France underlined why they are among the favourites to win the World Cup with a statement 3-1 win over Senegal in their Group I opener, and Les Bleus continue their bid for another trophy against minnows Iraq.Kylian Mbappe shone as he bagged a brace to become France’s highest scorer of all time, overtaking Olivier Giroud, and overhauled Just Fontaine’s record for the most World Cup goals by a Frenchman.Bradley Barcola also scored as France dominated in a stellar second half, while Iraq were beaten 4-1 by Norway, meaning Didier Deschamps’ side need one more win to qualify early for the knockout stages.They currently sit second courtesy of Norway’s more impressive haul of goals, while Iraq look destined for an early exit. Here’s everything you need to know.When is France vs Iraq?France face Iraq in Group I on Monday 22 June at the Philadelphia Stadium, with kick-off at 10pm BST. How can I watch it?Viewers in the UK can watch the match live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.Team newsWilliam Saliba said he was playing through “gritted teeth” after a long and gruelling season, but France should be able to call on the Arsenal star as well as Theo Hernandez, Malo Gusto and Dayot Upamecano, who have been wrapped in cotton wool to ensure they are fully fit.Ali Jasim was withdrawn against Norway due to a knock but has shaken it off in training this week. Predicted line-upsFrance XI: Maignan, Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Digne, Rabiot, Kone, Dembele, Olise, Barcola, MbappeIraq XI: Basil, Ali, Tahseen, Hashem, Doski, Bayesh, Al-Ammari, Iqbal, Ali Jasim, Hussein, Al-Hamadi

Argentina take on Austria in a tantalising Group J clash with Lionel Scaloni’s side looking to book their place in the knockout stages.The Qatar 2022 champions got off to an excellent start with a dominant 3-0 win over Algeria in their opening clash, with Lionel Messi rolling back the years with a superb hat-trick.His triple saw him draw level with Miroslav Klose’s as the tournament’s joint all-time record goalscorer, with 16 goals, and the veteran - who turns 39 on Wednesday - will be aiming to break that record on Monday. The reigning champions top Group J on goal difference and will be confident of progressing to the knockout rounds, while Austria sit second, also on three points, after beating tournament debutants Jordan 3-1. Here’s everything you need to know.When is Argentina vs Austria?Argentina face Austria in Group J on Monday 22 June, with kick-off at 6pm BST. How can I watch it?Viewers in the UK can watch the match live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with coverage beginning at 5.30pm BST. Team newsGonzalo Montiel is expected to miss out on the game as a precautionary measure after he was withdrawn at half-time against Algeria with a hamstring issue. Lautaro Martinez struggled in Argentina’s opener and was replaced in the second half, so Julian Alvarez may get the nod to partner Messi up front. Austria are likely to be without right-back Stefan Posch, who has a broken jaw and is being handled with care, although the injury does not require surgery. Predicted line-upsArgentina XI: Emiliano Martinez, Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Medina, De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez, Almada, Messi, AlvarezAustria XI: Alexander Schlager, Laimer, Lienhart, Alaba, Mwene, Seiwald, Xaver Schlager, Schmid, Chukwuemeka, Sabitzer, Kalajdzic

Emily O'Brian praised Worcester's independent business scene [BBC]Worcester venues that would ordinarily never show football have reported a spike in takings after embracing World Cup fever. Emily O'Brian, a barmaid at Tonic, said showing Wednesday night's England game against Croatia felt "very community based". She said: "We did it really just for our regulars that are quite into football and we like giving back. People were there having a nice time, having a chat." Jasmin Bishop, from Weavers Of Worcester, said: "Outside we had 40 to 50 people cheering and it was absolutely brilliant for us. Even with the late kick-off it was fantastic."O'Brian also praised Worcester's independent businesses for their support. She said: "One thing I love about Worcester - I've been here about nine years - is that all the independent bars aren't competing with each other, we're more helping each other out."I think that's why we're so successful. I think we're over 70% independent in this city now and I think that's down to not viewing each other as competition and rather as community."And that's what's nice about the World Cup, it's not my team against your team, it's our team."Jasmin Bishop said the World Cup had been "absolutely brilliant" for the business [BBC]Over at the Copper Beech Brew Co, Alice Hartley said: "A lot of our customers asked if we would be showing it so we decided to put it on."We were pretty full and fully booked out. We had pre-bookings and walk-ins, and we definitely saw an increase in takings because we're not normally open in the week."I think it's very important to keep people coming and having these things on encourages different people to come."Copper Beech Brew Co said they "definitely saw an increase in takings" [BBC]Sam Barriscale, from Spin The Black Circle, said his business was more known for its live music events but decided to make an exception for the World Cup. "It's a nice, chilled cafe vibe rather than a sports bar," he said. "I never watch football or any sports but enough people said they were interested in it so of course we'll pop it on."Asked if takings had improved as a result of showing the football, Barriscale said: "Very much so. We had about 20 to 30 people in here, and we're not usually open on a Wednesday evening - we opened up especially."Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. More on this story 'This could only exist in America': What are foreign football fans finding in the US?Hospitality venues hope for World Cup boostWhy the economics make this the craziest World Cup ever

Collage featuring BASKETBALL-WNBA-MIN-WAS/ and BASKETBALL-WNBA-MIN-WAS/. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectOlivia Miles continues to strengthen her case as the WNBA’s top rookie, even as one late mistake became the focus of debate following Minnesota’s latest loss.The Minnesota Lynx fell 84-79 to the Washington Mystics on Sunday at Target Center, but Miles once again looked every bit like a future star.The No. 2 overall pick finished with a game-high 22 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 blocks, carrying much of the team’s offensive load throughout the afternoon.Fans Split Between Praise and Criticism for Olivia MilesThe loss ended a good moment for the league-leading Lynx, but Miles continued to show why she is the favorite for Rookie of the Year.Through 17 games, the 23-year-old is averaging 18.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.4 steals while helping Minnesota build a strong 13-4 record.Her impact on the team has been hard to miss.However, Sunday’s game also showed the challenge of being one of the league’s rising stars, as every great play and every mistake is under the microscope.Some users looked at the bigger picture and praised the rookie guard for another impressive outing.“Olivia Miles is my favorite basketball player, and I think she’s already the best point guard in the WNBA SHE’S A SUPERSTAR,” sports influencer CuffsTheLegend wrote.RealApp pointed to her historic production, noting, “Olivia Miles is the fastest player in WNBA history to reach: 300+ PTS 75+ REB 75+ AST.”The praise extended beyond fans, as NBA Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett made a bold statement about the rookie’s place in the game.“Olivia Miles is one of the best rookies in ALL of basketball… @nba or @wnba.”Another user compared Miles’ impact to one of the greatest rookies the league has ever seen.“In terms of impact on game, Olivia Miles is best rookie I can recall since Candace Parker.”Meanwhile, Jaime Lardis commented, “Olivia Miles is just one of them! That one hand. Michaela looks defeated.”But not everyone walked away impressed, focusing on the late turnover that helped seal Minnesota’s defeat.“Olivia Miles committed an unforced Turnover that cost the lynx the game, will anybody discuss that or we too busy pushing agendas????” one user posted.Meanwhile, another bluntly added, “Olivia Miles with a pass to no one in the clutch. Lost the game for the Lynx. She in the MVP race?”One user pointed out, “Olivia Miles the new ‘ Point Gawd’ they say with 4 turnovers tonight and a clutch errant pass to lose the game but the Caitlin Clark haters won’t bring this up right? Only one agenda.”SEE ALSO:‘Caitlin Clark Needs Our Support’ — Swifties Rally Behind Fever Superstar to Vote Fellow Taylor Swift Fan a WNBA All-StarThe criticism came only a few days after Miles faced one of the toughest defensive tests of her rookie season. The Golden State Valkyries put constant pressure on her, restricting her to just 7 points on 1-of-10 shooting and forcing 6 turnovers. Even so, Minnesota managed to earn the win.Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve saw the game as a valuable learning experience for the young guard.“Us and them are the two best defensive teams in the league. So what she saw was actual defense,” Reeve said. “She needed a game like this. This was a tremendous growth point for her.”That viewpoint may matter more than the debate happening on social media.Every great guard has games where defenses make life difficult and force mistakes, and the key is how Miles bounces back when the Lynx take on the Mystics in a rematch on Wednesday.

Virat Kohli has ruled out any possibility of returning to Test cricket, joking during the launch of his new footwear line that he would rather undersell the product than make a comeback to add more runs to his Test tally.The former India captain, who retired from Test cricket last year after scoring 9,230 runs, was attending the global premiere of his One8 footwear line when he was asked a light-hearted question about making a comeback in whites.The red-coloured shoe has been priced in line with Kohli's Test run tally, prompting a suggestion that he could return to the longest format and add more value to the product. Kohli, however, quickly dismissed the idea with a smile."I would rather undersell. I am done with it (Test cricket)," he said, drawing laughter from those in attendance.While the exchange provided a humorous moment, Kohli also spoke at length about the mindset that has defined his career. The batting great explained that he has always been driven by the belief that a match is never over until the final result is decided, regardless of how difficult the situation appears.To illustrate that mentality, Kohli pointed to India's unforgettable victory over Pakistan at the 2022 T20 World Cup in Melbourne, a match in which he produced one of the finest innings of his career."I'm made this way. I almost crave situations when people feel like it's gone and then somehow you can manage to pull the game back."That's just how I look at the situations from a very young age. And I've never stopped believing, right till the very end, that the game is lost or we can't win. And some magical things have happened."One incident for me that will always stand out is that game against Pakistan in Melbourne. I was told later, chances of winning the game was like 3% or something. But I never thought like that. Even 1% is enough. If there is a chance, there is a chance. So, you're never really done until you lose the game," said Kohli.The 37-year-old also reflected on how his personality has evolved over the years. Known for his fiery and aggressive attitude during the early stages of his international career, Kohli believes his younger self would be surprised by the calmness he now carries."Probably he could not imagine himself being this calm. Would probably expect him to be boisterous and rowdy still."Things have turned out in a good way, looking at what we are doing where, I will have a sense of pride. Feeling that I would walk into any room with my head held high. Not be hesitant about who I am and what I am trying to do."Just follow my vision and heart and have the conviction to be doing so. These are things I would be proud of."Kohli continues to be a major force in Indian cricket despite stepping away from the Test arena. Now a one-format international player, he recently added another significant achievement to his glittering career by helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru secure a second consecutive IPL title.Even as he embraces a different phase of his journey, Kohli's competitive spirit and unwavering self-belief remain as strong as ever.

Where to watch Argentina vs. Austria live stream, TV channel, start time for World Cup Group J match originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Argentina will look to stay on track in their quest for back-to-back World Cup titles when they face Austria on Monday, June 22.Led by the legendary Lionel Messi, Argentina could become just the third country to win two straight tournaments, joining Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962).Austria, meanwhile, will attempt to pull off a massive upset after reaching the World Cup for the first time since 1998.Here is everything you need to know about Argentina vs. Austria, including TV and streaming options for the World Cup match.Argentina vs. Austria live stream, TV channelHere's how to watch this World Cup match in Canada:TV channel: TSN1, TSN3, TSN4, TSN5Live stream: TSN via Amazon Prime, TSN+This match will be broadcast TSN channels with streaming options available on their dedicated platforms.TSN can also be added as a separate subscription channel on Amazon Prime with fans able to access all of TSN's live and on demand content.What time does Argentina vs. Austria start?This World Cup clash kicks off on Monday, June 22, at 12 p.m. local time at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.Here's how that time translates across North America:DateKickoff timeEastern TimeMonday, June 221 p.m.Central TimeMonday, June 2212 p.m.Mountain TimeMonday, June 2211 a.m.Pacific TimeMonday, June 2210 a.m.World Cup schedule today and tomorrow(All times Eastern)Monday, June 22Argentina vs. Austria (1 p.m.)France vs. Iraq (5 p.m.)Norway vs. Senegal (8 p.m.)Jordan vs. Algeria (11 p.m.)Tuesday, June 23Portugal vs. Uzbekistan (1 p.m.)England vs. Ghana (4 p.m.)Panama vs. Croatia (7 p.m.)Colombia vs. DR Congo (10 p.m.)MORE:Complete World Cup schedule and fixtures%3Cmeta%20charset%3D%22UTF-8%22%20%2F%3E2026 FIFA World Cup FAQsWhen is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 through July 19, 2026. It will be the first World Cup hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being played?The 2026 World Cup will be played across 16 host cities in North America, with matches taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will be the first men's World Cup hosted by three countries.The 16 host cities are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle in the United States; Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; and Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey in Mexico.How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, expanding from the 32-team format used in previous tournaments. The larger field also means more matches, more knockout-round games and more countries involved than ever before.The 48 teams are Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Curaçao, Czechia, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Türkiye, United States, Uruguay and Uzbekistan.How many games are in the 2026 World Cup?There will be 104 matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That includes the group stage, knockout rounds and the final.When is the 2026 World Cup final?The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026. The match will be played at New York-New Jersey Stadium, FIFA's tournament name for MetLife Stadium.What time do World Cup games start?Kickoff times vary by date, host city and round. Because the tournament is being played across multiple time zones in the United States, Canada and Mexico, fans should check the official match schedule for start times in their local time zone.

Whatever happens this summer Manchester City must keep their Ballon d’Or winnerThe importance of Rodri to Manchester City cannot be overlooked. Rodri remains integral to City’s midfield. Given that the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders are entering a new era, Rodri will play a vital role as a leader as well as being the heartbeat of Manchester City’s midfield next season. As important as Rodri is to Manchester City, there are doubts surrounding his long-term future at the club as the Spanish international only has 12 months left on his current contract. Whatever happens with Rodri’s contract negotiations, City cannot lose their Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder this summer. He is integral to City and he will play a key role for City once again next season.Rodri remains one of the best midfielders in world football and Manchester City cannot lose that for next season.As Spain beat Saudi Arabia 4-0 in their second Group H fixture of this summer’s World Cup overnight, Rodri showed his importance to his country with a proper leader’s display in midfield. The Manchester City midfielder bossed the match and his work both in and out of possession laid the foundation for a powerful win from Spain. Rodri came in for criticism following Spain’s 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in their opening Group H fixture. But he responded with a strong display overnight.Speaking ahead of Spain’s win over Saudi Arabia, their coach Luis de la Fuente responded to the criticism that Rodri slows the Spanish play down after Spain’s draw with Cape Verde. The Spain coach explained in quotes relayed by ESPN: “It seems incredibly insulting to me that people would say that about the best player in the world. Would people say that about others who are considered the best in the world? I think they wouldn’t dare.”“But because they’re Spanish, we say things about our own that we wouldn’t about others… Rodri is the best player in the world. Even at 50%, he is better than most other midfielders in the world. He brings clarity, vision, balance. Rodri is an inspiration for us.”Rodri remains one of, if not, the premier midfielder in world football. He has battled his way back from a serious knee injury. Rodri did battle his own body throughout the 2025-26 season. But he remains crucial for Manchester City and Spain. City cannot afford to lose Rodri this summer. The chances of that occurring seem slim. But it is a blow that City cannot suffer and Luis de la Fuente’s comments are a reminder of just how good Rodri remains as a player.Rodri’s contract negotiations are now on hold.Fabrizio Romano reported yesterday that Manchester City’s bid to extend Rodri’s contract is now on hold. As per Romano’s report, no agreement has been reached with the Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder to extend his contract with Manchester City. Furthermore, Romano reports that the possibility that Rodri could leave City as a free agent in a year’s time is very much real.It cannot be disputed that Rodri has more than earned the right to decide whether or not he leaves Manchester City on a free transfer in 12 months’ time. He has won every trophy on offer plus the Ballon d’Or in his time at the club. His contribution to club has been immense.You do sense that Rodri has one more contribution to make at Manchester City. He will be vital in leading the way as City embark on a new era without Pep Guardiola. Rodri is an inspirational figure at City and he cannot be allowed to leave this summer. There doesn’t seem to be any suitors around to sign Rodri this summer. That bodes well for City as they will need Rodri for what lies ahead during the 2026-27 season.

The turf at the stadium that will World Cup final on July 19 is already sparking debate after just a few games and there's been question whether the arena in East Rutherford was the most appropriate choice for the big match.It feels more like artificial turf, said French midfielder Adrien Rabiot, while several other players and coaches noted that the surface is particularly hard.FIFA told dpa that the playing fields at all 16 World Cup stadiums are "in excellent condition, both in terms of playability and player safety."Research and tests have been conducted for more than five years in collaboration with leading turf experts and stadium operators.Brazil star forward Vinícius Júnior has already expressed concerns after the first of a total of eight World Cup matches in East Rutherford, just outside of New York.The field was difficult to play on, the Real Madrid striker reported after the 1-1 draw against Morocco on June 13. The heat was causing the turf to dry out quickly, slowing down the game, he said.If it rains, however, the game could become very fast, speculated Norway coach Stale Solbakken ahead of Monday's match against Senegal. He explained that the pitch is different from others and it's very hard.France coach, Didier Deschamps, meanwhile, noted that the ball bounces in a unique way on this field.During France's 3-1 victory over Senegal, the second match played at the East Rutherford stadium, the field appeared patchy in several places when viewed from a distance.But FIFA said: "Visual differences on some playing surfaces, whether on television or in person, do not necessarily reflect the quality, condition, or playability of the turf."

There is a physical perimeter around every stadium at this World Cup and once you pass through, there are rules. Welcome to Fifa-Land. No large banners. No political imagery of any kind. No offensive symbols. No commercial material. No inflatables. No musical instruments taller than 12cm. No binoculars. No significant quantities of paper, which is left open to interpretation. No frisbees. No detonators, which is reassuring.Inside, organisers have gone to extraordinary lengths to cleanse stadiums of all unofficial branding in order to meet Fifa’s “clean-site” policy, a kind of sanitised insanity that feels entirely in-keeping with the general ethos of football’s global governing body. Fifa contracts with World Cup venues forbid “advertising, marketing, promotion, merchandising, licensing, signage or other commercial identification of any kind on any stands, scoreboards, seats, seatbacks, time clocks, staff uniforms, Accreditation passes, fences or elsewhere inside, surrounding, or in the airspace above and around the Stadium other than that which is installed by, or at the direction of, FIFA or which is approved in writing by FIFA.”The Levi's logo is covered by a white sheet outside the stadium in Santa Clara (Getty Images)From New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium to LA’s SoFi Stadium and everywhere in between, World Cup venues have been scrubbed clean. That includes their names, which have taken on a geographical format during the tournament. Lincoln Financial Field has been renamed the Philadelphia Stadium, a move that has been reflected on Google Maps. Every trace of the words “Lincoln Financial Field” has been painstakingly covered up with tape or tarp.The AT&T Stadium has been renamed Dallas Stadium despite being in Arlington, and the Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara has been renamed the clunky and vague-sounding San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. Most egregious is Mexico’s Estadio Azteca, perhaps the most storied place in World Cup history, a coliseum where Pele’s Brazil and Diego Maradona’s Argentina won the World Cup. It has been renamed the Mexico City Stadium to fit Fifa conventions.In Boston, the tiny “Gillette” branding on every single seat inside the 65,878-capacity stadium has been taped over. In San Francisco, even the brand names of condiments have been redacted, as if they contain government secrets. The clamp down on brands extends to the players. Germany’s Jamal Musiala was seen wearing headphones before kick-off in their opening match in Houston with the manufacturer’s name covered over. The capacity at “Boston Stadium” for the World Cup is 64,146. That means someone had to put 64,146 very small pieces of blue tape over every single Gillette logo on every. single. seat. FIFA doesn’t mess around. 😳 pic.twitter.com/FJ2y6K69uv— Kyle Sheldon ⚽️🇺🇸 (@kylesheldon) June 16, 2026How far is FIFA going with its brand restrictions? The condiments at the Levi’s Stadium press box have all been taped over 😆 pic.twitter.com/YD0Imk2eOP— Kevin V. Nguyen (@KevinNguyen_89) June 13, 2026It is part of what Fifa calls its “Venue Dressing Programme”, for which it has hired agencies The Look Company and Wasserman Live to consult on how best to present the venues. It is big business. Brands like Metlife pay as much as £15m per year to sponsor a stadium. But Fifa’s dedication to protecting sponsors’ exclusivity is why it will earn an estimated $1.8bn in marketing revenue for 2026. Some of Fifa’s unofficial brands have turned erasure into opportunity. Levi’s produced a viral marketing campaign in which the company covered up its own logo on social media, and joked on the fact that the giant Levi’s sign on the stadium’s outer wall is still clearly recognisable under a white sheet because of its distinctive shape. Mercedes-Benz was able to get away with retaining its giant symbol on the roof of the stadium named after the company in Atlanta, because it was too challenging to safely remove or cover. The eight distinct panels each weigh 500 tonnes.Lumen was not so lucky, and the huge letters which span 300ft on top of the Lumen Stadium, which window-seat passengers flying into Seattle can see on their approach to land, have been covered up. Even so, the company had some fun on social media, showing employees rushing round the stadium trying to hide the name.The purpose of debranding the venues is to leave space for Fifa’s harem of exclusive sponsors. Why Fifa needs an official dairy sponsor (Mengniu) or an official automotive services supporter (Valvolene) is unclear. But they are paying big money and do not want rival names benefitting from the World Cup’s commercial pull.Powerade, which is owned by The Coca-Cola Company, is the official sports drink of the Fifa World Cup, and the company has taken ownership of the hydration breaks both in stadiums and on US channel Fox Sports. The controversy around the breaks – which are now routinely booed by football fans at each and every game – is only increasing Powerade’s exposure. Rexona is the official armpit sponsor of this World Cup (Getty Images)Perhaps the the cleverest ploy among Fifa’s partners is the Australian deodorant brand Rexona, known as Sure in the UK and Degree in the US and Canada. Rexona’s name can be seen emblazoned on the fourth officials’ boards when they indicate substitutions or added minutes at the end of each half. The logo can also be spotted under their armpits, so every time an official lifts the digital board over their head, Rexona is displayed on their body too. The company clearly has faith that the Adidas jerseys worn by match officials won’t show perspiration.

📝 2026 World Cup, the overnight round-upAnother World Cup night, another OneFootball recap!The can't-miss moment of the nightWe may have one of the most WTF images of the tournament.A moment that was both the most fair-play... and the least classy!During the match between Uruguay and Cape Verde (2-2), with the score at 0-1, Uruguayan scorer Federico Vinas was stretching his opponent Telmo Arcanjo, who was suffering from cramp.The problem? As soon as he saw his team launching a dangerous counterattack, Vinas let go of Arcanjo's leg and sprinted toward goal, into the penalty area. The striker's instinct...The night's resultsUruguay 2-2 Cape Verde. Click here to read the match summary!New Zealand 1-3 Egypt. Click here to read the match summary!The standingsGroup G: 1) Egypt - 4 points (+2)2) Iran - 2 points (0)3) Belgium - 2 points (0)4) New Zealand - 1 point (-2)Group H: 1) Spain - 4 points (+4)2) Uruguay - 2 points (0)3) Cape Verde - 2 points (0)4) Saudi Arabia - 1 point (-4)The 3 players who stood outWith a goal and an assist against New Zealand (3-1), Mohamed Salah finally delivered his breakout World Cup performance with the Pharaohs!Scorer of Cape Verde's first-ever World Cup goal against Uruguay, Kevin Lenini also makes our MVPs of the night.Also worth noting is the second goal in two matches for Uruguayan winger Maximiliano Araújo, who could be a major asset going forward if La Celeste qualify!📸 Fran Santiago - 2026 Getty ImagesToday's schedule and the upcoming night19:00: Argentina vs Austria (Group J)23:00: France vs Iraq (Group I)02:00: Norway vs Senegal (Group I)05:00: Jordan vs Algeria (Group J)The players to watchLionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland: a monster lineup this Monday in the USA!📸 MARCO BERTORELLO - AFP or licensorsThis article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — While Mohamed Salah's club career is still undecided, he's building his legacy with Egypt. Salah scored his 68th goal in international play, a total now just one goal shy of current Egypt coach Hossam Hassan’s career record for the Pharaohs, in a 3-1 World Cup victory Sunday night over New Zealand. It was his third World Cup goal after he netted two at the 2018 tournament in Russia. Three goals at the World Cup gives the 34-year-old Salah the most ever for an Egyptian player.Salah played for Liverpool for nine seasons, winning two Premier League titles and becoming the league's leading foreign goal scorer. But he had a dip in form this season and amid tensions, announced his contract with the squad would be ended a year early. His departure from Anfield sparked discussion as to where the striker would be going next. For now, he plays for Egypt with his future plans still uncertain. While between clubs, Mo Salah has etched his name further into the history books as the captain of the first Egyptian team to win a World Cup match.“What happened today is history for us as Egyptians,” Salah said. “We see a lot of teams win games, but for us as Egyptian, it doesn’t happen often, first time in history.”Fans would have to wait to see the Salah they grew to expect at Liverpool. He started slow in the first half, missing wide left on a direct free kick and watching New Zealand take an early lead, but he would not be denied for long.Salah scored Sunday on a pass from Mostafa Ziko in the 67th minute. The ball slid underneath a defender and past New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe to give the Pharaohs a 2-1 lead.Salah wasn’t done adding to his resume quite yet, getting an assist in the 82nd minute on the Pharaohs’ final goal, his second assist of this game. He also had an assist on Egypt’s lone goal in its 1-1 draw against Belgium earlier in the tournament.“He’s a good player,” New Zealand captain Chris Wood said. “You have to keep an eye on him.”The four-time Premier League Golden Boot winner scored nine goals in 10 matches to qualify the Pharaohs for this World Cup. Salah became the career scoring leader in African World Cup qualifying history.Salah should have his share of clubs interested in his talents after a strong start to the World Cup.“Salah worked hard on the pitch,” Egypt manager Hossam Hassan said. “I am sure we are going to see more from him.”___Connor Joyce is a student in the University of Georgia’s Carmical Sports Media Institute.___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/FIFA-World-Cup

Jun 16, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello (23) in the dugout during a delay in the game against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning at Truist Park. Brett Davis-Imagn Images The Giants lost to the Marlins on Sunday, but it was the reaction by one of his players that made headlines.Things have not gone well in San Francisco in year one for Tony Vitello. The former Tennessee Vols head coach has not been immune from some growing pains as the Giants have slumped to fourth in the NL West at 31-46. Naturally, as Vitello was already an eyebrow-raising hire for some, barbs are quick to fly when an outside-of-the-box hire doesn’t deliver quickly, and the ex-Vols coach is no exception. The grumblings from fans has risen to the surface on social media, and the criticism won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. But in a viral moment that took place Sunday afternoon in Miami, Vitello was nowhere in the wrong. In the top of the ninth, with the Giants down 2-1, Rafael Devers earned a leadoff walk. Vitello called for pinch runner Jonah Cox to replace Devers. The latter waved off Cox and initially refused to leave. Afterwards, he was visibly frustrated. Miami went on to win 2-1.Rafael Devers didn't want to be removed for a pinch runner after a leadoff walk to start the ninth pic.twitter.com/PR3DCOFd3M— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) June 21, 2026After the game, Vitello addressed his thinking and Devers’ reaction. Tony Vitello addressed pinch running for Rafael DeversTony Vitello addresses the odd situation with Rafael Devers in the ninth inning pic.twitter.com/DQnQkm3YRS— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) June 21, 2026“He signaled over to us that he’s good to run,” Vitello said. “We DH’d him the first game after the day off just because from running, from baserunning, a little bit of soreness in his leg, but he’s good to go. So, a part of that, and a part of it, too, you know how competitive he is. He wants to stay in the game.“Yeah, I didn’t see where he went afterwards, but once we announce the move, the move is made, so just going with what our best effort is to win the game. Obviously, you’d like to get Jonah to go get a bag. He’s relatively quick to the plate. But on a double, going with our best chance to be able to score. “No, we’re good. We talk every day. I’d rather have guys like Webbie (Logan Webb), you’ve got to rip them off the field as opposed to vice versa.” The decision was clearly the right one, and despite the Giants’ issues, Vitello doesn’t deserve any blame hereI can’t believe this needs to be said, but Vitello was 100% in the right here with the decision. Let’s make that clear. Getting a faster running on base who can swipe a bag as the tying run was the obvious play there in the ninth. And not much should be read into the reaction of Devers towards Vitello. It’s no different that what we see from a number of star players across the league who are unhappy with their managers/coaches in a given situation. It’s not uncommon, and players move on to the next game. Vitello has done plenty wrong in his rookie season in the bigs. But to be clear, he did nothing wrong here. And that benefit of the doubt should be afforded to him in this spot.This article was originally published on A to Z Sports. Read the full story here: Tony Vitello made the right call in viral moment in Giants' loss, and he deserves the benefit of the doubt© 2026 A to Z Sports.

Alberto Carvalho resigned Sunday, months after the F.B.I. raided his home and office. He came to Los Angeles from Miami with a reputation for raising student test scores but also made missteps.

Ardie Savea will lead New Zealand in the inaugural Nations Championship after being named captain of Dave Rennie’s first All Blacks squad.Rennie was installed as head coach at the start of the year and has appointed Savea as skipper in the absence of lock Scott Barrett, who captained the side under Scott Robertson. Barrett will miss the Nations Championship games against France, Italy and Ireland in July due to injury, though brothers Beauden and Jordie are named in a 34-man squad that includes four potential debutants.Among them is wing Fehi Fineanganofo, who broke the Super Rugby Pacific try-scoring record as the Hurricanes romped to final victory over the Chiefs on Saturday – but is due to join the Newcastle Red Bulls in the Gallagher Prem next season.Fehi Fineanganofo has earned his first All Blacks call-up (Getty)German-born back rower Anton Segner is another intriguing uncapped inclusion, with athletic Hurricanes prop Xavier Numia and versatile club colleague Josh Moorby completing the quartet."To serve this team, its people and its fans is one of the greatest honours in sport," Savea said after his appointment as captain."I believe this role is about empowering everyone in the group to be the best that they can be - from the leadership, to the players and wider staff."We pay tribute to those who have gone before us while also acknowledging that the responsibility of writing the next chapter in the All Blacks story lies with us."Prop Tamaiti Williams, lock Fabian Holland and Leicester Fainga'anuku – who has played both on the flank and in the backline for the Crusaders recently – joined Barrett in being unavailable for selection.New Zealand begin a busy international schedule against France on 4 July, and also take on South Africa in a four-Test series later in the year.

NBA Draft bust candidates: Nate Ament, Jayden Quaintance among riskiest picks in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Are NBA teams getting better at identifying talent?While drafts in the early 2010s were littered with some high-lottery picks that are simply baffling in hindsight, genuine "busts" have seemingly become rarer in recent years. The top four picks of last year's draft all look like franchise cornerstones, and the 2026 draft class is believed to be even better.The draft always comes with risk, though. Some of the top prospects in this year's class are particularly risky, to the point that teams might want to steer clear on draft night.Here's a look at the top five bust candidates in the 2026 NBA Draft. MORE:Way-too-early NBA power rankings for 2026-272026 NBA Draft bust candidates Imagn Images Nate Ament, TennesseeAge: 19, freshmanPosition: ForwardMeasurements: 6-9, 205 lbsViewed as a potential top-five pick entering his freshman season at Tennessee, some wondered whether Ament would consider a return to the Vols for a second season after an up-and-down year. Ament's stock was ultimately too high to justify that, but there are legitimate questions about his game as he heads to the next level.Ament shot under 40 percent from the field despite his size, struggling to consistently finish at the rim in part because of his slender build. Ament's athleticism allows to do much more than just hang out near the rim, as he can shoot the 3-pointer and defend the perimeter, so one team will bank on him rounding out his offensive game and becoming a legitimate two-way standout. If he can't make a major leap offensively, however, Ament won't be a player worthy of a lottery pick. Imagn Images Jayden QuaintanceAge: 18, sophomorePosition: Forward/enterMeasurements: 6-10, 255 poundsQuaintance is the Cedric Coward of this draft. They aren't necessarily similar players, but Coward's impressive traits sent him rocketing up draft boards despite missing most of the previous season and facing weaker competition in his only full collegiate season. Coward was a success story for the Grizzlies, but not every "toolsy" player will be. Quaintance won't turn 19 years old until July and showed flashes with 7.9 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game across 24 contests at Arizona State in 2024-25, but he was limited to only four games at Kentucky after his recovery from an ACL tear didn't go according to plan.If healthy, Quaintance's potential is understandably exciting. His size and strength make him a menace on the defensive end, and he plays hard. Between his injury concerns and little proof that he is NBA-ready offensively, however, Quaintance would be a risky pick anywhere near the lottery.MORE:How Jalen Brunson and the Knicks ended 53 years of heartbreak Imagn Images Yaxel Lendeborg, MichiganAge: 23, seniorPosition: Power forwardMeasurements: 6-10, 240 poundsMuch has been made about Lendeborg's age, and the reality is he is a bit of a unicorn in a lottery riddled with freshmen. Not only is Lendeborg a senior, but he will be 24 years old on opening night.Lendeborg is probably too gifted not to have a fairly long NBA career, but in this draft, a lottery pick will be expected to be a long-term starter. Is that what Lendeborg is? If there isn't so much room for growth, the Michigan star could be a quality high-motor player with intangibles. Because he started playing basketball so late, though, some teams might see Lendeborg as someone who isn't done growing offensively. Imagn Images Koa Peat, ArizonaAge: 19, freshmanPosition: Power forwardMeasurements: 6-8, 245 poundsPeat had by far the most interesting stay-or-go decision leading up to the deadline in May, and he decided to keep his name in despite his stock slipping from the top 10 to perhaps the last 10 picks of the first round.It may get to a point that Peat falls so far he's no longer a bust candidate, but there is some real risk here. The freshman didn't exactly improve as his season at Arizona went on, instead struggling offensively as teams started to figure him out. Peat's defense was a problem at times because his size doesn't always match up near the rim at 6-foot-8. Any team taking Peat inside the top 20 will be taking a gamble, though the potential is there.MORE:Breaking down the Knicks' offseason priorities Matt Stone/Courier Journal-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Mikel Brown Jr., LouisvilleAge: 20, freshmanPosition: Point guardMeasurements: 6-5, 190 poundsThe concerns with Brown are two-fold, as he was an inconsistent shooter as an older freshman at Louisville and missed considerable time with back issues that reportedly have been a problem for quite some time. A back injury isn't so simple to project long-term, and there also questions about Brown's defense given his slight frame.With that being said, Brown had some explosive moments offensively as a freshman at Louisville. When he got hot, few shooters in the country were better than him. The hope is Brown will continue developing his shot and ultimately become a legitimate weapon in the NBA. If a team feels he can be that type of player, all of the other concerns might be secondary.

Where to watch Fever vs. Mercury today: Channel, time, TV schedule, live stream for Caitlin Clark WNBA game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Coming off back-to-back losses, the Indiana Fever will now head back home to host the Phoenix Mercury on Monday night.The Fever (9-7) had won four in a row before dropping both ends of a home-and-home set with Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream. The franchise, led by superstar Caitlin Clark, has no problem putting points on the board, but seems to struggle with sealing wins in the fourth quarter.Meanwhile, the Mercury (5-12) find themselves in an opposite situation, currently sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference. Phoenix snapped a four-game skid with a home win over the Storm on Saturday. Will the Mercury be able to challenge the Fever on the road? Be sure to tune in for this Monday night matchup.Here's everything you need to know about Fever vs. Mercury today, including TV channel and streaming options for the WNBA game.Where to watch Fever vs. Mercury today: TV channel, live streamTV channel: USA NetworkLive stream:DIRECTVFever vs. Mercury will be broadcast nationally on USA Network. Fans and cord-cutters can also stream the action live on DIRECTV.Catch every game – try DIRECTV FREE today! Stream live MLB, March Madness, soccer and more with must-have sports channels like TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, FS1, and NFL Network—all included with DIRECTV.Start your FREE trial now and never miss a moment of the action. No contracts, no hassle, just wall-to-wall sports and entertainment.What time is Fever vs. Mercury today?Date: Monday, June 22Time: 8 p.m. ET The Fever and Mercury will go head-to-head on Monday, June 22 at 8 p.m. ET. The matchup will take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.Indiana Fever schedule 2026Here's a look at the Fever's next five matchups.DateMatchupTime (ET)June 20at Dream1 p.m.June 22vs. Mercury8 p.m.June 24vs. Mercury7:30 p.m.June 27vs. Sparks8 p.m.July 5at Aces7 p.m.Phoenix Mercury schedule 2026Here's a look at the Mercury's next five matchups.DateMatchupTime (ET)June 22at Fever8 p.m.June 24at Fever7:30 p.m.June 27at Tempo2 p.m.July 2vs. Storm10 p.m.July 7vs. Sky10 p.m.Related LinksLatest WNBA news and rumorsWNBA scores, schedule 2026WNBA standings 2026

Manchester United star could be set for move to European giantsMarcus Rashford Transfer Twist Could Reopen Barcelona DoorManchester United forward Marcus Rashford may yet have a future at Barcelona, despite the Spanish champions opting against making his loan move permanent earlier this summer.According to reporting from talkSPORT, Rashford remains firmly on Barcelona’s radar, with developments surrounding Raphinha potentially creating an unexpected opening for the England international to return to Catalonia.After spending the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Barcelona, Rashford rebuilt both his reputation and confidence. His contribution of 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances helped Hansi Flick’s side retain the LaLiga title, while also earning widespread praise from supporters and teammates alike.Yet football’s transfer market rarely follows a straightforward path.Rashford’s Barcelona Impact Still ResonatesWhen Barcelona declined to trigger the £26 million option to buy Rashford permanently, many assumed his chapter in Spain had come to an end.The arrival of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United for £70 million appeared to strengthen that assumption. Barcelona’s recruitment strategy seemed clear, adding another dynamic option to their attacking ranks while moving away from negotiations with Manchester United.However, circumstances can change quickly.Rashford further enhanced his credentials this week by scoring off the bench in England’s 4-2 World Cup victory over Croatia. His performances continue to underline the quality that made Barcelona fans warm to him during his loan spell.The forward has already expressed a willingness to continue his career in Catalonia, and there remains a sense that unfinished business exists between player and club.Raphinha Situation Creates New PossibilitiesSpanish football broadcaster Terry Gibson believes Barcelona’s thinking may be shifting.Speaking on talkSPORT, Gibson said: “I think he’ll stay [at Barcelona].“I think they’re trying to do a deal on the cheap to try and get him on the loan again.“I’m surprised at the Anthony Gordon signing, but I’m beginning to think now that Raphinha might be on his way.Photo IMAGO“He’s had a few seasons at Barcelona where he struggled and he had one spectacular season.“Last season wasn’t his best due to injury, kept getting injured, about three or four muscle injuries, he’s now injured again in the World Cup for Brazil.“And at the age of 29, I think there’s a big offer hanging from Saudi Arabia, which might entice the player and it might entice Barcelona.“So I think that they might actually get the money that they paid on Anthony Gordon back from selling Raphinha.“And I think that’s the way forward, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see Anthony Gordon and Rashford at Barcelona next season.”Those comments reflect a wider reality facing elite clubs. Barcelona continue to balance sporting ambitions with financial considerations. A significant offer for Raphinha could provide flexibility in both areas.Competition Awaits Anthony GordonGibson also suggested that Gordon’s path into Barcelona’s starting side may not be as straightforward as many expect.He added: “I would think that Anthony Gordon has got a job on his hands, if they keep Rashford, to be the first-choice player in the first game of the season.“And we’re seeing the competition for England now, which is a good thing for [Thomas] Tuchel.“He can, pick and choose whichever one’s playing best, he’s blessed to have two really good players playing on the left wing, but the Anthony Gordon one surprised me.“But when you look in more detail and you hear the rumours about Raphinha, then he’s picked up another injury again, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him move on from the club.”Summer Decision ApproachesFor Manchester United, Rashford’s future remains one of the defining stories of the transfer window. Barcelona’s previous hesitation has not necessarily closed the door permanently.Should Raphinha depart and Barcelona seek a cost effective solution, Rashford’s successful loan spell, familiarity with the club and proven production in Spain could make him an attractive option once again.With the World Cup ongoing and transfer plans evolving rapidly, this story may still have several chapters left to run.Our View – EPL Index AnalysisFrom a Manchester United perspective, this report is likely to generate mixed emotions. Rashford’s loan spell at Barcelona achieved something important, it reminded everyone of the player he can be when confidence and environment align.Many United supporters would probably question why Barcelona initially passed on a £26 million option if they were truly convinced. Yet football clubs frequently revisit decisions when circumstances change. If Raphinha leaves and Barcelona need an experienced left sided attacker, Rashford becomes an obvious candidate.The bigger issue for United is valuation. Rashford’s stock rose during his time in Spain, and his World Cup performances are only helping further. If Barcelona want another loan deal rather than a permanent transfer, United may feel they are carrying too much risk.There is also the question of squad planning. A permanent sale would provide clarity and potentially generate funds for further recruitment. Another temporary arrangement may simply postpone a decision that has already lingered for too long.Supporters will also notice Gibson’s comments about Gordon facing competition. That suggests Rashford earned genuine respect inside Barcelona rather than merely being a useful squad player. For a player who appeared to have reached a crossroads at Old Trafford, that is significant.If Barcelona genuinely pursue a return, United may find themselves in a stronger negotiating position than many expected just a few months ago. The challenge will be converting renewed interest into a deal that benefits all parties involved.

Real Madrid will not demand a ‘single euro’ for midfielder’s departureReal Madrid are looking to accelerate on sales at this point in the summer transfer window, for balancing out the arrivals with necessary departures is key before they progress in their objective of revamping the midfield.Dani Ceballos, on that front, is seen as a top candidate to leave the club given his lack of prominence in recent seasons under various managers.Matters have not gone to plan for the Spanish midfielder since his latest renewal with Real Madrid. He rejected a departure from the club at the last moment last summer, hoping for prominence under Xabi Alonso, but he has now resigned to his fate and is open to a departure.A sale with no compensationReal Madrid want Ceballos to leave at any cost. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)Earlier this week, it was said that discussions between Real Madrid and Ceballos over a departure were at a standstill as the club did not want to allow the player to leave with no monetary compensation.Now, however, Fabrizio Romano clarifies that Real Madrid are not looking for any profit or compensation from the Spanish midfielder’s transfer. In fact, they will not demand a single euro from his sale and are open to his departure on a free transfer.At this point, the club are fed up with Ceballos’ situation and just want him to leave at any cost. After all, his salary being taken off the roster will be a big enough compensation for them on an economic level.Negotiations will speed upThe most likely outcome of the current situation is that Real Madrid will terminate Ceballos’ contract on a mutual agreement, allowing him to leave as a free agent and link up with any team he sees an opportunity at.A contract termination is likely. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)Given that the club have now resigned to the fact that they will not gain anything from his departure, the formalities of his termination should not take too long.The constant theme for Real Madrid throughout the summer so far has been one of urgency, and there is no reason why departures will be treated any differently from arrivals. For his part, Ceballos is likely to join his boyhood club, Real Betis, with whom he has been trying to link up for several years now. The dream may finally come true this summer, and all that remains is an agreement between him and Real Madrid over his exit.

Dybala prioritizes Roma renewal ahead of Boca offerThe crucial week for Paulo Dybala’s contract renewal has begun. With just eight days to go until La Joya’s contract expires (June 30), the situation can only whet the appetite of other clubs. The Argentine star is expected to extend his deal with the Roman club, at significantly lower rates than his current one, for one or two years. Dybala continues to prioritize Roma and has put Boca Juniors on hold, who are still holding on. The Argentine club has made some moves in recent days: president Riquelme and coach Arruabarrena have been in contact to convince the Giallorossi number 21 to return to his homeland.Boca’s interest pleases Dybala, but he has held off. His priority these days is renewing his contract with Roma. As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Roman club initially offered a base price of €2 million, later increasing to €2.3 million, against the player’s initial asking price of €3 million. There’s also the variable component, tied primarily to appearances. The more Dybala plays, the more he’ll earn, adding around €50,000-€60,000 per game. “La Joya” is confident in Gasperini’s esteem, having publicly stated his desire to coach him for at least another season.

Cape Verde's forward Helio Varela (26) celebrates with teammate Ryan Mendes after scoring his team's equaliser in a 2-2 draw with Uruguay (CHANDAN KHANNA)Lionel Messi and World Cup holders Argentina face Austria in Dallas on Monday with the Argentine great needing one more goal to rewrite the record books.Messi, who turns 39 on Wednesday, equalled Miroslav Klose's all-time mark of 16 World Cup goals when scoring a hat-trick in the 3-0 opening win over Algeria.The Argentina captain was tearful after his first goal, and it later emerged that his father is recovering from an unspecified health issue.Despite his personal travails and a troubled build-up because of a hamstring injury, Messi's mere presence appears to inspire his teammates."If anyone thought this group was better off without Leo, today it became clear that Leo is the most important of them all," said midfielder Alexis Mac Allister after the win against Algeria.Argentina can qualify for the next round with a victory and would be assured of finishing top of Group J if Jordan fail to beat Algeria later on Monday.- Mbappe's century -Another player chasing the all-time World Cup scoring record, Kylian Mbappe, will play his 100th game for France when they meet Iraq in Philadelphia."There is nothing bigger -- one hundred is a historic figure, and to have the chance to reach that tally here at a World Cup means it will be a special match for me," Mbappe told reporters on Sunday.Mbappe, 27, is tied with West Germany legend Gerd Mueller on 14 goals after he netted twice in France's opening 3-1 win against Senegal in Group I.France, who were beaten by Argentina on penalties in the last final in 2022, will expect to brush aside the Iraqis to guarantee a ticket to the knockout phase.Norway and their marksman Erling Haaland, who scored twice against Iraq in a 4-1 opening win, will also be guaranteed of going through from Group I if they beat Senegal in New Jersey and France defeat Iraq.- Cape Verde magic -In Sunday's action, Spain got their campaign back on track with a 4-0 thrashing of Saudi Arabia and debutants Cape Verde conjured another memorable performance to snatch a 2-2 draw with Uruguay.European champions Spain were frustrated in a 0-0 draw with World cup debutants Cape Verde in their opening game, sparking criticism at home.But against the Saudis, Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal opened the scoring as he made his first start in two months since recovering from a hamstring problem. Mikel Oyarzabal added two more, before a Hassan al-Tambakti own goal.Spain coach Luis De la Fuente said his squad had been fuelled by the criticism of their opening performance."When someone questions your work, it is only human that anyone with courage and pride reacts to prove people wrong," said De la Fuente.The win put Spain top of Group H with four points after two matches.Cape Verde grabbed another point in an entertaining draw with Uruguay in Miami.Their coach Bubista said his team were now dreaming of a place in the knockout rounds -- a scenario that would have been unthinkable before the tournament."We want to show the entire world that we are in the condition to fight for qualification, and I think that that's what we showed today in today's match," Bubista said.Belgium are still looking for their first win after being held to a 0-0 draw by Iran in Group G.The Red Devils, who also drew with Egypt in their opening game, finished the game in Los Angeles with 10 men and struggled to break down a resolute Iranian side.The Egyptians moved to the top of the group on Sunday after coming from behind to claim the first World Cup victory in the country's history, 3-1 win over New Zealand.Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Zico and Trezeguet scored Egypt's goals after Finn Surman had given New Zealand the lead."It's incredible, I don't know how to express it in words," former Liverpool star Salah said of the historic first win."It's a great achievement for all the players and the subs, and hopefully we can make history and qualify first."gj/dh

Crysencio Summerville: Body blow for United as West Ham change stance Manchester United have been delivered both good news and bad news from West Ham regarding their pursuit of two Hammers stars.It is well known by now that INEOS are fully focused on trying to land Mateus Fernandes to add to Ederson’s capture.The problem has been the London side’s adamant stance regarding their valuation and the entry of Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid into the race.In addition to the Portugal international, the Red Devils are also pursuing his teammate Crysencio Summerville as United look to bolster their wide options.West Ham’s latest stance on Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio SummervilleThe Dutchman has shone at the World Cup, which has resulted in multiple teams now chasing his signature, adding to United’s headache.According to TEAMtalk, the Championship side have taken a bold call on the futures of both Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville.West Ham’s new de facto owner, Daniel Kretinsky, is determined to bounce straight back up to the Premier League at the first attempt.While West Ham do need to raise capital, they will only sell the Portuguese midfielder, while aiming to keep hold of the Netherlands international as well as Jarrod Bowen, another of their in-demand stars.New owner determined to avoid mass exodus“Daniel Kretinsky is determined to avoid a mass exodus at West Ham United this summer and TEAMtalk understands the Czech billionaire believes only one major player – Manchester United and Tottenham target Mateus Fernandes – should be sacrificed to fund the club’s rebuild amid a big new demand from Jarrod Bowen.“However, sources have informed us that Kretinsky, now the club’s new de facto owner and driving force behind major decisions at the London Stadium, is keen to preserve the core of the current squad as West Ham look to bounce straight back to the top flight under Nuno Espirito Santo.“As a result, sources understand that Fernandes is the one player Kretinsky is prepared to cash in on this summer. That stance is particularly significant given the growing interest in Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville – the latter of whom has also emerged as a target for Manchester United in recent days.United have another challenge on their hands“As a result, we understand there is a genuine belief internally that Bowen can be persuaded to stay if the club resist the temptation to sanction multiple high-profile sales. The prospect of retaining both Bowen and Summerville, while generating significant funds through the sale of Fernandes, is increasingly viewed as the ideal outcome by those at the top of the club.”Whether West Ham can afford to retain Crysencio Summerville remains to be seen. The 24-year-old will definitely look to jump ship given the interest he is generating and the performances he is delivering for his country at the World Cup.Feature image Julian Finney via Getty Imagesonline pollsThe Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

🎥 Cape Verde close to qualifying, 2-2 with Uruguay! Salah sends Egypt top 👑Cape Verde continues to surprise and, after holding Spain, also snatches a draw against Bielsa’s Uruguay and moves closer to a qualification that would be not only historic, but sensational.One point against Saudi Arabia could be enough for the African side to reach the next round, while Uruguay will be forced to play it all against the reigning European champions. Not exactly a walk in the park.Bielsa’s team had approached the match with aggression, but Cape Verde’s personality came through in possession, managing to limit La Celeste’s threat. Then, in the 21st minute, they even took the lead with Kevin Pina’s thunderbolt from a free kick, a long-range effort that caught a culpable Muslera by surprise, betrayed by his own wall as it opened up and let the ball pass right through the middle. Cape Verde’s first-ever goal at a World Cup.Uruguay’s response, however, was fierce. Before the end of the first half, they struck with a deadly one-two that turned everything around: in the 43rd minute Araujo tapped in after former Juventus man Bentancur hit the post, while in the 45th+6 minute Canobbio completed the comeback with a close-range finish from, once again, an Araujo knockdown, making it 2-1.Game over? Not at all, because in the second half — with the South Americans in control of the match — a serious mistake by Olivera reopened everything: in the 60th minute Helio Varela intercepted Olivera’s misplaced pass and beat Muslera, who had come rushing off his line in a move that was, to say the least, rash.In the closing stages, Uruguay threw everything at it, coming within inches of taking the lead again through Araujo, but . The result rewards Cape Verde’s courage, still unbeaten and increasingly close to a historic milestone. For Uruguay, meanwhile, qualification is now in serious doubt.New Zealand-Egypt 1-3Egypt claimed the first World Cup win in their history, coming from behind against New Zealand to move top of the group ahead of Belgium and Iran. A crucial victory for the Pharaohs, who are now close to qualifying for the round of 32. A positive result against Iran will be enough for Hassan’s team to be certain of continuing their journey, while New Zealand will have to beat Belgium to keep their hopes alive.The match proved more complicated than expected for the Egyptians. The All Whites produced an excellent first half, taking the lead through a Surman header from a corner taken by Payne. Organized and brave, the New Zealanders caused Egypt problems, who struggled to respond and created few chances before the break.In the second half, however, the match changed. Egypt raised the tempo and pinned their opponents back in their own half. The equalizer came through Zico, who did well to head home a cross from Hany. Shortly after, Zico himself provided the assist for Momo Salah, who completed the comeback to make it 2-1 and score his 68th goal for the national team.With New Zealand now struggling, Egypt kept attacking and wrapped things up thanks to Trezeguet, who came off the bench and scored the final 3-1 from a corner taken by Salah.After narrowly avoiding a shock elimination, the Pharaohs can now almost touch the dream of qualification. New Zealand leaves defeated, but with the awareness that they fought beyond all expectations against technically superior opponents.This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.

Northampton's George Hendy (centre) celebrates one of his two tries in Saturday's Prem final [Getty Images]The Prem Rugby play-offs are set be played at a neutral venue from the 2029-2030 season.The current format, which sees the top two teams in the regular season table getting home advantage in the semi-finals, has been in place since 2005.But league bosses say they have a vision of playing both the play-offs on consecutive days in one city, similar to the European finals weekend.It is thought Liverpool and Brighton are two of the cities under consideration at this early stage.This season's play-offs were a major success, with Northampton's Franklin's Gardens and the Rec in Bath hosting two epic contests in front of sold-out crowds.However, with both grounds having a modest capacity of about 15,000, Prem Rugby chief executive Simon Massie-Taylor believes there is an opportunity to grow the product on both a commercial and sporting level.France's Top 14 semi-finals have taken place this season at Marseille's Stade Velodrome, which has a capacity of more than 67,000."The semi-finals that we have just had were awesome in terms of the rugby spectacle, and they're sell-out games with their home crowds," Massie-Taylor said."But I think they would sell out larger venues and neutrals would go as well. This is about the long term. In the long term, it will be more valuable if you are playing in bigger stadia."Every moment ached with importance as Northampton win compelling finalCan 'best Northampton team ever' become one of English rugby's greats?Club insiders have given the proposal a mixed reception when approached by the BBC, with some excited about the number of fans that could attend the play-off weekend in a big venue in a destination city.However, it is estimated clubs currently make between £600,000-£750,000 when hosting a play-off at their home ground, so the money generated from switching to a neutral venue would need to be significant to make it financially viable.There are also concerns the lack of home advantage might disincentivise clubs towards the back end of the season, especially if there is no tangible benefit for finishing first in the regular campaign compared with fourth.One option would be to incentivise teams to finish in the top two by awarding either prize money and/or a greater share of the play-off gates.As well as the commercial factors, another advantage of holding the play-offs in a host city would be the chance to take big league games to an underserved area of the country."You have to mix up trying to open up new markets and with tried and tested fan bases," added Massie-Taylor.Listen to the latest Rugby Union Weekly podcast

Former Brazil World Cup winner makes explosive claim about Barcelona winger: ‘Facing family and financial problems’Barcelona forward Raphinha has found himself at the centre of an unexpected controversy during Brazil’s World Cup campaign, with former international Marcos Andre Batista Santos, popularly known as Vampeta, making claims about the player’s personal situation.The comments surfaced shortly after confirmation that Raphinha would miss Brazil’s upcoming clash against Scotland due to injury. However, the discussion shifted away from football after Vampeta suggested the Barcelona winger was dealing with significant off-field issues.What was said?Speaking on the ‘Red Cast’ podcast, the 2002 World Cup winner alleged that Raphinha is currently experiencing difficulties in personal life.While discussing the Barcelona attacker, Vampeta claimed, “Raphinha is facing serious family and financial problems. “He’s praying he can join Al Hilal; he’s having a really tough time.”The former midfielder went on to explain that it is “a family problem” and that “he is counting on joining Al Hilal to turn things around.”Close associate rejects the allegationsUnderstandably, the claims did not go unanswered and among those who reacted was Igor Padilha, a figure known to be close to Raphinha.Responding publicly to Vampeta’s remarks, he strongly disputed the former footballer’s version of events, stating, “You’ll have to explain these lies, my friend.”At the moment, neither Raphinha nor his representatives have publicly commented on the matter.Raphina was injured against Haiti. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)Right now, while the off-field allegations remain unverified and disputed, Brazil’s medical staff have provided clarity regarding Raphinha’s current physical condition.The Brazilian national team confirmed that the winger suffered a “muscle injury to the back of his right thigh” during the match against Haiti. The problem forced him off the pitch after he experienced discomfort in the affected area.Although the exact severity of the injury has not been disclosed, Brazil have indicated that Raphinha will undergo an intensive recovery programme. Importantly for both club and country, he will continue to stay with the national team squad during the World Cup.

Photo by Kevin Hodgson | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesHarry Kane is one goal away from standing alone as England’s greatest World Cup goalscorer.The Bayern Munich captain reached double figures with a first-half brace against Croatia, drawing level with Gary Lineker on ten goals at the tournament.Kane is coming off the best season of his career, having won the European Golden Boot in Germany. One more goal in the United States would make him England’s outright leading scorer at World Cups, a mark Lineker has held alone for 36 years.England have two group games still to come, against Ghana and Panama. Lineker, watching the record fall, was happy to talk about it.Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty ImagesGary Lineker delivers his Harry Kane verdictLineker scored his 10 across two tournaments, six at Mexico 1986 and four at Italia 1990. Half of Kane’s came from the penalty spot, including a record fifth against Croatia — and the former striker had a little fun with that detail.Speaking during a guest appearance on ITV, Lineker said: “I’m really pleased for him. He’s had an extra tournament, mind you, and there are a lot of penalties but, you know what, we’ll give him that.”He then followed the tongue-in-cheek comment with: “No, look. I mean this. I think he is our best-ever No 9.”Beating it now looks a matter of time. Kane has 10 goals in 12 World Cup appearances.He’ll take top spot barring a complete capitulation from here on out, and if such a thing were to happen, it’s hard to see England progressing to the final on July 19th.READ MORE: Gary Lineker makes ITV guest appearance at the World Cup and takes aim at the BBC

Leeds considering move for Gladbach’s Nico ElvediLeeds United are eyeing a move for Borussia Monchengladbach centre-back Nico Elvedi this summer, according to the Daily Mail.The Elland Road club is looking for serious reinforcement after fighting hard to keep itself in the Premier League.Next season is poised to be another long and arduous journey for Leeds, and they need to provide Daniel Farke with the right tools to get the job done.Elvedi has emerged on the Leeds radar, as he has a year left on his contract, and now is the perfect time to snap him up.The 29-year-old played a key role as Gladbach secured a 12th-place finish, helping to keep 12 clean sheets in 33 appearances.He won 56 percent of his ground and 67% of his ground duels in the German top-flight. He also bagged two goals and three assists in 36 appearances across all competitions.While the Leeds target never quite hit the lofty heights his talent promised when he first arrived in the Bundesliga, he has still been an impressive performer.The 69-cap Switzerland international brings excellent reading of the game, composure, and leadership experience. He is an accomplished centre-back with great positional play.Elsewhere, Leeds have submitted a £20 million bid for midfielder Shea Charles. The offer for the Northern Ireland international includes performance-related add-ons.Leeds are also chasing Julian Brandt, who is available as a free agent. Harry Wilson is another out-of-contract player on the Yorkshire club’s radar.Further reinforcements could arrive in midfield, with Leeds reviving discussions over Hidemasa Morita.The experienced Japan international is also available on a free transfer and would bring valuable top-flight and European experience to Farke’s squad.Away from incoming transfers, Leeds are also securing the core of their current squad.Captain Ethan Ampadu has already committed his future by signing a new long-term contract.The Whites are also keen to tie goalkeeper Karl Darlow to a fresh deal despite interest from Manchester United.

Chelsea not interested in Bergvall despite exploring January moveChelsea have cooled their interest in Tottenham Hotspur’s Lucas Bergvall despite holding exploratory talks over a move earlier this year, per Journalist Nizaar Kinsella.The Blues are expected to sign a new midfielder this summer, whether or not Enzo Fernandez leaves.However, Chelsea are not pursuing Bergvall, who is one of the Premier League’s more intriguing midfield talents.Unfortunately, his future in north London has become increasingly uncertain after a frustrating end to last season under Roberto De Zerbi.The Swede is also unhappy about not being deployed in his favoured holding midfield role. Bergvall wants a fresh challenge.His representatives have sounded out several Premier League clubs, with Chelsea among those informed of his availability.However, the West Londoners are no longer pursuing a deal.The Stamford Bridge club briefly explored the possibility of signing Bergvall during the January transfer window but has since shifted its focus towards alternative targets.Chelsea’s decision not to pursue the 20-year-old starlet ultimately makes sense in the grand scheme.While Bergvall remains a gifted technician and an unstoppable force with enormous potential, he is not the profile the Blues require if Fernandez departs this summer.Chelsea need a midfielder capable of dominating duels, protecting the backline, and controlling matches both physically and technically.Despite being compared to a world-class player like Michael Carrick, Bergvall is still developing those qualities and could leave Chelsea’s midfield too lightweight.If Fernandez leaves, Chelsea should prioritise an experienced, battle-hardened defensive midfielder who can immediately shoulder the burden alongside Moises Caicedo.The Blues do not need another talented prospect still learning the demands of elite Premier League football.A move for Felix Nmecha would not be the worst decision from the club’s hierarchy.He is the perfect blend of physicality and technique that the Chelsea engine room is crying out for.The Borussia Dortmund star has lit up the 2026 World Cup and would be a terrific option if the club can look beyond his questionable views.

Real Madrid star trains away from group; doubtful for France’s clash against IraqFrance are among the firm favourites at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, for Didier Deschamps’ side are well-rounded and have high quality all over the field with two Real Madrid stars as regular starters.Their ability was on full display against Senegal in their opening game of the event. While their first-half display was mediocre, Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise stepped up in the second half to hand their side the win.Controlling the midfield as a double pivot on the night was the duo of Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot, and both players did well to hold the fortress and control the game for France.Real Madrid star to be droppedIn a shocking report coming from Diario AS, Tchouameni will not start in France’s second game of the competition against Iraq later today.Tchouameni will likely not feature tonight. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)The player did not train with the squad yesterday for unknown reasons, and it is thus highly likely that he is out of the game, which comes as a massive shock.AS Roma’s Manu Kone, who stayed on the bench throughout the first game, is expected to partner Adrien Rabiot in midfield instead against the Asian side.A puzzling situationThere is no information available on why Tchouameni missed training with the team yesterday, and the situation continues to puzzle Real Madrid fans as matters stand.France have not released any update on the player suffering an injury in the first game or in training, nor does it appear to be a tactical decision for the manager to drop Tchouameni after a good showing against Senegal just days ago.Tchouameni appears to have minor discomfort. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)Instead, he appears to have some minor physical discomfort that is keeping him from his 100%, as hinted by the manager in the pre-game press conference.“He stayed in the gym doing work on the bicycle and receiving treatment from a physiotherapist. A priori, there is no cause for concern,” Deschamps said.It remains to be seen if he features on the bench or is out of the game completely later today.France and Norway are currently tied on three points in Group I of the World Cup, and it remains to be seen how the situation develops after matchday two. Needless to say, it could well come down to the final match between the two giants to decide who progresses, and Deschamps will hope to have Tchouameni fit and raring for the third game in any case.