For the first time in its history, South Africa is through to the knockout stage of the World Cup after it pulled off a 1-0 upset win over South Korea. Few would have given Bafana Bafana much of a chance after its opening-day loss, but the team showed steady under head coach Hugo Broos and…
Lionel Messi has left the door open for a sensational appearance at the 2030 World Cup after cementing his legacy as the greatest goalscorer in the history of the competition. The Argentina icon, currently leading the Albiceleste’s charge at the 2026 tournament in North America, recently surpassed Miroslav Klose to take his total tally to…
There might not be anything to play for in terms of Group D standings when the USA takes on Türkiye on Thursday — but that doesn’t mean this one is meaningless in terms of reps and lessons. That said, it’s a juggling act for Mauricio Pochettino to keep his guys fresh but not take any…
This wasn’t just a win. It was a festival. How else could you describe the incredible scenes we saw tonight in Mexico City? A vibrant, feel-good, extremely joyous party was on display as Mexican fans, already comfortable with the fact that their national team had already topped Group A and made it to the Round…
U.S. World Cup Training Base (IRVINE, Calif.) — Can I guess the first question? Christian Pulisic knew what was on everybody’s mind. When the superstar forward approached a group of reporters before U.S. men’s national team training on Wednesday, he flashed a smile, already anticipating the topic of conversation. “How are you feeling?” one reporter asked….
Under a grey South Florida sky at Miami Stadium where David Beckham was questionably drinking red wine (in this humidity?) from a suite, Brazil put on a show that dampened Scotland’s party while clinching a spot in the World Cup knockout rounds. Brazilian flags and the canary yellow-clad fans continuously erupted in cheer as Carlo…
U.S. World Cup Team Training Base (IRVINE, Calif.) — As a strictly practical matter, it’s no secret that the Stars and Stripes don’t need to win — or even tie — Thursday’s first round finale against already eliminated Türkiye. It’s a right Mauricio Pochettino’s squad has earned. By winning their first two games at a…
Brazil stole the show on Wednesday with a convincing win over Scotland, while two veteran stars made triumphant returns. Early in the day, Switzerland won Group A, while Bosnia and Herzegovina took a big step toward the knockout stage with a win over Qatar. On Wednesday night, South Africa pulled off a huge upset of…
We’re getting closer to the 2026 World Cup knockout round, when the 48-team field will shed the bottom 16 teams. Groups D, E and F will conclude on Thursday, and some teams will move on while others will head home. In Group E, Ecuador will look to avoid a stunningly early exit but must defeat…
With the USA’s spot in the 2026 World Cup round of 32 clinched and the top spot in Group D secured, one might assume that the team’s final group stage match against Türkiye at Los Angeles Stadium on Thursday is, to put it lightly, inconsequential. That sentiment is not shared within the U.S. men’s national…
