Two camps who will open their respective Leagues Cup adventures in the early hours of Friday, Austin will welcome Tijuana to Texas. With Europe’s elite domestic leagues set to officially make their returns over the next fortnight, there are plenty of eye-catching betting promotions available. Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves Best Odds: […] The post Prediction: Austin FC vs Tijuana appeared first on SoccerNews.
Inter Miami face CF Montreal in Matchday 18 action of the MLS, where many are wondering if Lionel Messi will be available for the Herons in Canada. Lionel Messi will sit out Inter Miami’s trip to face CF Montreal in Matchday 18 of the 2026 MLS regular season, as the Argentine captain continues his mandatory recovery period following Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final. Messi has yet to return to training with the Herons since getting back from the tournament. His absence isn’t tied to injury or suspension. Current FIFA-FIFPRO regulations grant players a minimum 21-day rest window after major international tournaments, and Messi is using his in full. Rodrigo De Paul is in the same boat and will also miss the trip to Quebec. It’s a notable blow for Inter Miami’s attack, given Messi has racked up 12 goals and seven assists in just 14 MLS appearances this season. Inter Miami arrive at Stade Saputo on a five-match winning streak and sit near the top of the Eastern Conference table, with Luis Suarez carrying the attacking load in Messi’s absence — the 39-year-old scored a brace in Miami’s 3-2 win over Chicago Fire last time out. Luis Suarez celebrates a goal for Inter Miami. (Getty Images) CF Montreal projected lineup CF Montreal could line up in a 4-3-3, with Matthew Longstaff as the creative engine in midfield. Up top, the trio of Hennadiy Synchuk, Prince Owusu and Noah Streit will be tasked with breaking down the Inter Miami backline. CF Montreal’s projected starting XI: Breza; Bugaj, Neal, Vera, Petrasso; Herbers, Longstaff, Loturi; Synchuk, Owusu, Streit. Inter Miami projected lineup With Messi and De Paul unavailable, Hoyos is expected to turn to a 4-3-3 built around Luis Suarez, who’s been in red-hot form with eight goals in his last 12 MLS appearances, including a brace in the win over Chicago Fire. Inter Miami’s projected starting XI: St. Clair; Mura, Fray, Micael, Reguilon; Ruiz, Bright, Segovia; Silvetti, Suarez, Berterame. When could Messi be back? As for when Messi comes back, the picture is still taking shape. He’s expected to rejoin the group in late July or early August, but given the 21-day rest allowance, his likelier reappearance could come in the Leagues Cup. Inter Miami open group play against Atletico de San Luis on August 5, face Monterrey on August 8, and close against Leon on August 12 — a date that would line up with the end of his mandated rest period.
Dive in to find out why one of the Three Lions' most dangerous attackers is starting from the sidelines. Anthony Gordon is officially benched for England’s World Cup third-place playoff clash against France. While Harry Kane gears up to spearhead the frontline and finish the tournament strong, the explosive forward’s omission has completely hijacked the pre-match headlines. Dive in to find out why one of the Three Lions’ most dangerous attackers is starting from the sidelines. England enters the bronze-medal match after suffering a heartbreaking 2-1 semifinal defeat to Argentina, while France arrives following a 2-0 loss to Spain. Although neither national team reached the final they had hoped for, both still have the opportunity to conclude their World Cup campaign with a victory. The third-place playoff is often described as the match nobody wants to play, but both teams still have pride to defend after falling just one step short of the World Cup final. The Three Lions looked destined for their first World Cup final in six decades after Anthony Gordon fired the team ahead against Argentina. However, late strikes from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez completed a dramatic comeback that ended the Three Lions’ dream. France vs England StatisticsH2H RecordTotal Matches Played32England Wins17France Wins10Draws5England Goals66France Goals41 France, meanwhile, struggled to impose itself against Spain and suffered a 2-0 defeat, bringing an end to another impressive tournament run. Didier Deschamps’ side now has one final opportunity to leave North America with a positive result. Why Anthony Gordon is not starting The mystery surrounding Gordon’s absence has now been answered following the release of the official starting lineups. The Barcelona star has been left out of England’s starting XI because of Thomas Tuchel’s tactical selection rather than injury. The England manager opted to start Marcus Rashford on the left side of the attack, while Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze, and Bukayo Saka behind Ivan Toney. Marcus Rashford #11 of England reacts after the scoreless draw. Throughout the tournament, Tuchel has frequently rotated his attacking options depending on the opponent. Gordon has earned increased responsibility thanks to his energy, defensive work, and attacking contributions during England’s World Cup campaign, making him the preferred option for this encounter. No reports were suggesting Gordon is carrying an injury, meaning the forward is available among the substitutes and could still influence the match from the bench if called upon later. Tuchel sticks with the players who carried England deep into the tournament England’s coaching staff has consistently emphasized balance throughout the World Cup, and Tuchel has continued that approach for the final match. Harry Kane #9 of England celebrates with teammates Declan Rice #4 and Anthony Gordon #18. Several reports leading up to kickoff had already suggested Rashford was competing directly with Gordon for the left-wing position. His performances, combined with his defensive intensity and ability to stretch opposing defenses, ultimately convinced Tuchel to keep him in the starting lineup. The England manager also had to manage injuries elsewhere in the squad, with Jordan Henderson unavailable because of a broken arm, while other players carried fitness concerns after an exhausting knockout stage.
CF Montreal and Toronto FC will face each other in a 2026 MLS regular season match. Here’s everything you need to know to watch the action live in the United States. Here are all of the details of where you can watch CF Montreal vs Toronto FC on US television and via legal streaming: WHO CF Montreal vs Toronto FC WHAT MLS 2026 season WHEN 7:30pm ET / 4:30pm PT • Thursday, July 16, 2026 WHERE Apple TV STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview CF Montréal and Toronto FC meet in a key Eastern Conference clash, with both teams needing a win to stay in the playoff race. The rivals are tied on 14 points, sitting four points below the final play-in spot, making this a crucial opportunity to gain ground. With neither side able to drop points against a direct competitor, expect a battle for all three points. Don’t miss this important MLS matchup that could shape the postseason picture. Details on how to watch Apple TV is the home for Major League Soccer – where you can watch CF Montreal vs Toronto FC and every MLS game. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, Apple TV, smartphone, tablet, Roku, and other smart streaming devices. Apple TV will stream every MLS game – including MLS Cup Playoffs and Leagues Cup – with no blackouts. Apple TV is available via the Apple TV app on all Apple iOS devices, Mac, PC, Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick, Android TV, Google TV, LG smart TVs, Panasonic smart TVs, Playstation 4 & 5, Roku streaming devices and smart TVs, Samsung smart TVs, Sony smart TVs, Vizio smart TVs, and Xbox One, One S, Series X and Series S. In addition, you can AirPlay or cast from your phone or computer to any compatible screen. SEE MORE: Schedule of MLS games on US TV and streaming How to watch anywhere with VPN If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
England will square off against Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semifinal. Here's everything you need to know to watch the game live in the United States. Here are all of the details of where you can watch England vs Argentina on US television and via legal streaming: WHO England vs Argentina WHAT 2026 World Cup WHEN 3:00pm ET / 12:00pm PT • Wednesday, July 15, 2026 WHERE Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling, Peacock Premium, FOX, Telemundo and Hulu + Live TV STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview England enters this colossal semi-final with manager Thomas Tuchel unbeaten in his first six tournament games, a feat that echoes the legendary Sir Alf Ramsey‘s 1966 run. The Three Lions have demonstrated remarkable consistency, reaching the semi-finals in four of the last five major tournaments. However, their journey has been grueling, covering over 14,000 miles in travel, and they required a draining extra-time period to overcome a stubborn Norway side in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, reigning champions Argentina are looking to secure a place in their second consecutive final. La Albiceleste have reached the semi-finals in three of the last four tournaments and are currently on a 12-match unbeaten streak in the competition. While the individual brilliance of Lionel Messi has often been the deciding factor, the team has shown defensive frailties and also needed extra time to dispatch Switzerland, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle of attrition and skill. Tactical Analysis & Match Context England‘s path to the semi-final has been defined by resilience. Under Thomas Tuchel, they have won 16 of 20 matches, often grinding out results even when not performing at their peak, as seen in their victory against Mexico despite a red card. Their defensive organization was superb in shutting down Norway‘s Erling Haaland, a quality they will desperately need in this clash. Argentina, in contrast, has had a more chaotic tournament, frequently relying on Messi‘s magic to cover defensive gaps. Coach Lionel Scaloni has employed a 4-4-2 diamond formation that congests the middle of the park to facilitate quick combinations with his star player, but this often leaves them vulnerable on the flanks. The key tactical battle will be in central midfield, where England must try to nullify Messi‘s influence. The motivation for both sides is immense. For Argentina, it is the chance to defend their crown and further solidify Messi‘s legacy as the greatest of all time. For England, it represents a golden opportunity to end decades of hurt and capitalize on their recent tournament consistency. With both teams coming off exhausting extra-time victories, managing player fatigue will be just as crucial as any tactical adjustment. Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends This fixture is steeped in history, with all five previous official meetings taking place at the global tournament. England holds a narrow historical advantage with three wins to Argentina‘s one, with the other match being a draw that Argentina subsequently won on penalties in 1998. This deep-rooted rivalry guarantees an intense and passionate encounter. The most recent clash was a 1-0 victory for England at the 2002 tournament, but the most iconic remains the 1986 quarter-final in Mexico. That match was decided by two unforgettable Diego Maradona moments: the infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal and a spectacular solo run that is widely considered one of the greatest goals in history. These past encounters add layers of narrative and pressure to the upcoming game. Historically, this matchup has produced goals, with an average of 2.6 goals per game across their five meetings. While the stakes of a semi-final might suggest a cagey affair, both teams have displayed defensive vulnerabilities throughout this tournament. Argentina remains unbeaten in their last ten games against European opposition under Scaloni, while England has a balanced record against South American teams, making this a finely poised contest. Squad Ne
While the fixture carries decades of history, its immediate importance lies in how the result will decide the final two matches of the tournament. Argentina and England are set to renew one of soccer’s greatest rivalries in the 2026 World Cup semifinal, with the final result set to determine far more than just bragging rights. While the fixture carries decades of history, its immediate importance lies in how the result will decide the final two matches of the tournament. La Albiceleste’s road to the semifinal has been anything but straightforward. After cruising through the group stage, Lionel Scaloni’s side survived an extra-time battle against Cape Verde, produced a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to defeat Egypt 3-2, and eventually overcame Switzerland 3-1 after extra time thanks to Julian Alvarez’s decisive strike. England has also been forced to overcome difficult moments throughout the knockout stage. Thomas Tuchel’s squad eliminated DR Congo before edging Mexico 3-2 and then defeating Norway 3-2 after extra time, with Jude Bellingham once again proving decisive. The semifinal also renews one of soccer’s most famous rivalries. The nations have not met since a 3-2 England victory in a 2005 friendly, while this will be their first World Cup encounter since the 2002 group stage, when David Beckham’s penalty separated the teams. DateArgentina’s OpponentStageResultJuly 11, 2026SwitzerlandQuarter-finalsWin (3-1 AET)July 7, 2026EgyptRound of 16Win (3-2)July 3, 2026Cabo VerdeRound of 32Win (3-2 AET)June 27, 2026JordanGroup StageWin (3-1)June 22, 2026AustriaGroup StageWin (2-0)June 16, 2026AlgeriaGroup StageWin (3-0) Both sides enter the contest with superstar forwards leading their attacks. Lionel Messi has scored eight goals during the tournament, while Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have each found the net six times, keeping the Golden Boot race alive heading into the final four. DateEngland’s OpponentStageResultJuly 11, 2026NorwayQuarter-finalsWin (2-1 AET)July 5, 2026MexicoRound of 16Win (3-2)July 1, 2026DR CongoRound of 32Win (2-1)June 27, 2026PanamaGroup StageWin (2-0)June 23, 2026GhanaGroup StageTie (0-0)June 17, 2026CroatiaGroup StageWin (4-2) What happens if Argentina wins and England loses? Should Argentina defeat England, regardless of whether the victory comes in regulation time, extra time, or penalties, the reigning world champion would advance to the 2026 World Cup Final. Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates with Julian Alvarez #9 after scoring against Egypt. Their reward would be a showdown against Spain, which booked its place by defeating France in the first semifinal. Victory over England would also keep alive Argentina’s dream of becoming the first nation in more than six decades to successfully defend the World Cup title. England, meanwhile, would see its championship hopes end and instead prepare for the third-place playoff against France. The Albiceleste enters the semifinal having survived several demanding knockout matches, including extra-time victories over Cape Verde and Switzerland, while also recovering from a two-goal deficit against Egypt. What happens if the match is tied after 90 minutes? Unlike league competitions, a draw cannot be the final result in a World Cup semifinal. If the score remains level after 90 minutes, two 15-minute periods of extra time will immediately follow. Should neither team break the deadlock after 120 minutes, the semifinal would be settled by a penalty shootout. Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina take a penalty kick This scenario would significantly increase the physical demands on both squads, especially considering each side has already endured exhausting knockout encounters during the tournament. The eventual winner of the shootout would advance to face Spain, while the defeated side would move into the third-place match against France. DateCompetitionH2H ResultNovember 12, 2005International FriendlyArgentina 2-3 EnglandJune 7, 2002FIFA World Cup (Group Stage)Argen
England's quarterfinal against Norway is one of the biggest matches remaining at the 2026 World Cup, and the outcome could dramatically reshape the tournament bracket. The Three Lions enter the contest after a thrilling victory over Mexico, while Norway arrives full of confidence following a stunning upset of Brazil. Before the first whistle in Miami, […] England’s quarterfinal against Norway is one of the biggest matches remaining at the 2026 World Cup, and the outcome could dramatically reshape the tournament bracket. The Three Lions enter the contest after a thrilling victory over Mexico, while Norway arrives full of confidence following a stunning upset of Brazil. Before the first whistle in Miami, fans are already wondering how each possible result could alter the road to the final. England heads into the knockout clash following a 3-2 victory over Mexico, while Norway earned a memorable 2-1 triumph over Brazil to reach its first-ever World Cup quarterfinal. With Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard all preparing for another high-pressure occasion, the winner will move one step closer to lifting soccer’s biggest prize. The Vikings have become one of the tournament’s biggest surprises after ending a 28-year World Cup absence by reaching the last eight. Stale Solbakken’s side has combined fearless attacking soccer with remarkable resilience, eliminating Brazil after also overcoming Ivory Coast in the previous knockout round. DateNorway’s OpponentStageResultJune 16, 2026IraqGroup StageWin (4–1)June 22, 2026SenegalGroup StageWin (3–2)June 26, 2026FranceGroup StageLoss (1–4)June 30, 2026Ivory CoastRound of 32Win (2–1)July 5, 2026BrazilRound of 16Win (2–1) On the other hand, the Three Lions’ journey has been equally dramatic. Thomas Tuchel’s squad survived an exhausting battle against co-host Mexico, winning despite playing with ten men for a significant portion of the second half. DateEngland’s OpponentStageResultJune 17, 2026CroatiaGroup StageWin (4–2)June 23, 2026GhanaGroup StageDraw (0–0)June 27, 2026PanamaGroup StageWin (2–0)July 1, 2026DR CongoRound of 32Win (2–1)July 5, 2026MexicoRound of 16Win (3–2) What happens if England wins and Norway loses? If England defeats Norway, Thomas Tuchel’s side will secure a place in the 2026 World Cup Semi-finals. The Three Lions would then face the winner of Argentina versus Switzerland, keeping alive hopes of reaching another World Cup final. Harry Kane #9 of England celebrates with teammates Declan Rice #4 and Anthony Gordon #18. Victory would also maintain England’s pursuit of its first world title since 1966. With Kane and Bellingham leading the attack, England would remain on the same side of the bracket as Argentina or Switzerland before a potential final against the winner emerging from the opposite half. England enters the Quarter-finals carrying momentum after winning three consecutive matches while scoring at least twice in each victory. Despite lingering injury concerns, squad depth remains one of its greatest strengths entering the decisive stage of the tournament. What happens if the match is level after 90 minutes? If England and Norway are tied at the end of regulation, neither nation advances immediately. Instead, the quarterfinal would move into two 15-minute periods of extra time, with penalties deciding the winner if the deadlock remains. Harry Kane #9 of England converts a penalty This scenario introduces another layer of drama, especially for players already carrying yellow cards. England stars such as Jude Bellingham and several teammates could risk suspension for the semifinals if they receive another booking before eventually advancing. Extra time would also test both squads physically after demanding knockout campaigns. Miami’s expected heat could become another significant factor as tired legs begin to influence the contest. Tournament RoundLeft Side of BracketRight Side of BracketQuarter-finalsFrance 2-0 MoroccoSpain 2-1 BelgiumEngla
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