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With the 2026 World Cup adding a round of 32, penalty shootouts are expected to increase. Analysis of 320 spot-kicks since 1982 shows Argentina leads with six shootout wins, while Spain holds the record for most misses. Players going central score at a lower rate (61.6%) than those picking a side (over 71%).
FIFA President Gianni Infantino took 27 flights on a private jet to attend 24 matches across North America during the 2026 World Cup group stage, producing an estimated 516 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. The jet traveled over 31,000 miles, with the climate impact comparable to 78 people's annual emissions.
Steve Clarke stepped down as Scotland head coach shortly after the team's World Cup elimination. His seven-year tenure included three major tournament qualifications, but a sense of relief among some fans and pressure on the Scottish FA to find a suitable successor mark his departure.
BBC reporters pick their standout team, player, match and moment from the 2026 World Cup group stage, highlighting France's dominance and Lionel Messi's brilliance.
South Africa reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, 16 years after hosting the tournament. The 2010 campaign ended in group-stage elimination, and domestic football stagnated afterward. Now, under coach Hugo Broos, the team aims to start a new era.
The World Cup knockout stage begins with 16 ties featuring big names, dark horses, and intriguing subplots. From England's path to the final to clashes like Brazil vs Japan and Netherlands vs Morocco, here's why each match matters.
England, having won their group, face DR Congo in the last 32. A potential last-16 match against co-hosts Mexico awaits, with Brazil, Japan, Ivory Coast, or Norway as possible quarter-final opponents. The Three Lions aim for their third major final of the decade.
Austria scored a dramatic late equaliser against Algeria in a 3-3 draw, securing both teams' progression to the World Cup knockout stages and eliminating Iran from Group J.
Colombia and Portugal played a 0-0 draw in their final Group K match, with Colombia topping the group and Portugal advancing as runners-up. Both teams had numerous chances but failed to score.
England's World Cup last-32 match against DR Congo will be broadcast live on BBC One and iPlayer. The BBC will also show Spain vs Austria, Portugal vs Croatia, Germany vs Paraguay, and other knockout games. All 16 matches are covered across BBC platforms.
Algeria and Austria both scored injury-time goals in a 3-3 draw, securing qualification from Group J into the last 32 of the FIFA World Cup.
Steve Clarke signed a new four-year deal on May 28, but resigned just 31 days later after Scotland's World Cup exit. The timeline covers pre-tournament optimism, warm-up wins, and the abrupt resignation following defeat to Brazil and Croatia's result sealing Scotland's fate.
Lionel Messi came off the bench to score and become the first player in World Cup history to find the net in seven consecutive matches, as Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 in their final Group J game.
England fans in New York and at home celebrated a 2-0 victory over Panama, with goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. The win secured England's top spot in Group L and advanced them to the round of 32.
Lionel Messi came off the bench to score his sixth goal of the 2026 World Cup, helping Argentina defeat Jordan 3-1 in Dallas. He became the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup games.
Jude Bellingham scored his second goal of the 2026 World Cup, again proving crucial for England when the team needed it.
DR Congo face England in the World Cup round of 32, their first knockout appearance since 1974. Under coach Sebastien Desabre, they have transformed into a defensively solid, counter-attacking side, led by captain Chancel Mbemba and striker Yoane Wissa.
Harry Kane has become England's all-time top scorer at the World Cup with 11 goals, breaking Gary Lineker's previous record.
Jude Bellingham recorded a goal and an assist in his third World Cup game, bringing his total to three goal contributions in three matches.
Giovani Lo Celso scored a fantastic free-kick on his World Cup debut to give Argentina the lead against Jordan.
