Could the ‘fourth best’ team in a World Cup group advance to the knockout stage?
The Athletic has live coverage of Argentina vs Austria and France vs Iraq at the 2026 FIFA World…
The Jeremy Doku criticism might suggest otherwise but football’s attitude to fatherhood has changed
A version of this article was first published in October 2025. Jeremy Doku spoke last week of his…
A Sunday of stakes, plus an NHL blockbuster
The Pulse Newsletter 📣 | This is The Athletic’s daily sports newsletter. Sign up here to receive The…
What do Phillies fans think of the World Cup? The consensus is clear
Bob, it would be fair to say, was well-lubricated by the time he took the stool next to…
How England are using rugby-style ‘finishers’ to give them an edge at the World Cup
Thomas Tuchel did not grow up with rugby. But, having spent so much time in France and England…
Brazil are fixated on Neymar and Endrick – but it’s Matheus Cunha who looks like their saviour
The Athletic has live coverage of Netherlands vs Sweden and Germany vs Ivory Coast at the 2026 FIFA…
Why does America call it soccer? Where does the word come from?
The word ‘soccer’ remains at the heart of one of the most enduring, if comparatively low-key and petty…
Re-ranking the 48 World Cup teams after day six: France and Argentina justify their top spots
Both of the finalists from Qatar 2022, holders Argentina and runners-up France, got their tournaments underway on Tuesday…
Why is cricket-style ‘Snicko’ technology being used at the World Cup?
Mattias Svanberg’s impact could barely have been more immediate when he came off Sweden’s bench on Sunday night.…
Thomas Partey denied entry to Canada, unable to play in Ghana’s World Cup opener
Thomas Partey will play no part in Ghana’s first World Cup game in Toronto as he has been…
Why I Love The Beautiful Game: Brandon Aubrey on idolising Thierry Henry and swapping soccer for NFL
Brandon Aubrey is best-known as the highest-paid kicker in NFL history, having signed a four-year $28 million extension…
It used to be boxing and baseball. Now, Panama’s sports fans have ‘unwavering passion’ for football
As part of our Language of Soccer World Cup series, The Athletic is speaking to supporters of all…