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Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo in their opening group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After the match, Portugal...
18/06/2026

Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo in their opening group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After the match, Portugal captain Ronaldo briefly discussed the draw in the mixed zone at Houston Stadium.

Ronaldo said: "It's not that we didn't do enough, that's just football. Portugal had a chance to win the game, but could have also lost it."

Later, Ronaldo also commented on the result of Portugal's first FIFA World Cup match on social media and looked ahead to the upcoming games.

Ronaldo wrote: "This is not the start we wanted, but it's far from over. Keep our heads up and focus on the next match."

In the first round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, England played against Croatia. Kane scored twice in the firs...
18/06/2026

In the first round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, England played against Croatia. Kane scored twice in the first half, bringing his FIFA World Cup goal tally to 10, equaling Lineker's record and making him England's joint-top scorer in FIFA World Cup history.

In this match against Croatia, Kane scored a goal in the 12th minute and another in the 42nd minute, achieving a brace and helping England take a 2-1 lead.

With this, Kane has scored 10 goals in 12 appearances for England in the FIFA World Cup, equaling Lineker's record (10 goals in 12 appearances) and making him the joint-highest goal scorer in England's FIFA World Cup history.

In the first group stage match of the FIFA World Cup, where they drew 1-1 with Portugal, Congolese (DRC) forward Yoane W...
18/06/2026

In the first group stage match of the FIFA World Cup, where they drew 1-1 with Portugal, Congolese (DRC) forward Yoane Wissa scored his team's first goal in FIFA World Cup history.

After the match, he spoke about the ongoing conflict in his home country and stated that the game meant more to the people of Congo (DRC) than just football itself.

Facing a Portuguese team that included Cristiano Ronaldo, Wissa helped the Democratic Republic of Congo national team secure a valuable point. In an interview, he could not hide his excitement.

“It was a great game, very tough, but I am truly very happy today. I appreciate the team's fighting spirit on the field. We were up against one of the best teams in the world, so we had to endure a lot of pressure. I am very excited right now; this result is incredible. I am happy for my teammates, the coaching staff, and my family,” Wissa said.

However, when discussing the significance of the match, Wissa shifted the conversation to his home country. In recent years, the eastern region of Congo (DRC) has been continuously affected by armed conflict, with a large number of people displaced and the domestic situation remaining unstable for a long time.

“You know, the situation back home is very difficult. Congo (DRC) is going through a war. This (the FIFA World Cup and this match) means the world to them. People only see what they want to see, but our people are very hardworking and very strong. So I am genuinely happy for them. I only pray for peace to come, and I hope everything goes well for them,” Wissa said.

In the first round of the FIFA World Cup group stage in the US, Canada, and Mexico, England defeated Croatia 4-2. Kane s...
18/06/2026

In the first round of the FIFA World Cup group stage in the US, Canada, and Mexico, England defeated Croatia 4-2. Kane scored twice, equaling Lineker with 10 goals, and is now tied as England's all-time leading scorer in the FIFA World Cup.

In this match, Kane once again demonstrated his all-around game, scoring two goals and making a crucial abdominal block in stoppage time. After the match, Kane received a match rating of 8.4, the highest of any player.

Kane's overall stats

Playing time: 90 minutes

Goals: 2

Shots: 7

Shots on target: 3

Fouls suffered: 1

Touches: 35

Passes: 21

Successful passes: 14

Key passes: 2

Aerials won: 2

Tackles: 1

Clearances: 1

Fouls: 2

Possession lost: 9

Match rating: 8.4

Fan rating: 9.6

Chelsea and Man City have both reportedly reached out to the representatives of Atalanta defender Marco Palestra.The 21-...
18/06/2026

Chelsea and Man City have both reportedly reached out to the representatives of Atalanta defender Marco Palestra.

The 21-year-old spent 2025-26 on loan with Cagliari, making 37 appearances across all competitions and popping up with one goal.

Palestra established himself as one of Italy’s best young defensive talents and isn’t expected to return to Atalanta for next season.

According to Sky Italia, Premier League duo Chelsea and Man City have both reached out to the player’s representatives.

A deal for either might be tricky, however, with the player keen on remaining in Italy and joining Serie A champions Inter Milan.

Inter made an offer €40 million plus €5 million in add-ons, but Atalanta are holding out for a fee of €50 million, not including bonuses.

Roberto Martinez brushed off concerns that Portugal switched off in their World Cup opener against DR Congo, insisting t...
18/06/2026

Roberto Martinez brushed off concerns that Portugal switched off in their World Cup opener against DR Congo, insisting they will grow into the tournament.

Portugal led early on through Joao Neves but were pinned back by Yoane Wissa's equaliser on the stroke of half-time, with neither side able to find a winner in their 1-1 draw.

The Selecao's goal was their only effort on target – though Joao Cancelo had a second-half overhead kick disallowed for offside – with their seven shots also one fewer than DR Congo's eight.

It was the joint-fewest amount of shots they have had in a World Cup match (also seven against South Korea in 2002).

They have now only won their opening game in one of the last five World Cup tournaments (D3 L1). Of sides to appear in all five editions since 2010, this is the joint-fewest wins on MD1 of any team (also one for Australia, Spain and Uruguay).

But Martinez says there is no need to worry just yet, especially as they still have a point on the board in Group K.

"It's a World Cup, it has many emotions," he said.

"We all talk about wanting to win; it's a process in which we need to be able to grow in the tournament in aspects that are important. We need to evaluate very well and grow. We haven't lost a game; we have a point.

"I think it's important to realise that we started the game very well. Until the goal, we had depth and reached the final third well.

"The goal changes things; it's the moment when we want to control possession, keep the ball in areas that allowed Congo to adjust their pressure and try to start a counter-attack. It was a period where we lacked depth and the opportunity to use our speed.

"Congo's goal came at the most difficult moment for us, but I think we reacted well; the players' attitude was extraordinary.

"I didn't like the performance, but I liked the attitude and what they tried to do until the last second. It's part of the process; we have two more games, and we need to evaluate them well."

Cristiano Ronaldo, who became the oldest outfield player to feature at a World Cup, has now gone 10 consecutive major tournament games (Euros and World Cup) without hitting the back of the net for Portugal.

But when asked if Ronaldo was left too isolated, Martinez simply said: "Everything that wasn't done is a choice.

"We need to evaluate the game rationally; we have players between the lines like Bernardo [Silva] and Bruno Fernandes who are the best in the world.

"We have many good players, and we need them all. We will use everything we have to have strengths and different aspects in our game."

As for DR Congo, Wissa's goal was their first-ever at a World Cup, with this also the first point they have earned at the tournament.

Including games as Zaire, DR Congo conceded 15 goals at the World Cup before scoring one themselves, but head coach Sebastian Desabre was thrilled with their history-making result.

"It is a tremendous source of pride to have earned Congo DR's first-ever point at the World Cup, as well as its first goal," he said.

"The players showed incredible commitment and selflessness. We executed the game plan exactly as we wanted, scored from a set piece, and honestly, I am very proud of my players because they represented the Congo in a very positive way, and the entire country deserves it."

Claudio Vivas, who served as Argentina's assistant coach from 1998-2004, spoke about Argentina's first FIFA World Cup ma...
18/06/2026

Claudio Vivas, who served as Argentina's assistant coach from 1998-2004, spoke about Argentina's first FIFA World Cup match in an interview with Argentine journalist Eduardo Feinmann. He stated that the best player in the world knows where to run, and Messi's efficiency is very convincing.

Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in their first FIFA World Cup match, with Messi scoring a hat-trick. Vivas said: "It was truly exciting because the team was facing an opponent that seemed easier to handle on paper, but in reality, they are a very strong team. Almost all Algerian players play in European football, and in some important leagues.

"To be honest, the Argentine team quickly regained possession after losing the ball. The team also knew how to drop back, change their game strategy, because this opponent needed space to be threatening. However, Argentina gave them possession, and they didn't really have many options when they had the ball. What they really needed was space. I think it was a very smart game. In addition, many players performed excellently, which also helped Messi complete his hat-trick.

"Argentina had less possession than Algeria, but Algeria didn't know how to use possession effectively. In terms of sprints, they ran more than us. However, Argentina's midfielders were very active, each running about 11 kilometers. Messi didn't need to run as much, as he ran about 6 to 7 kilometers.

"The best player in the world knows where to run. His efficiency is very convincing, because as long as he aims for the goal, it's either a goal or half a scoring chance. But what I saw was a Messi who even retreated to defend and win back possession. And if you think about it, if he's still running at almost 39, how can his teammates not run?

"But the hallmark of this team is something else. As soon as they lose the ball, everyone immediately rushes to win it back. And there's also strong leadership within the team. This leadership is very important, because it's not easy to bring these stars to such a high level."

The journalist mentioned in the interview that Argentina coach Scaloni once said that Vivas was his football father. To this, Vivas replied: "Yes, that was said during one of our meetings. I was working in Costa Rica at the time, and we played a friendly match. He said it very naturally. He is a sincere, loyal, and kind person, and I value him very much."

After the 1-1 draw with Portugal, Lille's Congolese midfielder Mukau was interviewed. When asked if there were any speci...
18/06/2026

After the 1-1 draw with Portugal, Lille's Congolese midfielder Mukau was interviewed. When asked if there were any special arrangements for Ronaldo, Mouko gave a negative answer.

Did you have any special tactics to contain Ronaldo?

Not really, because we know he's not the player he once was. But even so, he's still one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.

You say he's older now, what was he like before?

Of course, at this age, he really can't go all out like he used to. He is one of the greatest players in history, and we have great respect for him.

Jude Bellingham was happy to "remind people what I'm about" as the England star conceded he came into the World Cup with...
18/06/2026

Jude Bellingham was happy to "remind people what I'm about" as the England star conceded he came into the World Cup with a point to prove.

Bellingham scored early in the second half as England overcame Croatia 4-2 in their Group L opener.

The Real Madrid midfielder's goal put England back in front after Croatia had twice pegged them back during the first half in Dallas.

England stepped up the intensity after half-time, with substitute Marcus Rashford rounding off the win late on.

Thomas Tuchel and Bellingham did not appear to be on the best terms during England's qualifying campaign, and there was debate over whether Morgan Rogers would start behind Harry Kane at this tournament.

However, Bellingham played from the off and became the youngest European player in history to make an appearance at four different major tournaments (Euros/World Cup), aged 22 years and 353 days.

Furthermore, 57% of his England goals have come at major tournaments (4/7) – the highest ratio of any player with 5+ goals for the Three Lions.

"Personally, it was nice to put some of the noise aside and show my country, show my team-mates how committed I am to helping us win football matches," Bellingham told BBC Sport.

"I think it was a great team performance [in the] second half. First half, we still got the intensity right, but with the ball it wasn't quite there and [in the] second half I think we put it all together nicely.

"To contribute to help my team, help my country is one of the biggest honours, regardless of the noise outside, that honour doesn't change for me.

"It's been a tougher season for me. I feel fresh and sharp and strong and ready to give everything I have."

Asked if the speculation over his place in the team had added fuel to the fire, Bellingham said: "A little bit. I've got a little bit of a chip on my shoulder.

"That helps me a lot to find that focus early in the game, to find that intensity. I know it's part of being a footballer, I don't hold a grudge about anyone that says bad things about me, because sometimes I do deserve it and today I think it was nice to try and show people and remind people what I'm about."

Bellingham is one of only five European players to have scored in each of the last three major tournaments, and the youngest of the five to do so.

"It is an easy decision to have Jude in the team," Tuchel told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"It is a very difficult decision to leave Morgan Rogers out for what he did for us, for Aston Villa and also, especially for me since I was in charge.

"That was a tough one, but I am very happy with how Jude played, because Jude knows that he does not have to do it alone.

"He can rely on others, he thrives in these circumstances, and we know that. He can be more economical and rely on others. He needs to be a reliable team player, which he absolutely was. So, well done."

On June 1th, the 1st round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage wrapped up. The condition for each team varies greatly...
18/06/2026

On June 1th, the 1st round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage wrapped up. The condition for each team varies greatly.

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