Key events
Good evening, some big matches tonight, with Norway v France perhaps the pick of the entire first round.
With that, my watch is over. I hand over to John Brewin who will take you through the next few hours. Enjoy the football!
Sam Levin
Seattle’s World Cup committee is pushing forward with “Pride Match” celebrations this week despite backlash from Egypt and Iran, who have called for the cancellation of LGBTQ+ rights festivities around the game.
Last year, Seattle’s local organizing committee, which is separate from Fifa, made plans for 26 June to be a Pride-themed match coinciding with the city’s annual Pride weekend.
In December, Egypt and Iran were drawn to play each other on that date in Seattle, causing a swift firestorm and condemnation from the two countries.
Ecuador have been enjoying a national holiday today in celebration of the team reaching the last 32 of the World Cup after beating Germany 2-1. But for reader Matthew Carpenter-Arevalo, the win is much more important than it may seem:
Much has been made of the celebrations after Ecuador defeating Germany, including Ecuadorians taking over Times Square. For Ecuadorians, the result is more than just about football: in a few short years, we’ve seen our country go from the safest to the most dangerous in South America. Drug gangs have infiltrated so many aspects of our lives and society that it feels like our country has been taken from us and our lifestyles radically altered.
The violence, along with economic mismanagement, has forced millions to migrate, which divides families in what is a very family-centric country. The victory felt like a bit of good news after years of bad news, and proof that we can still triumph over adversity. Ecuador’s players often originate from some of the deepest wells of poverty, yet they showed the world what they are capable of and they’re an example for us all.
Cath Bishop
We’ve completed the Southgate leadership lessons and now we find ourselves at the beginning of the Tuchelosophy course. We can already see some of the key modules we’ll be studying over the next few weeks. But it’s important we’re ready to learn with open minds and ditch some of the old tropes.
The dominant simplistic narrative that accompanied the shift from Gareth Southgate to Thomas Tuchel was that the former wasn’t ruthless enough and therefore the latter will be more ruthless. There are already assumptions and interpretations of Tuchel’s actions and words being made through that lens which need challenging.
Jonathan Liew
“Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-equalling sixth World Cup got off to a disappointing start,” began the Reuters match report of Portugal’s 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of the Congo last week. And yes, OK: everyone knows how this game works and why everyone plays it.
On one hand, perhaps the greatest sporting day in the history of the world’s 15th most populous country. On the other, 41-year-old man does not score. It’s no contest, really. Get those sweet keywords front and left. Harvest that delicious search traffic. Perhaps you even noticed how I just did exactly the same thing.
The Haaland starting debate rages on and here is another perspective from Daniel Howell:
Ståle has not explicitly said that he will rest Haaland. But, in quotes in today’s “Aftenposten” newspaper he was crystal clear that he would be heavily rotating the squad. Here a few quick and dirty translations of his quotes: “we mustn’t be the naïve nation which doesn’t understand what you need in the knockout round”, “there we need to be physically and mentally rested and 100% tactical if we are to be up to speed”, “this match is important but the round of 16 is the most important, so I am now evaluating what remedies should be used”.
Did he say outright that Haaland won’t play? No, not quite. But he is doing everything he can to prepare the Norwegian fans (and make no mistake, Norway has gone football crazy) for heavy rotation. Personally I would be surprised if Haaland doesn’t play – but even more surprised if he plays for the full 90 minutes plus overtime (plus advert break time).
Here is some insight from Norway itself. “I haven’t heard and screams of outrage here in Norway, so there is no confirmation on Haaland (other than his “I don’t care”, and that he is willing to be paid to wear glasses for the Norwegian version of SpecSavers),” Bob O’Hara says. “The Norwegian news doesn’t have anything.”
We won’t have official confirmation over the team news until around 7pm BST/8pmCEST when the line-ups are announced.
Anthony John Lappin believes the reports around Erling Haaland not starting for Norway against France are “clickbait”. He says:
The manager did say that there would be changes in the lineup for France; even they wouldn’t stretch credibility by suggesting he might be dropped. Solbakken actually refused to mention any names, though, so even benching is extrapolation.
There was a revealing vignette at the end of Solbakken’s pre-match press conference yesterday, when a Brazilian reporter — looking forward to a possible showdown with Brazil in the round of 16 — pointed out that “curiously Norway has never lost to Brazil”; Solbakken corrected him, “We lost 3-0 in the Old Boys’ game in 2020. You remember, at Ullevaal, we lost 3-0 in the Old Boys’ game. I’d torn the hamstring in the first half, that’s why”. Only the very faintest of smiles.
Leander Schaerlaeckens
Panama apparently have nothing to play for when they face England in New Jersey on Saturday. After an attritional 1-0 loss to Ghana in their opener, and a slightly unlucky 1-0 defeat by Croatia, there is no path to the knockouts for Los Canaleros.
There is, however, something else at stake: a first point at a World Cup at the sixth attempt. Panama lost all three matches on their debut appearance at the 2018 edition, so getting anything against England would be a statement result.
For a veteran generation of players and their long-time coach, it would be a crowning achievement on a body of work that has elevated a once-irrelevant program on to the global stage.
Here is how you can watch all of them:
Which games are on today? Here is the full fixture list:
John Merrick messaged us earlier to flag he had heard that Erling Haaland would be rested against France. Reports had pointed towards L’Equipe for the source of that information but on the publication’s website they are suggesting it is more of a question of if the Manchester City star will start or not. Surely he will? It seems crazy for him not to. There has been no confirmation on Norway’s team news but what do you make of it? Email us and let us know.
L’Equipe is also basing this suggestion Haaland may not start on Ståle Solbakken saying he “didn’t care” about the star’s statistics, so the coach has not said explicitly that he will start or not.
Sticking with the US, they lost their final group game 3-2 against Turkey. It was a thrilling match but the outcome has raised some questions over the team’s ability to go deep into the tournament. They did still top their group and the players have say momentum is still with them:
The New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani is a big football fan and is an Arsenal supporter at club level. His love for the sport and his city has been clear during the US’ co-hosting duties, this piece explains all:
Emma Hayes
England’s goalless draw with Ghana reminded me of many games in my coaching career, when you’re facing a team who are extremely compact, positioned very low, and very well drilled. To break them down you need to play with more variety, better movement and – above all – urgency, and it took England too long to play with urgency.
They can expect the same stubborn defending from Panama on Saturday. Therefore, in the buildup to their final group match, they will have been working on the key details needed to score against a low block.
Thank you Luke, go and find some shade to cool down! I am back in the figurative and literal hot seat, let’s test your sport knowledge shall we? Have a go at this quiz to see how well you know what is going on in the world of sport:
My work here is done, I’m off to jump in the canal have some lunch.
Sarah Rendell has returned to guide you through the next bit.
I’m enjoying this very brief email from Geoff Smith, and I think it’s even factually correct.
Title: “Geordie Golden Boot: Current standings”
Content: “Newcastle 2, Sunderland 4.”
Yoanne Wissa and Anthony Elanga (Newcastle) have a goal each while Brian Brobbey, Nilson Angulo, Wilson Isidor and Granit Xhaka (Sunderland) have all hit the onion bag at the current edition of the Greatest Show on Earth.
As Brobbey has three goals, though, you could even say it’s Newcastle 2, Sunderland 6.
Unbelievable email, Geoff.
Where, if anywhere, has Ståle Solbakken confirmed that Haaland will be on the bench against France, please? Email your evidence here.
LATEST news is from yesterday, since BRAUT Haaland will be rested, along Sørloth, Nusa, Ødegaard and most of the 1st XI, confirmed by Solbakken. So I guess that headline is…kind of pointless. Unless you write Jørgen Strand Larsen vs Mbappe? I know…the appeal isnt really there. Who knows, maybe Strand Larsen scores a hattrick
Aamna Mohdin
For as long as she can remember, 13-year-old Lauryn struggled to find a map that included Cape Verde. Now, to her great delight, the tiny African island nation is finally centre stage.
“Seeing our country shown across the world at the World Cup makes me feel incredibly proud,” Lauryn says. “After the first match, everyone was talking about Cape Verde. People saw the talent and the skill of our players.”
Cape Verde, or Cabo Verde as the diaspora community in the UK knows it, are having a historic run at their first ever World Cup. The African nation, made up of 10 islands, has defied expectations by holding its own against the tournament’s leading teams.
Also, an email about Schweinsteiger’s unfortunate comments regarding Côte d’Ivoire:
“Thanks for reporting on Emerse Faé’s response,” writes Laura. “He is such a class act. How he led them to Africa Cup of Nations victory was sensational. Really glad to still see him on the sideline.
“Schweinsteiger’s comments show how structural racism still is in our society and that we have to acknowledge that and work hard on it – but I think his comments also showed poor analytical skills.
“If he had properly analysed CIV’s qualifying campaign (zero goals conceded) and their latest showing in the friendly against France (A 2-1 win for CIV), he’d have noticed his comments are not ground in reality.
“Allez les Eléphants!”
Schweinsteiger is talking cobblers. Ghana did an absolute number on England. Their defensive organisation was up there with Italy are their most miserly.
“I understand how the best eight third-placed teams are decided,” writes Kevin. “But not how they are allocated to the knockout round. How is it already known that Bosnia & Herzegovina will be playing USA, when Sweden and Ecuador – who are both also confirmed to be through to the next round – are still waiting to find out which teams they will play?”
Having said that … Norway v France isn’t a nothing game. The benefits of winning the group are well documented, and if both the goalscoring galacticos fancy a crack at winning the golden boot, wouldn’t they push to be on the pitch from the beginning?
“Twice now you have mentioned a Mbappé/Haaland mouthwatering duel tonight,” emails Thomas.
“Do you really think either of them will start? Norway has already said they will make changes and France will probably do the same. Why risk your biggest stars on a nothing game? I would be a bit surprised to see either of them in the starting line up to be honest, but then again I’m certainly no expert.”
Great point. But I never let sensible thought get in the way of old-fashioned hype.
We’re all about the football on the World Cup blog but there is some other sport going on too, you know.
Why not read Sarah Rendell on the Premiership Women’s Rugby final, Emma John on sport and extreme heat, Tumaini Carayol on Wimbledon (x2) – and/or the irrepressible Leonard Barden on chess?
Matt Hughes
ITV will drop the controversial in-game adverts from its rugby union coverage when it broadcasts the Nations Championship next month as it has been unable to sell the slots due to brands focusing on the World Cup.
The commercial broadcaster is successfully cashing in on the World Cup, with advertising revenues running at 30% higher than those sold during Euro 2024, despite opting not to show adverts during the three-minute hydration breaks that Fifa has introduced in each half.
That decision was taken due to ITV’s desire not to antagonise viewers as the hydration breaks have proved unpopular and led to boos from fans when they are called in many stadiums, as well as the commercial restrictions imposed by Fifa.
A Matt Hughes exclusive coming up next …
Thanks for the email Mark – you certainly attended a notable fixture in 2010, after which Wayne Rooney immediately and infamously had a pop at the booing fans on telly:
As for England 0-0 Ghana, well, I have to say Ghana defended magnificently: they aimed for a point and got it, so chapeau to them.
“I hope the England fans going to watch Panama fare better than me,” emails Mark Anderson.
“I was at the 0-0 Ghana game on Tuesday with my son, the second time I’ve been to an England World Cup game, the first being the woeful 0-0 against Algeria in South Africa 2010. Surely there’s not a worse combo of World Cup games out there?
“Great memories though nonetheless!”
“Afternoon,” emails Simon McMahon, which seems fair enough, if you’re in Europe.
“There’s still a 5.26% chance that Scotland will qualify? I’ll take it.”
“Hello Football!!,” writes Latha from Chennai, India.
To which I can only respond: “SOCCER!”
But back to Latha’s email:
“First, I think all those who criticised a 48-nation tournament should think again. So many of the so called minnows (Cape Verde as an example) have done so well. Kudos to each of them!
“Second, given there’s always cricket being telecast in my part of the world, the way football has embraced the world and the way cricket if anything appears to be shrinking (in terms of teams playing each other on a consistent regular basis) is stark.
Wish the “cricket gurus” in India (who appear to influence world cricket inordinately) would take note!”
Cricket, that reminds me …
“To continue the philosophy: I would respond that the Scottish football team exist because God is observing them, which was the opinion of Berkeley,” emails Thomas Wilson. “Only it is quite clear that He abandoned the SFA some time ago.”
Sweden’s Isak ‘scolds’ Elanga for qualification confusion
Anthony Elanga’s equaliser helped Sweden qualify for the World Cup’s round of 32 after a 1-1 draw with Japan, but while his teammates were celebrating the result, the striker collapsed on the ground in frustration thinking they had been eliminated. Sweden finished a point below second-placed Japan in Group F, but progressed as one of the higher-ranked third-placed teams.
Elanga, believing they needed a win, was pushing his teammates to find a second goal and even pulled up with cramp, earning his some harsh words from his teammate Alexander Isak.
“He got a little scolding from me there. He was a little frustrated at the end of the match and you can understand that now,” Isak said.
Elanga said his teammates were trying to shout at him, but he did not know they only needed one point to qualify until after the match.
“I just shouted, come on, we can go for more… I got cramp at the end but didn’t want to stop running,” he said.
Elanga was not the only one unaware that they had qualified.
“I was just as clueless,” said the Sweden goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström, who made his World Cup debut against Japan.
The Sweden coach, Graham Potter, could not help but smile about Elanga’s confusion.
“It couldn’t have been any clearer for him. He’s obviously thinking about something else, bless him. I love him at the moment, but dear me,” he said. Reuters
Rob Draper
It isn’t just that Zohran Mamdani is everywhere and emotionally engaged in all aspects of the World Cup: at the games, posting weather warnings, commenting knowledgeably on outcomes. It is his adeptness at using the event to underline political messages, without seeming awkward. It is a reminder of former British prime minister Harold Wilson’s line about 1966: “Have you ever noticed how England only ever win the World Cup under Labour governments?” All politicians make hay when the World Cup sun shines but Mamdani is so much more skilled than most.
Here’s the lowdown on today’s schedule, including where to watch on the telly, courtesy of Graham Ruthven:
A mouthwatering duel between Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland will take centre stage on Friday when France face Norway in a Group I decider.
The Real Madrid star Mbappé and Manchester City striker Haaland have started the tournament in blistering form, neck-and-neck on four goals each, behind Lionel Messi on five.
On Friday the two forwards will meet in a heavyweight collision at Foxborough, outside Boston, at 3pm local time (8pm GMT).
France, who looked majestic in swatting aside Senegal and Iraq, hold a slight advantage, with a superior goal difference meaning Les Bleus would clinch first place in the group with a draw.
The Norwegians have been equally impressive, routing Iraq 4-1 before beating Senegal 3-2 on Monday.
Haaland, at his first World Cup, is playing with a gusto that may ask hard questions of France’s experienced defence.
The 25-year-old has also embraced the tournament off the pitch, delighting in his ability to go sightseeing in New York City in relative anonymity.
After clinching a place in the last 32 with the win over Senegal, Haaland said he was not fussed at the prospect of facing France, and laughed off the suggestion that Norway were title contenders.
“To win the World Cup, absolutely not,” he told Fox television. “We’ve won 12 competitive games in a row now. I’m part of something special, making history, and I’m extremely proud to be Norwegian,” adding that he “couldn’t care” about playing France.
“They’re probably going to win against us, they’re probably going to win the whole tournament,” he said.
France and Mbappé’s preparations for the game have been disrupted by the temporary departure of manager Didier Deschamps from the team’s camp this week after the death of his mother. The assistant coach Guy Stephan will take charge of the team until Deschamps returns.
“I am thinking a lot about Didier and his family,” Stephan said. “I am just trying to make a difficult situation as normal as possible.”
France will be eager to avoid a slip-up, knowing finishing second in the group gives them a potentially more hazardous path to the final.
A defeat would set up a last-32 clash with Ivory Coast, before a potential meeting with Brazil in the last 16. England could potentially lie in wait in the quarter-finals, with Argentina seeded to be their opponents in the semi-final. AFP
The Aurora Borealis in the photo appears to be wearing Germany’s away kit. Was this a sign?
Maybe!
As for non-favourites who can benefit from a higher bar for a physical foul, I’m thinking maybe the famously niggly (AKA dirty) Uruguay?
Vamos!
An interesting email from Ben entitled: “Unpredictable refs – who benefits?”
“Referees letting things go is a surprise, ditto very high bar for VAR to intervene (other than microscopic offsides and – probably – “handball”).
“Which of the favourites benefits from an environment where the bar for a physical foul is high and the dark arts can be used more freely? Perhaps France and Argentina. Definitely not Spain.
“Will the refs tighten up in the bigger games?”
Just in case you missed it earlier … exactly 30 years on, a few of us on the sports desk summoned up our memories of that Euro 96 penalty shootout defeat by Germany.
Emma Hayes
England’s goalless draw with Ghana reminded me of many games in my coaching career, when you’re facing a team who are extremely compact, positioned very low, and very well drilled. To break them down you need to play with more variety, better movement and – above all – urgency, and it took England too long to play with urgency.
They can expect the same stubborn defending from Panama on Saturday. Therefore, in the buildup to their final group match, they will have been working on the key details needed to score against a low block.
Coming up next … some excellent tactical analysis of how England can get past Panama.
Regarding Anderson, £116m is clearly an obscene sum of money for any footballer. Think of the hospital air-conditioning you could roll out with that kind of cash.