Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (AP Photo)

For more than two decades, Cristiano Ronaldo has built a career on proving people wrong.Every time critics questioned him, he responded with goals. Every time doubts surfaced about his longevity, he produced another record. From Manchester to Madrid, Turin to Riyadh, and throughout an extraordinary international career with Portugal, Ronaldo has repeatedly rewritten expectations.But after Portugal’s frustrating 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a debate that has lingered for years has returned with renewed intensity.At 41, Ronaldo remains Portugal’s captain, leader, and biggest global attraction. The question now is whether he remains Portugal’s most effective weapon on the pitch.The contrast with other football icons during the opening round of matches was striking. Less than a day after Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland all delivered multiple goals and helped their nations to convincing victories, Ronaldo completed the full 90 minutes against DR Congo without making a decisive impact.Portugal had started brilliantly. João Neves headed home an early opener after a dominant opening spell in which Roberto Martínez’s side controlled possession almost completely. Portugal’s dominance during the opening stages was overwhelming. In the six-minute sequence leading up to Neves’ goal, Martínez’s side completed 84 passes compared to just 12 by DR Congo. Yet what looked like the beginning of a comfortable victory gradually turned into a far more uncomfortable afternoon.DR Congo settled into the contest, grew in confidence and eventually found an equaliser through Yoane Wissa before half-time.

Portugal vs DR Congo match stats

By the final whistle, the statistics painted an uncomfortable picture for one of the tournament favourites. Despite enjoying the majority of possession, Portugal were second best in several key attacking metrics. DR Congo finished with eight shots to Portugal’s seven, produced two efforts on target compared to Portugal’s one and generated 0.82 expected goals against Portugal’s 0.64. For a team expected to challenge deep into the tournament, the numbers raised uncomfortable questions.Ronaldo’s individual numbers reflected that struggle.Making his sixth World Cup appearance, the veteran striker finished with just 25 touches, the second-fewest he has ever recorded in a World Cup start. He managed only three shot attempts, created no chances, completed two progressive carries and two progressive passes, won two aerial duels, attempted no ground duels and made just one ball recovery. He also offered virtually no defensive contribution. It was one of the least influential World Cup performances of his career.

Ronaldo’s World Cup legacy

Perhaps more concerning was how Portugal’s attack functioned around him.Ronaldo repeatedly drifted away from central areas in search of involvement. At times he moved into wide positions looking for space because he could no longer consistently gain physical advantages against younger defenders. The consequence was that Portugal often lacked a natural target inside the penalty area when crosses arrived.His first attempt on goal did not arrive until the 68th minute. Neither of his shots troubled the Congolese defence. Even two of Ronaldo’s three attempts illustrated a broader problem. Rather than threatening centrally inside the penalty area, he was frequently pushed into wider areas in search of space.Former Arsenal and France star Thierry Henry was among those who analysed Portugal’s attacking problems and pointed to a specific moment involving João Cancelo, Bruno Fernandes and Ronaldo.Speaking after the match, Henry stressed that team success must come before personal ambition.“One thing that’s important, people, please at home: the team needs to score, not you need to score,” he said.Henry then broke down a sequence in which he felt Ronaldo’s movement worked against Portugal rather than for them.“So, obviously, we’re going to see here Portugal being on the ball, Cancelo is going to receive the ball. Cristiano Ronaldo has been in this situation multiple times. If you make that run here, you – you make the defender take a decision to crash the six-yard box.”According to Henry, a run towards goal would have dragged defenders deeper and potentially created space for Bruno Fernandes to finish.“But because he wants to score, he goes into the path of Bruno Fernandes. If he goes into that six-yard box, you’ve been in that situation, I’ll see – you would have had to follow him, follow him, and then he would have been a tap-in for Bruno Fernandes. But because he wants to score, he goes into the path of the back pass. You see both players, and it’s easier for you to defend.”The concern was not simply that Ronaldo failed to score. It was how little he influenced Portugal’s attacking rhythm. Too often, attacks appeared designed to find him regardless of whether a better option existed. When he drifted deeper, he frequently occupied spaces that could otherwise have been used by Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva or João Neves. While his movement occasionally created room for teammates, Portugal rarely looked fluid in the final third.The issue becomes even more pronounced because Ronaldo is no longer compensating for those tactical compromises with goals in football’s biggest tournaments.

The drought that won’t go away

Since converting a penalty against Ghana during the 2022 World Cup, he has now gone ten consecutive matches across World Cups and European Championships without finding the net. The drought has stretched beyond 800 minutes, and it has been nearly five years since his last open-play goal in either competition.The contrast with his overall record remains striking. Ronaldo scored in both the semi-final and final as Portugal lifted the UEFA Nations League last summer and continues to score regularly in club football and qualifying matches. Yet at the highest international level, the goals have become increasingly difficult to find.There is no questioning what Ronaldo has achieved for Portugal. His influence helped deliver major international trophies and countless memorable moments across two decades.Yet the reality of 2026 is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

Portugal with vs without Ronaldo

The numbers surrounding Portugal’s attack are equally revealing. Across Portugal’s last four major tournament matches, Ronaldo has played 396 of a possible 420 minutes, yet the team has scored only once. Over the past two years in all competitions, Portugal have averaged 1.9 goals per game when Ronaldo starts compared to 2.8 goals per game when he does not. While one statistic alone does not tell the full story, it inevitably fuels the debate over whether Portugal’s attack functions more effectively without its captain.

When Ronaldo scores, Portugal rarely lose

Ronaldo’s supporters, however, can point to another compelling statistic. Since his first World Cup appearance in 2006, Portugal have a record of five wins, one draw and no defeats in major tournaments when Ronaldo scores. When he fails to find the net, that record drops to five wins, five draws and seven defeats. Few players in international football history have had such a direct correlation with their team’s success.Yet dropping him is far easier to discuss than to execute.Roberto Martínez faces a delicate balancing act. Gonçalo Ramos remains the obvious alternative but relies heavily on service. A false-nine system involving Bruno Fernandes or João Félix could provide greater fluidity but would introduce new tactical questions.There is also the psychological dimension. Few managers willingly bench one of the greatest footballers in history, particularly a player who still commands enormous respect within the dressing room.Perhaps the answer lies somewhere in the middle.Ronaldo’s experience, leadership and finishing instincts remain valuable assets. However, asking him to carry Portugal’s attack for 90 minutes against elite opposition appears increasingly unrealistic. A more carefully managed role, potentially as an impact substitute against tiring defenders, could allow Portugal to benefit from his strengths while minimising his physical limitations.

From Germany 2006 to USA 2026

The concern for Portugal is that there appears to be no genuine Plan B. Martínez has consistently backed Ronaldo even as questions over his role have grown louder. During Euro 2024, the Portugal coach substituted him in only one of his five appearances. Against DR Congo, creative players including Bernardo Silva, Pedro Neto, Nuno Mendes and Vitinha were all withdrawn, yet Ronaldo remained on the pitch. Even when Gonçalo Ramos was introduced in the closing stages, it was a midfielder who made way rather than the captain.The upcoming match against Uzbekistan may now define both Portugal’s tournament and Ronaldo’s role within it.A strong performance and a goal could temporarily silence the debate, as Ronaldo has done countless times before. Another ineffective display, however, will only intensify scrutiny of Martínez’s decisions and Portugal’s dependence on a player who remains legendary but no longer appears untouchable.For years, the question surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo was whether Portugal could win because of him.In 2026, the more uncomfortable question may be whether Portugal can afford not to evolve beyond him.

Portugal midfielder Joao Neves is facing heavy backlash after comments many fans believe were disrespectful toward Cristiano Ronaldo.

Speaking about Ronaldo’s role within the Portugal squad, Neves acknowledged the legendary forward’s contributions but made a statement that quickly sparked controversy.

“We know what Cristiano has done for us, for our national team, and for world football,” Neves said.

“But at this moment, he is no different. He is just another player here to help. He is here to contribute, just like all of us.”

While some viewed the comments as an attempt to emphasize team unity, many fans saw the statement very differently.

Why Fans Are Angry

For many supporters, the issue is not whether Ronaldo should still be treated differently on the pitch.

The issue is the wording.

Calling Cristiano Ronaldo “just another player” has been seen by many as disrespectful toward a football icon whose legacy goes far beyond ordinary standards.

Ronaldo is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history alongside Lionel Messi.

He is Portugal’s greatest player ever, the team captain, the all-time leading scorer in international football, and the face of Portuguese football for nearly two decades.

To many fans, reducing that stature to “just another player” crossed a line.

The Messi Comparison

The backlash has also led many fans to compare Portugal’s treatment of Ronaldo with Argentina’s treatment of Lionel Messi.

Even during difficult moments, Argentine players have consistently defended Messi publicly and shown unwavering loyalty to their captain.

Whether Messi plays brilliantly or struggles, his teammates have repeatedly made it clear they will fight for him on the pitch.

Many Ronaldo supporters believe Portugal players should show that same level of loyalty and respect toward their captain.

That is why Neves’ comments have struck such a nerve.

Divided Reactions

Not everyone believes Neves intended to disrespect Ronaldo.

Some supporters argue the midfielder was simply trying to stress that Portugal must function as a collective rather than depend entirely on one player.

But intent and perception are often two different things.

Regardless of what Neves meant, the wording has triggered major backlash online.

For many fans, Cristiano Ronaldo is simply not “just another player.”

And that is exactly why the comments have caused so much controversy.

Australia coach Tony Popovic shared his thoughts on a referee after Friday’s 2-0 loss to the U.S. in Seattle.

“I think today was, I wouldn’t say the best day for the referee,” Popovic told reporters after the game.

A controversial moment came when the Americans appeared to score their second goal. The play was initially called back for offside, but after a VAR review, officials determined the goal was valid and let it stand.

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Tony Popovic, head coach of Australia, reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between the U.S. and Australia at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, Wash., on June 19, 2026. (Sarah Stier/FIFA/Getty Images)

The U.S. found the back of the net at the end of the 43rd minute after a free kick was stopped, and then Alex Freeman, the son of former NFL player Antonio Freeman, headed a ball in. The score was immediately protested by the Australians, who felt their goalkeeper had been impeded or there was an offside. After a VAR review, the call stood, and the goal was awarded.

Tensions boiled over late in the match when a physical altercation broke out. Australia’s Harry Souttar grabbed the USA’s Folarin Balogun in what commentators described as a “rear naked choke.” Zwayer regained control by issuing yellow cards to Balogun, Souttar and Australia’s Jacob Italiano.

Australia received four yellow cards, while the U.S. received three.

Popovic was seen approaching German match official Felix Zwayer after the game, with urgency.

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United States’ Alex Freeman heads the ball for a goal past Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach during the World Cup Group D soccer match in Seattle on June 19, 2026. (Maddy Grassy/AP Photo)

Zwayer also pulled up with a cramp towards the end of the USA’s win. The German official, 45, required help from both the USA’s Folarin Balogun and Australia’s Aiden O’Neill, who stretched out his left leg after Zwayer fell to the turf.

Still, the manager did give credit to the Americans and admitted his players looked “sluggish” on Friday.

“I don’t know if it’s the occasion, but we looked sluggish, heavy-legged … They won every duel, they won every second ball and when you do that, it makes it very difficult to gain any momentum. And then we conceded two soft goals,” he said.

“When you think, you know, this noise here — host nation — I think the players show how good they are in the second half, but obviously at this level, you can’t give away that much in the first.”

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FIFA ref Felix Zwayer going down with cramps was a reminder of just how physically demanding being a soccer referee is. (Photo by Sarah Stier – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

With its 2-0 record, the United States is in first place with six points, while Australia remains with three and in second place. Both Paraguay and Turkey, who face off on Friday to potentially determine the USA’s group fate, are winless with zero points.

The United States would clinch a Group D victory, and a favorable draw in the Round of 32, if Paraguay either beats or ties with Turkey — that game kicks off at 11 p.m. ET.

Scotland fans at home and in the US are watching a crucial World Cup match as Steve Clarke’s team take on Morocco in Boston.

After defeating Haiti 1-0 last Saturday, another victory would guarantee qualification from the group stages for the first time – and a draw would almost certainly secure a place in the last 32.

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The match is being shown in pubs and fan zones across the county – with the largest crowd gathered at the TRNSMT festival in Glasgow.

There was stunned silence at the fan zone as Morocco scored after little more than a minute into the match.

But a couple of opportunities before the half-time whistle have injected some hope back into the Scotland fans at Glasgow Green.

Tens of thousands of members of the Tartan Army are also watching the action in Boston.

TRNSMT’s organisers DF Concerts secured a late licence to broadcast the match into the early hours of Saturday, despite concerns from local residents.

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Indie rock band Wolf Alice, who had second top billing on the Main Stage, threw out a dedication to Scott McTominay before demanding the crowd jump up and down to old favourite Bros.

While Galway indie band NewDad declared they were backing Scotland to win the World Cup.

The rain cleared for fans ahead of the match which began at 23:00 BST.

Pre-match entertainment at the fan zone saw fans singing along to comedian Rosco McClelland’s World Cup song.

George Bowie and Rose Reilly were welcomed onto the main stage and requested a Hampden Roar – which the crowd delivered.

The singer and piper Cammy Barnes – who opened the festival just after midday – returned to play Flower of Scotland on the pipes just before the match kicked off.

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“When you cut the pipes off and the audience keeps singing, that moment can never be touched,” he told BBC Scotland News earlier.

“It’s a proper hair up on your arms moment.”

Other fan zones have welcomed fans across the length and breadth of the country.

In Glasgow large music venues like the OVO Hydro, Saint Luke’s and the O2 Academy are all screening the match, though they require tickets for entry, as are Dundee’s LiveHouse and the Ice Arena in Kirkcaldy.

In Aberdeen, fans have flocked to places like the city’s Beach Ballroom while the Gyle Shopping Centre in Edinburgh is showing the fixture on a large screen.

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Scores of smaller venues – like rugby and tennis clubs – are also hosting watch parties.

An impromptu ceilidh broke out at the Inverness fan zone ahead of the match.

Revellers spun their partners for a Gay Gordon’s to the dance tune Bits N Pieces, performed by Jarad Rowan, a favourite with the Tartan Army.

Thousands of Scotland and Morocco fans have flocked to Boston Stadium.

Before the match, members of the Tartan Army said they were quietly confident – but were buzzing to be there regardless of the result.

Mike Noble has travelled from Aberdeen to support Scotland.

He watched the opening match in Boston’s fan zone in the city centre, and said Scotland’s win persuaded him to splash out on tickets for tonight.

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“It’s cost me a new kidney, but it’s once in a lifetime so it’s worth it,” he added.

Pubs to benefit from Scotland games

Pubs are welcoming bumper crowds, after a hugely successful Saturday for the Haiti game.

Earlier this week Louise MacLean of the Signature Pub Group told BBC Scotland it had been an incredible night.

She said: “My lord, did those tills ring. We had record breaking sales. That is a gift to a trade that has been so damaged over the past few years.”

The Scottish Beer and Pub Association estimated earlier this week that Scotland’s group games could generate an additional £7m for pubs and bars, with an estimated 520,000 extra pints expected to be poured out during the game.

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Almost all of Scotland’s councils, who approve extensions to licensing rules, have allowed pubs and clubs to stay open to show the games despite them often continuing beyond normal closing times.

Can Scotland qualify for the next round against Morocco?

A win for Scotland against Morocco – who drew 1-1 with Brazil last Saturday in their opening game – will guarantee progression into the next round with a game to spare.

It will also mean Scotland have a great chance of going through as one of the top two sides in the group.

With the eight best third placed sides, out of 12 groups, also going through, a draw is likely to be enough too. That would leave Scotland sitting on four points.

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A loss would leave Scotland possibly needing a result against five times world champions Brazil in their final group game next Wednesday in Miami to progress, or else face an anxious wait on results from other groups.

Defensive tackle Caleb Banks boasts massive potential, in no small part due to his massive abilities and massive frame. The 6’6″ young fella comes in quite close to 330 pounds, meaning he’s unusually large even for within NFL trenches.

The Vikings’ 1st-Round selection therefore boasts ample potential.

Standing in his way has been a foot injury that he’s still working to fully overcome. Head coach Kevin O’Connell took on the issue when chatting with a media a few days ago, bringing things around to his usual optimism. Coach O’Connell has been quite consistent in the insistence that training camp is the preferred timeline for seeing Banks return to the field. Apparently, that broad outlook remains.

The Vikings’ 1st-Round Selection is Gaining Ground

“We’ve received really, really positive reviews,” O’Connell clarified.

He then offered a few more thoughts: “Had the offseason continued, he probably would’ve started to get some work in some of the individual drills and then progress him into some of the team stuff.” Banks, in other words, has been taking good steps forward. O’Connell said that things are looking so good that seeing OTAs and minicamp continue would have involved Banks getting into the on-field work rather than just focusing on his recovery.

And then there’s the football end of things. Banks appears to be understanding everything at a really nice level, which is never a sure thing for a young lad who is moving into one of the most complicated defenses in the NFL.

“I will say this,” O’Connell said when pivoting off the health update, “the feedback I’m getting from the coaches — Ryan Nielsen, Flo, Pat Hill — has been phenomenal as far as his ability to hear information, retain it, and apply it. There’s a lot of different ways we can be activating Caleb’s brain and the above-the-neck challenge of learning Flo’s intricate system.”

“I’m excited about where he’s at, and that’s not even talking about the big reason to be excited about Caleb is the physical ability and presence of a guy that big, that strong, that fast in the middle of your defense,” O’Connell concluded.

— READ MORE: Kevin O’Connell Did Clarify a Key Detail in Vikings’ QB Battle —
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Kevin O’Connell, as is his wont, is laying down a pile of different thoughts within the update.

For starters, Banks is doing well within his recovery. A foot injury robbed him of most of his 2025 season before another foot injury at the NFL Combine further diminished his shot at getting picked super high. Minnesota’s leadership felt like they got great value at No. 18 since a fully healthy Caleb Banks would have gone in the top ten picks of the 2026 NFL Draft (so they say, at least).

There’s then the word about Banks offering a strong understanding of the scheme. Crushing the classroom component of things is important. Players can play fast when the brain is quiet; conversely, players play slow when there’s too much thinking. Banks would therefore do well to continue showing off his high football aptitude.

But then there’s the intersection of those two things — injury and the mental workload — for the Vikings’ 1st-Round selection: Caleb Banks needs to get on the field before too long. He can do so by being physically healthy and by having a mental understanding of his job.

O’Connell’s answer swerves toward what’s missing at the end. Banks is a hulking, incredibly-imposing person. Soon enough, Banks needs to put his physical gifts to work by getting onto the field so that he can create a ruckus at the line of scrimmage.

The best way he can do so is by A) getting healthy and B) mastering the scheme. Per O’Connell, both are well underway. He can then C) capitalize on his massive ability to be a presence from 2026 onward.

Caleb Banks is 23.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

On an annual basis, the Vikings inspire hope for what the batch of UDFA talent is capable of accomplishing. The 2026 haul is no different, but it’s helpful to shrink things down to the Vikings’ top 3 names to know.

Prior to hiring GM Nolan Teasley, Rob Brzezinski was getting the final call on roster decisions. He continued the longstanding pattern of being aggressive once the 7th Round finished off (PurplePTSD offers the full tally of UDFA deals). Check out a trio of youngsters — one for each offense, defense, and specials — to track in the offseason competition.

The Vikings’ Top 3 UDFA Talents to Know

No. 1 — WR Dillon Bell

Already, Mr. Bell has inspired plenty of optimism.

Spending some time watching him at minicamp clarified why there’s so much buzz. The rookie receiver boasts good size and knows how to cut violently. Athletic trainers are going to need more tape to fix up the broken ankles of the poor defensive backs trying to slow Bell down.

Best case for him in 2026 is a job as the WR4. So, too, does he have a shot to play a large role on special teams. The kickoff returner job is wide open and he’s battling with Myles Price to be the PR1 (but appears unlikely to overcome Price).

Expect lots of highlights of Dillon Bell during the offseason. Lots of potential.

No. 2 — P Brett Thorson

If the only criteria were punting the ball, then Brett Thorson would have a better chance of making the final roster. What’s a touch uncertain, though, is his ability as a holder.

Consider what special teams coordinator Matt Daniels had to say: “I watched over 300 snaps of this guy at practice and there’s no issue with the holding.” More broadly, Daniels did say that Thorson has good hands.

Now, the obvious caveat: practice isn’t a game (cue the Allen Iverson video). Holding becomes much more difficult when there are massive linemen trying to disrupt the play as 65,000 Minnesota fans go berserk in the stands. Can Thorson do well in that environment? What about when the wind is swirling at Soldier Field or when there’s a blizzard at Lambeau?

Thorson offers a booming punt, capable of giving his team healthy field position. He’s operating under a UDFA contract that sees $90,000 guaranteed, per OTC. Not a bad payday for an undrafted punter but not a hindrance for cutting him.

No. 3 — S Jacob Thomas

In April, the Vikings added a young safety named Jakoke Thomas in the 3rd Round. He is 22 and is listed as being 6’1″ and 211 pounds. After the draft concluded, there was then a move to add Jacob Thomas. The 22-year-old safety is listed at 6’1″ and 212 pounds.

So, a touch confusing.

The UDFA safety was listed as the 131st overall safety among 937 who qualified for the PFF ranking last year. He boasted a healthy 77.9 grade for James Madison. Most impressive is his 86.3 pass rush grade.

The safety played 320 snaps in the box, 250 as a free safety, 156 in the slot, 57 along the d-line, and 4 as a wide corner. Consider, as well, that he offered his team a pile of snaps on specials, playing a substantial role on kickoff coverage, punt coverage, punt return, and FG/XP block.

Minnesota gave the young lad $160,000 guaranteed to become a Viking.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

A potentially heavy track at Flemington has prompted Michael Kent Jnr to divert Bustling’s racing comeback to Sydney for Saturday’s engagement.

The former Perth galloper is now third-up in this preparation after an extended period away from the racetrack, which spanned more than 18 months.

Now a four-year-old, Bustling was initially entered for a comparable 1100-metre race at Flemington. However, he will now compete in the Cactus Imaging Handicap (1200m) at Randwick. Currently, the lightly raced gelding is second favourite at $4, trailing Bjorn Baker’s Amazing Eagle, according to leading Aussie betting sites.

“We made the decision after I spoke to (track manager) Liam O’Keefe at Flemington and they are expecting a Heavy 8 and then I spoke to Mike Woods at the ATC and they are expecting a Soft 5 or maybe a touch better at Randwick,” Kent Jnr explained.

“He’s a Perth horse and he wants to get on top of the ground. All our feedback from whether it was Mark Zahra at the trials or Craig Williams last start is that he is better on top of the ground.”

After finishing unplaced in the Group 2 Run To The Rose (1200m) at Rosehill in September 2024, his subsequent start at Caulfield on May 9 was followed by a second-place finish in the Listed Bel Esprit Stakes (1100m) contested on heavy going three weeks later.

Drawing on the success of other horses that have undergone lengthy spell periods, a more substantial Bustling presented a challenge for Kent Jnr and co-trainer Mick Price to prepare the winner of four races from eight starts for his return.

“We’re very happy with the horse and he’s had a perfect preparation,” Kent Jnr stated.

“We were working off two years of fat and he’s a big, impressive sprinting type now and has been making natural improvement in his races.

“He never had any major injury but more so it was frustrating that every time we would bring him in, a different minor wheel would fall off so he had to go back out again. He just got out of shape but he this time has been 100% sound the whole way through.

“I’m looking at horses like Jigsaw and Giga Kick who had similar long layoffs and they’ve come back and performed at a very high level.”

Further afield, the stable has Naifah entered for the Listed Gai Waterhouse Classic (1200m) at Ipswich, following her fifth-place finish in the Listed Helen Coughlan Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm on May 30.

Naifah is currently assessed as a $7 chance in the final race at Ipswich on Saturday, according to popular betting apps Australia. She has drawn barrier 14, which effectively becomes barrier 12 after scratchings.

“It was a pretty decent listed race last time, a strong race,” Kent Jnr commented.

“If you could bet in the run and you could imagine that she gets across into a good spot from that awkward gate, and down with the 53.5 kilos, she’s quite well in.”

Bustling is a strong contender in the Cactus Imaging Handicap at Randwick, and those interested in the race can find competitive sports betting options.

The second round of Group C fixtures at FIFA World Cup 2026 could have a major impact on the race for the Round of 32 tonight. Scotland and Morocco meet in a clash between two sides that impressed in their opening matches, while Brazil will look to kick-start their campaign against a determined Haiti side in Philadelphia. With qualification scenarios beginning to take shape, both fixtures carry significant weight.

Scotland vs Morocco: Group Leaders Face Tournament Dark Horses

Scotland head into their second Group C match full of confidence after ending a 28-year wait for a World Cup victory with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Haiti. Steve Clarke’s side currently sit at the top of the group, but they face a far sterner challenge against a Morocco team that looked one of the most impressive African sides in the opening round.

The Atlas Lions earned a 1-1 draw against Brazil and arguably deserved more after producing a disciplined and energetic performance against the five-time world champions. Having already proved their credentials with a historic semifinal run in 2022, Morocco appear determined to show that success was no one-off achievement.

Scotland will need to withstand Morocco’s fast starts and attacking threat, particularly down the right flank where captain Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz have developed a dangerous partnership. Young midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has also emerged as one of the breakout performers of the tournament, while Ismael Saibari arrives with confidence after scoring against Brazil.

Brazil vs Haiti: Pressure Mounts on Selecao in Philadelphia

Brazil enter their meeting with Haiti knowing that three points are essential after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Morocco in their tournament opener. Carlo Ancelotti’s side remain among the favourites for the title, but their first performance raised questions about their sharpness and creativity.

The clash at Lincoln Financial Field promises an intriguing tactical battle. Both teams enjoyed strong possession numbers in their opening matches and completed over 85 percent of their passes, suggesting midfield control could be decisive.

Brazil generated 12 shots and five efforts on target against Morocco, with Vinicius Junior providing the standout moment. Haiti, despite losing 1-0 to Scotland, produced 15 shots and showed plenty of attacking intent, although only two of those attempts tested the goalkeeper.

Defensively, Brazil will again rely on the experience of Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes, who were heavily involved in build-up play during the opener. Haiti’s backline also impressed on the ball, with Ricardo Adé and Hannes Delcroix helping the Caribbean side maintain possession and launch attacks from deep.

The starting XIs

Scotland will start with five defenders, compared ​to four in their opening Group C win against Haiti, with Nathan Patterson and ​Kieran ‌Tierney being brought into ⁠the side as coach Steve Clarke bolstered his backline.

The Moroccans are unchanged from their opening match, with ​a four-man defence and striker Brahim ​Diaz up front.

Scotland: Angus ​Gunn; Kieran Tierney, Andy Robertson, Grant Hanley, Jack Hendry, ​Nathan Patterson; Scott McTominay, John McGinn, Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson; Che Adams

Morocco: Yassine Bounou; Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Chadi Riad, ⁠Noussair Mazraoui; Ayyoub Bouaddi, Azzedine Ounahi, Ismael Saibari, Bilal ⁠El ​Khannouss, Neil El Aynaoui, Brahim Diaz.

Read moreWorld Cup 2026: All the fixtures

(FRANCE 24 with AFP, Reuters, AP)