World Soccer news

• Barcelona Plot Masterplan To Sign Manchester United Outcast: Why It Makes No Sense?

  19-06-2026 21:20 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Barcelona Plot Masterplan To Sign Manchester United Outcast: Why It Makes No Sense?The June 16 deadline came and went. Still no signature. Barcelona have officially let their £30 million buy option for Marcus Rashford expire, sparking a huge transfer stand-off with Manchester United. According to Ben Jacobs via The United Stand, total calm reigns inside the Camp Nou boardrooms. They are playing chicken. Catalan executives are convinced that if they stall until late August, Old Trafford wil
  
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• USMNT redefining World Cup expectations — 'There’s something about this one that feels different'

  20-06-2026 03:39 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  SEATTLE — The U.S. still has one World Cup Group D match left, but before Mauricio Pochettino’s merry men even arrive at SoFi Stadium next Thursday to face Türkiye, they will carry assurances of a place in the knockout stage.Make no mistake: This is not normal.The Americans are notorious for making things as difficult as possible before advancing to the next phase. Over the decades, they’ve had to sweat out results of other group matches and put their trust in Landon Donov
  
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• US players agree with Zlatan Ibrahimovic that World Cup title is possible: ‘That’s our mindset’

  20-06-2026 03:39 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The US celebrate their second goal against Australia on Friday. Photograph: Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty ImagesAfter two wins in two to start the World Cup, the US have gained a high-profile supporter: Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Asked on Fox’s postgame broadcast whether he thinks the co-hosts can win the World Cup, the Swede offered a simple answer: “Yes.”Asked about Ibrahimovic’s comments after Friday’s 2-0 win over Australia, US players were uniform in their response: Sur
  
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• Should Scotland have had two penalties & been playing against 10 men?

  20-06-2026 03:36 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Scotland claimed for two penalties in their 1-0 World Cup defeat by Morocco. Former referee Christina Unkel said they should have been awarded one of them.Pundits Roy Keane and Ange Postecoglou disagreed with their ITV Sport colleague.Scotland head coach Steve Clarke was diplomatic, saying he "wasn't too sure" about several decisions made by Uzbek referee Ilgiz Tantashev.Meanwhile, two former Scotland internationals were left bemused that Morocco defender Issa Diop was not sent off in the first
  
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• Cunha and Vini steer Brazil to first win, Raphinha goes off injured

  20-06-2026 03:26 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Cunha and Vini steer Brazil to first win, Raphinha goes off injuredIn Philadelphia, in the United States, the Brazil national team is doing what was expected of it against Haiti this Friday (19), in the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The partial 3-0 lead, built in the first half with a brace from Matheus Cunha and another from Vini Jr, was the result of total control from the very start of the match.
  Raphinha, for example, even scored first, but the goal was disallowed for offside.The B
  
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• Raphinha forced off against Haiti with apparent injury

  20-06-2026 03:21 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Raphinha forced off against Haiti with apparent injuryCarlo Ancelotti will be crossing his fingers heading into the weekend regarding the fitness of Brazil star Raphinha. 
  The Barcelona ace was forced to leave the match against Haiti early on Friday after just 38 minutes played. Raphinha, who had a goal ruled out for offside in the first half, has shown he's eager to repeat the form he displayed in LaLiga while wearing the colours of his country. However, he went down to the groun
  
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• Scotland star ‘baffled’ by ‘negative’ criticism of World Cup performances

  20-06-2026 02:43 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Scotland midfielder Lewis Ferguson admitted he was “baffled” by the reaction the Tartan Army’s opening World Cup win over Haiti after defeat to Morocco left their hopes of reaching the last-32 in the balance. Steve Clarke’s side could have progressed to the knockout stages of the World Cup with a point against Morocco but were unable to recover fromIsmael Saibari’s strike after just 70 seconds in Boston. While Scotland fans celebrated through the night after beating
  
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• Scotland face sobering reality after 70 seconds of World Cup regret

  20-06-2026 02:39 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  After Scotland’s joy and optimism from a party that spilt onto the streets of Boston over the last week, Morocco delivered a sobering reality check in just 70 seconds to leave World Cup history still agonisingly out of reach.This feel-good story has seen 20,000 Scots descend on Massachusetts, daring to dream of a first ever knockout tie. Those hopes remain intact, however, with three points from two engrossing contests and now a goal difference of zero, but this passionate finale may yet l
  
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• Meet Alex Freeman, son of a Super Bowl champion and USMNT's latest unlikely World Cup star

  20-06-2026 02:39 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  SEATTLE — Alex Freeman spent a few anxious seconds waiting to learn whether the biggest goal of his life would count. By the time video review confirmed the U.S. defender had been onside, his United States teammates were already sprinting toward him.Freeman's first World Cup goal ended up being the capper on the United States men's national team's 2-0 victory over Australia on Friday. The victory secured a berth in the Round of 32 for the U.S.Initially, Freeman — who followed through
  
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• 🎥 He gets trapped in a giant flag before Czechia v South Africa

  20-06-2026 02:38 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  🎥 He gets trapped in a giant flag before Czechia v South AfricaThis World Cup has surprised us with incredible moments both on and off the pitch, even before the opening whistle. During one of the rehearsals before Czechia vs. South Africa, one of the FIFA volunteers at Atlanta Stadium got trapped in the huge flag while the rest of the group was rolling it up to clear the field of play. The person in question started rolling around to free himself, and some of his teammates hel
  
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• USA soak in Seattle’s familiar support en route to making World Cup history

  20-06-2026 02:31 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Weston McKennie applauded the fans along with other US players after a 2-0 win. Photograph: Jared C Tilton/FIFA/Getty ImagesOne does not have to go far in Seattle, Washington, to be reminded that it’s a soccer town. Two days before Friday’s 2-0 win for the US over Australia, all I had to do was get on the train.Riding the light rail to lunch on Wednesday and hopping off at Westlake Station, I was a few blocks from Pike Place Market, the city’s famous waterfront gathering spot.
  
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• Who was Scotland's stand out? How the players rated

  20-06-2026 02:25 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  [BBC]Ismael Saibari's second-minute goal condemned Scotland to a 1-0 World Cup defeat by Morocco in Boston and leaves their hopes of progression from Group C in the balance.BBC Sport Scotland's George O'Neill assessed how the players performed – and you can see how BBC Sport readers rated them at the bottom of the page too.Scotland starting XIAngus Gunn - No chance for Saibari's early goal. Strong saves to deny Achraf Hakimi and Bilal El Khannouss. 6Nathan Patterson - Off the pace early on
  
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• When do Scotland play Brazil? What do they need to reach World Cup knockouts?

  20-06-2026 02:25 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Scotland’s hopes of advancing at the World Cup are hanging in the balance - as they now prepare for their final group game against Brazil in Miami. The Tartan Army’s worst fears from the opening 1-0 win against Haiti were realised almost as soon as Scotland kicked off against Morocco. Scotland knew they couldn’t afford another disjointed performance, but were nevertheless stunned by Ismael Saibari’s thumping finish after just 70 seconds. Scotland struggled to recover from
  
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• Pundits split over Scott McTominay penalty decision after Scotland suffer World Cup blow

  20-06-2026 02:24 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Scotland were enraged not to receive a late penalty in their World Cup defeat to Morocco though pundits could not agree on whether the decision was a correct one.In the 82nd minute, Scott McTominay went down under the challenge of Neil El Aynaoui, who stuck out a leg and tripped up the Scot as he carried the ball into the box, with Morocco leading 1-0.Replays showed that the Morocco midfielder did not make contact with the ball and only nicked the man, with ITV’s referee specialist Christi
  
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• 📸 Cristiano Ronaldo sends message after scandal in Portugal

  20-06-2026 02:22 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  📸 Cristiano Ronaldo sends message after scandal in PortugalCristiano Ronaldo broke his silence amid the controversy within the Portugal national team and, through his social media, left a clear message:"Focus on what you can control," wrote "El Bicho," alongside an image that sums up his legacy in football history. After his World Cup debut, CR7 received heavy criticism for his "individualistic" performance on the pitch, and the controversy flared up when João Neves said:"We
  
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• Messi Points The Way For South American Teams After Mixed World Cup Start For Conmebol

  20-06-2026 02:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Messi Points The Way For South American Teams After Mixed World Cup Start For ConmebolFor all the excitement surrounding CONMEBOL representatives ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the opening round of fixtures delivered mixed emotions.Argentina looked every bit the defending champions, and Colombia announced themselves as genuine contenders, but elsewhere, there was frustration.Brazil and Uruguay were unable to find top gear, Ecuador were punished for their wastefulness, and Paraguay were dominated.P
  
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• World Cup 2026: Morocco scores quickly versus Scotland, hangs on for 1-0 win in Group C

  20-06-2026 02:01 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Morocco took very little time to score the first goal of the match to take a 1-0 lead over Scotland. With 1:10 elapsed in the match, Ismael Saibari took a pass down the right side from Brahim Díaz and blasted a kick past Scottish goalkeeper Angus Gunn before the 2’ mark. It was the fastest goal scored thus far in the 2026 World Cup. However, as quickly as Saibari scored, his goal wasn’t among the 10 fastest scored in World Cup history. Here are the 10 quickest scores, led by T
  
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• USMNT Clinch Knockout Spot, Taylor Twellman Says Quarterfinals or Bust & Turkiye Awaits

  20-06-2026 01:54 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Subscribe to The CooligansApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeChristian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react live to the USMNT's 2-0 victory over Australia that officially sends the Americans to the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. CBS Sports analyst Taylor Twellman joins the show to break down the performance and explain why expectations have now changed for Mauricio Pochettino's side. Taylor shares why he believes it's "quarterfinals or bust" for the USMNT, rates Pochettino's tournament
  
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• How presenter's Messi error caused outrage in Argentina

  20-06-2026 01:45 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Lionel Messi drew level with Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time World Cup goalscoring list after his hat-trick against Algeria [Getty Images]An Argentine television presenter has resigned after falsely reporting that the father of Lionel Messi had died during Argentina's first World Cup game. Florencia Pena made the claim during a live broadcast on Argentine streaming channel Luzu TV following Argentina's opening group game win over Algeria. "I don't want to bring bad news, but Messi's fa
  
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• The Super Bowl winner's son stepping into spotlight with USA

  20-06-2026 01:31 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Back in September 1996, Antonio Freeman's performance lit up the American football stage as his two touchdowns helped the Green Bay Packers to an impressive win at the Seattle Seahawks.Months later he became a Super Bowl winner - the highest accolade an NFL player can achieve.Fast forward almost 30 years and the name Freeman is creating headlines in Seattle once again but this time in a different sport, with his son Alex scoring his first World Cup goal on Friday to help the USA to a 2-0 win aga
  
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• Ismael Saibari makes World Cup waves on eve of Bayern move 🇲🇦

  20-06-2026 01:13 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Ismael Saibari makes World Cup waves on eve of Bayern move 🇲🇦Bayern Munich will have enjoyed what they've seen from Ismael Saibari at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and so will have Morocco fans and even the neutral ones!
  The Bundesliga giants submitted their interest for the current PSV Eindhoven player ahead of this summer's tournament and he's impressed on the global stage. Saibari, who can play as a forward or an attacking midfielder, first scored the opener in Morocco's 1-1 d
  
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• Ronaldinho Gaúcho 'returns' to football to invest in Italian club

  20-06-2026 01:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Ronaldinho Gaúcho 'returns' to football to invest in Italian clubRonaldinho Gaúcho is “returning” to football.But the Wizard, now 46, will not come out of retirement.He will be an investor in Ravenna, which will return to compete in Italy’s Serie C in the upcoming season. Ronaldinho is also expected to take part in a celebratory match, which should be one of the marketing initiatives involving the Wizard. His presence at the launch of the new kits of the
  
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• Ronaldinho Gaúcho returns to football to invest in Italian club

  20-06-2026 01:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Ronaldinho Gaúcho returns to football to invest in Italian clubRonaldinho Gaúcho is "back" in football.But the Wizard, now 46 years old, will not be coming out of retirement.He will be an investor in Ravenna, which will return to compete in Italy’s Serie C in the upcoming season. Ronaldinho is also expected to take part in a celebratory match, which should be one of the marketing initiatives involving the Wizard. His presence at the launch of the new kits of the clu
  
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• USA feeling soccer fever as they breeze past Australia into World Cup knockouts

  20-06-2026 01:01 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The United States are through to the last 32 of the World Cup after they eased to a comfortable 2-0 win over Australia in Seattle.An own goal by Australia’s Cameron Burgess after 11 minutes set the co-hosts on their way and Alex Freeman headed home a second before half-time for Maurico Pochettino’s team, who now need just a point from their final match to ensure they top Group D.Both sides had won their opening matches, but it was the US who looked the team best equipped to go deep i
  
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• Thousands of UK criminals hit with World Cup drinking ban: ‘One slip up could send them to jail’

  20-06-2026 01:01 via yahoo.com
  A World Cup drinking ban is being enforced on 7,300 criminals through hi-tech ankle tags, the Ministry of Justice has announced. Some 5,000 offenders, either released from prison or serving a community sentence, had the alcohol-sensitive tags already fitted when the tournament started, with a further 2,300 expected to be given them over the course of the event. The tags analyse a wearer’s sweat 24 hours a day and send probation officers an alert if they have a drink, with the devices able
  
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• 📋 How many changes? Brazil 🇧🇷 named to face Haiti

  20-06-2026 01:01 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  📋 How many changes? Brazil 🇧🇷 named to face HaitiIt is a more-than-decisive Friday night (19) for the Brazil national team at the FIFA World Cup.They will face Haiti shortly, starting at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time), at Lincoln Financial Field.The match is in Philadelphia and is valid for the second round of Group C in the competition.Spain’s Alejandro Hernández will referee. TV Globo, SporTV and getv, CazéTV and SBT will broadcast it.
  Group s
  
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• Why is Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi being booed at the World Cup?

  20-06-2026 00:52 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi was booed during his team’s World Cup group game against Scotland in Boston.Hours before kick-off,a French appeals court confirmed that Hakimi will stand trial in a rape case.The PSG defender, who was part of the French side’s Champions League glory in May, had appealed a February decision by an investigative judge. That ruling followed recommendations from public prosecutors that Hakimi should face trial.Morocco's defender Achraf Hakimi before kick-off
  
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• World Cup 2026: Where does goal by Morocco's Ismael Saibari rank among fastest in tournament history?

  20-06-2026 00:41 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  To say Morocco got off on the right foot in its match against Scotland at the 2026 World Cup doesn't quite cover it. Just over one minute into the match, Ismael Saibari took a pass down the right side from Brahim Díaz and blasted a kick past Scottish goalkeeper Angus Gunn. The ball went into the net just 70 seconds after the match had kicked off.Take a look at this absolute fireball from Saibari:It's the fastest goal scored at the 2026 World Cup so far (by several minutes), but where does
  
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• Where does Morocco’s strike against Scotland rank among fastest World Cup goals?

  20-06-2026 00:40 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Scotland were left stunned by the fastest goal of World Cup 2026 so far as Morocco sprinted into the lead 70 seconds after kick-off.Ismael Saibari leathered past Angus Gunn to open the scoring during in lightning-quick fashion, with Grant Hanley mistiming his step up to allow the forward to run clean through and fire home.Follow live: Scotland behind against Morocco at World Cup after just 70 secondsIt is the earliest a player has scored in a World Cup match since Alphonso Davies struck in the 2
  
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• FIFA denies Ochoa the LEGACY badge

  20-06-2026 00:27 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  FIFA denies Ochoa the LEGACY badgeGuillermo Ochoa is not considered by FIFA to be part of the select “Legacy” club, and it decided not to award him the distinctive patch for players who have played in five to six World Cups.  Paco Memo was called up for: Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, Qatar 2022, and United 2026; however, he only saw action in three of them. According to FIFA regulations, a player will be considered to have participated in s
  
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