England suffered a bitter blow on the eve of their World Cup 2026 opener against Croatia tomorrow, with defender Tino Livramento ruled out of the entire tournament through injury, and boss Thomas Tuchel calling up Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah as a surprise replacement, with Trent Alexander-Arnold snubbed.
Elswehere, Iran opened their politically-charged World Cup campaign by playing out an entertaining 2-2 draw with New Zealand in a controversial match that saw anti-regime protests ahead of kick-off, the national anthem booed and an Iranian player forced to defend himself over a ‘gun’ celebration.
Mohammad Mohebbi snatched a point for Iran in the 64th minute and appeared to do a ‘finger gun’ gesture during his celebration, sparking outrage. Mohebbi defended his actions, saying after the game: “The celebration came to mind, and I do this [gestures] for all of the fans, just a celebration, you know.”
Meanwhile, Donald Trump has reportedly been given permission by Fifa to lift the World Cup trophy alongside the winners next month, as he memorably and awkwardly did at last summer’s Club World Cup, while Miguel Delaney has written about Tuchel becoming the perfect man for the impossible job.
Follow all the latest from World Cup 2026 with our live blog below:
Read MoreWhy England boss Thomas Tuchel is wrong not to call up Trent Alexander-Arnold for World Cup
How will England line up against Croatia in their 2026 World Cup opener?
How Cape Verde pulled off an astonishing and unexpected draw with Spain
World Cup 2026 - live updates
- England defender Tino Livramento ruled out of World Cup 2026 with injury
- Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah has been called up to replace him ahead of Croatia clash
- COMMENT: Why Thomas Tuchel is wrong not to call up Trent Alexander-Arnold
- Iran striker Mohammad Mohebbi defends 'gun' celebration after goal against New Zealand
- Donald Trump reportedly given permission by Fifa to join winners in World Cup trophy lift
- How a German, Thomas Tuchel, became the perfect man for England's 'impossible job'
Ex-international Brian McBride urges US to build on early momentum
17:17 , Luke BakerThe United States is brimming with World Cup momentum after their opening 4-1 demolition of Paraguay, gaining one of the most important commodities required for a run deep into the tournament, former international Brian McBride told Reuters.
The ex-Fulham and Everton striker, who featured in three World Cups, said he saw the team gelling in their tune-up against Germany. The four-time champions had trouble dealing with penetrating runs from full-backs Sergino Dest and Antonee Robinson.
The US opened their tournament campaign last Friday with a rampaging win that for some was unexpected, but marked a dream start for the co-hosts, whose four goals were their most ever in a World Cup match.
USMNT legend urges team to ride World Cup momentum after dream start against Paraguay
World Cup 2026 winner forecast: An algorithm predicts the champion
16:59 , Luke BakerIn times past, when we wanted to know which team would win the World Cup, we had to turn to seers with crystal balls, use divination via tea leaves, or hope for Paul the Octopus to tell us what would happen.
But modern data science can provide a better alternative. As part of a team of statisticians, one of our reporters helped train a machine learning algorithm to predict the most likely course of the tournament...
World Cup 2026 winner forecast: An algorithm predicts the champion
US Customs and Border Protection seize counterfeit World Cup merchandise
16:40 , Luke BakerThe US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Indianapolis ahve siezed more than 1,500 pieces of counterfeit World Cup merchandise.
According to a statement from the CBP, they seized 18 shipments of fake goods, including 1,578 items that, if real, would have generated a retail price of around $134,594.
Officials said that the seized shipments included:
- 530 World Cup 2026 jerseys
- 380 beanies
- 349 Puma, Adidas and Nike shirts associated with the tournament
- 319 other World Cup-related items
The release stated that most shipments originated from Hong Kong and were “destined for locations both within and outside the United States.”
Fifa issue verdict on World Cup referee’s white supremacy accusations as VAR official explains viral moment
16:25 , Luke BakerFifa World Cup 2026 official Shaun Evans has denied “intentionally” making a gesture that some perceived to be connected to an expression of white supremacy.
The Australian referee, working as part of the VAR team in Dallas at the World Cup broadcast centre, was seen making an “OK” symbol with his right hand in front of his right leg when the official broadcast of Germany against Curacao on Sunday cut away from pre-game footage to show the team of video review analysts.
The match, played in Houston, led to many complaints over the gesture, which sees a thumb and forefinger touched in a circle and other fingers outstretched and was interpreted as a hate symbol by the New York-based Anti-Defamation League in 2019.
Fifa issue verdict on World Cup referee’s white supremacy accusations
WATCH: German chancellor presents President Trump with a football shit
16:10 , Luke BakerDonald Trump is at the G7 summit this week but the World Cup is still playing a role.
The US president was gifted a Germany shirt, with ‘Trump 47’ on the back by German chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Donald Trump reportedly given permission to join winners in World Cup trophy lift
15:58 , Luke BakerFifa has reportedly given permission to Donald Trump to join in with the World Cup trophy lift next month, setting up a scene similar to last summer’s awkward World Club Cup trophy presentation.
It is being reported by talkSPORT that Fifa has no objection to the US president no objection to Trump breaking presentation protocol and handing the World Cup trophy directly to the winning captain, before remaining in the thick of the celebrations.
Normally, the trophy remains on a plinth and is carried by a member of the winning team onto the celebration podium.
In the Club World Cup last summer, Trump awkwardly and memorably stayed next to Chelsea captain Reece James as he lifted the trophy, causing bafflement, with Cole Palmer looking particularly confused.
Meet the Swedish baron starring at the 2026 World Cup
15:51 , Luke BakerWhile the World Cup in North America is set to feature footballing titans like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, representing the sport's typical rags-to-riches narrative, Sweden's squad boasts a player from a decidedly different background.
Gustaf Lagerbielke, a 26-year-old defender who played a full match in Sweden’s 5-1 victory over Tunisia on Sunday, is a baron from one of Sweden's noble families.
His father and grandfather both hold the title of count, a stark contrast to the modest beginnings often associated with professional footballers.
“I mean, it’s rare,” Lagerbielke admitted in an interview before the tournament, acknowledging his unique heritage.
Meet the Swedish baron starring at the 2026 World Cup
Why England boss Thomas Tuchel is wrong not to call up Trent Alexander-Arnold for World Cup
15:32 , Luke BakerLook far enough down the list and eventually you will find him. Below Phil Neal and Viv Anderson, David Bardsley and Earl Barrett, Warren Barton and Danny Mills. Scroll down far enough down the English right-backs in Thomas Tuchel’s pecking order and finally Trent Alexander-Arnold’s name will appear.
Maybe, anyway. Because if two things were entirely unsurprising – that Tino Livramento was ruled out of the World Cup and that Alexander-Arnold was not summoned to replace him – they were extraordinary nonetheless.
Alexander-Arnold plays for Real Madrid. He is a triple Champions League finalist, a double Premier League winner, a player who has been in both the FIFPro World XI and the Champions League’s team of the season. He is the defender who has made the most goals in Premier League history. And he now seems, at most, England’s seventh-choice right-back.
Richard Jolly tackles Tuchel’s decision to snub Trent Alexander-Arnold once more:
Why England boss Tuchel is wrong not to call up Alexander-Arnold for World Cup
How will England line up against Croatia in their 2026 World Cup opener?
15:18 , Luke BakerThe wait is almost over. Eighteen months after he was unveiled as England manager, Thomas Tuchel will lead the Three Lions into the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday, with the express goal of “putting a second star on the shirt”. For fans, the extreme psychological sport that is watching England in a major tournament begins.
Qualification was perfect – no draws, no defeats, no goals conceded – but some of England’s friendly performances have been uninspiring and even at this late stage, there remain some questions over exactly who makes up England’s best XI as they prepare to face Croatia in Dallas.
Lawrence Ostlere has a crack at working out the starting XI:
How will England line up against Croatia in their 2026 World Cup opener?
HAVE YOUR SAY: How does Thomas Tuchel rate among every England manager
15:04 , Luke BakerMaybe it’s a shade early to judge Thomas Tuchel, seeing as he hasn’t managed a tournament game yet for England, but let us know your rating for every England manager in history
FA chief explains decision to hand Thomas Tuchel new England contract before World Cup
14:43 , Luke BakerThe Football Association’s chief executive, Mark Bullingham, has claimed that Thomas Tuchel’s contract extension provides crucial stability and control for the national team, particularly should England’s World Cup campaign encounter difficulties.
Tuchel, who took over from Sir Gareth Southgate 20 months ago, is on the cusp of leading England into his inaugural international tournament.
His initial deal was set to expire this summer, but a flawless World Cup qualification campaign prompted the FA to secure his services until the conclusion of the home European Championships in 2028.
FA chief explains decision to hand Tuchel new England contract before World Cup
England confirm Livramento replacement
14:29 , Will Castle“Trevoh Chalobah has been called into England’s 26-player squad at FIFA World Cup 2026 after injury sadly forced the withdrawal of Tino Livramento,” an FA statement reads.
“Arrangements are now being made for the Chelsea defender to make the journey to the team’s basecamp in Kansas City, while the rest of the squad will head to Dallas, Texas for the Three Lions’ opening group fixture against Croatia on Wednesday.
“FIFA regulations allow participating teams to replace an outfield player up to 24 hours before their opening fixture.
“Newcastle United defender Livramento picked up a calf injury in training on Sunday afternoon. A subsequent scan and medical assessment on Monday unfortunately confirmed he could play no further part in England’s tournament.”
Today's World Cup fixtures
14:24 , Luke BakerSpain and France have mostly been bundled together as co-favourites and, well, La Roja were blunted by Cape Verde, so can Les Bleus prove themselves to be the real favourites to win it all?
The defending champions are also in action with Lionel Messi gracing the turf in the country he's called home with Inter Miami. Plus, a rather large viking, Erling Haaland, spearheads Norway's hopes.
Here’s what you’ve got to look forward to at the World Cup today:
- 8pm BST – France v Senegal , BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website
- 11pm BST – Iraq v Norway , BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website
- 2am BST – Argentina v Algeria , ITV 1, ITV X, STV, STV Player
- 5am BST – Austria v Jordan , BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website
HAVE YOUR SAY: Who should have replaced Tino Livramento?
14:05 , Luke BakerTrevoh Chalobah got the call but did Thomas Tuchel make the right decision? Let us know
Trevoh Chalobah called up to replace Livramento
13:45 , Luke BakerTrevoh Chalobah has been called up to replace the injured Tino Livramento in England’s World Cup squad.
Livramento’s injury is a blow for Thomas Tuchel but he was able to replace the Newcastle full-back in the squad before 9pm (BST) on Tuesday – 24 hours before England’s first game of the tournament against Croatia.
Chelsea defender Chalobah is on his way to the United States and while he’s not expected to be involved against Croatia, he will be available for subsequent group matches against Ghana and Panama.
BREAKING: England defender expected to miss World Cup in blow for boss Thomas Tuchel
13:25 , Luke BakerEngland defender Tino Livramento is expected to be ruled out of the World Cup with a suspected calf injury.
It is an early blow for Thomas Tuchel’s preparations for the tournament, coming just one day before the Three Lions’ opener against Croatia in Dallas.
Tuchel can replace Newcastle full-back Livramento in the squad with a deadline of 9pm (BST) on Tuesday – 24 hours before England’s first game of the tournament.
Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah is a contender to travel to the US as a last-minute replacement.
Harry Maguire opens up on ‘awkward call’ with Thomas Tuchel over England World Cup snub
13:18 , Luke Baker“awkward” call with England manager Thomas Tuchel.
The Manchester United defender has previously described feeling “shocked and gutted” after he was left out of the 26-man squad for the tournament in North America, in what was widely considered one of the surprise selection decisions.
The 33-year-old, who featured at both the 2018 and 2022 editions, told Gary Lineker’s The Rest is Football World Cup podcast on Netflix that he felt he should have been picked after impressing this season for United and in England’s international friendlies in March.
Harry Maguire opens up on ‘awkward call’ with Thomas Tuchel over England snub
Iran striker Mohammad Mohebbi defends 'gun' celebration
13:04 , Luke BakerIran's Mohammad Mohebbi has sparked outrage across social media after and apparent 'gun' celebration during last night’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand.
Many social media users spotted the nature of his celebration after pulling Iran level against the All Whites in Los Angeles but Mohebbi has defended his actions as “just a celebration”.
“I wanted to say thank you to all Iranians who live in Los Angeles, they make a great atmosphere,” he said. “The celebration came to mind, and I do this [gestures] for all of the fans, just a celebration, you know.”
Vozinha becomes social media sensation with huge follower increase
12:39 , Luke BakerCape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has gained over six million followers on social media since his heroics kept out Spain.
The 40-year-old produced an incredible performance in Monday’s 0-0 draw in Atlanta, which has seen his following on Instagram sky-rocket from 50,000 to over six million.
Only five England players in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad have more followers on the platform – Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice.
“That is insane, I didn’t expect that,” Vozinha told the Men in Blazers podcast of his increased social media following.
“Things run fast on Instagram, but I didn’t believe it. I still don’t believe, but it is what it is. Thank you to everyone.”
FA chief outlines stance on Gianni Infantino’s controversial run for Fifa re-election
12:14 , Luke BakerThe Football Association will decide their position on another term for Fifa president Gianni Infantino during a “board review... in due course”, according to chief executive Mark Bullingham.
A number of federations have already endorsed the controversial Swiss official, despite numerous issues around this World Cup and growing dissent within Fifa as a consequence.
The issues also come amid some misgivings about term limits, given that the Fifa president again being re-elected in 2027 without challenge would ensure he eventually completes 15 years in the role – precisely the kind of longevity that predecessors Sepp Blatter and Joao Havelange had been criticised for.
There is a growing feeling that Infantino has pushed the constants of his position too far, most notably in the proximity to the Donald Trump administration and the awarding of the Fifa Peace Prize. Bullingham nevertheless stated that the FA have not yet set out their position.
“That’s a board review that we will do in due course,” the chief executive told media at England’s Kansas City base.
The surreal possibility hanging over Iran’s perilous World Cup campaign
12:01 , Luke BakerFor a full summary of all the issues Iran have faced, and why theirs is the most perilous World Cup campaign in history, check out Kieran Jackson’s superb piece:
The surreal possibility hanging over Iran’s perilous World Cup campaign
Iran claim they were forced to leave US minutes after World Cup opener
11:45 , Luke BakerIran have claimed they were forced out of the United States just minutes after their match against New Zealand concluded, with coach Amir Ghalenoei saying his team are the “most oppressed” at the World Cup.
The team’s build-up to the finals has been profoundly impacted by the conflict between Iran and the United States. The squad was forced to move their training camp to Mexico, with the Trump administration only allowing them into the country on matchdays.
They opened their World Cup with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand, roared on by a passionate Iranian-American crowd.
Coach Amir Ghalenoei welcomed the fans’ support, but said it had not been matched by those responsible for managing the team’s movements in what is believed to be a strong criticism of the US authorities.
Iran claim they were forced to leave US minutes after World Cup opener
Neymar dealt concerning injury update with Brazil star’s World Cup in doubt
11:32 , Luke BakerBrazil's World Cup campaign continues to be overshadowed by uncertainty surrounding the fitness of star forward Neymar, who underwent further tests on his injured right leg on Monday.
Hopes that the 34-year-old would rejoin training were dashed as he instead attended a clinic for examinations on his right calf. The Brazilian football confederation has not yet released the results of these tests.
Neymar has been sidelined since sustaining an injury with Santos on 17 May and has not taken part in any full training sessions since Brazil commenced their World Cup preparations in New Jersey, ahead of their match against Haiti on Friday in Philadelphia.
Brazilian media reports suggest the medical team is aiming for his full recovery by the knockout stages.
The ‘generational’ Croatia star England must be wary of in World Cup opener
11:16 , Luke BakerEngland could face a “generational player” in Croatia centre-back Luka Vuskovic in tomorrow’s World Cup opener in Dallas.
Highly-rated Vuskovic could start the Group L fixture after a breakthrough season in the Bundesliga with Hamburg and amid speculation over his long-term future at Tottenham.
Vuskovic is yet to make a competitive appearance for Spurs, but the north London club spent £12m in 2023 to secure the services of the teenage defender and he has emerged as one of the hottest prospects in Europe across recent loans.
A £30m bid by Brighton for the goalscoring centre-back was rejected by Tottenham last weekend but it could be the start of numerous advances for the 19-year-old.
The ‘generational’ Croatia star England must be wary of in World Cup opener
Bukayo Saka admits fitness ‘gamble’ ahead of England’s World Cup opener
11:03 , Luke BakerBukayo Saka will continue to “take the gamble” on his fitness to be involved in England’s World Cup campaign.
The Arsenal winger has been managing an Achilles injury that dogged the end of his domestic campaign, playing through the pain barrier, and Thomas Tuchel said during the pre-tournament camp in Florida that he does not think he can yet play 90 minutes.
Saka, who picked up the injury in March and missed a month of action, said he was “ready to go” for tomorrow’s opener against Croatia in Dallas, but revealed he had taken a fitness risk to be involved in Arsenal’s Premier League and Champions League run-in.
“As players, it’s the biggest gamble, especially if you’re not feeling your sharpest,” he said. “You have the choice whether you don’t play or you put yourself out there knowing people are going to judge you the same.
“At the end of the day, people don’t really care how you’re feeling, they expect you to deliver, they expect you to perform. I’m happy to take the gamble. It paid off, I’d say. I’m going to continue doing that.”
Tunisia sack manager just one game into World Cup
10:51 , Luke BakerTunisia have taken drastic measures following their 5-1 defeat to Sweden and have sacked manager Sabri Lamouchi with two World Cup 2026 group games still to play.
Lamouchi only took charge of the team in January and managed just five games before his dismissal. He won once, a 1-0 triumph over Haiti, and the Tunisian FA announced that Mondher Kebaier will take charge on an interim basis.
Kebaier previously led the national team between 2019-2022 and will likely be in charge for the rest of the World Cup campaign in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Cape Verde hero in tears as mother couldn’t afford US visa to watch him at World Cup
10:37 , Luke BakerThe hero of Cape Verde’s stunning 0-0 draw with Spain, 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, was left in tears after the match and revealing his mother couldn’t afford the US to come and watch him at the World Cup.
Vozinha made seven saves to deny pre-tournament favourites Spain but the returnable bond of up to $15,000 (£11,200) that Cape Verde residents must pay to enter the US, meant his mother was unable to complete her application.
“I cried because I grew up with my grandparents and unfortunately they were not here; they died a few years ago,” he said. “They were everything for me, for my life.
“I also cried because my mum didn’t manage to be here because of the visa. Because of the money we had to pay for the visa, we didn’t manage to [get it done] on time. I would like her to be here, but I’m also very happy. I have worked my whole life for this moment.”
Chinese World Cup fans robbed at gunpoint soon after arriving in Mexico
10:24 , Luke BakerTwo Chinese football fans who had travelled to Mexico to watch the World Cup were carjacked and robbed at gunpoint by masked men.
The two men, Wang Kun and Li Zhe, arrived in Mexico City on 10 June and were robbed later that evening while travelling from Benito Juárez International Airport to the city centre.
The masked assailants, who were riding a motorbike, intercepted their vehicle and pointed a firearm at them before stealing their luxury watches, cash and passports and fleeing the scene.
The Chinese embassy said on Monday that one of the suspects had been arrested. The two men returned to China on Friday.
Chinese World Cup fans robbed at gunpoint soon after arriving in Mexico
New Zealand boss admits disappointment at World Cup draw
10:11 , Luke BakerNew Zealand twice led against Iran last night but couldn’t see out the victory as they only drew 2-2 – frustrating boss Darren Bazeley.
“We created loads of chances,” Bazeley told TVNZ. “I thought we were really, good in possession, defended pretty well for the majority.
“We've come off disappointed not win a game because we're leading twice, scored two great goals, had some moments which was really good.
“It's going to hurt a little bit because we had a chance to make history tonight and win a game at a World Cup and we came really close. We didn't lose, we kept in it and played really, really well.”
The real reason why England must top their World Cup group
10:00 , Luke BakerIf the first few days of the 2026 World Cup have taught us anything, it is that predicting how the tournament will pan out makes fools of us all. Cape Verde were not meant to shut out Spain, many people’s favourites. Australia were not meant to beat a talented Turkey. Morocco were not meant to match the might of Brazil.
We can try, of course. Theoretically, there should be a material benefit in topping each group.
For England – on paper, at least – winning Group L is almost a necessity. Lawrence Ostlere explains why:
The real reason why England must top their World Cup group
Marcelo Bielsa refuses to participate in photoshoot
09:48 , Luke BakerIt’s fair to say that Uruguay boss Marcelo Bielsa wasn’t feeling the photoshoot he was supposed to be taking part in...
Marcelo Bielsa refused to engage with his World Cup photoshoot ❌ pic.twitter.com/IU0zLzjAYV
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 16, 2026
Donald Trump reportedly given permission to join winners in World Cup trophy lift
09:35 , Luke BakerFifa has reportedly given permission to Donald Trump to join in with the World Cup trophy lift next month, setting up a scene similar to last summer’s awkward World Club Cup trophy presentation.
It is being reported by talkSPORT that Fifa has no objection to the US president no objection to Trump breaking presentation protocol and handing the World Cup trophy directly to the winning captain, before remaining in the thick of the celebrations.
Normally, the trophy remains on a plinth and is carried by a member of the winning team onto the celebration podium.
In the Club World Cup last summer, Trump awkwardly and memorably stayed next to Chelsea captain Reece James as he lifted the trophy, causing bafflement, with Cole Palmer looking particularly confused.
Why Fifa has banned Iran’s pre-revolutionary flag at World Cup
09:26 , Luke BakerIranian-Americans initiated protests at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles before Iran’s World Cup 2026 opener against New Zealand and others displayed the banned pre-revolutionary flag despite Fifa’s ban being upheld.
Some had called on Iranians to unite and forget politics but others displayed symbols of protest against the government.
Here’s why the flag is banned:
Why Fifa has banned Iran’s pre-revolutionary flag at World Cup
'Oppressed' Iran claim they were forced to leave US straight after New Zealand game
09:16 , Luke BakerIran have claimed they were forced to leave the US just minutes after completing their World Cup opener against New Zealand.
Restrictions on Iranian players entering the US mean they had to move their training base to Tijuana, Mexico and are only travelling into the United States the day before the game.
They wanted to stay overnight in Los Angeles following the game but captain Mehdi Taremi and coach Amir Ghalenoei reported that they were forced to depart almost straight after the match instead.
“Everything is like a disaster actually for us,” said Taremi after the game. “Still we have some problems because we are supposed to be training tomorrow morning – recovery – then leave for Tijuana.
“But we have to leave Los Angeles right now, and it’s not good for us. It’s not good for the football, because in World Cup, you have to prepare good for the next game.
“Because it is a lot of stress for the players and the staff and everyone. But we don’t have that support and I think Fifa have to help us more than this.”
Ghalenoei confirmed that, adding: “We were supposed to stay here tonight to recover and return tomorrow lunchtime, but they haven’t permitted us. To be honest, I have no idea why. I think perhaps our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup.”
Fifa issue verdict on World Cup referee’s white supremacy accusations as VAR official explains viral moment
09:01 , Luke BakerFifa World Cup 2026 official Shaun Evans has denied “intentionally” making a gesture that some perceived to be connected to an expression of white supremacy.
The Australian referee, working as part of the VAR team in Dallas at the World Cup broadcast centre, was seen making an “OK” symbol with his right hand in front of his right leg when the official broadcast of Germany against Curacao on Sunday cut away from pre-game footage to show the team of video review analysts.
The match, played in Houston, led to many complaints over the gesture, which sees a thumb and forefinger touched in a circle and other fingers outstretched and was interpreted as a hate symbol by the New York-based Anti-Defamation League in 2019.
Fifa issue verdict on World Cup referee’s white supremacy accusations
Inside Thomas Tuchel’s England reign and how the ‘impossible job’ became perfect for a German
08:48 , Luke BakerIf you want to read Miguel’s full deep dive into the Tuchel reign, then we’ve got that here.
There’s some great insight in there:
How England’s ‘impossible job’ became the perfect role for a German manager
WATCH: 'How England's impossible job became a dream job for a German: Tuchel loves it'
08:36 , Luke BakerThe role of England manager has long been described as ‘the impossible job’.
Yet Thomas Tuchel, a German, appears to be the perfect man for it as our Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney explains.
Iran national anthem booed at World Cup before New Zealand game
08:29 , Luke BakerThe Iranian national anthem was booed by some spectators inside the SoFI Stadium in Los Angeles on Monday evening as Iran began their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Group G.
The match took place hours after President Donald Trump announced a preliminary US-Iran peace deal had been signed to end America’s’ war with Iran.
Iran national anthem booed at World Cup before New Zealand game
Resilient Iran defy World Cup obstacles to salvage draw against New Zealand
08:21 , Luke BakerIran drew their World Cup opener with New Zealand but emphatically won the support of the Iranian community inside SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, having overcome unprecedented obstacles just to play at these finals.
The Asian team hit back twice through Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebbi to force a 2-2 draw, with Eli Just grabbing a brace for the All Whites.
A World Cup had never kicked off with a host at war with a participant before. Iran have faced the threat of being unable to take their place at the tournament ever since the United States and Israel launched a bombing campaign back in February, been forced to change training venue from the US to Mexico to combat visa issues, and still had 11 non-playing officials blocked from entering the States for the team’s matches.
‘Lion and Sun’ flags – the emblem of Iran before the 1979 Islamic revolution – were in evidence within the stadium despite Fifa’s efforts to ban them and there was definitely booing of the anthem before the game from Los Angeles’ Iranian diaspora in attendance.
Overwhelmingly though, the fans had decided the team were not the regime, and roared them on from the outset.
Full report:
Resilient Iran defy World Cup obstacles to salvage draw against New Zealand
Iran striker Mohammad Mohebbi defends 'gun' celebration
08:18 , Luke BakerIran's Mohammad Mohebbi has sparked outrage across social media after and apparent 'gun' celebration during last night’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand.
Many social media users spotted the nature of his celebration after pulling Iran level against the All Whites in Los Angeles but Mohebbi has defended his actions as “just a celebration”.
“I wanted to say thank you to all Iranians who live in Los Angeles, they make a great atmosphere,” he said. “The celebration came to mind, and I do this [gestures] for all of the fans, just a celebration, you know.”
World Cup 2026 - live
08:12 , Luke BakerGood morning and welcome to The Independent’s continued live coverage of the 2026 World Cup.
Iran got their campaign underway in controversial circumstances last night, while England are preparing for tomorrow’s opener against Croatia and Donald Trump is in the news again.
Stick with us for all the news
