Latest Sports Stories

World Cup News

ShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleRichard BakerYorkshireThe largest ever FIFA World Cup kicks off later, taking place across the USA, Canada and Mexico.World Cup fever is well and truly here, with England looking to remedy 60 years of hurt and 47 other countries looking to stop them.Whilst you could watch all 104 games from the comfort of your own home, there are venues all over Yorkshire showing the action from across the pond.In Leeds, The Brotherhood of Pursuits and Pleasures is aiming to show all 104 games live - from the group stages to the final in New Jersey on 19 July.Fans can watch the action across more than 25 screens amongst "packed-out crowds and an electric matchday buzz" in their city centre venue on New Briggate.The venue will show the 01:00, 02:00 and 03:00 GMT kick off matches with its late licence running until 03:00.Owner Seema Dhiman said they would determine how popular the 05:00 matches are before applying for a later licence and the possibility of staying open until the early morning.For England and Scotland's group stage games - live musicians, playing themed music will add to the atmosphere.Dhiman said: "We're a sports bar through and through. When I set up The Brotherhood, it was about sport and nothing else. It'll always come first."Despite the challenges of hosting all 104 games, Dhiman insisted there was no other option."It wasn't even a decision, it's just what we do," she added.Dhiman said her Leeds venue sold out of tickets for England and Scotland's matches two months ago.An estimated 55 million additional pints are likely to be poured if England make it to the World Cup Final, according to the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).James Hawkins from the BBPA said the the trade body had been working closely with the government to allow pubs to open during matches into the night.Last month, the association said 161 pubs closed in the first three months of the year across England, Scotland and Wales, equating to the loss of about 2,400 jobs.Earlier this year, the government announced business rates support for pubs after warnings from the sector that further tax changes could lead to more closures. The 15% tax relief for pubs and music venues came into effect in April.Elsewhere, the 02 Academy in Leeds will be staging a large fan park for England's group stage games, hosted by 4TheFans, who claim to be the biggest fan park organisers in the country.Tickets start at £5, whilst a table ticket is also available for £20. Those with more hope than others can buy a ticket for the knockout games already - with a money-back guarantee.At the West End Gold Club in Halifax, their 1906 Club House will be showing the Three Lions in action.The club house will offer free entry alongside drinks and snacks, and if the action on the screens isn't running to script - they are putting on a sweepstake with a chance to win a free "bucket of beer" to keep spirits high.It may be the summer break, but Huddersfield Town will reopen the doors of their Accu Stadium, this time for England's games.Fans can watch the action on big screens in their H Town internal fan zone, with doors open two hours before kick-off.Under 12s go free, whilst adults tickets are priced at £5 to cheer on the Three Lions in their 750-capacity room.Kapital Beer Hall & Restaurant in Sheffield will also be showing every game live across big screens over two floors alongside a pre-match DJ.With its 300-person capacity, the venue is one of the largest in Sheffield to show the football and will offer fans a "European beer hall experience", organisers say.No booking is required but, naturally, arriving early for England's matches is recommended.Many say football is more art and theatre than sport, so fittingly Rotherham's historical Empire Theatre will be screening all England's group fixtures.The theatre, which opened in 1913 and recently underwent restoration, will offer free tickets for the games, whilst fans can take advantage of the two-pint pitchers on sale once inside.Penistone Church FC, the non-league club where England's John Stones started his career, will also be showing the action.The departing Manchester City defender, also known by the nom de plumes of "Penistone Pirlo" and the "Barnsley Beckenbauer" played for PCFC before being scouted by the Tykes.They will be showing the football on several large screens in their clubhouse.The Lysander Arms in York is also promising to show all 104 World Cup games at their pub, complete with a beer garden.The action will be spread across five screens and walk-ins are welcome too.Food from their outdoor Burger Shack and Pizza Oven is also available.Across the city, cocktail bar Manahatta are putting on a two-hour bottomless brunch for all of the three England group stage matches.Fans have to order a main meal to enjoy the bottomless drinks during the game, whilst a live DJ will keep the music flowing behind all the sporting action.Domestic interest in the World Cup starts first with Scotland, who face Haiti in their opener, whilst England's first group match will see them face Croatia (All times BST).Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.

World Cup News

Cecilio Waterman (right) and Alberto Quintero embark on their first World Cup tournament in their mid-30s. Photograph: Eliezer Aizprua/EPAAfter impressive showings in recent major tournaments, Thomas Christiansen’s players are aiming to prove a point on the global stageThis article is part of the Guardian’s 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a cooperation between some of the best media organisations from the 48 countries who qualified. theguardian.com is running previews from three countries each day in the run-up to the tournament kicking off on 11 June.La Marea Roja arrive in full voice. After their historic World Cup debut at Russia 2018, they mean business this time round, and want to progress from the group. With Michael Murillo leading from the back, the midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla providing a creative spark and the captain, Aníbal Godoy, still the heart and soul of the team, Panama are ready to write a new chapter.This is a more mature side than the one from 2018. Under the coach, Thomas Christiansen, the team have developed a pragmatic style of play with an organised defence, quick transitions and plenty of physicality. They usually play 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 with Murillo the leading figure at right-back, but that could shift to a back five against stronger opponents. There is a double pivot of Godoy, who wins the ball, and Carrasquilla, who can use it. In attack, Ismael Díaz and José Rodríguez are sharp-shooting speedsters.Panama topped their Concacaf group in qualifying, conceding just four goals in the final group phase and sealing their spot at the finals with a 3-0 win against El Salvador last November. They’ve improved in possession and arrive in North America full of confidence off the back of reaching the quarter-finals of the 2024 Copa América and the final of the 2023 Gold Cup.“Our faith moves mountains,” Christiansen said. “To be at the World Cup for the second time, we want to improve on 2018 and compete like never before.” Godoy agrees: “We will give everything. This group is united and hungry to make history.”The realistic aim is to make it out of the group. Christiansen will want to prove they have the discipline to avoid a repeat of the 2018 6-1 thrashing by England, who are group opponents once more. A spot in the last 16 is the dream. The dressing room believes it is possible.Thomas Christiansen has been in charge since 2020. The Dane started his playing career in Barcelona’s B team and spent much of it in Spain. He shone as a coach in Cyprus before stints with Leeds and Union Saint-Gilloise. The 53-year-old has transformed Panama into a competitive team, taking them to the 2023 Gold Cup final, 2024 Copa América quarter-finals and now their second World Cup. “We want to compete and get out of the group. The selección is more than ready,” Christiansen says. His team will not fear anybody.Michael Murillo is Panama’s talisman. The 30-year-old Besiktas right-back has more than 90 caps and has played in MLS, Belgium, France and now Turkey. Quick off the mark, good one-on-one and a threat in the opposing box, he will be key to any success. His leadership and experience in top leagues has made him a captain without the armband. He grew up in Colón, sharing a room with his mother and siblings but, while baseball was the family’s favourite sport, he chose football and wanted to provide. Now a national treasure, he has never forgotten his roots. “Be proud of your family, fight for your family and believe in your family,” he says.José Rodríguez lost his father at the age of 10 but the youngster from Panama City found the strength to dream big through football and his family. The winger with lightning speed has made a name for himself in Belgium, Spain, Portugal and Serbia. He isn’t afraid to try his luck from distance either, scoring via a deflection off Tunisia’s Yassine Meriah in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup. The 27-year-old, now playing in Mexico, has found a mentor in Thomas Christiansen. “I’m very grateful to ‘El Profe’ … we know each other very well and we’re like a family,” Rodríguez has said.With more than 150 caps – a national record – Aníbal Godoy is the most experienced member of this Panama squad. At the age of 36 he remains the person Christiansen can rely on to do the dirty work: winning the ball back, covering space and organising those around him. The San Diego midfielder isn’t one to grab the headlines but his graft allows others such as Adalberto Carrasquilla to shine. Godoy is highly respected within the Panama dressing room – it would not be the same without him.La Marea Roja (the Red Wave) are some of the most passionate fans in Concacaf. They are loud and proud, but respectful too. After eight years of waiting for another opportunity to go to a World Cup finals tournament, they will travel in their numbers: Copa Airlines – who flew the team out in a red and white plane – are putting on special flights to the US, Canada and Mexico. Watch out for the sombreros.Tense, over the Panama canal. Last year Trump said: “We’re going to take it back or something very powerful is going to happen.” He accused Panama of violating the treaty of neutrality and allowing Chinese influence. The Panamanian government strongly rejected Trump’s words. Neither Christiansen nor the players will go near the subject, with the federation prioritising national pride. The supporters have criticised the high prices of tickets and transport in the US but largely stayed away from the broader controversy. The canal issue is sensitive, but the national team are going to play football, not politics.Written by José Miguel Domínguez Flores for Chepebomba.com and the podcast Punto Y Pelota Mentira No Es.

World Cup News

Ryan Christie was the last Scotland player to touch the ball at Euro 2024.He brought it down, was dispossessed, then referee Facundo Tello blew his whistle before he had the chance to take the throw-in against Hungary.It was familiar agony again for Scotland, their exit confirmed by a 1-0 defeat to a 100th-minute goal.Deflation and disappointment was etched on the players' faces, while the Tartan Army were devastated in the Stuttgart stands.It is hurt the squad are still carrying two years on as they enter their first World Cup in 28 years."A few of us left that thinking 'what could have been'," Christie said on The Wayne Rooney Show."So I think this time we've got a bit of a chip on our shoulder that we are going to do something at this tournament."We are absolutely desperate to be the first team to get out of the group stage, take that extra step and create a bit more history."Two years ago Scotland faced hosts Germany in the tournament opener, a 5-1 defeat that Christie vividly recalls as a "humbling" experience.It's one he points to when discussing the Scots' Group C schedule and rounding it off with the "iconic" game against Brazil."Everybody's at the World Cup on merit, so there are no easy games," the Bournemouth midfielder said. "I don't think we're expecting that."But it gives us the chance to get off to a good start. You probably look at the group and that's the easiest on paper."You'd rather face them than Brazil first. I know that from facing Germany at the opening of the last Euros. That was a humbling experience."I'm still having nightmares about that. But hopefully we can learn from that experience and start this one a bit better."Scotland's Super Mario and social butterfly who emerged from Man Utd cocoonIt's down to the standards set by Christie, his team-mates and head coach Steve Clarke - who "completely changed the set-up" of the national team."When I first joined international football, I know I was a bit younger and probably a bit quieter, but I was counting down the days until I could go back home," the 31-year-old explained."It's the polar opposite now. If we're meeting up on a Monday, everyone flies up on the Saturday night to spend an extra day with each other - it's brilliant."Key to that is the trust Clarke has in his players. Most know he's as loyal as they come on the pitch, but off it is as important for Christie."He puts a big amount of trust in us in terms of if we have a day off and play golf or something, there's full trust that we're not going to take advantage," he added."Boys that are going to the World Cup now have been on a journey of five, six, seven years with the manager."I think after the Denmark game was one of the rare times I've seen him properly smiling and enjoy himself a little bit, which was cool to see. For us as players, we knew how much it would mean to him to tick that off his list."For me, he's got to go down as one of the great, great Scottish managers of all time."Everything you need to know about the World Cup

World Cup News

ShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleJames McClairWest MidlandsKicking off their World Cup campaign against Croatia, England are hoping to become world champions for a second time and end 60 years of hurt.But the man who was responsible for tending to any pain for players before they lifted the Jules Rimet trophy hailed from Malvern, Worcestershire.Dr Neil Phillips, who died in 2015 aged 83, was the team doctor for the famed 1966 winning squad and worked with stars like Bobby Moore and Sir Geoff Hurst."He was so proud to be doctor to the England football team," his daughter Annie Onions recalls ahead of this summer's tournament in North America."What amazed him when he was on the pitch in 1966 before the final [was that] he was from Wales, his favourite sports were cricket and rugby, he spent six months doing gynaecology as part of his training, and he ends up doctor to the England World Cup team.""It was always a pinch me moment [for him] standing there on that pitch and being part of it," she added.Phillips' role landed him an appearance on Top of the Pops alongside the Three Lions squad when their World Cup song, 'Back Home', shot to fame four years on from their World Cup triumph.His bond with England skipper Moore was one of the highlights of his stint with the national team.Onions said she remembered trips to the West Ham legend's leather factory in London during her childhood whenever the family visited the capital."I had a bright red waistcoat in suede with all the tassels at the bottom," she said."From a very early age I was in love with Bobby Moore, I thought he was the greatest thing in the world and going there was just fabulous."However, the job did not come without challenges, particularly as part of a small team, with Phillips even having to use his holiday allowance to tend to the team during competitions."Now when they go to the World Cup, they have this whole entourage of psychologists and physiotherapists," Onions said. "Then it was just Sir Alf Ramsey, my dad and Les Cocker – that was it."Speaking to the BBC in 2010, Phillips was intent on the secret to England's one and only victory on the world stage."I know how we did it, and it was all due to one man - Alf Ramsey," he said at the time.Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

World Cup News

Surrounded by rolling fields and winding roads, and hidden away at the back of the Jamberoo Pub, is a moving tribute to Australian footballAs the Socceroos and Australian football fans make a pilgrimage to North America filled with uncertainty over what the next few weeks might bring, it is all too easy to forget who and what laid the foundations for the team’s sixth successive trip to a World Cup. For while the current crop of Socceroos are out to chart their own course at this year’s global showpiece, where their adventures will ultimately be recorded and remembered remains up in the air.The Jamberoo Pub is a 90-minute drive south of Sydney and a step back in time. A facade that pays homage to the Tudor era reveals nothing of the stories inside just waiting to be told. Yet for well informed football fans, and those who unwittingly stumble across it, the town holds special significance. Surrounded by rolling green fields and winding roads, and hidden away at the back of a pub, is one of the most momentous places in Australian football – the Johnny Warren Museum.The front room of the pub gives the first hint of what lies within. Sporting souvenirs decorate the walls and ceilings, fighting for space alongside football jerseys, scarves and flags as sunlight flickers through the window. A story begins to unfold down the spine of the building, with a long hallway decked out in posters, portraits, photos and newspaper clippings mostly featuring the Australian football pioneer Warren.At the end of the corridor is a football fever dream. An exhibition honouring Warren and the successes and struggles he encountered in a life dedicated to being a footballer, coach, commentator and chief advocate for the game in Australia.The Jamberoo Pub is co-owned and run by Jamie Warren, nephew of Johnny, who has taken up the mantle of promoting the world game through memorabilia and memories. As curator, tour guide and publican, Jamie’s pride in his family’s critical role in the sport’s history in Australia is evident as he recalls in fine detail the stories behind each item.There is no centrepiece to a collection that jumps back and forth between eras and continues to evolve – occasional additions are made as the Socceroos and Matildas find greater success on the global stage. But a portrait of Johnny bearing his catchcry “I told you so” – the words he uttered just weeks before his death in 2004 when asked what he wanted his legacy to be – is positioned to jump into view as soon as visitors walk into the expansive main room.A Socceroos poster signed by every player from the groundbreaking 1974 World Cup squad is its own snapshot of time – complete with haircuts ubiquitous to the period. Similarly rare items are usually held in more secure surroundings.One of Jamie’s favourite pieces links the 1974 squad with the players that finally ended the Socceroos’ 32-year wait to return to the World Cup. “Rale Rasic gave us that one,” Jamie says in casual reference to the coach of the first Australia team to qualify for the tournament, before he runs through the players like they are old family friends. “There’s Peter Wilson, John Watkiss, Harry Williams, Ray Richards, Manfred Schaefer, I think … Jimmy Rooney, Jimmy Mackay, Attila Abonyi and uncle John.”One of the oldest photos in the collection is of a five-year-old Johnny playing as a goalkeeper in his first match. Many of the items only resurfaced for an exhibition in the lead in to the 2006 World Cup called From Botany to Berlin – a nod to Johnny’s home town and the location of the Socceroos’ tournament debut in West Germany. “It was a wonderful tribute to John and a really exciting period for football in Australia,” Jamie says. “It was kind of devastating at the same time that he wasn’t here to enjoy all of that.”The scrapbooks, brooches, trophies, medals and awards from Johnny’s time with the Socceroos and clubs like St George-Budapest are dotted around the museum room, while his MBE has pride of place behind the main bar. Parts of the collection are occasionally put on display at other venues but Jamie is yet to hear from FA about a more permanent exhibition or other steps being taken to preserve the sport’s rich history. “It’s every man for himself, unfortunately,” he says. “The A-League has the Johnny Warren medal though, which is nice recognition and something that keeps the connection to the past.”The Jamberoo Pub will host watch parties for each Socceroos match as a new chapter in Australian football is written at the 2026 World Cup. The seismic shift in Australian football that Warren fought so hard for across his 61 years may even edge closer over the next few weeks. In the meantime the building blocks remain waiting to be explored in the back room of a small country pub.

World Cup News

Shirts had included imagery evoking Haitian revolutionWinter Olympics team also had to redesign uniformsHaiti have been made to find new jerseys on the eve of the 2026 World Cup, after Fifa deemed certain elements to be too political in nature. The Concacaf qualifiers are set to open their group stage against Scotland on Saturday.In a statement responding to the decision, kit manufacturer Saeta confirmed that it had worked with Fifa to ensure the design would meet requirements, even having “successfully implemented the requested modifications” during the mandatory review process.“Working in close collaboration with the Haitian Football Federation,” Saeta’s statement elaborated, “our objective throughout the process was to create a jersey that celebrated the pride, resilience and spirit of the Haitian People. Several concepts were developed and refined over a number of months and submitted through Fifa’s standard approval process. The final design presented by Saeta was intended as a tribute to the men and women who contribute every day to Haiti’s future and was not intended as a political statement.”“During the review process, Fifa determined that certain visual elements could be interpreted differently under its equipment regulations and ultimately requested modifications to the design,” the manufacturer’s statement continued. “While this interpretation differed from our intention, Saeta respected the process and implemented the final requirements communicated by Fifa. We remain proud to have contributed, alongside the Haitian Football Federation, to this historic moment for Haitian football and wish the team every success at the Fifa World Cup.”Haiti’s jerseys come in blue (home), white (away) and red (third) with red collars and sleeves and the national team’s badge in the center of the shirt. The point of contention resided on the shirt’s right hip, which depicted silhouettes inspired by the Battle of Vertières and the Haitian revolution. In 1803, revolutionary leader Jean-Jacques Dessalines, who later became the nation’s first emperor, tore the white band off of a French flag to create a new flag for “the world’s first free Black republic”. The moment is commemorated throughout the nation every 18 May as Haitian Flag Day.The iconography appears on all three of Haiti’s shirts released by Saeta released ahead of the tournament. All three versions are sold out on the Saeta website. The manufacturer does not appear to be priming to release a batch of alternative shirts. Fifa’s online shop only offers two pieces of Haiti-specific merchandise: a trucker hat and a scarf.Haiti advanced from Concacaf World Cup qualifying for the first time since 1974, and wore the now-banned shirts during pre-tournament friendlies against New Zealand and Peru last week.In photos from Fifa’s official World Cup portrait sessions taken on Tuesday, players were wearing jerseys that did not feature the iconography.This is the second time this year that a Haitian team have had to change uniform designs in an international tournament. The International Olympic Committee also required Haiti’s ski suits to be redesigned at the last minute before the Winter Olympics in Milan, as designer Stella Jean’s imagery (which also depicted a revolutionary) apparently breached rules about designs and athlete expression.

World Cup News

The Ghanaian government has raised more than $3m for fans to travel to North America. Photograph: Kara Thomas/Focus Images Ltd/ShutterstockAntoine Semenyo will need help from his supporting cast but there is plenty of excitement about a 20-year-old midfielder likened to Michael EssienThis article is part of the Guardian’s 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a cooperation between some of the best media organisations from the 48 countries who qualified. theguardian.com is running previews from three countries each day in the run-up to the tournament kicking off on 11 June.Ghana’s performance in a warm-up match against Wales in Cardiff gave a sense of what their new coach, Carlos Queiroz, might be up to. The first half was not surprising – a leaky, low block with poorly coordinated pressing that brought back memories of the dysfunctional team Otto Addo had left behind. The second half was markedly different: a well-coordinated mid-block with synchronised pressing and better protection for the full-backs.In terms of structure, Queiroz favours a back four – as opposed to Otto’s back three. In Cardiff, he started with a double pivot of Elisha Owusu and a remarkably off-the-pace Thomas Partey, whose withdrawal in the second half for Caleb Yirenkyi seemed significant. The midfield pairing of Yirenkyi, who scored Ghana’s goal, and Kwasi Sibo brought a lot of dynamism and intensity.Out wide, Ernest Nuamah and Christopher Bonsu Baah have pushed themselves to the front of the queue for the right-wing spot. While Baah excelled on the left against Wales, Antoine Semenyo is expected to have that spot under lock and key. That will probably leave Iñaki Williams, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Abdul Fatawu waiting in the wings.Ghana’s main concern is a lack of goals up front. Jordan Ayew, who directly contributed to 14 goals during qualifying, scored just six times for Leicester last season. More worryingly, Ayew started just over half the games for a side that was relegated to League One. The hope is that Manchester City’s Semenyo, who registered 17 goals and four assists in the Premier League, will inspire Ghana in attack.Ghana – drawn with England, Croatia and Panama in Group L – have enough talent to make an impact in North America. Their best showing so far at a World Cup? The quarter-finals in 2010.Carlos Queiroz has coaching experience at Real Madrid and Manchester United, and has worked at the World Cup on four occasions – 2010 with Portugal, and 2014, 2018, and 2022 with Iran. But the Portuguese describes his latest job as the most difficult yet. “After eight national teams and a couple of important competitions, this is the biggest challenge of my entire career, and I am ready for that,” Queiroz said. “When you work for Ghana, they don’t expect anything different than win, win, win. That is why it is the biggest challenge.”In a parallel universe right now, Antoine Semenyo is heading to the World Cup with England, probably as a starter. But the London-born forward will be wearing Ghana’s gold shirt in Foxborough on 23 June, when the Black Stars face the Three Lions. In truth, Semenyo’s international career has not gone according to plan, with three goals in 34 appearances a poor return. But his 17 goals and four assists for Bournemouth and Manchester City this season, plus the winner in the FA Cup final, make him one of the most formidable, in-form forwards in Europe and he should be Ghana’s main threat.Caleb Yirenkyi has been compared with Michael Essien and it’s not hard to see why with his range of tackling, passing and ability to drive the ball forward into the opposition half. He combines athleticism with technical ability and is effective at both ends of the pitch. In January a reported move to Brighton fell through, but there will be no shortage of suitors for the 20-year-old Nordsjælland midfielder. His club and international teammate Prince Amoako told Joy Sports in January: “He doesn’t see himself the way we see him because he’s a very humble guy. But Caleb is insane, he’s crazily good. He’s a superstar, and I tell him so every time.”After failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations – the first Afcon they missed for more than 20 years – Ghana turned to Benjamin Asare, who became the first goalkeeper from the Ghana Premier League to start a competitive fixture for the national team since 2015. He was not particularly brilliant but saved the shots expected of him and restored confidence in an otherwise charitable backline. There are still concerns about his command over crosses, but his quick reflexes, agility, and impressive distribution are the reason a defence that conceded 13 goals in nine competitive games before he arrived suddenly went on a mean streak, conceding just once in six World Cup qualifiers.The Ghana Supporters Union may be the most colourful set of fans you will see this summer. With their powerful live band, they produce an electrifying atmosphere wherever they go. Fifa will not allow musical instruments in the grounds but, as they’ve shown in similar circumstances in the past, the Supporters Union will still bring the energy and Ghana’s unique, morale-lifting “jama” (a highly energetic, rhythmic and chant-like music). Ghana’s government is funding for thousands of supporters to travel to the tournament, raising more than $3m.Wary. Ghana has faced tariffs on goods, rows over visas and recently walked away from a big US health and aid deal, saying US negotiators had demanded access to the private health data of citizens. But the government, which last year agreed to accept people deported from the US by Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration, treads a careful path. As for Carlos Queiroz – his long history of working for Iran may add to the sensitivity, but don’t expect big statements. In 2022 as Iran coach he refused to engage with the political heat around their game against USA in Qatar, saying: “Our mission is here to create entertainment, to make people happy. To bring smiles to all people for 90 minutes.”Written by Victor Atsu Tamakloe for Myjoyonline.com.

World Cup News

ShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleMegan BonarandKayleigh Harvey,BBC Scotland, BostonThousands of Scotland fans are descending on Boston after making the long journey to the US for the World Cup.Anticipation is building as the men's team prepare to play in the tournament for the first time in almost 30 years.Members of the Tartan Army have been arriving in the east coast of the US ahead of the opening fixture with Haiti, which will be played at 21:00 local time on Saturday - 02:00 BST on Sunday for those watching back home.While dozens of fans have reported issues with travel permits being revoked at the last minute, thousands have already completed the journey.The World Cup kicks off on Thursday night with the opening ceremony and the first game between Mexico and and South Africa.Edinburgh Airport was awash with kilts and Scotland tops on Wednesday as fans headed to the States via different flight routes.Some going direct to Massachusetts, where Scotland play their first two group games in Boston, with others travelling to neighbouring states.The Delta direct flight to Boston was special for one family, who managed to secure match tickets mid-flight.Christopher Currie from Ayr told BBC Scotland he used the airline's wifi to buy four tickets Scotland v Haiti for a "decent" price.He said: "We managed to buy tickets at 34,000ft so it's been a great flight. We're absolutely buzzing now."It will be his son Hudson's first big international game.Fans who have already travelled to the US include 69-year-old Jim Stewart from Edinburgh.He has been following Scotland since he saw his first game at Hampden as a 15-year-old schoolboy in 1972.That match ended in a 1-0 defeat to England – but Jim was hooked.One of his most memorable moments came in 1977 at Wembley, where he saw the 2-1 victory over England. The match is still remembered for the post-match pitch invasion, where fans stole parts of the turf and broke the crossbar on one of the goals."I was on the pitch that day. My dad's got a bit of Wembley turf in his garden somewhere still - but no goalposts," said Jim.His first World Cup was Spain in 1982, when he and eight friends bought a campervan, covered it in tartan wallpaper and drove to Malaga.Jim - in the middle of the back row, wearing a Scotland top - and friends took a campervan to the 1982 World CupThe 1982 competition in Spain was the first World Cup that Jim (back right) attendedFootball matches took a back seat when Jim moved to England to pursue a career as a financial advisor, but his interest was rekindled in the early 2000s.Jim says he hasn't missed a Scotland game – home or away – since the 2018 game against Peru.He describes it as a great way to see the world."I enjoy meeting up with people and seeing different places I never in my life would have thought I'd have gone to – Peru, Kazakhstan, Albania, Armenia, Russia and Moldova."You meet up with all sorts of people when you go to these places. There's a big group of us that always seem to find each other."On match days there can be 50 or 60 of us and we'll have a few beers and go to the games."Jim, who's now retired, was able to secure $60 tickets for all three of Scotland's group stage fixtures – but admits that he didn't think he would see the men's team play at another World Cup."I'd been to Spain in 82, France in 98 and the Euros in 24, but it just seemed to be the World Cup was never going to happen for us."Scotland have never progressed beyond the group stages at a World Cup.Jim thinks the current squad is the strongest he's seen and is optimistic about the team's chances."I think we could get out of the group, but then again I've thought that in every World Cup since 1974," he added.Keeping his options open, Jim has decided not to book a return flight home so he can continue to follow the team as far as they go.Those in the Shetland branch of the Tartan Army believe they are among the most dedicated members because of the extra travel involved from the far north of Scotland.About 30 will be travelling from Shetland to the US for the World Cup, including brothers James and Stuart Milne, from Brae in the north of the mainland.They started their journey by travelling to the central belt of Scotland to join a group of friends, before flying from Edinburgh to Frankfurt, then on to New York City before taking a party bus to Boston.The brothers have each spent about £6,500 on match tickets, accommodation, flights, internal flights and transfers during the trip."And we've not even bought a pint yet!" jokes 41-year-old James, who planned the trip.While James is a long-time member of the Tartan Army, his 40-year-old brother is a more recent recruit.Stuart says they have become "a lot closer" through attending matches together."Having your brother sitting next to you in a stadium when the game kicks off, for me it's everything," added James.Inverness Caley Thistle legend Charlie Christie - the father of Scotland star Ryan - will also be jetting out to the US with his family.Charlie said it had been a "dream" to watch his son's football career.Ryan progressed from Caley Thistle's youth system to play for the club, before moves took him to Celtic, Aberdeen and now Bournemouth - while earning 68 caps for Scotland.Charlie said the World Cup would be the "pinnacle" of Ryan's career and that he had encouraged his son to savour every moment."I'm not one to go overboard, but it will be emotional. There will be tears," he added.

World Cup News

Richards back in full training before first matchCenter-back feared worst after Palace ankle injuryUS face Paraguay in high-pressure Group D startIf it was up to Chris Richards, he’d be in the lineup when the United States opens Group D action against Paraguay.The center-back is among the most important players on the squad, the clear lead defender among a deep corps of options. When he exited Crystal Palace’s second-to-last Premier League fixture with an ankle injury, anxiety spiked that Mauricio Pochettino’s side would enter the tournament without their bedrock. Richards was as tense as anybody, admitting his ankle was so swollen after the hit that he braced for the worst – again.Since Monday, he’s been a full participant in practice. It’s an open question whether he’ll start the opener or be held out for preservation.“Once I got the diagnosis. I was like, all right, cool. Whatever it takes, I have to make it for this first game,” Richards told the media on Wednesday. “I think the first time I really realized that I could be 100% for Friday was probably last week. It was a lot of massages, a lot of ice, a lot of compression, things like that. Once I was finally on the pitch, it felt good, and I think that was the main thing. I can play with pain as long as functionally, I’m good.”The waiting period was understandably tense. As well as the considerable swelling, Richards had a transatlantic flight which he admits may have complicated his recovery timeline.Having missed the 2022 World Cup with a hamstring injury, it was difficult not to revisit familiar feelings of possibly missing out on a hard-earned career milestone.“When I first came out with the injury, I was pretty devastated,” Richards said. And I was honestly fearing the worst, but I kind of forced myself back on the pitch to prove to myself that it was doable. Once I found out the diagnosis, it was all right. How do I get ready for this game against Paraguay?”Richards was one of 10 defenders selected on Pochettino’s squad, but projects to start at the heart of the backline. His ability to muscle opponents off the ball is unparalleled in the pool, helping the others organize while clarifying roles for the rest of the defense.“I think we have a really good group of center-backs, called CBU,” said fellow center-back Mark McKenzie. “We’ve got a good range of experience, both at the international level and the club level, but we also shared this opportunity now with the national team for a number of years now, in a way. I think all that time together has built a really strong group. We have a lot of chemistry, and then on the field, it just helps with understanding each other’s tendencies, habits, routines, whatever it is to help offset any moments, [and] be able to manage different situations in the games.”Neither Richards nor McKenzie played in the US’s 2-1 win over Paraguay in a November friendly, played mere weeks before the American nations were drawn into the same group. Both teams have had plenty of time since December’s draw to revisit that tape while closely monitoring each other’s subsequent performances to get a sense of what’s to come.Richards’ return to selectable status will be an unwelcome development for Paraguay, who enter this game without one of their own most important players, creator Julio Enciso. His absence could mean Paraguay retreats a bit more to fortify tactically in hopes of claiming a crucial result against a host team facing immense pressure.“If you can start off the World Cup with three points – not just for our confidence, but also to show the group that we want to be the top dogs in this group, and we’ll be the top dogs in this World Cup,” Richards said. “I think with a statement hopefully on Friday and three points, I think that’ll definitely set the tone for the World Cup.”It’s an opportunity Richards has worked incredibly hard to keep in range, allowing him to play in a World Cup at last.“I’m experiencing these things for the first time, and it’s very exciting,” Richards said. “I think the last few weeks were very intense, and now it’s time to just hone in on what we do best, and hopefully get some good results.

World Cup News

Ivan Perisic (top) is still knocking about at 37. He has a World Cup final goal to his name. Photograph: Icon Sportswire/Getty ImagesLuka Modric and friends are aiming for one last hurrah but a Tottenham defender is providing hope for the future for England’s group opponentsThis article is part of the Guardian’s 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a cooperation between some of the best media organisations from the 48 countries who qualified. theguardian.com is running previews from three countries each day in the run-up to the tournament kicking off on 11 June.Qualifiers were easy for the Vatreni – the Blazers – as Czechia, far from their glory days, provided the only serious challenge in the group and were the only opponents to snatch at least a draw. Zlatko Dalic therefore used some of those games to experiment and deepen his pool of players. But when, last November, Croatia beat the Faroe Islands to secure top spot with one game to go, the manager said: “I will never try to play with three at the back again.”Fast forward to March before the friendlies with Colombia (2-1 win) and Brazil (1-3 defeat): he changed his mind, trying the formation in both matches with mixed results.However, this is likely to remain only a plan B for the World Cup. Croatia rely on Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic and, with the Manchester City duo back from injury, Dalic is inclined to revert to a back four – either 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 – which has been a constant during his nine-year reign.Croatia will be among the oldest teams at the tournament, with roughly half or more of their starters into their 30s and the captain, Luka Modric, now 40. That means loads of experience and a winning mentality but also raises some uneasy questions.Can the old guard of Modric, Kovacic (32), Ivan Perisic (37) and Andrej Kramaric (turning 35) still cut it? Are the younger, lesser-known players ready to step up? Croatia have been used to punching above their weight and their success at the past two World Cups has set the bar impossibly high, but they seem determined to deliver one last hurrah.Keeping his post for almost a decade now is quite an achievement in trigger-happy Croatia, but Zlatko Dalic has done more than enough to earn his credit and is practically untouchable. However, mention his contract ends with this World Cup and he will prove sensitive on the subject. “Leave me in peace to do my job,” he snapped when asked about it recently. “I’m not going to sign an extension if anyone is forcing me to decide now.” This is his third World Cup in charge having led the team to a silver medal in Russia and bronze in Qatar.It’s been 20 years since his full international debut and for most of that time Croatia have been Luka Modric’s team, built around the midfield maestro. It still is, even though a generation or two of players in his supporting cast have come and gone. Clearly he is not the same player who won the Ballon d’Or and Champions League titles with Real Madrid, but that is sometimes hard to tell when he is still pulling the strings for Croatia. He has been Milan’s best player – by some distance – after his switch from Madrid in 2025. He scored his 29th international goal in a warm-up match against Slovenia and should surpass the 200-cap mark in North America.Luka Vuskovic is the ball-playing, playmaking, scoring centre-back who is dominant in the air and has been the leader in every age category or league in which he has played so far. At 19 and still new to the team, the Tottenham defender (who was loaned out to Hamburg in the Bundesliga last season) has proved his worth to Zlatko Dalic and is expected to be a starter in North America. Is he ready for the biggest stage? Of course he is – you just wait and see.Mateo Kovacic spent most of his career in Modric’s shadow and has rarely been seen as a key player for Croatia. It is only when he is absent that his impact in midfield is truly appreciated as, when he is there, he provides Modric with more freedom and connecting lines of play. To Dalic, Kovacic’s importance is so clear that his whole approach, including formation, depends on it. If Kovacic is not at his best, Croatia are likely to switch from 4-3-3 to 4-2-3-1, or even to a back three.Croatia have had more than their fair share of trouble with fans, with their behaviour responsible for various sanctions. The team will have mass support, as always, but fans travelling to North America will be there to sing, dress up and simply have a good time supporting the team rather than protesting or causing strife. Or at least that’s the hope.The “not mixing sport with politics” cliche remains a fixed position in Croatia, rolled out when it suits those in power. The nation’s politicians have not been vocal about the Trump administration, so don’t expect anything even resembling an opinion or attitude from anyone in the team camp. Fans may complain about the prices or other issues, but generally Croatia are unlikely to cause a stir.

World Cup News

Scotland's Super Mario and social butterfly who emerged from Man Utd cocoonBBC Scotland's chief sports writer in CharlotteScott McTominay is talking about mentality, about dig and dog and how some players have it and how some players just don't. That refusal to stop and give up? He says he's had it since he was a kid and knows that every last man in the Scotland changing room has it, too."Not willing to stop when it gets tough, it's one of the most important things in football," he tells BBC Sport, before talking about a guy who, to him, embodied that uncompromising nature every day - Michael Jordan, the NBA colossus of yesteryear."He once said that whenever somebody arrives to the stadium they could be watching for the first time," McTominay explained. "So if you're not giving your absolute best a young fan could be walking away going 'he wasn't that great'."The Scotland midfielder says he's been doing a bit of that in training, a mentor but also a taskmaster for the youngsters in the squad, such as teenagers Tyler Fletcher and Findlay Curtis."I'm demanding and quite hard on some of them," he says. "The right way to live your life off the pitch is probably more important than what you do on the pitch because you can kill your whole career by things that you do off the pitch."They need a little bit of tough love sometimes, young players. I had that. There was a lot of senior pros saying, 'Listen, you've got to up your game or you've got no chance. I don't want to name names. It was a lot. Behind closed doors."And the things that get said are ruthless - sink or swim."The day McTominay scored an even better overhead kickHe left home in Lancaster at an early age to become part of a residency programme at the club, an emotional upheaval that presented challenges to a boy who spent much of his early years flying well under the radar.He was no childhood prodigy, no sure thing.In his first season of under-18 football he barely saw two hours of competitive action. He was only 5ft 6in at 16 - a "silky number 10" as he put it. In his debut season with the under-21s he started two of 22 matches.His growth spurt was something to see, from a diminutive attacker to a beast at 6ft 4in. His bolshiness seemed to grow in proportion with his height.That tough love he talks about now began around then. He tells a story of a day spent training with the senior team and how he vented when all the tight decisions in a bounce game were given in favour of the "old lads" and against the "young lads".Jose Mourinho was his manager who later became his champion."Jose phoned me because I was arguing with Michael Carrick and Ashley Young," McTominay recalled. "There were a couple of swear words in there. He dressed me down. It was like 'who do you think you are, you've done nothing'. I thought it was over [at United] before it started, how forceful he was."It wasn't over, it was just beginning. McTominay made his senior debut in May, 2017. "This kid has everything I want," said the manager.The following season, Mourinho invented a new award at the end of campaign ceremony, making McTominay the manager's player of the season. "He started the season in the academy and ended it playing big games in the Premier League," said the Portuguese. "I thought this kid cannot go home without an award."McTominay was a Scotland player by then, capped in March 2018 against Costa Rica.There was a brief crossover between Steven Naismith exiting the international stage and McTominay bursting on to it, but Steve Clarke's now assistant, remembers how the young man was back then."He kept himself to himself," he said. "At the start I thought, is that because he was born in England and it's his grandparents who are Scottish? He's maybe just a wee bit unsure of the Scottishness, the bluntness of Scottish people? But over the years, he just matured."McTominay was born into a difficult era at United. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer succeeded Mourinho and loved the youngster. He gave him 22 games, then 37, then 49. He called him a "physical monster". His engine was unreal even when the team was not.Ralf Rangnick succeeded Solskjaer and talked of McTominay as a future captain.The problem was that Old Trafford was in turmoil. When the United fans rounded on players then their local boy, the lifelong fan, was one of the first to get it.Playing in a deeper role instead of the box crasher he has become, he came in for special treatment. Tough love? At times, it was savage.Rangnick made way for Erik ten Hag, who simultaneously praised McTominay's fighting qualities while at the same signing a battery of players in his position.He could have left for West Ham for £30m but stayed. Newcastle, Fulham and Bayern Munich were said to be interested. Nothing happened.In October 2023, United were trailing 1-0 at home to Brentford when McTominay came off the bench with 10 minutes to go. He scored twice in added time to win the game.He gave one of his most famous quotes in the aftermath, words that reflected his frustration but also his fierce determination. "Never give up, man," he said. "You never give up. No matter the situation you never give up, never throw the towel in."It's said that McTominay did not give up on United but that United gave up on McTominay. Things were stressed. Money had been wasted. The club needed to sell in order to buy.He left for Napoli. A succession of his former United managers rounded on the club for letting him go. "I'm almost shocked," said Solskjaer. "This decision is beyond me."It wasn't long before Mourinho was calling his former wunderkind "one of the best midfielders in Europe"."When I think of Scotland, I think of my boy Scott McTominay," he said. "I got him when he was 18, when nobody at Man Utd believed he could be the player he is."His Napoli years - the Serie A title in 2024-25 and the adoration that came with it - have turned him into a player who is worshipped in Naples and identified throughout the world.McTominay is the superstar of this Scotland team, the guy with a giant mural on the side of a house near Hampden and whose frame - mid-bicycle kick against Denmark on the night of all nights last November - is on a bank note.For club and country he has scored 13, 16 and 17 goals in the last three seasons, some of them to win a title in Italy, others helping Scotland to the World Cup.McTominay has 70 caps and has played multiple positions - right-sided centre-back, defensive midfielder, attacking midfielder. He is now exactly where he wants to be, in every sense.Naismith has watched him grow into a player of huge substance, on and off the field. "He can glide across the pitch with elegance. He's such an athlete," he said."And see his passing - it's as if you're in a computer game. It's like in Super Mario where you get a mushroom and you're bigger, if that makes sense. He's just more powerful than everybody else."The last part is you just hope he's not an arsehole - and he's not. He'll hang about with the youngest players in the squad at dinner and he'll chat away to them."And then the next day he could be sitting with [John] McGinn and Robbo [Andy Robertson] and Kenny McLean and Grant [Hanley] and be part of that."And then he might just be by himself for a bit. He's a social butterfly and it's all pure happiness for him."It's taken a lot of hard work to get McTominay happy. A nation will be hoping he's still smiling in the wake of their opener against Haiti, Scotland's first World Cup game since the great thoroughbred in their midfield was barely out of nappies.Everything you need to know about the World Cup

World Cup News

When Scotland last reached a men's World Cup, the Scottish Parliament didn't exist, Google wasn't a thing and a pint of lager was roughly £1.90.The first concerns around what Y2K would bring were creeping in.C'est La Vie by B*witched was number one in the charts, The Wedding Singer was the best in the box office, and the BBC's written coverage for the opening game against Brazil was on Ceefax.While the Tartan Army were healing their broken hearts with a 10p Freddo after Morocco spoiled the party in St Etienne, little did they know they'd be waiting 28 years to see their country at a men's World Cup again.1998 was a very long time ago. Too long ago. Eight of Steve Clarke's squad here in the US were not even born.A whole generation and then some have been envious of their elders who have experienced their national team dining at the top table.But while Scotland have been sitting in the footballing dark, doing their best to keep their memories of France fresh, the rest of the world has kept spinning. And then some...Why this World Cup will showcase 'different Steve Clarke'Though it had been in existence for over a decade, it was largely used for work, not play. It's true potential - or danger - was lightyears away from being learned.Craig Brown's line-up wasn't being predicted, leaked or discovered online, and there certainly wasn't anyone watching Colin Hendry and his team-mates trot out at the Stade de France in their kilts on their mobile phones.That's an image, actually. Only one in four people back then actually had a mobile phone. Imagine the huddling...In fact, most fans back home were watching in smoke-filled pubs – it was nearly eight years before it was made illegal to light-up in enclosed public spaces.They watched Hendry admirably attempt his unenviable job of marking a certain Ronaldo – the world's most expensive player at the time.He'd just completed a £17m move from Barcelona to Inter Milan. At the time the fee was eye-watering, but now it might buy you a third-choice full-back.The Euro didn't come into use until the year after.And it was that year too that Scotland's first First Minister, Donald Dewar proclaimed "today there is a new voice in the land," as the new parliament opened in Edinburgh.There have been six First Ministers since, and one vote on independence in 2014.Glasgow hosted the Commonwealth Games in the same year, two summers after London welcomed the world for the Olympics. Hampden hosted a few men's and women's football games during that one.Including the 1998 title, won weeks before the jaunt to France, Celtic have won 21 Scottish top-flight titles since, that one in 98 - the Scottish Premier Division league title, as it was then called – ending nine years of dominance by Rangers.Elsewhere in the sport, a 22-year-old Tiger Woods was waltzing into the golfing world. He had just one major to his name - The Masters - but would go on to win a further 14.Roger Federer hadn't even made his ATP debut, never mind won any of his 103 singles title - or his 20 majors, while Wimbledon's winner in '98, Pete Sampras earned £43,500 more than women's winner, Jana Novotna.Equal pay finally arrived in 2007 with last year's winners - Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek - both receiving £3m. Changed days.This Scotland squad will feel £3m and more having achieved what they just have. They might also have spent close to that amount on the celebrations...But this is historic. The first for a generation and then some.Aaron Hickey, Lewis Ferguson, Ben Gannon-Doak, Nathan Patterson, Anthony Ralston, Findlay Curtis and Tyler Fletcher were all born post-1998.They grew up watching James McFadden, Darren Fletcher, Barry Ferguson, Scott Brown, Kenny Miller and many others in dark blue fail to reach the promised land.It's taken over 10,000 days to do so.There won't be CDs and DVDs to capture the backdrop of these finals, while the milk required for the tea and coffees won't cost 34p, either.But, the more things change, the more they stay the same.