penalties in Monterrey. Teun Koopmeiners opened with a converted spot-kick to put the Dutch 1-0 up, before Neil El Aynaoui missed for Morocco. Justin Kluivert then missed, letting Soufiane Rahimi level it at 1-1. Wout Weghorst restored the Dutch lead at 2-1, and Chemsdine Talbi answered to make it 2-2. The sequence turned in Morocco’s favour when Quinten Timber missed, and Achraf Hakimi also failed to score, keeping it level at 2-2, before Crysencio Summerville missed for the Netherlands. That opened the door for Ismael Saibari, who buried his kick to win it 3-2 for Morocco. Denzel Dumfries played the full 120 minutes and had the most touches (6) in the opposition box. He was not called up to take a penalty.

‘The right path’: Carlo Ancelotti keeps cool after Brazil survive Japan scare in last 32

Ancelotti says late win was Brazil’s ‘most complete game’ Hajime Moriyasu says Japan ‘have to improve’ Carlo Ancelotti was characteristically calm after Brazil’s 2-1 victory against Japan on Monday, insisting he had never doubted his team would get back into the game and warning they are getting better and better. “At half-time I told the players to be patient because sooner or later we would score,” Ancelotti said. “What was important was to keep our structure. We know we’re going down the right path and we have to continue on this path.” Continue reading...

Germany v Paraguay: World Cup 2026 last 32 – live

⚽ Kick-off time: 4.30pm EDT/9.30pm BST/6.30am AET ⚽ Bracketology | Player guide | Golden Boot standings Match report: Brazil 2-1 Japan Not for the first time in this tournament, there were long periods when Brazil did not impress. And not for the first time in this tournament, they got away with it. It may be inexplicable but the Carlo Ancelotti method that worked at Real Madrid is working again: stay in games and eventually either opponents will make a mistake or brilliant players will do something brilliant. Continue reading...

Vinicius Jr and Endrick help Brazil rally back vs Japan

HOUSTON, TX - JUNE 29: Vinicius Junior #7 of Brazil shoots on goal in the second half during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Brazil and Japan on June 29, 2026 at Houston Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Vinicius Jr played the full game and Endrick played 45 minutes in Brazil’s comeback victory over Japan to advance to the round of 16 on Monday evening. Japan went ahead early in the first half when Danilo’s mistake resulted in a shocking lead for the underdogs. Brazil, however, looked much better in the second half, with Casemiro scoring the first goal and substitute Gabriel Martinelli completing the comeback in stoppage time. Vinicius Jr had a great game despite not getting a goal or an assist, as he tried his best to make things happen on the offensive end. He also had a few brilliant recoveries defensively when Brazil really needed them. He was close to getting his name on the scoresheet in emphatic fashion when he dribbled past multiple Japanese players, only to see his outside-of-the-boot shot hit the post. Endrick was, surprisingly, Carlo Ancelotti’s first substitution, and caused a lot of chaos and havoc in Japan’s box. Brazil were the better side in the second half, and Endrick’s energy was badly needed. Brazil will now face either Côte d’Ivoire or Norway in the next round.

Brazil into last 16 as Martinelli strikes in stoppage time to break Japan hearts

Not for the first time in this tournament, there were long periods when Brazil did not impress. And not for the first time in this tournament, they got away with it. It may be inexplicable but the Carlo Ancelotti method that worked at Real Madrid is working again: stay in games and eventually either opponents will make a mistake or brilliant players will do something brilliant. Brazil were 1-0 down at half-time and struggling. Their earliest exit form a World Cup seemed entirely possible. Five players in the Brazil starting lineup were aged over 30, five of the six defensive players – and they looked it. Japan were quicker, slicker, sharper and more imaginative. But the introduction of Endrick and a change of shape and approach at half-time changed everything. Brazil started slinging crosses into the box and Japan wobbled. Casemiro, barely a pedestrian in the first half, headed the equaliser and, deep into stoppage time, Gabriel Martinelli squeezed in the winner. Continue reading...

Real Madrid Foundation launches fundraising campaign for Venezuela earthquake victims

LA GUAIRA, VENEZUELA - JUNE 25: A person walks amid debris of demolished buildings as rescue efforts continue after a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Venezuela and other regions in the Caribbean on June 25, 2026 in La Guaira, Venezuela. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the main earthquake was followed by a 7.5-magnitude aftershock less than a minute later. The number of victims increased to 188 and over a 1500 injured. (Photo by Jesus Vargas/Getty Images) | Getty Images Real Madrid has announced the launch of a fundraising campaign through the Real Madrid Foundation, in collaboration with the Red Cross, to provide aid to those affected by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. As part of the initiative, the club has pledged a donation of €1 million to support victims and their families as relief efforts continue in the aftermath of the disaster. Real Madrid also confirmed that club president Florentino Pérez will personally contribute an additional €1 million, bringing the combined commitment to €2 million. In an official statement, the club expressed its solidarity with those impacted by the tragedy: “The Real Madrid Foundation is launching a fundraising campaign, in collaboration with the Red Cross, to support those affected by the earthquakes in Venezuela. Real Madrid has decided to support this campaign with a donation of one million euros to help the victims and their families. Likewise, the president of Real Madrid, Florentino Pérez, will also contribute with a donation of one million euros. From Real Madrid we want to show all our support, affection and solidarity with the Venezuelan people in these difficult times. Donations can be made through the following link: https://cercadeti.cruzroja.es/fundacionrealmadridvenezuela” Those wishing to contribute to the relief effort can do so through the fundraising page established by the Real Madrid Foundation and the Red Cross.

WORLD CUP ELIMINATION ROUND | OPEN THREAD | JUNE 29, 2026

Welcome to The Daily Merengue! THESE ARE YOUR MODS: Ezek XI, Valyrian Steel, KungFuZizou, NeRObutBlanco, Felipejack, and Juninho BRAZIL VS JAPAN Both teams face off today! who are you rooting for? Son Vini vs the saiyans from the east. View this post on Instagram History suggests It's been mostly one-way traffic in Brazil vs Japan 😳🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/jXzuI2pysR — OneFootball (@OneFootball) June 29, 2026 Does system samba football have what it takes to win? or will the Japanese prevail?

How link between Bellingham and Kane has unlocked England’s stodgy attack

Thomas Tuchel’s side have struggled in open play in the US but midfielder’s partnership with his captain has started to change that Thomas Tuchel faces an attacking conundrum. England have to extract the maximum output from Harry Kane while getting other players to contribute more. Jude Bellingham’s performance against Panama showed how both sides of this equation can be solved. Kane has scored 13 goals in Tuchel’s 17 England matches, with no other player contributing more than three. He scored a penalty and a header from a corner against Croatia, then blazed over the bar from a rebound in the Ghana match. There was little of note created for him in open play. Continue reading...

Brazil fans were waiting for Vinícius Júnior to be their hero. He’s arrived

Vini Jr has been a star at Real Madrid for a long time. Now he is truly delivering for his country at a World Cup “I’m so happy to see you happy. Living a dream. It’s Brazil,” wrote Vinícius Júnior on Instagram after Brazil’s 3-0 win against Scotland. In the accompanying photograph he was holding his arms open – in the style of his Real Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham. When Bellingham pulled out that pose after scoring for England at Euro 2024, he famously shouted: “Who else?” When Vinícius found the net it felt more like he was saying: “I’ve arrived.” It took a while. Vinícius won his first cap in a 1-0 friendly defeat to Peru in 2019 and was mostly on the bench when Brazil hosted the Copa América in 2021. He didn’t score his first international goal until his 19th appearance – a 4-0 thrashing of Chile in a World Cup qualifier in 2022. By the time the World Cup kicked off in Qatar later that year, he had added clinical finishing to his speed and there were greater expectations. Continue reading...

Nico Paz impressed in first World Cup start

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 27: Nico Paz of Argentina looks during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Jordan and Argentina at Dallas Stadium on June 27, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images) | Getty Images Nico Paz and his Argentina side finished the group stage as leaders of Group J after three consecutive wins – the most recent against Jordan. Paz had played in Argentina’s first game as a second-half substitute. He did not feature against Austria. However, in the final game of their season, Lionel Scaloni opted to give minutes to players who had been waiting on the sidelines. Giovanni Lo Celso opened the scoring, firing a free-kick into the top-left corner after Mohannad Abu Taha had fouled him on the edge of the box. Lautaro Martinez doubled the lead from the spot, sending Yazeed Yazeed Abulaila the wrong way after Nizar Al Rashdan’s high boot caught Senesi. Mousa Tamari pulled one back for Jordan, turning in Ehsan Haddad’s cross. Leo Messi sealed it, curling a free-kick around the wall for his record-extending 19th World Cup goal. Nico Paz played 61 minutes. He was tidy in possession, completing 50 of 53 passes (94%) and both long balls, with two successful dribbles from five. He won four of nine ground duels and made four recoveries.

Tuchel praises Bellingham buy-in after another match-winning showing

Thomas Tuchel praised Jude Bellingham's buy-in to the team ethic after another man-of-the-match performance from the 22-year-old drove England through to the knockout stages of the World Cup.

Kane and Bellingham produce the goods but England need others to step up

Pair’s goals saw off Panama but Tuchel has problems at right-back and on flanks for last-32 tie against the DRC England will head to Atlanta with problems in central defence, right-backs dropping like flies, weary legs in midfield and hope that everything will turn out fine if the Harry and Jude show continues to thrill. For Thomas Tuchel, it is “a moment to keep believe and pushing”. Did England convince while securing top spot in Group L by beating Panama 2-0 in New Jersey? Not at all, but for a team looking to keep spirits high all that matters for now is they have a winnable last-32 tie against the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Wednesday and will be a threat against anyone if Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane continue to produce. Continue reading...

Father figure Carlo Ancelotti will have a plan for Brazil. He always has a plan | Rodrygo

For anyone outside the dressing room it is hard to predict what the Mister will do but he will be prepared for Japan on Monday The 2022 Champions League semi-final. The Santiago Bernabéu. More than 60,000 fans in the stands, and Manchester City leading 1-0. I was on the Real Madrid bench when Carlo Ancelotti called me over and told me to get on the pitch, play aggressively and decide the match. I stepped on to the field in the 68th minute. In the 90th minute, I equalised but we still trailed by a goal on aggregate. We restarted, and the next minute I scored again to force extra time. We won and the rest is history: another title for the club after beating Liverpool in the final. I bring up this moment to highlight how important coaches are to a team’s journey and how decisive they are in a player’s career, doing work that often goes unseen by the public. Continue reading...

World Cup 2026: England to face DRC, Clarke quits Scotland, South Korea president blasts team – live

⚽ All the latest news from as we reach the knockouts ⚽ Player guide | Power rankings | Golden Boot | Mail us England reaction from our writers in New York/New Jersey. Bellingham can be dismissed a little by some as a player of moments. Is that bad? Moments win games. Bellingham is 22 and still finding his final form. He promises to do these things, walks and talks like he might do them. But then he also does them, which seems important. With England paddling here, he had the will and the craft to take out the spoons and rattle something off on his knee just when they needed it most. Continue reading...

Bellingham: “At Real Madrid I play a little deeper”

Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham talked to the press after leading England to a convincing win over Panama while securing his third Man of the Match award in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bellingham was asked about the differences between his role with the national team and Real Madrid. “I don’t think it’s about trust. At Real Madrid, I play differently, a little deeper. With England, I’m a 10 or even an 8 a little more advanced. I don’t care where I play on the field, the position. I always want to play well for my team,” he explained. Unlocking Bellingham’s potential will be one of Mourinho’s priorities, given that he hasn’t been this impactful for Real Madrid in quite some time. His role and his position has always been somewhat controversial, so where will he play under Mourinho?

World Cup 2026 power rankings: France still kings but who has climbed 26 places?

From Algeria to Uzbekistan, we assess the standing of the 48 nations after the group stage of the tournament It took a little over an hour for Kylian Mbappé to find his groove. Irked by a poor refereeing decision, he scored twice in France’s opener. Ably supported by a stunning cast, Mbappé will already have his sights on winning the competition. Michael Olise has shown his class throughout, while Ousmane Dembélé dazzled with a hat-trick against Norway. We’ll see if anyone can stop Didier Deschamps’s team. Continue reading...

The World Cup group stage saved the best for last

Photo by Alex Pantling - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images The 72nd and final game of the World Cup 2026 group stage was the perfect example of why there is quite simply nothing like the World Cup, why no game is ever over, and why the fate of entire nations can be decided by literal centimeters. Algeria and Austria took the field in Kansas City knowing that a draw would be good enough to eliminate Iran and send both teams to the knockout rounds, but no one knew they would take the craziest route imaginable to end the game in a draw. When Riyad Mahrez scored his second goal of the night in added time to complete Algeria’s comeback and make it 3-2 with 45 seconds remaining, Austria were all of a sudden staring at a shocking and humiliating exit at the group stage. Iran’s dream was alive, and the group stage was already ending in spectacular fashion. But Austria launched one final attack, and Michael Gregoritsch kept the ball in play by mere centimeters to assist Saša Kalajdžić, who headed home the equalizer in the 96th minute to send the crowd into a frenzy and save Austria’s World Cup. The same centimeters that worked in Austria’s favor worked against Iran the night before when their own late goal was ruled out for offside, denying them a heroic victory and ultimately sealing their elimination thanks to one of the craziest group stage finishes in World Cup history. There will never be anything like this tournament. Look out, Jude Bellingham is back Jude Bellingham had a very difficult season for Real Madrid filled with injuries and subpar performances, and came into the World Cup with real questions regarding his place in the England team and his relationship with manager Thomas Tuchel. After three group stage matches, there is only one question left: who the hell is gonna stop him? Bellingham is undoubtedly England’s best player after the first two weeks of the World Cup, and his goal and assist on Saturday’s group finale against Panama in New York/New Jersey showed why he remains one of the best players on the planet. This version of Bellingham is truly scary, and is good enough to carry an England side that is still trying to find itself around Jude and Harry Kane. Their path in the knockouts is comfortable enough to keep advancing without looking brilliant while the team evolves, and Bellingham looks ready to keep deciding games by himself. James Rodríguez is still special Colombia thoroughly outplayed Portugal to win Group K in Miami and deserved a victory based on the quality of their performance against a Portuguese team that had all of their best players on the pitch and also wanted to win, and Colombia showed they will be an incredibly tough opponent in the knockout rounds while also casting doubts over Portugal’s status as contenders after yet another disappointing showing from one of the deepest and most talented squads in the tournament. But the story of the game was James Rodríguez: twelve years after his iconic run in Brazil in 2014 that earned him a move to Real Madrid and made him one of the biggest stars in the world, James played a magical game, controlling midfield and creating huge chances with his incredible vision and perfect passing. James cannot quite move or score spectacular goals like he did a decade ago, but even at the end of his career he was still capable of dominating a World Cup match against a Portugal midfield trio of Vitinha, João Neves and Bruno Fernandes all by himself. Class truly is permanent, and James activated nostalgia mode in the best way. The other game in the group also gave us a great story: DR Congo secured a spot in the knockout rounds for the first time in their history thanks to a sensational comeback win in Atlanta against Uzbekistan, their first-ever victory at the World Cup stage. DR Congo have a squad filled with talented and experienced players who will not be an easy opponent for England in the Round of 32, but reaching the knockouts is in itself a gigantic achievement for a nation that had to wait five decades to return to the World Cup. This group will be remembered forever. Luka Modric refuses to say goodbye Croatia were never really in trouble in their Group L finale against Ghana in Philadelphia and secured second place thanks to a Nikola Vlasic header late in the second half to win the game, a goal assisted by a Luka Modric corner-kick as the 40-year-old is still not ready to retire. Modric became the oldest player to record an assist at the World Cup, and while he was not quite as brilliant and showed his age at times during the group phase, no one doubts his ability to lead Croatia to another huge upset at the biggest stage as they get ready to face Portugal in the Round of 32. They will not be favorites to advance, but if we’ve learned anything from Croatia in the last two World Cups, is that they refuse to lose. Just like their captain. One of the greatest midfielders of all-time is widely expected to call it a career at the end of the World Cup, but Luka Modric is absolutely not ready for it to end anytime soon. Lionel Messi has a clear path Argentina took it easy and played the reserves in their Group J finale against Jordan in Dallas, but they still cruised to a dominant 3-1 win and Lionel Messi came off the bench to score a gorgeous free-kick, his 19th career World Cup goal and his sixth in three games in this tournament. The results across the last round of group play painted a pretty clear picture for the Albiceleste: this is as good a path as they could have hoped for in their title defense. Their Round of 32 opponents are the best story in the tournament, Cape Verde, but Argentina are undoubtedly favorites to advance. If the reigning champs do their job in the first couple of knockout rounds, their first real test wouldn’t come until a possible meeting with Colombia in the quarter-final, and the only other nations to have won a World Cup on the same side of the bracket are possible semi-final opponents in Brazil and England. A semi-final against either would certainly be very tough, and one of France, Spain, Germany and Portugal would in theory be waiting for them in the title game. Argentina’s run to back-to-back titles would not be a cakewalk, but the terrifying pre-tournament scenario of having to face Spain and Portugal in the knockouts before even getting to the semis is no longer a possibility. The path is certainly clearer for Lionel Messi and Argentina to achieve immortality, and the crazy thing is they don’t feel any pressure to win a World Cup anymore. So why not go get another?

England player ratings: Bellingham shines but duo fail to take chance

England finished top of Group L after Jude Bellingham inspired a 2-0 win over Panama - but Thomas Tuchel still has issues to solve heading into the knockout stages.

Jude Bellingham bends another day to his will after Panama stifle England | Barney Ronay

A joyless England display, football’s equivalent of assembling a wardrobe, was rescued by the No 10 In the half-time break at a rain-fogged New York New Jersey Stadium, with England still living out the same painful never-ending 0-0 draw, a lone saxophonist could be heard playing a series of noodling riffs on the deserted concourse outside. So it’s come to this. Even the New York dinner jazz scene is having a pop now. And sometimes it really does feel as if the world is trying to tell you something. England had been footballing toothache to that point, awkward, rigid, unable to think or move freely, to find combinations to fit the patterns in front of them. Continue reading...

‘We will step up’: Thomas Tuchel feels England will thrive in World Cup knockouts

‘The bigger the games get, the bigger we will get,’ he says Jarell Quansah hopes to be fit for last 32 after ankle sprain Thomas Tuchel believes England can only get better after sealing top spot in Group L and has backed his side to “step up” for the knockout stages of the World Cup. After the goalless draw against Ghana, England struggled to break down Panama and began the second half behind Croatia in the standings. But goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane – whose header made him England’s highest World Cup scorer – secured a 2-0 win and ensured they will travel to Atlanta for a last-32 tie against the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Wednesday. Continue reading...

Kane and Bellingham proved again why they are key players - Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel says Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham proved once again why they are key players for England, after both men scored in a 2-0 win over Panama which sees Tuchel's team win Group L at the 2026 World Cup.

'He's that guy!' Pundits praise 'brilliant' Bellingham

BBC Sport World Cup pundits Micah Richards and Wayne Rooney praise Jude Bellingham's "desire and hunger" to perform on the biggest stage, after the England midfielder produces a goal and an assist in England's 2-0 win over Panama.

'Superstar' Bellingham inspires England to victory over Panama and top spot in group

Harry kane became England's all-time World Cup goalscorer but it was Jude Bellingham who inspired Thomas Tuchel's side to top spot in Group L as he grabbed a goal and an assist to secure a 2-0 victory over Panama.

Managing Madrid Podcast: REACTION: Jude Bellingham Masterclass Vs Panama

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 27: Jude Bellingham of England celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between Panama and England at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 27, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images) | Getty Images On this Members-only episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Leah Revelle breakdown England’s 2 – 0 win over Panama, with special emphasis on Jude Bellingham’s emphatic and dominant performance. Also: Thomas Tuchel’s changes from the Ghana games, the Uruguay – Spain game, Fede Valverde, and much more. CLICK HERE FOR ACCESS Thanks for being a Member. We hope you enjoy the show! The site is run by a small team that works tirelessly around the clock to make it into what it is today. Your contributions will allow us to continue to have a real and full-time presence in keeping this website, and it’s podcasts, going. Hosts this week: Kiyan Sobhani (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@KiyanSo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) Leah Revelle (⁠@LeahRevelle⁠)

Kane hails 'very versatile' Bellingham after Panama win

Harry Kane praises Jude Bellingham's ability to thrive when he has the freedom to "attack the game" after the midfielder set up a goal for the England captain, and scored one himself, in the 2-0 win over Panama to win Group L at the FIFA World Cup.

England labour past Panama to qualify for last 32 as group winners

Goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane help England secure a 2-0 win over Panama, as Thomas Tuchel's side qualify for the World Cup last 32 as winners of Group L.

Bellingham and Kane strike as England seal top spot with World Cup win over Panama

England are not going to win the World Cup playing like this. They will not get very far in the knockout rounds unless they can sharpen up. But at least they have made it into them, the dream still alive, after they secured top spot in Group L on a slow-burn occasion when the result meant everything. Thomas Tuchel needed to restore momentum after the bore draw against Ghana in game two, to rekindle the excitement from the opening game against Croatia, which England won 4-2. The manager wanted to prove a point. It did not really happen and for the opening 45 minutes it was even possible to fear the worst. Were England going to fail to prise apart another obdurate opponent? Continue reading...

Managing Madrid Readers Back Bouaddi As World Cup Breakout Star

Morocco's midfielder #06 Ayyoub Bouaddi takes part in a training session at The Pingry School in Basking Ridge, New Jersey on June 21, 2026, during the 2026 World Cup football tournament. (Photo by Mauro PIMENTEL / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Managing Madrid readers have weighed in on two more World Cup predictions, and the results point to a tournament full of surprises — though the readers already got some predictions wrong. When asked which major nation is most likely to suffer a shock group-stage elimination, Spain narrowly topped the poll with 35% of the vote. Portugal followed closely behind at 33%, suggesting readers believe two of the tournament favorites could be vulnerable despite their talent. Brazil received 21%, while Argentina (7%), France (3%), and England (2%) attracted far fewer votes: The results highlight just how competitive this year’s World Cup is expected to be, with readers seeing little margin for error among the sport’s traditional powerhouses. The second poll focused on which young player could emerge as the tournament’s breakout star. Ayyoub Bouaddi led the way with 36% of the vote, reflecting the excitement surrounding one of the game’s brightest young midfield prospects and a player who has been linked with Real Madrid: Arda Güler finished second with 22%, while Yan Diomande and Endrick were tied on 14%. Nico Paz received 11% of the vote, with Gilberto Mora rounding out the poll at 3%. It’s no surprise that Real Madrid fans gravitated toward players connected to the club, with Güler, Endrick, and Nico Paz all receiving strong support. Bouaddi, however, emerged as the clear favorite, suggesting readers believe the Moroccan teenager has the best chance to use the World Cup as his breakthrough on the international stage. This poll and the graphics are sponsored by Fanduel.

Haaland on Norway bench but Mbappe starts, plus Senegal vs Iraq LIVE!

Norway v France: World Cup 2026 – live

⚽️ World Cup kick-off time: 3pm EDT/8pm BST/5am AEST ⚽️ Third-place table | Player guide | Golden Boot | Mail Scott ⚽️ Senegal v Iraq – live updates from the group’s other game So much for that Erling Haaland versus Kylian Mbappé shootout: Norway coach Stale Solbakken has rested the striker. He’s one of ten players stood down, with the only regular starter to retain his starting spot being Benfica midfielder Fredrik Aursnes. Norway: Selvik, Aursnes, Falchener, Ostigard, Bjorkan, Thorstvedt, Berg, Aasgaard, Bobb, Larsen, Schjelderup. Subs: Nyland, Tangvik, Thorsby, Ajer, Wolfe, Sorloth, Berge, Haaland, Odegaard, Pedersen, Heggem, Nusa, Hauge, Langas, Ryerson. Continue reading...

Mbappe vs Haaland - new Messi-Ronaldo rivalry graces World Cup

It is a World Cup where the big stars have shone so far. On Friday night, two of those big hitters are set to do battle in the first 'clash of the titans' meeting.

World Cup 2026: Haaland v Mbappé; Schweinsteiger’s ‘African football’ comments criticised; Ecuador’s national holiday – live

⚽ Latest news from day 15 | Haaland v Mbappé in data ⚽ Third-place table | Player guide | Bracketology | Mail us Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland will go head-to-head later on as France take on Norway and they have both scored the same amount of goals so far this tournament with four. They could go top of the Golden Boot standings this evening but who is currently there? Have a look: Ecuador fans’ nerves will be eased for now but that is not the case for all the nations yet as all of the knockout spots have not been allocated. Here is how the third-place spots are shaking out: Continue reading...

Mbappe v Haaland: Who is more important for their country?

Two of the greatest forwards in world football will go head-to-head at Boston Stadium on Friday, as France and Kylian Mbappe take on Norway and Erling Haaland.

Mourinho: “I must find a way to avoid the problems Real Madrid had in previous seasons”

Real Madrid coach José Mourinho talked to Adebayo Akinfenwa in his Beast Mode On Podcast and shared some thoughts about his return to the club and what his goals will be this upcoming season. “I’ve read some things saying that Jose is coming here and he’s going to cut some of the best players who supposedly had problems during the season. No, no, I want these players, I want these players, I want the best. Now I have to find a way to have a team and not have the problems that, I don’t know, from what I’ve read, they had in previous seasons,” said the Portuguese coach. That dismisses the notion of Real Madrid potentially selling some players who were involved in controversies throughout the 2025-26 season. Mourinho also said that he’s hoping that most of his players don’t get too busy during the World Cup. “You want the truth? I want the Real Madrid players to lose and go on vacation. Because I want them back for pre-season,” he said jokingly.

Arda Güler scores against the USA in consolation win for Türkiye

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 25: Arda Güler #8 of Turkey scores a goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between Türkiye and USA at Los Angeles Stadium on June 25, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Liza Rosales/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) | ISI Photos via Getty Images Real Madrid star Arda Güler scored in Türkiye’s 3-2 win over the hosts, the United States, in the final game of Group D. The USA were ahead after only three minutes on the clock thanks to Auston Trusty’s opener. Güler equalized in the 10th minute. Baris Alper Yilmaz gave an already eliminated Türkiye’s side in the 31st minute, but the USA refused to give up just yet. Sebastian Berhalter equalized at the start of the second half. However, the game ended in truly dramatic circumstances as Kaan Ayhan, the Galatasaray center-back, grabbed a super late winner in the eighth minute of stoppage time. Arda Güler delivered a complete attacking display, scoring once from an xG of 0.53 and leading all players with three successful dribbles at a perfect rate. He was a constant outlet, registering 67 touches, 8 passes into the final third, and 77% passing accuracy. Defensively, he contributed two tackles, four recoveries, and won all three aerial duels.

Paraguay v Australia: World Cup 2026 – live

⚽️ Kick-off time: 7pm local/12pm AEST/3am BST/10pm EDT ⚽️ Third-place table | Player guide | Tables | Mail Jonathan ⚽️ Follow live coverage of Turkey v USA as it happens Jonathan Liew considers the impact of this World Cup being the most individual > collective in tournament history. … something does feel qualitatively different this summer: a tectonic shift driven partly by events on the pitch and partly at the behest of the industry itself. This is a World Cup swimming in star names, and never have those star names been so unapologetically, unquestioningly invoked. France do not beat Iraq; instead Kylian Mbappé throws down the gauntlet to Erling Haaland, Harry Kane and the rest. According to Google, Miroslav Klose’s goals record has been searched more at this tournament than in the year he set it. At times the group phase has felt like an inconvenient distraction from the real business of the Golden Boot race. (Can Lionel Messi lift the one trophy he hasn’t won yet?) Continue reading...

Japan and Sweden both reach World Cup last 32 after Elanga’s strike seals draw

Thank goodness this is Dallas and not Gijon. There was ultimately no disgrace in a draw that served everybody, even if one might have forgiven Graham Potter and Hajime Moriyasu for shaking hands at half-time. At that point most onlookers may have fancied calling it all off too but a much sparkier second half served up two moments to cherish and left Sweden, who had risked throwing such a promising campaign away, certain of a spot in the last 32. Japan were already confident of theirs and, as runners-up, will face Brazil in Houston on Monday. It is a mouthwatering knockout clash that surely has no business being contested at so early a point in the competition. In fairness a lower finish may have served them no better and they can be spurred by the precedent set by recent history. Back in October, after all, they thrillingly beat Carlo Ancelotti’s side in Tokyo. They will feel able to do it again and there was no point risking the third-place lottery here. Continue reading...

Real Madrid trigger Nico Paz’s buyback clause, will sell him to Como for €60 million -report

Real Madrid have triggered their option to buy Nico Paz back, according to reports published on AS and MARCA. Los Blancos always had the opportunity to spend €9 million and bring Nico Paz back and they’ve decided to execute it. However, it looks like Real Madrid will sell the Argentinian wonder kid to Como for €60 million, per those same reports on AS and MARCA. Nico Paz’s value appeared to be higher than €60 million, some some rumors suggest that Real Madrid could be keeping a future option to bring him back for €80 million if Como ultimately decide to spend that kind of money to retain Paz on their roster. Either way, it looks like Real Madrid now have control over Paz’s future, with the player keen on spending another year with Como knowing how hard it will be for him to get consistent playing time over established stars like Valverde, Arda Güler or Jude Bellingham.

WORLD CUP OPEN THREAD | June 25, 2026

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 23: Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match between Portugal and Uzbekistan at Houston Stadium on June 23, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) | FIFA via Getty Images The Daily Merengue is a place where you can feel free to discuss all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. It’s in the name! Shoutout to the mods who do a fantastic job Kung_Fu_Zizou, Juninho, NeRObutBlanco, Felipejack, Ezek Ix and yours truly, Valyrian Steel. Plenty to Baila about this world cup. 3 games 3 MOTM Awards. Incredible. Managing Madrid Podcast: Vinicius Is Leading Brazil In World Cup 2026@KiyanSo, @leahrevelle, and @hridarora also discuss Enzo Fernandezhttps://t.co/lZOVsOeroO — Managing Madrid (@managingmadrid) June 25, 2026 3 games. 4 goals. 1 assist. 3 MOTM. 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/b6ELGjYM71 — Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) June 25, 2026 I don’t know about that price tag. 🚨 BREAKING: ENZO FERNANDEZ & REAL MADRID: TALKS ARE NOW UNDERWAY ON PERSONAL TERMS! He is a LEADING target for the club, driven by JOSE MOURINHO. The club will likely approach Chelsea next. @JacobsBen pic.twitter.com/21hXOGQhh3 — Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) June 24, 2026 🚨 CONFIRMED: Chelsea value Enzo Fernandez at £120 million. @JacobsBen pic.twitter.com/F8z2qSJgoc — Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) June 24, 2026

World Cup becomes cult of the individual but ignores team complexity | Jonathan Liew

The irony of the superstar-heavy narrative is the way it embellishes rather than diminishes importance of the collective “Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-equalling sixth World Cup got off to a disappointing start,” began the Reuters match report of Portugal’s 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of the Congo last week. And yes, OK: everyone knows how this game works and why everyone plays it. On one hand, perhaps the greatest sporting day in the history of the world’s 15th most populous country. On the other, 41-year-old man does not score. It’s no contest, really. Get those sweet keywords front and left. Harvest that delicious search traffic. Perhaps you even noticed how I just did exactly the same thing. And yet something does feel qualitatively different this summer: a tectonic shift driven partly by events on the pitch and partly at the behest of the industry itself. This is a World Cup swimming in star names, and never have those star names been so unapologetically, unquestioningly invoked. France do not beat Iraq; instead Kylian Mbappé throws down the gauntlet to Erling Haaland, Harry Kane and the rest. According to Google, Miroslav Klose’s goals record has been searched more at this tournament than in the year he set it. At times the group phase has felt like an inconvenient distraction from the real business of the Golden Boot race. (Can Lionel Messi lift the one trophy he hasn’t won yet?) Continue reading...