One of the biggest sporting events on the planet is about to begin. Starting on Thursday, the FIFA World Cup gets underway in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. The World Cup begins with the group stage, as the 48 teams in the field battle it out to secure one of the 32 spots in […]
Former Scotland striker Chris Iwelumo thinks it will be "a massive step forward" should Che Adams become the first black player to play for the nation's men's team at a World Cup. Iwelumo was himself a standard bearer when he earned four caps more than 15 years ago, but he never made it to a major finals. "I think it's a massive step forward, but the country is a very, a very different landscape to what it was when we were growing up," Iwelumo said of Adams' success for Scotland and Torino.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway later today, when host nation Mexico takes on South Africa in the opening match. That begins a long march to the World Cup Final, and with an expanded 48-team field, that means more matches. And more referees. Here is a full list of the referees, assistant referees, and […]
Given he recently distanced himself from a managerial role until the new season gets under way, I was surprised to see Thomas Frank installed as one of the early favourites for the vacant job at Ipswich. Prior to his difficult spell at Tottenham, the Dane did wonders at Brentford, and he knows how to get out of the Championship and STAY in the Premier League, which is something Kieran McKenna hasn't achieved yet in his career. Liam Rosenior was always going to be linked and I think he would be a sound appointment as well, despite it not working out for him at Chelsea.
Scotland international Aaron Hickey is thrilled to be taking part in the World Cup, describing it as a dream come true. The post Hickey buzzing to achieve World Cup dream as Scotland prepare for Haiti appeared first on SoccerNews.
After collapsing on the field in the friendly against Ukraine, Denmark's Federation that Christian Eriksen is now conscious. Denmark and Ukraine squared off in an international friendly during the June window on Sunday, June 7, at Nature Energy Park in Odense. However, the match was permanently abandoned midway through the second half after Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch, with the Danish Football Association later confirming that the playmaker is conscious and alert. With Denmark holding a 2-1 lead in the 65th minute, Eriksen clutched his chest before suddenly dropping to the ground, prompting Denmark’s medical staff to rush to his aid. Players from Ukraine and Denmark immediately formed a protective huddle around the midfielder while broadcast cameras quickly panned away from the scene. After receiving medical treatment on the pitch for roughly ten minutes, Eriksen was able to get back onto his feet and walk to the waiting ambulance under his own power, providing a sigh of relief to everyone inside the stadium. Despite the encouraging signs, match officials and authorities ultimately made the executive decision to abandon the contest. Conmoción en el futbol porque Christian Eriksen se desplomó en el campo de juego mientras se disputaba Dinamarca vs. Ucrania. Esperemos que no sea nada 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/EJw8tSRCkm— PaseClave (@paseclave__) June 7, 2026 Following the immediate cancellation of the match and the evacuation of both squads to their respective locker rooms, the Danish FA released an official medical update: “Christian Eriksen is conscious and is doing well given the circumstances. The match has been called off.“ View this post on Instagram A post shared by Herrelandsholdet (@herrelandsholdet) Eriksen’s last cardiac episode This is the second time Eriksen has collapsed on the pitch during an international match. The midfielder previously suffered a cardiac arrest during Euro 2020 on June 12, 2021, in a group-stage game between Denmark and Finland at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen. He required immediate medical assistance and CPR on the field, with players forming a circle to shield him. Eriksen was eventually stretchered off the field, though he waved his hand to the crowd to signal he was conscious. The match was temporarily suspended and later resumed once his stable condition was confirmed. Eriksen was 29 years old during that initial incident, and now at age 34, a similar, yet less severe, episode has occurred. Following successful surgery on June 18, 2021, Eriksen was fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) to regulate his heart rate. Because playing with an ICD is not permitted in Serie A, Eriksen had to terminate his contract with Inter Milan, but he kept training at the facilities of Ajax and Swiss lower-division club FC Chiasso. He made his way back to the pitch after Brentford signed him for a Premier League return, before later joining Manchester United and eventually moving to VfL Wolfsburg, who were recently relegated to the 2. Bundesliga. Eriksen is under contract with the German side until June 2027, but this latest episode leaves a massive question mark over the future of his career.
While high ticket prices and traveling logistics make it more than difficult for USA fans to go support their team at the World Cup, Saturday's friendly in Chicago showed just what kind of off-the-field spectacle it could be
Manager Julian Nagelsmann has sounded the alarm within the German camp following a potentially devastating training ground injury to Lennart Karl just days before the 2026 World Cup kicks off. With the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, Germany are desperately looking to snap a 12-year tournament drought and capture their first global crown since their iconic 2014 triumph in Brazil. However, with a mere six days remaining until their tournament opener, the German national team has been thrown into a state of panic over a severe injury scare surrounding breakout star Lennart Karl. The 18-year-old Bayern Munich attacking midfielder has rapidly developed into one of the nation’s biggest symbols of hope as they chase a historic fifth world title. Unfortunately, following Germany‘s latest tactical training session, manager Julian Nagelsmann delivered a deeply concerning medical update. “It doesn’t look good. He has gone to the hospital and will undergo comprehensive scans. We have to wait for the final diagnosis to see if he can play in the World Cup, or if we will be forced to call up a replacement,” the German tactician admitted. 🚨 BREAKING: Lennart Karl suffered an injury in training today, announces Julian Nagelsmann.“It doesn't look good. He went to the hospital and will have scans. We have to wait for the diagnosis and see if he can play at the World Cup or if we have to call up a replacement”,… pic.twitter.com/cdKImWY0zT— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 5, 2026 Karl’s sudden rise to prominence this season has been nothing short of spectacular. After forcefully breaking into the Bayern Munich first team, the teenager put up staggering statistical numbers, racking up 9 goals and 8 assists across 40 appearances to solidify himself as the undisputed breakout player of the Bundesliga campaign. The top candidates to replace Karl While Nagelsmann’s preliminary standby list has not been made public, German media and tactical analysts have already identified three prime domestic alternatives who could step onto the plane if Karl is officially ruled out. Karim Adeyemi (Borussia Dortmund) The Borussia Dortmund forward stands out as the most experienced and logical fallback option. Adeyemi is coming off a productive club campaign where he registered 10 goals and 6 assists in 39 matches. Unlike Karl, Adeyemi would inject international pedigree into the squad; he already boasts 11 caps and a goal for the senior national team, and was a member of the 2022 World Cup roster in Qatar. Kevin Schade (Brentford) If Nagelsmann prioritizes raw, electric pace and explosive directness out wide, Brentford’s 23-year-old winger Kevin Schade is a front-runner. Schade enjoyed a breakout Premier League campaign in England, where he recorded 8 goals and 4 assists over 35 appearances, making him a highly functional tool for a fast-paced tournament environment. Said El Mala (1. FC Köln) Should the coaching staff decide to stick strictly to their blueprint of blooding elite, teenage talent, FC Köln’s 19-year-old Said El Mala is the perfect stylistic match. Possessing incredibly similar creative attributes to Karl, El Mala lit up the domestic season by hammering home 13 goals and providing 5 assists in 36 matches, proving he has the clinical edge required for the highest stage.
