Erling Haaland scored his second World Cup 2026 brace in a row as Norway beat Senegal 3-2 on Monday to punch their ticket to the last 32.
Norway substitute Marcus Holmgren Pedersen struck late in the first half in New Jersey before Haaland doubled the lead shortly after the break.
Ismaila Sarr cut the deficit for Senegal, only for Haaland to punish more slack defending as Norway moved through to the knockout rounds with a game to spare despite a late consolation from Sarr.
Manchester City forward Haaland now has four goals in two games at the tournament, hot on the heels of Lionel Messi‘s double earlier in the day which carried him to a record 18 World Cup goals. Not to be outdone, Kylian Mbappe scored another brace too as France beat Iraq 3-0.
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Norway have lost only once in their last 18 matches and will take on France in a compelling battle for top spot in the group in Boston on Friday.
Senegal must beat Iraq, who are also without a point, in their final game to stand a chance of avoiding an early exit.
Led by the unstoppable Haaland, who increased his astonishing international goals tally to 59 in 52 games, Norway recorded back-to-back wins at the World Cup for the first time.
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They added weight to the belief they can do serious damage at these finals with a dominant display against a Senegal side that paid heavily for their errors.
Norway quickly set the tone as Kristoffer Ajer’s header forced Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy into a terrific save with his legs at a corner, but they lost full-back Julian Ryerson to injury early on.
Captain Martin Odegaard skied over an inviting cut-back from the right for Norway, as Nicolas Jackson looked Senegal’s most dangerous threat.
Mendy again came to Senegal’s rescue with a superb block to deny Odegaard after Haaland cushioned down Antonio Nusa’s chipped cross into the box.
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Tense finish
But Mendy allowed Pedersen’s low drive to creep under him after a dreadful mistake from skipper Kalidou Koulibaly gave the ball to the replacement right-back on the edge of the box.
Haaland rolled against the post from a tight angle after Mendy got in a tangle, but he made amends three minutes into the second half as Norway sliced Senegal apart on the counter-attack.
Odegaard surged upfield and slid a pass through to Haaland, who buried an emphatic finish past Mendy to add to the two goals he scored in Norway’s opening 4-1 victory over Iraq.
Senegal clawed their way back as Sarr showed great composure to poke home after tumbling to the ground following a clever flick into the area by Sadio Mane.
However, Koulibaly was at fault once more, failing to clear as Haaland steered a volley in off the crossbar from Patrick Berg’s cross, delighting Norwegian fans who provided a colourful backdrop with their viral rowing chant.
Mory Diaw came on for the injured Mendy in goal, but only a headed goalline clearance from Pathe Ciss prevented Oscar Bobb from netting Norway’s fourth.
Sarr’s second of the night set up a tense finish, but Norway held on to join France in the next round and leave Senegal’s hopes hanging by a thread.
Quiet last week, the Barcelona winger actually started sharply but faded massively and backed out of an aerial contest with Senaya defensively, which almost cost England a goal. Gordon did have the first shot on target of the game in the 57th minute, but he hasn’t done enough over two matches and he will be lucky not to lose his starting spot for Marcus Rashford against Panama on Saturday.
Overtook David Beckham (watching on in the stands) in the all-time England appearances list… but that was just about as good as it got for the Three Lions captain on Tuesday. And that glorious late chance, skying high with his left foot with the goal at his mercy, will haunt him. An off day.
Bukayo Saka – 7. Had a really good sight on goal after coming on, but his header ballooned over. Also worked keeper Benjamin Asare with a shot rifled towards the corner. Is he fit enough to start against Panama?
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(PA)
Kieran Jackson 24 June 2026 11:14
England fans boo hydration breaks during World Cup clash with Ghana
Fans let their dissatisfaction be felt during England’s Group L encounter against Ghana by loudly booing the decision to take a hydration midway through the first half.
The pause, made mandatory by Fifa for every match at this year’s tournament, came just a few moments after a previous stoppage in which England defender Reece James and Ghana striker Jordan Ayew both received medical treatment following a clash of heads.
England had won a throw in as they attempted to break down Ghana’s compact and deep defensive shape with the match still goalless when the hydration break was called.
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Jamie Braidwood24 June 2026 10:59
England player ratings v Ghana
Most influential player on the pitch in a drab first-half, with a free-kick and header over the bar, but the midfield linchpin did pick up a needless booking. Set-piece deliveries were a tad predictable.
Again, won the battle of the wingers, but wasn’t as impactful as he was against Croatia. Bright on the right-hand side and carved out more opportunities than Gordon on the left, but was wasteful when he had a glimpse of goal. Could lose his spot to Bukayo Saka.
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A day of frustration for England’s No 10. Struggled to make an impact going forward, but did make a perfectly timed tackle to deny Semenyo a run on goal. A bit stale, nonetheless.
(PA Wire)
Kieran Jackson 24 June 2026 10:44
The risk of playing Declan Rice in World Cup group finale against Panama
Thomas Tuchel may opt to leave Declan Rice out of England’s final Group L match against Panama to avoid risking his absence for the round of 32.
Rice picked up a yellow card in Tuesday’s drab goalless draw with Ghana in Boston, which saw the Three Lions stay level with the African nation on four points at the top of the group.
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It means England have business to do in their third group outing against Panama on Saturday 27 June but midfield mainstay Rice could be dropped to avoid the risk of suspension.
Will Castle24 June 2026 10:29
England player ratings v Ghana
Replacing Manchester City teammate John Stones in the starting XI, Guehi slotted in seamlessly. Should start at the back for the foreseeable, such is his poise and pace. Had a header cleared off the line in stoppage time.
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A surprise starting pick over Nico O’Reilly, Spence was solid on his first World Cup start. While he didn’t actually face a single one-on-one battle with Antoine Semenyo, he did cover well to deny Marvin Senaya after his second-half burst into the box.
Struggled to influence proceedings in the same way as he did against Croatia, but perhaps inevitable given Ghana’s shape. Didn’t do enough with a free header at the back post on 61 minutes.
(Getty)
Kieran Jackson 24 June 2026 10:14
Declan Rice urges England to remain ‘positive’
It’s always difficult when you play against 11 behind the ball and as deep as they were. You have to find solutions and the last 10 minutes we probably found more than we did the whole game,” Rice told BBC One.
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“We were probably a bit unlucky not to score, but, look, we stay positive. We keep going and still have a great chance to top the group against Panama, so positivity all round.
“You have to give credit to Ghana – 5-4-1, off the ball very, very compact, tight space to play through, but of course on the other hand, maybe we can do more with the ball and create a bit more.
“Look, it’s tough. They are good players, it was never going to be an easy game and now we have one more in the group to finish top, so we need to be positive.
“Loads of top nations drew their first game. No need to be negative or downbeat. We need to stay positive, keep going and recover for the next match. That’s what we will do.”
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Jack Rathborn24 June 2026 09:59
England player ratings v Ghana
Did not have a single save to make but was perhaps fortunate to escape without sanction after a collision with Ghana substitute Prince Kwabena Adu outside the penalty area. A welcome clean sheet after conceding two goals against Croatia.
Teamed up nicely with Noni Madueke on the right early on but was slow and predictable with the ball at his feet. Was it the sort of game where England missed the ingenuity of, say, Trent Alexander-Arnold at right back?
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Made a crucial intervention from Antoine Semenyo in the box at the end of the first-half and looked more assured after his shaky World Cup debut against Croatia. Was he lucky not to give away a penalty in the second-half after a questionable lunge? Perhaps.
(Reuters)
Kieran Jackson24 June 2026 09:44
Jude Bellingham admits England suffering from ‘second game fever’
England have now drawn their second game at the last four major tournaments. “It was very frustrating, like second game fever, the same as always with us,” Jude Bellingham said.
“It feels like in all the tournaments I’ve been to, it’s been the same, a decent performance to start and a good win. And then just the second one, frustrated a little bit with how they defended, how they set up.
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“Credit to them, they got exactly out of the game what they played for, we couldn’t quite break them down, and even with all the corners, all the possession, all the shots on goal from distance. But it’s one of those things that happens.”
Jamie Braidwood24 June 2026 09:29
Declan Rice sparks England injury fears after limping with bandaged leg after Ghana draw
Declan Rice has sparked fears over an injury, with the midfielder appearing to limp through the mixed zone after England’s World Cup draw with Ghana, while sporting bandaging around his left calf.
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The midfielder had been an injury doubt before the group-stage 0-0, but he played the full 90 minutes – perhaps to his and England’s detriment.
Many fans will have felt it was a concerning performance in Boston as Thomas Tuchel’s side failed to break down Ghana’s intense low block, and there was a concerning scene when Rice, 27, appeared to limp through the media area.
Alex Pattle24 June 2026 09:14
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England player ratings vs Ghana: Who failed to perform in drab World Cup draw?
England were held to a frustrating goalless draw against Ghana in their second World Cup group-stage match in Boston on Tuesday.
After so much optimism following the entertaining 4-2 win against Croatia, it was a draining afternoon for Thomas Tuchel’s side this time around in a result which leaves Group L, and specifically top spot, in the balance.
Following a drab first-half, Bukayo Saka and Elliot Anderson had decent openings in the second-half before Harry Kane spurned the best opportunity of the match late on. Overall, the Three Lions struggled to create many chances against a dogged, defensive Ghanaian outfit, coached by ex-Man Utd assistant Carlos Queiroz.
The result, which means England have drawn their second match in their last four major tournaments, means both England and Ghana are level on four points ahead of their final matches on Saturday: England face group minnows Panama and Ghana take on Croatia.
Cristiano Ronaldo gave Portugal the roar it needed. Colombia then gave Group K its final shape.
After Ronaldo scored twice in Portugal’s 5-0 demolition of Uzbekistan, Colombia held their nerve later in the round to beat DR Congo 1-0 and move to the top of Group K. The result completed the second set of league matches and turned the final round into something more than a qualification battle.
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Colombia are through to the Round of 32 with six points. Portugal, on four, are almost there but still have work to do. DR Congo remain alive, though only through a narrow route. Uzbekistan, after two defeats and a bruising goal difference, can no longer finish in the top two but can still chase a slim third-place lifeline.
The biggest match, however, is now clear.
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Colombia vs Portugal on June 28 at 5 AM IST will decide the Group K toppers. It could also decide whether Portugal stay on a bracket path that may eventually lead to Argentina. But that route is not immediate. For a Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi World Cup meeting to happen, Portugal and Argentina must both finish top of their groups and then win their respective Round of 32 and Round of 16 matches. Only then can they meet in the quarterfinals.
That means one final group match could still carry the weight of an era: Ronaldo on one side, Messi waiting somewhere deeper down a possible road.
FIFA WC 2026 Group K team rankings
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Fifa World Cup 2026 Group K points table
Rank
Team
MP
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
Colombia
2
2
0
0
4
1
3
6
2
Portugal
2
1
1
0
6
1
5
4
3
DR Congo
2
0
1
1
1
2
-1
1
4
Uzbekistan
2
0
0
2
1
8
-7
0
Group K results so far
Date (IST)
Match
Result
June 17
Portugal vs DR Congo
1-1 draw
June 18
Uzbekistan vs Colombia
Colombia won 3-1
June 23
Portugal vs Uzbekistan
Portugal won 5-0
June 24
Colombia vs DR Congo
Colombia won 1-0
FIFA WC 2026 Group K: Qualification scenario
Colombia qualify, but top spot still at stake
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Colombia’s 1-0 win over DR Congo has made them the first team from Group K to confirm a place in the Round of 32.
With six points from two matches, Colombia have done the hard work. They beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in their opening game and then edged DR Congo to stay perfect. Their qualification is secure, but their group position is not.
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The final match against Portugal will decide whether Colombia finish top or drop to second.
A win or draw against Portugal will be enough for Colombia to finish first in Group K. A defeat would leave them on six points and allow Portugal to move above them with seven.
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That makes Colombia’s final group match a battle for control, not survival.
Portugal need a point, but Ronaldo has raised the ceiling
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Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan changed the mood around Roberto Martinez’s side.
After the opening 1-1 draw against DR Congo, questions around Ronaldo’s place in the starting line-up had grown louder. The answer came in six minutes. Ronaldo turned in Joao Cancelo’s cross to put Portugal ahead, then scored again before half-time to complete a brace and become the first player to score in six different World Cups.
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Portugal now have four points and a commanding goal difference of +5. A draw against Colombia will be enough to guarantee automatic qualification. A win will take them to seven points and secure top spot.
Even a defeat may still be enough for Portugal to go through, but that would depend on DR Congo’s result against Uzbekistan and the final goal-difference calculations. Given Portugal’s current advantage, they are in a strong position, but not yet mathematically safe.
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The bigger prize is first place.
If Portugal beat Colombia, they will top Group K and keep alive a possible quarterfinal collision with Lionel Messi’s Argentina. The two superstars are both appearing in their sixth World Cup, but they have never faced each other in the tournament. That meeting, however, can happen only if both teams top their groups and then win two knockout games each.
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How Argentina vs Portugal can happen
Argentina are strongly placed to finish as Group J toppers after two wins from two matches. Portugal can top Group K only by beating Colombia.
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If both conditions are met, Argentina and Portugal would move into a possible collision course. But they would still need to clear the Round of 32 and the Round of 16 before any Messi-Ronaldo World Cup meeting becomes real.
Scenario
What it means
Portugal beat Colombia
Portugal top Group K and remain on a possible Argentina quarterfinal route
Portugal draw with Colombia
Colombia top Group K; Portugal likely finish second and move to another path
Portugal lose to Colombia
Colombia top Group K; Portugal may still qualify, but their route changes
For neutrals, the most dramatic route is clear: Portugal win Group K, Argentina finish top of Group J, and both sides then survive the Round of 32 and Round of 16.
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Only then would the World Cup get what football has chased for years: Messi vs Ronaldo on the biggest stage.
At this point, it is still a possibility, not a promise. But that is enough to raise the temperature around Colombia vs Portugal.
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DR Congo still alive, but need help and goals
DR Congo’s defeat to Colombia has left them third with one point from two matches.
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Their path to the top two is narrow, but not completely closed. They must beat Uzbekistan in their final match and hope Portugal lose to Colombia. Even then, DR Congo would need a major goal-difference swing to overtake Portugal.
Portugal currently have a goal difference of +5, while DR Congo are on -1. That means a narrow DR Congo win and a narrow Portugal defeat would not be enough. DR Congo need victory, Portugal need to lose, and the combined margin across both matches must be large enough to overturn the gap.
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If that does not happen, DR Congo’s best realistic route is third place.
A win over Uzbekistan would take them to four points, which could be enough to rank among the eight best third-placed teams across the 12 groups. A draw would leave them on two points and make qualification extremely unlikely. A defeat would almost certainly end their campaign.
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Uzbekistan can only chase a third-place miracle
Uzbekistan’s first World Cup has been punishing.
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A 3-1 defeat to Colombia was followed by a 5-0 loss to Portugal, leaving Fabio Cannavaro’s side bottom of Group K with zero points and a goal difference of -7.
They cannot finish in the top two because Colombia already have six points and Portugal have four. Their only route is third place.
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To keep even that faint hope alive, Uzbekistan must beat DR Congo. That would take them to three points and lift them above DR Congo. But given their heavy goal-difference damage, Uzbekistan would need a sizeable win and then hope several other third-placed teams across the tournament finish with inferior records.
A draw or defeat against DR Congo will eliminate them.
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FIFA WC 2026: Group-stage tiebreaker
For the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage, teams are ranked first by points (three for a win, one for a draw). If two or more teams finish level on points, FIFA applies the following tiebreakers.
Group-stage tiebreakers (same group)
Points obtained in matches between the tied teams
Goal difference in matches between the tied teams
Goals scored in matches between the tied teams
Overall goal difference in all group matches
Overall goals scored in all group matches
Best team conduct (fair play) score
FIFA World Ranking
Fair play (team conduct) score
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Teams are ranked by disciplinary record if they remain tied after goals and goal difference:
Yellow card: -1 point
Indirect red card (two yellows): -3 points
Direct red card: -4 points
Yellow card + direct red card: -5 points
The team with the better (less negative) score ranks higher.
Tiebreakers for the eight best third-placed teams
Since the 2026 World Cup has 12 groups, the top two teams from each group qualify automatically, while the eight best third-placed teams also advance to the Round of 32.
Those third-placed teams are ranked by:
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Points
Goal difference
Goals scored
Fair play score
FIFA World Ranking
Why Group K still matters
On paper, Group K now looks almost settled. Colombia are through, Portugal are nearly there, DR Congo are chasing a difficult route, and Uzbekistan are close to the exit.
But the final round has been given a sharper edge because of the bracket.
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Colombia vs Portugal is not only about finishing first. It is about the road ahead. If Portugal win, they top Group K and stay on a possible route towards Argentina in the quarterfinals. If they draw or lose, Colombia top the group and Portugal move to a different path.
Ronaldo’s brace against Uzbekistan has already sent his fans into celebration. It revived Portugal, silenced some of the noise and added another chapter to a career built on defying endings.
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Now comes Colombia.
A point may be enough for Portugal to qualify. A win may give the World Cup something much bigger: not a direct Messi-Ronaldo clash yet, but the first step towards a possible quarterfinal meeting with Argentina, provided both giants survive the first two knockout rounds.
Sep 28, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell reacts after an NFL International Series game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Croke Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Well, that’s it for the Brendan Sorsby theory in the Twin Cities. He won’t be a Vikings QB anytime soon.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter clarified that the NFL won’t be conducting its supplemental draft, effectively ending the pathway for Sorsby to turn pro: “Just in: NFL is declining to hold a supplemental draft this summer, currently leaving the 2027 Draft as the only way for QB Brendan Sorsby to enter the NFL. A letter is being sent to Sorsby, and to all 32 NFL teams, to inform them of the league’s decision. The league continues to try to show it has little tolerance for gambling issues.”
Vikings QB Idea is Kaput
Safe to say that the Sorsby news has created a ruckus. People are noticing that the NFL has slammed the door shut on a promising young passer.
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Albert Breer of Sports Illustratedoffered a take: “I can’t remember the NFL ever denying a player entry to the supplemental draft. They’ve let guys in who were ruled ineligible because of drugs (Josh Gordon), NCAA rule-breaking (Terrelle Pryor) and grades (Ahmad Brooks), over and over. Clearly, the NFL is drawing a line here.”
Check out what Dane Brugler — draft nerd for The Athletic — had to say: “NFL declining to hold a Supplemental Draft is a major curveball to the Brendan Sorsby saga. To sum it up: the NFL felt there wasn’t enough time for the league and teams to fully vet everything. The NFL also said that Sorsby did NOT ‘demonstrate accountability’ for his conduct.”
Some people think that the NFL is all about winning. That (misguided) assumption then leads to the belief that quarterbacks are the most precious commodity in the league. Neither belief is true.
What the NFL values above everything else is money. Sometimes, the saying is said so commonly that it gets drained of meaning, but the NFL truly is a business. Kirk Cousins was therefore onto something when he annually pushed for fully-guaranteed deals as a way of ensuring his team was committed to him. A team that will put its money where its mouth is is serious about a passer.
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Sorsby is talented enough to be in the NFL. Where he falls short is in his gambling. Threatening the league’s gold is a surefire way to undermine a career since nothing is more sacred in football.
Consider what Jeff Diamond had to say in his recent piece for Vikings Territory: “Sorsby signed with Texas Tech this year only to be implicated in a scandal that involved placing at least 40 bets on his own team while at Indiana and was ruled ineligible by the NCAA for placing more than 9,000 bets for at least $90,000 while a college player. He was granted reinstatement by a Texas judge before the Big 12 raised a ruckus and Sorsby ultimately applied for the NFL supplemental draft.”
More from Mr. Diamond: “He’s a big QB with a strong arm and running ability who most scouts rate as a first, second, or third-round talent. The big questions are if he’s kicked his gambling habit, whether the NFL will suspend him upon entering the league, how long that suspension would be, and if there are teams willing to risk a premium draft pick (that would be then deducted from their 2027 draft choices) if they select him.”
Nov 30, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Brendan Sorsby (2) rolls out to throw against the TCU Horned Frogs in the first quarter at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Albert Cesare/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
As many have commented, the NFL has indeed clarified what’s a no-fly zone. Essentially anything can be forgiven but don’t get in the way of the money.
The Vikings QB position is rallying around Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer. Inserting Sorbsy into the mix was always unlikely but it’s hard to discount what a team will do when a highly-gifted young fella can be had for a discounted price. No team, Vikings included, will be allowed to jump into the mix since the NFL has intervened.
Scotland take on Brazil in their final group game of the World Cup on Wednesday at 23:00 BST.
The sides also met in the opening game of the 1998 tournament, when Brazil won 2-1.
Can you name the starting XIs from that game?
After more quizzes? Go to our dedicated Football Quizzes and Sports Quizzes pages and sign up for notifications to get the latest quizzes sent straight to your device.
Ruben Amorim’s time at Man United ended on a sour note but the Portuguese head coach could hand the Reds a huge favour this summer
Ruben Amorim and Manchester United cut ties dramatically in January as the behind-the-scenes strains of their relationship were played out in public. Poor results throughout his tenure, combined with the now infamous Leeds press conference, left United with little choice but to let him go.
Since then, both United and Amorim have landed on their feet. The Reds’ interim appointment of Michael Carrick was a resounding success as he turned the club’s fortunes around both on and off the pitch. Qualification for next season’s Champions League justified Ineos’ decision to pull the plug on a head coach Sir Jim Ratcliffe had spoken so highly of.
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As for Amorim, he has bagged himself a new job at AC Milan, another huge club that has taken a gamble on the former Sporting man. Due to the nature of his exit, there will be little love lost between Amorim and United.
But that might not be a bad thing for United. The Reds have been linked with Rafael Leao this summer. The 27-year-old scored for Portugal on Tuesday in a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan and, unsurprisingly, his future was under discussion after the game.
“He is a very good coach, I will make a decision after the World Cup,” Leao told reporters when asked if he would stay at the San Siro to work with Amorim. This is a significantly softer stance than the one he took before the World Cup.
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“I’m proud as I made history at AC Milan but I want a new chapter,” he said. “I feel ready to play in another league. I did my best for Milan, but it’s time to try another challenge.”
Considering a left winger is one of United’s targets this summer, Leao has made his way onto United’s radar. He has also spoken of his admiration for the Reds and Cristiano Ronaldo, only strengthening the links to Manchester.
But United would do well to dodge Leao. At 27, he does not fit the ideal age for an Ineos signing, and the winger has not played in the Premier League previously.
He is also valued at £43m by Milan, which, for a club still needing to watch their pennies, is a considerable price tag. As has been well documented, United want to strengthen multiple areas of the squad this season, so splashing that cash on Leao does not represent good value for money.
Such a sizeable fee would be better spent on players who fit the Ineos model. It’s unclear whether Leao has changed his mind on his Milan future, but he has certainly softened his stance since the arrival of Amorim.
If Leao decides to stay in Milan because of Amorim’s arrival, the former United boss might actually be doing the Reds a favour.
With the final round of group fixtures getting under way on 24 June, it’s time to start plotting your country’s path to World Cup glory on 19 July.
But with 32 of the 48 teams advancing to the knockout rounds, new tiebreaker rules, and a table of third-placed teams to keep track of, staying across the various permutations is far from simple.
As it stands, England, sitting top of Group L, and Scotland, third in Group C, are on course to meet in the last 16 in Mexico City (6 July, 01:00 BST).
But all of that could change depending not only on England and Scotland’s performances in their final group matches against Panama and Brazil, respectively, but also results elsewhere.
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To keep you up to date, BBC Sport has developed a predictor tool that updates in-game to illustrate the schedule all the way to the final.
With dates and times listed alongside the fixtures, planning early morning alarms and potential all-nighters across three host countries and four different time zones has never been easier.
Jun 21, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; San Francisco Giants first baseman Rafael Devers (16) sits in the dugout against the Miami Marlins during the seventh inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
Two days after a dramatic incident in which San Francisco’s Rafael Devers tried to refuse to exit a game for a pinch runner, the Giants first baseman said he apologized to manager Tony Vitello.
Devers spoke publicly about the situation for the first time on Tuesday.
“Two days before that, I had told (Vitello) that I had a hamstring issue,” Devers said on Tuesday ahead of the Giants’ home game against the Athletics. “I thought that was why he was taking me out of the game. That’s why I was trying to signal to him that I was fine. I think it was a misunderstanding.
“I apologized, which was the right thing for me to do.”
The host Miami Marlins led the Giants 2-1 in the ninth inning on Sunday when Devers drew a leadoff walk. After Devers tried to stop teammate Jonah Cox from entering as a pinch runner, the umpire crew eventually put Cox on base, and Devers exited angrily.
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Cox, 24, is a speedy rookie, while Devers, 29, is ranked as one of the majors’ slowest players.
Cox didn’t attempt to steal a base, and the game ended with a flyout and then a ground-ball double play.
Vitello termed the incident a “non-issue.”
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“He came to me,” Vitello said. “We sat next to each other on the plane (from Miami to San Francisco), had a good conversation. … It was a good chat we had. I went through all the stuff postgame, the baserunning stuff, the hamstring, how well he’s done for us.
“As a player or the type of teammate he is and the type of competitor, how bad he wants to win, I’m good to go into battle with him anytime.”
Canada’s Alphonso Davies before a match against Qatar on June 18, 2026.
Canada coach Jesse Marsch said he does not expect Alphonso Davies to start against Switzerland on Wednesday, but he does expect the star left back to play in their final Group B match.
It would mark the 2026 World Cup debut for Davies, who has not played since sustaining a left hamstring injury while playing for Bayern Munich in the second leg of a Champions League semifinal on May 6. Bayern and Canada worked on a recovery plan for Davies, who was included on the World Cup roster and has been striving to get fit.
Davies teased during the pre-World Cup training camp that he might be ready in time for the team’s June 12 opener, but it appears Wednesday is the time he finally will make his tournament debut.
“We will evaluate what we need of him in the game,” Marsch told reporters on Tuesday. “I would like to get him into the match, for sure. And I think that he can have a big impact, both on us physically and football-wise, but also mentally, psychologically, to have our captain back, our best player back in the team. I think this is a big factor.”
Davies has scored 15 goals in 58 career caps with Canada, including the country’s first-ever goal at a World Cup at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. He is a two-time CONCACAF Player of the Year (2021, 2022).
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However, he has not played for Canada since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament during the Nations League third-place game in March 2025. He has dealt with multiple injuries since.
Davies’ return would provide a boost for a Canada team that lost midfielder Ismael Kone to a fractured leg against Qatar on June 18 that will sideline him for the remainder of the World Cup.
“It’s so much more than just what (Davies) brings on the pitch — it’s what he represents to us,” Marsch said. “So, the good news is he’s looking great, he’s in training, he looks great, he looks fit, he looks ready to go, excited. So, let’s see how things go, but I expect him to play.”
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Should Canada win or tie with the Swiss, they would move on to the round of 32. They are currently ahead of Switzerland with a plus-6 goal differential, compared to plus-3 for their counterparts.
Canada center back Alfie Jones likely will miss his third consecutive game as he recovers from an ankle injury.
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings fullback C.J. Ham (30), offensive tackle Brian O’Neill (75) and tight end Ben Yurosek (85) celebrate after a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings were not overly busy this offseason signing new players — they spent the least amount of dollars in the NFL — but the franchise does have some meaty contract extensions to hand out, or so goes the working theory.
According to the Bleacher Report, right tackle Brian O’Neill, the longest-tenured Viking if Harrison Smith does not return, should be the top extension priority. The theory also jibes with fan sentiment.
O’Neill’s Reliability Makes the Extension Case Easy
Minnesota Vikings tackle Brian O’Neill celebrates with running back Cam Akers after a touchdown against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. On Dec. 16, 2024, O’Neill helped anchor the offensive line as Minnesota gained momentum during a divisional matchup. The veteran right tackle continued another dependable season in the trenches. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
BR: O’Neill Is Vikings’ Top Extension Candidate
BR’s Mo Moton defined the most important extension around the bend for each NFL team last week, and O’Neill got the nod in Minnesota.
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Moton wrote, “O’Neill has been a model of consistency within the Vikings’ offensive line. He earned a couple of Pro Bowl nods in 2021 and 2024. Last season, the eighth-year veteran allowed just two sacks while on the field for 446 pass-blocking snaps, per Pro Football Focus.”
“According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, Minnesota is expected to resume extension talks with O’Neill after hiring general manager Nolan Teasley.”
It’s worth noting that extending O’Neill is not a hot take — it will likely happen soon.
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The Production since 2018
O’Neill is an exceptional football player, evidenced by both his statistics and the eye test. Pro Football Focus data reveals O’Neill has played 7,900 career snaps — 4,840 in pass protection and 3,060 in run blocking. In 2025, he achieved an impressive overall grade of 81.6, with 76.4 in pass-blocking and an outstanding 84.5 in run-blocking, signifying top-tier tackle output.
O’Neill has also never received an overall PFF grade below 63.0 in any season. He’s that damn good.
Minnesota Vikings tackle Brian O’Neill celebrates following a victory over the New England Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium. On Nov. 24, 2022, O’Neill helped Minnesota secure another win during a successful regular season campaign. The veteran lineman remained one of the franchise’s most consistent and dependable players along the offensive front. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.
Selected 62nd overall in the 2nd Round of the 2018 NFL Draft, O’Neill has since played in 124 games, starting 120. His excellence earned him Pro Bowl selections in 2021 and 2024. For a team that historically struggled with offensive line stability, O’Neill has been a definitive solution — a live-saver, one might argue.
A No-Brainer to Extend
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An extension for O’Neill should be a clear and non-debatable priority. He was instrumental in stabilizing the Vikings’ offensive line during the challenging 2018-2021 period, when the trenches often felt like a weekly disaster.
At 30 years old, O’Neill is not old for a quality offensive tackle either. This is not a scenario in which significant resources are being committed to a 35-year-old with declining performance. A three-year extension, for example, would align perfectly with his age and projected performance window.
While the Vikings drafted Caleb Tiernan in the 3rd Round of the 2026 NFL Draft, that does not automatically designate Tiernan as O’Neill’s immediate successor. Teams frequently draft talented players for their value. The Vikings’ evident appreciation for Tiernan can coexist with O’Neill remaining a crucial component of the team’s long-term strategy. Think of Tiernan as the “best player available” on the Vikings’ draftboard at the time.
VikingsWire‘s Andrew Harbaugh noted last week, “The Minnesota Vikings have made it a point to make sure they are protecting whoever is under center with a strong offensive line. They have done a good job drafting their bookend tackles while showing off their front office skills, while building the interior in a variety of ways.”
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“One of those pieces is entering his final year on his deal. Offensive tackle Brian O’Neill has been around the team while contract talks go on, some have started to give them replacements in mock drafts. O’Neill does not get enough credit for being one of the better offensive tackles in the NFL. The Vikings know what they have but with a new front office now in place, it will be interesting to see how this ends up going for all parties involved.”
What about the Linebackers?
While O’Neill’s extension should be the first in line, a couple of Vikings’ linebackers need their cups filled as well.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman reacts after recovering a fumble against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild-card game at State Farm Stadium. On Jan. 13, 2025, Cashman delivered one of Minnesota’s biggest defensive plays in the postseason matchup. The veteran linebacker continued his productive first season with the Vikings. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Andrew Van Ginkel is scheduled to hit free agency in 2027, and because Minnesota traded Jonathan Greenard two months ago, it can’t really afford to lose more EDGE depth unless it has a plan to draft another outside linebacker next April. The Vikings added $23 million to Van Ginkel’s existing contract during the 2025 offseason. Perhaps they’ll do it again before the start of the regular season.
Off-ball linebacker Blake Cashman is also on deck for free agency in nine months. He recently turned 30, but inside linebackers aren’t as expensive as outside linebackers. Cashman is also a tackle machine.
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Overall, O’Neill, Van Ginkel, and Cashman headline any would-be Vikings contract extension this summer or before 2027 free agency. It will be a glimpse into the decision-making soul of new general manager Nolan Teasley.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
One is 41 years and 138 days old. The other is 18 years and 320 days old. When Portugal played Uzbekistan in Houston, the gap between them became the largest ever recorded between two starters at a FIFA World Cup.
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