FIFA, Cody Gakpo and World Cup teams
21 June 2026

The 2026 World Cup became the fastest edition to reach 100 goals since 1958, hitting the landmark in the 33rd match. Cody Gakpo brought up the century during Netherlands’ 5-1 win over Sweden in Houston.

The scoring surge has been linked to the expanded format, long-range shots, goalkeeper issues with the ball, mandatory hydration breaks and late-game fatigue. The tournament is averaging more than three goals per game and tracking toward 300 goals.

FIFA and World Cup teams
20 June 2026

FIFA is using head-to-head records as the first World Cup group tiebreaker, ahead of overall goal difference. The change means teams such as Mexico can seal top spot earlier even if rivals can still match their points total.

The rule brings FIFA closer to UEFA’s approach and rewards direct results over heavy wins against weaker sides. It could change final match incentives, allowing qualified group winners to rest players while third-place contenders chase favourable scenarios.

Arsenal, Coventry City and the Premier League
21 August 2026

Coventry City will mark their Premier League return with a Friday night trip to defending champions Arsenal on 21 August. Hull City host Manchester United, Ipswich meet Sunderland and Liverpool begin Andoni Iraola’s reign away to Newcastle.

The fixture release also confirms a later 30 May 2027 finish because of the World Cup schedule. Boxing Day gets a full round, Christmas rest gaps are protected and referee guidance on hair-pulling and holding will change.

Kylian Mbappe, France, Olivier Giroud, Lionel Messi, Miroslav Klose
17 June 2026

Kylian Mbappe has become France’s all-time leading scorer after netting twice against Senegal in the World Cup. The Real Madrid forward moved to 58 international goals, passing Olivier Giroud’s national-team record.

Mbappe celebrated the milestone with a message of pride and gratitude to team-mates, staff and supporters. His brace also moved him to 14 World Cup goals, closing in on Lionel Messi and Miroslav Klose’s tournament record.

Kylian Mbappe, France, Olivier Giroud, Lionel Messi, Miroslav Klose
17 June 2026

Kylian Mbappe has become France’s all-time leading scorer after netting twice against Senegal in the World Cup. The Real Madrid forward moved to 58 international goals, passing Olivier Giroud’s national-team record.

Mbappe celebrated the milestone with a message of pride and gratitude to team-mates, staff and supporters. His brace also moved him to 14 World Cup goals, closing in on Lionel Messi and Miroslav Klose’s tournament record.

Hearts, Hibernian, Motherwell, Sturm Graz, Derek McInnes
17 June 2026

Hearts will face Sturm Graz in Champions League qualifying, while Motherwell drew Havnar Boltfelag and Hibernian await Vllaznia or Malisheva in the Conference League. The ties give three Scottish clubs clear European routes for July.

Hearts’ draw arrives during managerial uncertainty, with Derek McInnes expected to leave for Rangers. Motherwell are also seeking a new manager, while Hibs face a lower-ranked opponent but begin away from home in either Albania or Kosovo.

Hearts, Sturm Graz, Derek McInnes
17 June 2026

Hearts will face Sturm Graz in Champions League qualifying after finishing second in the Scottish Premiership. The Edinburgh club return to Europe’s top competition qualifiers for the first time in 20 years, with the first leg set for Austria.

The tie arrives amid managerial uncertainty, with Derek McInnes expected to leave Hearts for Rangers. Hearts must prepare quickly for July’s qualifier while choosing a replacement capable of handling domestic pressure and a rare Champions League opportunity.

Jude Bellingham, Marc Guehi, England, Thomas Tuchel
12 June 2026

Jude Bellingham is expected to start in England’s World Cup opener against Croatia, with Morgan Rogers likely to begin on the bench. Marc Guehi may also miss out, as Thomas Tuchel leans toward John Stones and Ezri Konsa at centre-back.

Tuchel’s final warm-up selection against Costa Rica offered clues, with Noni Madueke also pushing to start if Bukayo Saka is eased in. The possible Guehi omission would be a surprise after his importance at Euro 2024 and Manchester City.

Argentina, Lionel Scaloni, USMNT, Mexico
11 June 2026

Argentina have returned to the top of the FIFA men’s world rankings as they begin their World Cup title defence. France and Spain slipped behind them, while Mexico rose to 14th and the USMNT dropped to 17th.

Argentina’s friendly wins over Honduras and Iceland helped them regain first place for the first time since July 2025. The rankings also leave Italy as the highest-ranked non-participant and New Zealand as the lowest-ranked World Cup team.

Chris Sutton, Mexico, South Africa, England
10 June 2026

Chris Sutton has issued predictions for the opening round of World Cup group matches, backing Mexico to edge South Africa, England to beat Croatia and several favourites to start carefully in difficult conditions across North America.

His predictions highlight home advantage, heat, ageing squads, defensive records and tactical caution as early tournament factors. Sutton also tipped possible awkward openers for the United States, France, Portugal and Argentina against physically demanding or organised opponents.