Christian Pulisic embraces pressure of leading US against Paraguay in World Cup opener
Christian Pulisic, the most accomplished and famous player on his national team, faces a unique confluence of talent and timing as the United States hosts the World Cup 2026.
Pulisic does not shy from the spotlight that will glare more brightly than ever in the next few weeks. In fact, he repeated Thursday that this challenge is “what I’ve always wanted.”
Jamie Braidwood12 June 2026 08:37
Will Scott McTominay be fit for Scotland’s opening game against Haiti?
Scott McTominay sat out Scotland training on Thursday as Steve Clarke continued his preparations for Sunday’s World Cup opener against Haiti.
The 29-year-old Napoli midfielder was conspicuous by his absence at the Atrium Heath Training Centre in Charlotte, North Carolina after going down with a stomach complaint.
And McTominay also travelled separately to Boston, where the the Scots get their Group C campaign under way during the early hours of Sunday morning.
Dinamo Zagreb defender Scott McKenna, also 29, was another absentee as he nursed a knock.
However, both men are expected to be fit.
(PA)
Jamie Braidwood12 June 2026 08:25
England’s Harry Kane relishing ‘best opportunity in my career’ to win the World Cup
England captain Harry Kane says the campaign in the United States, Canada and Mexico is ‘probably the best opportunity’ for him to win the World Cup.
Kane enters the tournament on the back of a superb domestic season in which he scored 61 goals and created seven assists for Bayern Munich. Those stats, alongside triumphs in the Bundesliga and the DFB-Cup, make Kane a serious contender for the Ballon d’Or but he will need a strong World Cup campaign to remain in contention.
Michael Jones12 June 2026 08:13
Water-gate: Fifa’s lucrative World Cup breaks are ruining the spectacle
“This hydration break is powered by Powerade,” roared Fox Sports commentator Ian Darke, as the first game of the World Cup stopped after 24 minutes so players could take on water. The temperature in Mexico City was 23C, constituting a relatively mild day in the Mexican summer. But if we’ve learnt one thing over the past few weeks, it’s that this is not a tournament to miss out on a fast buck.
Fox Sports, of course, used the three-minute break to show lucrative advertising. Powerade is Fifa’s official sports drink and once it had its moment on screen, Fox cut to adverts for AT&T (telecoms), Michelob Ultra (light beer), Lowe’s (home improvements) and FanDuel (sports betting). When the break ended, it cut back to find the players preparing to restart. Why anyone needs three minutes to glug some water has not been explained.
Lawrence Ostlere, in Los Angeles12 June 2026 08:05
When are the US and Canada opening ceremonies and who is performing?
The wait for the 2026 World Cup is over, with Shakira and Burna Boy lighting up Mexico City before the first game – but the tournament still has two more opening ceremonies to perform thanks to the unprecedented nature of its setup.
This year’s finals are the first to be hosted by multiple countries, with the United States, Canada and Mexico all staging the competition, boasting the elusive element of home advantage for football’s greatest showpiece.
Three host nations means three separate opening ceremonies for each of their opening games, as is traditionally done, with the trio roping in A-list artists and other performers to set the tone for the biggest event on the football calendar.
Will Castle12 June 2026 08:01
Raul Jimenez gives Mexico ‘very special moment’ in tearful World Cup celebration for late father
Raul Jimenez provided Mexico with a “very special moment” to kick off the World Cup 2026 for the co-hosts in a 2-0 victory over South Africa, which included three red cards.
The 35-year-old was emotional after his father died aged 62 just three months ago, with pundits Thierry Henry and former teammate Javier Hernandez paying tribute to him.
Jack Rathborn12 June 2026 07:49
Mexico send Fifa a telling reminder of what the World Cup must never lose
After a controversial build-up to Fifa’s showpiece event, Mexico cleansed a World Cup and ensured the conversations around football will start to change. By Ed Malyon in Mexico City
Jamie Braidwood12 June 2026 07:37
President Trump set to miss USA v Paraguay clash
President Donald Trump will not attend the USA’s first match of this World Cup against Paraguay in Los Angeles on Friday.
Paraguay’s president, Santiago Peña, announced on Wednesday that he would be traveling to California for the match but the official US delegation will be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio instead, the State Department announced.
Trump has touted the World Cup as a marquee international event taking place during his presidency, casting it as an opportunity to showcase American strength but the build-up has been marred by diplomatic and logistical issues, including visa issues affecting players, officials, referees and fans.
Jack Rathborn12 June 2026 07:25
Three red cards in the World Cup’s opening game – why were the players sent off?
Earlier on day one, three players were sent off in the opening game for the first time in World Cup history as co-hosts Mexico defeated nine-man South Africa in a chaotic match at a raucous Estadio Azetca in Mexico City. Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were shown red cards for South Africa before Mexico captain Cesar Montes was sent off in stoppage time. Three red cards is the most in a single World Cup game since 2006.
Michael Jones 12 June 2026 07:18
South Korea off to opening win against Czech Republic with second-half comeback
The World Cup 2026 action continued last night as Czech Republic and South Korea faced off in the second Group A match in Zapopan.
The Czechs took the lead when captain Ladislav Krejci headed the European side in front in the second half. But Hwang In-Beom equalised a few minutes later with a clever finish, before playing his role in the build-up as substitute Oh Hyeon-Gyu got the winner.
(Reuters)
Jamie Braidwood12 June 2026 07:12