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Cristiano Ronaldo has come under fire after Portugal were held to a draw by DR Congo in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup. Former England striker Jay Bothroyd claimed the veteran forward is becoming a burden on the team, while Roberto Martinez continues to back his captain despite growing scrutiny.

Thomas Tuchel has successfully persuaded FIFA to alter its pre-match media guidelines following a frustrating experience during his tournament debut in Texas. The England head coach complained that a dense wall of press photographers completely obstructed his view of the players during the national anthems, prompting football's governing body to launch an immediate tactical compromise.

Mohamed Salah's end-of-season exit left Liverpool with a major problem - and Yan Diomande looks like the best possible solution. Unfortunately for the Reds, they're likely to have as much trouble signing the teenage sensation this summer as Ecuador's defenders had trying to keep up with him in Philadelphia on Sunday. In a way, Diomande's dazzling display on his World Cup debut was a positive for Liverpool, as it illustrated precisely why they believe he could have a transformative effect on an attack that struggled so badly last season.

Marcus Rashford remains determined to secure a permanent return to Barcelona despite Anthony Gordon's arrival at Camp Nou. Manchester United are keen to sell the England forward this summer, but the 28-year-old is prepared to wait for the Catalan club and has made them his preferred destination.

There was something all-too predictable about Brazil's performance in their World Cup opener against Morocco. Having been consistently inconsistent since Carlo Ancelotti was appointed a year ago, a disjointed display in New Jersey yielded only a point as the Selecao were forced to rely on a moment of magic from Vinicius Jr to snatch an equaliser. Looking ahead, the Italian tactician has plenty of food for thought.

Freiburg starlet Johan Manzambi came off the bench to score a sensational late brace, inspiring Switzerland to an emphatic 4-1 World Cup victory over Bosnia & Herzegovina at SoFi Stadium. The 20-year-old completely transformed the tense affair, keeping the Swiss firmly in the qualification hunt.

England have received a major boost ahead of their second World Cup group-stage match, with Harry Kane and Declan Rice both expected to be available against Ghana. Concerns emerged after the 4-2 win over Croatia, but Thomas Tuchel has eased fears surrounding two of his most important players.

Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT opened the World Cup with a 4-1 win over Paraguay, but the manager said the performance was built on more than tactics. He emphasized ambition, internal competition, and belief, while making clear that no player should feel guaranteed a place in his squad in a recent interview.

Mauricio Pochettino says Christian Pulisic's availability for the U.S. Men's National Team's second World Cup match will go right down to the wire as the star winger deals with an injury suffered in the team's tournament-opening win over Paraguay. The USMNT boss said Pulisic will be analyzed by medical staff on Thursday night before a decision is made ahead of Friday's match in Seattle.

Luis Romo’s winner sealed Mexico’s place atop Group A, sending El Tri back to Azteca and fueling belief that this could be their strongest World Cup team since 2002.

Canada made history with their first men’s World Cup win as Jonathan David delivered a hat-trick and Jesse Marsch’s press overwhelmed Qatar, but Ismael Koné’s serious injury cast a shadow over a dominant night in Vancouver.

With Christian Pulisic's status still up in the air, the USMNT must solve Australia's towering backline, manage the Socceroos' physicality and stay balanced in a crucial World Cup group-stage clash.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is already setting records on and off the pitch. More than 1.5 million fans have attended matches through June 17, while over 54 million viewers tuned in across the United States, Mexico, and Canada to watch the host nations open their campaigns. The tournament has delivered record-breaking crowds, television audiences, and streaming numbers.

The U.S. may be missing a key attacker - could they turn to Reyna to provide the spark needed in the second group stage game?

England fans came to Texas for the Three Lions' World Cup opener. They found rodeos, pickup trucks, cowboy hats, Oasis sing-alongs, and a tournament experience unlike any they’ve had before.

Rio Ferdinand has claimed that England possess just one "genuinely world-class player" in their ranks despite the wealth of talent available to Thomas Tuchel. The Manchester United legend made the assessment following the Three Lions' impressive 4-2 victory over Croatia in their 2026 World Cup opener on Wednesday.

Inter Milan have officially announced that head coach Cristian Chivu has signed a contract extension that will keep him at San Siro until 2028. The former Nerazzurri defender has been rewarded for a sensational debut season in the dugout that saw the club secure both the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia.

Manuel Neuer has confirmed that he will step away from Germany national team duty for a second time following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup. The legendary Bayern Munich goalkeeper, who reversed his initial retirement decision to join Julian Nagelsmann’s squad for this summer's tournament, is aiming to end his illustrious international career by lifting a second world title.

Paul Scholes has admitted that Cristiano Ronaldo is a "problem" for Portugal after their disappointing World Cup draw against DR Congo. The Manchester United legend also claims that his ex-team-mate will be "so pissed off" to have seen his eternal rival Lionel Messi score a hat-trick in Argentina's tournament opener against Algeria.

Tottenham have officially confirmed the acquisition of Dutch international Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal worth a reported £52 million ($69m). The talented centre-back becomes the third major arrival of the summer window at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, following the free transfer captures of Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson.

A late, controversial penalty converted by Teboho Mokoena salvaged a crucial point for South Africa against Czechia, keeping their 2026 World Cup hopes alive. The 1-1 draw ensured that both nations remain firmly in the hunt for knockout stage progression.

Liverpool have made a major statement in the transfer market by reportedly submitting a formal €100m offer for RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande. The Reds are looking to steal a march on Paris Saint-Germain for the teenage forward, though Leipzig remain reluctant to sanction a sale this summer.

Liverpool have confirmed the capture of Spain international forward Victor Munoz from Osasuna, beating Newcastle United to the left winger's signature. The Reds have made a major statement in the transfer market by activating the £34 million ($45m) release clause in his contract to secure the deal.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s role in the Portugal national team has come under intense scrutiny once again following a frustrating start to their 2026 World Cup campaign. After a 1-1 draw against DR Congo, former Ghana international Kevin-Prince Boateng has suggested that the legendary forward may need to sacrifice his starting spot for the good of the collective.

Newcastle fans can be forgiven for experiencing a strange and unwanted feeling of deja vu this week. After being linked heavily with an exciting young attacker throughout the build-up to this summer’s transfer window, Liverpool have snuck in at the last and pipped them to the post - again. Last year, it was Hugo Ekitike; this year, it is Victor Munoz.

Jude Bellingham admitted that sometimes he "deserves" the criticism that comes his way after starring in England's 4-2 win over Croatia at the 2026 World Cup. The Real Madrid star was among the scorers as the Three Lions began their group stage campaign in style, and after the final whistle, he took the opportunity to address the scrutiny he has faced in recent months.

The family of Lionel Messi have confirmed that the Argentina captain's father, Jorge Messi, is currently "dealing with a health issue" that has required medical supervision. In a strongly-worded statement, the family hit out at the "irresponsible" speculation that has emerged regarding Jorge's condition during the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Edinson Cavani has reportedly agreed to tear up his contract with Argentinian giants Boca Juniors but wants to keep playing aged 39. The iconic striker follows fellow former Manchester United star Ander Herrera out the door in Buenos Aires, cutting his spell short ahead of a major squad overhaul.

Australian forward Sam Kerr is reportedly heading back to the NWSL. After six trophy-filled seasons with Chelsea, five Women's Super League titles and two Golden Boots, the Australia international has reportedly agreed to rejoin Gotham FC. Kerr previously starred in the NWSL with Sky Blue FC, Chicago and Western New York, leaving as the league's all-time leading scorer.