In spotlight but shunning limelight - Olise's unique rise to top

A footballer who dislikes too much media attention, but Michael Olise might not have much choice if he carries on his World Cup heroics.

Tiny Cape Verde steal the show against Argentina in a performance to last in World Cup lore

The African minnows capped off an impressive run with a heroic performance in a 3-2 loss to the defending champions It was a sight we’d seen hundreds of times before, six times previously in this World Cup alone. Lionel Messi celebrating a goal, sprinting away with his arms outstretched in celebration. Against Cape Verde on Friday , Messi used a breathtaking first touch and deft, close-range finish to score Argentina’s opening goal and take the lead, one few in attendance thought they would relinquish. Cape Verde’s goalkeeper, Vozinha, was left crumpled on one knee, his World Cup dream slippi

New Zealand edge France in thrilling Nations Championship opener

New Zealand kicked off the inaugural Nations Championship with a gripping 34-32 win over France in Christchurch as wing Will Jordan's two tries proved crucial.

England arrive in Mexico under heavy security

Watch England's World Cup squad arrive in Mexico City ahead of their last 16 tie against Mexico.

British GP: Hamilton goes for Silverstone Sprint win from pole LIVE!

Injury-hit Ireland secure madcap comeback victory vs Australia in Sydney

Andy Farrell's injury-ravaged Ireland secured a madcap 33-31 victory over Australia in Sydney in the opening round of rugby's inaugural Nations Championship.

Nations Championship: Australia vs Ireland before South Africa vs England LIVE!

England get hostile welcome on arrival at Mexico City hotel for World Cup showdown

Hundreds of fans greet the players, with many booing Increased security outside after Ecuador team disturbed England received a hostile welcome as they arrived at their Mexico City hotel for Sunday’s World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico. England had been hoping to keep their location undisclosed after Mexico supporters used loud speakers, horns and motorcycles to try to disturb the sleep of Ecuador’s players before their last-32 tie, which the co-hosts won 2-0 on Wednesday night. Continue reading...

From one to 16 - ranking every team left in the World Cup

BBC Sport ranks the 16 teams left in the World Cup. Do Argentina deserve to be in the top three? Should Norway be higher? What about England's position?

Brazil going out? Chris Sutton predicts World Cup's last-16 matches

BBC Sport's football expert Chris Sutton gives his predictions for the last-16 ties at the 2026 World Cup, including England against Mexico.

World Cup 2026 power rankings: undisputed No 1, co-hosts surge and giants fall

We assess the standing of the nations who played in the tournament’s last 32 before the next round of games begins Les Bleus look unstoppable – all six of our judges ranked them No 1. Sweden did their best to cope with the French front four but were blown away by the slickest operation in town. Even when an opponent is feeling comfortable, Michael Olise or Kylian Mbappé can produce genius without notice, ripping apart the best-organised defences. “I did say that I wanted to enjoy this World Cup to the fullest,” Mbappé told reporters after the Sweden game. It is hard to imagine the fun stopp

Some Americans are reluctant to cheer for the US at the World Cup. They shouldn’t be | Alexander Abnos

There are plenty of reasons for Americans to feel discomfort about the behavior of their country. But sports have a way of bringing joy and unity The US men’s national team are on the verge of history. One win away from matching their best-ever run in the World Cup’s modern era, they are playing with more verve and quality than they ever have before at this stage. Wednesday’s win over Bosnia and Herzegovina has begotten a rarity: American soccer, in the spotlight, in America. To longtime US soccer fans, the question of whether to support this particular team at this particular time is barely