FOOTBALL

Ghana Hold England in Tactical Reality Check

England and Ghana.
In World Cup Group L.

England were held to a 0-0 draw by Ghana in Boston, slowing their push to lock up Group L. Carlos Queiroz’s side frustrated Thomas Tuchel’s attack with a disciplined low block and man-marking on key creators.

Ghana refused to press high, denying England the space they exploited against Croatia. Kane said Thomas Partey tracked him closely, while England struggled to create in tight areas and lacked an obvious Plan B against deep defending.

Milan Reject NYCFC Pulisic Approach

Christian Pulisic, AC Milan and New York City FC.
During the World Cup and summer window.

AC Milan have rejected an approach from New York City FC for Christian Pulisic, telling the MLS club the United States attacker is not available. NYCFC are seeking a major name before opening their new stadium.

Pulisic’s contract runs to 2027, with Milan holding an option to extend to 2028. The club are in transition after missing the Champions League, but owner Gerry Cardinale reportedly wants to keep key players involved.

Brighton Near Lia Walti Signing

Brighton and Lia Walti.
During the women’s summer transfer window.

Brighton are in advanced talks to sign Switzerland midfielder Lia Walti from Juventus. The former Arsenal player has one year left on her contract in Italy but is keen to return to the Women’s Super League.

Walti won four major trophies at Arsenal, including the Champions League and WSL titles, before joining Juventus in 2025. Brighton want to push into the WSL’s top four and recently reached their first major final.

Morocco Beat Haiti and Eye Historic Run

Morocco and Haiti.
In World Cup Group C.

Morocco beat Haiti 4-2 in Atlanta to reach the round of 32 as Group C runners-up behind Brazil. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi then urged his players to believe they can become the first African winners of the World Cup.

Morocco’s win secured a knockout match against the winners of Group F in Monterrey. Ouahbi said his side have the ingredients to beat anyone, drawing confidence from their 2022 semi-final run and current tournament momentum.

Infantino Defends Hydration Breaks

Gianni Infantino and FIFA.
During the World Cup heat debate.

Gianni Infantino has denied FIFA introduced mandatory World Cup hydration breaks to increase advertising or commercial value. The FIFA president said the rule is about player welfare, fairness and protecting teams from intense summer conditions.

The breaks have drawn criticism because they split matches into quarters and disrupt rhythm. Infantino insisted they are necessary in heat and humidity, though critics argue FIFA’s wider commercial record makes the welfare explanation harder to accept.

Switzerland Beat Canada to Win Group B

Switzerland and Canada.
In the final Group B match.

Switzerland beat Canada 2-1 in Vancouver to win Group B and deny the co-hosts home advantage in the knockouts. Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi scored after half-time before Promise David pulled one back late on.

Canada needed only a draw to stay in Vancouver for the next round but must now travel to Los Angeles. Jesse Marsch said Alphonso Davies should be fit for their round-of-32 tie, likely against South Korea.

Madibo Hit With Five-Match FIFA Ban

Assim Madibo, Qatar and Canada.
After the tackle that injured Ismael Kone.

FIFA has banned Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo for five matches after his challenge caused Canada’s Ismael Kone to suffer a serious leg break. The suspension extends far beyond the automatic one-match ban for the red card.

Madibo’s foul was initially shown as yellow before being upgraded after the injury became clear. The Athletic argued FIFA appeared to punish the outcome more than the challenge, noting Madibo apologised and visited Kone in hospital.

Ronaldo Double Powers Portugal Past Uzbekistan

Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo and Uzbekistan.
In Portugal’s second Group K match.

Portugal beat Uzbekistan 5-0 in Houston, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice to answer criticism after the opening draw with DR Congo. The result ended Uzbekistan’s World Cup hopes and put Portugal back on course in Group K.

Ronaldo’s goals made him the first male player to score in six different World Cups, while Fabio Cannavaro praised his intelligence after the match. Portugal now regain control before a decisive group finish against Colombia.

Austria and Algeria Face Strange Group Twist

Austria and Algeria.
Before their final World Cup Group J match.

A strange Group J scenario could make finishing third more attractive than second for Austria and Algeria. Argentina have already won the group, while both teams are locked above eliminated Jordan before their final match.

The runner-up is likely to face Spain, while third place may produce a weaker route. Because the match is last in the group stage schedule, both sides could know exactly which result gives a better draw.

Balogun Leads USMNT Transfer Watch

Folarin Balogun and USMNT players.
During the World Cup and summer transfer window.

Folarin Balogun is expected to leave Monaco this summer, with several Premier League clubs making initial contact. The USMNT forward has two years left on his contract and Monaco could seek around €50m for him.

His World Cup exposure has strengthened interest after 31 goals in 91 Monaco appearances. The Athletic also reported situations around Christian Pulisic, Ricardo Pepi, Sebastian Berhalter and Matt Turner could develop after the tournament too.