World Soccer news

• 👀 Spain wait on Lamine, can he play this afternoon?

  15-06-2026 10:41 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  👀 Spain wait on Lamine, can he play this afternoon?The Spanish national team begins its World Cup campaign this afternoon (18:00 CET) against Cape Verde. The big question surrounding the starting eleven is the physical condition of La Roja’s young star, Lamine Yamal.Luis de la Fuente shed some light on the striker’s situation in his latest press conference. The national team coach confirmed that the player is available, although with important caveats regarding how much time
  
  Read more

• Just scores twice but New Zealand held by spirited Iran

  16-06-2026 06:21 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  FIFA World CupIran 2 - 2 New Zealand FTIran twice came from behind in Los Angeles as they denied New Zealand a first win at a World Cup.Motherwell forward Elijah Just gave New Zealand a flying start as he thumped home a half volley after Chris Wood held up the ball and knocked it into his path.New Zealand continued to show promise but, as has already often been the case at this World Cup, the first hydration break midway through the first half proved costly as the momentum swung and Iran found a
  
  Read more

• Can Erling Haaland lead Norway to success at the 2026 World Cup?

  16-06-2026 06:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Erling Haaland has never seen Norway in a World Cup, as the hulking striker was born two years after France '98 when the Røde, Hvite, Blå beat Brazil in their final group stage match to reach the Round of 16.Nearly three decades later, the Manchester City star is leading his country back to the tournament as heavy expectations follow. What the 25-year-old Haaland does best — score goals — is what Norway will need in order to make it out of Group I and have a chance in th
  
  Read more

• Everything you missed overnight at the World Cup 2026

  16-06-2026 05:53 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Iran show resilience after politically charged World Cup openerIran and New Zealand did their best to let football do the talking in their politically-charged Group G match. A Fifa ban on Iran’s pre-revolutionary flag was upheld hours before kick-off, though thousands of Iranians sported the flag at the Los Angeles Stadium, while the Iranian national anthem was booed loudly. All this just hours after US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a US-Iran peace agreement. The All White
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Are billions flooding into Saudi Pro League helping national team?

  16-06-2026 05:36 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Cristiano Ronajdo. Karim Benzema. Neymar. Sadio Mane.The list of world-class talent who have chosen to play in the Saudi Pro League has risen over the years.But could the presence of these multiple Champions League and Ballon d'Or winners be finally benefitting the nation that has been selected to host the 2034 World Cup?Over the years the Saudi Arabia national team has struggled on the world stage.At the 2002 World Cup they suffered a humiliating 8-0 defeat against Germany in their first group
  
  Read more

• Resilient Iran defy World Cup obstacles to salvage draw against New Zealand

  16-06-2026 05:34 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Iran drew their World Cup 2026 opener with New Zealand but emphatically won the support of the Iranian community inside SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, having overcome unprecedented obstacles just to play at these finals.The Asian team hit back twice through Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebbi to force a 2-2 draw, with Eli Just grabbing a brace for the All Whites.A World Cup had never kicked off with a host at war with a participant before. Iran have faced the threat of being unable to take their p
  
  Read more

• Numbers behind Barry-Murphy's first year at Cardiff

  16-06-2026 05:34 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  [Huw Evans Picture Agency]Brian Barry-Murphy celebrates one year in charge of Cardiff City today (16 June), little more than a month after guiding the Bluebirds back into the Championship.The Irishman signed a three-year contract with the club last summer and led Cardiff to automatic promotion from League One in his debut campaign in the Welsh capital.Cardiff were victorious in 27 of their 46 league games last season at a win rate of 58.7%.Their 91 points came at an impressive rate of 1.98 point
  
  Read more

• Not a good look, Spain! Check Group G and H standings 🎥

  16-06-2026 05:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Not a good look, Spain! Check Group G and H standings 🎥The World Cup had another day of great excitement this Monday (15), even though all four matches ended in draws.The schedule began with Cape Verde surprisingly holding Spain to a 0-0 draw in Group H.Goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, was the hero of the match in Atlanta, making several important saves to keep the score level.Next came the opening match of Group G in Seattle, with Egypt taking the lead through Emam Ashour and Belgium equalizing
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Iran, New Zealand play to 2-2 draw to keep Group G tied up with 1 point apiece

  16-06-2026 05:06 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  New Zealand twice took the lead against Iran on Monday with a chance to seize control of Group G in the 2026 World Cup debut for both teams. But Iran rallied twice to equalize, and the two teams played to a 2-2 draw to keep things level in the Group G standings. Belgium and Egypt played to a 1-1 draw earlier Monday, and all four teams will leave their first game in World Cup play with one point apiece in the standings. In fact, the nightcap between Iran and New Zealand completed a Monday quadrup
  
  Read more

• US upbeat on Pulisic’s fitness ahead of Australia game: ‘Christian will be ready, relax’

  16-06-2026 04:38 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Christian Pulisic helped the US to victory over Paraguay.Photograph: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty ImagesMauricio Pochettino has moved to allay concerns over Christian Pulisic’s fitness as the US prepare for their World Cup clash with Australia on Friday.Pulisic was brilliant in the opening half of the US’s 4-1 win over Paraguay last week. He was taken off at half-time but insisted he was not carrying a serious injury.“I just got a bit of a kick first half, so I’m really hopi
  
  Read more

• 🫣 Did someone say oldies? Two keepers are HEROES in their matches

  16-06-2026 04:32 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  🫣 Did someone say oldies? Two keepers are HEROES in their matchesAge and reflexes don’t have an expiration date. Or at least that’s what Vózinha and Mohammed Al-Owais showed us in their respective matches. On what became a day of draws at the World Cup, two experienced goalkeepers proved that age is just a number when you have the quality needed to shine.The experienced Cape Verde goalkeeper came up huge in monumental fashion, making 7 key saves against Spain
  
  Read more

• 👏​🇲🇽​ César Arturo Ramos makes his 2026 World Cup debut

  16-06-2026 03:59 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  👏​🇲🇽​ César Arturo Ramos makes his 2026 World Cup debutMexican refereeing is once again making its mark on the biggest stage in world football.
  César Arturo Ramos made his official debut at the 2026 World Cup in the opening matchday clash between Iran and New Zealand. The Mexican referee stands out with his third World Cup appearance.How far will the refereeing team go in the world’s biggest tournament?This article was translated into Engli
  
  Read more

• Iran national anthem booed at World Cup before New Zealand game

  16-06-2026 03:48 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The Iranian national anthem was booed by some spectators inside the SoFI Stadium in Los Angeles on Monday evening as Iran began their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Group G.The match took place hours after President Donald Trump announced a preliminary US-Iran peace deal had been signed to end America’s’ war with Iran.Iran vs New Zealand LIVE: Protests take place at Los Angeles Stadium after Donald Trump announces US-Iran peace dealThe team flew into the US on Sunday from
  
  Read more

• Iran national anthem booed by World Cup spectactors before New Zealand clash

  16-06-2026 03:44 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The Iranian national anthem was booed by some spectators inside the SoFI Stadium in Los Angeles on Monday evening as Iran began their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Group G.The match took place hours after President Donald Trump announced a preliminary US-Iran peace deal had been signed to end America’s’ war with Iran.Iran vs New Zealand LIVE: Protests take place at Los Angeles Stadium after Donald Trump announces US-Iran peace dealThe team flew into the US on Sunday from
  
  Read more

• ⚽ Liga MX hallmark: Maxi’s goal delights Puebla and Toluca

  16-06-2026 03:19 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  ⚽ Liga MX hallmark: Maxi’s goal delights Puebla and TolucaIn a high-intensity matchday, Maxi Araújo sparked jubilation for the Uruguay national team by scoring a crucial goal in the game against Saudi Arabia.
  Araújo, now firmly established on the international radar, built much of his professional career thanks to the exposure and consistency he gained on the pitches of Mexican football.In Puebla and Toluca, they remember his time on their fields, hoping this will be th
  
  Read more

• ⭐​ Social media sensation Tim Payne made his World Cup debut

  16-06-2026 02:48 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  ⭐​ Social media sensation Tim Payne made his World Cup debutGroup G’s debut at the 2026 World Cup not only brings the intense battle for points, but also the on-field introduction of the moment’s breakout player on digital platforms: New Zealander Tim Payne.
  The footballer, who before the World Cup had an extremely low-profile account with few followers, has now amassed millions on social media thanks to the viral boost from a well-known Argentine influencer, and is in h
  
  Read more

• Uruguay equalise late to deny Saudi Arabia in stifling Miami

  16-06-2026 02:33 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  FIFA World CupSaudi Arabia 1 - 1 Uruguay FTMaxi Araujo scored a late Uruguay equaliser to deny Saudi Arabia another memorable opening-game win at a World Cup. Saudi Arabia stunned the world when they beat eventual winners Argentina in their first match at the last 2022 tournament in Qatar.But they could not hold off a second-half onslaught from Uruguay - who ended with 28 shots on goal - as Marcelo Bielsa's South American side earned a point in the Group H encounter.Abdulelah al Amri turned the
  
  Read more

• Saudi Arabia denied famous win as Uruguay comeback clinches draw

  16-06-2026 02:19 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Maxi Araujo rescued a point for Uruguay to deny Saudi Arabia another famous World Cup win as the sides drew 1-1 in Miami.The Saudis, who shocked eventual winners Argentina in their opener at the last World Cup 2026, went ahead through Abdulelah Al-Amri in the first half but came under sustained pressure late on and failed to hold out against the two-time winners.Federico Vinas saw his header saved by Mohammed Al-Owais after 30 minutes but that was the highlight of a tepid first-half display from
  
  Read more

• World Cup: Uruguay salvages 1-1 draw with underdog Saudi Arabia thanks to 80th-minute goal

  16-06-2026 02:07 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  For 80 minutes Monday, Saudi Arabia was on the verge of a massive upset of Uruguay in their opening game of World Cup play. Uruguay scored late to salvage a 1-1 draw in what still stands as a significant upset in Group H. Uruguay controlled the ball for most of the game and virtually the entire second half. But Saudi goaltender Mohammed Al-Owais played a masterful game and kept Uruguay off the board until the game's 80th minute. Maxi Araújo scored off a rebounded header to finally get the
  
  Read more

• Uruguay held to draw, South Americans still winless in the Copa 🎥

  16-06-2026 02:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Uruguay held to draw, South Americans still winless in the Copa 🎥South American football is still without a win at the 2026 World Cup.This Monday (15), Uruguay were held to a draw by Saudi Arabia in their tournament debut.Abdulelah Al-Amri opened the scoring for the Green Falcons late in the first half. Maximiliano Araújo equalized for La Celeste in the second half.The Uruguayan team struggled to create scoring chances throughout the match, but fought back for the equalizer and, i
  
  Read more

• Uruguay held to a draw, South Americans still winless in the Copa

  16-06-2026 02:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Uruguay held to a draw, South Americans still winless in the CopaSouth American football is still without a win at this 2026 World Cup.This Monday (15), Uruguay drew with Saudi Arabia in its tournament debut.Abdulelah Al-Amri opened the scoring for the Green Falcons late in the first half. Maximiliano Araújo equalized for La Celeste in the second half.The Uruguayan team struggled to create scoring chances throughout the match, but fought back for the equalizer and, in the final minutes, p
  
  Read more

• Real Madrid reportedly have their eyes on a move for a Manchester City leader

  16-06-2026 01:25 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Real Madrid reportedly have their eyes on a move for a Manchester City leaderThis summer has seen Real Madrid continually linked with several key players from Manchester City. Josko Gvardiol was named as a Real Madrid transfer target by Fabrizio Romano, but the Croatian international looks set to sign a contract extension. Rodri was another player named as a target for the 15-time UEFA Champions League winners. But he also seems set to remain at City given that Real Madrid have signed City legen
  
  Read more

• 2,500 passes since Spain's last World Cup goal - key stats as Cape Verde earn point

  16-06-2026 00:51 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Cape Verde stunned Spain by holding the reigning European champions to a goalless draw on their World Cup debut on Monday.Ably supported by a superb defensive display from those in front of him, veteran goalkeeper Vozinha made several excellent saves to preserve a clean sheet and secure a point that few thought possible before kick-off.Here are some of the key statistics from their memorable draw in Atlanta.1. World Cup life begins at 40 for VozinhaVozinha, who plays his club football in Portuga
  
  Read more

• World Cup VAR official releases statement after alleged white supremacist hand gesture

  16-06-2026 00:24 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  FifaWorld Cup 2026 official Shaun Evans has denied “intentionally” making a gesture that some perceived to be connected to an expression of white supremacy.The Australian referee, working as part of the VAR team in Dallas at the World Cup broadcast centre, was seen making an “OK” symbol with his right hand in front of his right leg when the official broadcast of Germany against Curaçao on Sunday cut away from pre-game footage to show the team of video review analys
  
  Read more

• PSG academy product set to sign for Manchester City

  16-06-2026 00:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  PSG academy product set to sign for Manchester CityParis Saint-Germain academy product Hermann Malonga (18) is set to sign his first professional contract at Manchester City, as per a report from Le Parisien.Last summer, it was Mahamadou Sangaré who left PSG to sign for Manchester City. The centre-forward impressed with the academy side, notably in the UEFA Youth League, and he now looks set to be joined in Greater Manchester by another Titi Parisien.Le Parisien understands
  
  Read more

• Darwin Nunez to Liverpool? Fresh update emerges on shock return claim

  16-06-2026 00:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Darwin Nunez to Liverpool? Fresh update emerges on shock return claimDarwin Nunez has been linked with a sensational return to Liverpool.Reports had claimed that the move would not be confirmed yet as Nunez is focused on representing Uruguay at the World CupJournalist Fabrizio Romano has now debunked the reports, stating that there have been no negotiation between Nunez’s representatives and the Reds.He said on his YouTube channel: “My information is that those close to Darwin and th
  
  Read more

• Lyon reach agreement to sign Mads Bidstrup

  16-06-2026 00:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Lyon reach agreement to sign Mads BidstrupOlympique Lyonnais have reached an agreement with Red Bull Salzburg for the signing of their captain, Mads Bidstrup (25), as per a report from L’Équipe. Lyon are preparing to participate in the preliminary rounds of the UEFA Champions League. As the transfer window opens, they are already strengthening their squad. Kail Boudache’s arrival has already been confirmed. The winger has joined on a free transfer from OGC Nice. Juli
  
  Read more

• 🎥 WC highlights: Vozinho unbeatable, Spain foiled by Cape Verde

  15-06-2026 23:57 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  🎥 WC highlights: Vozinho unbeatable, Spain foiled by Cape VerdeCape Verde is writing a little football fairy tale at its first World Cup. Against the mighty Spaniards, the African island nation pulled off a sensation. Even though no goals were scored, this World Cup match had plenty of chances in store. But there was no getting past Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinho. For one of the tournament favorites, Spain, the pressure to succeed has now increased even further after the draw in thei
  
  Read more

• Lyon reach agreement to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Julien Duranville

  15-06-2026 23:55 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Lyon reach agreement to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Julien DuranvilleOlympique Lyonnais have reached an agreement to sign Borussia Dortmund winger Julien Duranville (20), according to a report from L’Équipe. Lyon had been targeting the Belgium international as a replacement for Malick Fofana, who had been expected to depart. Ultimately, however, he looks set to replace Afonso Moreira. The Portuguese winger looks to be closing in on a €32m move to Bayer Leverkusen j
  
  Read more

• VAR official says hand gesture was 'involuntary, subconscious twitch'

  15-06-2026 23:52 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Video assistant referee Shaun Evans has denied "intentionally" making a hand gesture "to communicate a message, affiliation, game or belief of any kind" after he was cleared by a Fifa investigation.Evans says the gesture was a "an involuntary, subconscious twitch" that he was "unaware" of.The Australian could be seen making the fingers of his right hand into a upside down 'OK' sign when Fifa cut to a shot of the VAR team at the referee hub in Dallas before Germany's 7-1 win over Curacao on Sunda
  
  Read more

Follow @WorldSoccerUSA on Twitter!