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World Cup

South Korea to deploy riot police for crew’s return from nightmare World Cup marketing campaign

by Soccer-News June 29, 2026

written by Soccer-News

might be greeted by a heightened safety presence once they return from their disastrous World Cup marketing campaign amid loss of life threats which were directed at their supervisor.

Hong Myung-bo was unable to information his crew to the knockouts after failing to construct on the sturdy begin that noticed them come from behind to , subsequently dropping their subsequent two Group A matches to South Africa and Mexico.

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The nation hoped it will qualify for the spherical of 32 as one of many eight-best third-place groups to advance on this 12 months’s expanded match, however that dream was snuffed out when .

Hong, 57, has since , with South Korea president Lee Jae-myung branding the coach as “incapable”.

However the state of affairs is constant to escalate with the Incheon Metroplitan Police Company asserting that they’re sending in 160 riot and airport police for when the nationwide crew contact down within the metropolis on Tuesday.

The Incheon Worldwide Airport Company will even station 25 additional officers on web site, together with particular safety personnel, to arrange for any surprising conditions.

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This follows threats to kill Hong on social media, who had his face blurred on nationwide TV as if he was a legal following South Korea’s exit.

Hong Myung-bo had his face blurred on nationwide TV in South Korea after the nation’s early World Cup exit (KBS)

A police assertion learn: “Now we have determined to deploy officers to forestall security accidents that will happen throughout the entry course of. We’ll reply strictly to any unlawful acts, together with the throwing of objects.”

President Lee has lambasted Hong and the crew’s efficiency and ordered a whole evaluate of the nationwide crew programme.

“As a former honorary skilled soccer membership chairman and, at coronary heart, a member of the Purple Devils, I really feel not simply shock however deep bewilderment at this surprising end result,” the president stated.

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“As soon as once more, it has been confirmed that personnel selections decide every thing. If loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence and an incapable individual is appointed as a pacesetter, the end result is as predictable as hearth.

“I sincerely apologise to the general public for the deep disappointment attributable to this absurd state of affairs. We’ll transfer swiftly to reform sports activities administration to make sure this doesn’t occur once more.”

Hong was in his second stint with the nationwide crew, having additionally taken cost ar the 2014 World Cup in Brazil when South Korea additionally did not advance previous the group stage.

South Korea are a daily on the World Cup with 11 consecutive appearances, and went on a historic run to the semi-finals once they co-hosted the match in 2002.

June 29, 2026 0 comments

World Cup

Official: Thuram out of France squad for World Cup Spherical of 32 conflict

by Soccer-News June 29, 2026

written by Soccer-News

Inter striker Marcus Thuram is out of the France squad for in opposition to , confirms coach Didier Deschamps.

It kicks off in New Jersey on Tuesday at 22.00 UK time (23.00 CEST).

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had topped their group after comfortably sweeping apart 3-1, Iraq 3-0, then 4-1.

Inter’s Thuram injured for France

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 17: Marcus Thuram of poses for a photograph with the Coppa Campioni d’Italia and Coppa Italia trophies alongside his father Lilian Thuram following the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on Could 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photograph by Marco Luzzani/Getty Photos)

Thuram solely made a short substitute look within the second sport in opposition to Iraq, sitting on the bench for the opposite two.

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He received’t even do this tomorrow night, as a result of that the striker is affected by a muscular harm.

It stays to be seen how critical the issue is, however the reference was to a ‘small’ muscular harm, so nothing specifically to fret about.

His file with France is of

This season, Thuram helped Inter win the Scudetto and Coppa Italia double because of his 18 targets and 9 assists in 44 aggressive appearances.

June 29, 2026 0 comments

World Cup

‘Boring’ Bay Space confounds World Cup doubters

by Soccer-News June 29, 2026

written by Soccer-News

SANTA CLARA, California, June 28 (Reuters) – In a area boasting huge tech wealth and international company affect, the San Francisco Bay Space’s humble World Cup schedule landed with a uninteresting thud, elevating groans from followers over its lack of marquee matches.

Whereas Kansas Metropolis welcomed Argentina and Boston hosted England, Bay Space locals subsisted on a extra area of interest set of countries, with world quantity 16 Switzerland the highest-ranked customer in 5 matches thus far.

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For Arab soccer lovers, it has been a bonanza, with Qatar, Algeria and Jordan (twice) all gracing the .

Followers of Algeria benefit from the environment in the course of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Jordan and Algeria at San Francisco Bay Space Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.

With followers on social media rating it the least glamorous fixture record of all of the U.S.’s 11 host cities, a paucity of nightlife close to the stadium in sleepy and little buzz earlier than the match, there have been fears of a Bay Space bust.

“The World Cup was imagined to be a Bay Space bonanza. Why does it really feel like a flop?” requested days earlier than the match.

The narrative has shifted about 180 levels since, with crowds having flocked to 5 matches thus far.

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“I observe European soccer, so for certain, I used to be disenchanted, I might have appreciated extra stability within the groups we obtained right here, for my very own self-interest,” James Fay, a just lately retired CFO for a tech firm, instructed Reuters on the Australia-Paraguay group match final Thursday.

“However having a World Cup right here is implausible, there was no approach I used to be going to overlook it. I didn’t get to go in ’94, it’s my first World Cup, so I’m coming, it doesn’t matter what.”

Numerous fandom

Fay was amongst a crowd of 68,827, a number of hundred beneath the match’s most capability of 69,391.

The bottom attendance reported by organisers was 67,966 for the primary match between Switzerland and Qatar.

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At every sport, impartial followers have turned up in pressure.

Extra:

Enormous cheers from People on the Australia-Paraguay match rang out when the scoreboard gave a objective replace in the course of the concurrent U.S.-Turkey sport.

Mexico followers from San Jose and different large Latino communities within the South Bay Space have been enthusiastic attendees, significantly for Paraguay’s two matches.

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Bay Space resident Nick Zhang went with two buddies to Australia-Paraguay and paid $330 for a ticket that put him within the stadium’s highest seating deck within the full glare of afternoon solar.

“Nicely, there was a sport on and we simply needed the expertise. We’re approach up excessive however we are able to nonetheless get a style of it,” he instructed Reuters.

As soon as disparaged for its “boring” schedule, the Bay Space is now having the final snort because it prepares to welcome co-hosts america for its last fixture on Wednesday, a round-of-32 conflict in opposition to Bosnia.

Ticket costs have spiked on reselling platforms, with the most cost effective on StubHub provided at practically $2,000.

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Away from the stadium, organizers are getting ready for an enormous occasion on the at San Pedro Sq. in San Jose, placing up a fourth “big display screen” for the knockout sport.

Greater than 350,000 folks have visited the sq. because the World Cup began, in line with the Bay Space Host Committee.

“There’s been some left-field groups coming to city however the U.S. shall be a very good end to the occasion,” James Martinez, a neighborhood scholar, instructed Reuters on the Bay Space Stadium.

(Extra reporting by Martin Petty; Enhancing by Toby Davis)

June 29, 2026 0 comments

World Cup

Africa’s World Cup success leaves Asia searching for solutions

by Soccer-News June 29, 2026

written by Soccer-News

The transformation of African soccer on the World Cup has been nothing wanting meteoric.

On the 2018 World Cup in Russia, not one in every of Africa’s 5 groups made it out of the group stage, recording simply three wins out of a attainable 15.

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Quick ahead to the 2026 World Cup and Africa can be held up as vindication of Gianni Infantino’s growth venture.

Of the ten African groups, all however one made it by the group stage.

Solely didn’t progress, with , , , and runners-up and , DR Congo, and by in third place.

It’s a very completely different story for Asia, with solely two of its 9 international locations getting out of the group stage.

For Africa it’s trigger for celebration, whereas Asia is left to mirror on failure.

‘Morocco created a blueprint of how it may be finished’

Infantino’s revamp of the World Cup had been rubber-stamped properly earlier than the 2018 World Cup.

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So when Africa carried out so poorly in Russia, justification for giving the continent one other 4 locations seemed to be weak.

Eight years on, and such issues have been fully banished.

It’s a outstanding turnaround in fortunes, partly impressed by the long-term dedication by the Moroccan FA.

Confederation of African Soccer (Caf) president Patrice Motsepe places it right down to the “exhausting work and investments in youth soccer growth, teaching {and professional} soccer leagues” throughout the continent.

The primary indicators of enchancment got here in 4 years in the past, as two African nations reached the knockout stage for the primary time.

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Earlier than the 2022 World Cup, solely three African groups had reached the quarter-finals – Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010.

Morocco achieved what no African nation had finished, reaching the semi-finals by beating , Spain and Portugal, earlier than ended their run.

If Morocco might create a construction which might convey clear, long-term outcomes – together with beating supposed greater international locations within the knockout rounds – why could not different African international locations?

“Morocco created a blueprint of how it may be finished, which is years and years of investing in grassroot soccer and academies,” former captain this month.

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“Morocco have invested not simply cash but additionally effort and time, with a transparent concept of how they’ll progress.

“The services they’ve, the consistency all through their age teams, I believe that is the one blueprint you’ll be able to observe.”

Algeria will play in Vancouver on Thursday after taking the most effective third-place slots [Getty Images]

The brand new World Cup format did assist, however that doesn’t clarify why Africa did so properly and Asia so poorly.

In most up-to-date World Cups, two of the highest 16 groups could be in every group.

Now these 16 groups are unfold over 12 teams – which means solely 4 teams have two of the historically stronger international locations.

These numbers alone counsel that the teams, generally, needed to be weaker.

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Third-placed groups went by too, resulting in the primary knockout spherical having 32 groups – as many as within the group stage in Qatar.

Simply how far can Africa’s representatives go this yr?

South Africa have been from on Sunday, and the co-hosts will now face the winners of Morocco’s recreation towards the .

Morocco go into the sport as African champions, although solely after following Senegal’s controversial walk-off.

A decade in the past Morocco would have been given little likelihood of beating the Netherlands, however no-one would dismiss their probabilities as we speak.

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Certainly, there may be an argument the North Africans ought to actually be favourites. In any case, they’re now sixth within the Fifa world rankings – one place above the Netherlands.

With the highest 4 ranked international locations – , , England and France – saved aside within the bracket it makes it harder to emulate Morocco and attain the final 4.

An African nation would very probably should beat a type of 4 to get to the semi-finals once more.

As an illustration, Morocco are on a collision course with France in a possible quarter-final.

Defending champions Argentina, who play Cape Verde on Friday, have 4 African groups of their part of the bracket and will doubtlessly play one in every spherical on the best way to the semi-finals.

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As a part of that part, Algeria face Switzerland and Ghana meet . It presents the very best risk of an all-African tie within the final 16.

‘A failure of organisation and personnel’‘s group-stage elimination has led to resignations and soul looking [Getty Images]

If the expanded World Cup format turned out to be a chance for Africa, the other applies to Asia.

From 27 video games performed, Asia’s 9 representatives solely managed three victories at 0.67 factors per recreation.

African nations performed 30 matches and received 10 at 1.33 factors per recreation.

Within the closing spherical of group video games there have been 5 Africa v Asia matches essential for qualification. Asian international locations didn’t win any of them, shedding 4.

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4 years in the past, , Japan and South Korea made the primary knockout spherical.

This time it’s simply Australia and Japan.

Whereas African groups have grown and improved – 5 certified for the knockout part for the primary time – Asia has gone backwards.

“Aside from Japan, Australia and possibly , each group wants to enhance,” mentioned head coach Fabio Cannavaro after his group misplaced all three matches.

The , in the end attributable to a shock defeat by South Africa of their closing match, have been enormous.

South Korea President Lee Jae Myung referred to as for an investigation into the group’s poor efficiency, calling it “a failure of organisation and personnel”.

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Hours later, after two years in cost.

, making their World Cup debut, misplaced all three matches, scoring three objectives and conceding eight.

Jamal Sellami, Jordan’s head coach, gave a cause for the large gulf in efficiency.

“As a result of African gamers compete within the main European leagues,” Sellami mentioned.

“An important factor for Jordanian soccer, whether it is to have a higher likelihood of reaching outcomes, is to have gamers competing in stronger and extra aggressive leagues.”

The numbers assist this with 20 of Morocco’s 26-man squad enjoying in Europe, and 15 of these within the prime 5 leagues.

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DR Congo, the final African nation to qualify by the inter-confederation play-offs, has 24 gamers in Europe – although solely 11 in a serious league.

Solely Egypt has a low quantity, with 17 gamers at golf equipment within the home league and 6 at a European group.

For Jordan, ahead Musa Al-Taamari is the only participant in Europe, at French membership .

Iraq and Uzbekistan have three in Europe, and Iran have 4.

There isn’t a comparability to Asia’s best-performing international locations. Japan have 23 gamers in Europe, Australia 16 and South Korea 15.

It exhibits the hole in growth which needs to be bridged.

The Asian confederation has a lot work to do to attempt to meet up with Africa and present its groups could be aggressive on this expanded format.

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June 29, 2026 0 comments

World Cup

World Cup: To advance, the U.S. should finish its five-year European curse

by Soccer-News June 29, 2026

written by Soccer-News

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — winced when he heard that the U.S. males’s nationwide crew has misplaced 10 straight matches towards European opponents.

“Rattling, I did not know that,” the coolheaded U.S. defender stated.

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appeared shocked when informed that the Stars and Stripes final defeated a crew from Europe greater than 5 years in the past.

“That’s the primary I am listening to about that,” the indefatigable U.S. midfielder stated.

Whereas the U.S. has already piled up extra objectives at this World Cup than it has ever scored at a earlier version and has completed atop its group for simply the second time since 1930, there are some demons that the People have but to slay. Chief amongst them is a bleak historical past towards European opponents.

Since returning to the World Cup stage in 1990 after a 40-year absence, the U.S. has confronted groups from Europe 21 occasions at soccer’s most celebrated event. The People have produced seven attracts however only one victory, a 3-2 stunner towards of their group play opener on the 2002 World Cup.

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The U.S.’s present shedding streak towards European foes began with a humbling 3-1 spherical of 16 defeat to the Netherlands on the 2022 World Cup. Since then, the U.S. has endured a string of setbacks, dropping friendlies on residence soil towards the likes of Serbia and Slovenia and getting blown out by three or extra objectives towards and .

Thursday evening’s Group D finale towards proficient however already-eliminated Türkiye supplied the U.S. an opportunity to finish that dismal streak, however Mauricio Pochettino rested most of his starters to keep away from yellow-card suspensions and to organize for knockout play. scored a go-ahead purpose practically eight minutes into stoppage time as .

To advance any additional at this summer time’s World Cup, the U.S. should discover a technique to break its European hex. Up subsequent for the U.S. within the spherical of 32 is Bosnia and Herzegovina. Looming within the spherical of 16 may very well be Belgium. Pre-tournament favourite can be the U.S.’s more than likely quarterfinal opponent ought to the People make it that far.

reacts throughout the USA’ 3-2 loss to Turkiye within the Group Stage. (Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photos)

Why has the U.S. faltered towards European opponents regardless of recording victories towards the likes of , , and in the course of the buildup to this World Cup? Richards stated he hasn’t spent a lot time fascinated by the topic, however he did supply his perspective on how European sides differ from elsewhere on the earth.

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“When you consider European groups, you consider extra method, extra technical skill,” stated Richards, who performs membership soccer for in . “Whenever you consider South American, African groups, you consider extra mentality. So possibly one thing there, or possibly we’ve simply been unfortunate.

“I do not wish to disrespect South American groups or African groups. Clearly they’ve high quality, however I feel when you consider them, you consider extra mentality, extra ardour. They love their nation that they play for.”

There’s a little bit of irony for the People that Bosnia and Herzegovina is their spherical of 32 draw. The Bosnians are the final European crew that the U.S. beat in a low-key pleasant on December 18, 2021. In his lone nationwide crew look, midfielder scored a rebound purpose within the 89th-minute to steer the People to a 1-0 victory over a Bosnian crew that performed your complete second half down a person.

It’s secure to say that few gamers who participated in that match will likely be on the pitch when the U.S. and Bosnia meet Wednesday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. That 2021 match was outdoors the FIFA window so the U.S. deployed solely domestic-based expertise and Bosnia and Herzegovina fielded an inexperienced crew with out the likes of worldwide standouts , Sead Kolasinac and Edin Džeko.

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Bosnia and Herzegovina is the No. 61 crew within the present FIFA world rankings, however it has proven the flexibility to frustrate stronger opponents. It certified for the World Cup by the UEFA playoffs, eliminating Wales and . Then it superior out of its World Cup group by drawing towards host and overpowering .

The U.S. will doubtless dominate possession towards Bosnia and Herzegovina, however the Bosnians will be harmful by the air on set items or once they break rapidly on counter assaults. Even at 40 years outdated, Džeko stays a dependable goal ahead and scientific finisher. Younger standouts like Kerim Alajbegović and Ermin Mahmic have added tempo and creativity to what was an ageing squad.

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Whereas the U.S. protection has confirmed prone to occasional lapses, its assault has been prolific sufficient to make up for it. The People have racked up eight objectives in three World Cup matches regardless of its most deadly playmaker, Christian Pulisic, solely logging a complete of 87 minutes due to a calf harm.

Pulisic has pronounced himself match and prepared for Wednesday’s match. The opposite U.S. mainstays are wholesome too.

Can this group dwell as much as its hype because the U.S.’s golden technology, make a deep run in knockout play and eventually finish the crew’s European curse?

Stated Richards with a smile, “Streaks are supposed to be damaged.”

June 29, 2026 0 comments

World Cup

‘Huge brother’ Van Dijk key to Dutch World Cup goals

by Soccer-News June 29, 2026

written by Soccer-News

I’ve by no means seen a staff win a World Cup and not using a strong defence.

We discuss having one of the best assault at this event however, now we’re within the knockout stage, with the ability to cease targets goes to be as essential as scoring them.

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, for instance, might want to tighten up on the again in comparison with how they performed towards and . The video games are going to be more durable and nearer, even for the main groups – we’re not going to see as many large scores.

There have been numerous targets up to now, greater than at every other World Cup, however some defences have already impressed me and, once I take into consideration the strongest, then possibly it is the Dutch who’ve one of the best one.

I actually like the entire back-line of , , and , and virtually all of them have simply had superb seasons.

The one one you may say who was not at his greatest together with his membership staff was Virgil however I’d say that was extra all the way down to ‘s issues than his.

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Virgil remains to be the chief of that Dutch defence and he has not simply bought proficient gamers round him, they have numerous tempo and power and physicality too.

He’s 34, virtually 35 now, however already we have now seen some famous person attackers who’re a lot older have a big effect at this event, and I really feel he’s additionally nonetheless on the prime of his sport.

Van Dijk has performed each minute of the Netherlands’ three video games at this World Cup [Reuters]

The one time I gained our bodily battle

Virgil is a participant I do know very effectively. I do know he has named me as his hardest opponent – he known as me his ‘bogeyman’ due to the targets I scored towards him – however we have now bought a mutual respect.

I’d put him in my prime three of hardest defenders I’ve confronted too, together with ‘s and ‘s Pepe, and we have now had some nice duels down the years.

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Up to now, my mates have proven me a humorous image of him which at all times makes me snigger – you’ll be able to see it right here under – the place we’re having a bodily battle. I believe I gained it!

In addition to successful this problem, gained the sport too – scoring with a header in ‘s 1-0 win over Liverpool in Could 2018 [Getty Images]

I’ve simply chested the ball and look fairly cool and composed, whereas Virgil is bouncing off me, and falling down like that.

I want that occurred each time we performed one another – however it was possibly the one time in 10 that I gained our duel and that is why it’s humorous. There have to be many different footage the place he’s up, and it’s me down on the ground!

That picture was taken in 2018 and Virgil has had a couple of accidents since then, however he’s nonetheless sturdy and naturally he’s nonetheless as intelligent and composed as ever.

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That is most likely his final probability to win a World Cup and I’m fairly positive he is aware of his staff are relying additionally on his management to go far within the event, which is the opposite facet of what he brings.

In addition to being captain, he’s sort of the large brother of his nationwide staff now, the one who wants to point out the trail and set an instance on the pitch, and I do know he has bought the character to cope with that being on his shoulders.

I nonetheless don’t see the Dutch as being among the many favourites for this World Cup however they’ve some proficient gamers and possibly we ought to be speaking about them greater than we’re. No matter they do from right here, although, Virgil remains to be the principle man for them.

He’s so skilled and has gained so many trophies. He’ll know the Dutch haven’t reached the ultimate at a World Cup since 2010.

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Sixteen years is a very long time, Virgil – so possibly it’s time to put that proper!

You at all times want steadiness in your staff (again) and Giroud had been team-mates at Chelsea between 2018 and 2021 [Getty Images]

One other defender I’m a giant fan of at this World Cup is ‘s Antonio Rudiger, who was one of many hardest defenders I performed with, not to mention towards!

I hated enjoying towards him in coaching at Chelsea as a result of he was the identical as he’s in a sport – effectively, a bit of extra cautious and rather less loopy possibly, however he’s nonetheless at all times pinching you and annoying you want that!

If he’s in good situation, he is likely one of the greatest. He has not began each sport up to now but when he’s match, he is an efficient mixture with on the again. They appear sturdy collectively.

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What’s most essential with any defence nonetheless is the steadiness of the staff. It doesn’t matter how good you might be since you additionally have to have midfielders who’re going to guard you. If you’re open, and you might be towards pacy gamers, it turns into very troublesome.

The midfield is basically sturdy in that means, as a result of they know they must cowl some floor defensively for , who doesn’t have the legs to try this.

Messi has by no means been the one chasing opponents, urgent clever, however that does not matter if behind him, their midfield is working onerous with out the ball to guard the backline.

does that for the Netherlands and have the precise steadiness in that means too with Bruno Guimaraes and .

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We had this with France after we gained the World Cup in 2018 with our midfield of N’Golo Kante, and . All of them labored onerous, but when anybody left a spot then N’Golo compensated for it.

This time, France play with another offensive participant in there, so we must see if we are able to nonetheless attempt to rating extra targets than our opponents, with out dropping that cowl deeper within the pitch.

I really feel we are able to rating targets any time in a sport but when we are able to additionally shield our lead with defence, it is a large asset for any staff.

Olivier Giroud was talking to BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan

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June 29, 2026 0 comments

World Cup

Steve Clarke outlines what Scotland should do for future success after World Cup exit

by Soccer-News June 29, 2026

written by Soccer-News

believes the seasoned expertise of ’s core gamers, mixed with a brand new wave of expertise, shall be instrumental in guiding the nationwide workforce to unprecedented success at Euro 2028.

The departing head coach expressed confidence that his successor will inherit a squad able to reaching the knockout levels of a for the primary time when Scotland co-hosts the European Championship in two years.

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Throughout his seven-year tenure, the 62-year-old supervisor introduced an finish to Scotland’s two-decade absence from main tournaments, securing qualification for 2 European Championships and a World Cup. He closely relied on key figures akin to , , , and , who fashioned the spine of his profitable groups.

Clarke highlighted the mix of expertise and youth, noting the combination of rising gamers like Ben Gannon-Doak, Findlay Curtis, Tyler Fletcher, , James Wilson, and .

Clarke feels Scotland’s subsequent era should study from skilled gamers akin to Andy Robertson (Reuters)

Talking in a Scottish Soccer Affiliation interview after stepping down, Clarke emphasised the significance of this generational switch of information.

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“It’s important to take the core group however it’s a must to hold evolving spherical about it,” he said. “There are a variety of youthful gamers within the squad now who will develop into the subsequent core group. They need to study from the senior gamers that I’ve been fortunate sufficient to work with. We’ve grown collectively by means of 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 caps.”

He added: “Going into this match I believe we had nearly a thousand caps within the squad which is nice expertise at worldwide degree. We’d like to ensure the subsequent era study from this core group and so they can carry us into the long run tournaments. That’s my hope and need.”

Dismissing ideas that the present senior gamers are previous their prime, Clarke insisted: “Everyone retains saying this core group is completed. They’re not completed but, they’re undoubtedly not completed as a result of they will all make it for Euro 2028, house Euros.”

He appears to be like ahead to experiencing the match as a fan.

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“I stay up for sitting within the stand, if the Scottish FA are ok to present me a few tickets for the match, watching the boys play with out the stress of being their head coach and simply watching, having fun with and hoping that that is the subsequent time they handle to do what no person’s ever executed earlier than for Scotland.”

Whereas , Scotland, , and Wales will co-host Euro 2028, direct qualification shouldn’t be assured for all. Two spots shall be reserved for the best-ranked co-hosts who don’t qualify as group winners or greatest runners-up.

Nevertheless, Clarke urged his gamers to not depend on this security internet. In his farewell assembly with the squad in America, he pressured the significance of incomes their place.

“I believe our qualification report might be unsurpassed in Scottish historical past,” he remarked. “We all know qualify out the group, so all I mentioned to the boys was ‘don’t use the free move to get to the subsequent match, just be sure you qualify as of proper as a result of that’s what we do, we do it properly and it additionally provides you an incredible feeling going into the match that you’ve certified as of proper’.”

Clarke concluded with a hopeful message for the long run: “So, like I say, I stay up for sitting watching the boys enjoying within the subsequent Euros and subsequent time they’ll get it proper.”

June 29, 2026 0 comments

World Cup

‘Incapable’ South Korea supervisor quits in shame after president calls for investigation into World Cup exit

by Soccer-News June 29, 2026

written by Soccer-News

supervisor Hong Myung-bo has resigned from his put up in nationwide shame after his aspect’s group-stage exit from the World Cup was met with brutal condemnation from the nation’s president.

South Korea have been after failing to construct on the robust begin that noticed them come from behind to , subsequently dropping their subsequent two Group A matches to and .

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The nation hoped it will qualify for the knockouts as one of many eight-best third-place groups to advance on this 12 months’s expanded match, however that dream was snuffed out when .

Hong, 57, is now coming below heavy fireplace in his homeland, with South Korea president Lee Jae-myung branding the coach as “incapable” and ordering an entire overview of the nationwide crew programme.

Hong Myung-bo didn’t information South Korea past the group stage (AP)

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“As soon as once more, it has been confirmed that personnel choices decide every little thing. If loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence and an incapable particular person is appointed as a pacesetter, the end result is as predictable as fireplace.”

Lee known as for the nationwide Ministry of Tradition, Sports activities and Tourism to take motion, including: “I sincerely apologise to the general public for the deep disappointment attributable to this absurd scenario. We’ll transfer swiftly to reform sports activities administration to make sure this doesn’t occur once more.”

Lee’s fury has been echoed in public and press sentiment in direction of Hong, with broadcaster KBS blurring his face as if he have been a felony whereas reporting on their swift exit.

Hong had his face blurred on nationwide TV in South Korea after the nation’s early World Cup exit (KBS)

Hong introduced his resignation with an apology to Korean followers earlier than the crew left its base camp in Mexico on Sunday, the place South Korea had performed all three of its group matches.

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“To all the Korean individuals who love and assist our nationwide crew, I want to genuinely apologise. Immediately, I’d wish to announce that I’ll step down because the nationwide crew head coach,” Hong mentioned.

“As the top coach, no rationalization can supersede the final word outcome. I couldn’t convey the outcome that our folks had anticipated. All duties are with me.

“Immediately, I step down because the nationwide crew head coach. Nonetheless, my coronary heart for Korean soccer will stay the identical. I’ll now assist Korea nationwide crew to regain the belief and love of our folks.”

Hong was in his second stint with the nationwide crew, having additionally taken cost ar the 2014 World Cup in when South Korea additionally didn’t advance previous the group stage.

South Korea are a daily on the World Cup with 11 consecutive appearances, and went on a historic run to the semi-finals after they co-hosted the match in 2002.

Further reporting from AP

June 29, 2026 0 comments

World Cup

Who’s in World Cup spherical of 32? Full bracket, schedule for knockout stage

by Soccer-News June 29, 2026

written by Soccer-News

What was as soon as 48 has dwindled all the way down to 32. The advances previous the group stage and onto the .

Simply 5 wins separates a type of groups from making historical past, however clearly a couple of groups have it more durable than others. Some followers have already identified that event favourite has a reasonably simple path to the quarterfinals, with solely and posing critical threats to the reigning World Cup champions, and Argentina will solely should face one in all them.

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In the meantime, has matchups lined up in opposition to 2022 third-place finisher , event favourite , after which seemingly both america or .

Nonetheless, regardless of an arduous path forward, many of those groups have World Cup aspirations and can’t wait to play their first all-or-nothing sport of the event. Right here is the total bracket and schedule for the spherical of 32.

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