![\"Ben](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781348531_140_Ben_Fisher.png\")
Ben Fisher<\/p>\nKey events<\/p>\n
Ben Fisher<\/p>\n
Cyle Larin was the man of the moment for Canada on Friday, stepping off the bench to level against Bosnia and Herzegovina with his first touch and earn the country\u2019s maiden World Cup<\/a> point.<\/p>\n Larin enjoyed an impressive end to the season at Southampton, whom he joined permanently from Mallorca this month, but was among the players left disappointed at the Spygate episode that saw Saints kicked out of the Championship playoffs.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s difficult to get over because you go on such a great run, with the fans behind us and the players making sacrifices to get to that point,\u201d Larin said.<\/p>\n The striker said he believes that Southampton can challenge again for promotion next season. The club\u2019s owner, Dragan Solak, has vowed to stand by head coach Tonda Eckert, who is the subject of a Football Association investigation. Eckert admitted to authorising spying missions on three opponents last season.<\/p>\n \u201cIt hurts for the players to [not have the chance to] go to the Premier League. It hurts. If we have the same players and the same culture, I think we can do it again.\u201d<\/p>\n At Toronto Stadium, Larin replaced Tani Oluwaseyi on 76 minutes and, two minutes later, he lashed in after a superb swivel in the box to register a timely first international goal in 18 months.<\/p>\n \u201cI was scoring at Southampton, in good form and I just knew any time I got the ball closer than that I was going to shoot,\u201d the 31-year-old said. \u201cIt was a tricky one to get out of my body but I was shooting either way.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Kretinsky to become West Ham’s biggest shareholder Daniel Kretinsky, the Czech billionaire, is set to become the largest shareholder at West Ham after agreeing a deal to buy a portion of Vanessa Gold\u2019s stake.<\/p>\n The deal comes in the wake of allegations of sexual misconduct against David Sullivan. The 77-year-old, who denies the allegations, owns 38.8% of the club. Kretinsky is set to increase his stake from 27% to 43%, signalling his desire to seize power following West Ham\u2019s relegation from the Premier League.<\/p>\n Kretinsky and Gold said in a statement: \u201cWe were deeply concerned by the revelations made by The Times and Panorama this week and our thoughts go out to those women who have fought so hard to make their voices heard. Any abuse of power is abhorrent, and it takes great courage and determination to speak up against it..<\/p>\n \u201cThe full West Ham United Board was not notified about these allegations against David Sullivan until approximately a month ago, when he informed us that certain allegations against him may be published. However, the full details of the allegations, which Mr Sullivan denies, only became apparent when they were made public on Monday (8 June). In addition, as communicated by West Ham United, the Board representatives of Shareholders other than Mr Sulilvan were only made aware this week of the safeguarding measures that have been in place since 2023.<\/p>\n \u201cAs Shareholders and Directors of West Ham, our focus is now firmly on protecting the future of this Football Club. Our goal is to stabilise West Ham United, retain as many of our key players as possible and, under the management of Nuno Esp\u00edrito Santo, secure an immediate return to the Premier League. We are also committed to engaging with our fans and all business partners to build a stronger future for our Club. We have already taken concrete steps toward this goal.<\/p>\n \u201cAs such, we have reached agreement on the key terms of a share purchase transaction between the Gold family and 1890 Holdings, which, subject to other Shareholders\u2019 pre-emption rights and necessary approvals, would make 1890 Holdings (part of the broader group EP) the largest Shareholder in West Ham with an approximately 43% stake. As the largest Shareholder, group EP will be able to provide the additional financing the Club needs.<\/p>\n \u201cWe expect to finalise this transaction in the next couple of weeks. Once the agreement is complete, group EP and the Gold family have also agreed to vote jointly on key matters and to support the strategy targeting an immediate return to the Premier League.<\/p>\n \u201cAlongside Daniel K\u0159et\u00ednsk\u00fd and Vanessa Gold, the other Shareholders, namely Tripp Smith, Daniel Harris and Terry Brown, are fully aligned on this strategy and stabilising the Club.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are taking these steps because West Ham United needs to be truly united at this moment in its history. We believe that a strong coalition \u2013 of fans, players, management and the Board \u2013 is essential to securing the bright future this Club deserves. We are absolutely committed to playing our part.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n What has happened thus far today?<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Tenkaykev emails: \u201cReading about the theft of the boots brought back memories of the brouhaha leading up to Mexico 70 ( I was there)and the \u201c \u201ctheft\u201d of a necklace by Bobby Moore. This sounds more opportunistic than mind games, but may well have quite an effect.\u201d<\/p>\n I am pleased there was not a live blog back then.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n It is early days but we do have a leader in the race for the Golden Boot.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n I do enjoy the adverts during the World Cup<\/a> that indicate football fans have not evolved over time. Supposedly, all people want at this time of year is a new TV, beer, crisps and pizzas.<\/p>\n I was chatting someone who works in advertising at at supermarket recently and they suggested diversifying the products they promote but they were quickly shot down. Can one not watch the match with a glass of wine and steak tartare?<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThe South Africans do really well on poetic names that roll nicely off the tongue,\u201d Iain Pearson suggests. \u201cMbekezeli Mbokazi does great alliteration; as does Kamogelo Sebelebele, who surely possesses one of the world\u2019s great surnames.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Some japes at the Boston fan park.<\/p>\n Allow Instagram content?<\/p>\n This article includes content provided by Instagram. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. To view this content, click ‘Allow and continue’.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n How, when and where to watch all the action later \u2026<\/p>\n Share<\/a> World Cup fever has arrived in Scotland, as Severin Carroll reports.<\/p>\n double quotation markThere are brash new tartans, an Edinburgh bar offering free Irn-Bru-infused \u201cfiery ginger\u201d beers for patrons with red hair, a collaboration between Scottish whisky firms and a Brazilian distiller, and all-night parties in nightclubs repurposed as fanzones.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Hyndsight2 writes in the comments: \u201cIt\u2019s lovely to read and hear about how kids in Scotland are having sleepover parties in order to stay up for the 2am kick off. Takes me back to the excitement of my first WC in 1974. In terms of team selection, I hope Clarke is bold. 3-4-3 with Tierney at the left side of a 3 and Robertson pushed up. Gannon Doak on the right with Hickey backing him up. Gannon Doak could really make a mark in this world cup. But, my 62 yo self, broken by decades of disappointment, thinks it might be a draw.\u201d<\/p>\n What\u2019s the latest you\u2019ve stayed up to watch a match? I was working for ITV in 2014 and there was a 2am KO. I think it was Ivory Coast v Japan, as documented here. I left the office in daylight.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Arguably the best name and CV at the World Cup<\/a>. Duckens Nazon can boast spells at Kerala Blasters, Oldham and CSKA Sofia.<\/p>\n I am happy to accept challenges for a better name at the tournament.<\/p>\n Duckens Nazon<\/a>Share<\/a><\/p>\n Kansas City calls itself the \u201cSoccer Capital of America\u201d and there is a good chance the World Cup<\/a> champions will have called the Midwest metropolis home this summer.<\/p>\n England, Argentina and the Netherlands are all based in and around the city, with minnows Algeria also in the area for the 48-team tournament which kicked off on Thursday.<\/p>\n Kansas City was only awarded host-city status when it stepped in following Chicago\u2019s withdrawal but it is big on the football scene, having invested almost $700million (\u00a3522m) in infrastructure, with MLS side Sporting Kansas City and NWSL outfit KC Current having purpose-built stadiums.<\/p>\n The Hendon Hall hotel in north London hosted England when they won the World Cup in 1966 but the Inn at Meadowbrook will be their home if Thomas Tuchel\u2019s side add a second star to the shirt, with training based at Swope Soccer Village \u2013 the home of Sporting Kansas City\u2019s second team.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are delighted to welcome England,\u201d the chief executive of KC2026, Pam Kramer, told the Press Association. \u201cThe arrival of one of the world\u2019s most followed national teams is a significant moment for our city.<\/p>\n \u201cEngland\u2019s decision to base themselves in Kansas City reflects our passionate sports culture, our spirit of hospitality and the world-class facilities that define our region. We are also proud to be hosting the Netherlands, Argentina and Algeria during the tournament, meaning four nations have chosen Kansas City as their home away from home.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is a powerful endorsement of the investments in our region and proof that the global game has become part of the fabric of life here. Kansas City has proudly earned its reputation as the Soccer Capital of America. Soccer has deep roots here.\u201d PA Media<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n double quotation markMbapp\u00e9 is the latest in a distinguished line of France<\/a> players to have taken on the far right. Zinedine Zidane famously called on voters to reject Jean-Marie Le Pen in the second round of the 2002 presidential election, describing his party as one \u201cwhich does not correspond to France\u2019s values\u201d. Lilian Thuram was even more vocal in his opposition to Le Pen, who repeatedly attacked the national team over the diverse origins of its players.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Think you can predict the future? Have some fun plotting how the tournament will go with our interactive Bracketology thingamajig.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI absolutely agree with Wryape (earlier comment),\u201d emails Bill. \u201cThe group stages have been reduced to almost meaningless exhibition games.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s going to be, I boldly predict, little to no thrilling heroics as a team gets a stomp on with twenty minutes to go to to nick a win to qualify for the knockout rounds.<\/p>\n \u201cCouple that with the game now being played in four quarters (with the drinks breaks for adverts), and a ridiculous forty five minutes half time in the final it\u2019s like someone stole our ball and now we won\u2019t ever get it back.<\/p>\n \u201cAnyway, I\u2019ll probably still watch some.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n David Beckham now has his own star in Hollywood. I really need to watch more of his movies.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve always been a dreamer, but I could never have imagined that an honor like this would come to a working-class English soccer player like me,\u201d Sir David said.<\/p>\n \u201cHow fitting then that I am here today as we prepare to celebrate the opening here in the US of the 2026 World Cup<\/a>. It\u2019s a powerful moment to recognize how the sport I love so much has grown in this country over the past three decades.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n A good start for English strikers last night as Folarin Balogun scored two for USA. The forward was born in New York but brought up in London can came through the ranks at Arsenal and is now impressing in Ligue 1 for Monaco.<\/p>\n Folarin Balogun<\/a>Share<\/a><\/p>\n Always found the immediate dismissal for a hair pull odd. It is difficult to prove intent on some of them, often looking like an accident when challenging for a ball. I appreciate some are deliberate but it never felt like a dark art being mastered by angry defenders.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Hair pulling no longer an automatic red card<\/p>\n The English Premier League said on Friday that pulling an opponent\u2019s hair will not necessarily warrant an automatic red card under changes to refereeing guidelines for next season.<\/p>\n The league said in a statement that a red card will apply where hair pulling is carried out with \u201cexcessive force and\/or brutality\u201c, while incidents deemed to be deliberate but without excessive force will be punished with a yellow.<\/p>\n The change comes after Manchester United\u2019s Lisandro Martinez, Everton\u2019s Michael Keane and Sunderland\u2019s Dan Ballard were sent off for pulling an opponent\u2019s hair last season.<\/p>\n The clarification was part of a wider set of principles outlining how referees will apply the laws of the game in the upcoming season. The Premier League said that holding will be more closely scrutinised, with referees encouraged to penalise non-footballing actions that have a material impact on opponents.<\/p>\n Referees will also place more emphasis on protecting goalkeepers, penalising players who initiate contact without a genuine attempt to play the ball if it impacts the keeper\u2019s ability to challenge for it. Reuters<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n If you were worried this blog was too World Cup<\/a> heavy, then I am here to change all that. I will start with the important matters that everyone is too afraid to discuss and we shall go from there \u2026<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Thanks Will. Luck is something I desperately need. In the meantime, I will pontificate on what Mr Magee has for breakfast. Is a muesli or a fry up man?<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Right, it\u2019s time for me to go and get some belated breakfast after my early start. Will Unwin is taking the reins, and good luck to him.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n A conversation-starter here. Which player ruled out through injury will be the biggest loss to their side? Tangentially, Michael Butler has put together a World Cup Omitted XI<\/a>.<\/p>\n Which team will miss whom the most? I would say Japan would miss Mitoma more than Brazil misses Rodrygo. Would be interesting to see an article on all missing players and their teams.<\/p>\n Updated at\u00a004.59 EDT<\/p>\n A dubious honour, but historic nonetheless: Tim Ream made history yesterday when he became the first player at a World Cup<\/a> to benefit from the International Football Association Board\u2019s \u201cmistaken identity\u201d rule change. It was an interesting interpretation of the new rule, too. Here\u2019s the lowdown.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n An email has landed from Lars B\u00f8gegaard, who, in reaction to the news of England\u2019s stolen footwear, has invoked the memory of an iconic bootless strike from times gone by. \u201cThey have to give the golden boot(s) to Kane immediately,\u201d he writes. \u201cOr else he has to do it like Preben Elkj\u00e6r!\u201d For those who aren\u2019t familiar with the Denmark great\u2019s famous goal for Verona against Juventus in 1984, here it is in all its grainy glory<\/a>.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a004.40 EDT<\/p>\n No doubt this is going to be a common complaint as the group stage wears on. And it really could wear on. How much World Cup<\/a> is too much World Cup, ugly politics aside? We may well be about to find out.<\/p>\n With 3 points and a +3 goal difference the USA team are now almost guaranteed to get out of the group after 1 match played. What a farce this expanded world cup is – theres almost no jeopardy.<\/p>\n When Brazil take on Morocco later on, they will do so without Rodrygo. The Real Madrid winger sustained a knee injury in March which ruled him out of the World Cup<\/a>, but will still be in the US to support the Sele\u00e7\u00e3o. Amid his recovery, he\u2019s written about the \u201cimmense sadness\u201d of missing the tournament and not hearing his name called by Carlo Ancelotti when the squad was announced, but also the support he has received, his pride in Brazil and his belief that the team can do something special.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Anecdotally, I think a lot of people are feeling this way. From the Iran conflict to the treatment of Omar Artan and everything in between, it\u2019s a tournament of almost unbelievable political extremes. Then again, after Russia and Qatar, and with Saudi Arabia 2034 to come, it may be the case that this is now the rule, not the exception.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve not watched any games yet. Just can\u2019t seem to separate the politics from it. I\u2019m sure I\u2019ll watch a couple of games this weekend and I\u2019m hoping that gets me into it. I love the World Cup but I think we and others should\u2019ve boycotted it.<\/p>\n Looking for some extra reading? Jacob Steinberg and David Hytner have delved into the making of Declan Rice, England\u2019s midfield powerhouse, whose performances could feasibly be the difference between success and failure at this tournament.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n An optimistic prediction for Scotland here. While Haiti thrashing New Zealand 4-0 raised a few worried eyebrows, it should be noted that they lost 2-1 to Peru three days later. It\u2019s always hard to judge a team by their warm-up matches given the wholesale changes, and Haiti do have some danger men like Duckens Nazon and Sunderland\u2019s Wilson Isidor, but Steve Clarke\u2019s side are still favourites.<\/p>\n I can’t realistically see Haiti doing much. I’m fairly confident Scotland will stroll to a 2 nil win.<\/p>\n Updated at\u00a004.03 EDT<\/p>\n The chat between Max, Barry and Seb and Pablo is also available in video form, by the way. Just in case you like to see all the fancy equipment, novelty mugs and so on.<\/p>\n It looks like it\u2019s been good, silly fun at Scotland House in Boston. It\u2019s the small hours over there at the moment, but no doubt there are a few parties still going.<\/p>\n Scotland fans enjoy a sing-song. Photograph: Martin Rickett\/PA\u2026 and wave a big flag. Photograph: Martin Rickett\/PA\u2026 and soak up the vibes. Photograph: Martin Rickett\/PAShare<\/a><\/p>\n If you prefer your football coverage in podcast form \u2013 don\u2019t worry, I won\u2019t be offended \u2013 you\u2019re in luck, as the latest episode of Football Weekly has just dropped. Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Seb Hutchinson and Pablo Iglesias Maurer to discuss the USA\u2019s strong start, Canada\u2019s clawed-back point against Bosnia<\/a> and Scotland\u2019s chances against Haiti later.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Any Scotland fans out there in the ether? How do you reckon things will go against Haiti? Feeling cheerful? Optimistic? Anxious? Get in touch via the email above.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Scotland\u2019s first World Cup match since 1998 is fast approaching and, judging by the photos coming out of Boston, the fans are determined to enjoy themselves one way or another. Paul MacInnes has been taking the temperature<\/a> in the city\u2019s bars, pubs and tap rooms \u2013 nice work if you can get it \u2013 while Ewan Murray brings the sober, serious analysis<\/a>. Meanwhile Bryan Armen Graham has the inside track on Haiti<\/a>, who have been waiting even longer than Scotland \u2013 52 years, to be precise \u2013 to make their comeback at the tournament.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n In what feels like an enjoyably bizarre subplot from a World Cup<\/a> film directed by the Coen Brothers, some enterprising individuals have stolen England\u2019s boots. As reported by Jacob Steinberg, the Football Association will have to liaise with local police in Kansas City as it attempts to retrieve the misappropriated items. If that fails, presumably Harry Kane and co will have to take on Croatia barefoot.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a003.12 EDT<\/p>\n double quotation markA man in a tracksuit appeared holding aloft a golden ball, like some ancient deity hoisting god\u2019s gonad on his shoulders. At which point an enormous golden Fifa sign appeared, all four letters at least 50ft high, winched down out of the ether like a vision of divine grace \u2013 if not the most ludicrous sporting spectacle of all time, then surely the most ludicrous yet.<\/p>\n Barney Ronay was at Los Angeles Stadium last night and, well, it might not be quite right to say he enjoyed the surreal pomp, pageantry and flag waving, but he certainly witnessed it. Here\u2019s his take on events.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Preamble<\/p>\n We\u2019re four games in and this tournament has already had it all: bombastic visuals<\/a>, belting goals<\/a>, dramatic comebacks<\/a>, wide-eyed referees handing out red cards like sweeties<\/a>, and the sort of political grotesquerie<\/a> that makes tuning out seem like the last sane option. It\u2019s the Doomscroll World Cup: you know it\u2019s bad for you, but it feels almost impossible to look away.<\/p>\n After the USA\u2019s opening stroll against Paraguay<\/a> last night, Qatar take on Switzerland next up at 8pm (all times BST) before Brazil go up against Morocco at 11pm. Then it\u2019s time for Scotland\u2019s high-stakes match against Haiti at 2am, while Australia and Turkey face off at 5am.<\/p>\n In the meantime, you can follow all the buildup, latest news, scandals, controversy and geopolitical maneuvering here. As Gianni Infantino might say<\/a> to the backdrop of a world in flames, chill, relax, and enjoy the show.<\/p>\n![\"Jacob](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Jacob-Steinberg,-L.png\")
Jacob Steinberg<\/p>\n![\"Severin](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/severin_carrell_140x140.jpg\")
Severin Carrell<\/p>\n![\"avatar\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/15943194.png\")
<\/a>Share<\/a><\/p>\n![\"avatar\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/3028864.png\")
<\/a>Share<\/a><\/p>\n![\"avatar\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/103447182.gif\")
<\/a>Share<\/a><\/p>\n![\"avatar\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/16264501.gif\")
<\/a>Share<\/a><\/p>\n![\"USA](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1599.jpg\")
USA blast out of the blocks and Canada get first ever point | World Cup DailyShare<\/a><\/p>\n