Michael Olise, France, Northern Ireland, Didier Deschamps
8 June 2026

Michael Olise scored a hat-trick as France beat Northern Ireland 3-1 in their final World Cup warm-up. The Bayern Munich attacker broke the game open either side of half-time and finished as France’s standout performer.

Northern Ireland frustrated France for much of the first half before Olise struck from close range and then added two more after the break. Patrick Kelly pulled one back, but France controlled the final stages comfortably.

Rafael Leao, Portugal, Chile, Bruno Fernandes
6 June 2026

Portugal beat Chile 2-1 in a pre-World Cup friendly, but Rafael Leao’s red card became the main talking point. Bruno Fernandes scored after Goncalo Guedes opened the scoring, while Lucas Cepeda struck late for Chile.

Leao was dismissed for swiping at Ivan Roman during a first-half scuffle, with both players sent off. FIFA could still review the violent-conduct offence, though Portugal expect any ban to affect only their final warm-up.

USMNT, Germany, Mauricio Pochettino, Antonee Robinson
6 June 2026

Germany beat the USMNT 2-1 at Soldier Field in the hosts’ final World Cup warm-up. Kai Havertz scored early, Antonee Robinson replied with a stunning volley, and Leroy Sane struck the second-half winner in Chicago.

Mauricio Pochettino said the early setback tested his side’s character before the Paraguay opener. The performance still showed familiar issues against European teams, while Robinson’s late cramp added a small fitness concern before the tournament.

Harry Kane, England, New Zealand, Thomas Tuchel
6 June 2026

England beat New Zealand 1-0 in Tampa, with Harry Kane scoring the only goal just before half-time. The World Cup warm-up gave Thomas Tuchel minutes in Florida heat, but England created little against the lowest-ranked qualified side.

Djed Spence crossed for Kane’s flicked header before Tuchel changed the full team at half-time. Marcus Rashford looked sharper than Anthony Gordon, while Jude Bellingham improved the tempo after replacing Morgan Rogers in the second half.

Wales, Romania, Craig Bellamy, David Brooks
6 June 2026

Wales lost 2-1 to Romania in Bucharest, extending their winless away-friendly run since 2008. Florinel Coman and Adrian Rus scored either side of David Brooks’ equaliser, leaving Craig Bellamy frustrated before the Nations League campaign.

Wales had more possession and nine shots on target, but Bellamy said they moved the ball too slowly and failed to break lines. Ethan Ampadu, Brennan Johnson and Lewis Koumas missed chances as Romania punished them more efficiently.

Spain, England, Sarina Wiegman
5 June 2026

Spain beat England 4-0 in Majorca, handing Sarina Wiegman’s side their heaviest defeat in 17 years. England only needed a draw to secure automatic Women’s World Cup qualification, but now likely face two play-off rounds.

Patri Guijarro opened the scoring before Alexia Putellas struck twice and Claudia Pina completed the rout. England failed to register a shot on target, struggled to escape pressure and now need Ukraine victory plus Spain dropping points in Iceland.

Wales, Montenegro, Rhian Wilkinson, Hannah Cain
5 June 2026

Wales were held 1-1 by Montenegro in Women’s World Cup qualifying, wasting a chance to take control of Group B1. Hannah Cain’s penalty had put Rhian Wilkinson’s side ahead before Jasna Djokovic struck late in Podgorica.

The Czech Republic also dropped points against Albania, so Wales still have a direct route to top spot. They must now beat the Czechs in Cardiff on Tuesday, with Wilkinson criticising her team’s intensity and decision-making.

Turkey, Northern Ireland, Busem Seker, Marissa Callaghan
5 June 2026

Turkey beat Northern Ireland 2-1 in Women’s World Cup qualifying after a controversial handball decision helped shape the match. Busem Seker handled Fi Morgan’s goalbound effort on the line but received only a yellow card.

Megan Bell scored the resulting penalty, but Seker later headed in Turkey’s winner from Selen Altunkulak’s cross. Former Northern Ireland captain Marissa Callaghan called the decision madness, arguing the striker should have been sent off.

Northern Ireland, Guinea, Michael O’Neill, Tom Atcheson
4 June 2026

Northern Ireland beat Guinea 1-0 in a friendly in La Linea, with Tom Atcheson scoring before being sent off. Michael O’Neill’s young side held firm despite playing the final 25 minutes with 10 men.

Kieran Morrison and Ceadach O’Neill made senior debuts as Northern Ireland continued blooding younger players. Luke Southwood helped protect the lead late on, giving the team momentum before facing France in their next test.

France, Ivory Coast, Rayan Cherki, Didier Deschamps
4 June 2026

France lost 2-1 to Ivory Coast in a World Cup warm-up despite Rayan Cherki scoring a bright opener. Didier Deschamps rotated heavily, but his side failed to control the match after taking the lead.

Kylian Mbappe and Adrien Rabiot had earlier chances before Guela Doue equalised after half-time. Ivory Coast’s substitutes then changed the game, with Diallo finishing a flowing move to hand France an uncomfortable pre-tournament warning.