Players
Erling Haaland Scores on World Cup Debut
Erling Haaland scored on his World Cup debut for Norway. The striker found the net in his first match at the tournament.
Tag · 1408 articles
#world cup
Matches
Haaland scores after Iraq goalkeeper error
Erling Haaland scored an easy goal at the World Cup after Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan made a mistake, giving the Norway striker his second goal.
Nations & Continental
Why India, a nation of 1.4 billion, is absent from the World Cup
India has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup, despite a massive population and passionate fan bases in states like West Bengal and Kerala. Former players cite a lack of grassroots development and the dominance of cricket as key obstacles, though expanded Asian quotas offer a glimmer of hope.
Matches
Mbappe double helps France beat Senegal in World Cup 2026 opener
Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France began their World Cup 2026 campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal in Group I.
Players
Mbappe equals France scoring record, eyes more milestones
Kylian Mbappe scored his 57th goal for France in a World Cup opener against Senegal, tying Olivier Giroud's record. At 27, he is poised to become the nation's all-time top scorer and potentially surpass Miroslav Klose's World Cup record of 16 goals.
News
World Cup teams face venomous snake threat in US camps
Germany, Switzerland and Norway players have voiced concerns about venomous snakes at their World Cup base camps in the US. Germany captain Joshua Kimmich reported encountering a copperhead in Winston-Salem, while Swiss players marked a 'snake area' in San Diego.
Matches
Cape Verde's draw with Spain offers Scotland blueprint for Morocco
Cape Verde's heroic defensive display against Spain at the World Cup provides a tactical template for Scotland as they face Morocco. The Scots need a point to reach the knockout stages for the first time, and lessons from Cape Verde's discipline, teamwork, and counter-attacking threat are key.
Teams
Little Algeria: Kansas City Embraces World Cup Team
Lawrence, Kansas, population 100,000, has adopted Algeria as its home team for the World Cup. The city held 'Soccer 101' classes, created art installations, and residents even host Algerian fans, reflecting a powerful cross-cultural connection.
Teams
Scotland training draws full house in Charlotte
BBC Sport reports from Scotland's training camp in Charlotte ahead of their second World Cup group match against Morocco.
Teams
Tuchel's defensive gambles and Alexander-Arnold's exclusion
Tino Livramento's calf injury has exposed Thomas Tuchel's risky defensive selections for England's World Cup squad. The call-up of central defender Trevoh Chalobah as replacement reignites debate over Trent Alexander-Arnold's continued absence.
News
England fans pay £850 for World Cup tickets in Dallas
BBC Sport spoke to England fans who traveled to Dallas for the World Cup opener against Croatia, with some paying £850 for tickets. The match is set for Wednesday.
News
England in talks for friendly against Sporting Kansas City after
England are negotiating a behind-closed-doors friendly against MLS side Sporting Kansas City following their World Cup opener against Croatia. The match would take place between the Croatia game on Wednesday and the Ghana match next Tuesday.
Players
Saka stays neutral on World Cup hydration breaks
England winger Bukayo Saka says he will not comment controversially on the mandatory three-minute hydration breaks at the World Cup, after they drew criticism.
Players
Elijah Just: From Austrian second tier to World Cup breakout star
Elijah Just's rapid rise from the Austrian second division to scoring twice for New Zealand at the World Cup is chronicled. The Motherwell midfielder's standout season in the Scottish Premiership earned him a PFA Scotland team selection and a place in World Cup history.
News
Record Draws and Europe's Slow Start: Is the World Cup Lacking
The 2026 World Cup has seen a record number of draws in the opening 16 matches, with eight games ending level. European teams have struggled, winning only three of their first ten matches, while South American sides remain winless. The expanded 48-team format may reduce jeopardy, as three points could be enough to advance.
Players
Messi's World Cup return: From dazzling winger to strolling veteran
Lionel Messi enters his sixth World Cup at age 38, a vastly different player from the teenage winger who debuted for Barcelona in 2003. His evolution through multiple reinventions—from false nine to deep-lying playmaker—has kept him dominant as Argentina aim to defend their title.
News
Tuchel's England deal includes performance clause, FA chief reveals
FA chief Mark Bullingham confirmed Thomas Tuchel's contract extension includes performance clauses. Tuchel, appointed to win the World Cup, signed a new deal through Euro 2028. Bullingham defended the early extension, citing Tuchel's quality and the importance of stability ahead of a home tournament.
News
Ghana challenges Partey's visa denial in court
Ghana's government has filed a court review of Canada's refusal to grant midfielder Thomas Partey a visa, causing him to miss the World Cup opener against Panama. The case will be heard in Ottawa on Wednesday, as Ghana seeks temporary entry for the player.
History
Football Daily World Cup Quiz: England v Croatia Flashback
The Football Daily podcast launches a World Cup quiz ahead of England's 2026 opener against Croatia. Test your memory of the 2018 semi-final starting lineup.
Matches
World Cup goal droughts ended at 2026 finals
Sixteen nations entered the 2026 World Cup seeking to end goal droughts spanning at least one tournament. Sweden, Egypt, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Côte d'Ivoire, Paraguay, New Zealand, Czechia, and Scotland have all broken their dry spells so far.