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Four-time winners Germany are out of the 2026 World Cup They lost to Paraguay in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time. Author | Ed Stadium | Boston Stadium Arsenal forward Kai Havertz and Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade both saw their penalties saved by goalkeeper Orlando Gill. Paraguay were handed two opportunities to seal victory but Antonio Sanabria fired wide before Fabian Balbuena's effort was kept out by the evergreen 40-year-old Manuel Neuer. In sudden death, Jonathan Tah blazed his penalty over the bar before defender Jose Canale calmly converted the decisive spot-kick to secure a 4-3 shootout victory and send Paraguay into the quarter-finals. A closer analysis of what happened Earlier, former Brighton and Ipswich forward Julio Enciso had given Paraguay a surprise lead with a header in the 42nd minute. Germany responded with far greater urgency after the break and levelled when Havertz glanced home a header from a pinpoint cross by Liverpool mi...

Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic 95th-minute winner  Brazil came from behind to beat Japan and set up a World Cup last-16 tie against Norway or Ivory Coast. Author | James Y Stadium | Houston Stadium With only seconds remaining, Brazil won the ball back on the edge of the Japan penalty area and Bruno Guimaraes slipped a pass into Martinelli, who took a touch before calmly steering his finish in off the post. Watch | Video from SportsIllustrated  It was a cruel ending for Japan, who had matched Brazil throughout the first half and defended resolutely after the interval. Carlo Ancelotti's side, however, kept pressing and were rewarded at the very end. The key moments from the match Japan looked composed before the break and took the lead when Kaishu Sano seized on Danilo's loose pass, surged past Casemiro and drilled a low finish into the bottom corner. Brazil struggled to respond before half-time but emerged with greater purpose after the restart. Casemiro climbed highest t...

Co-hosts Canada beat South Africa to reach the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time. Stephen Eustaquio struck a dramatic winner in the second minute of stoppage time. Author | Josh T Stadium | Los Angeles Stadium In a scrappy contest lacking clear-cut chances, and with extra time appearing inevitable, Eustaquio produced a rare moment of quality, drilling a superb low effort in from the edge of the penalty area to seal victory for Canada. Canada had lost all six of their previous World Cup matches before this tournament, but this latest triumph continued an outstanding campaign. They claimed their first ever World Cup finals victory with a 6-0 win over Qatar on 18 June, and this was another landmark occasion for Jesse Marsch's side as they became the first team to book their place in the last 16. The co-hosts will face either the Netherlands or Morocco in Houston on Saturday, 4 July. Reaction after a pivotal moment in the history of Canadian soccer/football Watch | Highlights...

Harry Kane became England's record World Cup goalscorer The England captain helped his country recover from an unconvincing start to beat Panama and finish top of Group L. Author | George B Stadium | New York New Jersey Stadium Jude Bellingham finally broke the deadlock after 62 minutes before providing the cross for Kane to head home England's second from close range five minutes later. It was the England captain's 11th World Cup goal, taking him clear of Gary Lineker as the country's leading scorer in the tournament. England were below their best for long spells and again looked vulnerable defensively. They also suffered another injury setback when emergency right-back Jarell Quansah, filling in for the injured Reece James, was forced off during the second half. READ MORE |  Latest news and stories from the 2026 World Cup Bellingham was England's driving force throughout and eventually made the breakthrough, turning home smartly from Bukayo Saka's corner. He d...

Scotland's hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time are hanging by a thread. A defensive collapse allowed Brazil to cruise to a 3-0 victory. Author | Sean M Stadium | Miami Stadium Steve Clarke's side knew a draw against the tournament's most successful nation would leave them on the brink of a historic place in the last 32. Before kick-off, statistical projections suggested a tally of three points and a goal difference of minus three would give a team a 42% chance of claiming one of the eight places available to the best third-placed sides. Potentially until Sunday morning, they'll have to wait until discovering whether they have done enough to progress as the remaining groups conclude their final fixtures. If they fall short, they will reflect on another occasion when they contributed heavily to their own downfall. A closer analysis of what happened View this post on Instagram A post shared by Super News Affiliate (@supe...

Disappointment for the co-hosts as Switzerland top Group B Goals from Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi within the opening 12 minutes of the second half proved enough to seal first place. Author | Peter Grainger  Stadium | Vancouver Stadium The win also ensured Switzerland became only the third nation, alongside Argentina and France, to reach the knockout stages at each of the last four World Cups. They will now face one of the third-placed teams from Groups E, F, G, H, I or J in Vancouver on 3 July. Despite the defeat, Canada progressed to the knockout stages for the first time in their history after finishing second in Group B, having drawn with Bosnia and Herzegovina and thrashed Qatar in their previous two matches. The impact of this match from a Canadian perspective However, by missing out on top spot, Jesse Marsch's side surrendered their home advantage and will not play another match in Canada during the tournament. Their next fixture comes at Los Angeles Stadium in California...

A missed opportunity for England  They were unable to reproduce the fluent football that swept aside Croatia in their opening World Cup match as they were held to a frustrating draw by Ghana  Author | George B Stadium | Boston Stadium Thomas Tuchel's side knew victory would have secured their place in the last 32, but they were thwarted by a disciplined and well-organised Ghana team. England took 57 minutes to register a shot on target and once again looked vulnerable at the back, surviving several nervy moments as Ghana threatened on the counter-attack in a disjointed contest. The subs didn't really work... Tuchel turned to Bukayo Saka, whose minutes are being carefully managed because of an ongoing Achilles issue, and introduced Morgan Rogers in place of Jude Bellingham in an effort to inject fresh impetus. Saka forced an excellent save from Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, while fellow substitute Nico O'Reilly headed against the crossbar. Marc Guehi also saw a header cle...

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six World Cups His double inspired Portugal to a convincing victory over Uzbekistan. Author | Lewis Whatley Stadium | Houston Stadium The 41-year-old made history when he opened the scoring after six minutes, sweeping a low half-volley in at the near post from Joao Cancelo's cross from the right. Ronaldo's goal also made him the second oldest man to score at a World Cup, behind Cameroon's Roger Milla, who was 42 when he found the net against Russia in 1994. A closer analysis of what happened as Ronaldo made more history Portugal had faced criticism after their 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their opening match, but they responded in emphatic fashion against the tournament debutants. Watch | Highlights from BBC Sport They doubled their lead in the 17th minute in Houston when Nuno Mendes found the net directly from a low free-kick from 20 yards. Uzbekistan thought they had produced a stunning response when Aziz G'aniev fire...

Haaland double sends Norway into last 32 after victory over Senegal Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway secured their place in the World Cup last 32 with a victory over Senegal in New Jersey. Author | Josh T Stadium | New York New Jersey Stadium  After only two matches at the tournament, the Manchester City striker Haaland has already scored twice as many World Cup goals (four) as any other Norwegian player in history. A closer look at what happened Full-back Marcus Pedersen, introduced early as a substitute, took advantage of a poor clearance from Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly to give Norway the lead late in the first half. Haaland then took centre stage after the break. He raced on to Martin Odegaard's incisive through ball to make it 2-0 in the 48th minute, becoming Norway's all-time leading scorer at World Cups in the process, before Ismaila Sarr reduced the deficit to revive Senegal's hopes. Haaland quickly restored Norway's two-goal advantage five minutes la...

Salah inspires Egypt comeback to claim historic first World Cup victory Mohamed Salah scored once and set up another as Egypt came from behind to beat New Zealand and claim the first World Cup victory in their history. Author | Josh T Stadium | BC Place Vancouver The 3-1 win leaves the Pharaohs on the verge of reaching the knockout stages for the first time. New Zealand made the brighter start and went ahead in the 15th minute when Finn Surman rose to head in Tim Payne's inviting corner, raising hopes of a first victory at the tournament for the All Whites. Watch | Egypt celebrate first World Cup win A closer analysis of what happened  Having surrendered the lead twice in their opening draw with Iran, the Kiwis suffered a similar fate here. Egypt struck three times in a 24-minute spell after the interval as manager Hossam Hassan's tactical adjustments transformed the contest and sent his side to the top of Group G. Mostafa Zico, named after the legendary Brazilian playmaker, he...

Lamine Yamal scored 10 minutes into his first World Cup start This helped Spain secure their first win of the tournament with a convincing victory over Saudi Arabia. Author | James Y Stadium | Atlanta Stadium The Barcelona teenager had come off the bench in Spain's opening Group H match against Cape Verde, but could not inspire the 2010 champions to victory as they were held to a frustrating goalless draw. A closer analysis as Spain get off the mark As expected, the 18-year-old returned to Luis de la Fuente's starting line-up against Saudi Arabia and wasted little time in making an impact. Mikel Oyarzabal's low cross from the left slipped past Saudi Arabia defender Hassan Al Tambakti and was turned in at the far post by Lamine Yamal, who became only the second player aged 18 or younger after Pele in 1958 to score the opening goal in a World Cup match. Spain showed little desire to ease off and doubled their lead through Oyarzabal, who swept a low finish beyond goalkeeper Mo...

Curacao claimed their first ever World Cup point  There was a remarkable display from goalkeeper Eloy Room frustrated a wasteful Ecuador side. Author | Chris T Stadium | Kansas City Stadium Miami FC keeper Room produced a record-equalling 15 saves to deny the South Americans in Group E. The 37-year-old was in inspired form, matching USA goalkeeper Tim Howard's record for the most saves in a World Cup match. Howard made 15 saves against Belgium in 2014 in a game that went to extra time, conceding twice in a 2-1 defeat, but Room's clean sheet secured Dick Advocaat's side a historic draw. A closer analysis of what happened His first stop came after just three minutes and was arguably the finest of the evening as he denied Enner Valencia from close range. Watch | Pre match atmosphere John Yeboah was next to be thwarted before Room saved again from Valencia among six first-half stops. Room was even busier after the break as he denied Moises Caicedo, Pedro Vite, Kevin Rodriguez, ...

Tunisia's miserable World Cup campaign continued Their elimination at the group stage was confirmed by defeat against Japan. Author  | Jamie P Stadium  | Estadio Monterrey After a turbulent week in which they suffered a 5-1 loss to Sweden, dismissed Sabri Lamouchi and appointed former Saudi Arabia manager Herve Renard as head coach, they fell behind inside four minutes in Guadalupe, Mexico. A well-organised Japan side opened the scoring with a swift counter-attack that ended with Crystal Palace's Daichi Kamada poking home from close range at Monterrey Stadium. It was not long before Japan struck again. Ayase Ueda produced a fine finish, driving the ball through a defender's legs and into the far corner from the edge of the area. Watch  |  Highlights from BBC Sport Tunisia looked short of ideas for much of the contest and repeatedly afforded Japan too much space, allowing them to showcase their fluid, possession-based approach. Junya Ito added a third when...

Substitute Deniz Undav emerged as Germany's hero with a dramatic 94th-minute winner The 2024 winners completed a remarkable comeback against Ivory Coast to secure a place in the World Cup knockout stages. Author | Ed Stadium | Toronto Stadium The four-time champions had endured a frustrating evening after falling behind to captain Franck Kessie's 30th-minute strike, but Julian Nagelsmann turned to his bench in search of a response and Undav delivered in emphatic fashion with two second-half goals. The Stuttgart forward applied a composed finish to fellow substitute Nadiem Amiri's cross to level in the 68th minute before striking again deep into stoppage time to inflict heartbreak on the African nation. Undav had also scored once and provided two assists after coming off the bench in Germany's 7-1 opening victory over Curacao. A disappointed Ivory Coast side can still progress from Group E alongside Germany if they beat World Cup debutants Curacao in their final group ma...

Almiron red card fails to derail Paraguay as Turkey crash out of World Cup Miguel Almiron became the first player to be sent off for covering his mouth at a World Cup, but Paraguay held firm to boost their hopes of reaching the next stage Author | Jack L Stadium | San Francisco Bay Area Stadium Paraguay struck after only 64 seconds when midfielder Matias Galarza drilled home from outside the area to score the fastest goal of the tournament so far, with his effort ultimately proving decisive. From that moment on, however, it was largely one-way traffic as Turkey pushed relentlessly in search of an equaliser. Their task appeared to become easier when former Newcastle United midfielder Almiron placed his hand over his mouth during a confrontation with Turkey defender Mert Muldur in first-half stoppage time. Following a video assistant referee review, Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton produced a red card under a new regulation introduced ahead of the tournament. Both sides arrived in need...

Cunha double sends Brazil top of their group as Haiti become first team eliminated from World Cup Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha scored twice as Brazil eased past Haiti, who became the first side to be eliminated from the 2026 World Cup. Author | James Y Stadium | Philadelphia Stadium Carlo Ancelotti's team responded to criticism following their opening draw with Morocco with an impressive display in Philadelphia. Although the opposition offered little resistance, Brazil moved to the top of Group C with a convincing victory. Cunha, who replaced Brentford striker Igor Thiago in the starting line-up, opened the scoring after 23 minutes in fortunate fashion when Haiti defender Hannes Delcroix cleared the ball against him and it spun into the net. The striker had been quickest to react after Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide parried Vinicius Jr's effort, forcing Delcroix into the challenge that ultimately led to the opener. Watch | Both sets of fans party together after the m...

Scotland conceded after just 70 seconds as they slipped to defeat against a polished Morocco side However, their hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time remain in their own hands Author | Sean M Stadium | Boston Stadium Head coach Steve Clarke had called for the "footballing Gods to be smiling down on us", knowing that a point would have all but secured progression, but the Scots made the worst possible start. Slack defending allowed Ismael Saibari to fire the Africa Cup of Nations champions, ranked sixth in the world, into a stunning lead inside the opening two minutes. Watch | Another spine-tingling rendition of the Scottish national anthem Clarke reshuffled his side following Saturday's win over Haiti, with Celtic defender Kieran Tierney deployed on the left of midfield in an apparent attempt to keep Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi quiet. That plan quickly unravelled when centre-backs Grant Hanley and Jack Hendry allowed Saibari to burst in beh...

The United States are guaranteed to finish top of their World Cup group They beat Australia with a dominant, high-tempo display in front of a boisterous sell-out crowd in Seattle. Author | Ajay Stadium | Seattle Stadium The US secured a place in the last 32 with back-to-back World Cup victories for the first time since 1930, and were later confirmed as group winners after Turkey lost to Paraguay. The tournament co-hosts were without talisman Christian Pulisic because of a calf injury, but they subjected Australia to relentless pressure in the first half, which brought two goals. Closer analysis of what happened Australia defender Cameron Burgess inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 11th minute after US striker Folarin Balogun raced to the byline and squared across the face of goal. Mauricio Pochettino's side doubled their lead minutes before half-time when Alex Freeman reacted quickest to a deflected Sergino Dest effort and headed past Australia goalkeeper Patrick ...

An emotional night for everyone associated with the Canada team Ismael Kone's serious-looking injury left Canada manager Jesse Marsch in tears and cast a shadow over their first World Cup finals victory as they swept aside nine-man Qatar Author | Peter Grainger  Stadium | BC Place Vancouver With the co-hosts already 3-0 up in Vancouver and enjoying a numerical advantage, Qatar's Assim Omer Madibo and Kone challenged for the ball, leading to a lengthy stoppage and the Canadian midfielder being carried off on a stretcher. Madibo was initially shown a yellow card, but it was upgraded to a red following a video assistant referee (VAR) review. As Canadian supporters chanted his name, former Watford midfielder Kone was able to sit up and wave while being taken around the side of the pitch, inhaling pain relief. Canada are now in a strong position to reach the knockout rounds, but the injury to Kone could prove a major setback to any hopes of progressing beyond the last 32. The distre...

Switzerland edge towards a place in the World Cup last 32 Substitute Johan Manzambi scored twice as they beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1 in a chaotic final 20 minutes. Author | Ed Stadium | Los Angeles Stadium Manzambi met a knockdown in the penalty area with a first-time volley past Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj in the 74th minute, just two minutes and 46 seconds after he came off the bench. It was only the 20-year-old's fourth touch. With Bosnia down to 10 men following Tarik Muharemovic's straight red card for bringing down Breel Embolo when clean through on goal, Ruben Vargas doubled Switzerland's advantage with a precise curling finish into the bottom corner. Watch | Highlights from BBC Sport  Vargas turned provider in the 90th minute when he set up Manzambi to score his second of the night from close range, before Granit Xhaka converted an injury-time penalty after Djibril Sow was tripped by Amar Memic. Ermin Mahmic scored a late consolation for Bosnia with a spectacula...

Co-hosts Mexico became the first nation to reach the knockout stage of the World Cup They achieved this after edging past South Korea in Guadalajara. Author | James Y Stadium | Estadio Guadalajara Mexico midfielder Luis Romo was perfectly placed to tap into an empty net in the 50th minute after goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu spilled the ball following a collision with team-mate Lee Gi-hyuk. South Korea's best opportunity arrived three minutes from time when Cho Gue-sung's close-range header was saved by Raul Rangel, with the Mexico goalkeeper reacting again to deny Yang Hyun-jun from the rebound. Earlier, captain Son Heung-min had chipped Rangel only for Edson Alvarez to clear off the line, although the former Tottenham forward was eventually flagged offside. Roared on by a passionate home crowd that had voiced its frustration at half-time after a lacklustre opening period, Mexico almost doubled their lead in the 75th minute, but Raul Jimenez's effort from a tight angle was kept ...

A first point for both Czech Republic and South Africa at the World Cup. Teboho Mokoena's penalty cancelled out Michal Sadilek's early goal for the Czechs. Author | Ajay  Stadium | Atlanta Stadium South Africa trailed after five minutes and seven seconds when Michal Sadilek latched onto a clever lay-off and rifled home the earliest goal of the tournament so far. The Bafana Bafana, who also conceded early against Mexico in their tournament opener, eventually settled into the game, but they struggled to create chances and only managed their first shot on target in the 74th minute. But their fortunes finally changed as Thapelo Maseko's shot thundered into Pavel Sulc's arm in the Czech box with less than 10 minutes of normal time remaining. Mokoena made no mistake with the finish, slotting into the left corner. Both sides then fought to determine a winner, but neither could. This means they’ll have to beat the group favourites in order to get out of the group and reach the ...

Colombia marked their return to the World Cup with a victory over debutants Uzbekistan. Former Liverpool forward Luis Diaz and Crystal Palace defender Daniel Munoz both found the net. Author | Jack L Stadium | Azteca Stadium Having missed out on the 2022 tournament, Colombia secured all three points at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to move to the top of Group K. A closer analysis of what happened Munoz opened the scoring with an outstanding full-stretch volley after meeting a superb forward pass from Diaz, who had earlier struck the post. Uzbekistan, managed by Italy's World Cup-winning defender Fabio Cannavaro, levelled on the hour when Abbosbek Fayzullaev headed home from close range after Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas had pushed away Eldor Shomurodov's effort. But the South Americans restored their advantage almost immediately, with Diaz's shot finding the net despite Uzbekistan keeper Utkir Yusupov getting both hands to the ball. Uzbekistan, ranked 50th in the w...

The other game in England’s group wasn’t quite as exciting Ghana's Caleb Yirenkyi scored a 95th-minute winner to deny Panama a first-ever World Cup point in Toronto, Canada. Author | Josh T Stadium | Toronto Stadium With six minutes of added time played in a match short on clear chances, Brandon Thomas-Asante surged down the left, beat his marker and squared for Yirenkyi, who applied a simple finish. The outcome was cruel on Panama, who had matched the four-time African champions in only their fourth World Cup appearance since making their debut in 2018. Ghana's next assignment is against Group L leaders England in Boston on Tuesday, while Panama will hope to end their losing World Cup record when they face Croatia in Toronto on Wednesday. A closer analysis of what happened Panama almost went ahead inside two minutes when Cecilio Waterman's effort was pushed over the bar by Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi. After the break, Panama's Cristian Martinez fired into the si...

Best game of the tournament so far? England made a winning start to their World Cup campaign as they edged past Croatia in a pulsating contest in Dallas. Author | George B Stadium | Dallas Stadium Thomas Tuchel's side showed their attacking quality but also some defensive vulnerability, although they had enough firepower to finally see off Croatia and lay the foundations for progress in Group L A closer analysis of what happened Harry Kane gave England the lead after 12 minutes with a penalty that had to be retaken after Luka Modric fouled Noni Madueke. Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic saved the first effort but was ruled to have moved off his line too early. Croatia, as ever dangerous opponents, levelled after 36 minutes when Martin Baturina's fierce drive flew past Jordan Pickford, who got a hand to the ball but could not keep it out. Kane restored England's advantage three minutes before the interval with a powerful header from Declan Rice's corner, drawing level...

Was this another shock result, or did everyone underestimate one side here?  Portugal were held to a frustrating draw by an impressive DR Congo side in their opening World Cup match. Author | Ed Stadium | Houston Stadium Midfielder Joao Neves headed them into an early lead after six minutes, but Roberto Martinez's side failed to turn their dominance of possession into meaningful chances. They were punished in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time when Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa was left unmarked six yards out to head home Arthur Masuaku's cross, scoring DR Congo's first ever World Cup goal. In their only previous appearance in 1974, when the country competed as Zaire, they lost all three matches with an aggregate score of 14-0. READ MORE |  How DR Congo qualified But the side ranked 46th in the world look a far sterner proposition 52 years later and deserved their point, defending resolutely and posing a threat on the counter-attack. Cedric Bakambu struck the post...