Majestic Olise raises France to another level

Thu, 02 Jul, 2026

Majestic Olise raises France to another level

East Rutherford: That France are more than living up to their status as favourites at the FIFA World Cup 2026 may be down to the goals of captain Kylian Mbappe, but also in a large part to the creative genius of Michael Olise.

There is a sense that, after years of prioritising pragmatism over flair, head coach Didier Deschamps has decided to hand the keys to his brilliant attacking players as he aims to end his long reign with another FIFA World Cup triumph.

That may yet change when it comes to the latter stages and the quality of the opposition increases, but France have been irresistible so far with Olise helping raise them to another level.

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Haaland hailed after more heroics

Wed, 01 Jul, 2026

Haaland hailed after more heroics

Arlington: Erling Haaland was described as "devastating" and "the greatest goalscorer in the world" after pouncing for a dramatic late winner on Tuesday for Norway at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The Manchester City predator had a quiet afternoon at the home of the Dallas Cowboys before prodding home in the 86th minute for a thrilling 2-1 victory over Cote d'Ivoire.

It was Haaland's fifth goal in three games in North America, having been rested for the 4-1 loss to France in the group phase.

R32: USA 2-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina

Thu, 02 Jul, 2026

R32: USA 2-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina

Santa Clara: Folarin Balogun scored and was sent off as the United States beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 to reach the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Wednesday.

The co-hosts' first FIFA World Cup knockout victory in nearly a quarter-century – and only their second ever – sets up a clash with Belgium in Seattle on Monday.

 

Balogun's goal on the stroke of half-time had sent the California crowd into delirium, with some 30 million Americans expected to be watching the blockbuster clash across the nation.

 

But the striker saw red as VAR intervened following a nasty clash with Bosnia's Tarik Muharemovic. But even with the US forced into a 10-man rearguard action, Malik Tillman curled in a free kick to secure the win.

R32: Belgium 3-2 Senegal (AET)

Thu, 02 Jul, 2026

R32: Belgium 3-2 Senegal (AET)

Seattle: Youri Tielemans scored the latest winner in FIFA World Cup history as Belgium mounted an incredible comeback from two goals down to beat Senegal 3-2 and qualify for the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Wednesday.

Senegal appeared on course for a first win in a FIFA World Cup knockout match since their 2002 debut after taking a 2-0 lead through strikes from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr in Seattle.

However, Belgium forced extra time as Romelu Lukaku and Tielemans scored in the final five minutes, before the Aston Villa midfielder completed a remarkable turnaround by converting a penalty in the 125th minute.

Belgium go through to a meeting with the United States, who defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0, but it will be a bitterly painful pill to swallow for Senegal.

R32: England 2-1 Congo DR

Thu, 02 Jul, 2026

R32: England 2-1 Congo DR

Atlanta: Harry Kane rescued England from a seismic FIFA World Cup 2026 shock with two late goals to beat Congo DR 2-1 in Atlanta on Wednesday and secure a place in the last 16.

Aiming to end a 60-year wait to win a major tournament, Thomas Tuchel's men escaped humilation and one of England's worst ever FIFA World Cup exits thanks to their talismanic captain after Brian Cipenga's early goal gave Congo an early lead.

But the Three Lions will need to improve for the daunting task of facing co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in the last 16 on Sunday.

Already England's all-time top goalscorer in the competition, Kane now has 13 FIFA World Cup goals and moves onto five for the tournament to remain in the the star-studded battle for the Golden Boot.

Preview - R32: Switzerland v Algeria

Wed, 01 Jul, 2026

Preview - R32: Switzerland v Algeria

Vancouver: Switzerland and Algeria will be equally confident of their chances when they meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 on Thursday.

Switzerland topped Group B with seven points while Algeria sneaked into the knockout stage following a thrilling 3-3 draw with Austria, which meant a third-placed finish in Group J.