World Cup 2026 LIVE!
The World Cup is off and running as all three tournament co-hosts have each played their first games. Canada came from a goal down to draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina, thus earning their first-ever point at football’s global tournament after previous finals appearances in 1986 and 2022 both featured a clean sweep of defeats.
Then over at the SoFI Stadium in California, USA thumped Paraguay 4-1 to kick off Group D. Much is expected of Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT this summer, and Florian Balogun was the star of the show as he netted twice to move top of the goalscoring charts at this early stage.
Proceedings got underway on Thursday, with Mexico brushing aside South Africa 2-0 in a game that featured three red cards before Group A rivals South Korea came from behind to beat Czechia 2-1 amid scores of empty seats in Guadalajara. England have experienced some trouble upon arriving at their training base in Kansas City as they gear up for Wednesday’s Group L opener against Croatia, having beaten Miami United 6-0 in a training friendly to follow their easy win over Costa Rica. Follow the latest World Cup news and updates live below!
World Cup 2026 latest news
- Police make arrests as England World Cup boots stolen
- USA begin World Cup in style
- Canada made to rue missed chances in draw
- England thrash Miami United in training friendly
- South Korea come from behind to defeat Czechia
- Raining red cards as Mexico beat South Africa in opener
- Shakira and Burna Boy kick off World Cup 2026 party
Watch: Ronaldo arrives
18:00 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Cristiano Ronaldo has arrived, 20 years on from his first World Cup!
🇵🇹 He’s here. CR7. #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/rPc25JsdCr
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 13, 2026
Scotland bid to banish group stage hoodoo as long World Cup exile ends
17:00 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
In a few hours’ time, a fleet of 20 chartered mustard-yellow school buses will travel from Boston into Massachusetts suburbia, carrying a small army of kilted Scots to a football match nearly three decades in the making.
It is 28 years since Scotland’s most recent World Cup fixture - a 3-0 defeat by Morocco in Saint-Etienne - and their longest-ever hiatus from the sport’s greatest tournament is now over, at long last.
Scotland’s bar for success at this competition is clear. In eight previous finals, they have never managed to escape the group stage.
Heading into the expanded 2026 edition, where a third-place finish should be sufficient to see them through, that is the bare minimum.
Still to come
16:51 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Two games will be played tonight and a further two in the early hours of Sunday morning as the World Cup heats up.
The first offering will see 2022 hosts Qatar take on a nation with plenty of tournament experience in Switzerland. Kick-off at the Levi’s Stadium is 8pm BST (UK time).
Then it’s over to the MetLife Stadium for Brazil vs Morocco at 11pm BST.
Much is expected of the five-time world champions, now managed by Carlo Ancelotti, but facing Africa's best will not be easy.
Attentions then turn to Scotland's first World Cup fixture since 1998 as they take on minnows Haiti at 2am on Sunday morning.
Australia vs Turkey is in the 5am slot for all the hardcore football fans in the UK.
Police make arrests as England World Cup boots stolen from Kansas City base
10:00 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
England’s World Cup preparations have been hit by the theft of team equipment including boots and balls from the side’s Kansas City base.
Thomas Tuchel’s side arrive in the Midwest on Saturday afternoon as World Cup preparations go up a notch following a warm weather camp in Florida.
But the team have been given an unexpected headache, with the boots of star players, balls and training equipment understood to have been discovered stolen ahead of training at Swope Soccer Village.
USA off to a dream start
08:59 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
The United States pulverised Paraguay as they opened their home World Cup campaign with a statement victory in front of a galaxy of stars including former England captain David Beckham and Tom Cruise.
Monaco forward Folarin Balogun, a former England Under-21 international, scored two well-taken first-half goals as Mauricio Pochettino’s side served early notice of their capabilities in a convincing 4-1 win.
Canada snatch draw against Bosnia
Friday 12 June 2026 22:35 , Oli Gent
Cyle Larin netted just moments after coming on as a second-half substitute to snatch a first-ever World Cup point for Canada as they opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Les Rouges were hoping to avoid a seventh defeat on the global stage as they began their home tournament at the BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario, having lost all six of their previous matches across their two World Cup appearances.
Canada and USA prepare for opening World Cup games
Friday 12 June 2026 13:46 , George Flood
After Mexico’s 2-0 victory over South Africa last night in a one-sided opening game in Group A that featured no fewer than three red cards at the Estadio Azteca, it’s time for the remaining co-hosts to enter the fray on day two.
It’s over to Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) first later on as Canada go in search of their first-ever World Cup point in Group B as they begin their third finals against a Bosnia and Herzegovina team who are appearing on football’s grandest stage for only the second time and first since Brazil 2014.
Attentions will then swiftly fall upon Los Angeles Stadium (SoFI Stadium) in California, where it will be the turn of the USA to raise the curtain on Group D as they meet a tough Paraguay side who are back in the World Cup for the first time since 2010.
There will be further opening ceremonies taking place ahead of both of those games, following the initial show in Mexico City on Thursday that featured performances from the likes of Shakira and Burna Boy.
Canada’s ceremony will include Michael Buble, Alanis Morissette and Will Arnett, while the American version is set to feature Katy Perry as well as Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema, Tyla and Dan + Shay.
England thump local team
Friday 12 June 2026 10:00 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
England officially begin their World Cup campaign next week and preparations for the tournament have now been finalised.
The Three Lions have been based in the United States for over a week now, playing two contrasting warm-up friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica.
Harry Kane scored the only goal as England laboured to victory over New Zealand, but there was a marked improvement in the 3-0 win over Costa Rica with Declan Rice, Anthony Gordon and Ollie Watkins all on target.
In an exercise for Thomas Tuchel’s side to fine-tune certain combinations and to run through set-piece routines ahead of facing Croatia on June 17, a friendly took place against Miami United at Palm Beach Gardens on Thursday.
Embarrassment for hosts as thousands of seats left empty at Korea v Czechia match
Friday 12 June 2026 09:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Football fans have been left seething as huge numbers of empty seats were seen during one of the opening games of the World Cup.
Large swathes of the stadium in Guadalajara were vacant during South Korea’s clash with Czech Republic in the early hours on Friday morning, amid controversy surrounding Fifa’s ticket prices.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino defended the dynamic pricing policy at a press conference on the eve of the tournament.
The governing body has come under fire due to their pricing strategy, and are facing legal action from New York, New Jersey and California following allegations that fans were left confused over inflated ticket prices.
South Korea win
Friday 12 June 2026 09:01 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Substitute Oh Hyeon-Gu gave South Korea a winning start to the World Cup as they came from behind to beat Czechia 2-1.
Oh struck 11 minutes from time after In-Beom Hwang’s moment of magic had cancelled out Czech captain Ladislav Krejci’s header in Guadalajara.
Thursday 11 June 2026 23:55 , Alex Young
The next game sees South Korea take on Czechia in the second Group A match.
Here’s how you can watch along in the UK.
Why were South Africa and Mexico players sent off?
Thursday 11 June 2026 22:48 , Alex Young
The World Cup kicked off in remarkable fashion on Thursday night as co-hosts Mexico cruised to victory over South Africa in a game overshadowed by three red cards.
Julian Quinones gave Mexico an early lead inside nine minutes, drilling home from inside the area after a mix-up in the Bafana Bafana defence. Raul Jimenez put the game beyond doubt in the second half, scoring his first ever finals goal on his final start in the tournament.
But it was the three red cards, two of which were shown to South Africa players. It was the seventh time there have been three or more red cards in a World Cup game, and the first time in an opener.
Shakira and Burna Boy kick off World Cup 2026 party
Thursday 11 June 2026 22:26 , Alex Young
Shakira and Burna Boy kicked off the World Cup with a performance at the spectacular opening ceremony in Mexico.
The Colombian singer performed 'Let's go', the official World Cup song, alongside Nigerian artist Burna Boy ahead of the opening fixture in Mexico City.
The high-octane ceremony in the Mexico City Stadium came ahead of the joint host nation taking on South Africa in the first game of the tournament.
The match was the first of 104 at the biggest ever FIFA World Cup, where 48 countries will compete across 16 cities.
It began with costumes performing as a giant World Cup rose up in the centre of the pitch.
Raining red cards as co-hosts kick off World Cup with a win
Thursday 11 June 2026 22:24 , Alex Young
Mexico’s misery in World Cup opening games was finally ended as they secured a 2-0 win over South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in a match featuring three red cards.
The co-hosts had been involved in seven matches which either alone, or jointly, opened previous tournaments, but had won none of them.
They put that right at the eighth attempt however as goals from Julian Quinones and Fulham’s Raul Jimenez in either half gave them a victorious start against a South Africa side who finished with nine men.
Cesar Montes’ dismissal in stoppage time took some of the shine off an otherwise upbeat afternoon.
Wataru Endo withdraws from Japan squad and retires
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:21 , Alex Young
Japan midfielder Wataru Endo has retired from international football after being ruled out of the World Cup because of a foot problem.
The Liverpool star sustained the injury against Sunderland on February 11 in what was his final club appearance of the season.
He made his comeback by completing 45 minutes in a 1-0 World Cup warm-up victory over Iceland, but his recovery has not progressed as hoped for.
Endo said on X: “I will be leaving the World Cup squad. Since my injury, I’ve done everything I could, so I have no regrets. Of course I’m frustrated at not being able to participate in this World Cup.
“But more than that, I’m proud to have led this team as captain since the Qatar World Cup and to see it grow into a group that can naturally talk about the goal of winning the World Cup.
“With this action, I will be retiring from the national team. From now on, I’ll continue to support the Japan national team as a fan alone.”
Mexico vs South Africa LIVE
Thursday 11 June 2026 19:05 , Alex Young
After all of that, we still have the not-so-little matter of the first match of the World Cup to focus on.
You can follow our dedicated live coverage of the opening match with our blog here.
Thursday 11 June 2026 18:58 , Alex Young
Well then, that was very fun! A great way to kick off the tournament!
Shakira must have a World Cup residency at this point, and well deserved it is too.
Thursday 11 June 2026 18:56 , Alex Young
Shakira is shaking those famous hips of hers, and Burna Boy is donning double denim in this heat.
It’s all going on.
Thursday 11 June 2026 18:55 , Alex Young
She is joined by men in white trousers and vests, who part like the seas to welcome Burna Boy, to perform the official World Cup song, ‘Dai Dai’.
Thursday 11 June 2026 18:54 , Alex Young
Shakira is here!
Thursday 11 June 2026 18:53 , Alex Young
We now have a rapper dressed like he is in a cartoon.
I think this might be artist Danny Ocean, who was last seen being played by George Clooney in those films.
Thursday 11 June 2026 18:52 , Alex Young
Oh, now we’ve got some huge life-size Labubus. I think they were Labubus, anyway.
This is flying through act after act.
Thursday 11 June 2026 18:50 , Alex Young
It wouldn’t be a Mexican celebration without a Mariachi band, and this opening ceremony has duly obliged. Young singer Belinda is introduced amid a sea of colourful dresses.
Thursday 11 June 2026 18:47 , Alex Young
That was a great opening, filled with all the passion you’d expect.
Now we have Mexican band Mana on stage, and the crowd is singing along enthusiastically.
Thursday 11 June 2026 18:46 , Alex Young
“Football unites us all.”
That’s the message as a huge version of the World Cup trophy emerges from the pitch.
Thursday 11 June 2026 18:45 , Alex Young
We have movement! A stunning collection of those men and women in yellow, they are joined by some clad in silver.
“People of the world, welcome to Mexico!
“Mexico receives you with smiles in our hearts.”
Thursday 11 June 2026 18:43 , Alex Young
A countdown, from 10, of Mexican fans to build some excitement.
Let’s get this underway.
Thursday 11 June 2026 18:41 , Alex Young
Ok, then, here we go! The stage/pitch is set and there are plenty of people in yellow holding yellow balls!
Everything is very stationary as music is pumped through the PA system.
Thursday 11 June 2026 18:37 , Alex Young
Right, it sounds like the opening ceremony is imminent. Shakira warming her vocal chords.
What to expect
Thursday 11 June 2026 18:34 , Alex Young
The opening ceremony will be headlined by Shakira and Burna Boy, who will perform ‘Dai Dai’, the official World Cup 2026 song, for the first time live.
The ceremony will also celebrate the best of Latin American talent, with FIFA saying in a statement: “In Mexico, this concept is brought to life through the intricate and celebratory art of ‘papel picado’, a powerful symbol of tradition, craftsmanship, and joy.”
Mexican band Mana will perform, alongside Alejandro Fernandez and Colombian J Balvin, as well as Belinda, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Los Angeles Azules, and Tyla.
Thursday 11 June 2026 18:29 , Alex Young
The opening ceremony is scheduled to start in a few minutes. I wonder if they stick to that time.
Thursday 11 June 2026 18:18 , Alex Young
Fans who have been unable to attend the game, are filling up the fan parks in Mexico City.
Thursday 11 June 2026 18:08 , Alex Young
Amid a sea of Mariachi costumes, trumpets, and a sea of dark green support, Mexico City are opening the doors of the World Cup.
The famous Azteca stadium hosts the opening game amid a backdrop of protests around the capital. Long queues can be seen as fans wait to enter.
Thursday 11 June 2026 18:01 , Alex Young
All sorts are arriving at the Azteca.
Thursday 11 June 2026 17:40 , Alex Young
The atmosphere is building in Mexico City.
Thursday 11 June 2026 16:51 , Alex Young
Still well over an hour an a half until the opening ceremony begins, and more than three hours since the game kicks off, and plenty of people are at the Azteca.
Opening ceremony begins at 6.30pm BST.
Thursday 11 June 2026 15:23 , Alex Young
The stage is set for the opening ceremony.
World Cup opener fast approaching
Thursday 11 June 2026 13:46 , Arthur Ferridge
Just a few hours until the 2026 World Cup finally gets underway! Here is the South Africa squad going through the motions ahead of kick-off.
England analysis: Selection dilemmas, Kane burden eases, Madueke makes his case
Thursday 11 June 2026 12:16 , Arthur Ferridge
Out intrepid England reporter Dom Smith has picked apart England’s 3-0 win over Costa Rica and delivers three key talking points.
Tuchel has questions to answer. Clouds part for Harry Kane. Noni Madueke stakes a claim to a starting place.
Morocco confirm double injury blow
Thursday 11 June 2026 11:13 , Arthur Ferridge
Morocco have confirmed the withdrawals of Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli from their World Cup squad due to injury, barely 48 hours before they were due to face Brazil in their tournament opener.
Ezzalzouli was forced off wth an injury during a 1-1 friendly draw with Norway on Monday night, as was Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui.
Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi told journalists that he would ‘wait to see’ how severe either man’s injury was, and while Mazraoui’s shoulder injury seems minor, Ezzalzouli’s campaign has been cruelly cut short.
It is a huge blow for the Real Betis forward, who was expected to serve as a first choice this tournament after racking up 18 goal contributions in 29 La Liga appearances this season.
Marseille’s Aguerd, meanwhile, played no part against Norway due to an ongoing groin injury, which he brought into the camp with him, and he has not recovered from the ailment in time to play a part at the tournament.
The Atlas Lions face Brazil on Saturday evening in their first group-stage outing of the summer.
Gianni Infantino pushes back on 'unfortunate' World Cup visa controversy: 'Chill'
Thursday 11 June 2026 10:11 , Arthur Ferridge
FIFA president Gianni Infantino urged people to “chill” and put their faith in his organisation that it was doing its best to tackle visa issues impacting the World Cup.
Referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States earlier this week, with FIFA later confirming he would play no part in the tournament.
On the eve of the opening game in Mexico City, Infantino, who also gave a strident defence of ticket prices, said: “It was unfortunate what happened with the referee from Somalia.
“Again, we don’t control everything. We tried to discuss, we speak. Sometimes it’s good as well just to chill, relax.
“We try to solve everything, (but) screaming and shouting, that’s the opposite of finding a solution.
“We try always to find solutions (but) we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments, police forces. We are an organisation with the means we have to make as much as possible.”
Tuchel reacts to England vs Costa Rica
Thursday 11 June 2026 09:10 , Arthur Ferridge
Thomas Tuchel has insisted that he still does not know his starting lineup for England’s World Cup opener against Croatia, which is now less than a week away.
Asked whether he already knows his XI for that curtain-raiser, Tuchel told ITV after the win over Costa Rica: “No. I will have to find now an XI for tomorrow’s game. And then I have another six days, I think.”
More from the England manager here!
Player ratings as England sink Costa Rica
Thursday 11 June 2026 08:09 , Arthur Ferridge
Standard Sport’s Dom Smith went to the trouble of watching England vs Costa Rica last night so you didn’t have to!
But how did England’s big-name stars fare on the eve of the World Cup?
He was pleased with lively showings from Anthony Gordon and Jude Bellingham, but less so with the likes of Marc Guehi and Noni Madueke.
Click here to read his full player ratings!
Will there be a Bank Holiday if England win the World Cup?
Wednesday 10 June 2026 13:56 , Oli Gent
With only two days to go until the start of the greatest football tournament in the world, thousands across England and Scotland have been struck by World Cup Fever
In England, fans of the Three Lions are hoping and praying that Thomas Tuchel’s men can finally end 60 years of hurt this summer and bring the trophy home.
And if they do - will there be a Bank Holiday to celebrate?
Graham Potter gets in the Texan spirit
Wednesday 10 June 2026 10:56 , Alex Young
Graham Potter has thrown himself headlong into American culture as Sweden gear up for their World Cup opener.
His Blagult side area in a training camp in north Texas ahead of joining the Netherlands, Tunisia and Japan in the group stages.
Much has been made of the heat at this World Cup, but Potter, presumably unused to the conditions having been born and raised in Solihull, has embraced local expertise as a means of keeping the sun off his face.
As Sweden staged an open training session in Dallas, Potter took to the pitch sporting a ten-gallon cowboy hat, endearing himself to the Texan locals in doing so.
Havertz responds to transfer rumours from World Cup base camp
Wednesday 10 June 2026 09:35 , Arthur Ferridge
Kai Havertz has shut down any suggestion he would consider re-joining Chelsea this summer.
Havertz was asked by a fan whether he would be open to re-joining Chelsea as he signed autographs at Germany’s World Cup base camp.
Told to “go back to Chelsea” by a young supporter, Havertz was unequivocal, saying: “You wish, you wish.”
There has been no serious suggestion that Chelsea were interested in signing Havertz this summer, and this is not the first time the player has made clear his commitment to Arsenal.
US brands Somali referee 'security threat'
Wednesday 10 June 2026 07:42 , Oli Gent
The United States have issued a statement after Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry ahead of the World Cup.
The official, who was selected as one of 52 referees for this summer’s tournament was turned away at the US border, despite claiming to have the correct paperwork and visa documentation.
Artan was named Africa’s referee of the year in 2025, and he would have been the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup.
Tuchel delivers verdict on England 'heavy World Cup favourites' tag
Tuesday 9 June 2026 22:33 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
England are NOT one of the heavy favourites to win the World Cup this summer.
That is the view of current England head coach Thomas Tuchel, who believes the Three Lions’ lack of tournament success is a factor when comparing his side to other successful nations.
It is 60 years since England last won a major tournament - with that being the World Cup in 1966.
Years of heartbreak have followed, losing back-to-back European Championship finals, while they have twice been involved in the third-place play-off match at the World Cup.
Ahead of this summer’s tournament in North America, England have been touted as one of the frontrunners - along with Spain, France and holders Argentina - but Tuchel disagrees, insisting they are not “heavy favourites”.
Tuchel issues Saka injury update
Tuesday 9 June 2026 21:37 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Thomas Tuchel has revealed England are continuing to manage Bukayo Saka’s minutes ahead of the final World Cup warm-up friendly against Costa Rica.
Saka missed England 1-0 win over New Zealand at the weekend, due to joining up with the squad late after featuring for Arsenal in the Champions League final on May 30.
Prior to that, Saka was forced to withdraw from the squad during the March international break because of injury.
The winger then missed six successive games in all competitions for Arsenal, returning in the Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid and then started four of the remaining five games of the campaign.
Saka is in contention to feature for the Three Lions against Costa Rica on Wednesday night, though Tuchel insists he still has to take care of the forward.
Will there be a Bank Holiday if England wins the World Cup?
Tuesday 9 June 2026 18:03 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
England have never before been granted a Bank Holiday for a World Cup match.
The Three Lions’ latest group-stage kick-off time is 10pm UK time against Panama, and it is highly unlikely a holiday would be introduced for that.
However, should England win their group and progress, there is a possibility of a Sunday 1am kick-off in the last 16.
The precedent set with Scotland’s Bank Holiday will give fans hope of an unheard of World Cup Bank Holiday.
Training underway
Tuesday 9 June 2026 16:14 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
England’s pre-Costa Rica training session is now underway!
Iran says US has revoked every World Cup ticket in 'sabotage' attempt
Tuesday 9 June 2026 15:14 , Alex Young
Iran fans have seen their World Cup tickets revoked just days before the tournament begins.
Iran's football federation (FFIRI) on Tuesday claimed that its ticket allocation had been removed by co-hosts USA, calling it a decision “to sabotage the presence of Iranian fans” at the tournament.
It leaves supporters who had already made travel plans unable to attend their team's matches, which take place in the US; against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle.
“This is despite the fact that many Iranian football fans, relying on the officially announced process, had already made the necessary plans to attend the matches,” it added in a statement.
It said the move was “contrary to the spirit governing international competitions and the principle of equality among participating countries”.
Under FIFA regulations every participating country gets eight percent of tickets for each match allocated to its federation to officially distribute to fans, with Iran due to receive the standard allocation.
However, the FFIRI is now claiming to have had this revoked just days before their Group G opener with New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June.
Storms could disrupt England vs Costa Rica
Tuesday 9 June 2026 11:58 , George Flood
England’s final World Cup warm-up friendly could be hit by stormy weather conditions.
The Three Lions - who have been training in West Palm Beach and beat New Zealand 1-0 in Tampa on Saturday - complete their preparations for the upcoming tournament with a game against Costa Rica at the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando on Wednesday.
The match kicks off at 9pm BST, which is 4pm local time in central Florida, where a 6.1 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Cuba in the Gulf of Mexico on Monday caused tremors across the state.
The forecast for Orlando on Wednesday afternoon includes thunderstorms around an hour before kick-off, with temperatures around 30 degrees celsius that will feel more like between 32 and 34 degrees with the humidity.
Every new rule at World Cup
Tuesday 9 June 2026 11:22 , Oli Gent
This summer’s World Cup will have a very different feel.
Not just because it has expanded to 48 teams, but also because there are a number of rule changes coming into force at the tournament.
Those regulations have been confirmed by FIFA, and many of them concern the way that Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will be used in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The tournament is set to get underway this week, with the first game kicking off on Thursday when Mexico take on South Africa at the Estadio Banorte.
ICYMI: Nine injured in shooting near England's World Cup base
Tuesday 9 June 2026 10:16 , Oli Gent
Nine people have been injured in a shooting close to the England squad’s World Cup training ground in Kansas City, Missouri, according to reports in the United States.
The team were not at their hotel during the shooting at around 4am local time on Saturday, having been preparing for their friendly game against New Zealand in Florida.
England World Cup camp hit by 6.1 magnitude earthquake
Tuesday 9 June 2026 09:14 , Oli Gent
England’s World Cup camp has been hit by an earthquake just days from the start of the tournament.
The 6.1 magnitude quake in Orlando reportedly saw buildings evacuated.
The Three Lions are set to play Costa Rica in the Florida city tomorrow in their last friendly before the World Cup begins.
Local media has not reported any serious damage or injuries, but many buildings were shaken in the tremors.
Somali referee Omar Artan to miss World Cup after being denied US entry visa
Tuesday 9 June 2026 07:26 , Alex Young
A Somali referee who was set to become the first from his country to officiate at a World Cup has been denied entry to the United States.
World governing body FIFA confirmed Omar Artan, who was selected as one of 52 referees for the tournament, will now be removed from its roster.
A FIFA spokesperson said: “FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States.
“FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present.
“In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”
Arsenal star ruled out of World Cup
Tuesday 9 June 2026 07:05 , Oli Gent
In the big news overnight, Jurrien Timber, the Arsenal defender, has been ruled out of the World Cup.
The Dutchman had been called up by Ronald Koeman for this summer’s tournament, and he made his return from a long injury lay-off in the Champions League final for Arsenal, coming off the bench against Paris Saint-Germain.
Mikel Arteta had said that he was back fit again after niggling ankle and groin issues, but it is the latter that has seemingly ended his World Cup dreams, with the Oranje confirmed he had pulled out of the squad. Lutsharel Geertruida, the Sunderland defender, has replaced him.
Neymar injury latest
Monday 8 June 2026 23:00 , Arthur Ferridge
Neymar’s World Cup hopes have been given a boost after Brazil announced he was making “good progress” in his recovery from a calf injury.
Brazil’s all-time leading scorer was expected to be sidelined for between two to three weeks after scans last month revealed a grade two muscle tear.
The 34-year-old had a further scan on Monday and the Brazilian Football Confederation said in a brief statement: “The exam showed good progress in his treatment, within expected parameters.
“He will continue the recovery and physical preparation process planned by the Brazilian National Team’s medical staff.”
Neymar has missed Brazil’s two warm-up friendlies, last month’s 6-2 win against Panama and Saturday’s 2-1 victory against Egypt, and faces a race to be fit in time for their opening World Cup group game against Morocco on June 13.
The former Barcelona and Paris St Germain playmaker, who returned to his boyhood club Santos in early 2025, has been dogged by injury issues in recent seasons. (PA Media)
France 3-1 Northern Ireland: Michael Olise hits stunning hat-trick as Les Bleus send World Cup warning shot
Monday 8 June 2026 22:41 , Arthur Ferridge
Northern Ireland were undone by a superb Michael Olise hat-trick as France jetted off to the World Cup with a 3-1 friendly win, but another spirited performance from Michael O’Neill’s young side was rewarded with Patrick Kelly’s first international goal.
Olise struck either side of half-time, both goals unerring finishes on the rebound, and after Kelly pulled one back the Bayern Munich man delivered a superb curling strike to settle it in the 75th minute.
But France, among the favourites to lift the World Cup this summer, hardly had things all their own way as Northern Ireland – whose starting XI had an average age of just 22.6 – dug in to produce another determined display showing maturity beyond their years.
And that was rewarded in the 64th minute when Kelly, the 21-year-old making only his second international start, turned in a Shea Charles cross, silencing the crowd to deliver on O’Neill’s plea for his players to act as “badly-behaved guests” at France’s going-away party.
Ngumoha reflects on England debut
Monday 8 June 2026 22:00 , Arthur Ferridge
Rio Ngumoha made his senior England debut in Saturday’s friendly win over New Zealand, and he has reflected on the experience in an interview with the Three Lions app.
“I’ll say it was a crazy feeling. I was happy, I was buzzing.
“I knew from when we had the meeting before that it was a first-half team and a second-half team so I was preparing.
“It’s good that I didn’t have much time to think about it, but I wasn’t too nervous, to be fair. I just wanted to play and just show everyone what I could do. And yeah, I just had fun.”
Timber ruled out
Monday 8 June 2026 21:00 , Arthur Ferridge
Jurrien Timber has been ruled out of the World Cup with a groin injury, the Dutch national team has confirmed.
The Arsenal right-back missed much of Premier League run-in through injury as the Gunners clinched the title for the first time since 2004.
A national team statement read: “Jurriën Timber misses the 2026 World Cup. The 24-year-old defender has not recovered sufficiently from a groin injury to take part in the World Cup in a medically responsible manner.”
Sunderland’s Lutsharel Geertruida has been called up in place of Timber, who has 23 caps for Der Oranje.
McGinn weighs in on Scotland friendly row
Monday 8 June 2026 20:00 , Arthur Ferridge
John McGinn said Scotland must ‘look after No1’ after they came under fire for cancelling a planned friendly with Norway.
Scotland had been due to face Norway in an hour-long training-ground friendly this week, but Steve Clarke’s side backed out at short notice after his squad picked up “one or two niggles” in training and “decided it wasn’t worth the risk.”
They were subsequently branded “unprofessional” by Norway boss Stale Solbakken.
But McGinn is adamant Scotland made the right move: "Our job is to look after Scotland, Norway's job is to look after Norway.
"If they done their research, they'd know we lost a key part of our team recently, and we don't want to lose anyone else.
"We've got to look after number one."
England already facing weather delay
Monday 8 June 2026 19:00 , Arthur Ferridge
A thunderstorm is forecast to hit Orlando right around the time Englands’ friendly against Costa Rica is due to kick-off.
It may give supporters an early taste of the weather delays which will likely disrupt plenty of matches throughout this World Cup.
Morocco face double injury blow
Monday 8 June 2026 18:00 , Arthur Ferridge
Morocco were left with an injury doubt over Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli following a 1-1 World Cup warm-up draw against Norway.
The former Barcelona player went off at half-time with a leg injury and is set to undergo scans.
Noussair Mazraoui was also forced off with a shoulder knock but head coach Mohamed Ouahbi allayed fears the Manchester United defender could miss his team’s opener against Brazil on Saturday.
Scotland’s Group C rivals were already facing doubts over the fitness of first-choice centre-back Nayef Aguerd. The Marseille player has been out for three months with a groin problem.
Morocco took an early lead against Norway through Brahim Diaz but Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard levelled in the 75th minute. (Via PA Media)
Chicago 'turned down chance to host World Cup'
Monday 8 June 2026 17:00 , Arthur Ferridge
Chicago turned down the opportunity to be one of the World Cup’s host cities.
Rahm Emanuel, who served as mayor of Chicago from 2011 to 2019, told The Athletic that he could not make peace with the strain the tournament could put on Chicago residents and taxpayers.
He said: “[FIFA] said in the contract that they had the right to request a dome being built over Soldier Field (the venue is open). So I said: ‘You have got to take that out.’
“They go, ‘We never exercise it, but it’s something we ask everybody to include.’ I said, ‘I don’t care if you’ve never exercised it. There will always be a first. Take it out and we can work through the other issues.’ They said, ‘We can’t take it out.’
“So I said there is not a chance I am going to have you directing me on a $50 million-$100 million expense to the taxpayers. That was the straw that broke the camel’s back. You can’t have something in there that leaves the city and the taxpayers exposed, where (FIFA) gets to decide it and I have no vote in it.”
Lamine Yamal ‘on track’ for Spain’s World Cup opener
Monday 8 June 2026 14:56 , Alex Young
Lamine Yamal is on track to feature in Spain’s opening World Cup match against Cape Verde on June 15.
A hamstring injury has sidelined Yamal since April 22, which meant the teenage forward missed the conclusion of Barcelona’s LaLiga-winning season.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente is cautiously optimistic of having the 18-year-old available in in a week’s time although he was coy about whether the youngster would be able to start.
Yamal, plus Nico Williams and Victor Munoz, have all been left out of Spain’s squad to play a friendly against Peru in Puebla, Mexico, due to injuries in what is their final outing before the World Cup.
But De la Fuente told reporters: “All three are on track to be fit to play on the 15th. We do not know how many minutes they will be able to play.
“But Lamine’s injury was different from Nico and Victor. Each player will have their own recovery process and timeline.
“However, the most important thing is that, within the timeframe we had planned, the 15th is achievable and will be met, so that they are with us and are available to be selected at some point during the opening game.”
Morocco and Man Utd star suffers injury scare
Monday 8 June 2026 13:57 , Alex Young
Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui has suffered an injury scare just days before the start of the World Cup.
The versatile defender started at left-back for Morocco in their final pre-tournament warm-up friendly against Norway in New York on Sunday, but lasted just 29 minutes before being replaced by Youssef Belammari.
Mazraoui suffered a shoulder issue and looks set to undergo tests to determine the severity, with Mohamed Ouahbi’s side due to open their Group C campaign against record five-time World Cup winners Brazil in New Jersey on Saturday (June 13).
Morocco then face Scotland in Boston on June 19, before meeting minnows Haiti in Atlanta on June 24.
Disney trip helps Burn get ready for the World Cup
Monday 8 June 2026 12:40 , Alex Young
Dan Burn credits a pre-tournament trip to Disney for helping him acclimatise to the heat ahead of the ride of his life at this summer’s World Cup.
The travel, heat and humidity could make this summer somewhat of a rollercoaster but a family trip helped him adapt to the conditions before their warm weather camp began in Florida last Monday.
Burn said of Saturday’s 1-0 friendly win against New Zealand in sweltering Tampa: “It doesn’t feel like the World Cup yet, but coming in and seeing the fans, the hype of it all and getting excited about it, so, yeah, I was happy with how it went.
“I think we dealt with the heat pretty well, got a win and a clean sheet. We can build on that.
“I didn’t notice (the heat) that much, if I am being honest. I have been here a week before, I did Disney with the kids because I wanted to get a bit of a head start.
“Honestly, I think that helped. Don’t get us wrong, it wasn’t like a Saturday afternoon in Newcastle, but I felt a lot better than I was expecting to.”
Eriksen 'in good spirits' after collapse
Monday 8 June 2026 11:06 , Alex Young
Christian Eriksen is in “good spirits” and expected to be discharged from hospital “soon” after collapsing on the pitch while in action for Denmark.
34-year-old Eriksen - who suffered a cardiac arrest while playing for his country at Euro 2020 - fell to the floor after being seen clutching his chest with both hands in worrying scenes that occurred with 25 minutes remaining of Sunday’s friendly match against Ukraine at Nature Energy Park in Odense.
The former Tottenham, Manchester United and Brentford midfielder received immediate medical treatment as both sets of players formed a protective ring around him in order to ensure greater privacy, with the game quickly abandoned.
Boesen - who was also Denmark’s team doctor at Euro 2020 and praised for his heroic efforts in helping to revive Eriksen - provided a further update on Eriksen’s condition on Monday morning, saying in a new statement released via the DBU: “I spoke with Christian this morning, and he is doing well.
“He is with his family and in good spirits. The expectation is that he will be discharged soon and can return home.
“We are taking good care of the players and staff and remain in regular contact with them.”
Tottenham transfer talk at the World Cup
Monday 8 June 2026 10:11 , Alex Young
The transfer news doesn’t stop at the World Cup.
Micky van de Ven has revealed he spoke to Netherlands team-mate Jan Paul van Hecke about Tottenham as the club plot a third bid for the Brighton defender.
Spurs have twice seen bids rejected for the centre-back, who is said to be keen on reuniting with his former Seagulls manager Roberto De Zerbi in north London.
Reports in the Dutch press on Sunday evening claimed the Van Hecke is prioritising interest from Spurs over other potential suitors, with one outlet reporting that personal terms had already been agreed.
"I did talk to Jan Paul briefly about Tottenham," said Van de Ven on Sunday at a press conference in White Plains, near New York.
"I think it is a good step for him."
.jpeg?trim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0)
Nine injured in shooting near England's World Cup base
Monday 8 June 2026 09:37 , Alex Young
Nine people have been injured in a shooting close to the England squad’s World Cup training ground in Kansas City, Missouri, according to reports in the United States.
The team were not at their hotel during the shooting at around 4am local time on Saturday, having been preparing for their friendly game against New Zealand in Florida.
Police were called to reports of an incident on Troost Avenue around five miles from the training base Thomas Tuchel’s side will use during the tournament.
The Athletic reported that officers had been dispatched after shots were heard being fired and arrived to find a large crowd dispersing. Three adult females had sustained injuries and were taken to hospital.
It was later reported that nine adults had gone to various local hospitals with non-life threatening injuries. No suspects are in custody but officers are continuing to patrol the location.
Tuchel on what Arsenal stars will add to World Cup camp
Monday 8 June 2026 09:34 , Alex Young
Thomas Tuchel believes that the four Arsenal stars joining England’s camp will give the squad a lift as they prepare for the World Cup.
Tuchel has been unable to call upon Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze after the quartet were given additional rest following the Gunners’ Champions League final defeat by Paris Saint-Germain last month.
The Three Lions lacked dynamism for large parts in the Tampa heat, but Tuchel thinks that his returning stars will be able to change that.
“The Arsenal players are in from today which is good because it gives us energy and quality,” he told ITV.
“We will acclimatise to the humidity and the sun whilst we are here. The most positive thing is that we can keep training with the whole group because no one is injured. We have no complaints.”
England vice-captain for World Cup confirmed
Monday 8 June 2026 08:26 , Alex Young
Declan Rice has pipped Jude Bellingham to the England vice-captaincy for the World Cup.
Harry Kane donned the armband as the Three Lions beat New Zealand in a friendly on Saturday night, but Jude Bellingham inherited it when Thomas Tuchel made eleven half-time substitutions.
But the Real Madrid midfielder will not serve as Kane’s understudy once the tournament gets underway, with the late-arriving Rice preferred by Tuchel.
Rice joined the England camp on Saturday, arriving late alongside his Arsenal team-mates Eberchi Eze, Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke after they were handed extra time off following the Champions League final.
Rice is a member of Tuchel’s leadership group, and has won the armband before.
Arsenal stars join England squad in Florida
Monday 8 June 2026 08:21 , Alex Young
Arsenal stars Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke have joined up with the England squad following their Champions League final defeat.
The foursome were given extended leave due to their clash with Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest six days after the end of the Premier League season.
The Gunners lost on penaties in agonishing fashion, as Eze and then Gabriel missed from 12 yards, but still had plenty to celebrate at their trophy parade the following day after winning the Premier League title.
But for Saka, Rice, Eze and Madueke, it is now full focus on England.
Reunited ❤️
— England (@England) June 7, 2026
Our four @Arsenal players have joined up with the #ThreeLions in Florida 🙌 pic.twitter.com/4kKWoduArE
Welcome
Monday 8 June 2026 08:19 , Alex Young
Good morning and welcome to the London Standard’s LIVE continued coverage of the 2026 World Cup.
We are just three days away from the big kick-off, with all 48 nations competing now at their World Cup bases ahead of the tournament curtain-raiser on Thursday.
Stick with us all the way until the final on July 19 as the biggest sporting show on earth thrills the globe.
