Stories
Match reports, analysis and opinion — how it all went down.
Match reportUSA hit record four in dominant World Cup opener against Paraguay
Folarin Balogun struck twice as the United States beat Paraguay 4-1 at SoFi Stadium — the first time the USMNT has scored four in a World Cup match — to open their home tournament on top of Group D.
🗓 Sat, 13 Jun · 04:00 EAT ·1 min read
Match reportCanada claim historic first World Cup point in Bosnia draw
Cyle Larin's late equaliser earned Canada a 1-1 draw with Bosnia at BMO Field — the first World Cup point in the nation's history, in the first men's World Cup match on Canadian soil.
🗓 Fri, 12 Jun · 22:00 EAT ·1 min read
Match reportTaeguk Warriors roar back: South Korea stun Czechia
South Korea fought back from a goal down to beat Czechia 2-1 in Guadalajara, Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu striking after the break to move level with Mexico in Group A.
🗓 Fri, 12 Jun · 05:00 EAT ·1 min read
NewsWhy some African fans are rooting against South Africa — and what is behind it
When Bafana Bafana lost their World Cup opener, much of the continent cheered for Mexico. Behind the unusual sight is a serious story about xenophobia, migration and a fractured African solidarity.
🗓 Fri, 12 Jun ·2 min read
NewsSouth Africa's World Cup fallout: fury at the discipline, pressure on Broos
South Africa's 2-0 defeat to Mexico has divided opinion at home — pride in the defence, fury at the attack and the red cards, and a 'Hugo must go' debate. Inside the reaction.
🗓 Fri, 12 Jun ·2 min read
Match reportQuiñones makes history as Mexico down nine-man South Africa
Julián Quiñones scored the first goal of the 2026 World Cup as hosts Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in a fiery opener that saw three red cards. How the Azteca night unfolded.
🗓 Thu, 11 Jun · 22:00 EAT ·1 min read
NewsShakira and Burna Boy open the 2026 World Cup in a first-ever triple ceremony
The 2026 World Cup launched with three opening ceremonies for the first time — Shakira and Burna Boy at a historic Estadio Azteca, then Toronto and Los Angeles. Inside the music, the moments and the meaning.
🗓 Fri, 12 Jun ·3 min read
NewsTuchel's England cruise past Costa Rica as Saka returns
England signed off their preparations with a 3-0 win over Costa Rica in Orlando. Declan Rice, Anthony Gordon and Ollie Watkins scored, and Bukayo Saka was back in the squad.
🗓 Thu, 11 Jun ·1 min read
NewsRonaldo misfires but Portugal beat Nigeria in final World Cup warm-up
Portugal saw off Nigeria 2-1 in Leiria in their last tune-up before the 2026 World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo missed two clear chances, but Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceição had the answers.
🗓 Thu, 11 Jun ·1 min read
NewsFollow the money: inside FIFA's record $13 billion World Cup
The 2026 World Cup will be the richest in history — FIFA projects $13 billion for the cycle, an $871m prize pool and a record payout for the winners. Where the money comes from, and who is left paying the bills.
🗓 Wed, 10 Jun ·2 min read
NewsThe biggest World Cup ever: 48 teams, 104 matches, 39 days
The 2026 World Cup rips up the format — 48 teams, 104 matches, a new Round of 32 and 39 days across three nations. The scale of the biggest tournament football has ever staged.
🗓 Wed, 10 Jun ·1 min read
NewsJapan walk off a dangerous pitch in Mexico, then decamp to Nashville
Japan abandoned their Monterrey training base after the pitch turned out hard, uneven and unsafe. A 48-hour scramble and a rival club’s help later, the Samurai Blue have settled in Nashville for Group F.
🗓 Wed, 10 Jun ·1 min read
NewsMessi on target as Argentina cruise past Iceland
The world champions signed off with a 3-0 win over Iceland, Lionel Messi scoring from the spot on his return alongside Valentín Barco and Thiago Almada.
🗓 Wed, 10 Jun ·1 min read