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MEXICO CITY — Lionel Messi celebrated his 39th birthday on Wednesday during a World Cup that, at least for now, has brought him nothing but joy: Defending champions Argentina have already qualified for the knockout stage, and its captain has become the tournament’s career scoring leader. Messi marked the occasion alongside his teammates at Argentina’s training base in Kansas City, Missouri. This is his sixth World Cup and the fifth…

Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has detailed the improvement in Ryan Gravenberch‘s game as he has developed into a key man for the Dutch at this World Cup. So far in this competition, Gravenberch ranks first on the team in assists (two, both against Japan) and second in ball recoveries. At a news conference before Thursday’s match against Tunisia, Koeman explained what has changed since the Liverpool midfielder spent the entire…

Jürgen Klopp has lended his support to “exceptional” England head coach Thomas Tuchel and told the country’s supporters to “stay calm” after the team’s 0-0 draw with Ghana on Tuesday. Expectations were raised among England fans after the Three Lions beat Croatia 4-2 in their thrilling World Cup opener, but Tuchel’s team failed to break down a stubborn Ghana side in Boston, Massachusetts. Klopp is working as a pundit for…

England are assessing Declan Rice and Reece James‘ fitness ahead of Saturday’s final World Cup group game against Panama. Rice was seen leaving Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Ghana with strapping to his left calf and walking with a slight limp while James, who has dealt with a variety of injury issues down the years, has a tight hamstring, sources have told ESPN. England are assessing the pair ahead of Saturday’s…

SANTA CLARA, California – Tony Popovic will be forced to make at least two changes to his starting XI after Jacob Italiano joined Mathew Leckie in being ruled out of the Socceroos’ crunch clash with Paraguay, but the coach has kept tight-lipped on whether Nestory Irankunda will return to his lineup. After Leckie was officially ruled out with a hamstring injury the day prior, Popovic confirmed on Wednesday that Italiano…

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Canada lost home advantage as World Cup co-hosts after a 2-1 defeat against Switzerland denied Jesse Marsch’s team top spot in Group B and left them facing a round of 32 tie in the United States. Second-half goals from Rubén Vargas and Johan Manzambi secured Switzerland’s win and ensured that Murat Yakin’s side finished as Group B winners which earns them a round of 32 game…

ATLANTA — Qatar player Assim Madibo was given a five-match ban on Wednesday for the tackle that broke the leg of Canada midfielder Ismaël Koné at the FIFA World Cup. Madibo was issued a straight red card for the incident during Canada’s 6-0 victory over Qatar in Vancouver last Thursday. The FIFA disciplinary committee said the suspension was for serious foul play and that the decision was subject to appeal.…

IRVINE, Calif. — United States men’s national team attacker Christian Pulisic said he’s ready to play in the USMNT’s group stage finale on Thursday, but added he’s “probably not ready” to play 90 minutes. Pulisic returned to full training this week after sitting out the Americans’ 2-0 win over Australia due to a left calf injury that he first sustained in training prior to the Paraguay match. So far, Pulisic…

Thomas Tuchel says England “desperately” need players like Bukayo Saka in top shape but stressed World Cup success will be down to a team effort rather than individuals. Having opened Group L with a thrilling 4-2 win against Croatia in Dallas, the Euro 2024 runners-up were held to a 0-0 draw by well-drilled Ghana on a forgettable afternoon in Boston. England failed to break down the Black Stars and lacked…

Jude Bellingham avoided a red card for covering his mouth in a conversation with Jordan Ayew during England’s goalless draw with Ghana because it was “not in a confrontational manner,” sources have told ESPN. Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham, who was also involved in a row with the Ghana coaching staff at the end of the game, was not sanctioned by referee Hector Said Martinez Sorto for the incident with Ayew…