Scotland’s World Cup campaign continues on Friday as they face Morocco (23:00 BST). Get in the spirit by testing your knowledge of Scotland’s past World Cup heroes—how many players with at least five World Cup appearances can you name? Want more quizzes? Visit the Football Quizzes and Sports Quizzes pages, and sign up for notifications...

The biggest ripple effect is that more teams can now clinch qualification—and even win their group—before matchday three. Previously, a side had to be four points clear after two games to lock up top spot, which was uncommon because it meant both of the other early fixtures had to end in draws. Under the new...

Halftime interviews have emerged as a new element of World Cup broadcasts, with participation encouraged but not compulsory. Access varies by team—some make the manager or substitutes available—and the tone of these exchanges differs from nation to nation. Reflecting on the first half against Croatia, Barry described it as messy and uncertain, with early nerves...

As recently as three years ago, there was no certainty Balogun would represent the United States. After featuring for both the US and England at Under-18 level, he became central to Lee Carsley’s England Under-21 plans, scoring seven goals in 13 matches as they prepared for the 2023 Under-21 European Championship. Yet his prolific 2022-23...

Available for more than a year What does it feel like to score your nation’s first-ever World Cup goal? What sets World Cup champions apart? And could England finally go the distance? Tim Cahill joins Wayne to revisit Australia’s fearless 2006 World Cup run, life under Guus Hiddink, and the mindset that took him from...

Canada midfielder Ismaël Koné has thanked his teammates and fans for their support after undergoing surgery on a broken leg. The 24-year-old was injured in the World Cup co-hosts’ 6-0 win over Qatar on Thursday, after a late challenge from Assim Madibo. Players from both sides looked shaken as Koné received extensive treatment. The former...

Stevens, who will start on 10 July, said his two decades in a range of roles across different clubs have equipped him to help unlock the club’s potential. He added that he believes in Swansea City’s project, sees significant potential, and is eager to bring everyone together to pursue future success. Swans chief executive Tom...

His journey is steeped in Dutch influence. Jacco Bos grew up a Feyenoord supporter before moving to Australia after a 1997 backpacking trip, where he met Jordan’s mother, Sandra. A childhood photo of Jordan in Feyenoord’s iconic red-and-white shirt has become a favourite among fans. Years later, he is fulfilling the dream his father once...

Nike’s World Cup spot, Rip the Script, leans on serious star power, featuring Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Cristiano Ronaldo and even LeBron James. Adidas counters with Backyard Legends, stacking its lineup with Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham, Lionel Messi and Zinedine Zidane—plus a cameo from an AI-generated David Beckham. These campaigns feel more like Hollywood epics...

It’s no surprise Morocco and France both fought hard for Bouaddi’s allegiance. World Cup winner Olivier Giroud spent the year nudging him to choose France, but Bouaddi said no. Though he came through France’s youth teams, he has always taken deep pride in his family’s Moroccan roots. Announcing his decision to represent Morocco rather than...

Coventry City manager Frank Lampard has had encouraging discussions about extending his contract. The 47-year-old guided the Sky Blues to the Premier League last season, clinching the Championship title. His current deal expires at the end of next season, and his success has raised his profile and attracted interest from elsewhere, including Fulham. Negotiations with...