Day 4 might not have been as entertaining as all of the objectives might lead us to consider — a median of practically 5 scored per recreation, 19 complete — however the Netherlands vs. Japan recreation lived as much as its billing, actually within the second half.
And for a short, sizzling minute, Curaçao had historical past of their sights after they equalized in opposition to Germany. Alas, the “(Sponsored) hydration break” cooled their momentum, including that to FIFA’s newest checklist of crimes. In the long run, Germany had little hassle with the debutants, successful 7-1 thanks partly to some objectives from .
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It was an identical story for (Graham Potter’s) , romping finally to a 5-1 win over . and Viktor Gyökeres each scored, although the spectacular brace from Brighton & Hove Albion’s — who’s half-Tunisian, because it seems — had been the choose(s) of the bunch. And now there’s most likely a gap burning in BlueCo’s checkbook.
Oh, and talking of ex-Brighton males, Moisés Caicedo’s fell to Côte d’Ivoire, 1-0, in what was the primary involvement of an precise participant on the World Cup. We must always have our second right this moment, not less than by official accounting, with ’s beginning their marketing campaign the day after the left again’s transfer to was agreed. Now he can certainly absolutely concentrate on the Cup, ey.
SPAIN vs. CAPE VERDE
The Champions of Europe taking up yet one more newcomer on this stage. Spain have received the Euros three out of the final 5 occasions (reaching the finals 4 occasions), although surprisingly they’ve not made it past the Spherical of 16 since turning into World Champions in 2010, successful simply three of the eleven video games they’ve performed on the event since.
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However clearly they’re nonetheless one of many main favorites for the title — sorry, Cape Verde! — particularly if may be at his finest. He will likely be restricted for this recreation, however needs to be absolutely match by the enterprise finish of the event.
Date / Time: Monday, June 15, 2026, 12pm EDT; 5pm BSTVenue: Mercedes-Benzh Stadium, Atlanta, GA, USAReferee: Adham Makhadmek ()
On TV: FOX, Telemundo (USA); ITV 1 (UK); Streaming on-line: FOX One, Peacock (USA); ITVx (UK)
Chelsea curiosity: Technically, Cucurella remains to be a Chelsea participant, however until one thing drastic occurs, he’s becoming a member of Actual Madrid in a €55+5m deal after the World Cup. and are amongst gamers who had hyperlinks with Chelsea in years previous, however lately, these guys are all means too constant and skilled to catch the attention of our sporting administrators.
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An excellent portion of Cape Verde’s crew play in (not essentially the highest league), although a few them have made stops in random Central European leagues as effectively, together with goalkeeper , who performed a pair seasons in Slovakia, and left again , who’s an authorized legend at Hungarian membership Fehérvár.
BELGIUM vs. EGYPT
Two fading golden generations attempt to discover their final sparkle. didn’t even make it out of the group stage 4 years in the past whereas Egypt have by no means even received a recreation of their three event appearances (seven video games complete), the final one coming in 2018.
Date / Time: Monday, June 15, 2026, 3pm EDT; 8pm BSTVenue: Lumen Area, Seattle, WA, USAReferee: Ramon Abatti ()
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On TV: FOX, Telemundo (USA); BBC One (UK); Streaming on-line: FOX One, Peacock (USA); BBC iPlayer (UK)
Chelsea curiosity: No present Chelsea curiosity, however actually loads of the ex-Chelsea type, with , , , and Thibaut Courtoisssss all kicking it nonetheless for his or her nationwide groups (470 caps amongst them 4).
in the meantime kicking his toes up on a cooler filled with beer, dwelling his bestest life (presumably within the new Chelsea equipment).
And there’s a little bit of future Chelsea curiosity as effectively, with going alongside because the third goalkeeper. It’s unlikely that he’ll get to gather his first ever senior worldwide cap, however what an excellent expertise for the 20-year-old, earlier than his anticipated arrival at Cobham again from his mortgage at .
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Oh, and I suppose needs to be talked about as effectively. “Diegzy” had a cup of tea with us in 2023-24 earlier than happening mortgage after which shifted to RCSA in an accounting train. Alongside the way in which, he switched from Portugal to Belgium, and now take a look at him; who would’ve thought.
SAUDI ARABIA vs. URUGUAY
Saudi Arabia brought about a little bit of a shock again in 1994, the final time the World Cup was within the US, reaching the Spherical of 16, beating Belgium and within the group stage earlier than getting knocked out by Sweden. They’ve been to most World Cups since (lacking solely 2010 and 2014), however haven’t made it out of the group phases once more, successful simply two video games in complete.
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Uruguay in the meantime are one of many event’s OGs, successful all of it in 1930 and 1950 and making the ultimate 4 three different occasions, most lately in 2010. and are each nonetheless lively (enjoying for Boca Juniors and , respectively), however Cavani retired from the nationwide crew a pair years in the past whereas Suárez was not chosen by head coach Marcelo Bielsa. And that’s most likely good: Bielsa and Bitey on the identical crew would possibly’ve unlocked a brand new degree of football-craziness.
Date / Time: Monday, June 15, 2026, 6pm EDT; 11pm BSTVenue: Arduous Rock Stadium, Miami, FL, USAReferee: Maurizio Mariani ()
On TV: FOX Sports activities 1, Telemundo (USA); ITV 1 (UK); Streaming on-line: FOX One, Peacock (USA); ITVx (UK)
Chelsea curiosity: All however certainly one of Saudi Arabia’s gamers are primarily based within the Saudi Professional League, and the one who isn’t, is known as Saud, so he’s good to go by default.
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Talking of SPL-based gamers, was briefly linked with Chelsea this 12 months, however fortunately these tales have gone away regardless of his agent’s finest makes an attempt. Now in the event that they’d need to hyperlink with us, that’d be completely nice. He wouldn’t must play proper again for us, proper, Xabi? And as a bonus, nobody would throw punches at him in coaching.
IRAN vs. NEW ZEALAND
Iran’s participation, and the logistics of that participation are maybe probably the most politically charged difficulty of this World Cup, however they’re right here they usually’re set to play, and that’s good.
New Zealand in the meantime have of the , in order that they’ve received that going for them, and that’s good, too.
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Date / Time: Monday, June 15, 2026, 9pm EDT; 2am BSTVenue: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, CA, USAReferee: César Arturo Ramos ()
On TV: FOX Sports activities 1, Telemundo (USA); BBC One (UK); Streaming on-line: FOX One, Peacock (USA); BBC iPlayer (UK)
Chelsea curiosity: as soon as scored a fully ridiculous purpose in opposition to Chelsea.
And if that wasn’t sufficient, a 12 months later, throughout lockdown, would rating an much more ridiculous purpose in opposition to us, which might find yourself successful UEFA Aim of the Season earlier than being nominated for the Puskás Award as effectively. (Although we’d then win the Champions League, so I think about this a very reasonable commerce.)