The English national team is still a few days away from their World Cup opener, but it has already been an eventful tournament for them after some of their equipment was stolen while en route to the team’s training base in Kansas City.

The Three Lions start their tournament slate on Wednesday in Arlington, Texas, against Croatia, but their base of operations for the tournament will be Kansas City’s Swope Soccer Village.

According to the BBC, the plan was to move equipment into place before the team arrived on Saturday; however, some of the vehicles moving that equipment were broken into. The theft is believed to have happened at some point on its journey from Florida to Kansas City.

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England’s Noni Madueke and Harry Kane train on Saturday at Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City. (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA / AFP via Getty Images)

Police responded to the theft on Friday night, and while footwear was among the items stolen, none of the missing equipment was considered essential for the team to play.

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“We are investigating a possible theft of equipment from a team vehicle that arrived in Kansas City with items missing this evening,” a Kansas City Police spokesman said. “The investigation is ongoing.”

Well, the investigation panned out, because the equipment was eventually recovered and two arrests have been made in connection with the incident.

The English national team poses for a photo before their final match before the World Cup on June 10 at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, FL. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

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England follows up their match against Croatia in Arlington with a match in Boston against Ghana on June 23. They will then finish up their group stage slate with a match against Panama in New Jersey.

The team is expected to make it out of the group stage and possibly even win the group.

Brazil and Morocco shared the points in a thrilling 1-1 draw in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Ismael Saibari and Vinicius Junior scoring the goals at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. While the result leaves both teams well placed in the group, the match produced several major talking points.

Brahim Diaz Shows Why He Can Be Morocco’s World Cup Hero

Before the tournament, many wondered whether this could be the World Cup of redemption for Brahim Diaz following his painful Panenka penalty miss at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Morocco playmaker answered those questions with a moment of pure quality. His perfectly weighted through ball split the Brazil defence and sent Ismael Saibari clear on goal for the opening strike.

It was a pass that combined vision, precision and confidence against one of the strongest teams in world football. If Morocco go deep into the tournament, this assist could be remembered as one of the defining moments of their campaign and an early contender for assist of the tournament.

Morocco Make History While Brazil Continue a Troubling Trend

The opening goal was significant for more than just the scoreline.

Morocco became the first Moroccan team to score against a South American nation at a FIFA World Cup. Their previous meetings ended in 3-0 defeats to Peru in 1970 and Brazil in 1998.

The goal also highlighted a growing concern for Brazil. The five-time world champions have now failed to win any of their last four World Cup matches after conceding the first goal. The last time Brazil came from behind to win a World Cup match was their 3-1 victory over Croatia in June 2014.

Despite their wealth of attacking talent, Brazil once again struggled to turn possession into a winning performance after falling behind.

Vinicius Junior Delivers a Moment of World-Class Quality

When Brazil needed inspiration, Vinicius Junior stepped forward.

For much of the opening half-hour, the Real Madrid star was largely kept quiet by Morocco’s disciplined defence. However, world-class players often need only one moment to change a game.

Receiving a pass from Bruno Guimaraes on the left side of the penalty area, Vinicius cut inside onto his right foot before unleashing a stunning strike into the roof of the net.

It was a finish of the highest quality and a reminder of why he is regarded as one of the biggest stars at this World Cup. The goal not only rescued a point for Brazil but also announced that Vinicius is ready to play a leading role in his country’s quest for a sixth world title.

While the match ended level, both teams left the stadium with positives. Morocco proved once again that they can compete with the world’s best, while Brazil were reminded that individual brilliance can still make the difference when the pressure is at its highest.

With Brazil floundering during an alarming first half of their World Cup 2026 opener against a slick and bold Morocco, Carlo Ancelotti desperately looked around for a saviour. Enter Vinicius Jr and a piece of exquisite skill to delight a sea of yellow inside this New York bowl and ignite a flawed Selecao in their pursuit of a sixth star.

Their wooden midfield, with Casemiro’s redemption at Manchester United obscured upon sporting that famous canary, and imposters at full-back enough to make Cafu and Roberto Carlos shudder, Vinicius Jr’s mercurial talent shone a light on why the heart of this tournament’s greatest team still beats.

A laser from the left side of the penalty area that pierced the top right corner of Bono’s net led to an eruption of joy and relief in equal doses. Bruno Guimaraes, also uncomfortable around the snapping Moroccan midfielders, placed an imperfect pass into space. Vinicius Jr reset, gathered and then sent a shiver down the spine of Neil El Aynaoui. Unable to stop the inevitable dance inside, Vinicius Jr brought parity, but also underlined Ancelotti’s ongoing struggle to find balance.

This entire mission under Ancelotti, a first foreign manager of this proud nation, is the “rumo ao hexa,” or chasing the sixth, with parallels between this year’s quest and the triumph in 1994. And not merely due to the USA hosting both tournaments. With a 24-year drought between the legendary 1970 side and the overspill of emotion from those penalties in Pasadena, it has now also been 24 years since Ronaldo guided a side that gifted the world “joga bonito”.

That particular philosophy has long since disappeared; no longer the fabulous entertainers of the past, irresistible at their best and able to overwhelm opponents. That is why echoes of 1994 resonate. There, a Brazil side also flawed, but leaning on the ruthless Romario and Bebeto, covered up the cracks just enough, and grew into a tournament. Here, across 104 total matches and 48 teams there will be an opportunity to do just that.

The wildcard to this Selecao might still be Neymar Jr: a nation of 220 million coaches, Romario once said, that particular decision might be scrutinised a little more if Brazil fail to fire this summer.

Ancelotti is known to resist coveting a “clear identity,” and his Brazil made that apparent against the African champions, for now, with Senegal determined to reverse that status through Cas.

Ancelotti has talent, but confessed that “without talent you cannot win but balance is also very important,” and that remains the unanswered question here, with the ambitious approach from former Under-20s boss Mohamed Ouahbi offering an immediate fright to his opponents.

Brazil’s aforementioned glaring weakness at full-back saw Roger Ibanez exposed early and often. A stern examination from Bilal El Khannouss led to the crowd wincing at every twist and turn. And the rampaging Noussair Mazraoui overlapped nicely to leave the Al-Ahli defender sprawling.

The cut-back bobbled across to El Aynaoui and the finish lacked conviction in an early reprieve for the Selecao.

Then Azzedine Ounahi shifted the ball and angle on the edge of the penalty area; Casemiro and Lucas Paqueta’s desperate, chopping challenges exemplified how uncomfortable Brazil looked.

But Vinicius Jr’s sparkle offered a threat, regardless, with Achraf Hakimi beaten for pace. Igor Thiago failed to capitalise on the chance supplied by the winger or the moment, after being handed the starting centre forward jersey at a World Cup for the five-time winners.

A rare moment of danger from Brazil was soon erased by Morocco, who exposed the Selecao’s hapless shape. Brahim Diaz floated the ball in behind from deep, allowing Ismael Saibari to race past Gabriel Magalhaes and delicately lift the ball over Alisson Becker.

El Khannouss then opened up Brazil again, but Hakimi failed to capitalise after driving into space in yet another dangerous counter-attack. A trend that could hand Ancelotti some restless nights before future tests against Haiti and Scotland.

Hakimi boldly declared Morocco were “The Brazilians of Africa” ahead of the tournament and it was easy to see why, with Diaz’s little flick opening up the Selecao once more, but Saibari failed to connect cleanly and handed his side a hard truth at this level.

Morocco’s profligacy was punished with the ultimate cheat code: Vinicius Jr. His crisp finish brought an undeserved equaliser.

The second half failed to live up to the breathless pace of the first. Morocco wilted to show why Brazil will remain dangerous as this tournament unfolds.

The No 7’s pace could emerge as one of the fiercest weapons at this tournament, too, particularly in conditions like those in New Jersey, as temperatures reached 30C. One particular counter-attack saw a dragged finish from Raphinha stand between lift-off for a partnership that could match that of Romario and Bebeto on the biggest stage.

Danilo Santos dragged a finish in the closing stages and El Aynaoui’s bending drive was spilt by Alisson with Ayoube Amaimouni’s rebound smothered in a late scare. Those efforts were the first shots on goal for the Africans between the 31st and 99th minute. The points shared, but the pursuit of balance will define this Brazil and right now it has deserted them.

The 2026 World Cup continues over the weekend with a Group D matchup between Turkiye and Australia. It’s a 9 p.m. local time start in Vancouver on Saturday, so it will officially be an early Sunday morning kick in Eastern Time. Turkiye have a powerful offensive squad that is expected to push host USA in the group, while Australia will look for another strong World Cup showing after advancing to the Round of 16 in Qatar in 2022.

The latest Turkiye vs. Australia odds from FanDuel Sportsbook list Turkiye at -145 (risk $145 to win $100) on the 90-minute money line, with Australia at +430 and a draw at +270. The over/under for total goals is 2.5. Before making any Australia vs. Turkiye picks, check out the predictions from SportsLine’s Jon Eimer.

Eimer is a high-volume bettor who has vast knowledge of leagues and players across the globe. Since joining SportsLine, he has covered the English Premier League, Champions League, Serie A, the FA Cup, and much more. He’s been red-hot on his soccer betting picks in 2026, posting a 31-13-2 record and returning over $1,200 of profit on his Champions League picks. Anyone wanting to follow his World Cup betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could see big returns.

Now, Eimer has studied Turkiye vs. Australia and just revealed his 2026 World Cup picks and betting predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see his picks. Here are several World Cup odds and soccer betting lines for Australia vs. Turkiye:

Top Turkiye vs. Australia predictions

After examining Australia vs. Turkiye from every angle, Eimer is leaning Over 2.5 total goals. The Turkish side have some high-end European talent, including Real Madrid’s Arda Guler and Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz. Eimer envisions Turkiye being one of the more aggressive offensive teams in the field, and believes they are not a team that will slow down often — potentially leading to opportunties on both end of the pitch

“Frankly I think Turkiye will score early in this match, forcing Australia to play a higher press to fight back, leading to more goals. Australia won’t go down without a fight, and we should have an exciting fixture on our hands. See Eimer’s best bets for Turkiye vs. Australia at SportsLine, and you can bet the Over in Australia vs. Turkiye at FanDuel here:

How to make Australia vs. Turkiye picks

After studying this matchup from every angle, Eimer has found some critical x-factors and locked in three best bets that you absolutely need to see. You can head to SportsLine to see them.

So what are the best bets for Australia vs. Turkiye? Visit SportsLine now to see the best bets for Turkiye vs. Australia, all from expert on an 31-13 roll on UCL picks, and find out.

Former heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman, who most notably defeated Lennox Lewis in 2001, has given a damning verdict on Tyson Fury’s future in the sport.

‘The Rock’ scored a stunning fourth-round finish over Lewis for the WBC and IBF titles, only to lose their immediate rematch via an eighth-round stoppage.

At the age of 53, Rahman is now gearing up for a comeback fight on July 14, though an opponent is yet to be announced for his six-rounder at New York’s ESL Ballpark.

His last professional outing saw him lose to little-known opponent Anthony Nansen in 2014, yet Rahman seemingly believes he is capable of surpassing George Foreman by becoming the oldest heavyweight champion in history.

Whether he can do so, it remains to be seen, but the American clearly feels he stands a greater chance at claiming a piece of silverware than the 37-year-old Fury.

In fact, Rahman has gone as far as to suggest that ‘The Gypsy King’ had his career beaten out of him by Deontay Wilder, who he also believes is significantly over the hill.

Speaking with B4 Champ, Rahman suspects it was their trilogy showdown, in particular, that caused both heavyweights to suffer considerable wear and tear.

“I just think Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury beat [their] careers out of each other – they left their careers in that trilogy. It’s over for both of them.

“You’re never going to see that prime Tyson Fury [again]. It’s over. [He’s] done.”

Fury won his third encounter with Wilder via an 11th-round knockout, but was made to overcome two knockdowns and several spells of adversity when they collided in October 2021.

Based on his performance against Arslanbek Makhmudov, who he unanimously outpointed in April, Rahman believes this Wilder fight was where Fury’s career might as well have ended.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Gautam Gambhir (Agency Image)

Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz credited India head coach Gautam Gambhir for helping him refine his batting approach after producing a stunning century against the hosts in the opening ODI at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Saturday.Gurbaz was the standout performer in Afghanistan’s innings, blasting 102 off just 51 deliveries. His explosive knock featured eight fours and eight sixes and marked his ninth ODI century. However, despite his heroics, Afghanistan were bowled out for 194 in 24.5 overs as no other batter managed to make a significant contribution.Speaking after the innings, Gurbaz revealed that a conversation with Gambhir following Afghanistan’s heavy 300-run defeat in the one-off Test at Mullanpur had played a key role in his preparation.“After the Test match, I had a very good conversation with Gautam Gambhir sir (and) that discussion really helped me,” Gurbaz told the broadcaster.The Afghanistan opener explained that he had specifically approached the India coach to seek advice on improving his batting decisions.“I worked on those ideas in the nets, and I’m very grateful for the guidance. When the Test match ended, I told him that I wanted to improve my shot selection,” he said.According to Gurbaz, the suggestions from Gambhir were straightforward but effective, and he was able to put them into practice during his match-winning innings.“He shared some positive ideas and I was able to apply them today. I just tried to play positively and it worked for me,” the right-handed batter added.While Gurbaz dominated the Indian attack, Afghanistan struggled to build partnerships around him. India’s debutants, Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey, made an immediate impact, sharing six wickets between them. Brar returned figures of 3/27, while Dubey claimed 3/47 to help bowl Afghanistan out inside 25 overs.Reflecting on his approach, Gurbaz said the shortened format encouraged positive intent, but insisted he remained focused on playing his natural game.“The approach was very simple and easy, just to play positive cricket. We knew it was a 25-over game, but I know my game as well. I just backed myself and played for the team,” he said.The 24-year-old added that representing Afghanistan remains his biggest source of motivation and described the century as a reward for the effort he has invested behind the scenes.“It was nice to contribute. It’s always nice to do something for your country and make everyone proud. I trust my training and preparation. I work hard, and this innings is the result of that hard work.“Scoring a hundred against India in India is special, but as I mentioned, it’s the reward for the effort I’ve put in.”

Shemaine Campbelle finishes unbeaten on 90 as West Indies chase down 163 to beat defending champions New Zealand by seven wickets in Southampton in their opening match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

READ MORE: West Indies beat holders New Zealand in thriller

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The United States could hardly have asked for a better start to its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. In front of a packed home crowd, following a star-studded opening ceremony and months of growing anticipation, the USMNT dismantled Paraguay 4-1 in Los Angeles. Yet beyond the scoreline, the performance offered something even more significant: evidence that Mauricio Pochettino’s project is beginning to take shape.

For much of the past two decades, the United States has been viewed as a team capable of reaching knockout rounds but rarely one expected to challenge football’s traditional powers. Under Pochettino, that perception may finally be changing.

A Team Playing With Purpose

The result itself was impressive, but the manner of victory stood out even more. The United States overwhelmed Paraguay during a breathtaking first half, scoring three times while dominating possession and pressing relentlessly. Their intensity, movement and attacking confidence reflected a side that knew exactly what it wanted to do.

Under previous managers, the USMNT often relied on athleticism and organisation. Under Pochettino, there appears to be a clearer footballing identity.

The Argentine has introduced a more aggressive style built around high pressing, quick transitions and proactive possession. Against Paraguay, the visitors struggled to cope with the speed and energy of the American attack.

“The players have embraced the challenge of playing on the front foot,” Pochettino said after the match. “We want to be brave, we want to attack, and we want to compete with the best teams in the world.”

Building Belief Ahead of a Home World Cup

When Mauricio Pochettino arrived as USMNT head coach in September 2024, he inherited a team that had already undergone a significant tactical evolution under Gregg Berhalter. The former manager had moved the United States away from the more reactive style seen during Jurgen Klinsmann’s tenure and established a possession-oriented approach built around positional play, structured pressing and ball control.

Under Berhalter, the team increased its average possession figures considerably while also becoming more defensively secure. His tactical adjustments, including the use of a fluid 3-4-3 shape in possession, helped create numerical advantages across the pitch and reduced the number of goals conceded.

Rather than dismantling that foundation, Pochettino chose to refine it. The Argentine introduced greater verticality, intensity and attacking freedom while retaining many of the positional principles that had already been established within the squad.

His philosophy is centred around aggressive movement, tactical flexibility and constant adaptation depending on the phase of play. Early reports suggested the transition was demanding, with players required to combine high physical output with sophisticated positional rotations. Over time, however, the squad has become increasingly comfortable within the system.

Defensively, the United States typically operates in either a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 structure. The team generally adopts a mid-block, allowing it to remain compact without retreating too deep or pressing excessively high. This setup focuses on protecting central areas and forcing opponents toward the flanks, where pressing triggers can be activated more effectively.

In possession, the shape often transforms into a 3-2-5 system. This structure allows the United States to create overloads in advanced areas, stretch opposition defences and sustain pressure in the attacking third.

What makes Pochettino’s version particularly effective is its reliance on player profiles. The system is carefully designed to maximise the individual strengths of key personnel, enabling the team to combine tactical organisation with attacking freedom.

That confidence was visible throughout the opening match. Despite the pressure of playing in front of a home crowd and carrying the expectations of a host nation, the United States looked composed and fearless.

“This tournament is about believing in ourselves,” Pochettino said. “If you don’t believe you can compete with the biggest teams, you have already lost before stepping onto the pitch.”

The victory has also injected fresh excitement into a fanbase that had shown mixed levels of enthusiasm before the tournament began. A convincing opening win not only earned three points but also gave supporters a reason to dream.

A Golden Generation Taking Shape

Pochettino has inherited arguably the most talented player pool in American football history. Several key players now compete regularly in Europe’s top leagues, bringing valuable experience from elite environments.

Against Paraguay, that quality was evident. Christian Pulisic orchestrated attacks before being withdrawn as a precaution, while Folarin Balogun delivered a clinical display in front of goal. Gio Reyna added the finishing touch with a spectacular late strike that underlined the attacking depth available to the squad. The challenge for Pochettino has been turning individual talent into a cohesive unit. Against Paraguay, the signs were encouraging.

Why This Performance Matters?

One result does not make a World Cup campaign. Tougher tests await against stronger opposition, and Pochettino himself has cautioned against reading too much into a single performance.

However, opening matches often set the tone for an entire tournament. The United States needed a statement. They got one. More importantly, they showcased the characteristics that Pochettino has spent nearly two years trying to instill: confidence, intensity, tactical clarity and ambition.

The road ahead remains long, but if the Paraguay performance is any indication, the United States may be evolving from World Cup hosts into genuine contenders. And at the centre of that transformation stands Mauricio Pochettino.