Boston packed with Scotland fans as Koné injury doubt grows and USA ready for Australia in World Cup 2026

Climate activists and former footballers urge Fifa to drop oil and gas sponsors

Climate activists, including current and former professional athletes, are calling on Fifa and other major sporting organisations to sever ties with the oil and gas industry. David Wheeler, an English former professional footballer who supports the campaign, said: “Sport, especially football, has the power to influence and inspire billions of people. Fifa should be harnessing that power to do good.”

This coming Sunday, protesters plan to demonstrate at or near four of the 2026 World Cup stadiums and seven other major sporting arenas, chanting and holding signs demanding an end to fossil fuel sponsorships. The key target is Saudi Aramco, the exclusive energy sponsor for the tournament and the world’s largest corporate carbon emitter. The protests come as scorching temperatures continue to affect matches across North America.

Tournament progress: Mexico first through, Canada make history

Mexico became the first team to secure passage to the knockout stages of the World Cup, beating South Korea 1-0 thanks to a goal from Luis Romo. Canada claimed their first-ever victory at a World Cup by thrashing nine-man Qatar 6-0, with Jonathan David scoring a hat-trick. The result moved Canada to the top of Group B, though the win was marred by a serious leg injury to Ismaël Koné.

Switzerland moved level on points at the top of Group B after a commanding 4-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. A strong second half, including two goals from substitute Johan Manzambi, sealed the win. Captain Granit Xhaka scored a stoppage-time penalty and later confirmed his “blah-blah” celebration was a response to accusations that he had stoked negativity within the Swiss camp. “If some can’t deal with criticism, then that’s a pity,” Xhaka said.

Scotland face Morocco in Boston later today, with a draw likely enough to reach the knockout stages for the first time in the nation’s history. Captain Andy Robertson said: “We want to be the first team to be able to do that for our country.” Scotland beat Haiti 1-0 in their opener.

England got off to a strong start with a 4-2 win over Croatia, in which Harry Kane scored twice to equal Gary Lineker’s record of 10 World Cup goals. After the match, Kane joined fans singing Oasis’s “Wonderwall” in the stadium, a moment he described as “one of my favourite ever moments in an England shirt”. Manager Thomas Tuchel later threw the ceremonial first pitch at a Kansas City Royals baseball game, drawing praise from Kane, who watched alongside defenders Dan Burn and Djed Spence.

USA face Australia in Seattle, with Folarin Balogun aiming to add to his double in the opening match. Australia’s Connor Metcalfe impressed in their win over Turkey and is reportedly wanted by MLS side Sporting Kansas City. The Socceroos have also brought a travelling barista to keep players caffeinated.

Player news: Koné surgery, Hakimi trial, Messi father ill

Ismaël Koné’s World Cup is over after he suffered a gruesome leg injury during Canada’s win over Qatar. The Côte d’Ivoire midfielder was injured following a tackle from Qatar’s Assim Madibo, who was sent off. Canada coach Jesse Marsch described the injury as “gruesome”, and teammate Stephen Eustáquio said: “I saw that something wasn’t right, and I just wanted for the medical staff to get in as quick as possible.” Koné will undergo surgery, and his teammates have dedicated the rest of the tournament to him.

A French appeals court has confirmed that Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi will stand trial charged with raping a young woman. The Paris Saint-Germain player, who captains Morocco, has consistently denied the allegations. His lawyer has said they will appeal the decision. Morocco face Scotland later today.

Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, is undergoing medical treatment for an undisclosed illness. The family issued a statement asking for “humanity” and discretion from the media, denouncing speculation. After Argentina’s opening match, Lionel Messi spoke of going through a difficult personal situation.

Real Madrid have signed defender Marc Cucurella from Chelsea for a fee of up to €60 million (£52 million). Cucurella, who previously joined Chelsea from Brighton for £63 million, has signed a six-year deal. He said he received a phone call from José Mourinho and “had no doubts” about the move.

RB Leipzig have dismissed head coach Ole Werner after one season, despite a third-place Bundesliga finish and Champions League qualification. Werner said he was not given the chance to say goodbye to staff. Red Bull head of football Jürgen Klopp praised Werner’s work but added the club needed to “look forward”. Werner thanked sporting director Marcel Schäfer in his statement but made no mention of Klopp or supervisory board chairman Oliver Mintzlaff. Mallorca coach Martin Demichelis has been linked as a successor.

Switzerland’s Johan Manzambi, 20, scored twice as a substitute against Bosnia and Herzegovina and is said to be a target for several clubs, with Freiburg reportedly valuing him at around €60 million. Xhaka denied him the chance to take a penalty for a hat-trick, saying: “It’s not about the individual thing. We have rules.”

Elsewhere, Brazil’s Igor Thiago struggled in a draw with Morocco, and manager Carlo Ancelotti faces a decision over the Brentford striker. Côte d’Ivoire’s Elye Wahi has been allowed to travel for their match against Germany despite being at the centre of a spot-fixing scandal. Abdukodir Khusanov, after colliding with a cameraman during Uzbekistan’s defeat to Colombia, offered his match shirt to the cameraman as a gesture.

Broadcasting battle and fan culture

ITV has outperformed the BBC in World Cup television ratings so far, with four of the five highest audiences, led by England’s 4-2 win over Croatia. The BBC, according to viewing figures from Barb, is banking on more first-pick games in the knockout stages after its pre-tournament negotiations.

Scottish fans have taken over Providence, Rhode Island, adopting an unofficial mascot named Dawn the Duck, who has been parading in a gold chain and Scottish flag while bagpipes play. Local Adam Robb said: “The reception has been unbelievable.” The Premier League has announced its fixtures for the 2026/27 season, starting on Friday 21 August – a week later than usual to allow for World Cup recovery – and ending on Sunday 30 May 2027 with all matches kicking off simultaneously. Clubs will have at least a 60-hour break over Christmas and New Year.

Art exhibition celebrates Africa’s football heritage

An exhibition titled “Art and the Beautiful Game: Africa on the World Stage” has opened in Miami, showcasing the continent’s deep connection to football. The collection, curated by Alfonso D. Brooks of the AfriKin foundation, features work from more than 50 artists across 25 nations. A photo of Vinícius Júnior celebrating with a fist in the air hangs near the entrance, alongside an acrylic piece depicting a woman’s dreadlocks suspended as she heads a ball. A replica of the Fifa World Cup trophy sits encased in glass, surrounded by images, paintings and flags that document generations of African football dreams. Brooks, a longtime sound engineer turned curator, said: “Art has always been a platform to foster peace and understanding and give voice to those that can’t speak for themselves. This is the necessary part we feel the need to do with AfriKin.” The exhibition, which opened before the World Cup began, celebrates iconic figures from the late Pelé to France’s Kylian Mbappé.