Author: James Brooks

Folarin Balogun has announced himself on the World Cup stage in spectacular fashion, scoring a stunning goal in the United States’ opening 2026 World Cup fixture against Paraguay. The strike was Balogun’s second goal of the match, with the forward continuing to build on his growing reputation as one of the most exciting attackers in the tournament. The goal arrived before half-time, sending the United States into the break in a commanding position and firmly in control of their Group Stage opener. Balogun’s effort was also the third goal of the match for the USA, underlining just how dominant the…

Canada secured their first point at the 2026 World Cup after drawing 1-1 with Bosnia-Herzegovina in a match that sparked fierce debate among pundits. The result ended a run of seven consecutive World Cup defeats for the co-hosts, marking a significant moment in their tournament campaign. However, the talking point that dominated the post-match discussion centred on a controversial second-half incident involving Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj. Four minutes into the second half, with Bosnia leading 1-0, Vasilj leapt to punch a long ball forward but his fists clattered into the head of Canada striker Tani Oluwaseyi on the follow-through. Argentine…

England manager Thomas Tuchel appears ready to hand Jude Bellingham the No 10 role for the World Cup opener against Croatia next Wednesday. Sources close to the England camp suggest the side that beat Costa Rica 3-0 in their final warm-up fixture will be close to Tuchel’s first-choice team for the tournament. Bellingham’s place in the starting XI would come at the expense of Morgan Rogers, who has emerged as a genuine contender for the central attacking position in recent weeks. The debate between Bellingham and Rogers has been one of the most fiercely contested selection discussions heading into the…

Last season saw three Premier League players sent off for hair pulling, and referees will now apply a different standard when judging the offence next season. Michael Keane of Everton, Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez, and Sunderland’s Dan Ballard all received red cards following VAR interventions for the offence during the 2025-26 campaign. Stockport County defender Josh Dacres-Cogley was also dismissed for hair pulling during the League One play-off final, highlighting how widely the issue had spread. From 2026-27, officials will be instructed to consider both the level of force involved and the intention behind the action before reaching for a…

Scotland are on the verge of making history, with Steve Clarke set to name the first men’s XI to feature at a World Cup in 28 years. The head coach must decide whether to stick with the same 4-4-2 system that delivered back-to-back four-goal wins in warm-up fixtures against Curacao and Bolivia. Getting off to a positive start in Boston is widely seen as essential, making the formation decision one of the most significant Clarke has faced in his tenure. Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams impressed in tandem during Saturday’s display and are widely expected to lead the line once…

Watford-born Kenny Jackett, one of English football’s most respected managers and a loyal servant to his hometown club, has died at the age of 64. Jackett made over 300 appearances for Watford during a one-club playing career that also earned him 31 caps for Wales, qualifying through his father Frank, who also played for the Hornets. A left-sided defender or midfielder, he was part of the Watford side who won promotion to the top flight under Graham Taylor during one of the club’s most celebrated eras. Jackett also played for Watford in the 1984 FA Cup final, where they were…

Canada may be the quietest of the three 2026 World Cup co-hosts, but there is a fierce ambition building beneath the surface ahead of their tournament opener. Canadian football journalist Har Johal told BBC Sport: “Canada is often overlooked, we will be fine about that. We will smile, be polite, and allow the countries down south take the headlines.” Despite that self-deprecating tone, genuine belief is growing that this Canada squad is the strongest the country has ever produced at a men’s World Cup. This is only Canada’s third appearance at the men’s World Cup finals, following previous campaigns in…

While football’s biggest tournament prepares to get underway across the United States, a very different sporting obsession is consuming the nation right now. Wild celebrations erupted throughout New York City on Wednesday, with fans standing on their cars along the streets of Manhattan as the New York Knicks staged a stunning comeback against the San Antonio Spurs. That victory, the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history, served as a blunt reminder of what the World Cup is up against in its host nation. Football, or soccer as it is known locally, simply does not command the same passion in the…

After everything Raul Jimenez has endured, a header at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday became one of football’s most emotional moments in recent memory. The 35-year-old striker powered home Mexico’s second goal in a 2-0 victory over South Africa, marking his first ever start at a World Cup finals tournament. Jimenez connected with Roberto Alvarado’s right-wing cross before leaping, celebrating wildly, and then pointing to the sky in an apparent tribute to his late father, Raul Jimenez Vega, who passed away in March. As 80,000 fans roared inside the famous Azteca Stadium, Mexico’s players mobbed the Wolves striker before he…

Mexico got their 2026 World Cup campaign off to a winning start, beating South Africa 2-0 in a dramatic and fiery opening match at the Azteca Stadium. The co-hosts were made to work hard for their victory, with the game descending into chaos as three players were sent off during the contest. The Azteca Stadium was packed to capacity for the occasion, creating an electric atmosphere befitting a World Cup opening match on home soil. Mexico’s status as co-hosts placed enormous pressure on the team heading into the tournament, with fans expecting a strong performance from the very first game.…