Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi will not be involved in this weekend’s clash with with Germany in Toronto after the player was denied entry into Canada amid an ongoing investigation into his potential involvement in match-fixing.
He was reportedly arrested less than two weeks ago and is the subject of an “active investigation” to establish whether the forward deliberately earned a yellow card while playing for Nice against Metz in Ligue 1 on 17 May.
The Ivorian Football Federation said they had full confidence in Wahi, who is not travelling with the squad because authorisations for his travel to Canada had not been obtained.
Elsewhere, Thomas Tuchel has called on Fifa to intervene after photographers “ruined” what was an “emotional moment” of his first England national anthem ahead of his side’s 4-2 win over Croatia, while there are questions around whether Cristiano Ronaldo’s continued presence at the forefront of Portugal’s setup is hurting the nation’s chances in the tournament, after his dismal display against DR Congo.
Follow for live updates from the 2026 World Cup below:
England v Croatia - World Cup 2026
- Elye Wahi not allowed into Canada for Ivory Coast match after being arrested over match-fixing offences
- Wahi becomes the second player rejected by Canada after Thomas Partey
- Tuchel urges Fifa to intervene after England national anthem ‘ruined’ before Croatia win
- Declan Rice minor injury concern as Tuchel gives update
- Miguel Delaney: England have a new exciting way under Thomas Tuchel but two problems remain
- Richard Jolly: 10 men and a statue: Portugal are sacrificing another World Cup for Cristiano Ronaldo’s ego
England learn route to Women’s World Cup after failing to qualify automatically
14:28 , Will Castle
England have learned their route to the Women’s World Cup in 2027 as the qualifying play-off draw was made on Thursday.
The Lionesses will play Greece in the first round of their qualifying play-off this October.
Sarina Wiegman’s side must progress through two rounds of home and away ties in order to make the finals, held in Brazil next year.
If they beat Greece they will face the winner of Slovakia vs Ukraine, with England, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales all to play their second legs at home. Northern Ireland will travel away for their second match.
England learn route to Women’s World Cup after failing to qualify automatically
Copa Independent: The Tuchel team-talk that fired England to beat Croatia
14:20 , Will Castle
Dallas pub forced to close after England fans cause ‘mayhem’ at World Cup watch party
14:12 , Will Castle
A Dallas pub, The Londoner, was forced to close its doors during England's World Cup victory over Croatia, just a day after reporting sales of over 5,000 beers to jubilant fans.
The establishment, a hub for England supporters, was shut down by the fire marshal following "the mayhem that descended on us," with social media footage showing extreme overcrowding.
The pub had previously boasted about its impressive beer sales the night before the Three Lions' opening match.
Dallas pub forced to close after England fans cause ‘mayhem’ at World Cup watch party
POLL: How far will England go?
14:04 , Will Castle
WATCH: Police use ‘VAR’ to catch bag thieves during World Cup
13:56 , Will Castle
Ibrahima Konate signs with European titans after leaving Liverpool on a free
13:48 , Will Castle
Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer after the France centre-back decided to leave Liverpool upon the expiry of his contract.
The 27-year-old defender's departure from Anfield had already been announced by the Premier League club, with Real saying on Thursday that they “have reached an agreement for him to become a Real Madrid player for the next four seasons, until June 30, 2030.”
Konate becomes the third player in the past week to line up a move to Real from the Premier League, following a £52m deal for Spain left-back Marc Cucurella from Chelsea on Monday and Bernardo Silva’s impending arrival as a free agent from Manchester City.
Ibrahima Konate signs with European titans after leaving Liverpool on a free
Full story: Ivory Coast star becomes second World Cup player denied entry to Canada
13:40 , Kieran Jackson
Ivory Coast’s Elye Wahi has been denied entry into Canada for his country’s next World Cup match – a day after it was revealed that the 23-year-old had been arrested over match-fixing offences.
The Ivorian forward Wahi is the subject of an “active investigation” from the French police to establish whether he deliberately earned a yellow card while playing for Nice against Metz in Ligue 1 on 17 May.
A report in The Athletic detailed that Wahi, who started Ivory Coast’s 1-0 win against Ecuador on Sunday night, was subsequently arrested by French police on 29 May and was released after an interview.
However, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) issued a statement on Thursday detailing that Wahi has not been allowed to join the squad for their clash in Toronto against Germany on Saturday as the “necessary administrative authorisations for his entry into Canadian territory could not be obtained at this stage.”
Wahi becomes the second World Cup player who has not been allowed entry into Canada after Ghana’s Thomas Partey – who denies allegations of rape and sexual assault in the UK – was refused entry for his side’s 1-0 win against Panama on Wednesday in Toronto.
Ivory Coast star becomes second World Cup player denied entry to Canada
Thomas Tuchel hails 'absolute leader' Harry Kane
13:33 , Will Castle
Thomas Tuchel heaped praise on “full package” Harry Kane as well as fellow goalscorers Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford after England began the World Cup with a bang against Croatia.
England boss Tuchel said: “If you see the commitment of our captain, of our number nine, in the extra time to block a crucial shot after a set piece with all his body and his commitment to buy into a defensive action like this, then you know everything about his performance today.
“Complete performance, absolute leader and he is all in – he’s all in physically, he’s all in mentally, and he’s all in.”
Swedes turn work-shy when World Cup comes around
13:25 , Will Castle
Swedish employers are bracing for a surge in short-term absences as World Cup fever sweeps the nation, with government agency Statistics Sweden revealing a sharp rise during major football championships over the last two decades.
Known for their emphasis on work-life balance, many Swedish employees are anticipated to either begin their extended summer holidays earlier or take occasional days off throughout the tournament to follow the action.
This trend is particularly pronounced given that numerous matches are scheduled during European night hours.
The Swedish national team's strong start, including a dominant 5-1 victory over Tunisia, is likely to further fuel this national enthusiasm.
Lena Johansson, a statistician at Statistics Sweden, confirmed the pattern, stating: "Short absences from work were 19 percent in weeks in June and July when no championship was taking place, while it was 27 percent in weeks when there was a football championship."
Australia duo plot downfall of club-mate and US goalkeeper Freese
13:20 , Will Castle
Australia duo Kai Trewin and Aiden O’Neill wished his New York City FC team-mate Matt Freese good luck before their World Cup clash but will try to help the Socceroos foil the United States goalkeeper on Friday.
"Obviously there's lots, lots of pressure for him and for the US, obviously playing on home soil," Trewin said. "So I just wished him the best and I see how hard he works every day in training and in games.
"Obviously .... I hope we get a positive result against them. But for the rest of the tournament, I wish him the best."
O’Neill added: “We're excited to play against each other. Obviously, he's a top keeper, Matt, and it would be good to get one up on him, that's for sure."
What games are on today?
13:17 , Will Castle
Czech Republic vs South Africa (Group A) – 5pm BST – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website
Switzerland vs Bosnia-Herzegovina (Group B) – 8pm BST – ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player
Canada vs Qatar (Group B) – 11pm BST – ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player
Mexico vs South Korea (Group A) – 2am BST – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website
BREAKING: Wahi not allowed into Canada over match-fixing arrest
13:09 , Will Castle
Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi will not be involved in this weekend’s clash with with Germany in Toronto after the player was linked to an investigation into suspected match-fixing.
He was reportedly arrested less than two weeks ago and is the subject of an “active investigation” to establish whether the forward deliberately earned a yellow card while playing for Nice against Metz in Ligue 1 on 17 May.
The Ivorian Football Federation said they had full confidence in Wahi, who is not travelling with the squad because authorisations for his travel to Canada had not been obtained.
England have a new exciting way under Thomas Tuchel but two problems remain
13:01 , Miguel Delaney
It wasn’t just the performance that England had waited years for, it was an attitude.
“Even if we lose,” Thomas Tuchel told his players at half-time in Dallas, “we do it our way.”
There is so much in those few words that could yet have resulted in so much more than the four brilliant goals they got against Croatia.
There was a new ethos, and the fulfilment of a promise. Tuchel had long said he wanted to restore a proper Premier League intensity to the national side, and here it was, offering one of the best performances in the World Cup so far.
Thomas Tuchel urges Fifa to intervene after England national anthem ‘ruined’
POLL: Should Tuchel sing the national anthem?
12:54 , Will Castle
Thomas Tuchel urges Fifa to intervene after England national anthem ‘ruined’
12:52 , Will Castle
Thomas Tuchel has called on Fifa to intervene after complaining that photographers “ruined” what was an “emotional moment” of his first England national anthem at a World Cup.
"I have to tell you something, I am begging Fifa to change the position of the photographers in the national anthem because I could not see my team in the national anthem," he said.
"I was waiting for this moment. It was a very, very special moment today and I was standing in front of a wall of 50 photographers, half a metre away, and I could not see one single player. It ruined a little bit my experience.
“It is very emotional. When I was young and when I started coaching, this was too big to dream of this kind of occasion."
POLL: Is Cristiano Ronaldo holding Portugal back at the 2026 World Cup?
12:51 , Will Castle
10 men and a statue: Portugal are sacrificing another World Cup for Cristiano Ronaldo’s ego
12:45 , Richard Jolly
Anything Lionel Messi could do, Cristiano Ronaldo couldn't do better. A day after the Argentinian began his World Cup in a manner to suggest his talent is timeless, his great rival started in a way to show his powers have waned with the passing of time.
Messi’s treble against Algeria gives him 16 World Cup goals, double Ronaldo’s tally. More pertinently, it justified Argentina’s policy of building a team around an ageing legend. For the third tournament in row, however, the danger is that Ronaldo holds Portugal back. A draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo highlighted the difficulties of trying to win the World Cup with a team of 10 men and a statue. For one of the favourites, it was a wretched start.
Houston, they had a problem. Or he was the problem. Ronaldo’s impotence condemned Portugal to a draw which, in turn, could mean there is no last reunion with Messi in the quarter-finals in Kansas City: fail to win the group and they will have to plot a different path altogether. As Ronaldo appeared in a sixth World Cup, he remains yet to become the first player to score in six. He did not get particularly close.
Portugal are sacrificing another World Cup for Cristiano Ronaldo’s ego
World Cup 2026 power rankings
12:37 , Will Castle
The 2026 World Cup is fully into the swing of things with all teams now having played their opening match of the campaign in North America.
After a build-up that centred around controversy, greed and conflict, fans have been captivated by some enthralling performances during round one of fixtures, with the likes of France and holders Argentina stamping their mark as rightful favourites.
So much can change as the group stage progresses, but here’s which nations make up the top 10 of The Independent’s World Cup 2026 power rankings:
World Cup 2026 power rankings: England and France make statements after round one
World Cup's own Spygate?
12:29 , Will Castle
Mexican military forces successfully intercepted and brought down a drone flying near the South Korea camp days before their World Cup clash against Mexico, a federal official confirmed on Wednesday.
Using specialised equipment, military personnel detected an "unregistered drone" close to the South Korean camp and proceeded to "neutralise" it.
It remains unclear whether the drone was attempting to spy on the South Korea squad ahead of the anticipated match between the two nations.
South Korea’s coach, Hong Myung-bo, described the incident as "unfortunate”.
If only Boro had that type of anti-spying capabilities...
Canada handed seismic Davies injury boost
12:21 , Will Castle
Canada captain Alphonso Davies is set to return to action for their crucial World Cup fixture against Qatar on Thursday after missing their opener through injury.
Davies sustained a hamstring injury last month while representing Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-finals but returned to limited training this week.
"He's been in training this week, and he'll be available tomorrow, and we'll see how the match goes and then make a decision on how we would choose to use him," Canada boss Jesse Marsch said.
Five things to look out for as Scotland bid to continue dream World Cup start against Morocco
12:13 , Will Castle
Scotland’s first World Cup in 28 years continues as they take on Morocco in their second match of Group C on Friday, after getting off to a winning start against Haiti last weekend.
Steve Clarke’s side won 1-0 against the minnows but will face opponents a step up in class as they return to Foxborough.
Here are five things to look out for on their second matchday:
Five things to look out for as Scotland bid to extend dream World Cup start v Morocco
The incentive of the Golden Boot
12:05 , Will Castle
Harry Kane says seeing rivals Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland make flying starts at the World Cup is driving him on in the bid to win the Golden Boot.
“Obviously I saw the guys scoring their goals,” he said. “I don’t like to concentrate on other people, but it is natural as a sportsman and athlete to want to reach the highest level.
“Those guys started in a great way.
“As a striker myself, I just want to get on the scoresheet as quickly as possible.
“In the back of my mind that competition helps me to push my levels. That is what the World Cup is for, to push myself at the highest level, so it is nice to get a couple.”
Arsenal prepare Bradley Barcola bid with PSG winger among key targets
11:57 , Miguel Delaney
Arsenal are looking into the necessary details before lodging a bid for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.
The 23-year-old has continued his sparkling form from last season for the European champions after scoring on his World Cup debut in France’s 3-1 over Senegal.
Barcola has become one of the game’s brightest stars, with Liverpool also thought to have tracked his progress, with Andoni Iraola’s side thought to be in the market for two wide forwards this summer.
Arsenal prepare bid for PSG winger as Mikel Arteta eyes next level
How does the group stage look after round one?
11:49 , Will Castle
We are officially through the first round of group stage games with the World Cup now fully into the swing of things.
Here’s how all the groups shape up, along with all the fixtures and results:
World Cup 2026 fixtures, results and group tables
Colombia weighed down by ‘emotional energy’ of fans and pressure as favourites in World Cup opener
11:41 , Will Castle
Colombia opened their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan on Wednesday, although coach Nestor Lorenzo said the vocal presence of a large Colombian contingent in the stands at the Azteca “emotionally weighed” on his players.
Lorenzo said: “It is a beautiful energy, but emotionally it weighed on some of the players.
“I think it had to do with the emotional burden of the first game and also with the responsibility of being (match) favourites.”
Records are there to be equalled
11:33 , Will Castle
Harry Kane equalled Gary Lineker’s goals record for England at World Cups after his first-half double against Croatia.
Kane’s brace takes his World Cup tally to 10 goals, moving him level with Lineker’s tally from 1986 and 1990.
“It’s a great milestone to reach, to get 10 goals at a World Cup,” he said. “Gary had some amazing tournaments and to be on that number now is really enjoyable.
“To reach double figures at this amazing tournament is very special.
“Physically, I am feeling food. The goals I have scored this year are the most I have ever had in my career, I feel I am at the peak of my powers at the right time.
“There is a long way to go, a lot of tough games ahead, but for me personally I enjoy being out there on the pitch when I am feeling in this form.
“Recover now and get ready for the next game.”
Fans boo hydration breaks during England vs Croatia
11:25 , Will Castle
Loud boos reverberated around Dallas Stadium during the first hydration break of England's World Cup encounter with Croatia on Wednesday, as fans unequivocally expressed their disdain for the controversial new innovation.
Fifa's mandatory three-minute stoppages, one in each half, have been introduced for the first time at this tournament, ostensibly to help players cope with the intense heat and humidity of the North American summer.
However, the breaks have proved highly contentious. Critics argue they severely disrupt the natural flow of the game, while others perceive their introduction as a cynical manoeuvre to divide matches into four quarters, thereby creating more lucrative advertising opportunities for broadcasters.
World Cup fans boo hydration breaks during England vs Croatia clash
Why is England’s Djed Spence wearing a protective mask at World Cup 2026?
11:17 , Will Castle
England full-back Djed Spence made his World Cup debut against Croatia while wearing a mask with his broken jaw sustained in a “crazy challenge” will take three months to heal.
The versatile 25-year-old came on for Jude Bellingham in the 80th minute in Dallas as the Three Lions stormed to a 4-2 win.
The full-back had to wear a protective mask in the season finale against Everton, having suffered a broken jaw five days earlier in a challenge with Chelsea striker Liam Delap, a blow he has to manage through the World Cup.
Why is England’s Djed Spence wearing a protective mask at World Cup 2026?
Hero Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha to be reunited with mother at World Cup
11:09 , Will Castle
Vozinha, the 40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper whose man-of-the-match performance denied Spain in one of the biggest World Cup shocks of all time, will be reunited with his mother at the tournament after the cost of her visa to the US was waived.
Vozinha made seven saves as minnows Cape Verde held Spain, one of the World Cup favourites, to a 0-0 draw in Atlanta. His heroic performance in his World Cup debut resulted in his Instagram following exploding from just over 50,000 to over 12 million.
The goalkeeper was in tears at full-time, however, as he mourned the fact that neither his late grandparents or his mother were at the stadium to witness his performance. Vozinha said his mother was unable to secure a visa to travel to the US because she couldn’t afford to pay a returnable bond of $15,000 (£11,200).
But in a fresh twist, Hakeem Jeffries, the democratic leader of the House of Representatives says he has secured Vozinha’s mother a visa to travel to her son’s next game in Miami on Sunday and attend the match. Jeffries said he had spoken with Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, to secure her visa.
Hero Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha to be reunited with mother at World Cup
How to tackle the late-night World Cup games
11:01 , Will Castle
Struggling to keep the eyes open for this year’s World Cup games in the wee hours of the morning? Sleep expert James Wilson has you covered!
Here are his top tips:
1. Plan your schedule
Trying to watch every game is a quick way to end up exhausted. By prioritising the matches that matter most to you, you can start planning your sleep around the games you really don’t want to miss. Having a plan makes it much easier to balance all the football action with getting the sleep you need.
2. Understand your sleep type
Understanding your natural sleep pattern can help you decide how to approach late-night kick-offs. An owl may find it easier to stay awake for a 2am game and then head to bed afterwards. A lark may be better off getting some sleep first, setting an alarm, watching the match, and then returning to bed once it’s finished.
3. Use naps strategically
If you’re working while following the football, naps can be your friend. A nap of around 20–30 minutes can help boost alertness and energy without leaving you feeling groggy. Just avoid napping too close to your normal bedtime, as it can reduce your sleep pressure and make it harder to fall asleep later that night.
4. Use light to stay alert
Caffeine can help, but light is one of the most powerful ways to boost alertness. Light therapy boxes or glasses can signal to your body that it’s time to be awake, helping you stay alert for late kick-offs without dozing off.
5. Watch what you consume
Caffeine too close to bedtime can disrupt sleep, and alcohol can reduce sleep quality, leaving you feeling tired the next day. Also be mindful of late-night snacks – foods high in salt or sugar can leave you thirsty, uncomfortable, and less refreshed in the morning.
Ivory Coast’s World Cup star Elye Wahi ‘arrested over match-fixing offences’
10:53 , Will Castle
Some pretty stunning news that emerged last night before kick-off in Dallas.
Ivory Coast star Elye Wahi was reportedly arrested less than two weeks before the World Cup on suspicion of match-fixing offences.
A report in The Athletic details that 23-year-old Wahi is the subject of an “active investigation” to establish whether the forward deliberately earned a yellow card while playing for Nice against Metz in Ligue 1 on 17 May.
The report adds that Wahi, who started Ivory Coast’s 1-0 win against Ecuador on Sunday night, was subsequently arrested by French police on 29 May and was released after an interview.
World Cup star ‘arrested over match-fixing allegations’
Thierry Henry perfectly explains what Cristiano Ronaldo did wrong in Portugal’s World Cup draw with DR Congo
10:36 , Will Castle
World Cup winner Thierry Henry perfectly broke down Cristiano Ronaldo’s selfish decision-making in Portugal’s draw with DR Congo.
“One thing that’s important: the team needs to score, not you need to score,” Henry said.
“Cristiano Ronaldo has been in this situation multiple times. If you make that run here, you make the defender take a decision to go to the six-yard box.
“But because he wants to score, he goes into the path of Bruno Fernandes.
“If he goes into the six-yard box, the defender would have had to follow him, a tap-in for Bruno Fernandes. But because he wants to score, he goes into the path of the back pass – you see both players and it’s easier for you to defend.
“That’s my thing: the team needs to score, not you. The reaction of Bruno Fernandes behind… let it roll. Make a run, create space so I can tap it in… it didn’t happen.”
Henry perfectly explains what Ronaldo did wrong in Portugal World Cup draw with Congo
The England change that dispatched Croatia to fulfil Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup promise
10:28 , Miguel Delaney in Dallas
Jude Bellingham looked like he can fulfil all that talent, but Thomas Tuchel has already fulfilled one promise. The England manager had promised that an occasion like this World Cup 2026 match would “bring out the best in us”, but it may have done even more than that.
It may well have been the country’s best spell of tournament football in decades, and perhaps the most convincing victory in some time. The game ended up 4-2, but it could genuinely have been 7-2 from the 10-minute spell after half-time alone. Croatia barely knew where to turn, let alone where to look.
By that point, Harry Kane had equalled Gary Lineker’s World Cup finals record of 10 goals thanks to his double, but that seemed no more than a footnote, as if it had come in a different and more disparate match.
The England change that dispatched Croatia to fulfil Tuchel’s World Cup promise
Colombia shoot to top of group with winning start over debutants
10:20 , Will Castle
Second-half goals from Luis Diaz and Jaminton Campaz gave Colombia a 3-1 victory over debutants Uzbekistan as the last two teams began their World Cup 2026 campaign.
Abbosbek Fayzullaev had equalised Daniel Munoz’s first-half opener in Mexico City, but Bayern Munich’s Diaz put them ahead before Campaz’s late header finally saw off a battling Uzbekistan.
The result sees them shoot to the top of Group K, above Portugal after they were held by DR Congo.
Luis Diaz ignites Colombia to victory over Uzbekistan at electric Azteca
Half-time unhappiness
10:12 , Will Castle
We’ve since heard about Thomas Tuchel’s stern half-time speech that revved up his England players, but it was clear the vibes weren’t great when assistant coach Anthony Barry gave ITV a punchy, critical interview at the break.
“A complicated and confusing first half from us, really,” he told ITV reporter Gabriel Clarke, in a forthright verdict of the first-half.
“I think a lot of nervous energy early on. Maybe that should be accepted, and maybe expected in the opening game of a World Cup.
“From there, then we made some decisions where the energy was not free in our mind, playing long when we should play short, playing short when we should play long, really not playing through the gaps so not allowing us to accelerate our game the way we wanted to.
"Then you think the penalty would free us up, allow us to play more like us, look more like ourselves, but again we fall back into some fearful patterns, and yeah... we've always been able to rely on set pieces.
“We get the second goal again. We're hoping that's the moment that would allow us to move forward in the game, but okay, we concede the second goal later on, and now we have to speak about that at half-time.”
How things can change...
England coach Anthony Barry critical of first-half display in punchy ITV interview
What did Thomas Tuchel say on Declan Rice's injury?
10:02 , Will Castle
Declan Rice is a minor injury concern for England following their opening win against Croatia.
“Declan had some unusual ball losses and I saw a bit of discomfort,” Tuchel said. “I asked him, and he pointed directly to his lower back, upper hamstring, that he feels the discomfort.
“I didn’t want to take any risk, so I decided to take Declan off – which I never wanted to do – but it was the moment to protect him, and I think Reece James did so well to replace him in the central midfield. [Rice] had a fantastic game, so I hope it’s nothing more, and he just reassured me at the end: ‘It’s good, and I know the discomfort’. We will take care of it, and this is nothing big to worry about.”
Thomas Tuchel provides Declan Rice injury update after England beat Croatia
Why was Harry Kane’s missed penalty was overturned by VAR?
09:56 , Will Castle
Harry Kane received a major reprieve in England’s opening game of the World Cup as VAR intervened to order a retake - but why?
Kane saw his penalty saved by Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, but referee Clement Turpin paused the game to announce that the kick would be taken again.
Replays showed Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol encroach inside the area before Kane had struck the penalty, and it was Gvardiol who made first contact with the ball after Livakovic’s save.
Defenders encroaching on a penalty is a pointless endeavour in the modern game, because if they touch the ball, VAR will always intervene and order a retake.
Replays also appeared to show Livakovic was slightly off his line when the penalty was taken – another reason for officials to order a retaken spot-kick.
09:48 , Will Castle
If you’ve ever wondered who really owns and controls football, now’s your chance to find out.
Miguel Delaney, The Independent’s chief football writer, takes readers inside the game in the latest paperback edition of States of Play: How Sportswashing Took Over Football.
To celebrate the World Cup, The Independent is giving away 10 copies of the paperback edition.
This competition is open exclusively to members of the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletter. To enter, simply join HERE before 12pm on 1 July.Miguel’s weekly newsletter includes:
- An agenda-setting column, diving into the real story behind a big football theme
- Behind-the-scenes updates from reporting trips, including the World Cup
- Access to weekly Q&As, where your questions can be featured
- Snippets of insider knowledge from sources, offering a deeper view beyond the headlines
New Inside Football members can enjoy their first month FREE. After that, membership costs just £3 per month or £30 per year. Join HERE.
Win a copy of Miguel Delaney’s States of Play with his Inside Football newsletter
England player ratings vs Croatia: Who impressed in World Cup opener?
09:40 , Will Castle
Jordan Pickford, 5
Will be disappointed to have let Martin Baturina’s fierce strike slip through his grasp. England looked to beat Croatia’s press through him. A half-time tweak helped but Pickford remained a little twitchy.
Reece James, 6
His partnership with Madueke and Bellingham on the right was encouraging. Defensively, the connection with Konsa needs some work. Switched off for Croatia’s second equaliser. Moved into midfield for the final stages.
Ezri Konsa, 6
The centre-back was beaten too easily by the chipped pass into Ivan Perisic for Petar Musa’s goal but grew in confidence as the match went on.
John Stones, 5
Exposed in Croatia’s first goal as he went to ground in the box. Is that down to a lack of match sharpness? England looked vulnerable defensively before half-time.
Nico O'Reilly, 6
A shaky first half, where he went missing as Croatia countered for their first equaliser, gave way to a more assured second as England steadied on the ball. Not much link-up with Gordon.
See below for the full ratings:
England player ratings vs Croatia: Who impressed in World Cup opener?
Roy Keane and Gary Neville praise England’s ‘breath-taking’ and ‘fantastic’ performance versus Croatia
09:32 , Will Castle
Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Ian Wright were full of praise for England following their 4-2 victory over Croatia in their first World Cup 2026 group stage game of this summer’s tournament.
“They’ll be delighted. Scored four goals, the attacking players obviously having an impact, subs coming on and doing well, controlling the game,” said Keane.
“They looked dangerous at set pieces and I think it’s good, though strange, that they conceded a couple of goals because it keeps them on their toes. I think if they’d won three or four-nil the two lads [Neville and Wright] would have been on the table!”
Neville added: “He’s [Thomas Tuchel] given them an absolute rocket at half-time hasn’t he? They’ve come out and for 20 minutes in that second half they were breath-taking.
“What I liked about it then is they had to sit off and play a bit deeper. He [Tuchel] makes the substitutions and they have a big impact and we go and get that fourth [goal]. It was a really good second half and some of the stuff in the first 10 minutes was fantastic.”
Wright said: “People will talk about the defensive side and what happened in the first half but I thought they surprised us a bit with the way they pressed.
“I can’t remember a time when England have gone forward so well, played so well and looked so dangerous. We can always work on the defensive side.”
Keane and Neville praise England’s ‘breath-taking’ win over Croatia
Rashford not going back to Barcelona on loan
09:30 , Will Castle
To one of yesterday’s goalscorers...
Manchester United are not considering entering into negotiations with Barcelona over a second loan spell for Marcus Rashford.
Barcelona did not take up the option to sign the England forward permanently, and ESPN reports United will resist overtures from the Catalan club for a second loan stint.
Elsewhere in Group L
09:04 , Will Castle
England weren’t the only Group L team to get off to a winning start.
Caleb Yirenkyi scored a stoppage-time winner to earn Ghana a 1-0 win over Panama in a chilly and lively World Cup 2026 game in which the African side were forced to play the second half without starting goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi.
After a lightning-quick counter-attack, Brandon Thomas-Asante charged forward before playing a precise pass into the area for Yirenkyi, who tapped home for his first competitive international goal.
Ghana, competing in their fifth World Cup and looking to improve on their run to the quarter-finals in 2010, were forced to play the match without Thomas Partey after the midfielder was denied entry into Canada and lost a visa appeal.
Ghana overcome costly injury after late Caleb Yirenkyi strike downs Panama
How Jude Bellingham won over Thomas Tuchel to become England’s World Cup No 10
08:56 , Lawrence Ostlere in Dallas
As Jude Bellingham walked off the pitch, a familiar tune rang out from the public address system inside the giant Dallas Stadium. England fans sang along to “Hey Jude” as Bellingham walked towards the tunnel, waving to the crowd, embracing his teammates, taking the adulation in his stride.
This was ostensibly Harry Kane’s night, scoring two goals which took him level with Gary Lineker’s tally of 10 at World Cups. But perhaps the evening meant more to Bellingham, a player who has been publicly questioned and privately doubted by his own manager, who has been subjected to scrutiny unlike his teammates. “Don’t bring Jude,” ran a headline in the Daily Mail earlier this season, suggesting England would be better off without him at the World Cup.
“It’s good to put some of the noise aside and just show my country and my teammates how committed I am to helping us win football matches,” said Bellingham, after scoring England’s third goal in a 4-2 win.
How Jude Bellingham won over Thomas Tuchel to become England’s World Cup No 10
England's possible route to the final
08:48 , Will Castle
Based on pre-tournament seeding and Fifa ranking
Round of 32 - 1 July: England v third-place finisher in Group E/H/I/J/K | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Round of 16 - 5 July: England vs Mexico | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Quarter-final - 11 July: England vs Brazil | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
Semi-final - 15 July: England vs Argentina | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Final - 19 July: England vs Spain | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
What do England need to reach the knockouts?
08:40 , Will Castle
England’s win against Croatia puts them in a good position to reach the knockout phase and top the group.
Unless Panama beat Ghana and Croatia in their first two games, England could seal top spot in the group if they beat Ghana and claim a point against the minnows in their final match.
If Ghana beat Panama later on Wednesday, as is expected, then the Three Lions’ clash against the Ghanaian side may well decide who goes through as group winners.
In terms of the minimum required, three points (with a positive or level goal difference) should be enough to go through as one of the eight best-ranked third-place teams.
When is England's next World Cup game?
08:32 , Will Castle
England play Ghana on Tuesday 23 June. It will be played at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, the home of the New England Patriots and outside of Boston. Kick-off is 4pm local time, which is 9pm BST (UK time).
It will be shown in the UK on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website.
England’s World Cup fixtures
June 17: England 4-2 Croatia | AT&T Stadium, Arlington
June 23: England v Ghana | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough – 4pm ET / 9pm BST
June 27: England v Panama | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford – 5pm ET / 10pm BST
Bellingham and the chip on his shoulder
08:24 , Will Castle
England midfielder Jude Bellingham believes playing with a “chip on my shoulder” will bring the best out of him at the World Cup.
“For me personally, it was nice to put some of the noise aside and just show my country and my team-mates how committed I am to help us try to win football matches,” he told BBC Sport.
“It was a great team performance. Second half, we got things right, first half we got the intensity right, but not quite with the ball and second half we put it all together nicely.
“To contribute, to help my team and help my country is one of the biggest honours and regardless of the noise outside, that honour doesn’t change for me at all.
“It has been a tough season for me but I am feeling fresh and sharp and stronger.
“I have got a little bit of a chip on my shoulder. That helps me a lot to find that focus early in the game and to find that intensity.
“I know that it’s part of being a footballer and I don’t hold a grudge against anyone who says bad things about me because sometimes I do deserve it.
“Today, it was nice to try to show people and remind people what I’m about.”
How the Golden Boot race looks after round one
08:16 , Will Castle
1. Lionel Messi, (Argentina), three goals
= 2 Harry Kane (England), two goals
= 2 Erling Haaland (Norway), two goals
= 2 Kylian Mbappe (France), two goals
= 2 Folarin Balogun (USA), two goals
= 2 Elijaj Just (New Zealand), two goals
= 2 Kai Havertz (Germany), two goals
=2 Yasin Ayari (Sweden), two goals
World Cup commentator ‘dripping with blood’ after being hit by projectile at Uzbekistan v Colombia
08:08 , Will Castle
Warren Barton was left “dripping with blood” after being hit by an apparent beer bottle during his World Cup 2026 commentary duties in Colombia’s 3-1 win over Uzbekistan.
Barton was at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City to team up with Jacqui Oatley during the Fox broadcast.
The wild atmosphere saw both commentators drenched with beer in the first half after Daniel Munoz broke the deadlock for Colombia.
And the wild scenes continued in the second half when Barton appeared to be hit by a projectile in the closing stages of the contest, though the former Newcastle and Wimbledon player persevered with the commentary to the end, which saw a frantic finale, including Jaminton Campaz’s stoppage time strike.
World Cup commentator left ‘dripping with blood’ after being hit at Colombia game
Inside the England dressing room and Thomas Tuchel’s team-talk that sparked World Cup win over Croatia
08:00 , Lawrence Ostlere in Dallas
Thomas Tuchel didn’t scream and shout at his players at half-time, although he must have resisted a mighty urge after watching them twice squander the lead against Croatia in their World Cup opener in Dallas. England went out of their way to help their opponents back into the game, parting like the Red Sea for Croatia’s first and standing like statues as the second unfolded around them.
“We took the decision to go backwards on and off the ball, so we played way too many balls backwards,” Tuchel later explained. “We played way too many balls back to our goalkeeper. We didn’t dare to eliminate, we didn’t dare to play through the gaps.”
Instead of ranting and raving, Tuchel allowed for a few moments of calm before sitting down to be at eye-level with his players.
Inside the England dressing room and the team-talk that sparked World Cup win
WATCH: England fans go wild over opening goal of World Cup 2026
07:45 , Will Castle
Fifa responds to reports of fans getting into England v Croatia without a ticket
07:30 , Will Castle
Fifa says it is unaware at this stage of any fans getting into England’s opening World Cup match against Croatia without tickets.
Reports, citing eyewitnesses at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, said scores of fans had breached security and entered the venue without any sort of check.
One witness told Mail Sport: “There were big gaps at the side of the ticket barriers and people just strolled through. There were volunteers who were basically old ladies and they weren’t stopping anyone.”
A spokesperson for Fifa said: “At this stage, we have no indication of fans entering the stadium without a valid match ticket for the game in question.”
Fifa responds to reports of fans getting into England v Croatia without a ticket
Thomas Tuchel urges Fifa to intervene after England national anthem ‘ruined’
07:15 , Will Castle
Thomas Tuchel has called on Fifa to intervene after complaining that photographers “ruined” what was an “emotional moment” of his first England national anthem at a World Cup.
"I have to tell you something, I am begging Fifa to change the position of the photographers in the national anthem because I could not see my team in the national anthem," he said.
"I was waiting for this moment. It was a very, very special moment today and I was standing in front of a wall of 50 photographers, half a metre away, and I could not see one single player. It ruined a little bit my experience.
“It is very emotional. When I was young and when I started coaching, this was too big to dream of this kind of occasion."
Thomas Tuchel urges Fifa to intervene after England national anthem ‘ruined’
Harry Kane reveals what Thomas Tuchel said to England players at half-time: ‘If we lose, we lose’
07:00 , Kieran Jackson
Harry Kane revealed what England manager Thomas Tuchel said to his players at half-time of the World Cup win against Croatia on Wednesday.
England were pegged back twice in the first-half in Dallas, with Tuchel’s assistant Anthony Barry criticising the players in an interview with ITV at half-time, describing their display as “complicated and confusing.”
Yet the Three Lions came out in the second-half a team reinvigorated. Jude Bellingham put them back in front with a wonderful solo goal and Tuchel’s side could have been out of sight if it wasn’t for the brilliance of Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.
Kane reveals what Tuchel said to England players at half-time in Croatia win
Thomas Tuchel gives Declan Rice injury update after England’s World Cup win over Croatia
06:42 , Lawrence Ostlere in Dallas
Declan Rice is a minor injury concern for England following their opening win against Croatia.
England beat their Group L rivals 4-2 after two goals by Harry Kane and one each from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford, in a performance full of attacking football to set the tone for their World Cup under Thomas Tuchel.
But there was some concern when Rice left the field in the second half, having been seen clutching the top of his right leg. Tuchel replaced him with Morgan Rogers and dropped Bellingham back into a deeper role, before later moving Reece James into midfield.
Thomas Tuchel provides Declan Rice injury update after England beat Croatia
When is England’s next World Cup game and what do they need to reach the knockouts?
06:00 , Chris Wilson
England’s World Cup 2026 campaign is underway following a thrilling 4-2 win against Croatia as Thomas Tuchel’s side target glory in North America this summer.
The Three Lions entered the 48-team tournament as one of the favourites following an unbeaten qualifying campaign and after a prolific season from captain and top striker Harry Kane.
As well as Croatia, England will face Ghana and Panama in the group stages but will be plotting a much deeper run at the tournament as they seek to win a second men’s international tournament following runners-up finishes at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.
When is England’s next World Cup game and what do they need to reach the knockouts?
England player ratings vs Croatia: Who impressed in World Cup opener?
05:00 , Jamie Braidwood
England were given a half-time shake-up by Thomas Tuchel as they overcame Croatia to win their opening match of the World Cup.
Harry Kane struck twice and Jude Bellingham scored the third moments after the restart. Tuchel then turned to the bench, with Bukayo Saka setting up Marcus Rashford as the Three Lions took charge of Group L thanks to a thrilling 4-2 win.
England were shaky in the first half, with assistant coach Anthony Barry ripping into a “complicated and confusing” performance after Croatia twice equalised in Texas.
England’s defence and parts of their midfield were far from convincing, but in captain Kane and Bellingham it’s clear Tuchel has two match-winners who could make the difference this summer.
Here’s how the England players rated after the 4-2 win over Croatia
England player ratings vs Croatia: Who impressed in World Cup opener?
World Cup Insider: Get a matchday briefing from our writers in the US, Canada and Mexico
04:00 , Chris Wilson
The biggest tournament in football is finally here.
Over six weeks, 48 nations will battle it out across the United States, Canada and Mexico, producing unforgettable moments, dramatic upsets, tactical masterclasses and plenty of controversy along the way.
But with matches taking place across multiple time zones and headlines arriving around the clock, keeping up with everything that matters will be a challenge.
That's where our World Cup Insider newsletter comes in.
Landing in your inbox every morning throughout the tournament, World Cup Insider is your essential guide to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Designed to cut through the noise, it brings together the key stories, standout moments and expert analysis you need to stay on top of the action.
World Cup Insider: Get a matchday briefing from our football writers
10 men and a statue: Portugal are sacrificing another World Cup for Cristiano Ronaldo’s ego
03:00 , Richard Jolly
A piece on the other big story from yesterday, on a poor day for Ronaldo and Portugal...
Comment: Ronaldo’s goalless display against DR Congo is the latest warning for Roberto Martinez, writes Richard Jolly, though there is little sign that the Portugal manager will take the decision to remove the 41-year-old for the sake of the team
Portugal are sacrificing another World Cup for Cristiano Ronaldo’s ego
England assistant Anthony Barry critical of first-half display against Croatia in punchy ITV interview
02:00 , Chris Wilson
England assistant coach Anthony Barry was critical of his side’s first-half display against Croatia, saying it was a “complicated and confusing” opening 45 minutes.
Harry Kane gave England the lead twice in Dallas, first through a re-taken penalty and second through a well-placed header, but Croatia pegged the Three Lions back on both occasions as their defending was found wanting.
Barry, who is Thomas Tuchel’s trusted assistant and was with him at Bayern Munich, then gave a punchy interview to ITV before heading into the dressing room to speak to the players.
England coach Anthony Barry critical of first-half display in punchy ITV interview
The real reason why England must top their World Cup group
01:00 , Chris Wilson
If the first few days of the 2026 World Cup have taught us anything, it is that predicting how the tournament will pan out makes fools of us all. Cape Verde were not meant to shut out Spain, many people’s favourites. Australia were not meant to beat a talented Turkey. Morocco were not meant to match the might of Brazil.
We can try, of course. Theoretically, there should be a material benefit in topping each group. Group winners will be rewarded in one of two ways by Fifa’s new 48-team format: either they will get to play one of the eight third-placed finishers in the round of the 32; or they will meet a second-placed finisher but then avoid facing any other group winners until the quarter-finals at the earliest.
For England – on paper, at least – winning Group L would seem advantageous in progressing deep into the tournament. They would be paired with one of the third-placed finishers in the round of 32, teams who are likely to have picked up only three or four points during the group stage.
The real reason why England must top their World Cup group
England 4-2 Croatia
Thursday 18 June 2026 00:53 , Chris Wilson
Maybe something here for anyone superstitious...
England have won 4-2 in a World Cup game for the first time since winning the 1966 final 🏴 pic.twitter.com/L5iMNvnKyF
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 17, 2026
World Cup fixtures
Thursday 18 June 2026 00:48 , Chris Wilson
England’s opener was the last game of the day for those in the UK, though fans can look forward to the following action to come on Thursday, 18 June:
- Group L: Ghana vs Panama, kick-off 12am - Toronto, Canada
- Group K: Uzbekistan vs Colombia, kick-off 3am - Mexico City, Mexico
- Group A: Czech Republic vs South Africa, kick-off 5pm - Atlanta, USA
- Group B: Switzerland vs Bosnia & Herzegovina, kick-off 8pm - Los Angeles, USA
- Group B: Canada vs Qatar, kick-off 11pm - Vancouver, Canada
Thursday 18 June 2026 00:41 , Chris Wilson
And with the second-half highlights, we start with a great solo goal from Bellingham to put England back in control...
Brilliant from Bellingham! 😍 pic.twitter.com/BrSsolj8h8
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 17, 2026
...and here’s the final goal as Marcus Rashford wrapped it up for England late on...
Marcus Rashford wraps it up for England! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/CMDUYzoWY7
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 17, 2026
Thursday 18 June 2026 00:35 , Chris Wilson
Here’s a highlight of Kane’s opener from the penalty spot...
Harry Kane getting the World Cup party started for England! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/Ubo8O3rdwi
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 17, 2026
And here’s the second, which put the captain level with Gary Lineker for the most goals scored for England at a World Cup!
The goal that put Harry Kane level with Gary Lineker for most World Cup goals for England! 👏 pic.twitter.com/XOLUqb1t3I
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 17, 2026
England's Group L fixtures
Thursday 18 June 2026 00:28 , Chris Wilson
(all times BST)
23 June, 9pm: England v Ghana – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
27 June, 10pm: Panama v England – MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
Why Harry Kane’s missed penalty was overturned by VAR in England v Croatia
Thursday 18 June 2026 00:21 , Lawrence Ostlere at Dallas Stadium
Harry Kane received a major reprieve in England’s opening game of the World Cup as VAR intervened to order a retake.
Kane saw his penalty saved by Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, but referee Clement Turpin paused the game to announce that the kick would be taken again.
Replays showed Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol encroach inside the area before Kane had struck the penalty, and it was Gvardiol who made first contact with the ball after Livakovic’s save.
Why Harry Kane’s missed penalty was overturned by VAR in England v Croatia
Next up
Thursday 18 June 2026 00:15 , Chris Wilson
England’s second group game sees them face Ghana in Boston on 23 June, with that match kicking off at 9pm BST.
If the Three Lions win that, they’ll likely finish at the top of Group L.
Tuchel: 'I encouraged them to go for it'
Thursday 18 June 2026 00:12 , Chris Wilson
“Good reaction, the first half was a bit complicated for us. It was a bit nervy,” says Thomas Tuchel to ITV.
“The decisions we took, we chose to go safe and go backwards. We struggled to find any rhythm and didn't have the confidence to go through the gaps.
"I saw a statistic of 33% of ground duels won in the first half and 73% in the second, so even off the ball was not good enough, not committed enough. I loved the reaction of the players in the second half. It was emotional; there were a lot of emotions involved. It took us a while to get going,” he explained.
On what he said at half-time, he added: “Even if we lose, it will not change my perception of the last 17 days but let's do it our way. We were too focused on protecting the result. We were a back seven and we didn't defend. If the result doesn't go our way, we want to play our way. I tried to encourage them to go for it.”
Kane 'has come up trumps'
Thursday 18 June 2026 00:07 , Chris Wilson
“The main man has come up trumps. That is what you want as a nation coming into the tournament,” says Micah Richards on BBC.
“We need our best players performing, Kane, Bellingham, the players off the bench, that is a massive confidence boost for everyone.
“When you mention Mbappe, Messi, Haaland as well, that is an individual striker's thing where they have their own little competition,” he added.
Harry Kane reveals what Thomas Tuchel said to England players at half-time: ‘If we lose, we lose’
Thursday 18 June 2026 00:00 , Chris Wilson
Harry Kane revealed what England manager Thomas Tuchel said to his players at half-time of the World Cup win against Croatia on Wednesday.
England were pegged back twice in the first-half in Dallas, with Tuchel’s assistant Anthony Barry criticising the players in an interview with ITV at half-time, describing their display as “complicated and confusing.”
Yet the Three Lions came out in the second-half a team reinvigorated. Jude Bellingham put them back in front with a wonderful solo goal and Tuchel’s side could have been out of sight if it wasn’t for the brilliance of Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.
Kane reveals what Tuchel said to England players at half-time in Croatia win
Rooney on Croatia goal
Wednesday 17 June 2026 23:56 , Chris Wilson
“We could do some much better with the first goal. I think there were a few elements,” says former England captain Wayne Rooney on BBC.
“Jude [Bellingham] is a bit flat-footed and the defender comes in and wins the ball. I think John Stones can stay on his feet. There's no real danger and [Jordan] Pickford is in a good position but he doesn't stay on his feet. He gambles and when he dives in and gambles and it means [Nico] O'Reilly has to go across. It's a nice set and good cut back and nice finish.
“Could Jordan Pickford do a bit better? I don't know. He gets a full hand on it. I know it's quick. It's a good goal from a Croatia point of view but there's things England can do better to prevent it.
“I'm always critical of goalkeepers. I think if Jordan is getting a hand on it like he does then he'll be disappointed,” added the former Manchester United man.
Roy Keane and Gary Neville praise England’s ‘breath-taking’ and ‘fantastic’ performance versus Croatia
Wednesday 17 June 2026 23:52 , Chris Wilson
Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Ian Wright were full of praise for England following their 4-2 victory over Croatia in their first World Cup 2026 group stage game of this summer’s tournament.
The Three Lions had twice taken the lead in the first half, through a Harry Kane brace, but were pegged back by goals from Martin Baturina and Petar Musa.
After the second half restart, England came alive as Jude Bellingham’s individual run and strike restored their lead before Marcus Rashford came off the bench to add a late fourth and secure three points.
Keane and Neville praise England’s ‘breath-taking’ win over Croatia
Wednesday 17 June 2026 23:48 , Chris Wilson
“The work that goes into creating that sort of play is obviously one that takes us weeks to get right. Credit to the manager and his staff, they've put us in the right place to take those chances,” explains Bellingham on his goal.
“My responsibility to the team and my country is to give everything I have when I cross the line and wear that badge on my front. I want to give everything I can, it's been a long season for me; I've missed more camps than I'd like.
“The second half was more than flashes, in my opinion. The constant level of intensity without the ball was top level; the substitutions that came on were unbelievable. The pressing from the front, we hit the marker there,” he added.
Bellingham: 'We showed what we're about'
Wednesday 17 June 2026 23:43 , Chris Wilson
“The second half especially, we showed what we're about and the team we want to be. I think the first half, we were still a bit nervous and cagey,” said Jude Bellingham to ITV after full-time.
“With the ball, we rushed a bit but in the second half, we created a nice rhythm and you saw the best of us.
On Tuchel at half-time, he explains: "It wasn't one of those where it was a big drama or standing up and shouting; it was what the team needed. We have a mature group with great leaders in there; everyone knew the level we had to get to. The start of the second half gave us a great platform.”
When is England’s next World Cup game and what do they need to reach the knockouts?
Wednesday 17 June 2026 23:40 , Chris Wilson
England’s World Cup 2026 campaign is underway following a thrilling 4-2 win against Croatia as Thomas Tuchel’s side target glory in North America this summer.
The Three Lions entered the 48-team tournament as one of the favourites following an unbeaten qualifying campaign and after a prolific season from captain and top striker Harry Kane.
As well as Croatia, England will face Ghana and Panama in the group stages but will be plotting a much deeper run at the tournament as they seek to win a second men’s international tournament following runners-up finishes at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.
When is England’s next World Cup game and what do they need to reach the knockouts?
The England change that dispatched Croatia to fulfil Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup promise
Wednesday 17 June 2026 23:36 , Miguel Delaney in Dallas
Jude Bellingham looked like he can fulfil all that talent, but Thomas Tuchel has already fulfilled one promise. The England manager had promised that an occasion like this World Cup 2026 match would “bring out the best in us”, but it may have done even more than that.
It may well have been the country’s best spell of tournament football in decades, and perhaps the most convincing victory in some time. This ended up 4-2 but it could genuinely have been 7-2 from the 10 minutes after half-time alone. Croatia barely knew where to turn, let alone where to look.
By that point, Harry Kane had equalled Gary Lineker’s World Cup record of 10 goals thanks to his double, but that seemed no more than a footnote, as if it had come in a different and more disparate match.
The England change that dispatched Croatia to fulfil Tuchel’s World Cup promise
Kane: England 'controlled the game'
Wednesday 17 June 2026 23:32 , Chris Wilson
“Without the ball, we went a bit more aggressive. It was difficult. They have players like Luka Modric dropping in and you're trying to figure out who to pick up. The intensity we want at, it's our biggest strength and we'll have to use that more,” explained Kane to ITV.
“The way we controlled the game once we went ahead, we never really looked like we were in danger and then scored on the counter-attack. We had a spell where we could have scored three or four,” he said.
On Jude Bellingham:, Kane added: “Great goal, great run, great finish. You can see the desire from Jude in training. The competition is high-level. Whoever plays is ready and you saw Jude is itching to get out. Fantastic goal."
Kane: 'It was a game of two halves'
Wednesday 17 June 2026 23:28 , Chris Wilson
“I thought it was a game of two halves. First half, we were OK. Really disappointed to concede in the way we did, I thought we dropped off,” says Harry Kane on ITV at full-time.
“Credit to the manager, he gave us a speech at half-time and said if we lose, we lose in our way and I think we saw that in the way we came out in the second half. We went full gas and they couldn't live with it. Credit to everyone for the first game of the tournament,” added the England captain.
Henry & Ibrahimovic on Kane
Wednesday 17 June 2026 23:24 , Chris Wilson
“Harry Kane scored two goals but what I liked the most is he blocked a shot in his own area in the last few minutes,” says Zlatan Ibrahimovic on Fox.
“When you see a top player defend like he does, the sacrifice - he wants to win. He’s prepared to do things a star wouldn’t do normally,” he added.
Former France striker Thierry Henry adds: “He's a complete striker, he does it all, if you remember young Kane, it was goals, but he's evolved, he plays in midfield more often than not."
Harry Kane equals all-time England World Cup record after first-half double against Croatia
Wednesday 17 June 2026 23:20 , Kieran Jackson
Harry Kane has equalled Gary Lineker’s goals record for England at World Cups after his first-half double against Croatia.
The England captain, playing at his third World Cup, opened the scoring in Dallas after scoring a retaken penalty.
His first effort was saved, but Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic was penalised after a VAR review for moving off his line too early, plus Croat defender Josko Gvardiol encroached in the penalty area.
Harry Kane equals England World Cup record after first-half double against Croatia
England fans celebrate World Cup win
Wednesday 17 June 2026 23:16 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! England 4-2 Croatia
Wednesday 17 June 2026 23:13 , Chris Wilson
The first half was a little shaky but the second half was far better, and England have a deserved win to open their 2026 World Cup campaign.
The Three Lions were brilliant at times in Dallas and the 4-2 win is ample reward for a brave, inventive second-half performance.
It’s a big win in what should be their most difficult game of the group stage, though they’ll have to be more solid in defence in later rounds if they want to to go far this summer.
England player ratings vs Croatia: Who impressed in World Cup opener?
Wednesday 17 June 2026 23:10 , Chris Wilson
England were given a half-time shake-up by Thomas Tuchel as they overcame Croatia to win their opening match of the World Cup.
Harry Kane struck twice and Jude Bellingham scored the third moments after the restart. Tuchel then turned to the bench, with Bukayo Saka setting up Marcus Rashford as the Three Lions took charge of Group L thanks to a thrilling 4-2 win.
England were shaky in the first half, with assistant coach Anthony Barry ripping into a “complicated and confusing” performance after Croatia twice equalised in Texas.
England’s defence and parts of their midfield were far from convincing, but in captain Kane and Bellingham it’s clear Tuchel has two match-winners who could make the difference this summer.
Here’s how the England players rated after the 4-2 win over Croatia
England player ratings vs Croatia: Who impressed in World Cup opener?
FULL-TIME! England 4-2 Croatia
Wednesday 17 June 2026 23:07 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! England 4-2 Croatia
Wednesday 17 June 2026 23:01 , Chris Wilson
Pickford collects a Perisic cross and that is that!
Clement Turpin blows the final whistle and the Three Lions have a well-earned three points to being their World Cup campaign!
England 4-2 Croatia
Wednesday 17 June 2026 23:00 , Chris Wilson
90 +5 mins
CLOSE! What a block this is!
The corner is a good one and it’s headed down to Gvardiol in the sic-yard box. He looks like he’s about to fire it in but Kane is there to dive in and make a brilliant block!
Saka and Rashford combine on the counter but the latter can’t skip past his marker this time.
England 4-2 Croatia
Wednesday 17 June 2026 22:58 , Chris Wilson
90 +4 mins
A late corner for Croatia as Spence loses out to Perisic.
England 4-2 Croatia
Wednesday 17 June 2026 22:57 , Chris Wilson
90 +2 mins
Pickford collects a Croatia cross and England are looking very settled at the moment.
England 4-2 Croatia
Wednesday 17 June 2026 22:55 , Chris Wilson
90 mins
Into the first of six minutes of added time in Dallas. Croatia don’t look like bringing this one back.
GOAL! England 4-2 Croatia (Rashford, 85')
Wednesday 17 June 2026 22:51 , Chris Wilson
85 mins
GOAL! Is that the one to seal it!?
Marcus Rashford has England’s fourth goal after a great counter-attack.
The tackle came in on Spence on the wing but England had numbers in support and Saka latches onto the loose ball.
He looks up and picks out Rashford in acres of space, and the winger simply chops back inside before side-footing a lovely effort into the side-netting for 4-2!
England 3-2 Croatia
Wednesday 17 June 2026 22:49 , Chris Wilson
84 mins
Good ‘keeping from Pickford as he’s alert and brave to get to the clipped ball in before the Croatia attacker.
Moments later, the England ‘keeper makes a routine save from Kovacic’s low effort.
England 3-2 Croatia
Wednesday 17 June 2026 22:47 , Chris Wilson
82 mins
CLOSE! A great chance for England as the pass is threaded through to Djed Spence, who’s escaped the defenders but can’t squeeze it past Livakovic from close range!
England 3-2 Croatia
Wednesday 17 June 2026 22:46 , Chris Wilson
81 mins
Better from Croatia as they keep possession well before Pickford punches away a cross and Pasalic rifles over a half-volley.
That sub for England means that Reece James has moved into midfield for now.
England 3-2 Croatia
Wednesday 17 June 2026 22:44 , Chris Wilson
79 mins
The final subs for Croatia, with Vlasic and Kramaric on for Baturina and Pasalic.
England make a sub too, with Bellingham making way for Djed Spence.
England 3-2 Croatia
Wednesday 17 June 2026 22:42 , Chris Wilson
77 mins
Bellinham seems to be playing a little deeper now that Rogers has come on (when England are out of possession anyway).
England 3-2 Croatia
Wednesday 17 June 2026 22:40 , Chris Wilson
76 mins
SAVE!
Pickford does well to get low and palm away a low drive from Pasalic.
Moments later, he’s equal to the deflected effort from Matanovic.
England 3-2 Croatia
Wednesday 17 June 2026 22:39 , Chris Wilson
73 mins
Almost a mistake from Stanisic as his header nearly sells Livakovic short, but the ‘keeper does well to make it to the ball before Rashford.
England 3-2 Croatia
Wednesday 17 June 2026 22:36 , Chris Wilson
71 mins
A triple sub for the Three Lions, who bring on Morgan Rogers, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford for Declan Rice, Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke.
Back underway in Dallas!
England 3-2 Croatia
Wednesday 17 June 2026 22:34 , Chris Wilson
67 mins
Into the second hydration break with England in control at the moment.
The last break saw a real change in momentum, so Tuchel will have to make sure his side keep this up.
The England boss is preparing subs as we speak.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
