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Amad Diallo proved to be the hero for Ivory Coast as his dramatic 90th-minute strike secured a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in their 2026 World Cup opener. The Manchester United winger stepped off the bench to end the Elephants' 12-year wait for a win on the world stage while simultaneously snapping Ecuador's remarkable 19-game unbeaten streak.

The Netherlands conceded a late equaliser as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Japan in their opening game of the 2026 World Cup. Second-half strikes from Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville looked to have got the Oranje over the line, but they were pegged back on both occasions as Group F began in Dallas.

Germany made an early statement at the 2026 World Cup as they ran out 7-1 winners over tournament debutants Curacao. A brace from Kai Havertz and goals from Felix Nmecha, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav ensured a relatively straightforward introduction to Group E for Die Mannschaft, though they were given something of a shock when Curacao found the net midway through the first half.

The USMNT had one chance to show the country - and the world - what soccer in America is and could become. They made the most of it.

From enchiladas to coxinha, discover the fan-favorite foods of Groups G, H and I and where to find them across New York City during the 2026 World Cup.

The USMNT’s 4-1 World Cup-opening win over Paraguay drew 15.986 million viewers across FOX, FOX One and Tubi, making it the most-watched USMNT telecast ever and another major sign of soccer’s growing pull in the United States. The broadcast peaked at 18.86 million viewers, while the match also became the most-streamed English-language USMNT game on record.

From Patta and Nike Netherlands to Topo Chico and CHARLY, brands are launching exclusive apparel collaborations ahead of the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup.

Gary Lineker has admitted he found Thomas Tuchel's decision to omit Newcastle United star Lewis Hall from England's World Cup squad "hard to understand." The former Three Lions striker questioned safe-guarding certain defensive positions while overlooking a player who has excelled at left-back throughout the current Premier League campaign.

Morocco teenage sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi has addressed mounting speculation regarding a potential move to the Premier League following a stellar performance at the 2026 World Cup opening. The Lille teenager was the talk of the tournament after dominating the midfield during the Atlas Lions' 1-1 draw with Brazil at MetLife Stadium.

Roberto Mancini is officially a free agent, and his return to the Italian national team has never been closer. The manager, who made history with Manchester City by winning the Premier League, has announced his departure from the Qatari club, paving the way for a new chapter in his career.

Ghana’s government has launched a scathing attack on Canadian authorities, accusing them of flouting international laws after Thomas Partey was denied entry into the country due to ongoing legal proceedings over rape charges against him. The Villarreal midfielder was expected to lead his nation in their 2026 World Cup opener against Panama, but he remains stranded at the team's base camp in Boston following a visa rejection stemming from the allegations.

Rangers are on the verge of a major managerial shake-up as Hearts boss Derek McInnes prepares to take the reins at Ibrox. The move comes as Danny Rohl nears an exit to join Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg, sparking a domino effect in the Scottish Premiership.

The full extent of the security breach that rocked the England camp has been revealed, with two men officially charged in connection with the theft of £13,500 worth of equipment. Prosecutors in Jackson County have identified the suspects as two drivers for the trucking company responsible for moving the squad's gear across the United States.

Somali referee Omar Artan will reportedly receive his full tournament salary from FIFA despite being prevented from officiating at the World Cup. The 34-year-old was sensationally denied entry to the United States following an 11-hour interrogation by immigration officials at Miami International Airport.

Portugal's stars are honouring their late teammate as they prepare for their 2026 World Cup quest in North America. Cristiano Ronaldo and the rest of the Selecao squad were spotted wearing special commemorative wristbands during training in Miami as an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota.

Arsenal have reportedly made their move for one of the breakout stars of the 2026 World Cup, as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his midfield options. The Gunners have apparently approached Lille regarding Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi, who has seen his stock skyrocket following an impressive display against Brazil.

Julian Nagelsmann has dropped a selection bombshell ahead of Germany’s 2026 World Cup opener against Curacao by confirming Manuel Neuer will start in goal. The veteran Bayern Munich shot-stopper is set to make his first appearance for Die Mannschaft in two years as they begin their campaign in Houston.

Marcus Rashford's career at Manchester United may not be over after all, with manager Michael Carrick reportedly open to bringing the forward back into the fold at Old Trafford. The 28-year-old appeared to have played his final game for the Red Devils back in 2024, but a series of transfer developments have paved the way for a sensational return.

Gary Neville has launched a blistering attack on FIFA, labeling the governing body a "dictatorship" following a night of officiating drama at the World Cup. The Manchester United legend was left incensed during Switzerland's 1-1 draw with Qatar after a controversial penalty was awarded despite strong suspicions of offside.

Brazil's 2026 World Cup campaign got off to a stuttering start as the Selecao were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Morocco at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Despite a goal from Vinicius Jr, the post-match talk has focused on the defensive lapses and lack of midfield authority that plagued Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Liverpool supporters have been sent into a frenzy following a cryptic social media post from the club's official account regarding former striker Darwin Nunez. The Uruguayan forward, who left Anfield only last summer, is suddenly being linked with a sensational return to Merseyside as a free agent - with fans urging new boss Andoni Iraola to bring him home.

England’s World Cup preparations have taken a worrying turn after Thomas Tuchel’s squad was hit with an emergency tornado warning. The Three Lions were forced to abandon their evening plans and remain confined to their hotel as severe weather struck Kansas City.

Jurgen Klopp has joined USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino in a scathing attack on the 2026 World Cup hydration breaks, claiming the sport is being "held hostage" by commercial interest. The former Liveprool manager argues the mid-half interruptions are designed to serve commercial advertisers rather than genuinely protect player welfare.

Switzerland’s World Cup campaign began with a frustrating 1-1 draw against Qatar as a stoppage-time equaliser from Boualem Khoukhi cancelled out Breel Embolo's early penalty. Despite dominating much of the proceedings at Levi’s Stadium, Murat Yakin's side failed to kill the game off and were left reeling by a late lapse in concentration.

Australia have turned Group D upside down after securing a stunning 2-0 victory over Turkey at BC Place in Vancouver. On a night where the Socceroos were expected to struggle against European opposition, Tony Popovic’s side delivered a masterclass in clinical counter-attacking football to move level with the USMNT at the top of the standings.

Mohamed Salah will be making up for lost time and missed chances this summer. The 33-year-old is back on the World Cup stage with Egypt for the first time since the 2018 edition - a tournament that descended into a debacle for the Pharaohs. The soon-to-be former Liverpool talisman will be determined that past mistakes aren't repeated as he looks to make history with his country.

John McGinn was the hero in Boston as Scotland finally ended their 36-year wait for a World Cup victory with a gritty 1-0 win over Haiti. The Aston Villa star remains the talisman for Steve Clarke’s side, netting the decisive goal to put the Scots in pole position in Group C - and revealing the pre-match vow that fueled his fearless performance.

Scotland waited 28 years for this. Haiti waited five decades. In a match between two sides desperate to make their World Cup return count, John McGinn provided the moment that mattered, turning a lucky bounce into the lone goal as the Tartan Army escaped Boston Stadium with a 1-0 win, Scotland’s first victory at the tournament since Italia ’90.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Vinicius Jr scored a wonderful goal to give life to an otherwise languid Brazil performance as the Selecao settled for a 1-1 draw with Morocco to open their World Cup campaign. Brazil started slowly and conceded first, but a moment of magic from their main man restored parity before the break. Both sides, it seems, will take the point with more manageable opposition to come.