Team USA’s final group stage match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup may not have had any implications for either team, but patriotism was in full force for the home country as second lady Usha Vance was among the many prominent figures at Los Angeles Stadium on Thursday night.

As the U.S. national anthem rang across the stadium, with players and fans singing in unison, the FOX Sports broadcast showed Vance in a suite with a huge smile on her face as “The Star-Spangled Banner” ended.

Vance was present at the match just two days after FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that President Donald Trump would present the World Cup trophy to the winning team at the final in New Jersey on July 19.

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U.S. second lady Usha Vance attends the 2026 World Cup Group D match between Turkey and the United States at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 25, 2026. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)

Vance was just the beginning of the stars that showed out in Inglewood, as Paris Hilton was seen presenting the match ball before kick-off. Then, cameras started to pick up the many high-profile faces throughout the crowd.

Among them were Edward Norton and Brad Pitt, a pair that many movie lovers know from their hit classic “Fight Club.” Some social media users even hoped that the discussion they were seen having was about a sequel.

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Also, movie star Ashton Kutcher was seen speaking with Los Angeles Rams standout wide receiver Puka Nacua, who knows the confines of SoFi Stadium (what it is called outside of FIFA play) very well.

Then, Colin Farrell, though Irish-born, was rocking a replica Team USA jersey alongside his son in the stands to support the Stars and Stripes. Leonardo DiCaprio, Scottie Pippen and more were also seen in the seats.

U.S. second lady Usha Vance sings the anthem during the 2026 World Cup Group D match between Turkey and the U.S. at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 25, 2026. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)

There has been a tremendous outpouring of support for the USMNT from everywhere, celebrity or not, throughout this tournament. The 4-2 win over Paraguay at the same Los Angeles stadium caused a frenzy in the stands, as the U.S. made a statement to begin the tournament on home soil for the first time since 1999.

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Then, it was on to Seattle, where a 2-0 victory over Australia not only led to a spot in the knockout round, but led to a bellowing of the John Denver classic, “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” from everyone in the stands. The USMNT saluted their fans after yet another successful match.

It was a much different look for the USMNT entering Thursday night’s matchup against Türkiye, with nine changes to the starting XI after the team had already secured its place in the knockout stage. The Americans will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 on July 1.

Paris Hilton is seen with children before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between Türkiye and USA at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on June 25, 2026. (Sarah Stier/FIFA)

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No matter who’s on the pitch, some of the biggest names in the country are showing support for the team that has inspired tremendous national pride to kick off this tournament.

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Emma Raducanu – 30th seed | Age: 23 | world ranking: 32

Former US Open champion and British No 1. Reached the third round last year, losing to world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a thriller on Centre Court. Back working with coach Andrew Richardson, who was part of her team for her US Open victory, and enjoyed a promising run to the Queen’s final, though pre-Wimbledon optimism has been dampened by reports of Raducanu missing training sessions and wearing a protective boot.

First round vs: Antonia Ruzic

Katie Boulter | Age: 29 | WR: 59

Bouncing back after a disappointing 2025 season, the former world No 23 reached the semi-finals at Queen’s and secured the best win of her career by beating No 2 Elena Rybakina. Can play some of her best tennis on the grass, if she gets her aggressive style of play going. Yet to progress past the third round of a grand slam.

First round vs: Tyra Grant (Q)

Fran Jones | Age: 25 | WR: 103

The 25-year-old enjoyed a momentous first-round win at last month’s French Open, for her first grand slam victory. Ahead of her fourth appearance at Wimbledon, Jones, who is from Yorkshire but grew up in Barcelona, does not want to be defined by her Ectrodactyly Ectodermal Dysplasia, a genetic condition that means she only has three fingers and a thumb on each hand and seven toes across both feet. As a child, Jones’ parents were told by doctors that she would not be able to play tennis. Now, her work-rate and dedication to improve shines through as Jones aims to return to the world’s top 100, following a difficult year where she retired from the first-round of the Australian Open and suffered a freak gym accident in another scary injury set-back.

First round vs: Diane Parry

Harriet Dart – wildcard | Age: 29 | WR: 151

At 29, Dart will be making her eighth appearance in the Wimbledon main draw. Now ranked 151st in singles, she stood up for Great Britain in April when, deprived of Raducanu and Boulter, she led Anne Keovathong’s side to an away victory against Australia to qualify for the Billie Jean King Cup finals. Dart won in both singles and doubles, and last week won her first tour-level title in doubles alongside Maia Lumsden to win the Nottingham Open.

First round vs: Jelena Ostapenko

Alicia Dudeney – wildcard | Age: 23 | WR: 246

Dudeney, 23, has climbed almost 900 ranking spots in the past year and will be making her Wimbledon debut. Ranked 246 in the world, Dudeney has won four titles on the World Tennis Tour (the level below the WTA) this season, which included a 13-match winning streak between March and April. From Hove, where she played at the same club as Sonay Kartal, she spent four years at the University of Florida between 2021 and 2025.

First round vs: Alicia Parks

Hannah Klugman – wildcard | Age: 17 | WR: 412

Has been signalled as one to watch ever since becoming the first British woman to win the Orange Bowl, a prestigious junior tournament in Florida, as a 14-year-old in 2023. A US Open girls’ semi-finalist last September, Klugman, now 17, will be making her second appearance at Wimbledon. Reached No 1 in the junior rankings before turning pro in January, and scored her first win on the WTA by beating Harriet Dart in Nottingham.

First round vs: Barbora Krejcikova

Mika Stojsavljevic – wildcard | Age: 17 | WR: 276

The 17-year-old won the US Open girls’ title in 2024, then reached the semi-finals in 2025, and will be making her second Wimbledon main draw appearance after last year’s debut. Made a brilliant debut for Great Britain in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifier away to Australia where she upset Talia Gibson – an opponent ranked more than 200 places above her. The London-born Stojsavljevic chose English literature and politics for her A-Levels and studied while on tour.

First round vs: Belinda Bencic (11)

Katie Swan – wildcard | Age: 27 | WR: 196

After almost giving up tennis due to long-term injuries and losing her ranking, Swan only began her comeback in April 2025 but will now be playing at Wimbledon for the first time in three years. This will be the 27-year-old Swan’s seventh Wimbledon appearance and will feel extra special after battling from the brink of retirement to return to the world’s top 200.

First round vs: Irina-Camelia Begu

Mimi Xu – wildcard | Age: 18 | WR: 327

The Swansea-born Xu became the first Welsh player to enter the Wimbledon singles draw in 20 years when she played Emma Raducanu in the first round last year. At 18, Xu has since won the biggest title of her career in front of her home crowd at the Wrexham Open, beating Mika Stojsavljevic in the final. Xu and Stojsavljevic were runners-up in the 2024 Wimbledon girls’ doubles.

First round vs: Daria Kasatkina

Cameron Norrie – 26th seed | Age: 30 | WR: 29

So often the last Brit standing at grand slams, Norrie retired from his first-round match at the French Open, the just the second time in his professional career, while suffering with a rib injury but returned to Queen’s and is set to be fit for Wimbledon. A former semi-finalist at SW19, Norrie, 30, returns as a seed after almost falling outside of the top-100 last year, finding form late in the season as he beat No 1 Carlos Alcaraz.

First round vs: Michael Zheng (Q)

Jack Draper | Age: 24 | WR: 160

Was seeded fourth at Wimbledon 12 months ago after winning the biggest title of his career at Indian Wells but returns after a year of injury hell ranked outside the top 100. Struggles with an arm injury were followed by a knee injury, meaning the 24-year-old has only played nine matches this season before his comeback at Eastbourne. But Draper is back with a legend in his corner: new coach Andy Murray. “He’s bloody good,” was Murray’s early assessment.

First round vs: Taylor Fritz (6)

Jan Choinski | Age: 30 | WR: 106

The German-born Choinski, the son of an English ballet dancer, switched nationalities in 2019 and received his first Wimbledon wildcard in 2023. After losing in the first round of qualifying last year, he returns to Wimbledon as only the third male direct entrant. His run to the quarter-finals at Eastbourne means he will reach a new career-high ranking of 100.

First round vs: Vit Kropiva

Jacob Fearnley – wildcard | Age: 24 | WR: 152

After breaking into the top 50 after a rapid rise a couple of years ago, and taking a set off Novak Djokovic on Centre Court, backing up his breakthrough has been a struggle for the 24-year-old Scot who can claim he beat both Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in juniors. He’s won only two matches on tour during an injury-hit season and he has dropped out of the top 100.

First round vs: Alex Michelsen

Arthur Fery – wildcard | Age: 23 | WR: 118

The 23-year-old is enjoying the season of his life after winning a match at the Australian Open as a qualifier and reaching the quarter-finals of Queen’s in London. Born in France, his mother was a professional tennis player and his father, Loic Fery, is the owner of Ligue 1 football club FC Lorient.

First round vs: Damir Dzumhur

Felix Gill – wildcard | Age: 24 | WR: 220

Making his Wimbledon and grand slam debut at 24, the left-hander arrives at a career-high ranking of 220 after reaching his first Challenger Tour final in Pune, India. His best results have come on clay, which is his favourite surface – unusual for a British player. He was also one win away from qualifying for the French Open last month.

First round vs: Rafael Jodar (23)

Jack Pinnington Jones – wildcard | Age: 23 | WR: 145

Won on his Wimbledon main draw debut last year, beating Tomas Martín Etcheverry as a qualifier, and enjoyed a breakthrough run at the ATP 250 tournament in Dallas where he beat Flavio Cobolli to reach the quarter-finals. His run came close to Texas Christian University, where he followed in the footsteps of Cameron Norrie and Jacob Fearnley by enrolling at the Horned Frogs.

First round vs: Brandon Nakashima (28)

Toby Samuel – wildcard | Age: 23 | WR: 142

Enjoyed a rapid rise towards the end of 2025, winning 36 of 39 matches on the Challenger Tour, and carried that form into 2026 by qualifying for the main draw of a grand slam for the first time at the French Open. His first-round defeat to seventh seed Alex de Minaur was his first tour-level match. The 23-year-old was previously doubles partners with Athur Fery, and they reached the boys’ doubles semi-finals at Wimbledon in 2019.

First round vs: Jakub Mensik (15)

Harry Wendelken – wildcard | Age: 24 | WR: 203

The 24-year-old qualified for his first tour-level event on home soil at Queen’s, beating two top-100 opponents in Adam Walton and Aleksandar Vukic in the process. It came after winning his first ATP Challenger event in Greece last October, doing so as a lucky loser, as well as reaching three Challenger finals since March. Arrives at his Wimbledon and grand slam debut at a career-high ranking of 203 in the world.

First round vs: Valentin Royer

Max Basing – qualifier | Age: 23 | WR: 331

Perhaps the Cinderella story of the week. The 23-year-old, who trained at Rafael Nadal’s academy in Manacor as a teenager, had previously lost in the first round of qualifying in ATP Challenger events at Birmingham, Ilkley and Nottingham this grass-court season, as well as in the semi-finals of Wimbledon’s pre-qualifying event. Granted a wildcard into Wimbledon qualifying anyway, the world No 331 duly won three matches in a row reach the main draw of a grand slam for the first time. Basing’s five-set win over Remy Bertola also came just 10 weeks after tearing his hamstring. “It’s been a dream of mine since I’ve started playing tennis,” he said.

First round vs: Shintaro Mochizuki (Q)

Billy Harris – qualifier | Age: 31 | WR: 140

The man in a van. Harris spent the early years of his life on the lower-rungs of the tennis tour living in a converted Ford Transit to save money, but made his big breakthrough in 2024 to qualify for Wimbledon and reach his first grand slam main draw. Now 31, Harris has qualified for Wimbledon again and will made his third appearance in a row. Last year, he knocked out Belgium’s Zizou Bergs to earn his first win.

First round vs: Karen Khachanov (19)

Oliver Tarvet – qualifier | Age: 22 | WR: 349

Perhaps the underdog story of last year’s tournament last year, when – ranked 773 in the world – he qualified for Wimbledon, won his first-round match, and faced Carlos Alcaraz on Centre Court. The 22-year-old Tarvet has qualified again, and this time he can keep his prize money. Last year, Tarvet was still a student at University of San Diego, so couldn’t keep his £99,000 winnings due to NCAA rules. The good news is Tarvet graduated from college last month, so can keep his earnings.

First round vs: Arthur Rinderknech (25)

The United States men’s national soccer team lost its final Group D match to Türkiye, 3-2, as Kaan Ayhan scored on the final shot of the game in a crushing blow to the home country. 

The only, and more important, caveat: this game never affected the United States’ chances of winning the FIFA World Cup in the first place.

Yes, Team USA was trying to take momentum into the round of 32 next week, and even make history for the country as the first team to win three World Cup matches. Instead, it’s some slight heartbreak in Los Angeles.

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Sebastian Berhalter of the United States celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between Türkiye and USA at Los Angeles Stadium on June 25, 2026, in Inglewood, California. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Türkiye, who has had a lackluster tournament, will go home on a high note as they celebrated their hard-fought win against a USMNT squad that saw nine changes to the starting XI from head coach Mauricio Pochettino to keep players fresh for next week. 

The crowd was shaking during the national anthem, but all of Inglewood, California, likely felt the moment Auston Trusty hammered in a corner kick from Sebastian Berhalter just three minutes into the match against Türkiye.

Trusty hit a dead sprint to the U.S. bench, while the sold-out crowd at Los Angeles Stadium was in rapture.

But Türkiye, despite having no chance of moving forward in the tournament, was not going out lightly with this match. Only seven minutes later, Arda Güler, the 21-year-old who stars for Real Madrid, took advantage of some soft U.S. coverage and buried a ball past Matt Turner, taking over for Matt Freese in net, to tie the game at one apiece. 

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It was a physical match moving forward, with the U.S. showing that this game still meant something, as they were searching for history as the only team to ever win three World Cup matches. Meanwhile, Türkiye was playing for pride, and it was written all over their faces. 

It was Türkiye breaking through the tie first, though, as Orkun Kökçü had a clean look right in front of the goal thanks to solid passing around the U.S. box. He tapped it in and the crowd quieted a bit. 

Auston Trusty of the United States celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between Türkiye and USA at Los Angeles Stadium on June 25, 2026, in Inglewood, California. (Jared C. Tilton/FIFA)

The first half ended with Türkiye out in front, but if there’s one way to get the crowd going in the second half, it’s seeing “Captain America” finally back on the pitch. Christian Pulisic played just 45 minutes in this World Cup due to a left calf injury, missing the entirety of the match against Australia. 

But Pulisic said he felt 100% prior to the match, and instead of letting him sit out until the round of 32, Pochettino thought it smart to give him time. He immediately made an impact, forcing Türkiye back into their defensive zone, and that ultimately led to a moment where a throw-in led to a pinball that landed at Berhalter’s foot. 

Berhalter hit a low strike, and through traffic, the ball scurried past the Türkiye keeper for the equalizer at two apiece. Once again, it was just three minutes into the half, and all the momentum fell back on the home country. 

Both teams tried their best to break the tie once more, with Pulisic having the best chance with a left-footed strike that just went outside the left post. However, Ayhan’s heroic slide to kick the ball in the back of the U.S. net is how this one ended just before the final whistle. 

United States’ Gio Reyna and Turkey’s Orkun Kokcu battle for the ball during the World Cup Group D soccer match between Turkey and the United States in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Thursday, June 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

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The USMNT will play their round of 32 match on July 1 at 8 p.m. in the San Francisco Bay Area. 

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All times BST. Matches and coverage times are subject to late changes. The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made. Full radio coverage times to follow when available.

Monday, 29 June

Men’s and women’s singles first round

10:30-19:00 – Live coverage – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

14:00-18:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

19:00-22:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

23:00-00:05 – Today at Wimbledon – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

Tuesday, 30 June

Men’s and women’s singles first round

11:00-19:00 – Live coverage – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

14:00-18:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

19:00-22:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

23:00-00:05 – Today at Wimbledon – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

Wednesday, 1 July

Men’s and women’s singles second round, men’s doubles first round

11:15-13:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

13:00-19:00 – Live coverage – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

14:00-18:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

19:00-22:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

23:30-00:30 – Today at Wimbledon – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

Thursday, 2 July

Men’s and women’s singles second round, men’s and women’s doubles first round

11:00-19:00 – Live coverage – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

14:00-18:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

19:00-22:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

23:00-00:00 – Today at Wimbledon – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

Friday, 3 July

Men’s and women’s singles third round, men’s doubles second round, women’s doubles first round, mixed doubles first round

11:00-19:00 – Live coverage – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

14:00-18:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

19:00-22:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

23:00-00:00 – Today at Wimbledon – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

Saturday, 4 July

Men’s and women’s singles third round, men’s and women’s doubles second round, mixed doubles first round, boys’ and girls’ singles first round

11:00-21:00 – Live coverage – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

12:20-17:15 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

17:30-21:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

00:30-01:30 – Today at Wimbledon – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

Sunday, 5 July

Men’s and women’s singles fourth round, men’s doubles third round, women’s doubles second round, mixed doubles second round, boys’ and girls’ singles first round

11:00-19:00 – Live coverage – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

12:35-17:35 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

23:40-00:40 – Today at Wimbledon – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

Monday, 6 July

Men’s and women’s singles fourth round, men’s and women’s doubles third round, mixed doubles quarter-finals, girls’ singles second round, boys’ and girls’ doubles first round

11:00-19:00 – Live coverage – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

14:00-18:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

19:00-22:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

23:00-00:00 – Today at Wimbledon – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

Tuesday, 7 July

Men’s and women’s singles quarter-finals, men’s doubles quarter-finals, women’s doubles third round, mixed doubles semi-finals, boys’ singles second round, girls’ doubles first round

12:30-19:00 – Live coverage – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

14:00-18:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

19:00-22:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

23:30-00:30 – Today at Wimbledon – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

Wednesday, 8 July

Men’s and women’s singles quarter-finals, men’s and women’s doubles quarter-finals, quad singles quarter-finals, men’s and women’s wheelchair doubles quarter-finals, boys’ and girls’ singles third round, boys’ and girls’ doubles second round

12:15-13:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

13:00-19:00 – Live coverage – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

13:45-18:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

19:00-21:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

23:00-00:00 – Today at Wimbledon – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

Thursday, 9 July

Women’s singles semi-finals, men’s doubles semi-finals, women’s doubles quarter-finals, mixed doubles final, men’s and women’s wheelchair singles quarter-finals, men’s, women’s and quad wheelchair doubles semi-finals, boys’ and girls’ singles quarter-finals, boys’ and girls’ doubles quarter-finals

12:30-19:00 – Live coverage – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

14:00-18:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

19:00-21:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

23:30-00:30 – Today at Wimbledon – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

Friday, 10 July

Men’s singles semi-finals, women’s doubles semi-finals, men’s, women’s and quad wheelchair singles semi-finals, boys’ and girls’ singles semi-finals, boys’ and girls’ doubles semi-finals

12:30-19:30 – Live coverage – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

14:00-18:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

19:30-21:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

23:00-00:00 – Today at Wimbledon – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

Saturday, 11 July

Women’s singles final, men’s doubles final, women’s wheelchair singles final, men and quad wheelchair doubles finals, girls’ singles final, girls’ doubles final, boys’ doubles final

11:30-13:15 – Live coverage – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

12:15-19:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

23:00-00:00 – Today at Wimbledon – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

Sunday, 12 July

Men’s singles final, women’s doubles final, men and quad wheelchair singles final, women’s wheelchair doubles final, boys’ singles final

11:30-13:00 – Live coverage – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

13:00-20:00 – Live coverage – BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

01:50-02:50 – Today at Wimbledon – BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app

For the first time since lifting the World Cup in Brazil in 2014, Germany have secured a place in the knockout stages of football’s biggest tournament.

Their dramatic extra-time victory over Ivory Coast not only guaranteed qualification but also ended a painful run of failures that had seen the four-time champions crash out in the group stage at both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

At the centre of the turnaround is Julian Nagelsmann, the youngest coach at the tournament and the man tasked with restoring Germany’s identity after years of inconsistency.

While many supporters celebrated the achievement, 38-year-old Nagelsmann was quick to underline that Germany’s ambitions extend far beyond merely surviving the group stage.

“Our target was never just to qualify for the next round,” Nagelsmann said. “The team has bigger goals and our focus remains on what comes next.”

Nagelsmann’s impact on the national team

Since taking charge in September 2023, Nagelsmann has steadily rebuilt confidence within the German squad. His tactical flexibility, trust in younger players and willingness to move away from established hierarchies have helped Germany rediscover the intensity that once made them one of international football’s most feared sides.

Against Ivory Coast, that resilience was on full display.

After falling behind to a first-half strike from Franck Kessie, Germany dominated possession, pushed the African side deeper into their own half and eventually found a way back. Substitute Deniz Undav emerged as the hero, scoring twice, including the decisive goal in extra time.

The comeback highlighted one of Nagelsmann’s biggest strengths: the depth he has cultivated throughout the squad. 

      Undav and Germany’s new generation step up

  Undav’s performance has intensified calls for the Stuttgart forward to earn a place in the starting lineup for Germany’s final group-stage match against Ecuador.

“Every player wants to start games, but what matters most is having an impact,” he said. “Deniz has been exceptional in the role he’s been given and he continues to make a difference whenever he enters the pitch.”

Undav is one of several players who have flourished under Nagelsmann. Alongside established stars such as Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz, Germany now possess a blend of youth and experience that appears capable of challenging the tournament’s leading contenders.

Their attacking football, combined with greater tactical balance, has offered supporters reasons to believe that Germany’s long-awaited revival may finally be taking shape.

For Germany, qualification represents an important psychological breakthrough. The memories of Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022 have lingered over the national team for years, turning every World Cup group-stage match into a test of nerves.

Nagelsmann’s side have now cleared that hurdle.

Yet the German coach has made it clear that ending the knockout-stage drought is only the beginning. The real measure of progress will come in the rounds ahead, where Germany will attempt to prove that their resurgence is not merely a recovery from past failures but the start of another serious challenge for football’s biggest prize.

As we count down to the first college football game of the 2026 season, we continue our new series: The records of each top CFB program in the West against all the others in the region.

Some schools have met many times over the years, while others are beginning new rivalries in the wake of recent realignment.

For each opponent in the table below, we provide the total games played, wins, losses, ties, winning percentage, first year played, and most recent contest.

We continue with Fresno State, which has played 547 games against regional foes, winning 288, losing 248, with 11 ties for a winning percentage of .538.

The Bulldogs have recorded the most wins (46), played the most games (88), and lost the most games (39) against San Jose State.

Here is a breakdown of Fresno State’s records vs. the region’s teams.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has previously been linked with a move away from Old Trafford but the Reds star has reportedly been clear over his future

Bruno Fernandes has reportedly told Manchester United teammates that he will stay at Old Trafford this summer. The Reds captain has previously been linked with a move away from M16.

The Manchester Evening News understands that Fernandes seriously considered a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal last year. His agent, Miguel Pinho, was in talks with the Middle Eastern club over a possible £100million transfer.

The Reds did not rule out his sale, but the Portugal international opted against a move after discussions with his family. Fernandes went on to enjoy the best season of his career at United.

The 31-year-old recorded 21 assists in the Premier League last term – breaking the all-time record in a single campaign set by Kevin de Bruyne and Thierry Henry.

And TalkSPORT claim that while Fernandes has not held any formal talks with the club over his future before the World Cup, he has already told teammates and those close to him that he intends to stay at United.

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Fernandes revealed in April his wife convinced him to stay. Speaking to the Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Sport, he said: “I stayed because I thought I still had something that I can give back to the club.

“Obviously the Saudi situation, with the money… there was a lot. The good thing I have in my family is that my wife is pretty down to earth like me.

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“We’re very aware that we don’t want to be the richest person in the world. We just want to be the ones that have achieved the dreams they had and live a good life with their kids and trying to be as successful as possible.

“The words of my wife were like, ‘have you achieved your dreams? Have you achieved everything you wanted?’

“And that small thing she said made me understand that she’s on the same page as me. Let’s keep trying and see where this takes me.”

Thousands of Man United fans upgraded their matchday last season. This is how they did it.

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Fernandes joined United in 2019 from Sporting and has since made 327 appearances, scoring 107 goals.

He registered his first goal contribution at the World Cup on Tuesday, teeing up Cristiano Ronaldo’s second in the 5-0 win over Uzbekistan.

Jun 8, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cristopher Sanchez (61) pitches to the Toronto Blue Jays during the seventh inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

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The 2026 World Cup group stage is winding down, and more spots in the Round of 32 will be locked up on Friday, June 26 with six more games across Groups G, H and I. The banner showdown will be between Norway and France, pitting stars Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe against one another as they battle for the Golden Boot as well as team glory.

With six games on the docket, there’s plenty of action for bettors to target for Friday’s matches. We’ve built a parlay for the day’s contests, with Norway vs. France as one of the legs, using odds from FanDuel and advice from SportsLine experts Jon Eimer, Brad Thomas and Martin Green. Anyone following their World Cup betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.

World Cup parlay for Friday

• Norway-France Over 2.5 goals (-160)
• Cape Verde double chance vs. Saudi Arabia (-240)
• Uruguay-Spain Over 2.5 goals (-120)

FanDuel parlay price: +322

Norway-France Over 2.5 goals

I’m not going to stop anyone from backing more goals to get additional value, especially given how Haaland and Mbappe have been playing. However, I do think there will be a more concentrated effort against these two star forwards in this encounter. France’s back line has been solid in this World Cup, and Norway’s midfield is capable of locking down the pitch. That being said, there should still be enough fireworks in this game for the Over on 2.5 goals to hit.

Cape Verde double chance vs. Saudi Arabia

This Cape Verde team has been the best story of the World Cup, a positive result of expanding to 48 teams. They have not backed down from anyone and have two points thanks to draws against Spain and Uruguay. Saudi Arabia may have gotten lucky fending off 27 shots from Uruguay in a 1-1 draw, but they were overmatched against Spain. Cape Verde need all three points to ensure a Round of 32 berth, and a draw could put them in a precarious spot among the third-place teams. However, for this match, they are simply more invested than Saudi Arabia and have shown more determination.

Uruguay-Spain Over 2.5 goals

Spain looked out of sorts in the draw against Cape Verde but found their offensive mojo against Saudi Arabia. Uruguay had some big letdowns against Cape Verde as well, and goalkeeper Fernando Muslera will be wanting some redemption after effectively costing his team two points. Spain have more quality going forward, but Uruguay are also desperate for a win to move to the knockout round. I see goals here, and Spain can do enough on their own for this Over to connect.