FOOTBALL

Mbappe Set for 100th France Cap

Kylian Mbappe, France and Iraq
21 June 2026

Kylian Mbappe is set to win his 100th France cap against Iraq at the World Cup. The milestone comes after he scored twice against Senegal, passed Pele on the tournament scoring list and became France’s record goalscorer.

Mbappe said the milestone is historic but insisted his focus remains on helping France beat Iraq and chase the trophy. He now sits near the top of the all-time World Cup scoring chart, with further records within reach.

Yamal Sparks Spain Rout of Saudi Arabia

Spain, Saudi Arabia, Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal
21 June 2026

Spain beat Saudi Arabia 4-0 in Atlanta to recover from their opening draw and move to four points in Group H. Lamine Yamal scored his first World Cup goal, while Mikel Oyarzabal added two before Spain eased through the second half.

Yamal’s early back-post finish changed the mood after Spain’s frustration against Cape Verde. Oyarzabal then answered criticism with two quick goals, and Luis de la Fuente managed minutes by withdrawing both key attackers at half-time with the result secure.

Bergvall Explores Tottenham Exit

Lucas Bergvall and Tottenham Hotspur
21 June 2026

Lucas Bergvall is exploring options away from Tottenham after limited minutes under Roberto de Zerbi. The Sweden midfielder wants a fresh challenge, with Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest among clubs understood to have spoken with his representatives.

Spurs are targeting midfield reinforcements and recently had a major Sandro Tonali offer rejected, increasing uncertainty around Bergvall’s role. Chelsea briefly explored a move earlier but are no longer interested, leaving Tottenham to decide whether to keep him.

Ajax Part Ways With Oscar Garcia

Ajax and Oscar Garcia
21 June 2026

Ajax have mutually parted ways with coach Oscar Garcia after a turbulent season that ended with a fifth-place Eredivisie finish. Garcia had one year left on his contract after stepping up from the under-23 side in March.

Ajax turned to Garcia after Fred Grim returned to academy duties, following John Heitinga’s earlier dismissal. Technical director Jordi Cruijff thanked Garcia for taking charge during difficult circumstances as the club begin another coaching reset.

Ten-Man Belgium Held by Iran

Belgium, Iran, Nathan Ngoy and Thibaut Courtois
21 June 2026

Belgium were held to a 0-0 draw by Iran, leaving Rudi Garcia’s side still searching for their first World Cup win. Nathan Ngoy was sent off in the second half, while Thibaut Courtois made key saves to protect a point.

Belgium controlled possession but struggled to create clear chances without Jeremy Doku. Iran threatened through Mehdi Taremi and Hossein Kanaani, and Ngoy’s red card left Belgium under pressure before a final group match against New Zealand.

Nicolas Jackson Plans Chelsea Return

Nicolas Jackson, Chelsea and Xabi Alonso
21 June 2026

Nicolas Jackson is reportedly planning to return to Chelsea and fight for his place under new manager Xabi Alonso. Bayern Munich have decided not to trigger their £70m option after his loan spell in Germany.

Jackson wants Alonso to assess him before considering a move later in the window. Juventus, Napoli and Newcastle have been linked, but Chelsea’s crowded attack and lack of European football could still limit his minutes.

Liverpool Reject Inter Bid for Curtis Jones

Liverpool, Inter Milan and Curtis Jones
21 June 2026

Liverpool have rejected a verbal €25m offer from Inter Milan for Curtis Jones. The bid fell well below Liverpool’s £35m valuation, with the club unwilling to approve a cut-price exit for the homegrown midfielder.

Inter had also explored Jones in January, including a loan-to-buy proposal that Liverpool rejected. With one year left on his contract, Jones remains a target, but Liverpool’s stance suggests they expect a stronger offer before negotiating.

Eustaquio Misses Canada Training Before Switzerland

Stephen Eustaquio, Canada and Alphonso Davies
21 June 2026

Canada vice-captain Stephen Eustaquio missed training before the decisive World Cup group match against Switzerland. Canada Soccer did not provide a reason for his absence, though he was expected to arrive later in the day.

Eustaquio has captained Canada in Alphonso Davies’ absence and started both group matches. Davies trained with the team as he continues his hamstring recovery, while Canada prepare for a top-place fight against Switzerland.

Eloy Room Saves Curacao’s First World Cup Point

Curacao, Ecuador and Eloy Room
21 June 2026

Curacao earned their first World Cup point with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador in Kansas City, led by Eloy Room’s 15 saves. The Miami FC goalkeeper equalled the men’s World Cup save record and kept Ecuador scoreless despite 28 shots.

Room set the tone with an early stop from Enner Valencia and continued denying close-range chances. Ecuador created more than three expected goals, but Curacao defended deep late on and now remain alive before facing Ivory Coast.

Japan Thrash Tunisia to Strengthen Knockout Push

Japan, Tunisia and Daichi Kamada
21 June 2026

Japan beat Tunisia 4-0 in Monterrey to move into a strong Group F position and eliminate Tunisia from the World Cup. Daichi Kamada scored early from Keito Nakamura’s low cross as Hajime Moriyasu’s side controlled the match without Takefusa Kubo.

The quick opener forced Tunisia to chase the game and left Japan comfortable in possession and transitions. With the win, Japan moved one point ahead of Sweden, meaning a draw in their final group game would be enough to progress.