World Cup 2026 LIVE: Fifa blamed after squad’s arrival to US delayed and Iran prepare for controversial opener | OneFootball

Fifa has been blamed for the travel chaos afflicting World Cup 2026, with Uruguay slating the governing body after they experienced trouble arriving in Miami for their opening game against Saudi Arabia this evening.

On the eve of the game, the Uruguayan plane didn’t have clearance to fly from Cancun, where the team have been based, to the US, which left the squad stuck at the hotel until a solution was found, with the Uruguayan FA pinning the blame on Fifa, who in turn claimed it was an issue with the airline.

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has also criticised Fifa for the impact that his nation’s war with the US has had on preparations for their first game against New Zealand tonight, having been forced to move their base to Mexico, visa issues plaguing members of their delegation and travelling fans being stripped of match tickets. “I have felt the tension from the first moment we arrived at this World Cup,” said Taremi. “This kind of tension, it undermines that joy and it undermines the message of Fifa and our people, which is that football brings about peace. I feel like this World Cup could have provided a better atmosphere than it has.”

As England continue to build up to Wednesday’s game with Croatia, Jordan Henderson has leapt to the defence of teammate Jude Bellingham, claiming external criticism is way off the mark. “I know a lot gets written in the media and I really find it hard to read sometimes because I just know how big an influence he is on this team, how good a teammate he is off the field,” said Henderson. “And what he gives us is just something really special, he really gives us the X-factor in our team. We all know what he can do, and how much we all love him inside the camp, and I suppose that’s the main thing.”

Nico O'Reilly wants England to start 'all guns blazing'

Speaking of Nico O’Reilly, he wants England to start their World Cup campaign “all guns blazing” against Croatia.

Thomas Tuchel’s men are stepping up preparations for Wednesday’s Group L opener in Dallas having arrived at their Kansas City base following a warm-weather camp in Florida.

England are among the favourites for glory this summer and O’Reilly wants them to kick off their World Cup campaign with a statement win against 2018 World Cup semi-final foes Croatia on Wednesday.

“We’ve been acclimatising to the heat, a lot of training and then with the two games where everyone got some minutes,” the Manchester City player said.

“In a way (it’s been like a pre-season) but it’s been intense. Obviously, we need to get ready for the tournament, and it’s been good. I think we just need to go out there all guns blazing and show them what we’re made of.”

(PA)

Luke Baker15 June 2026 11:00

Is Kai Havertz the answer to Germany’s biggest World Cup question?

There are a raft of reasons why Germany have been so disappointing at recent World Cups, but sometimes the most obvious is the most telling. Germany haven’t had an elite striker since Miroslav Klose, and it has shown.

Arguably, they still don’t. Most football fans probably couldn’t name the player wearing Germany’s No 9 at this World Cup, someone with five caps and one international goal, Stuttgart’s attacking midfielder Jamie Leweling. The question is, can Germany go deep in the World Cup without one of the tournament’s leading strikers?

Lawrence Ostlere suggests that Kai Havertz might just be the solution to their ills:

Luke Baker15 June 2026 10:33

Why did Yasin Ayari refuse to celebrate his goal in Sweden’s World Cup win over Tunisia?

Yasin Ayari played a key role in Sweden’s 5-1 rout of Tunisia in their opening game of the World Cup - but after scoring the first goal he chose not to celebrate.

The Brighton star latched onto the rebound after Viktor Gyokeres had an early attempt blocked and volleyed past Tunisia keeper Abdelmouhib Chamakh in the seventh minute at the Estadio Monterrey.

But having enjoyed a dream start to his World Cup debut, the 22-year-old did not celebrate, instead raising his hands in apology to the opposition fans.

Find out why:

Luke Baker15 June 2026 10:20

Gareth Southgate turned down TV work to ‘keep out of the way’

Former England manager Gareth Southgate has revealed he turned down offers for World Cup television work, opting instead to “keep out of the way” to avoid distracting the national team.

This summer's 48-team competition in North America marks the first World Cup since 1994 that Southgate will not be directly involved, following his successful tenure which saw England reach a World Cup semi-final and quarter-final, alongside back-to-back European Championship finals before his departure after Euro 2024.

Explaining his decision in an Instagram video, Southgate highlighted his extensive history with the tournament. “This is obviously a very different tournament for me this one, I have been at the last seven World Cups as a player, as a broadcaster, as a scout and then as a manager,” he said.

“This time I took a conscious decision not to do the TV. I didn’t think it would be helpful for me to be talking about the team.”

He further elaborated on his desire to prevent any potential misinterpretations. "I don’t want anything to be misconstrued or thrown at them in press conferences. So, best for me to keep out of the way.”

Gareth Southgate is ‘staying out of the way’ at this World Cup (PA)

Luke Baker15 June 2026 10:11

Lamine Yamal faces fitness race for Spain opener

Lamine Yamal is touch-and-go to be fit for Spain’s World Cup opener against Cape Verde this evening.

The 18-year-old superstar has been out since late April due to a left hamstring injury but is now back in full squad training.

Boss Luis de la Fuente has suggested he is ready to play some minutes but may be cautious with the teenager, who lit up the Euros as a 16-year-old two years ago.

“The good news is that Lamine is in perfect condition,” De la Fuente said in a pre-match press conference on Sunday. “He's arrived at this point in the state in which we wanted him to be. He’s fine, just like Nico [Williams] and Victor [Munoz]. They're all available, although some won't play the entire game.

“The doctors say Lamine can play tomorrow without any issues. Not to play 90 minutes, but to play some minutes, yes... The process [with Williams] is similar. They've been working together a lot of days, a lot of hours, and with the relationship they have, they've been happy. They could play, if we think the game demands it.”

Lamine Yamal may start on the bench against Cape Verde (Getty)

Luke Baker15 June 2026 09:50

Germany hit seven but Curacao’s moment justifies new format

Kai Havertz scored a brace as Germany opened their World Cup campaign with a dominant 7-1 victory over debutants Curacao in Houston.

Felix Nmecha opened the scoring just six minutes in, but Germany were slightly stunned when Livano Comenencia levelled for minnows Curacao, making their maiden appearance at a World Cup, suggesting that the expanded new format is worthwhile when nations can produce moments that inspire generations.

However, a Nico Schlotterbeck header and Havertz penalty soon restored Germany’s advantage at half-time. A comfortable display saw further goals in the second half from Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown, Deniz Undav and Havertz as Germany wrapped up three points in their first Group E game.

Curacao’s historic moment vindicates Fifa’s bloated 48-nation World Cup

Germany 7-1 Curacao: They may have been outclassed on their World Cup debut but Curacaoans will never forget where they were when Livano Comenencia scored

Luke Baker15 June 2026 09:30

Japanese fans leave their mark off the pitch at World Cup

Japanese fans had plenty to celebrate after their 2-2 draw with the Netherlands at the Dallas Stadium in Texas but once again they will make headlines for an incredible gesture after the full-time whistle of the World Cup 2026 clash.

As usual in sporting events of this size, the stands of the stadium became littered with rubbish, such as food trays and empty drinks cups, but Japan’s supporters remained behind and cleaned up before departing the stadium.

Experts in Japanese culture cite a proverb: "tatsu tori ato wo nigosazu" which, when translated into English, means "stand up, take care of it, without leaving any traces behind" as one reason why Japan supporters tidy up after themselves.

Luke Baker15 June 2026 09:21

Newer

1 / 2

Older