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- Morning
No fixtures again — FIFA's funding plan now has a 19 September deadline, and Japan's story stays in the transfer market
Eleven days after the final there were no matches overnight; the movement is off the pitch. FIFA president Gianni Infantino wrote to all 211 member associations on 29 July, JST, setting 19 September as the deadline to accept the World Cup commercial-stake plan. On Japan's side the coaching succession is settled, so the only story that keeps moving is Europe's transfer market — where Daizen Maeda and Hidemasa Morita are done deals and Kaishu Sano is still in talks.
- News
FIFA puts a September 19 deadline on its World Cup investment plan — and offers members double the money to say yes
The fight over FIFA's plan to sell a stake in the World Cup's commercial arm has a date and a price on it now. In a letter to all 211 member associations on Wednesday, president Gianni Infantino set September 19 as the deadline to accept, and spelled out the money: approve the plan and each association is promised $20 million; reject it and members get only the $10 million they were already due. UEFA, which is leading the opposition, controls just 55 of those 211 votes.
- News
FIFA moves to sell a stake in the World Cup's commercial arm — and within a day, football pushed back
FIFA said on Tuesday it wants to carve its commercial and event operations into a $20 billion company and sell outside investors a minority stake of up to 20%, raising up to $4.2 billion it says would go to football development. Within a day, four of world football's biggest bodies — UEFA, CONCACAF, the Asian Football Confederation and England's FA — had all objected, and UEFA was weighing a boycott. Crucially, this is a proposal, not a done deal: it still needs a majority of FIFA's 211 member associations and the FIFA council to approve it.
- News
Zidane's France: the captaincy is open, and he 'hasn't spoken to Mbappé yet'
Zidane answered almost everything at his unveiling in Paris. The one thing he would not settle was whether Kylian Mbappé keeps the captaincy: 'I haven't spoken to him. The most important thing for him right now is to rest. We'll talk in September.' The job is his through 2030 — but who wears the armband, and who sits on his bench, is still undecided.
- Morning
'A dream come true': Zidane confirmed as France coach, first game away to Türkiye in September
No fixtures overnight; the news was on the touchline. The French Football Federation confirmed on 28 July, JST, that Zinedine Zidane is Deschamps' successor on a four-year deal to 2030. He starts in September, with his first match away to Türkiye on the 25th. On Japan's side the coaching succession is settled, and the only moving story is the transfer market, where Kaishu Sano is still in talks.
- Morning
France names its new coach tonight, JST; Sano's move is still in talks
No fixtures overnight, so today's headline is on the calendar side. The French Football Federation reveals Deschamps' successor at a press conference at 18:00 JST this evening, streamed live on its YouTube channel. Zinedine Zidane is the overwhelming favourite, but nobody has been named officially yet. Japan's confirmed transfers are done; the next names are still only in talks.
- Morning
France names its new coach tomorrow; Japan's transfers are still in talks
No fixtures overnight, so the calendar is what moves this week. The French Football Federation will present Didier Deschamps' successor at a press conference tomorrow, and Zinedine Zidane is the overwhelming favourite. On Japan's side the confirmed moves are done, and the next names are still only in talks.
- News
Klopp returns to management with Germany — released from Red Bull in an unusual deal, first match Sept 24
Germany have their answer to a lost World Cup: Jürgen Klopp. The 59-year-old signed a deal through the 2030 World Cup, ending a two-year break from the touchline — but only after the German federation bought him out of Red Bull with a €1m charity donation and a promise to stage three home internationals in Leipzig. His first game is against the Netherlands on September 24. And two days before that debut is even confirmed, France will name its own new coach on July 28, with Zidane widely expected.
- Japan
Hidemasa Morita joins Hull City on a free — the World Cup omission lands in the Premier League
Hull City announced on July 24 that Japan midfielder Hidemasa Morita has signed on a free transfer from Sporting CP, a two-year deal with the option of a third. It is the 31-year-old's first Premier League move — and it comes just weeks after he was left out of Japan's squad for the summer World Cup, a decision that drew loud second-guessing at home.
- Morning
Maeda's move to Ipswich is confirmed; Sano still at the negotiating stage
No fixtures overnight; Japan's news has shifted to the transfer market. One firm piece of news landed while we slept — Daizen Maeda's permanent move to Ipswich is done. Kaishu Sano, also linked away, is still only in talks, and separating the confirmed from the rumoured is this morning's point.
- Japan
Daizen Maeda joins Ipswich Town, the club's first Japanese player, for his Premier League bow
Ipswich Town confirmed the permanent signing of Japan forward Daizen Maeda from Celtic on July 25, a three-year deal through 2029. The 28-year-old, who scored 79 goals in 212 games in Scotland and shone at the summer World Cup, becomes the promoted club's first Japanese player and takes on the Premier League for the first time.
- Japan
The Asian Cup Moriyasu is meant to win — holders Qatar, and Indonesia first
President Tsuneyasu Miyamoto explained the six-month deal in one line: it is there to win the Asian Cup. So who stands in the way of Hajime Moriyasu's final mission? The opponents are already set. At the tournament Saudi Arabia hosts in January 2027, Japan sit in Group F with the back-to-back holders Qatar, a rising Indonesia, and Thailand.
- Morning
Moriyasu holds his appointment press conference — Miyamoto explains the half-year term: 'to win the Asian Cup'
No fixtures overnight; the day for Japan turned on Thursday afternoon's appointment press conference. Hajime Moriyasu said he was 'satisfied' with the half-year deal and welled up as he spoke, while president Tsuneyasu Miyamoto explained why the term was cut so short.
- Japan
Moriyasu, in tears, says he 'accepts' the six months — Miyamoto explains why it stops at the Asian Cup
The question everyone had been asking — why keep Hajime Moriyasu for only half a year — finally got an answer on Thursday. At his inauguration press conference in Tokyo, Moriyasu opened by saying the assignment left him with 'a tightened sense of resolve,' then choked up when he spoke about the team: 'for Japan.' The reason for the short deal came from JFA president Tsuneyasu Miyamoto: the Asian Cup is the most important tournament after the World Cup, and he wants Moriyasu to use his strength in Asia to win it.
- Opponent View
'Japan looked inward for the answer': how Korea's press read the Oiwa succession
The Korean sports daily Sports Chosun called Japan's coaching decision 'a first in the country's history' and dubbed the incoming manager, Go Oiwa, 'the master who destroyed Korea.' While Japanese fans fixed on the oddity of Hajime Moriyasu's six-month deal, the paper in Japan's Asian-Cup rival was looking at a different point: why did Japan hand its future to a coach raised inside its own youth setup rather than a well-known foreigner?
- Japan
Japan locks in Moriyasu's six months and Oiwa's dual role — the 'why' waits for today's press conference
The JFA board settled it on July 23: Hajime Moriyasu stays, but only through the Asian Cup in January 2027 — half a year. In the same session it decided that from March 2027, Go Oiwa takes over the senior side while keeping his Olympic-age team. The point that had been up in the air the day before — full-time or dual role — landed on dual role. What the federation held back is the reason. That it saved for a 2 p.m. press conference on the 24th.
- Morning
Today at 2pm, Moriyasu holds his appointment press conference — stay confirmed, Oiwa to follow
The Japan Football Association formally announced Hajime Moriyasu's continuation on the 23rd — a record third straight cycle in charge. His term runs only to the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia next January–February. At 2pm today, Moriyasu, president Tsuneyasu Miyamoto and technical director Masakuni Yamamoto face the media together.
- News
Modrić set to end his Croatia career in October — his last cap against champions Spain, in Split
Croatia captain Luka Modrić, 40, has decided to retire from the national team, several outlets reported on July 23. His final cap is expected on October 6, against Spain in his home country at Split — the side that had lifted the World Cup four days earlier. He is not leaving football: he has agreed a one-year extension with AC Milan. It is his international career that is ending.
- Japan
Japan settles on Oiwa as next coach — the holdup is whether he goes full-time or doubles up
The JFA board takes up Hajime Moriyasu's extension on July 23. But behind the scenes the man who comes after him is already set: Go Oiwa. What isn't set is the shape of the job — whether he keeps the Olympic-age team as well, or runs the senior side full-time.
- Morning
Moriyasu's stay set for approval today — win or not, Oiwa takes over in March
The JFA board is expected to approve Hajime Moriyasu staying on today. But the deal is a half-year one that runs only to next winter's Asian Cup, and even a title there won't extend it — from March the team passes to Go Oiwa.
- News
The biggest World Cup ever: 6.8m fans, $9bn-plus revenue — and FIFA already wants 64 teams
Three days after Spain beat Argentina in New Jersey, the final tally is in. The first 48-team, 104-match, three-nation World Cup drew a record 6,810,966 fans and brought FIFA more than $9 billion — the richest sporting event ever staged. On the strength of those numbers, FIFA president Gianni Infantino is already pushing to expand the 2030 edition to 64 teams.
- Morning
That red card wasn't real: FIFA deletes Paredes' dismissal
While Japan slept, the story of Leandro Paredes' post-final dismissal turned around. FIFA told the BBC that the red card logged after the brawl was an administrative glitch on the official match feed and was later deleted, so there is no automatic suspension.
- News
FIFA opens an investigation into the brawl after the World Cup final; Paredes was not sent off during the match
The instant the final whistle blew, Lamine Yamal knelt on the pitch and prayed. Behind him, players from both teams were grappling. A day later FIFA said it had opened a disciplinary investigation into the post-match brawl. And the report that Leandro Paredes had been sent off? FIFA itself has denied it.
- Morning
While you slept, Spain paraded through Madrid
Overnight in Japan, the new world champions came home. Spain met King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Sanchez, then rode an open-top bus through central Madrid to Cibeles Square, greeted by huge crowds.
- News
Spain come home to a million in Madrid — and become the first nation to hold both World Cups at once
Rodri lifted the trophy the moment the plane touched down. On Monday, a day after beating Argentina 1-0 in the final, Spain's champions were greeted by King Felipe VI, met Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at La Moncloa, and rode an open-top bus from Moncloa to Cibeles Square, where around a million people were expected. With this title, Spain became the first country to hold the men's and women's World Cups at the same time.
- News
Spain sweep the individual awards after conceding one goal all tournament; only the Golden Boot got away, to Mbappe
Rodri took the Golden Ball, Unai Simon the Golden Glove, Pau Cubarsi the Best Young Player award. Three of the four individual prizes at the 2026 World Cup stayed with the champions Spain, who conceded a single goal in seven games. The one exception was the Golden Boot, which left with Kylian Mbappe of fourth-placed France.
- Summary
Ferran Torres' extra-time winner sends Spain past 10-man Argentina to a second World Cup title; Messi's final ends in defeat
It took 106 minutes and one moment from a substitute. Ferran Torres swept in Nico Williams' cutback in the second period of extra time, and Spain beat Argentina 1-0 at MetLife Stadium to win their second World Cup, sixteen years after their first. Argentina had played extra time a man down after Enzo Fernandez was sent off late in normal time, and Lionel Messi's likely last game for his country ended without a title to defend it.
- Morning
Spain are champions: Torres' extra-time goal beats Argentina 1-0
Just a minute into extra time, Ferran Torres broke a goalless final. Spain beat Argentina 1-0 at MetLife Stadium to lift the World Cup for the first time since 2010, denying the holders back-to-back titles.
- News
The World Cup's first-ever champions ring: 30 for the winners, 1,996 sold to fans
Whoever lifts the trophy at MetLife Stadium tomorrow morning will, for the first time in World Cup history, also receive a championship ring. FIFA is making 2,026 of them — but only 30 go to the winning country. The other 1,996 are for sale to fans.
- Preview
The block France couldn't break: can Messi's Argentina crack Spain in the final?
Spain shut out France 2-0. Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1, Messi setting up both goals. Now they meet for the title on Sunday afternoon in New Jersey — 4am Monday in Japan — the reigning European champions against the reigning world champions, and, by the June rankings, the world's No 2 side against its No 1. Spain have conceded once in the whole knockout stage. The question is whether Argentina can do the thing France could not.
- Summary
England beat France 6-4 in a 10-goal third-place thriller; Saka's hat-trick, Mbappe's double takes him top of the Golden Boot
Ten goals, a hat-trick, and a Golden Boot race turned on its head. England beat France 6-4 in the World Cup third-place playoff in Miami on Sunday, racing to a 4-0 half-time lead before holding off a France comeback that reached 4-3. Bukayo Saka scored three, Jude Bellingham sealed it deep in stoppage time, and Kylian Mbappe's two goals lifted him to 10 for the tournament — one clear of Lionel Messi ahead of Sunday's final.
- Morning
The final is Spain v Argentina at 4 a.m. tomorrow, with Japan's Moriyasu on the broadcast
Two games are left. France v England for third place kicked off at 6 a.m. JST in Miami and is still being played as you read this. Then the tournament's last match, the final between Spain and Argentina, kicks off at 4 a.m. JST tomorrow, Monday the 20th. DAZN's free stream of that match will feature Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu, live from the venue.
- News
The baby Messi once bathed is on the other side of the final
On the eve of the final, the person asking Lionel Messi questions was not a reporter. Tom Brady held up an old photo of a young Messi bathing a baby in a sink. That baby is Lamine Yamal, who will line up for Spain in the final the next day.
- News
The World Cup final's first halftime show — BTS, Madonna, and a break stretched past the 15-minute rule
FIFA has confirmed the lineup for the first halftime show at a men's World Cup final: Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira and BTS, with the whole thing curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin. The catch is the clock. The Laws of the Game cap a halftime interval at 15 minutes; on Monday morning Japan time, the break in New Jersey is expected to run closer to 25.
- Morning
"Kylian is at 100%": Mbappe goes after the Golden Boot at 6 a.m. tomorrow
"Kylian is doing well. He is at 100 per cent." That was Didier Deschamps on the eve of the third-place match, settling the question of Mbappe's ankle. There were no matches again on Friday, so nothing moved on the pitch. The next kick-off is at 6 a.m. JST tomorrow, Sunday the 19th: France v England in Miami. If Mbappe scores once, he goes ahead of Messi at the top of the scoring chart.
- Preview
If Mbappe doesn't score on Saturday, the Golden Boot is Messi's
"He is available, that's what I will say." That was Didier Deschamps on Friday, asked whether Kylian Mbappe would play in the third-place playoff. Mbappe has eight goals. So does Lionel Messi. They look level, and they are not: the tiebreaker is assists, and Messi leads it four to three. If neither man scores again, the Golden Boot is Messi's. Which is why Saturday in Miami is not a dead rubber for France's captain. Kick-off is 5pm ET, 6am Sunday in Japan.
- News
The referee from Argentina's night in Lusail will take the World Cup final
When Pierluigi Collina read out the name, Slavko Vinčić covered his face with both hands. In the video FIFA released on 17 July, the Slovenian is in tears: no referee from his country has ever taken a World Cup final. In Buenos Aires, though, the name brought back a date instead — 22 November 2022, in Lusail.
- News
"Thank God it hurts": Deschamps' final match may come without Mbappé
French staff are still worried about Kylian Mbappé's ankle, Le Parisien indicated in a report relayed by Le10sport on 16 July. If he is rested, Marcus Thuram or Maghnes Akliouche could get minutes instead. The match in question is Didier Deschamps' last 90 minutes as France head coach: Saturday in Miami, 06:00 JST on 19 July, the third-place play-off.
- Morning
The World Cup ends across Sunday and Monday mornings: the final is Spain v Argentina
There were no matches again on Friday, and nothing changed on the pitch. With the semi-finals done, the final is Spain v Argentina and the third-place match is France v England. The next kick-off is Sunday: the third-place game at 6 a.m. JST on the 19th, and the final at 4 a.m. JST on Monday the 20th. Those two matches close out the tournament.
- News
Messi didn't score in the semifinal — and came out of it leading the Golden Boot
Lionel Messi did not score as Argentina beat England 2-1 to reach the final. Yet by full time the top of the scoring race had moved to him. His two late assists — for Enzo Fernandez's equaliser and Lautaro Martinez's stoppage-time winner — left him level with Kylian Mbappe on eight goals but ahead on assists, four to three.
- Scenario
Japan's tournament ended in the Round of 32, a 1-2 loss to Brazil in Houston, after finishing Group F unbeaten in second. The title now comes down to Spain v Argentina in the final on July 20 Japan time.
In the semifinals Spain beat France 2-0 and Argentina beat England 2-1. The third-place match, France v England, is on July 19; the final, Spain v Argentina, on July 20 (both Japan time). The team Japan lost to, Brazil, went out to Norway in the Round of 16.
- Japan
Three Premier League enquiries for Keito Nakamura — the holdup isn't the price
The BBC has Everton, Bournemouth and Fulham all asking about Keito Nakamura, and Reims will let him go for about £21.5m. Yet no bid has landed. The reason isn't the fee — it's that two of the three clubs have to sell first.
- News
Mbappe's eight goals are frozen — the Golden Boot could hinge on the match nobody wants
When Spain knocked France out on Tuesday, Kylian Mbappe's tally stopped at eight. Lionel Messi is level on eight with more games left. The 2026 Golden Boot now runs through the final weekend — and, oddly, through the third-place play-off almost everyone treats as a formality.
- Japan
Three clubs, no move: the price tag stalling Ayase Ueda
Ueda's Premier League summer keeps being reported as a three-club battle. The reason it hasn't turned into a transfer is not the shortlist — it's the gap between Feyenoord's asking price and what buyers, and the valuation models, think he is worth.
- Preview
The one country Messi has never played: England, at last, in the semi-final
"I have played against everyone except England," Lionel Messi said after Argentina beat Switzerland. He is 39, he has eight goals at this World Cup, and he has never faced England for his country. The two nations last met in November 2005 — three months after Messi's senior debut. They meet again on Thursday at 4am Japan time, under the closed roof in Atlanta, with a place in the final at stake.
- Preview
Mbappe's ankle will hold. Spain have not lost in 36 matches.
France's captain limped out of the quarter-final against Morocco with an ankle sprain. Four days later he is expected to start in Arlington. On the other side stands a Spain team that has not lost a match since March 2024 — 36 games, 27 wins, nine draws — and that has needed a substitute to win each of its last two knockout ties. Kick-off is 4am Wednesday in Japan.
- News
"Don't expect anything from me": Yamal has one goal at this World Cup, and three against France
"You say I'm not at my best level, so you shouldn't expect anything from me." Lamine Yamal, who turned 19 on Monday, threw the criticism back at the Spanish press on the eve of the World Cup semi-final against France. He has scored once in six games at this tournament. Against France, in the last two meetings, he has scored three.
- Japan
A 30m euro tag on Zion Suzuki — but PSG already have three goalkeepers
Gazzetta dello Sport reported on July 12 that Paris Saint-Germain had moved for Parma's Zion Suzuki and that talks were progressing fast. Japanese headlines ran with it. The French outlet closest to PSG's dressing room writes it more coldly: Paris already have three goalkeepers, and they have not actually made an offer.
- Morning
France v Spain at 4 a.m. tomorrow: the first semi-finals made up of FIFA's top four
Two days have passed without a match. The World Cup restarts at 4 a.m. JST tomorrow, when France meet Spain at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The four teams left are France, Argentina, Spain and England — the first time since FIFA's ranking began in 1992 that the world's top four have all reached the semi-finals.
- News
England's next opponent is Argentina. Tuchel said they were 'lucky'; Bellingham replied 'Whatever'
England beat Norway 2-1 in extra time and reached the semi-finals - and then their manager called the performance sloppy and lucky, and their two-goal match-winner answered: "Yeah, well. Whatever." On Wednesday in Atlanta they meet Argentina, who have needed extra time or a comeback in all three knockout rounds.
- Opponent View
Brazil had six days to fix what Japan exposed. The list was still there when Norway sent them home.
The morning after Brazil beat Japan 2-1, the Brazilian outlet Terra ran a piece headlined "the mistakes Ancelotti has to fix before the last 16." It listed five: the hole between midfield and the back line, an inability to play out under pressure, the full-back plan that failed against Japan's five-man defence, a replacement for the injured Paqueta, and two players a booking away from suspension. The article noted the coach had six days until Sunday. Six days later Brazil lost 2-1 to Norway and went home.
- Morning
Haaland at 6 a.m., Messi at 10 — the last two semi-final places are decided today
Nothing finished overnight. Norway v England kicked off at 6 a.m. JST in Miami and will be settled around 8; Argentina v Switzerland follows at 10 a.m. in Kansas City. Those two matches fill the last two places in the semi-finals, where France v Spain is already set.
- Preview
Manzambi is out. Argentina have conceded four in two games.
"Unfortunately, Johan Manzambi's injury hurts us enormously. It was a real shock." Murat Yakin said it in Kansas City on Friday, and with it Switzerland lost the argument they had been quietly winning. In the 200 minutes the 20-year-old played at this World Cup, Switzerland averaged 3.6 goals per 90. In the 280 minutes since his knee gave out, they have scored exactly once. They meet a champion who cannot stop conceding.
- Preview
England's only absentee is the suspended one. The rest is Miami's 34C.
"We had everyone available in training." Thomas Tuchel said it in Miami Gardens on Friday, and it emptied out an injury list that had looked grim for two days. Declan Rice (a stomach bug), Marc Guehi (hamstring) and Reece James (hamstring) all trained with the group. The only player Tuchel cannot pick is Jarell Quansah, and that is a suspension, not an injury. Which leaves the one thing neither coach can pick around: a kickoff at around 34C.
- News
Spain conceded for the first time in 650 minutes. The last man to score against them was Ao Tanaka.
Charles De Ketelaere's header just before half-time ended a World Cup shutout streak that had run for 650 minutes. To find the previous goal Spain conceded at a World Cup, you have to go back to Doha in 2022, and to Ao Tanaka. Spain still won 2-1 and will face France in the semifinal at 04:00 JST on July 15.
- Japan
The ¥3.1bn deficit behind Japan's half-year deal — and Oiwa leading the race to replace Moriyasu
Japan's coaching story is usually told as "Moriyasu stays." The more revealing number sits in the association's accounts: the JFA posted a deficit of about 3.1 billion yen for fiscal 2026. That figure, several Japanese outlets report, is a large part of why Moriyasu's continuation runs only through the Asian Cup — and why the search for his successor is already down to a short list of Japanese coaches, led by the U-21 boss Toshio Oiwa.
- Morning
Spain edge Belgium 2-1 on Merino's late strike — a semi-final with France awaits
The second quarter-final is done. Spain beat Belgium 2-1 in the early hours of JST: Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring, Belgium levelled through Charles De Ketelaere, and with the game tied at 1-1 in the 88th minute, back-up keeper Senne Lammens spilled a routine shot for Mikel Merino to bundle in the winner. Spain reach the semi-finals and will meet France, who beat Morocco 2-0 the day before.
- News
Haaland faces the country he calls home. 'Put all the pressure on England.'
Asked to rate Norway's chances of winning the World Cup, Erling Haaland answered flatly: 'Really low, still.' Then he grinned and told the reporters to pile every bit of pressure on England. On July 12 at 06:00 JST in Miami, the striker meets the country where he was born and plays his club football, with a semifinal on the line.
- Morning
France beat Morocco 2-0 — Mbappé and Dembélé send Les Bleus to a third straight semi-final
The quarter-finals are under way. In the opener near Boston, France beat Morocco 2-0: Mbappé missed an early penalty, then scored after the break, and Dembélé added the second. France reach a third straight semi-final and will face the winner of Spain v Belgium, which kicks off at 4 a.m. JST tomorrow.
- News
Egypt demand FIFA remove their referee — as an all-Argentine crew takes charge of France v Morocco
Egypt led Argentina 2-0 with the biggest win in their history in sight before a disallowed goal and two waved-away penalties turned the tie. Now the Egyptian FA has formally asked FIFA to remove referee Francois Letexier — and this morning JST, an all-Argentine crew, the first single-nation team of the tournament, took charge of France against Morocco.
- News
Switzerland break their World Cup shootout curse, reach the last eight for the first time since 1954 — Messi's Argentina next
Gregor Kobel saved from Cucho Hernandez, Davinson Sanchez smashed his kick against the bar, and Switzerland won a shootout 4-3 to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1954. With Japan already out, the last eight holds a quiet side barely discussed back home — and their next opponent is defending champion Argentina.
- Japan
Moriyasu accepts an unusual half-year extension — Japan's coach only through the Asian Cup
The offer the Japan Football Association put to Hajime Moriyasu came with an end date attached: stay on, but only until the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia next January. Several Japanese outlets reported on July 8 that Moriyasu has signaled he will accept. Even a title would not extend him — an unusual half-year term that already has its own finish line.
- News
World Cup last eight are set: France v Morocco, a 2022 rematch, opens the quarterfinals
Forty teams have gone home and eight remain. The 2026 World Cup reaches the quarterfinals, and it opens on Friday at 5am Japan time in Foxborough, near Boston, with France against Morocco — the side France knocked out of the 2022 semifinal four years ago.
- Morning
Round of 16 done — Brazil and Ronaldo gone, and the quarter-finals open tomorrow morning with Morocco v France
The Round of 16 is over. Brazil, the side that knocked Japan out, lost to Haaland's Norway, and 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal fell to Spain. There are no matches today; the quarter-finals begin at 5 a.m. JST tomorrow, 10 July, with Morocco v France near Boston.
- News
Ronaldo's last World Cup ends in tears — Spain's late goal knocks Portugal out
When the whistle went in Arlington, Cristiano Ronaldo was in tears — and being consoled by 18-year-old Lamine Yamal. Mikel Merino's 91st-minute goal sent Spain past Portugal 1-0 and into the quarterfinals, ending the 41-year-old's sixth and final World Cup.
- News
Ten-man England win an Azteca classic — Bellingham's brace beats Mexico 3-2, Norway await in the last eight
Jude Bellingham scored twice inside the first half and England beat Mexico 3-2 to reach the World Cup quarterfinals — holding on for the last 40 minutes with ten men after a red card. The co-hosts went out at a packed Estadio Azteca, and England's next opponent is Norway, the side that knocked out Brazil.
- Morning
France join Morocco in the last eight — the quarter-final is set at Morocco v France, and this morning Brazil are in the Round of 16
France beat Paraguay 1-0 to reach the quarter-finals, joining Morocco, and the two winners will meet on 9 July in a rematch of the 2022 semi-final. Meanwhile, from 5 a.m. JST this morning Brazil — the side that knocked Japan out — are playing their Round of 16.
- News
Brazil, the team that beat Japan, are out — Haaland's Norway win 2-1 to reach the last eight
Erling Haaland scored in the 79th and 90th minutes as Norway beat Brazil 2-1 to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time. The five-time champions who ended Japan's run on June 30 are now gone one round later.
- News
France edge Paraguay 1-0 to set up a quarterfinal with Morocco - a rematch of the 2022 semifinal
France beat Paraguay 1-0 in Philadelphia on a Kylian Mbappe penalty in the 70th minute, awarded after a VAR review on a chaotic, foul-heavy night. It sends them to the quarterfinals against Morocco - the same pairing as the 2022 semifinal in Qatar, which France won 2-0. The rematch is set for Thursday, July 9 in Boston.
- Morning
Hosts Canada out, Morocco first into the quarter-finals; this morning it's France v Paraguay
The last 16 has begun. Overnight into this morning JST, co-hosts Canada lost 0-3 to Morocco in Houston and went out of their home World Cup. Morocco are the first side into the quarter-finals.
- News
Co-host Canada out of its home World Cup; Morocco win 3-0 to reach the quarterfinals first
Canada pushed the game in the first half and had nothing to show for it. Then Azzedine Ounahi scored twice after the break and Soufiane Rahimi added a third in stoppage time, and Morocco beat the co-hosts 3-0 in Houston to become the first team into the 2026 quarterfinals.
- News
Egypt reach the last 16 for the first time, beating Australia on penalties; Messi awaits
Still level at 1-1 after 120 minutes, Egypt turned to spot kicks. Mohamed Salah chipped his down the middle as the goalkeeper dived away, Australia missed twice, and Egypt won 4-2 to claim the first World Cup knockout victory in the country's history. Next in the last 16: Lionel Messi's Argentina.
- Preview
Canada, the co-host who put six past Qatar, meets unbeaten Morocco in the last 16
Co-host Canada battered Qatar 6-0 in the group and then edged South Africa 1-0 to reach the last 16. Morocco came through Group C unbeaten — a 1-1 with Brazil included — and knocked out the Netherlands on penalties in the round of 32. An attacking host meets a side that just won't break at NRG Stadium in Houston, kicking off 02:00 JST on July 5.
- Morning
Debutants Cape Verde fall short of the last 16 as Argentina win 3-2
The World Cup's Round of 32 is reaching its climax. Overnight into this morning JST, Argentina beat first-timers Cape Verde 3-2 in Miami to reach the last 16. The island nation of around 500,000, at their first World Cup, saw a remarkable run end one step short of the last 16.
- News
Portugal edge Croatia 2-1 on a 94th-minute goal; Spain awaits in the last 16
At the final whistle in Toronto, Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo held each other for a long moment. One is going home; the other plays on. Goncalo Ramos headed Portugal in front in the 94th minute to beat Croatia 2-1, ending Modric's World Cup at 40 and sending Portugal to a Round of 16 meeting with Spain.
- News
Canada reach the last 16 for the first time on a 92nd-minute goal, and all three hosts are through
Stephen Eustaquio scored in the 92nd minute to beat South Africa 1-0, sending Canada into a World Cup Round of 16 for the first time in its history. With that, all three co-hosts — Canada, the United States and Mexico — are in the last 16.
- Preview
Spain didn't concede a goal in the group; Austria drew 3-3 — they meet in the last 32
Spain came through Group H without conceding a single goal. Austria advanced from Group J after a 3-3 shootout with Algeria, scoring six and conceding six along the way. The tightest defence of the round meets one of its most open teams at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, kicking off 04:00 JST on July 3.
- Preview
Portugal won their group with one win; Croatia shipped four to England — now they meet
Portugal topped Group K but scored five of their six goals in one game and drew the other two. Croatia lost 4-2 to England on matchday one, then won twice to advance. The two arrive in opposite states at BMO Field in Toronto, kicking off 08:00 JST on July 3.
- Morning
Mexico reach the last 16 for the first time in 40 years; waiting at the Azteca, England after a comeback
The World Cup's Round of 32 is nearing its end. Overnight into this morning JST, co-hosts Mexico broke a 40-year knockout drought and England came from behind, and both reached the last 16. The two now meet at the Azteca in Mexico City on 6 July.
- News
Kane's late double rescues England; the last-16 tie is Mexico at the Azteca
England trailed DR Congo from the seventh minute in Atlanta. Then Harry Kane scored twice in the last 15 minutes to win it 2-1, and the round-of-16 opponent came into focus: Mexico, at the Estadio Azteca.
- News
Germany lose their first World Cup shootout, and the Netherlands who drew Japan go out too
On June 30 Japan time, Japan were not the only side to leave. Within the same day, Germany lost a World Cup penalty shootout for the first time ever, beaten by Paraguay, and the Netherlands — the team Japan drew 2-2 in the group — went out to Morocco on spot-kicks. The round of 32 has thinned the field of favourites.
- Preview
Argentina won every group game; Cape Verde drew all three and held Spain — now they meet
Argentina came through their group with three wins, eight goals scored and one conceded. Cape Verde reached the last 32 without winning a game — three draws, including a 0-0 with Spain and a 2-2 with Uruguay. The two extremes of the round meet at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, kicking off 07:00 JST on July 4.
- Preview
Belgium never lost a group game; Senegal never kept a clean sheet — they meet in Seattle
Belgium and Senegal reach the last 32 as near-opposites. Belgium came through Group A unbeaten but scored just once in two of their three games. Senegal lost two of theirs yet outscored almost everyone when they attacked. Kickoff is 05:00 JST on July 2 at Lumen Field in Seattle.
- Preview
Host USA open the knockout at Levi's Stadium against a first-time Bosnia
The United States play their first knockout game of their home World Cup on Thursday afternoon in the Bay Area, kicking off at 09:00 JST on July 2 at Levi's Stadium. Their opponent is Bosnia and Herzegovina, into the last 32 for the first time. The USA won two of three group games; Bosnia sneaked through after a heavy loss to Switzerland.
- Japan
Why Mainz holds the cards on Kaishu Sano: contract to 2028, no release clause
Mainz's football bosses left the door ajar: at a certain level of offer, they would consider their options. After scoring Japan's opener against Brazil in the World Cup last 32, Kaishu Sano — under contract to 2028 with no release clause — sits at the center of a summer transfer question that Mainz, not the suitors, controls.
- News
Brazil, the side that knocked Japan out, will meet Haaland's Norway in the last 16
Erling Haaland scuffed his shot in front of the Ivory Coast goal, but it crept over the line and Norway won 2-1. That settled Brazil's round-of-16 opponent: Haaland's Norway, the same Brazil side that knocked Japan out.
- News
Who are World Cup hydration breaks really for? The three minutes quietly reshaping the tournament
Introduced to protect players from North American heat, the mandatory three-minute hydration break in all 104 matches is also reshaping broadcasts and tactics. As the knockouts head into July's hottest weeks, the question of who benefits matters more, not less.
- Column
Do not reduce Kento Shiogai's comments to one player's fault
Kento Shiogai's pre-Brazil comments were received overseas as a lack of respect. But a candid remark after training can change shape as it passes through media, translation, and social platforms. The lesson is not to make every young player safer and quieter, but to understand how words are amplified.
- Opponent View
Brazil credit Japan after the win — Ancelotti calls it their 'most complete match'
Trailing 1-0 at the break, Carlo Ancelotti told his players in the dressing room: "Stay calm, and put weight in the box." From there Brazil turned the game around to win 2-1 and reach the round of 16. Yet after the final whistle, the winning coach and the Brazilian press led not with how they won, but with how good Japan had been. "Our most complete match — precisely because Japan were so compact." Reading the opponent's own words on how Japan's exit looked from the other side.
- Morning
Japan's World Cup is over: beaten 1-2 by Brazil, out in the Round of 32
Japan's tournament ended overnight. In the Round of 32 in Houston, Sano Kaito's first international goal put Japan ahead, but Casemiro levelled and Martinelli struck in stoppage time as Brazil won 1-2. From today there are no more Japan matches — the early-hours window now belongs to the rest of the bracket.
- Japan
Japan lose 2-1 to Brazil on a stoppage-time goal and go out in the round of 32
Japan led five-time champions Brazil from the 29th minute and were six minutes from one of the World Cup's biggest shocks. Then Gabriel Martinelli scored in stoppage time to make it 2-1 in Houston, and Japan's tournament ended in the first knockout round.
- News
Uruguay crash out in the group stage as Bielsa says he 'leaves nothing'
Spain's only goal came off a Fernando Muslera error, and a 1-0 defeat left Uruguay third in Group H on two points — beaten to second place by debutants Cape Verde. At 19th in the FIFA ranking, Uruguay are the highest-ranked side eliminated so far, and Marcelo Bielsa is leaving after three winless tournament games.
- Opponent View
Brazil call the Japan tie 'a final' — and Zico warns his homeland
"This is a final." That is how Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti described the round-of-32 tie with Japan at his eve-of-match press conference — bracing for extra time and penalties, and refusing English-style mind games. Brazil are the favorites. Even so, the words of their coach, their captain, and Zico, the man who knows both Brazil and Japan, all point the same way: do not underestimate Japan. Reading the opponent's own press to see how heavily Brazil are taking this match.
- News
Ranking every Round-of-32 tie by FIFA rank: the strongest matchup is Netherlands vs Morocco, Japan vs Brazil sits third
Which Round-of-32 tie is the strongest on paper, and which one opens the door for a surprise run? Add the two teams' FIFA ranking positions, and the bracket starts to tell a different story. Netherlands vs Morocco comes out as the strongest matchup at 15, Portugal vs Croatia follows at 16, and Brazil vs Japan is tied for third at 24.
- Morning
Canada strike late to open the knockouts; Japan face Brazil tonight
The knockout stage opened with late drama: Stephen Eustaquio's 92nd-minute goal beat South Africa 1-0 and put co-hosts Canada into the Round of 16 for the first time in their men's history. It was the only tie settled while Japan slept. The 29th is a quiet day with no matches until the small hours, when the biggest one for Japanese fans arrives — Japan vs Brazil at 2am on the 30th, Japan time, in Houston.
- Opponent View
Brazil set up nine mannequins as Japan's deep block — and drilled how to break it
Ahead of their round-of-32 tie with Japan, Brazil lined up nine mannequins as a stand-in for Japan's deep defensive block and rehearsed, again and again, how to pull it apart. The starting XI has settled too: young Rayan in for the injured Raphinha on the right, Neymar on the bench. Brazil's own preparation shows the Selecao that Japan will actually meet.
- Morning
Cape Verde reach the last 16 on debut as two-time champions Uruguay crash out
Cape Verde slipped into second place in Group H with a 0-0 draw and became the smallest nation ever to reach a World Cup knockout round, on their tournament debut. In the same group Spain beat Uruguay 1-0 to win it, sending the two-time world champions home. In Group G, Belgium ran out 5-1 winners to top the group with Egypt second. Only today's final group games remain, and Japan's Round-of-32 tie with Brazil now looms at 2am on the 30th, Japan time.
- News
Dembélé's first-half hat trick wins Group I for France — and Norway leave Haaland on the bench
Ousmane Dembélé scored three times before half-time — in the 7th, 20th and 32nd minutes — as France beat Norway 4-1 in Foxborough on Friday to top Group I. Norway could have won the group themselves, but had already left their star striker Erling Haaland out of the starting line-up, choosing to keep him fresh for the knockout rounds.
- News
Population 500,000, three draws, no defeats: Cape Verde reach the last 32 on debut — next up, Argentina
Cape Verde drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia on June 27 and went through to the Round of 32 as Group H runners-up, unbeaten in their first-ever World Cup. The Atlantic archipelago of about 500,000 people held Spain and Uruguay to draws on the way, and now face the reigning world champions, Lionel Messi's Argentina, in Miami on July 3.
- Opponent View
Neymar is back and Brazil's camp is relaxed — a contrast to a Japan side missing Kubo
Brazil, Japan's round-of-32 opponent, are in a light mood after Neymar's return. Ancelotti can keep the same starting XI for the first time since taking the job, while Raphinha is out. Brazil's own press shows how the Selecao are shaping up for Japan.
- Morning
Dembele's first-half hat-trick sends France top of Group I; Senegal hammer Iraq 5-0
In the Group I finale, France beat Norway 4-1 to win the group, Ousmane Dembele scoring a hat-trick inside the first half — the first half-time treble at a World Cup since 1994. In the other game Senegal thrashed Iraq 5-0 to climb to third and keep their best-third hopes alive. The group stage finishes today, and Japan's Round of 32 tie with Brazil now looms on 30 June, Japan time.
- World Voices
Unbeaten and second, Brazil next: how the world read Japan's 1-1 with Sweden
Daizen Maeda put Japan in front, Anthony Elanga curled Sweden level six minutes later, and the 1-1 sent both teams into the last 32. But the sentence each country built around that scoreline split sharply: Sweden wrote relief and a goalscorer who didn't know he was through, England wrote the beauty of Elanga's strike, Brazil wrote a wary favourite, and almost everyone's gaze had already moved to Japan-Brazil in Houston. Eight voices, in the original and in translation.
- News
The U.S. lost to Turkey and still won Group D — and now all three hosts are in the Round of 32
Already certain of topping Group D, the United States lost its final group game 3-2 to an eliminated Turkey in Los Angeles on Thursday, beaten by Kaan Ayhan's stoppage-time winner. The result changed nothing: the U.S. advances as group winner. With that, Mexico, the United States and Canada — all three co-hosts — are through to the Round of 32.
- Chronicle
Keito Nakamura: The chance turned around the post
Right on the stroke of half-time, Keito Nakamura had Japan's sharpest opening of a goalless first half. From inside the box he forced Sweden goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström into a good save, the ball turned around the post for a corner. It did not count, but it was the clearest sign of the pressure Japan were building — pressure that paid off ten minutes after the restart when they finally went ahead.
- Chronicle
Zion Suzuki: Two saves after the one that beat him
Zion Suzuki could do little about Anthony Elanga's curled, left-footed cross-shot for Sweden's 62nd-minute equaliser. What he did next mattered more. Minutes later he met Alexander Isak's low, close-range effort with a sharp stop from the edge of the box, then produced a reaction save late on as Sweden pushed for a winner that would have leapfrogged Japan. The 1-1 — and second place in Group F — held because the goalkeeper answered the goal he had just conceded.
- Chronicle
Ritsu Doan: The pass that opened Sweden up
Japan's goal began with Ritsu Doan. In the 56th minute he threaded a disguised through ball into the Sweden box, hiding his intention until the last moment so that Daizen Maeda could slide in and finish. After 40 minutes in which Japan struggled to register a shot on target despite controlling the ball, it was the single pass that turned territory into a lead — the kind of final-third decision Japan had been missing all evening.
- Chronicle
Daizen Maeda: The slide that put Japan ahead
Ten minutes after half-time, Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead. Reading Ritsu Doan's disguised through ball at the edge of the box, he slid in to finish from inside the area in the 56th minute. It was the reward for a relentless night: Maeda had already headed the best chance of the first half over the bar in the 22nd minute, and his running, interceptions and link play ran through everything Japan did. Sweden equalised soon after, so the goal did not win the game, but it was the moment a controlled draw started to look like qualification.
- Summary
Japan draw 1-1 with Sweden, go through unbeaten as Group F runners-up — Brazil next
Japan drew 1-1 with Sweden in Dallas and finished their group unbeaten, with one win and two draws, to take second place in Group F and reach the Round of 32. In the other Group F game, played at the same hour, the Netherlands beat Tunisia 3-1 to win the group, so Japan go through in second. Next up is Brazil, the Group C winners, in Houston in the early hours of June 30 Japan time.
- Morning
Japan draw 1-1 with Sweden, through as runners-up; Brazil next in the last 32
In Dallas, Japan drew 1-1 with Sweden to finish second in Group F and reach the knockout stage. Daizen Maeda put Japan ahead in the second half before Anthony Elanga levelled. The Netherlands beat Tunisia 3-1 to top the group. Japan now meet Group C winners Brazil in the Round of 32 on 29 June in Houston — the early hours of 30 June in Japan.
- News
Germany lose to Ecuador but still top Group E; Ivory Coast reach the knockouts for the first time
Germany were beaten 2-1 by Ecuador in their final group match, Gonzalo Plata striking the winner in the 77th minute. It made no difference to first place — Germany still topped Group E — but it reshaped everything below them: Ivory Coast reached a World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history, Ecuador survived as the leading third-placed team, and Curaçao, the smallest nation ever at a men's World Cup, went out.
- News
South Korea benched Son and slipped to third — where Asia's record nine stand on the eve of Japan's decider
South Korea dropped captain Son Heung-Min for its Group A decider, lost 1-0 to South Africa and finished third, its fate now in other groups' hands. With a record nine Asian teams at the first 48-team World Cup, none has yet clinched a knockout spot — and Japan's own decider is next.
- Opponent View
After conceding five, Sweden's defense is under fire at home — and the space behind it is where Japan strikes
In TV4's studio after Sweden's 1-5 collapse against the Netherlands, former international John Guidetti pointed the finger at center-back Isak Hien. Captain Victor Nilsson Lindelöf did not deflect it. 'It's not just Isak who should take the criticism — the whole back line can do better. On the third goal I could have sprinted back a bit faster,' he told Aftonbladet. The day before Japan, Sweden's problem is not its strikers. It is the line behind them.
- Preview
Japan go through with a draw against Sweden, who must win to survive
Japan reach Group F's final game on four points, level with the Netherlands. A draw against Sweden is enough to guarantee a top-two finish and a place in the last 16. Sweden, on three, have to win. Kickoff is 08:00 JST on Friday, June 26, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, with the Netherlands playing Tunisia at the same time.
- Morning
Host Canada beaten at home and miss top spot; Japan need only a draw at 8am tomorrow
In Vancouver, host nation Canada lost 1-2 to Switzerland and handed over top spot in Group B. In the same group, Bosnia and Herzegovina beat Qatar 3-1 and went through as one of the best third-placed teams, while Colombia saw off DR Congo 1-0 to reach the knockouts. Japan have no game today and turn to Friday's group decider with Sweden, where a draw would be enough to reach the last 32.
- News
Japan still sits on zero cards, and in the final round discipline could decide who goes through
Heading into the final round of group games, Japan is one of only about a dozen of the 48 teams that have yet to pick up a single disciplinary point. In an expanded format where eight of the twelve third-placed teams advance, that clean sheet of cards is not a detail. After points, goal difference and goals, the next thing separating teams is the 'team conduct score' — and a single yellow card can be the difference between playing on and flying home.
- Preview
Japan first or second? The Netherlands-Tunisia game played alongside them decides it
Group F's last round runs in two stadiums at once. While Japan face Sweden in Arlington, the Netherlands meet an already-eliminated Tunisia in Kansas City. The Dutch sit top only because they have scored one more goal than Japan, so their result is what sets the bar for whether Japan can finish first. Kickoff is 08:00 JST on Friday, June 26, at Arrowhead Stadium.
- Opponent View
Sweden's real fear before Japan isn't elimination — it's third place, and France
Swedish public broadcaster SVT called its own route to the round of 32 'advanced mathematics' — 495 combinations, by FIFA's count. For Sweden before the Japan match, the final group game is not a simple win-or-go-home. A draw keeps a thin lifeline; a defeat could still end the tournament. And the outcome Sweden most wants to avoid is not elimination — it is finishing third, where France could be waiting.
- News
Ronaldo scores twice at 41, the first to find the net at six World Cups, as Portugal close on the last 32
Cristiano Ronaldo broke a goal drought stretching back to November 2022 with a near-post finish in the sixth minute, then added another before halftime as Portugal beat Uzbekistan 5-0. The brace made him the first player to score in six different World Cups — and, at 41, the second-oldest scorer in the tournament's history.
- Morning
Portugal hammer Uzbekistan 5-0 to top Group K as the final group round opens tonight
Overnight in Houston, Portugal thrashed Uzbekistan 5-0 to lead Group K. Before dawn in Boston, England and Ghana drew 0-0 and Croatia edged Panama 1-0 to keep their hopes alive. Japan have no game today and turn to Friday's group decider with Sweden. From tonight the final group matchday gets going, with Brazil and Canada among those playing for top spot and a place in the last 32.
- Japan
Kubo set to miss Sweden, but back to light running — his real target is the knockout round
Three days before the match that can send Japan through, Takefusa Kubo showed up for the team photo in Nashville on June 23 — then watched the full session from the side. He has started light running again, but is now expected to miss Sweden. The realistic target for his return has shifted to the knockout round.