He is France’s most successful football manager, and is looking to win a second World Cup with his team for his last year as the French national coach. But who is Didier Deschamps? FRANCE 24’s Aurore Cloé Dupuis went to ask Deschamps’ friends and former coach.

For decades, FIFA rankings have offered a broad guide to international football’s balance of power. They have separated favourites from outsiders and shaped expectations long before a ball is kicked.

Yet, the opening fortnight of the 2026 World Cup has demonstrated that rankings alone no longer tell the full story.

From World Cup debutants Cape Verde taking points off Spain and Uruguay to Egypt and Iran frustrating Belgium, and DR Congo forcing Portugal to settle for a draw, the tournament has produced a growing collection of results that suggests the gap between football’s established powers and emerging nations is shrinking.

The elite sides still possess greater depth, superior infrastructure and richer histories. But increasingly, lower-ranked teams are proving that tactical organisation, collective discipline and self-belief can compensate for disparities in resources.

Heavyweights have struggled to impose themselves

The surprises are beginning to resemble a pattern rather than a collection of isolated upsets.

World No. 2 Spain were held to a goalless draw by 72nd-ranked Cape Verde despite dominating possession and registering 23 shots. The World Cup debutants had only six attempts and one effort on target, but their defensive discipline earned them a memorable point.

It was not an isolated result. Twenty-sixth-ranked Uruguay needed a late equaliser to avoid defeat against 58th-ranked Saudi Arabia and were then held 2-2 by Cape Verde, a side ranked nearly 50 places below them.

Twelfth-ranked Belgium have also found themselves frustrated. After drawing 1-1 with 34th-ranked Egypt, the Red Devils were held to a goalless draw by 20th-ranked Iran despite enjoying 68 per cent possession and producing 22 shots.

Meanwhile, eighth-ranked Portugal were unable to overcome 61st-ranked DR Congo. Despite completing 789 passes and monopolising possession, the Europeans had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Elsewhere, 17th-ranked Japan recovered twice to secure a 2-2 draw against sixth-ranked Netherlands, while 90th-ranked Curaçao denied 24th-ranked Ecuador despite facing 28 shots and conceding 75 per cent possession.

Cape Verde have become the symbol of the shift

No team has captured that transformation better than Cape Verde. Making their World Cup debut, the Blue Sharks arrived in the United States with few expectations. Instead, they have emerged as one of the stories of the tournament.

Against Spain, Bubista’s side defended with remarkable organisation. Although they saw only 26 per cent of possession, they restricted Spain’s 23 shots to eight efforts on target and preserved a memorable draw.

Their meeting with Uruguay demonstrated another dimension. Cape Verde twice came from behind and converted four shots on target into two goals. Uruguay, despite creating 16 attempts and earning 11 corners, could not shake off the Africans.

Rather than merely surviving, Cape Verde have shown they are capable of competing.

That belief, perhaps more than any statistic, explains why they have become one of the tournament’s most compelling stories.

Globalisation has reduced the quality gap

The narrowing divide is not accidental. Football’s talent pool is now spread more evenly across the world than at any previous time.

Players from Africa, Asia and smaller footballing nations are increasingly gaining experience in Europe’s top leagues and academies, exposing them to elite coaching, tactical systems and sports science.

National teams that once relied on one or two exceptional individuals are now fielding squads containing players accustomed to competing at the highest levels.

Data analysis has also transformed preparation. Smaller federations may not possess the resources of football’s superpowers, but advances in video analysis and performance analytics have made detailed tactical planning accessible to a much wider range of nations.

Diaspora players and dual-nationality recruitment have further strengthened many teams, providing depth that would have been unimaginable a generation ago.

The result is a tournament where the differences in technical quality remain significant, but the margins separating teams have become increasingly fine.

Defensive organisation has become football’s great equaliser

Another recurring theme of the tournament has been the effectiveness of compact defensive systems. Possession statistics have repeatedly favoured the traditional powers, but possession itself has often proved meaningless.

Spain’s 74 per cent share of the ball produced no goals against Cape Verde. Belgium’s 68 per cent possession against Iran yielded 22 shots but no breakthrough. Portugal enjoyed three-quarters of possession against DR Congo yet managed only one more attempt than their opponents.

Many lower-ranked nations have embraced a pragmatic approach, prioritising shape and discipline over possession. By denying space between the lines and forcing opponents into wide areas, they have compelled technically superior teams into speculative efforts.

Counter-attacks and set-pieces have become valuable weapons, allowing underdogs to remain dangerous without dominating the ball.

The football may not always be expansive, but it has proved remarkably effective.

Expanded format has increased competitiveness

Before the tournament, critics feared that the expanded 48-team World Cup would dilute quality and create more one-sided contests.

The opposite has happened. The additional places have provided emerging football nations with opportunities that previously did not exist.

Teams such as Cape Verde and DR Congo have used that platform to demonstrate how far they have progressed, while Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Japan and Curaçao have all shown they belong on the biggest stage.

The larger field has broadened football’s geographical reach without reducing competitiveness.

The established powers will still expect their greater depth and experience to become decisive once the knockout rounds begin.

But the first fortnight of the FIFA World Cup 2026 has delivered a clear message: Rankings and reputations are becoming increasingly unreliable measures of strength.

The giants remain powerful, but the outsiders are no longer arriving simply to participate. They are arriving to compete and, increasingly, to disrupt.

Which is tougher: battling your swing or your reputation?

Wyndham Clark served as an interesting case study on Sunday afternoon at Shinnecock Hills.

“Get in the bunker!” one spectator bellowed in a Long Island accent as Clark’s first tee shot took flight in the final round of the U.S. Open. The ball found the fairway, but never mind that. Nine months and 60 miles removed from the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, New York partisanship was back on proud display.

And it wasn’t just the locals getting in on the action.

“Canada hates you,” another voice chimed in. When even our nice neighbors to the north have turned against you, you know you’re in dire need of damage control.

In fairness to Clark, that’s just what he’d been doing. All week long on the windswept East End, the notoriously hot-tempered 2023 U.S. Open champion had been sounding the same contrite refrain: He was sorry, okay? Could people please forgive him? That locker-wrecking tantrum at Oakmont last year was carried out by him in body, not in spirit. It wasn’t, he insisted, who he really is.

Whether that was true hardly seemed to matter. If there’s one thing fans like better than worshipping a hero, it’s hating on a villain. And with Scottie Scheffler—the beloved birthday boy, vying to complete the career Grand Slam — playing alongside Clark in the final pairing, the galleries had both.

Luckily for Clark, the crowds weren’t especially large or loud, not by major-championship standards. But they made themselves heard, yelling for his ball to “bite” when it needed to roll and for it to “get legs” when it needed to stop.

It got bad enough that several of the harshest hecklers were escorted from the grounds.

As if public sentiment weren’t enough, Clark’s ball-striking also turned against him. He hit just three greens in regulation on the front nine, and as he scrambled toward the clubhouse, his lead over Sam Burns shrank to a single shot.

But where his long game faltered, his short game held firm, most crucially on the par-5 16th, where, after another drive into the fescue, he salvaged birdie with a slippery putt from off the green.

The response was notable: a smattering of cheers amid the boos and barbs.

Then came the 18th.

One final test. One final par save from off the fairway in front of fans who’d spent the week pulling for almost anyone else.

“New York didn’t really like me,” Clark said during the trophy ceremony. “But I love you guys. I get it.”

More golf claps. Progress, maybe, on the PR front.

Clark had won the competition that really mattered. The fight for hearts and minds will go on.

The race for the knockout stage intensifies at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as four crucial group-stage matches take centre stage on June 23. Former champions France are aiming to seal their place in the Round of 32, while Norway can also book qualification with another victory. Elsewhere, Jordan and Algeria face a must-win battle to keep their hopes alive after opening-round defeats. 

The spotlight, however, will firmly be on Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal, who are under pressure to deliver after a disappointing draw in their opener. With qualification, survival and pride all on the line, fans can expect a dramatic day of World Cup action.

France vs iraq

France are on the verge of securing a place in the Round of 32 as they prepare to face Iraq in their second Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Didier Deschamps’ side recovered from a slow start against Senegal to claim a 3-1 victory, powered by a Kylian Mbappe brace and an impressive cameo from substitute Bradley Barcola. 

France are expected to make only minor changes to the lineup. Iraq, meanwhile, are under pressure after suffering a 4-1 defeat to Norway in their opener. Playing in their first World Cup since 1986, they need a positive result to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Norway vs Senegal

Norway can secure a place in the Round of 32 when they face Senegal in their second Group I match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Stale Solbakken’s side opened their campaign with a dominant 4-1 victory over Iraq, inspired by a brace from Erling Haaland, and currently sit top of the group on goal difference. 

Jordan vs Algeria

Jordan and Algeria face a crucial Group J encounter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with both teams desperate to avoid a second straight defeat. Jordan were beaten 3-1 by Austria in their tournament debut, while Algeria suffered a heavy 3-0 loss to Argentina, leaving both sides without a point after the opening round. 

Victory would keep knockout qualification hopes alive, while defeat could leave them on the brink of elimination. The two nations have met only three times previously, with one win each and one draw. Their last meeting came in 2004, making this their first-ever World Cup clash.

The Main Event: Ronaldo and Portugal feature tonight

Portugal will be under pressure to secure their first win of the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they face tournament debutants Uzbekistan in Houston on Tuesday. Roberto Martinez’s side were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their Group K opener despite taking an early lead through Joao Neves. 

The result has intensified scrutiny on captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who struggled to influence the match and failed to register a shot on target. With Colombia currently leading the group, Portugal know another slip-up could complicate their route to the knockout stage.

Uzbekistan, meanwhile, are fighting to keep their World Cup dream alive after a 3-1 defeat to Colombia in their first-ever match at the tournament. Although they found the net through Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Fabio Cannavaro’s side spent long periods on the back foot and managed just a single touch inside the opposition penalty area during the first half. Portugal remain clear favourites, but Uzbekistan will hope to produce a historic result and avoid elimination with a game still to play.

FIFA World Cup 2026: June 23 matches live streaming and telecast detail

Which two teams will feature in the first game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 23?

France will take on Iraq in the first match of the day from 2:30 am IST.

Which two teams will feature in the third game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 23?

Norway and Senegal will square off in the 2nd game of the day at 5:30 am IST.

Which two teams will feature in the fourth game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 23?

Jordan and Algeria will face each other in the third match of the day at 8:30 am IST.

Which two teams will feature in the fourth game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 23?

Portugal and Uzbekistan will end the proceedings on June 23 action of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at 10:30 pm IST.

Where to watch the live broadcast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 June 23 matches in India?

The broadcast of the June 23 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels for fans in India.

Where to watch the live streaming of the FIFA World Cup 2026 June 22 matches in India?

The live streaming of the June 23 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on the Zee5 app and website for viewers in India.

The independent Cricket Regulator has taken no action against Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson over the nightclub incident which led to them missing last week’s Test against New Zealand, finding “insufficient evidence” against the pair.

The ruling, which effectively clears the England captain and his team-mate, comes after the duo were recalled for Thursday’s Rothesay Series decider against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

A parallel investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board also absolved Stokes and Atkinson of any wrongdoing in an altercation involving Saracens rugby union player Totoa Auvaa, though they were issued with written conduct warnings for contravening “specific contractual obligations”.

The regulator, which does not cover team protocols in its remit, said in a statement: “The Cricket Regulator’s role is to determine whether any participant or player has breached any applicable ECB Cricket Regulations. The investigation followed multiple lines of enquiry to gather and assess evidence in relation to the events in question.

“Having carefully reviewed all currently available information, the Cricket Regulator has determined that there is insufficient evidence to establish that any regulatory breach occurred. Accordingly, no further action will be taken against either player.

“The Cricket Regulator would like to thank all those involved for their cooperation throughout the investigation.”

Serena Williams of the U.S. returns the ball as she and Czech Republic’s Karolina Muchova play during their round of 16 doubles match against New Zealand’s Erin Routliffe and Mexico’s Giuliana Olmo during the WTA 500 Berlin Open tennis tournament at Steffi Graf Stadium, in Berlin, Germany, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

It’s been talked about ever since Serena Williams announced nearly three weeks ago that she was returning to professional tennis after almost four years away from the sport.

Still, seeing the single-sentence announcement from The All England Club that the 23-time Grand Slam champion will play singles at Wimbledon was stunning nonetheless.

“Serena Williams (USA) receives the final ladies’ singles wild card,” read the key line in Sunday’s announcement, which was issued eight days before the grass-court Grand Slam begins.

READ: Serena Williams defeated in Berlin Open ahead of Wimbledon return

This is not a drill.@serenawilliams will compete in the 2026 ladies’ singles at #Wimbledon as a wild card. pic.twitter.com/1vHnDEQ4xm

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 21, 2026

At age 44, Williams will actually play both singles and doubles at Wimbledon after already accepting a wild card for the doubles competition with older sister Venus.

“This is not a drill,” Wimbledon said on its social media accounts Sunday.

Commented the WTA Tour, “Name a more iconic return…we’ll wait.”

Wimbledon held open the eighth and final women’s singles wild card spot until Williams made up her mind. As recently as earlier this week after losing a doubles match in Berlin, she appeared to be waffling over the decision.

“Oh my gosh, there are some left?” she replied when she was told there was still a wild card spot open. Wild cards are special invitations handed out by tournament organizers, which allow former champions and others access to the main draw without the necessary entry qualifications. But then she mused about her readiness for it.

READ: Serena Williams makes winning comeback at Queen’s Club

“Do you think I’m ready for singles?” she asked a reporter and then turned to doubles partner Karolina Muchova to ask what she thought.

“I think I would be interested in it,” the Czech player responded.

“That’s the question of the hour, right?” Williams said. “I don’t know. I don’t know. I wonder why there’s — I don’t know.”

Well, now that Williams has made up her mind, the big remaining question is how she can physically handle singles play after so long.

Serena’s most recent singles match was a loss to Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round of the 2022 U.S. Open. At the time, she said she didn’t want to use the word “retiring” and instead declared that she was “evolving” away from tennis. Her second daughter was born in 2023.

“Just finished a mean game of duck duck goose,” Williams said on X after the wild card announcement.

READ: Serena Williams returning to tennis at 44

Of Williams’ 23 Grand Slam titles in singles, seven have come at Wimbledon: in 2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015 and 2016. She’s also won 14 Grand Slams in doubles, all with Venus, and six of them at Wimbledon.

Serena also swept the singles and doubles (with Venus) titles at the 2012 London Olympics, when the tennis competition was held on the hallowed grass of the All England Club.

At her last Wimbledon appearance in 2022, Serena was beaten in the opening round by 115th-ranked Harmony Tan in her first match since having to stop less than a set into her opening contest at the All England Club because of an injury the year before.

Serena won a doubles match with partner Victoria Mboko at Queen’s Club last week but then the pair had to withdraw after Mboko injured her knee in a singles match.

In another doubles match at the Berlin Open on Tuesday, Serena and Muchova were beaten by Giuliana Olmos and Erin Routliffe.

As of Sunday, Serena had not entered the singles draws of any grass-court tuneup tournaments before Wimbledon.

She will learn who her first-round opponent is on Friday when the singles draws for Wimbledon are held.

While she’s No. 593 in the doubles rankings courtesy of her victory last week, Serena has no singles ranking after being away for so long.

Iga Swiatek is the defending Wimbledon champion, while Aryna Sabalenka is ranked No. 1.

Because Serena has no ranking, she could potentially face Swiatek, Sabalenka, or any other top-ranked player in the opening rounds.

David Benavidez has ruled out one fight in particular, despite Turki Alalshikh attempting to persuade him with a major opportunity.

The 29-year-old entered his first outing at 200lbs last month, becoming a three-weight world champion by dethroning Gilberto Ramirez for the WBO and WBA titles.

But while his emphatic sixth-round finish would suggest he is a natural cruiserweight, Benavidez clearly feels as though he could benefit from more experience at the weight.

As such, it is hardly surprising that he successfully lobbied the WBC to install him as the mandatory challenger at 200lbs, hoping to secure a three-belt unification match with fellow champion Noel Mikaelian.

The pair are now reportedly in deep negotiations to collide later this year, potentially leaving Zuffa champion Jai Opetaia without an opponent for his next outing.

Whatever the case, though, it certainly appears that Benavidez is eager to remain at cruiserweight, rather than challenge unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Despite coming off a sub-par performance against Rico Verhoeven, who he stopped in round 11 last month, Usyk is still widely considered the top dog of his division.

Reluctant to take a gamble against the Ukrainian, Benavidez has told Luis Parra that not even powerbroker Alalshikh can convince him otherwise.

“[Alalshikh] didn’t talk to me directly, [but] he was talking to the people around me and said he wanted to make that fight. But honestly, I have a lot of respect for Usyk, and I’m not ready for that right now.

“If he came down to cruiserweight then yeah, we could fight at cruiserweight. But I’m not moving up.”

Having been ordered to defend his WBC title against ‘interim’ champion Agit Kabayel, Usyk must now decide whether to pursue their mandated fight or vacate the belt.

Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker will wear the number 15 beginning next NBA season.–Photo from Phoenix Suns’ X account

PHOENIX — Phoenix Suns’ five-time All-Star guard Devin Booker has changed his jersey number to No. 15 from No. 1 in honor of his dad Melvin Booker, who played professionally in the NBA and overseas.

The Suns released a video of Melvin and Devin Booker talking about the change on Sunday, which is Father’s Day.

READ: NBA: Devin Booker becomes Phoenix Suns’ all-time leading scorer

“I’ve been chasing 15 my whole career,” Booker said. “It’s always been a family number. Obviously (my dad) wore it and I looked at (him) as the blueprint for success.”

Booker has worn the No. 1 for his entire NBA career, but previously wore No. 15 while playing for the United States and winning two gold medals at the 2020 and 2024 Olympics. He’s the Suns’ all-time leading scorer with 19,520 points in the regular season and playoffs over 11 NBA seasons.

Melvin Booker was a star guard in college at Missouri, where he was an All-America selection and Big Eight Player of the Year in 1994.

Spain became the first team in Group H to take control of its World Cup destiny after a commanding 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia. The result has significantly altered the qualification picture, leaving Spain on four points and placing pressure on the remaining three nations ahead of the final round of fixtures.

With Uruguay playing out a draw vs Cape Verde later in the matchday, every point now carries huge significance in the race for the Round of 32.

Group H Standings

Spain: One Foot in the Knockout Stage

Spain’s emphatic win has placed Luis de la Fuente’s side in a commanding position. La Roja now lead the group with four points and a superior goal difference of +4.

What Spain Need 

• 
  A win against Uruguay guarantees first place in Group H.
• 
  A draw against Uruguay will almost certainly secure qualification.
• 
  Even a defeat may still be enough depending on the Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia result.

The result moves Marcelo Bielsa’s side to two points from two matches, leaving their qualification hopes in their own hands heading into a decisive final group-stage clash against Spain.

A victory over Spain would almost certainly secure qualification and could even open the door to a first-place finish depending on other results. A draw would keep Uruguay in the race but may leave them relying on goal difference or other outcomes elsewhere in the group.

Defeat against Spain, however, would leave Uruguay facing a difficult wait and could bring their World Cup campaign to an early end. With everything still to play for, the final round of Group H fixtures promises to be decisive for La Celeste.

With qualification still within reach, Cape Verde head into the final matchday knowing that a historic knockout-stage appearance remains a realistic possibility.

Saudi Arabia: Facing an Uphill Battle

Saudi Arabia’s heavy defeat to Spain has left them bottom of the group on goal difference.

What Saudi Arabia Need 

• 
  They must avoid defeat against Cape Verde in the final game.
• 
  A win would take them to four points and keep qualification hopes alive.
• 
  A draw may leave them dependent on goal difference and results elsewhere.
• 
  A loss would eliminate them.

The -4 goal difference could become a major obstacle in any tie-breaking situation. 

Qualification Outlook

Spain are overwhelming favourites to progress after their dominant victory. The battle for the second automatic qualification spot appears set to be decided between Uruguay and Cape Verde, while Saudi Arabia now need a strong response in their final fixture to stay alive.

With one round of matches remaining after Uruguay vs Cape Verde, Group H remains open, but Spain have placed themselves firmly in control of the race to the knockout stages.

MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli (PTI Photo)

As the tennis world gears up for another edition of Wimbledon, India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson drew interesting parallels between some of cricket’s biggest icons and modern tennis stars, while also reflecting on India’s recent World Cup successes and the challenge posed by Australia.Speaking ahead of the grass-court major, Samson was asked which cricketer best resembled tennis legend Roger Federer. The Kerala batter immediately pointed to former India captain MS Dhoni, citing the effortless elegance and composure that defined both sporting greats.“The Roger Federer of cricket? It has to be MS Dhoni. He is very calm and composed in the way he goes about his business. When he performs, it looks effortless yet very powerful,” Samson told JioStar.Samson also saw similarities between Virat Kohli and Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz, highlighting the aggressive and dynamic nature of their games.“Carlos Alcaraz, on the other hand, is very explosive, much like how Virat bhai started. Maybe Virat Kohli can be compared to Alcaraz. He is very aggressive and full of power and explosiveness.”The India batter also looked back on a landmark period for Indian cricket when the women’s team lifted its maiden ODI World Cup before the men’s side followed up with a T20 World Cup triumph on home soil just months later.“We were all watching the final. My family members and everyone else were glued to the TV. It was a special moment for all of us in the country. We had been waiting for it for a long time,” Samson, who was named the Player of the Tournament, said.“We knew we were capable of winning the World Cup, yet while we were so close, we were very far. I was very happy for all the players in the team. There was so much hard work behind it and so many great stories within the squad itself. It was a proud moment for all of us.“I think the standards were set very high for us. They won the World Cup and put us on a stage where we felt that we could do the same in India. It was a great moment that both World Cups happened in India and that we won them. So, yes, that victory definitely played a part.”With the Indian women’s team currently competing in the T20 World Cup in England and preparing to take on six-time champions Australia, Samson acknowledged the legacy of the Australian side while noting how India’s stature has changed over the years.“A lot of respect goes to the Australian team. I think the reason we hold them in such high regard is that they were the most dominant cricketing nation when we were growing up.“Every World Cup seemed to be won by Australia. But now, I think the roles have reversed. We are the champions, and we play and compete with the same attitude. So, yes, there is a lot of respect for them as an opponent.”Former India tennis player Rohan Bopanna also weighed in on Wimbledon, naming defending champion Jannik Sinner as his pick for the men’s singles crown and Elena Rybakina as his favourite for the women’s title.“It’s such a tough question; the field is so open. But I have to go with defending champion Jannik Sinner for the men’s tournament. Among women, I would pick Elena Rybakina,” he said.Bopanna also spoke about the special place Wimbledon holds in his career and memories.“Wimbledon is a magical dream because I grew up watching only that. Back home, we only used to watch Wimbledon. In fact, television only broadcast Wimbledon.“So, for me to go there and not only be present but also play on those courts was absolutely amazing. I also played in an era when the three greatest tennis players of our generation, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, were competing.“Sharing locker rooms with them and simply being there was better than a dream, actually.”