England have a lot that Argentina don’t have, except Messi

While harmony is notable among semi-finalists France, Spain and Argentina, that quality appears absent in the England camp

Some 76 per cent of Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad were Evangelical Christians, compared to their footballing peak when they were majority Catholic

Jude Bellingham struck twice for England while Erling Haaland played a peripheral role

‘The question is, can Norway stay afloat long enough for Haaland’s firepower to send England down?’

Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé provide the goals as Les Bleus crack Morocco

When you have Messi, it’s never really over as flawed Argentina are a dark and brilliant alliance of plot armour, destiny and genius

Both styles of management and play can get results, but only one is unashamedly, joyously human

Outstanding display by goalkeeper and two excellent finishes from striker seals win in New Jersey

As the US celebrates its 250th birthday, the official rhetoric of freedom and democracy grows further from the facts of daily life

England captain turned the game in his side’s favour late on after African side led through Brian Cipenga’s seventh-minute strike

Michael Olise provides a challenge to Kylian Mbappé’s status as France’s superstar

Paraguay defy odds and set up last-16 meeting with France or Sweden

Bielsa’s man-management style is akin that of Stanley Kubrick – the players are subordinate to the auteur’s vision

Roberto Martinez’s loyalty to his 41-year-old captain is becoming an increasingly expensive indulgence at World Cup 2026