
Haiti's World Cup Debut: A Fright for Italy in 1974
In their first World Cup appearance in 1974, Haiti gave Italy a major scare, taking the lead before eventually losing 3-1. The match remains a memorable moment for Haitian football.
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In their first World Cup appearance in 1974, Haiti gave Italy a major scare, taking the lead before eventually losing 3-1. The match remains a memorable moment for Haitian football.

Cristiano Ronaldo took part in a photoshoot ahead of what he has indicated will be his sixth and final World Cup appearance.

Thirteen World Cup nations have jointly criticized UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin for suggesting that the expanded 48-team tournament would produce many 'uninteresting' matches. The teams, including Cape Verde and Uzbekistan, called his remarks deeply disappointing.

Former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate says he turned down punditry work at the World Cup to avoid being a distraction. He believes the current squad is 'ready to win' the tournament.

Clement Turpin will referee England's World Cup opener against Croatia. The French official was previously labeled a 'Grade E' referee by Thomas Tuchel after a Champions League match. Despite criticism, Turpin is considered one of Europe's top referees, having officiated major finals.

Gareth Southgate has sent a good luck message to the England team as they prepare to begin their World Cup campaign on Wednesday night.

Germany overcame a brief scare from World Cup debutants Curacao before winning their Group E opener in Houston, with Havertz scoring twice.

Manuel Neuer became the ninth player to win the World Cup and return to the tournament 12 years later, starting for Germany against Curaçao in the 2026 opener. The goalkeeper, who reversed his international retirement in 2025, joins a select list including Busquets, Henry, Cafu, Ronaldo, Baresi, Massaro, Pelé, and Martínez.

Nathaniel Brown scored and assisted on his World Cup debut. The player is set to join Bayern Munich from Eintracht Frankfurt for €55m in the coming days.

Germany opened their World Cup campaign with a 7-0 victory over Curaçao. The team scored seven goals in the match.

Steven Moreira speaks about his pride in representing Cabo Verde at their first World Cup. The Columbus Crew defender overcame family concerns to join the Blue Sharks and now aims to make history in a group with Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay.

Scotland's nervy 1-0 win over Haiti in their World Cup opener raises questions about their approach against Morocco and Brazil. Manager Steve Clarke may shift formation as the team seeks to reach the knockout stages for the first time.

The youngest and oldest managers at the FIFA World Cup are set to face each other in a match.

Nestory Irankunda scored on his World Cup debut, becoming Australia's youngest ever scorer in the tournament, as a youthful Socceroos side defeated Türkiye 2-0. The 20-year-old dedicated his celebration to Tim Cahill and says there is more to come from the team.

Lille and Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi acknowledges interest from clubs but says his focus remains on the World Cup.

None of the first eight matches at the 2026 Women's World Cup have started on time, with delays averaging three minutes. Factors include late player arrivals and complex pre-match ceremonies, as seen in Scotland's delayed win over Haiti.

Japan are being tipped as potential dark horses for the 2026 World Cup after an impressive qualifying campaign and recent wins over top European sides. The Samurai Blue aim to reach the quarter-finals for the first time, with a blend of experience and European-based talent.

BBC Sport pundits Micah Richards, Joe Hart, and others have selected their preferred England starting XI for the World Cup opener against Croatia on June 17. Key debates include the center-back pairing and whether Jude Bellingham or Morgan Rogers should start.

Somali referee Omar Artan, denied entry to the US for the World Cup, will receive his full tournament fee from Fifa. He was interrogated for 11 hours due to alleged terror links but has since been invited to officiate the Uefa Super Cup.

France midfielder Manu Koné says he is focused on the World Cup and will decide his future after the tournament.