The Soccer Gods owe us an apology. France vs. Spain, the two teams with the best odds of winning the tournament — the reigning World Cup finalists against the reigning European champions — is happening Tuesday in Dallas, and it’s a semifinal. This is the game the whole world has been waiting to see, arriving … Read more
Can England stop Erling Haaland? “Has anyone ever stopped Erling Haaland?” England midfielder Morgan Rogers asked in response to a question about containing Haaland on Friday. “I’m not sure they have, but we’re going to try. You’re going to have to try.” England will play Norway in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals on Saturday … Read more
England has one team standing in its way of a 2026 World Cup semifinal berth, and that team, while talented as a group, features one standout 6-foot-4 speedy giant in contention for the Golden Boot. After beating Mexico in a thriller last weekend, the Three Lions have advanced to three straight World Cup quarterfinals for … Read more
Everyone knows that England’s master plan coming into the World Cup quarterfinals on Saturday will revolve around stopping Norway striker Erling Haaland. As they would say in Norway, “Lykke til.” Translated: Good luck. “Has anyone ever stopped Erling Haaland?” England midfielder Morgan Rogers asked, probably only somewhat rhetorically. “I’m not sure they have, but we’re … Read more
Spain advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday, but its latest victory joined a list of unimpressive performances that it’s had during this tournament. “I don’t know if it’s a great team,” Alexi Lalas said on Friday’s “State of the Union.” “The rhythm and the beauty, for lack of a … Read more
Through six matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, France has looked unbeatable, with a perfect 6W-0D-0L record and a tournament-high 16 goals. Its next opponent is Spain in Tuesday’s semifinal at Dallas Stadium, and Lamine Yamal isn’t worried — at all. “They haven’t beaten us since the Euros,” Yamal said. “They can’t be better … Read more
On Friday in Los Angeles, Spain extended its fantastic record against Belgium, leaving it late once again. Goals from Fabián Ruiz and a stoppage-time winner from super-sub Mikel Merino secured a 2-1 victory and a place in the 2026 World Cup semifinals. Spain has now gone 12 matches unbeaten against Belgium, including six straight wins … Read more
Before Erling Haaland and Norway played Brazil in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16, the Striking Viking was asked about his squad’s chance of beating the five-time world champions. “Uh … very slim,” Haaland said. The next day, Norway stunned the five-time champions 2-1 at New York New Jersey Stadium, and Haaland scored … Read more
There’s something you should know about me: I’m a romantic. For better or worse, I am often blamed for idealizing emotion. Someone who thrives for beauty out of the simplest things in life. I also love to root for a narrative to be twisted on its head. It brings joy out of something unexpected.  It’s … Read more
France became the third team ever to reach three straight men’s World Cup semifinals with its 2-0 win over Morocco, and it added to Didier Deschamps’ already stellar resume. The match marked another milestone for France head coach Deschamps, who coached his 25th World Cup match, tying Helmut Schön for the most in history. With … Read more