South Korea edge Czech Republic as empty seats mar Guadalajara
Czech Republic’s Pavel Šulc suffers a torn Puma jersey during a World Cup match, reviving concerns over Puma kit durability at major tournaments.
Japan lose captain Wataru Endo to a foot injury days before facing the Netherlands. The 33-year-old retires from internationals, with Ko Itakura taking the armband for Group F.
South Korea’s 2-1 win over Czech Republic in Guadalajara played out amid thousands of empty seats as dynamic pricing fuels World Cup ticket backlash despite recent cuts.
Alisson says he is ‘100%’, explaining his late-season Liverpool absence was planned to be ready for Brazil’s World Cup, backing Ancelotti’s squad and dismissing claims Weverton was cover for him.
Brazil 1970 World Cup-winning defender Brito dies at 86. The CBF hails his role as Brazil chase a sixth title, starting against Morocco.
Mexico beat South Africa and South Korea rally past Czech Republic as World Cup opens amid ticket and political controversies, reminding why the tournament still captivates.
Sweden’s Group F plans vs Tunisia: Potter waits on Gabriel Gudmundsson’s illness, with Isak and Gyokeres leading the line and Bernhardsson at RWB. Likely back three Hien, Lindelof, Lagerbielke.
Sky launches low-latency ‘Real Time’ BBC One HD and STV/ITV channels for World Cup 2026, aiming to cut streaming delay before Scotland vs Haiti. Available at no extra cost to Sky Glass and Stream users.
Real Madrid will assess Vinicius Jr’s World Cup displays with Brazil before deciding on a renewal. With talks stalled over wages and contract to 2027, a sale is not ruled out if he underwhelms.
Canada coach Jesse Marsch embraces leading a home World Cup, confirms Alphonso Davies is out vs Bosnia. Stephen Eustaquio captains in Canada’s first World Cup match on home soil.
Carlos Queiroz takes charge of Ghana for a short-term World Cup mission, praised as meticulous and tough from prior roles with Manchester United, Iran and Egypt.
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino joked about expanding to ‘208 teams’ so Italy qualify after their play-off loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Italian politicians condemn the ‘belittling’ remarks amid Azzurri turmoil.
Curacao’s World Cup 2026 opener vs Germany: Advocaat set to start Leandro and Juninho Bacuna, with Chong, Gorre and Antonisse in attack and Room in goal. Probable XI: Room, Sambo, Obispo, Gaari, Floranus…
Messi leads holders Argentina into 2026 aiming to retain the title amid form and age doubts in defence and midfield, with continuity under Lionel Scaloni but Di Maria gone.
Group D preview: Opta rates Türkiye 55.3% to beat Australia in Vancouver. Çalhanoglu and Güler led qualifying creativity, while the Socceroos often start slowly and have 10 losses in last five World Cups.
Colombia’s Luis Diaz, thriving after a prolific Bayern season, is tipped to be Group K’s key threat alongside James Rodriguez as Los Cafeteros target a deep World Cup run.
Round-up of England World Cup 2026 merchandise deals as Tuchel’s side prepare for Group L opener vs Croatia, including retro shirts, Panini stickers and discounts on the official Nike kit.
South Africa captain Ronwen Williams concedes a ‘reality check’ after Mexico win, citing an early error and red cards for Siphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane ahead of games vs Czechia and South Korea.
Round-up tease references South Korea’s comeback and a FIFA fan festival evacuation after the World Cup kicked off with Mexico vs South Africa.
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez details meticulous prep with decades of notebooks as he targets World Cup glory with Cristiano Ronaldo, starting against DR Congo in Houston.
Belgium’s Jeremy Doku, off a strong 2025-26 for Man City, is tipped to be their key attacker in Group G against Egypt, Iran and New Zealand at the 2026 World Cup.
Hwang In-beom equalises then crosses for Oh Hyeon-gyu’s 80th-minute winner as South Korea beat Czech Republic 2-1 in Group A. Ladislav Krejci had headed the Czechs ahead in Guadalajara.
