France – the current FIFA World Cup favorites – have been the center of discussion when it comes to the game of soccer, and it became an impressive statistic in the tournament.

54 players come from the suburbs of Paris – enough to roster two full World Cup squads – and France is the birthplace of 98 players in the World Cup, which makes up 7.9% of players. 

France is in a group stage with Iraq, Senegal and Norway and are looking to make another run at a World Cup trophy after their 2022 loss to Argentina. Headlined by stars Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, France’s talent stems beyond their national team. The country is also home to players like Spain’s Aymeric Laporte and Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez.  Algeria even has goalkeeper Luca Zidane, the son of French 1998 World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane, on its squad.

One of France’s most decorated players includes FOX Sports analyst Thierry Henry, who’s appeared in four World Cups, as well as their 1998 win as their top-goal scorer. A product of the Paris suburbs himself, Henry weighed in what it means to watch his hometown represent multiple teams at the World Cup and how players learned their foundational skills on the streets.

“I’m going to be extra proud with that one because… do you know what it means to us that I’m from the south of Paris? Obviously, the impact, the street culture, the way we are in Paris. You learn how to protect the ball, skills. We challenge each other…” Henry said ahead of France’s World Cup opener. “Playing on concrete, learning how to protect the ball, that demeanor that you have, that French demeanor when you arrive on the field, especially from the suburbs of Paris, we have that demeanor. It is a thing.”

FOX Sports’ Zlatan Ibrahimović spent four years in Paris playing for Paris Saint-Germain, and attested to the mass talent that the city and the country produce. 

“I mean, I’m just impressed. The waves of talent they produce and like, like, Thierry said, they’re street ballers,” Ibrahimović said. “They bring that to the pitch, and it’s acceptable… And imagine the players that didn’t make it to the World Cup. They could also be in the World Cup and dominate in the World Cup.”

Three San Francisco Giants pitchers have received a warning from Major League Baseball after wearing Bible verses on their caps during the team’s Pride Night game against the Chicago Cubs.

Starting pitcher Landen Roupp, along with relievers JT Brubaker and Ryan Walker, took to the field with Bible references written on their caps. Roupp’s cap featured “Gen 9:12-16,” in reference to a passage in Genesis that mentions God’s covenant and the rainbow.

According to The Athletic, MLB informed the players that writing messages on their caps violated league rules and warned them against similar actions in the future.

“The writing on the cap violates our rules, and consistent with normal practice, we have warned the players about future violations,” MLB chief communications officer Pat Courtney said.

After the game, Roupp explained why he chose to display the Bible verse.

“It’s just about God’s covenant and a promise that he makes to us, his faithfulness and his mercy,” Roupp said.

“That’s just kind of something I believe in, and I stand firm in that. I’m thankful we live in a country where we have the freedom to believe what we want and express what we want.”

The situation drew further attention after Giants reliever Sam Hentges chose not to wear the Pride Night cap, instead opting for the team’s standard black-and-orange cap during his appearance.

The Giants later released a statement reaffirming their support for Pride Night and the LGBTQ+ community.

“The San Francisco Giants are proud to support Pride Night and the LGBTQ+ community,” the organization said.

The club also acknowledged that some fans were upset by the players’ decisions while stressing that those choices did not change the organization’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment for everyone.

MLB has not issued any fines or suspensions, but the warning makes clear that personal messages written on uniforms or equipment are not permitted under league rules.

Many foreigners are visiting the United States for the first time to watch their team play in the World Cup, and most are falling in love with America.

However, no one may be falling head over heels for the stars and stripes more than Freddy, who has been live-tweeting his fairy-tale experience in the United States since he landed.

So, who is he?

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Germany players celebrate after their match in Houston, Texas, on June 14, 2026. (Maria Lysaker/Imagn Images)

Freddy, whose X account profile picture is Cristiano Ronaldo and who has a German flag next to his name, flew in from Germany. He had a layover in Dublin, Ireland, before diving headfirst into American culture with his two friends.

In all the photos he has posted of himself, he has covered his face, giving people a front-row seat into his first experience with the United States.

He landed in New York, and then flew to Atlanta, where his journey began. Every single one of his posts is accompanied by a picture.

Freddy said the World Cup atmosphere was palpable, despite the first game in Atlanta being nine days away at the time of the post. While doing sightseeing, he was taken aback by how “green” Atlanta looked and said he felt like he was in a forest.

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Germany fans watch from the stands in Houston, Texas, on June 14, 2026. (Troy Taormina/Imagn Images)

He then documented his first experience with American cuisine: Taco Bell. He called the fast-food chain “the holy land.”

After taking in some “Stranger Things” filming locations, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, and a trip to the top of Stone Mountain, Freddy let his quickly growing fan base know that he was going to North Georgia.

On the trip he posted about his immense excitement at stopping in a Walmart, his awe at the houses when he was “passing through a town called Gainesville,” and then his first-ever late-night Waffle House experience.

“Just had our first Waffle House experience at 1 a.m. Great food, great prices, and friendly staff 10/10, we will be coming back,” Freddy posted.

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Germany fans watch from the stands in Houston, Texas, on June 14, 2026. (Maria Lysaker/Imagn Images)

After a transformative Waffle House experience, Freddy shared his experience on an alpine roller coaster in Helen, and his tubing experience down the Chattahoochee River. He regrettably did not get a locker, and his shoes were soaked.

After this time spent outdoors, Freddy enjoyed another American staple: Wendy’s.

He posted a picture of his order and then expressed his confusion about the modern soda fountain.

After his second trip to a fast-food establishment, he went back into Georgia to discover more of its beauty. He posted a video atop of Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak. Unfortunately for Freddy, it rained, and because his shoes were soaked from tubing, he was stuck wearing socks and slides in a rainstorm atop the mountain.

Freddy then departed Georgia and spent time in Tennessee. He went to a Chili’s in Chattanooga for the night and watched the NBA Finals. He saw the Spanish national team’s hotel, but the team was out of town.

U.S. FANS WERE OUT IN FULL FORCE AHEAD OF THE USMNT FIRST MATCH OF THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP

After Tennessee, Freddy embarked on a road trip to Houston for Germany’s game. He let the world know he made it to Alabama by posting a photo of a replica World Cup trophy on the road in front of the state line.

On his way to Auburn’s stadium for the friendly between Iceland vs. Argentina, he showered praise on a Good Samaritan.

“I love Americans. We were about to walk an hour to the stadium in the rain to save on an Uber, and the receptionist at the hotel we were parked in front of decided to drive us there,” Freddy posted with a prayer emoji.

He called Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn the “craziest stadium I’ve ever been to.”

“This is the most ‘The European mind can’t comprehend this’ moment of my life.’ One of my friends said, ‘Punch me five times tomorrow and I’ll still think this isn’t real.’”

Freddy was floored when “Swag Surfin’” blared through the speakers.

The German was even more taken aback at the discovery of Buc-ee’s and the sheer size of it, and loved the dinner he and his friends got from there at 1 a.m.

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After driving through the night at Alabama, Freddy entered Florida, the fourth state of the trip. The heat hit the German like a ton of bricks, “It’s so hot we need to get to the beach immediately!!!” He posted in all caps.

In Florida, he discovered a restaurant that shared his name, “Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.”

On the road trip, Freddy revealed he discovered country music star Ella Langley on the radio. He called Langley the “soundtrack of our trip.”

Freddy then made it to the beach, and stayed the night in Fairhope, Alabama, where he marveled at the place’s beauty.

The soccer fan then discovered another American specialty, Bass Pro Shops.

“We found another surreal place on our way. I know some people will say I’m too positive about everything I see, but this place was crazy. They had a shooting range in the store.”

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“They were selling rifles in there.”

He then took in the opening match of the World Cup at Buffalo Wild Wings.

During their trip through Louisiana, Freddy discovered just how viral he had gone when the radio station he was listening to referenced his posts and played a Langley song for them.

They didn’t stop often through Louisiana, but did make it to New Orleans, where they once again enjoyed Waffle House.

In New Orleans, they were given a tour of the New Orleans Pelicans’ and New Orleans Saints’ facilities, and they posted a picture with Tyler Shough.

“This is not what we expected to happen when we boarded the plane to the USA last week.”

In the swamps of Louisiana, they discovered an alligator. However, the big news came a day later: They are going to get to meet Langley herself at a concert this upcoming Thursday.

WORLD CUP FANS FALL IN LOVE WITH AMERICAN CULTURE, COMFORT FOOD CLASSICS

Still in Louisiana, they got a firsthand experience of Bourbon Street. Their tours didn’t end with the Saints and Pelicans, as they also got to see LSU’s facilities and Tiger Stadium.

Freddy’s life-changing crash course in America continued with a stop at Raising Cane’s. He posted a picture of a “Welcome to Louisiana” sign, with a welcome note directed to him.

They finally made it to Texas, where they appropriately played Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” on their way into the Lone Star State.

However, the surprises for Freddy and his friends were not done yet. Houston Texans legend J.J. Watt got them a hotel room, and left plenty of gifts for the German.

After staying in luxury courtesy of Watt, they got to see Germany play and win. Germany dominated Curacao 7-1, and Freddy was impressed with another American stadium.

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The impromptu tours did not end with college campuses and professional sports franchises. They met with the Houston Police Department and ate “typical Texan BBQ together.”

In Houston, Freddy and his friends unlocked a new sport when they attended their first baseball game Monday night between the Houston Astros and Detroit Tigers. The fairy tale of a trip continued when they met the mayor of Houston at the game, who gave them a note.

Freddy’s trip isn’t over, but the love he has received here in America has only just begun.

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Mornington trainer John McArdle is already making plans for an early season Group 1 assault, with Queensland forming a crucial part of his preparations.

Regal Zeus is set to contest the Listed Eye Liner Stakes (1350m) at Ipswich on Saturday, which represents the first of two potential races in Queensland for the gelding.

The trainer’s objective is to return to Melbourne early in the new season to target the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield in late August.

“I’m 99 per cent sure we’ll run in the Eye Liner and then the Glasshouse and if everything went according to plan then we would be the fit horse leading into the Memsie,” McArdle advised. “That was the plan and the reason for heading up there was because it is a 61-kilo maximum topweight off a 54-kilo minimum, so he wouldn’t be getting as badly weighted up there as he would be in Victoria.”

The Listed Glasshouse Handicap (1400m), to be held at the Sunshine Coast on July 4, is the next potential engagement, with Regal Zeus allocated 60.5kg for his Ipswich start.

Regal Zeus heads into Saturday’s event having competed in just one trial, finishing second over 1200m at Sandown on May 23.

This trial was conducted over the new 1200m distance on the Hillside course at Sandown, a distance McArdle felt would provide the gelding with a substantial workout on a suitable grass track.

“He was probably ready for a half-mile trial, but he had the1200-metre trial, and him being him, he doesn’t do anything softly,” McArdle explained. “It was a stronger trial than what we expected, but what it meant was that we didn’t have to trial him again.”

Following a gallop on the course proper before the Mornington meeting last week, the horse was transported to Queensland the subsequent day.

“The travel has tightened him up again and he hasn’t left an oat since he’s been up there. He’s his bright usual self.”

The Eye Liner Stakes is part of a notable Saturday program at Ipswich, which also includes the Listed Ipswich Cup (2150m) and the Listed Gai Waterhouse Classic (1200m).

Get involved with the racing odds for the Eye Liner Stakes at leading Australian bookmakers.

Goalkeeper Vozinha was Cape Verde’s hero in Monday’s 0-0 draw against Spain, which marked his country’s first-ever World Cup match. At age 40, he was playing in his first World Cup match and was named man of the match.

At just 19 years old, a fresh-faced Ryan Garner outlined his dream to fight at St Mary’s Stadium, the home of Southampton Football Club.

Back then, it must have sounded like little more than a fantasy, the type of thing a young prospect might say to generate media attention.

For Garner, though, it was a dream he had visualised a thousand times over, knowing that one day he would be presented with an opportunity of such magnitude.

No one could convince him or his trainer, Wayne Batten, that this dream would not become a reality, and while there has been no shortage of bumps in the road, the pair are now gearing up for the occasion they have long been working towards.

Speaking with Boxing News, Garner made no attempt to hide his delight ahead of a WBC ‘interim’ super-featherweight title fight against Michael Magnesi, which takes place at St Mary’s on June 20.

“In 2017, I did my first interview here [at St Mary’s] with Trans World Sport. And here we are now.

“We’ve manifested it for years, so for it to actually happen is just a dream come true.

“I’m looking forward to hopefully making history and becoming Southampton’s first ever world champion. I know it’s an interim title, but it’s still a world title at the end of the day.”

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While promoting his fight with Magnesi, Garner has revealed several glimpses of his footballing prowess.

Clearly a gifted athlete, it was only his aptitude for boxing, it seems, that stopped him from becoming a stylish winger at St Mary’s.

“I wasn’t too bad at football when I was younger – I’ll give myself that – but obviously I was better at fighting.

“I started off as a striker, then went into central midfield and ended up on the right wing.”

While he played for Southampton’s academy from U7s to U10s, it soon became apparent that Garner was most effective with his fists.

Now, the 28-year-old has arguably reached his athletic prime, looking to become the leading contender for O’Shaquie Foster’s WBC strap.

But while Magnesi represents a solid opponent, many felt WBA champion Anthony Cacace was the most likely dance partner, especially after Garner featured on his undercard in March.

There was, however, a clear lack of desire from Cacace, who would rather enhance his legacy with a potential unification showdown later this year.

“I don’t blame him. He’s getting older and is coming towards the end of his career, so he wants to unify and win more titles.

“I spoke to him in Ireland and he seems like a nice guy. At the end of the day, we’re just fighting for our families.

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“It didn’t matter who the opponent was – the dream has always been to fight here [at St Mary’s].”

Magnesi is perhaps best known for giving a strong account of himself against Cacace, resulting in him losing a split decision in 2022.

From Garner’s perspective, though, there is no reason to adjust the approach that has seen him craft an impressive record of 19-0 (10 KOs).

“I’ve always been strong, mentally. Nothing really bothers me; nothing really fazes me. I don’t study my opponents; I just get in there and do my best work.”

Whether this will be enough to defeat Magnesi, it remains to be seen, but, either way, Garner expects to have between 15 and 20 thousand fans screaming his name.

Tottenham encouraged to bid for Sandro Tonali, Real Madrid plot Ruben Dias move and Manchester United make Marcus Rashford valuation.

Tottenham have been encouraged to compete with Arsenal and Manchester City for Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali, with Newcastle‘s asking price for the 26-year-old expected to be about £100m. (Telegraph – subscription required), external

Real Madrid are plotting an £80m swoop for Manchester City‘s Portugal centre-back Ruben Dias, 29. (Mirror), external

Manchester United have valued Marcus Rashford at £40m but ruled out the possibility of the England forward, 28, joining Liverpool or Manchester City. (ESPN), external

Manchester United are interested in West Ham pair Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville but the relegated Hammers want a combined £140m for Portugal midfielder Fernandes, 21, and Netherlands winger Summerville, 24. (Mail), external

Arsenal have agreed personal terms with France midfielder Manu Kone but are yet to agree a fee with Roma, whose asking price for the 25-year-old is 50m euros (£43.2m). (Gazzetta dello Sport – in Italian), external

Liverpool are continuing their efforts to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, with the Reds’ new manager Andoni Iraola having sanctioned a move for the Ivory Coast winger, 19. (Teamtalk), external

Manchester City and Chelsea have made contact with Italy right-back Marco Palestra’s entourage but have not yet begun negotiations with the 21-year-old’s club Atalanta. (Sky Sport Italia – in Italian), external

Al-Hilal have renewed contact over a potential move for Barcelona’s Raphinha but the Brazil forward, 29, does not want to discuss his future until after the World Cup. (Globo – in Portuguese), external

Everton are exploring the possibility of signing 26-year-old Belgium striker Lois Openda on a loan-to-buy deal from Juventus. (Football Insider), external

Leeds and Nottingham Forest are also in the race for Openda. (Teamtalk), external

Marseille are open to offers for England midfielder Angel Gomes, with newly-promoted Premier League pair Coventry and Hull among the clubs interested in the 25-year-old, who ended last season on loan at Wolves. (Teamtalk), external

Inter Milan have become the latest team to express an interest in signing France midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, 23, from Real Madrid this summer. (Mundo Deportivo – in Spanish), external

Brighton are not willing to pay Tottenham‘s £60m asking price for 19-year-old Croatia centre-back Luka Vuskovic, who spent last season on loan at Hamburg. (Football Insider), external

Tottenham have rejected several approaches for English striker Will Lankshear, with Spurs wanting £20m for the 21-year-old, who impressed on loan at Oxford last season and is being monitored by Sporting. (Hayters), external

Paris FC have spoken to former Chelsea and Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior about the possibility of replacing Antoine Kombouare, if their current boss leaves this summer. (L’Equipe – in French), external

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From the show

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Spain were held to an unexpected draw as Cape Verde held on to secure a point in their first-ever World Cup game. The goalless result means the newcomers have a chance to reach the first knockout round while Spain will seek to bounce back from the shock in their next game against Saudi Arabia. Elsewhere, France prepare to face Senegal, but will coach Didier Deschamps unlease his attacking power?

Jose Mourinho is reportedly keen to strengthen Real Madrid’s defence this summer with a Manchester City star said to be of interest

Jose Mourinho is plotting a surprise £80m move for Manchester City defender Ruben Dias.

Real Madrid are growing increasingly confident of enticing Dias to the Bernabeu, with Mourinho – now back at the Spanish club for his second stint in charge – having identified the Portuguese centre-back as one of his primary summer targets.

Real president Florentino Perez is prepared to back Mourinho financially and is reportedly drawing up an initial offer for the defender. City, however, are determined to fend off any approach from the La Liga giants.

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Incoming City manager Enzo Maresca considers the Portuguese defender integral to his plans at the Etihad. The exit of John Stones has only heightened Dias’s importance to the squad.

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City brought Dias to the club from Benfica for £60m back in 2020, and he has since helped them clinch 11 major trophies – including the historic Treble in 2023.

However, Pep Guardiola’s departure has thrown the futures of several City players into doubt. Dias, who is contracted until 2028, may be tempted by a fresh challenge having achieved everything there is to win in Manchester.

The centre-back is currently part of Portugal’s World Cup squad and is focused on the tournament.

Yet the prospect of a move to Real will be hard to resist for Dias, whom Mourinho has pinpointed as a potential defensive partner for Antonio Rudiger. Real’s hierarchy are also keeping a watchful eye on Dias’s City teammate Rodri.

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The Ballon d’Or winner has long been coveted by Real, yet even Perez acknowledges that pulling off a double swoop on City would be virtually unachievable.

City are powerless to prevent Bernardo Silva from making the switch, however, with the Portuguese midfielder set to join the Spanish giants on a free transfer once the tournament concludes.

Having brought down the curtain on his illustrious City career at the end of the season, he is now at liberty to embark on a fresh chapter.

The starting XIs

France: Mike Maignan – Jules Koundé, ​Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Théo ​Hernandez – Aurélien Tchouameni, Adrien ​Rabiot – Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappé (captain), Désiré Doué, ​Ousmane Dembélé.

Senegal: Edouard Mendy – Krepin Diatta, Kalidou Koulibaly (captain), Moussa Niakhate, El Hadji Malick Diouf – Idrissa Gana ⁠Gueye, Lamine Camara, Pape Gueye – Ismaila ⁠Sarr, Sadio ​Mane, Nicolas Jackson. 

France come into this year’s World Cup as one of the leading contenders for the trophy having reached the final in the last two editions. But their opponents Senegal serve as a warning of the dangers of over-confidence, having famously stunned Les Bleus at this stage in 2002.

Read moreWorld Cup 2026: All the fixtures