More club news: Stoke have appointed Arsenal Under-21s head coach Max Porter as assistant to Mark Robins.<\/p>\n
Stoke sporting director Jonathan Walters: \u201cMax arrives from one of the most elite and successful environments in the country, and we\u2019re delighted to welcome him to Stoke City.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe has built a reputation as one of the brightest young coaches in the game and has played an important role in the development of a number of exceptional young players during his time at Arsenal.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat stood out to us was Max\u2019s drive, energy and ambition. He is constantly looking to improve, challenge and develop those around him, and we believe he will be a tremendous addition to our environment.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we continue to strengthen and add quality to our backroom staff, Max is another important appointment for the club, and we\u2019re excited to see the impact he can make as we prepare for the season ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n
Arsenal\u2019s head of sports medicine Dr Zafar Iqbal departed the club on Monday.<\/p>\n
Share<\/a>Real Madrid make move for Atleti’s Alvarez<\/p>\n Real Madrid confirm they have submitted a \u20ac150m offer for Juli\u00e1n Alvarez, but Atl\u00e9tico Madrid rejected it and pointed to his \u20ac500m release clause.<\/p>\n That ends the guessing game Florentino Perez set in motion when calling on a presidential election on Sunday in which he beat Enrique Riquelme.<\/p>\n Communicado oficial<\/p>\n double quotation markReal Madrid C. F. announces that, following the meeting of the Board of Directors held today, it has made an offer of 150 million euros to Club Atl\u00e9tico de Madrid for the federative rights of the player Juli\u00e1n \u00c1lvarez.<\/p>\n After reviewing and evaluating the offer, Club Atl\u00e9tico de Madrid has expressed its gratitude for the proposal, made within the framework of the good relations between both clubs, and has rejected it, referring to the player\u2019s release clause.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a013.44 EDT<\/p>\n Per PA Media: Scotland\u2019s First Minister has contacted American officials after a number of members of the Tartan Army experienced sudden obstacles to their World Cup<\/a> travel plans.<\/p>\n John Swinney said he would do \u201call I can to help\u201d those who had their Electronic System of Travel Authorisation (ESTA) permit revoked with days to go before the national team play Haiti in Boston at the weekend.<\/p>\n An ESTA is usually required for UK citizens without a visa going to the US for up to 90 days.<\/p>\n Some Scotland fans reported their ESTA status changing from approved to pending at the last minute, leading to some seeking emergency appointments with the US Embassy in London.<\/p>\n Swinney: \u201cI am aware that the United States Embassy has issued advice to individuals affected by ESTA refusals, indicating that they may apply for a visa through the Fifa pass system, and I have asked officials to convey our hope that they can resolve this so that Scotland\u2019s fans do not miss out.<\/p>\n \u201cI have asked for specific representations and engagement to be taken forward with the Consul General of the United States in Scotland \u2013 that has been undertaken and we will do all that we can to help out to resolve these issues.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n EFL news: Rochdale AFC: \u201cWe\u2019re delighted to announce the appointment of Ian Watson as our new Head Coach, joining on a three-year contract.\u201d<\/p>\n Watson takes over because former boss Jimmy McNulty departed for Stockport County, having previously handed in his badge at the end of Season Five of the Wire. McNulty oversaw Dale\u2019s promotion from the National League playoffs, overcoming that last-day shock against York.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Talking of Craig Gordon, he\u2019s been praising his former Hearts teammate Lawrence Shankland, who recently joined Rangers, and who was outstanding when Scotland gubbed (Scottish term) Bolivia on Saturday.<\/p>\n double quotation mark\u201cI think he\u2019s quite a complete forward now in terms of what he can bring to a team.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s been fantastic for the last few seasons at Hearts, really ever since he joined, not only the goals he scored but the leadership qualities that he brought to Hearts and that\u2019s really developed over the last few years.<\/p>\n \u201cSince he got handed the armband, he never looked back. On the pitch, a really intelligent player. I think he\u2019s added to that as he\u2019s got older to the point where he\u2019s no longer just a goalscorer. He links the game well, he\u2019s a very intelligent, brings other players into play probably a lot more now than he did at the start of his career. He\u2019s in great form just now and I hope he can continue that during the World Cup.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Here\u2019s today\u2019s Football Daily, penned by, well me.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Jeff Rueter spoke to the American official called to the VAR room.<\/p>\n double quotation markAs one of many officials worldwide observed by Fifa throughout the World Cup cycle, Dickerson was in contention for either center officiating or video work for the tournament. He\u2019ll be a voice in the ear of the referee to notify them of contentious plays being checked. He\u2019ll call up those replays to help the official. He said the same initial reluctance to use the monitor will help him get the tone right as he asks a game\u2019s official to take a second look.<\/p>\n \u201cThe vast majority of mistakes made at a World Cup by the best referees in the world are minor,\u201d Dickerson said. \u201cWell, minor\u2019s the wrong word; they\u2019re really difficult. They\u2019re subtle, specific, or they were really hard to see. These are the ones that nobody ever faults referees for missing.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n The World Cup\u2019s youngest player is set to be Gilberto Mora, Mexico\u2019s 17-year-old attacker. He\u2019s just signed a new three-year contract with Club Tijuana and will wear the No 10 shirt and is set to be the youngest player at the 2026 World Cup<\/a>. He\u2019s 26 years younger than Craig Gordon, the tournament\u2019s oldest, who turned 17 on Millennium Eve 1999. Tijuana look to be signing him up now with a view to him shining for the co-hosts.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n That picture of Harry Kane bowling \u2013 in line to replace Ben Stokes? \u2013 comes from the England training session currently being attended by the media. Reports to follow but here\u2019s the PA Media take.<\/p>\n double quotation markThomas Tuchel worked with 31 players on the eve of England\u2019s final World Cup warm-up friendly against Costa Rica.<\/p>\n The Euro 2024 runners-up have been in Florida since last Monday acclimatising to the North American heat, training at their temporary West Palm Beach base.<\/p>\n Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze are pushing for game time in Orlando after the Arsenal quartet linked up on Saturday, a week on from the agonising Champions League final loss to Paris St Germain.<\/p>\n They formed part of Tuesday\u2019s 31-strong session, which included 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha following his man of the match debut against New Zealand.<\/p>\n Fellow training squad members Alex Scott, Josh King and Ethan Nwaneri also took part along with Jason Steele, who will aid the goalkeeping unit this summer.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Ewan Murray\u2019s World Cup<\/a> Q&A is imminent. He\u2019s at the Scotland camp, taking your calls.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Guardian Australia reporter Jack Snape interviewed Mo Tour\u00e9, the Socceroos potential star man.<\/p>\n double quotation markTour\u00e9 \u2013 whose nickname is Mo \u2013 has sparked the most excitement in Australian football fans for a Socceroos striker since Mark Viduka, who emerged at Melbourne Knights close to four decades ago. As one of the faces of the Socceroos\u2019 current World Cup<\/a> campaign, the hype is something Tour\u00e9 is starting to get used to.<\/p>\n The comparison to Arnold Schwarzenegger, however, is new. \u201cMaybe some people have described me with similar traits, of being always serious or playing hard, but no one\u2019s ever called me a Terminator,\u201d Tour\u00e9 says from camp in California ahead of the opening clash against Turkey on Sunday.<\/p>\n Mo Tour\u00e9 profile<\/a>Share<\/a><\/p>\n Chris A gets in touch: \u201cIan Wright is correct: most Americans are embarrassed by the way that the federal government has been handling the situation from day one. The lack of appreciation for the dignity of this remarkable event is appalling, and unfortunately just one of a host of isolationist actions which sever the country from the rest of the globe. Sadly, while I live close to Seattle, I\u2019ve not considered the possibility of traveling there due to all of this mess – and I know many superfans of international football who are doing the same.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n The latest team guide is here:, the ever-colourful Colombia.<\/p>\n double quotation markColombia had a rollercoaster ride to this World Cup. Their qualification campaign included moments of glory, such as the 2-1 victory against Brazil or the revenge over Argentina for their 2024 Copa Am\u00e9rica final defeat. But then came a 1-0 defeat in Bolivia that started a run of six matches without a win and endangered their place in the finals. In the end two thrashings of Bolivia and Venezuela sealed their spot.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a011.38 EDT<\/p>\n You may have seen Ian Wright\u2019s social media clip earlier, in which he expressed his feelings on the immigration issues overshadowing the \u201cWorld Cup of chaos\u201d.<\/p>\n double quotation mark\u201cI\u2019ve just read that the Somalian referee has been denied entry. Every few hours it\u2019s another story, another story about fans denied, players denied, officials denied, journalists denied, now refs. You know something I\u2019m laughing but it\u2019s not funny, it\u2019s actually not funny and something has to be said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe expensive tickets, the most expensive tickets ever, expensive accommodation, transport through the roof. It has to be said. Is this how the hosts behave really for the greatest game, the greatest tournament in the world, is this how the hosts behave?<\/p>\n \u201cAre we not hearing more? Are we seeing how Qatar got dragged, are we not hearing more? Is this the spirit of football, really? You know who I feel for? I feel for the American fans who are desperate for this, American soccer fans who are desperate for this, how embarrassed they must be. How embarrassing for them this must be.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is the World Cup, this is a World Cup of chaos. Whoever wins this World Cup is going to have to go through some serious chaos to get this done.\u2019<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n A club line; they\u2019re content providers, too, you know, and have to keep the pot boiling.<\/p>\n Divine Mukasa has signed a new deal with Manchester City, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until 2030. An England youth international, Mukasa made his senior City debut in September 2025 and has now totalled six appearances for our first team. He was at Leicester on loan and that club\u2019s troubles doesn\u2019t seem to have slowed his progress. He will go on the club\u2019s summer tour.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Good afternoon, football.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Time for me to tag in John Brewin, who will tenderly guide you through the next few hours. Ta-ra!<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Let\u2019s hear\/read more from Didier Deschamps on the wonderful Michael Olise, who scored a hat-trick in France\u2019s 3-1 win over Northern Ireland last night.<\/p>\n double quotation markHe\u2019s been shining brightly this season at Bayern and he\u2019s done great things for us. He\u2019s brimming with confidence, he\u2019s so decisive.<\/p>\n On top of that, as an attacking player he also has a remarkable capacity for hard work.<\/p>\n He\u2019s not a very expressive character. He\u2019s rather introverted, but he\u2019s very endearing.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Time for another dip into our archive of stunning World Cup<\/a> moments. This time, Saipan.<\/p>\n Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy, captain and manager of Ireland, in Saipan in 2002. Photograph: Kirsty Wigglesworth\/PAShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a010.47 EDT<\/p>\n This piece from Alex Reid on World Cup<\/a> mascots is loads of fun, and includes memorable phrases like \u201cThe angular football-headed monstrosity\u201d and \u201csoulless, corporate, anthropomorphic animal slop\u201d.<\/p>\n This year\u2019s World Cup mascots: Maple the Moose, Zayu the Jaguar and Clutch the Bald Eagle. Photograph: Jam Media\/Getty ImagesShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a010.32 EDT<\/p>\n Here\u2019s more from our Crystal Palace expert Ed Aarons on the news that Pierre Sage will succeed Oliver Glasner.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Palace to appoint Sage as head coach<\/p>\n Some significant non-World Cup news. Sky Sports News are reporting that Crystal Palace have agreed a deal in principle to make Pierre Sage their new head coach.<\/p>\n In what will now be his only season at Lens, Sage\u2019s team won the Coupe de France and were runners-up in Ligue 1. They finished only six points behind a truly great Paris Saint-Germain side and equalled the club\u2019s highest finish since they won the league for the only time in 1997-98. PSG came eighth that season, proving once again that the past is a foreign country.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a010.37 EDT<\/p>\n Wolves are poised to re-sign Ra\u00fal Jim\u00e9nez after the Mexico striker agreed a two-year deal to return to Molineux. Wolves have been quick to get to work in search of an immediate return to the Premier League, last week signing the former England defender Kieran Trippier.<\/p>\n Jim\u00e9nez, who is part of Mexico\u2019s World Cup<\/a> squad, is a free agent after three seasons in the top flight at Fulham. He was a big hit in his first spell at Wolves but a fractured skull injury left him sidelined for nine months and hampered his final seasons at the club.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a010.35 EDT<\/p>\n For successive men\u2019s World Cup<\/a> tournaments Fifa has managed to bulldoze its way through costly immigration and entry requirements. In 2014, Brazil passed a law granting free temporary visas to ticket holders, and for Russia and Qatar, the respective autocracies bypassed traditional border friction using Fan IDs and Hayya cards as makeshift visa entry documents that also provided free public transport.<\/p>\n Not so in 2026, where Fifa has found its tournament squarely caught up in the second Trump administration\u2019s aggressive border restrictions. Here are some of the people that have been affected.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Another stunning World Cup<\/a> moment from the archive: Haiti give Italy an almighty shock in 1974.<\/p>\n double quotation markAfter 1,143 minutes, and having frustrated many of the greatest forwards in the sport, Zoff\u2019s record had been broken by an unheralded 22-year-old who earned $200 a month playing for Don Bosco of P\u00e9tionville.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a009.40 EDT<\/p>\n South Africa face Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in Thursday\u2019s opening game. Their coach is Hugo Broos, a 74-year-old Belgian who was part of the Belgium team that reached the semi-finals of Mexico 86. Neatly, he played at the Azteca in Mexico\u2019s opening game of the tournament.<\/p>\n double quotation markIt was a fantastic event and something I will never forget, 40 years ago when we played our opening game against Mexico. That was when I felt how special the World Cup is. I was so happy as a player, motivated and excited. Now I am back here 40 years later, it is amazing it happened. Again I am excited.<\/p>\n It will be a special and fantastic experience for us because many of my players have never played football in a situation like this before. It will be very important for us to stick to the game plan and not pay attention to what is happening in the stands.<\/p>\n Broos, who has been coaching since 1988, will retire at the end of South Africa\u2019s tournament.<\/p>\n double quotation markAfter the World Cup, I will stop, go to my family, and enjoy the next 20 years with my grandchildren<\/p>\n Over the past few years, I have often thought about quitting. I no longer want to be involved with football every day. I no longer have the energy\u2026 Sometimes I have to drag myself to my computer just to watch a match again.<\/p>\n He\u2019ll not struggle to find the necessary energy on Thursday.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Scotland World Cup reader Q&A with Ewan Murray<\/p>\n Roll up, roll up, log on, for our Q&A with Ewan Murray, our Scotland correspondent, who will be online to answer your questions at 5pm BST.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a009.35 EDT<\/p>\n The early days of the internet were so innocent. Here\u2019s Gary Lineker during the 2002 World Cup<\/a>, poking fun at an American report of their game against Mexico.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Except\u2026<\/p>\n double quotation mark64 min: GOAL Mexico 0 – 2 USA. Two soccer points to no score! Eddie Lewis makes a cross-pitch play from the left zone, finding Landon Donovan alone in the danger area. He top-bodies the sphere into the score bag, and Mexico have a double-negative stat!<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Our Experts\u2019 Network have, well, networked to bring you comprehensive guides to all 512 48 teams at the World Cup<\/a>.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s an extract from\u2019s Jes\u00fas Vald\u00e9z\u2019s guide to one of the co-hosts.<\/p>\n double quotation markMexico will arrive at their home World Cup carrying a strange mixture of excitement, pressure and a need to reconnect with themselves. Co-hosting the tournament alongside the United States and Canada spared them the grind of a long qualifying campaign, but it also removed the chance to build competitive rhythm. That is why their manager, Javier Aguirre, has turned friendlies and regional competitions into character tests.<\/p>\n Aguirre\u2019s footballing idea is far more pragmatic than aesthetic. Mexico do not try to dominate through endless possession; they play with intensity, aggressive pressing and quick transitions. Aguirre wants to make his team uncomfortable to face, something that was evident in the recent friendlies against Portugal and Belgium. As he puts it: \u201cAt a World Cup, the team that plays the prettiest football does not always win. The team that knows how to compete does.\u201d<\/p>\n A flexible 4-3-3 that can become a 4-2-3-1 or even a 4-4-2 depending on the opponents is most often used. Edson \u00c1lvarez operates as the midfield anchor, \u00c9rik Lira acts as the silent worker who balances everything while Gilberto Mora, Brian Guti\u00e9rrez and \u00c1lvaro Fidalgo provide movement between the lines. Out wide, Alexis Vega and Roberto Alvarado bring pace and unpredictability, while Ra\u00fal Jim\u00e9nez and Armando Gonz\u00e1lez alternate as attacking outlets.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Here\u2019s more on today\u2019s big news: Iran\u2019s football federation says their World Cup<\/a> ticket allocation has been revoked on the eve of the competition.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n We\u2019ve come a long way since the days of trying to force Shoot! magazine\u2019s league ladders<\/a> into the appropriate slots<\/p>\n![\"Ben](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781032810_212_Ben_Fisher.png\")
Ben Fisher<\/p>\n![\"Martin](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Martin_Belam.png\")
Martin Belam<\/p>\n