SuperNewsAffiliate

Tramlines 2026 | Day Three Review

2026-07-31T08:42:02.971-07:00

A bit of rain didn't stop the party...

Sunday brought the weekend to a stylish close, with a packed line-up across the site and an unforgettable finale.

Author | Ajay

When walking into Hillsborough Park on the Sunday morning, you could sense there was a memorable day to come.

People were still talking about the memorable Courteeners set from Saturday but were clearly also in the mood for fun and top quality live music.

The Lottery Winners brought their trademark joy and infectious energy to the stage. This included a memorable shootout to a Hot Dog van (you just had to be there...)

The Lottery Winners entertain the crowd

Hometown heroes Reverend and the Makers turned the park into one enormous singalong, with a huge surprise appearance from Sheffield legend Richard Hawley, who joined them on stage for an electrifying performance of Silence Is Talking.

Wet Leg delivered their sharp post-punk hooks and playful, electric energy to the Sunday afternoon crowd.

Brooke Combe delivered a brilliant, soulful set. The weekend also showcased a host of exciting rising acts, including Bleech 9:3.

READ MORE | Tramlines Day One Review

READ MORE | Tramlines Day Two Review

There were also high-octane performances from The Royston Club, The Enemy, Florence Road and The Rosadocs, all helping to keep the energy levels high throughout the day. Many rock and Indie fans had a huge decision to make though. The Enemy are great live but plenty of place wanted to watch Wolf Alice.

A worthwhile finale act

Crowd watches on as Wolf Alice headline Tramlines 2026

Wolf Alice closed out the festival with a soaring headline performance on the Sarah Nulty Main Stage, underlining their status as one of the UK’s finest live acts.

The anticipation had been building around 30-40 minutes before they arrived on stage and they did not disappoint. It was clear that they also picked up new fans during the set.

Tramlines Festival 2026 | Day Two Review

2026-07-29T13:16:28.578-07:00

Let's have a closer look at what happened on day 2 of Tramlines Festival...

The Courteeners, Blossoms, Rick Astley and so much more...

Author | Ajay

Rick Astley drew one of the biggest crowds of the weekend at Tramlines and delivered a hugely entertaining set. Opening with “Together, Forever” in a dusty pink suit, he immediately turned the festival into a party before surprising fans by taking to the drums during a brilliant cover of RAYE’s “Where The Hell Is My Husband”.

The highlight, inevitably, was “Never Going To Give You Up”, which prompted a huge Sheffield rickroll. Astley’s energy, warmth and obvious enjoyment of the performance made it a standout set and one well worth catching live.

Stockport five-piece Blossoms arrived at Tramlines following a busy period that has included announcing their next album, “Songs From The Wedding Cake”, releasing “Jokes About Divorce” and appearing at several festivals. They opened their set with “Gary” to a huge reaction, with the stage bathed in yellow-orange and a giant gorilla providing an eye-catching backdrop.

READ MORE | Tramlines Day One Review

A standout moment came when Rick Astley returned to join them for “Jokes About Divorce”, earning a brilliant reception. The live debut of “Meet Me In Love” was another highlight, while “There’s A Reason Why” proved a personal favourite, with the music, staging and Blossoms’ stage presence combining to make for a memorable performance.

Other standouts

Before that, Freddie Halkon delivered a great set. Freddie has been turning more and more heads in the last year or so, impressing South Yorkshire band The Reytons, and evidently, the whole Tramlines team.

For Lucy Spraggan, the atmosphere was electric. She was engaging with the crowd throughout, proving herself a natural storyteller, while the number of loyal fans singing along was clear to see.

The Courteeners finish the day on a massive high

It was time for Saturday’s Main Stage headliners, Manchester’s own Courteeners.

The band arrived to a wall of cheers, chants of “Liam, Liam, Liam!” and plenty of anticipation, opening with “Sweet Surrender” from their latest album, a collaboration with Brooke Combe. There was no appearance from Combe, who was performing at Tramlines the following day, but the band more than did the song justice.

That was followed by fan favourites “Are You In Love With a Notion?” and “Cavorting”, the latter sending the crowd into overdrive. It was a cracking start to the set.

The highlight was the always euphoric Not Nineteen Forever...

Overall, it was a fantastic performance. The setlist had been given something of a shake-up, while Liam Fray’s stage presence remained as commanding as ever. The Courteeners have a knack for putting on a brilliant show in Sheffield, whether they are playing a festival stage or a more intimate venue.

Tramlines Festival 2026 | Day One Review

2026-07-27T10:37:58.793-07:00

Fatboy Slim, Kaiser Chiefs and so much more...

A memorable first day of Tramlines 2026...

Author | Ajay

Friday at Tramlines Festival 2026 proved unforgettable as Fatboy Slim headlined an opening day that also featured a surprise grassroots appearance, performances across the city and glorious sunshine that set the tone for the weekend.

Flashing lights and a rave at Fatboy Slim

More than 38,000 music fans packed into Hillsborough Park as the festival got under way beneath clear skies, with a line-up that brought together global music stars, Sheffield favourites and the city's flourishing grassroots music scene.

The opening day featured standout performances across the site before Fatboy Slim brought the Sarah Nulty Main Stage to a memorable close. Earlier in the day, festivalgoers had enjoyed sets from Kaiser Chiefs, The Vaccines, The Coral and Vanessa Carlton.

The Vaccines Friday afternoon set

Leadmill stage gives the bands of the future a platform

The Leadmill stage provided fantastic entertainment across that first day. Our favourite band was Westside Cowboy. They've been spoken about a lot recently and we loved their set.

World Cup 2026 | Spain 1 - 0 Argentina

2026-07-19T22:08:22.555-07:00

Spain were deserved winners of a desperately disappointing World Cup final

Ferran Torres' extra-time strike finally broke the resistance of 10-man Argentina.

Author | James Y

Stadium | New York New Jersey Stadium

The European champions created the clearer chances against the defending world champions, who spent much of the contest disrupting Spain's rhythm and were reduced to 10 players when Enzo Fernandez was sent off moments before extra time.

Torres proved the match winner in the 106th minute, collecting substitute Nico Williams' headed pass before firing powerfully past Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from close range.

A final that promised so much rarely delivered. It became an attritional contest, despite the wider spectacle surrounding the occasion.

Watch | Highlights from the BBC

US President Donald Trump arrived in New Jersey by helicopter before kick-off, while Shakira, Madonna and Justin Bieber headlined the first World Cup half-time show, extending the interval to 27 minutes. BBC pundit and former Manchester United player Wayne Rooney wasn't impressed

On the pitch, however, the game never found any real rhythm. Frequent stoppages and the extended break disrupted the flow, although Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal both tested Martinez before half-time.

Spain grew increasingly frustrated with referee Slavko Vincic's lenient approach, particularly after Alexis Mac Allister's late challenge on Dani Olmo. The first booking did not arrive until the 40th minute, when Lisandro Martinez brought down Oyarzabal, although the Manchester United defender was forced off through injury soon afterwards.

Tempers finally boiled over in stoppage time when Fernandez, already on a yellow card, was shown a second booking for a reckless challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi.

Martinez kept Argentina in the contest with a string of impressive saves, including an outstanding stop to deny Yamal's free-kick in the closing moments of normal time.

He produced another fine save from Williams' header in extra time before Williams had an effort ruled out after substitute Mikel Merino was penalised for a foul on Nicolas Otamendi.

Argentina had come from behind to beat both Egypt and England in the knockout stages, but there was no repeat this time as Spain claimed the men's World Cup for the second time.

The victory also made Spain the first nation to hold both the men's and women's World Cup titles simultaneously.

This has been the place for all the best World Cup news and stories

Super News Affiliate has been the place for all the best World Cup news and stories. Check out the dedicated World Cup 2026 page for some of the latest news and stories. What was your favourite moment of the tournament?

You can also visit European Super Football for more stories from a European perspective.

World Cup 2026 | France 4 - 6 England

2026-07-19T01:18:09.683-07:00

England finish in 3rd place at the World Cup

The match neither side truly wanted to play became one neither wanted to end.

Author | George B

Stadium | Miami Stadium

England's bronze final, formerly known as the third-place play-off, against France erupted into an extraordinary contest that produced 10 goals, with the Three Lions scoring six. It could easily have delivered even more.

Bukayo Saka became only the second England player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup knockout match, following Sir Geoff Hurst's feat in the 1966 final. The only other player to score a World Cup hat-trick against France was Pele in 1958.

Records being broken everywhere...

The victory secured England's highest finish at a men's World Cup since lifting the trophy in 1966 and their best result ever at a tournament held outside home soil.

It also came in the highest-scoring third-place match in World Cup history, surpassing France's 6-3 win over West Germany in 1958. England also defeated a team ranked above them by FIFA at a World Cup for the first time since overcoming Argentina in 2002.

A closer look at what happened

After Wednesday's painful semi-final defeat by Argentina, England showed little sign of lingering disappointment, surging into a four-goal lead before half-time in a breathless contest that quickly swept aside any sense of pre-match apathy.

Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa put England firmly in control inside the opening 20 minutes before Saka struck twice to leave France reeling.

France had not trailed by four goals at half-time since April 1930, and Didier Deschamps, taking charge of his country for the final time, clearly demanded a response during the interval.

Momentum shifted dramatically after the restart as France scored three times and squandered further opportunities to complete the comeback.

Kylian Mbappe scored either side of a Bradley Barcola goal to move clear in the race for the 2026 Golden Boot and overtake Lionel Messi as the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 22 goals.

Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 87th minute after Djed Spence was brought down by Malo Gusto.

Ousmane Dembele curled home in the sixth minute of stoppage time to reduce the deficit to 5-4, but Jude Bellingham weaved through the France defence to make certain of England's victory in the 98th minute.

France had never previously conceded six goals in a World Cup match. Fittingly, it was the first time they had shipped six in any game for 66 years.

Bellingham also ended a superb individual tournament with seven goals, the most scored by an England men's player at a single World Cup.

This has been the place for all the best World Cup news and stories

Super News Affiliate has been the place for all the best World Cup news and stories. Check out the dedicated World Cup 2026 page for some of the latest match reports. What has been your favourite moment of the tournament?

You can also visit European Super Football for more stories from a European perspective.

World Cup 2026 | England 1 - 2 Argentina

2026-07-15T23:35:37.002-07:00

England were left heartbroken as their World Cup dream came to an agonising end

Argentina scoring twice in the closing stages to complete a dramatic semi-final comeback in Atlanta.

Author | George B

Stadium | Atlanta Stadium

Thomas Tuchel's side appeared destined for their first men's World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 1966 when Anthony Gordon put them ahead in a fiercely contested encounter after 55 minutes.

But Argentina found another gear in the closing moments. Enzo Fernandez curled home a superb equaliser five minutes from time before Lautaro Martinez headed in Lionel Messi's cross deep into stoppage time to complete a remarkable turnaround.

England's wait for major tournament success therefore continues. They will now face France in the third-place play-off, while Argentina will attempt to defend their World Cup title against Spain on Sunday.

Watch | Key moments from BBC Sport

The intense atmosphere inside and outside Atlanta Stadium was reflected by a combative first half featuring 19 fouls, with American referee Ismail Elfath struggling to maintain control.

Fernandez came closest before the interval with a powerful effort that drifted narrowly wide, but it was England who struck first. Morgan Rogers justified his selection by delivering an inviting cross from the right, allowing Gordon to finish at the far post.

Argentina responded immediately and Jordan Pickford produced an outstanding reflex save to deny Nico Gonzalez's close-range header.

England then found themselves under sustained pressure. Alexis Mac Allister headed against the post before Fernandez finally beat the outstanding Pickford with a brilliant 25-yard strike five minutes from the end.

Tuchel had set England up with four central defenders to protect the penalty area, but Argentina's relentless pressure eventually told. Mac Allister struck the woodwork again before England finally gave way in the 92nd minute, when Martinez rose to head home and send Argentina into another World Cup final.

Watch | Immediate reaction from ITV News

This the place for all the best World Cup news and stories

Super News Affiliate is the place for all the best World Cup news and stories. Check out the dedicated World Cup 2026 page for some of the latest match reports. What has been your favourite moment of the tournament?

You can also visit European Super Football for more stories from a European perspective.

World Cup 2026 | France 0 - 2 Spain

2026-07-15T00:48:43.851-07:00

Spain outclass France to book place in World Cup final

Spain are through to the World Cup final after producing an assured display to beat favourites France convincingly.

Author | James Y

Stadium | Dallas Stadium

Luis de la Fuente's side nullified a France team packed with attacking quality, controlled a contest that offered few clear-cut chances and deservedly secured their place in Sunday's final thanks to goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro.

Oyarzabal gave Spain the lead from the penalty spot midway through the first half after France left-back Lucas Digne clumsily caught Lamine Yamal while attempting to clear the ball.

The Spain forward calmly dispatched the penalty into the corner and, once ahead, his side tightened their grip on proceedings.

Watch | Highlights from BBC Sport

France were expected to respond after an underwhelming first half, but it was Spain who continued to dictate the game. Porro exchanged a neat one-two with Dani Olmo before finishing confidently at the near post to double the advantage.

With just over half an hour remaining, France searched for a route back into the contest but found themselves repeatedly frustrated by a disciplined Spain defence that has conceded only once throughout the tournament.

Spain stayed composed, organised and technically impressive until the final whistle, seeing out victory with little alarm.

Watch | Full-time reaction from ESPN

For France, hopes of reaching a third successive World Cup final are over. They will now face Saturday's third-place play-off, which also marks the end of an era as Didier Deschamps prepares to step down after 14 years in charge.

Spain, meanwhile, will head to New Jersey to face either England or Argentina in Sunday's final as they look to lift the World Cup for only the second time.

This the place for all the best World Cup news and stories

Super News Affiliate is the place for all the best World Cup news and stories. Check out the dedicated World Cup 2026 page for some of the latest match reports. What a tournament it has been so far. Who's going to go all the way and bring the trophy home with them?

You can also visit European Super Football for more stories from a European perspective.

World Cup 2026 | England 2 - 1 Norway

2026-07-12T02:43:14.703-07:00

Bellingham double sends England into World Cup semi-finals after extra-time victory

England are one win away from reaching their first men's World Cup final since 1966.

Author | George B

Stadium | Miami Stadium

Thomas Tuchel's side had to dig deep in fierce heat and humidity, riding their luck at times, but Bellingham once again proved England's driving force as they secured a place in the semi-finals, where Argentina await.

It was a tight and absorbing contest, with Norway taking the lead after 36 minutes when Andreas Schjelderup's dipping strike caught out Jordan Pickford and found the net.

England needed an immediate response and, fittingly, Bellingham delivered in first-half stoppage time. He met Anthony Gordon's pass in full stride before calmly finishing beyond Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.

Tuchel was forced into changes at the interval, withdrawing the influential Declan Rice, who had been managing illness and injury, along with Noni Madueke. Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka were introduced as England searched for greater control.

Norway continued to threaten after the restart. Torbjorn Heggem had a goal ruled out after Erling Haaland was penalised for an unnecessary push on Elliot Anderson in the build-up, while David Moller Wolfe headed against the crossbar.

Haaland endured a frustrating afternoon and was eventually replaced at the interval of extra time. By then, Bellingham had already struck again, reacting quickest three minutes into the additional period after Nyland could only parry a powerful effort from substitute Morgan Rogers.

England now head into their third World Cup semi-final since lifting the Jules Rimet Trophy 60 years ago, hoping to end the disappointment of defeats to West Germany in 1990 and Croatia in 2018 by taking the final step into the final.

Watch | England fans sing Wonderwall

This the place for all the best World Cup news and stories

You can also visit European Super Football for more stories from a European perspective.

World Cup 2026 | Spain 2 - 1 Belgium

2026-07-11T02:36:55.485-07:00

Merino strikes late again

Spain edged Belgium to reach World Cup semi-finals

Author | Peter Grainger

Stadium | Los Angeles Stadium

Mikel Merino proved Spain's match winner once more as the substitute struck two minutes from time to break Belgium's resistance and send the European champions into the World Cup semi-finals.

The Arsenal midfielder had already rescued Spain in the last 16 with a 91st-minute winner against Portugal and repeated the feat in Los Angeles, settling a finely balanced quarter-final with another decisive late contribution.

With the contest level at 1-1 and seemingly drifting towards extra time, Belgium substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who had replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois, could only spill Pau Cubarsi's fierce 25-yard effort. Merino reacted quickest, turning the rebound into the roof of the net from close range after spending just 117 seconds on the pitch following his introduction for Dani Olmo.

Watch | Highlights from BBC Sport

Fabián Ruiz had earlier put Spain ahead after 30 minutes, only for Charles De Ketelaere to head Belgium level four minutes before the break, ending Spain's remarkable run of 649 World Cup minutes without conceding a goal.

The victory sets up a heavyweight semi-final against France in Dallas on Tuesday 14 July, with Luis de la Fuente's side now two matches away from adding the World Cup to their European Championship triumph.

A closer analysis of what happened

Spain's opener arrived after a slick move down the right. Pedro Porro combined neatly with Lamine Yamal before delivering a cross that found Olmo. Courtois saved his initial effort but Ruiz, preferred to Pedri in midfield, reacted first to fire the loose ball through Timothy Castagne's legs and into the net.

Belgium responded impressively and were rewarded when De Ketelaere darted in front of Cubarsi to power home Castagne's cross, drawing Rudi Garcia's side level before the interval.

Belgium appealed for a penalty early in the second half after Aymeric Laporte's header struck the arm of Rodri inside the area, while at the other end Courtois produced another important stop to deny Mikel Oyarzabal.

The turning point came in the 71st minute when Courtois broke down with what appeared to be a muscle injury. The Real Madrid goalkeeper left the field in tears and was replaced by Manchester United's Lammens, making only his third senior international appearance.

Lammens was unable to make the decisive save when Cubarsi tested him from distance. The goalkeeper failed to hold the powerful strike and Merino was perfectly placed to punish the mistake, keeping his composure to fire home the winner.

Belgium's campaign ended in cruel fashion, while Spain march on to only the second World Cup semi-final in their history, where France now stand between them and another appearance in the final.

Watch | More immediate reaction from ESPN

This the place for all the best World Cup news and stories

You can also visit European Super Football for more stories from a European perspective.

World Cup 2026 | Argentina 3 - 2 Egypt

2026-07-07T12:54:18.068-07:00

Argentina stage remarkable comeback to crush Egypt dreams and reach quarter-finals

The holders survived another huge scare before breaking Egypt's hearts and booking their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.

Author | Ajay

Stadium | Atlanta Stadium

The reigning world champions, who needed extra time to overcome Cape Verde in the previous round, looked destined for a shock exit as the Pharaohs raced into a 2-0 lead through Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico.

Cristian Romero pulled one back with 11 minutes remaining before Lionel Messi, who had missed a first-half penalty in Atlanta, levelled five minutes later to set up a dramatic finale.

Enzo Fernandez completed the turnaround two minutes into stoppage time, heading in Lautaro Martinez's cross to seal a quarter-final against Colombia or Switzerland.

Watch | An emotional Messi at full-time | ITV Sport

This the place for all the best World Cup news and stories

You can also visit European Super Football for more stories from a European perspective.

World Cup 2026 | United States 1 - 4 Belgium

2026-07-06T23:27:01.722-07:00

Belgium sweep aside the United States

Charles De Ketelaere scored twice as Belgium eased past the United States to ensure the tournament's third and final co-host exited the World Cup.

Author | Peter Grainger

Stadium | Seattle Stadium

It was a subdued display from the US, who included striker Folarin Balogun in their starting line-up after President Donald Trump asked Fifa to review his suspension following the red card he received in the previous round.

Fifa responded by suspending the automatic one-match ban for 12 months, but the tournament's joint-leading scorer, with three goals, was largely isolated as Belgium controlled proceedings.

Belgium took the lead after just nine minutes when Nicolas Raskin's pass across the face of goal was turned in by De Ketelaere.

The co-hosts drew level in the 31st minute as Malik Tillman's free-kick took a wicked deflection off Hans Vanaken and wrong-footed the goalkeeper.

Watch | Highlights from ITV Sport

Belgium restored their advantage just two minutes later when De Ketelaere rose to head home Leandro Trossard's inviting cross.

The second half brought a gift for Belgium's third goal as De Ketelaere dispossessed the hesitant Matt Freese before Vanaken calmly side-footed into the bottom corner from outside the penalty area.

Substitute Romelu Lukaku completed the scoring in stoppage time, drilling a low finish into the far corner from a tight angle.

Belgium will now face Spain in the quarter-finals in Los Angeles on Friday (20:00 BST) after the European champions edged past Portugal 1-0 on Monday.

Overturn this! 😎

[image or embed]
— Belgian Red Devils (@belreddevils.bsky.social) 7 July 2026 at 03:49

This the place for all the best World Cup news and stories

You can also visit European Super Football for more stories from a European perspective.

World Cup 2026 | Mexico 2 - 3 England

2026-07-05T22:40:33.538-07:00

England secured a dramatic victory over Mexico and set up a quarter-final against Norway.

They produced their most accomplished display of the World Cup amid the passion and intensity of the iconic Azteca Stadium

Author | George B

Stadium | Azteca Stadium

On a night of gripping sporting theatre, with kick-off delayed by an hour because of severe storms, Thomas Tuchel's side even overcame Jarell Quansah's red card early in the second half to claim one of their most impressive victories of recent years.

Mexico had lost only two of their previous 89 competitive matches at the Azteca, but England's composed start allowed them to seize control as the outstanding Jude Bellingham struck twice in the space of 98 seconds before half-time.

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was in inspired form, producing two outstanding saves to deny Raul Jimenez, but he was powerless to prevent Julian Quinones from reducing the deficit with a powerful finish three minutes before the interval.

Watch | Highlights from BBC Football on YouTube

Roared on by a relentless wall of noise, Mexico pushed forward with renewed belief, and the atmosphere intensified further when Quansah was sent off for a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo. England, however, restored their two-goal cushion when Harry Kane converted from the penalty spot after Anthony Gordon was brought down by goalkeeper Raul Rangel.

Just as England looked to have regained control, Kane was adjudged to have caught Brian Gutierrez's foot inside the area, allowing Jimenez to score from the resulting penalty.

With England under sustained pressure in a frenzied atmosphere, Tuchel introduced Dan Burn and Djed Spence before switching to a back five, helping his side negotiate 11 minutes of stoppage time to seal a memorable victory.

This the place for all the best World Cup news and stories

Super News Affiliate is the place for all the best World Cup news and stories. Check out our dedicated World Cup 2026 page for some of the latest match reports. What a tournament it has been so far.

You can also visit European Super Football for more stories from a European perspective.

World Cup 2026 | France 1 - 0 Paraguay

2026-07-05T05:54:13.155-07:00

World Cup favourites France were forced to work hard to secure their place in the quarter-finals

Kylian Mbappe's second-half penalty enough to edge past a determined Paraguay in Philadelphia.

Author | James Y

Stadium | Philadelphia Stadium

Paraguay restricted the two-time champions to very few clear openings until substitute Desire Doue was brought down inside the penalty area by Brighton midfielder Diego Gomez. Referee Ilgiz Tantashev pointed to the spot after a video assistant referee (VAR) review.

Mbappe confidently converted the penalty, sending Orlando Gill the wrong way to book France's place in the last eight. His seventh goal of the tournament also saw him draw level with Argentina great Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.

The last-16 tie began in searing heat, with temperatures climbing to 38C, yet France quickly established control of possession.

Even so, Paraguay's disciplined defensive display proved difficult to breach and France's frustration became apparent in the 36th minute when Mbappe reacted angrily after being fouled by Andres Cubas.

Gustavo Alfaro's side, who stunned Germany on penalties in the previous round, remained well organised throughout a tense first half that ended goalless, with neither team managing a shot on target.

READ MORE | Canada 0 - 3 Morocco

France emerged after the interval with greater purpose and finally tested Gill in the 54th minute when Manu Kone struck from distance for their first effort on target.

The breakthrough eventually arrived after Doue replaced Bradley Barcola on the left flank. Just four minutes after coming on, the 21-year-old Paris St-Germain forward surged into the area, skipped past a defender and was clipped by Gomez, allowing Mbappe to convert from the spot and send France through to the quarter-finals.

This the place for all the best World Cup news and stories

Super News Affiliate is the place for all the best World Cup news and stories. Check out our dedicated World Cup 2026 page for some of the latest match reports.

You can also visit European Super Football for more stories from a European perspective.

World Cup 2026 | Canada 0 - 3 Morocco

2026-07-04T12:58:17.350-07:00

Canada became the first co-host nation to exit the 2026 World Cup

It was, in the end, a convincing victory by Morocco in Houston.

Author | James Y

Stadium | Houston Stadium

Morocco, who struggled to find their rhythm during an ill-tempered first half, went ahead five minutes after the restart through Azzedine Ounahi.

Ounahi swept home Achraf Hakimi's cut-back from a cleverly worked free kick after the Canada defence failed to close him down on the edge of the area.

The Girona midfielder doubled his tally with eight minutes remaining, finishing a swift counter-attack to put the result beyond doubt.

An increasingly comfortable victory was completed in stoppage time when Soufiane Rahimi slid his finish beneath goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau.

It was a harsh outcome for Canada

They had made the brighter start in Texas and could easily have been ahead inside the opening stages.

Morocco now advance and move to within one victory of matching their historic run to the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup.

Canada pressed relentlessly from the outset, with both Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi denied in one-on-one situations by Morocco goalkeeper Bono during the opening 11 minutes.

The African side were well below their best and visibly frustrated for long spells as English referee Michael Oliver produced seven yellow cards.

Watch | Highlights from ITV Sport

Morocco nevertheless found a way through and almost added a third when Rahimi looped a header against the crossbar, before finally getting his goal with the last kick of the match.

The result brings Canada's most successful men's World Cup campaign to an end, a tournament in which they claimed their first point, first victory, first passage beyond the group stage and first knockout win.

World Cup 2026 | Argentina 3 - 2 Cape Verde

2026-07-04T06:59:39.116-07:00

Argentina needed a 111th-minute Diney Borges own goal to avoid one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.

The holders edged past heroic debutants Cape Verde in the last 32.

Author | Sean M

Stadium | Miami Stadium

The side ranked 64th in the Fifa world rankings twice fought back to level against opponents who sit second in the world.

With the score 1-1 after 90 minutes, the underdogs forced their celebrated opponents into extra time. Lisandro Martínez then appeared to have won it for Argentina with an excellent finish in the 92nd minute.

But Sidny Lopes Cabral produced one of the goals of the tournament 11 minutes later, cutting in from the left before curling a superb strike over goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez and into the top corner to make it 2-2.

Cabral, enjoying the finest night of his career, almost completed a remarkable victory when he forced an outstanding save from Martínez four minutes from the end of extra time. Cape Verde, however, could not find a third equaliser to take the tie to penalties.

The atmosphere in Miami had been electric from the outset

Thousands of Argentina supporters created a carnival mood. It had then looked as though the holders were cruising towards victory when Lionel Messi produced another moment of brilliance in the 29th minute.

The Argentina captain claimed his 20th World Cup goal, bringing down a long pass from defender Martínez with exquisite control before firing high into the net.

But the smallest nation ever to feature in a World Cup knockout match refused to bow out quietly.

Deroy Duarte drew Cape Verde level in the second half, timing his run into the area before drilling a finish through the legs of Martínez and beyond the goalkeeper from a tight angle, prompting emotional celebrations among the Cape Verde supporters.

Just two minutes into extra time, Martínez met Alexis Mac Allister's flick-on from a corner and hammered home to restore Argentina's lead.

Cabral's stunning equaliser followed to keep Cape Verde's dream alive. Although their historic run ultimately came to an end through Borges' unfortunate own goal, the tournament debutants departed having delivered one of the World Cup's most memorable performances.

World Cup 2026 | Portugal 2 - 1 Croatia

2026-07-03T14:03:20.443-07:00

Goncalo Ramos scored a dramatic 94th-minute winner after Cristiano Ronaldo netted his first goal in a World Cup knockout

These goals meant Portugal came from behind to beat Croatia and reach the last 16.

Author | Josh T

Stadium | Toronto Stadium

Second-half substitute Ramos climbed above two Croatia defenders to head home a superb cross from Rafael Leao just as an absorbing contest appeared destined for extra time.

Josko Gvardiol believed he had rescued Croatia when he bundled the ball home in the 13th minute of stoppage time, but the video assistant referee intervened and the goal was ruled out for offside.

Replays showed Igor Matanovic had made the slightest touch on the cross before it reached Mario Pasalic, who was in an offside position before Gvardiol applied the finish.

A closer analysis of what happened

Portugal controlled much of the first half, but Croatia edged a breathless second period.

Ivan Perisic fired into the corner eight minutes after the restart after Ruben Dias could only half-clear a cross to the back post.

Half-time substitute Matanovic thought he had doubled Croatia's lead two minutes later with a near-post finish, only for the offside flag to be raised against team-mate Nikola Vlasic.

A frantic spell followed as Leao curled an effort against the crossbar before Ronaldo saw a deft chipped finish ruled out for a marginal offside.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Super News Affiliate (@supernewsaffiliate)

Just as it seemed Ronaldo's evening was about to end, he levelled from the penalty spot after the video assistant referee spotted a foul on Renato Veiga from a corner.

Following the hydration break, Mateo Kovacic forced Diogo Costa into two fine saves in quick succession before Matanovic was denied in a one-on-one.

Petar Sucic then raced on to an excellent through ball from Kovacic and finished calmly past Costa, but the offside flag was raised once more.

Ronaldo was visibly frustrated when he was substituted in the 81st minute, before Veiga and Mario Pasalic both squandered clear headed chances at opposite ends.

Extra time looked the most likely outcome before Ramos sparked jubilant scenes with his late winner.

Portugal will face European champions Spain in the last 16 at Dallas Stadium.

World Cup 2026 | Belgium 3 - 2 Senegal

2026-07-02T09:40:28.816-07:00

Youri Tielemans converted a penalty deep into extra time as Belgium staged a remarkable fightback

They recovered from two goals down to beat Senegal in a dramatic World Cup last-32 tie.

Author | Ajay

Stadium | Seattle Stadium

The last-gasp victory secured a place in the last 16, where they will face either the United States or Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Rudi Garcia's side appeared destined for elimination as they trailed an impressive Senegal by two goals with only four minutes of normal time remaining.

However, half-time substitute Romelu Lukaku flicked home Thomas Meunier's cross to offer Belgium a route back into the contest.

They seized that opportunity in the 89th minute when Leandro Trossard's cross into the area was missed by goalkeeper Mory Diaw, allowing captain Tielemans to head home the equaliser and force extra time.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Super News Affiliate (@supernewsaffiliate)

Earlier, the Belgian pair had been involved in a heated exchange before the second-half hydration break, with Lukaku stepping in to separate them.

Belgium's comeback stunned Senegal

They had looked firmly in control after goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr gave them a deserved 2-0 advantage.

Having rescued themselves in normal time, Belgium then snatched a controversial winner in the 125th minute.

Latest World Cup news and stories from Super News Affiliate and European Super Football. supernewsaffiliate.blogspot.com/search/label... eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com/search/label...

[image or embed]
— Super News Affiliate (@sup3rnew5affiliate.bsky.social) 2 July 2026 at 17:20

After Dodi Lukebakio's effort brushed the crossbar, the referee awarded a penalty for Lamine Camara's sliding challenge on Tielemans following a video assistant referee review that lasted seven minutes.

Tielemans, the Aston Villa midfielder, kept his composure to drive the spot-kick into the top corner and complete a dramatic turnaround.

World Cup 2026 | England 2 - 1 DR Congo

2026-07-01T13:02:14.647-07:00

England avoided one of the greatest shocks in their World Cup history

Harry Kane's two late goals inspired a dramatic comeback against DR Congo in Atlanta and secured a place in the last 16.

Author | George B

Stadium | Atlanta Stadium

Thomas Tuchel's side were just 15 minutes from a humiliating exit after Brian Cipenga had given DR Congo an early lead.

That was when captain and talisman Harry Kane took centre stage. He headed in the equaliser after 75 minutes before producing a brilliant winner with four minutes remaining, turning sharply and firing an unstoppable finish into the roof of the net.

DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi produced a series of outstanding saves to frustrate England, although Yoane Wissa struck the post with the goal at his mercy on the stroke of half-time.

That miss proved crucial as England, who had delivered a deeply underwhelming display for much of the contest, were kept alive.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Super News Affiliate (@supernewsaffiliate)

Kane rose to meet substitute Anthony Gordon's cross to head England level. What a moment and his fourth goal in four games in this tournament.

His fifth goal of the tournament was better still. Collecting the ball on the edge of the area, Kane spun away from his marker, drove forward and rifled a powerful right-footed effort beyond Mpasi to rescue England from the brink.

England will now face co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Monday, 6 July.

A celebration of Harry Kane

After the match, former England striker and BBC pundit Alan Shearer said: "His movement for the header was brilliant and then the second goal not many centre forwards in the world can produce that piece of magic. The way he turns and swivels, the balance is incredible, then to get the direction and power into the roof of the net. Some strike."

World Cup 2026 | Mexico 2 - 0 Ecuador

2026-07-01T10:24:41.972-07:00

Mexico cruised into the last 16 of the World Cup

This was a comfortable victory over Ecuador in a weather-delayed contest.

Author | James Y

Stadium | Azteca Stadium

Goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez handed the co-hosts a commanding lead in an exhilarating first half, before they produced a composed display after the interval to secure their first knockout stage victory since 1986.

Manager Javier Aguirre's side will now remain in Mexico City for their last-16 tie.

A closer analysis as Mexican dreams stay alive

A thunderstorm in the Mexican capital delayed kick-off by an hour, but once the skies cleared Ecuador struggled to cope with both the fervent atmosphere and a home side who burst out of the blocks.

Mexico created four chances inside the opening 10 minutes and, although John Yeboah struck the woodwork for Ecuador, they were second best throughout the opening period and unable to live with Mexico's intensity across the pitch.

It was one of Mexico's most impressive starts to a World Cup match since the 1966 tournament in terms of chances created, and their passionate support were soon celebrating the breakthrough.

Colombia-born winger Quinones surged down the left, cut inside and rifled an unstoppable finish beyond Ecuador goalkeeper Hernan Galindez into the roof of the net.

It was Quinones' third goal of the tournament and he soon turned provider, with Wolves forward Jimenez curling into the top corner after ruthlessly punishing a mistake by Ecuador centre-back Joel Ordonez on the edge of his own penalty area.

Sebastian Beccacece's side improved after the break, but Gonzalo Plata's flick wide was the closest they came to reducing the deficit.

An already disappointing evening for Ecuador ended on a sour note when, with the contest effectively over, Piero Hincapie became only the second player at this tournament, after Paraguay's Miguel Almiron, to be sent off for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent during stoppage time.

World Cup | Germany 1 - Paraguay | Paraguay progress on penalties

2026-06-30T11:53:46.108-07:00

Four-time winners Germany are out of the 2026 World Cup

They lost to Paraguay in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

Author | Ed

Stadium | Boston Stadium

Arsenal forward Kai Havertz and Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade both saw their penalties saved by goalkeeper Orlando Gill.

Paraguay were handed two opportunities to seal victory but Antonio Sanabria fired wide before Fabian Balbuena's effort was kept out by the evergreen 40-year-old Manuel Neuer.

In sudden death, Jonathan Tah blazed his penalty over the bar before defender Jose Canale calmly converted the decisive spot-kick to secure a 4-3 shootout victory and send Paraguay into the quarter-finals.

A closer analysis of what happened

Earlier, former Brighton and Ipswich forward Julio Enciso had given Paraguay a surprise lead with a header in the 42nd minute.

Germany responded with far greater urgency after the break and levelled when Havertz glanced home a header from a pinpoint cross by Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz.

Paraguay defended resolutely to force extra time, although Germany believed they had found a winner when Tah headed into the net, only for the effort to be ruled out after Waldemar Anton was judged to have fouled Gill.

Germany took the first penalty in the shootout but never held the advantage after Havertz missed the opening kick and Woltemade was also denied. Paraguay squandered two chances to finish the contest before taking the third, with the impressive Canale holding his nerve to spark jubilant celebrations.

World Cup 2026 | Brazil 2 - 1 Japan

2026-06-29T23:14:50.494-07:00

Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic 95th-minute winner

Brazil came from behind to beat Japan and set up a World Cup last-16 tie against Norway or Ivory Coast.

Author | James Y

Stadium | Houston Stadium

With only seconds remaining, Brazil won the ball back on the edge of the Japan penalty area and Bruno Guimaraes slipped a pass into Martinelli, who took a touch before calmly steering his finish in off the post.

Watch | Video from SportsIllustrated

It was a cruel ending for Japan, who had matched Brazil throughout the first half and defended resolutely after the interval. Carlo Ancelotti's side, however, kept pressing and were rewarded at the very end.

The key moments from the match

Japan looked composed before the break and took the lead when Kaishu Sano seized on Danilo's loose pass, surged past Casemiro and drilled a low finish into the bottom corner.

Brazil struggled to respond before half-time but emerged with greater purpose after the restart. Casemiro climbed highest to power home Gabriel's cross from the back post 10 minutes into the second half.

Watch | Goal video from ITV Sport

The equaliser had been coming and the five-time world champions almost went in front in spectacular fashion three minutes later.

Vinicius Jr collected the ball 10 yards inside the Japan half, nutmegged his marker, burst into the penalty area, skipped beyond another defender and poked a shot towards the far corner, only for Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to push it on to the post.

Japan recovered their composure and, although Brazil continued to apply pressure, clear opportunities remained scarce.

That was until Ao Tanaka lost possession on the corner of his own penalty area and Martinelli punished the mistake with ruthless efficiency to send Brazil through.

World Cup 2026 | South Africa 0 - 1 Canada

2026-06-28T23:27:00.185-07:00

Co-hosts Canada beat South Africa to reach the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time.

Stephen Eustaquio struck a dramatic winner in the second minute of stoppage time.

Author | Josh T

Stadium | Los Angeles Stadium

In a scrappy contest lacking clear-cut chances, and with extra time appearing inevitable, Eustaquio produced a rare moment of quality, drilling a superb low effort in from the edge of the penalty area to seal victory for Canada.

Canada had lost all six of their previous World Cup matches before this tournament, but this latest triumph continued an outstanding campaign.

They claimed their first ever World Cup finals victory with a 6-0 win over Qatar on 18 June, and this was another landmark occasion for Jesse Marsch's side as they became the first team to book their place in the last 16. The co-hosts will face either the Netherlands or Morocco in Houston on Saturday, 4 July.

Reaction after a pivotal moment in the history of Canadian soccer/football

Watch | Highlights of the match | BBC Sport

Moments after the final whistle, Marsch gathered his players in a huddle and told them: "You are Canadian heroes. The future of the sport in this country is huge because of you."

Marsch also said: "You should be so proud of who you are. You should be so proud of this game. You went after it, moment after moment."

One fan text us saying: These players have made history for our country. I've never been prouder."

World Cup 2026 | England 2 - 0 Panama

2026-06-28T10:10:09.287-07:00

Harry Kane became England's record World Cup goalscorer

The England captain helped his country recover from an unconvincing start to beat Panama and finish top of Group L.

Author | George B

Stadium | New York New Jersey Stadium

Jude Bellingham finally broke the deadlock after 62 minutes before providing the cross for Kane to head home England's second from close range five minutes later.

It was the England captain's 11th World Cup goal, taking him clear of Gary Lineker as the country's leading scorer in the tournament.

England were below their best for long spells and again looked vulnerable defensively. They also suffered another injury setback when emergency right-back Jarell Quansah, filling in for the injured Reece James, was forced off during the second half.

Bellingham was England's driving force throughout and eventually made the breakthrough, turning home smartly from Bukayo Saka's corner.

He delivered an inviting cross for Kane to make more history with a simple close-range finish, his 82nd goal in 117 appearances for England.

As England saw out the victory, setting up a last-32 meeting with DR Congo in Atlanta, Jordan Henderson came off the bench to become the first England player to appear at four World Cups.

How important is the Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham?

Bellingham regularly drove forward in the first half alongside the recalled Morgan Rogers, although it often left Elliot Anderson isolated in midfield and England exposed to counter-attacks.

The gamble eventually paid off just after the hour when Bellingham stretched to reach the ball ahead of Panama's Jorge Gutierrez and steer his finish beyond goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera.

He then made another decisive contribution with the cross for Kane's goal, the Real Madrid midfielder rising to the occasion as he inspired England out of a flat display and secured top spot in the group.

World Cup 2026 | Scotland 0 - 3 Brazil

2026-06-25T09:28:46.466-07:00

Scotland's hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time are hanging by a thread.

A defensive collapse allowed Brazil to cruise to a 3-0 victory.

Author | Sean M

Stadium | Miami Stadium

Steve Clarke's side knew a draw against the tournament's most successful nation would leave them on the brink of a historic place in the last 32.

Before kick-off, statistical projections suggested a tally of three points and a goal difference of minus three would give a team a 42% chance of claiming one of the eight places available to the best third-placed sides.

Potentially until Sunday morning, they'll have to wait until discovering whether they have done enough to progress as the remaining groups conclude their final fixtures.

If they fall short, they will reflect on another occasion when they contributed heavily to their own downfall.

A closer analysis of what happened

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Super News Affiliate (@supernewsaffiliate)

Scott McKenna, making his first start of the tournament, hesitated in possession and was dispossessed by Bournemouth teenager Rayan. He squared the ball for Vinicius Jr and one of world football's most clinical forwards made no mistake with the opportunity.

The Real Madrid forward, who had scored in every group match, thought he had his second when he robbed Jack Hendry of possession and rolled the ball beyond Angus Gunn.

VAR came to Scotland's rescue, with officials ruling that Hendry had been fouled in the build-up, but the reprieve was only temporary.

Carlo Ancelotti was visibly unimpressed, yet his talisman soon struck again, ghosting in at the back post to head home after Scotland failed to deal with a loose ball in first-half stoppage time.

Vinicius Jr could easily have completed a hat-trick. Brazil could just as easily have scored five.

And yet Scotland had reason to feel aggrieved at trailing by two goals at the interval, having produced some of their most encouraging football of the tournament in possession and while carrying a threat going forward.

That perhaps says as much about their previous displays as anything else.

Even without captain Andy Robertson, who had endured a difficult evening against Rayan despite being rescued on more than one occasion by Gunn, Scotland began the second half with renewed purpose. Brazil, however, always appeared in control.

A couple of penalty appeals and a Scott McTominay header directed straight at Alisson were soon forgotten when Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes dispossessed Kenny McLean and teed up Matheus Cunha, who powered home Brazil's third.

World Cup 2026 | Switzerland 2 - 1 Canada

2026-06-25T02:02:35.761-07:00

Disappointment for the co-hosts as Switzerland top Group B

Goals from Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi within the opening 12 minutes of the second half proved enough to seal first place.

Author | Peter Grainger

Stadium | Vancouver Stadium

The win also ensured Switzerland became only the third nation, alongside Argentina and France, to reach the knockout stages at each of the last four World Cups.

They will now face one of the third-placed teams from Groups E, F, G, H, I or J in Vancouver on 3 July.

Despite the defeat, Canada progressed to the knockout stages for the first time in their history after finishing second in Group B, having drawn with Bosnia and Herzegovina and thrashed Qatar in their previous two matches.

The impact of this match from a Canadian perspective

However, by missing out on top spot, Jesse Marsch's side surrendered their home advantage and will not play another match in Canada during the tournament.

Their next fixture comes at Los Angeles Stadium in California on 28 June, where they will face the runners-up from Group A.

A closer analysis of what happened

A cagey first half produced few clear-cut opportunities, although Switzerland, captained by Granit Xhaka on his 149th international appearance, came closest to opening the scoring when Breel Embolo's effort from inside the area was well saved by Maxime Crepeau.

Canada struggled to test their opponents and, despite scoring six against Qatar last week, managed only three tame efforts on target during a subdued opening period.

Switzerland struck less than a minute after the restart when Manzambi's cross found Vargas at the back post and the forward calmly converted for his second goal of the tournament.

Murat Yakin's side doubled their lead 11 minutes later as Manzambi turned scorer, finishing from inside the area after excellent hold-up play by Embolo.

Canada pulled a goal back with 14 minutes remaining when substitute Promise David completed a flowing team move just 76 seconds after coming on, but it was not enough to inspire a comeback.