Page 6 – The Pulse of Football

Jul

2026

Marc Cucurella has quietly been one of Spain’s most important players at the World Cup

Fresh from a surprise transfer to Real Madrid, Marc Cucurella is shining for Spain at the 2026 World Cup.

You can’t miss Marc Cucurella. It’s the Sideshow Bob hair. Not only this, though, the 27-year-old has been one of Spain’s best, and most important, players at the 2026 World Cup, giving the European champions a much-needed dimension that they otherwise would have lacked.

Two years ago at Euro 2024, Spain had Lamine Yamal on one side and Nico Williams on the other. Between the pair, Spain had two direct threats. They stretched the pitch and provided a funnel into the final third, giving Luis de la Fuente the sort of attacking thrust Spain had desperately missed in the Luis Enrique era.

Both Williams and Yamal are in Spain’s World Cup squad. The former, however, is struggling for form and fitness after a disappointing season at club level and the latter is still recovering from a hamstring injury that ruled him out of the final two months of Barcelona’s title-winning campaign.

To compensate for the general absence of Williams on the left side, de la Fuente has emboldened Cucurella to get forward. He has been a key part of Spain’s attacking approach at the 2026 World Cup, knifing through opposition backlines with his bold and frequent runs to the byline.

Cucurella’s role on the left wing is very different to the one Williams had at Euro 2024. While Williams was harnessed for his dribbling ability, it’s Cucurella’s runs that make him dangerous. Most commonly, Spain will look for the 27-year-old with a quick switch or a ball to the back post where Cucurella can crash the box. He’s a chaos merchant.

*Cucurella’s passing numbers at the World Cup*

No Spain player has created more Big Chances at the 2026 World Cup than Cucurella who has contributed two assists. While Spain have been criticised for a lack of overall creativity at the tournament, Cucurella has certainly done his job. The European champions have relied on him for attacking invention.

Tuesday’s semi-final against France will be Spain’s biggest test so far. Kylian Mbappé and co. have caught the imagination by producing a series of exhilarating attacking performances that have prompted many to predict red, white and blue ticker tape will fall from the sky when the World Cup trophy is lifted on July 19th.

Until now, Cucurella has largely been focused on driving Spain forward. Against France, though, a greater focus will be placed on his defensive performance such is the strength of the forward line he’ll be up against. Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise, both of whom shade to the right wing, will test Cucurella.

Spain have had the better of France in their most recent meetings. Indeed, de la Fuente’s side edged a nine-goal thriller against Les Bleus in the Nations League after Spain had swept past the same opponents in the Euro 2024 semi-finals on their way to becoming European champions.

*Cucurella’s defensive numbers at the World Cup*

“We are the only ones to have beaten them twice in a row, but this third match will be very different,” de la Fuente said after the victory over Belgium which set up Tuesday’s encounter against France in Dallas. “These are two very high-level teams who are going to face each other.”

Against France, Spain will likely control the majority of possession. While de la Fuente’s approach has evolved Spain’s approach beyond the tedium of the Enrique era, injecting some much-needed directness, their playing style is still very much built on the idea of keeping the ball.

This is largely why Spain boast the best defensive record of any team still left in the 2026 World Cup. The goal they conceded against Belgium in the quarter-finals was their first of the entire tournament having kept clean sheets against Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Austria and Portugal. If you have the ball, the opposition can’t score.

France, however, will pose a greater threat in quick transition than any other team Spain have faced at the 2026 World Cup so far. Didier Deschamps could revert to his default mindset to set up his team to play with a deep line of confrontation, both to make life difficult for Spain’s attack, but also to open up space for the counter-attack.

Pau Cubarsí boasts recovery speed to cover a lot of ground while Unai Simón is always quick off his line. Cucurella, however, will have to be as alert as anyone and could find it tougher to get forward to support Spain’s attack if France’s fearsome attack pins him back inside his own half.

Spain boast their own collection of superstars. Rodri is a Ballon d’Or winner. Pedri is the new Andrés Iniesta. Yamal might be the new Messi. Cucurella, however, deserves to be highlighted alongside such esteemed company as a player who could make the difference for them in a World Cup semi-final.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Jul

2026

Preview: France meet Spain in European classic to decide first World Cup finalist

Can France end Spain’s incredible 36-match unbeaten run (W27 D9) or will Luis de la Fuente continue to be a thorn in Didier Deschamps’ side?

By Filip Mishov

Deschamps targeting revenge over de la Fuente

Les Bleus secured their semi-final place in impressive fashion by defeating the AFCON 2026 runners-up, Morocco, equalling a record helf by Brazil and Germany of reaching the final four at three consecutive World Cup semi-finals. Didier Deschamps‘ squad are averaging 2.7 goals per match with just Argentina boasting a higher number (2.8), while Mike Maignan & co. are the only national team yet to concede a goal in the knockout stages, with France leading the ranks in terms of FotMob rating (7.56) – ahead of Spain (7.30).

Mikel Merino continues to drive La Roja’s bid for glory after the goalscoring midfielder found the back of the net from the bench against both Portugal and Belgium, respectively, becoming the first-ever substitute to score winning goals in two different World Cup knockout rounds. Spain are in the final four for just the second time in their history after winning the 2010 World Cup, and the reigning European champions are undefeated against their neighbours under Luis de la Fuente. The Spanish mastermind has oversaw consecutive semi-final wins at EURO 2024 and most recently in the Nations League 2024/2025.

Key players

Kylian Mbappé has been unplayable at the World Cup and both the eye test and the stats confirm the France captain’s form, with the 27-year-old scoring eight goals (joint most with Lionel Messi) and notching three assists in six matches, taking his goal tally to incredible 20 goals in as many World Cup appearances. No player is averaging a higher FotMob rating (8.87) and shots on target per 90 (3.3) than the free-firing forward, and if Unai Simón is to extend his clean-sheet record (5), then it comes down to stopping France’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Lamine Yamal is yet to fully announce himself in North America, as the now 19-year-old is on a four-match goalscoring drought since Spain’s victory against Saudi Arabia in the group phase. Despite averaging a FotMob rating of 7.45 and being La Roja’s main goalscoring threat with 5.1 shots per 90, the Barcelona star is yet to hit the heights of Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi’s performances. However, Tuesday’s clash might be his ultimate opportunity to shine and the wonderkid has history with France, scoring three goals in his previous two games against Les Bleus.

Team news

Aurélien Tchouaméni is back in first-team training after missing the Round of 16 and quarter-final matches through injury and the energetic midfielder is expected to return to the starting line-up with Kouadio Koné heading back to the bench.

Álex Baena was Spain’s starting left winger in place of Nico Williams, but with the Athletic Club forward close to full fitness and Ferran Torres also pushing for minutes, it remains to be seen whether the former will keep his place after being replaced early in the quarter-finals.

Prediction

France are undoubtedly narrow favourites despite Didier Deschamps insisting that Spain were the most likely winners pre-tournament, and given their performances and squad depth, I expect a European classic with France celebrating a victory after a goal-filled evening in Texas.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Jul

2026

Preview: Defending champions Argentina face a Swiss side setting their sights on a first-ever semi-final

The last quarter-final at the 2026 World Cup will see Argentina continue their title defence against Switzerland, who will hope to extend their best-ever campaign at the tournament.

By Neel Shelat

Argentina hoping to avoid a third-consecutive scare

As the defending champions and world’s top-ranked team coming into the tournament, Argentina were naturally seen as one of the World Cup favourites. They got through a straightforward group with three wins and just one goal conceded, but have endured a rocky ride thereafter.

Their first knockout game against debutantes Cabo Verde was expected to be a one-sided affair, but turned into a match for the ages as the minnows equalised twice and fought hard until the very last minute of extra time. On its own, that might have been written off as an off-day, but the even more dramatic comeback win over Egypt further exposed the team’s weaknesses.

Lionel Messi’s continued magic has been just about enough to take the team forward thus far, but his absolute centrality to all their attacking plans has somewhat limited their threat — especially in the absence of an Ángel Di María-like profile on the wings. Moreover, their defence has conceded five goals in the last three games and looks breachable through different avenues.

Solidity the key to Switzerland’s success

Switzerland have reached the World Cup quarter-finals on three previous occasions, but the last of those was when they hosted the tournament in 1954. They have already created history at this World Cup by winning more than two games for the first time, and have good reason to believe they can go further.

The Nati have repeatedly delivered on the big stage over the last decade, reaching the Round of 16 of the last two World Cups as well as the quarter-finals at the last two Euros. Since taking over in 2021, Murat Yakin has consistently put together cohesive teams for the big occasions, ably dealing with a generational shift in the process.

The current Swiss side might like the attacking X factor of someone like Xherdan Shaqiri, but has some reliable presences in midfield and defence as well as a few potential difference-makers up front. Their ability to keep games tight has been the key to their success so far, and will certainly be important here.

Team news

Michel Aebischer and Luca Jaquez are doubts for Switzerland, but the big news is that breakout star Johan Manzambi will miss out again as he continues to recover from the knee injury that he picked up in training before the Round of 16. Argentina, on the other hand, are fully fit.

Key players

All-time World Cup top-scorer Lionel Messi will be looking to extend his scoring streak to seven consecutive knockout games in the tournament, with Julián Alvarez potentially providing some useful support. Lisandro Martínez will have a key role to play in and out of possession with his passing and defending.

Captain Granit Xhaka will be the key tempo-setter for Switzerland, but his defensive responsibilities might be all the more important in helping shield Manuel Akanji from a certain Lionel. Going forward, Dan Ndoye could hold the key to unlocking the Argentine defence.

Prediction

Argentina might just have enough to eke out another close victory.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Jul

2026

Erling Haaland is lighting up the World Cup on & off the pitch – England must stop him to stop Norway

All eyes will be on Erling Haaland when Norway battle for a place in the World Cup final four.

By Jamie Spencer

To understand the international popularity of Norway and Erling Haaland at this World Cup you need look no further than retailers struggling to keep the team’s red home shirt with the striking blue Nordic cross in stock since it was first launched in March.

Ahead of the team’s first ever World Cup quarter-final (in men’s football), the jersey is sold out. In Norway, reports tell of fans queuing around the block at local sports stores in an effort to get hold of one during limited restocks. Online, Nike has none to serve a wider audience captivated by a nation competing on the global stage for the first time this century.

Norway’s football federation (NFF) admitted to the BBC it “severely underestimated” demand.

Norway arrived in North America this summer identified by many as a dark horse, remarkable considering the team had previously failed to qualify for 12 consecutive World Cup and European Championship tournaments since a group stage elimination at Euro 2000.

It would be unfair to suggest their qualification this time after so many failures – as recently as Euro 2024 qualifying, Norway were a distant third in a group behind Spain and Scotland – was a result of the World Cup’s expansion. More qualifying groups in 2026 meant more automatic places but Norway won all eight games, including home and away against Italy. Haaland scored 16 goals across those eight fixtures. The next top-scoring players in Europe got eight each.

Once the World Cup began, the team quickly made light work of Iraq and were more ruthless than a dangerous Senegal. A 4-1 defeat to France should be taken with a pinch of salt, with Norway resting 10 usual starters in the Group I dead rubber and the French still going pedal to the metal. Haaland scored braces in the successive wins and sat out the latter entirely.

Norway’s 2026 golden generation surpasses 1990s peak

Norway is experiencing a second golden generation, of which Haaland is front and centre. This team has already eclipsed the achievements of the first that went to two World Cups in 1994 and 1998, and was second in FIFA’s world rankings for almost two years between 1993 and 1995.

But that team, featuring the likes of Alf Inge Haaland, Jan Åge Fjørtoft, Lars Bohinen, Øyvind Leonhardsen, and later on Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Ronny Johnsen and Tore André Flo, won only one game each in 1994 and 1998. The latter at least resulted in a knockout berth, but Norway promptly lost to Italy in the round of 16. Already in 2026, Norway have won four out of five games and progressed through two knockout rounds to get into Saturday’s quarter-final against England. Ivory Coast were no pushovers, then it was Brazil – beating the Seleção was a statement.

Haaland scored both goals, winning hands down his individual duel with Gabriel Magalhães that had been a significant pre-match talking point given the rivalry that has grown from going head-to-head at club level in the Premier League. That took him to seven goals for the tournament, as many as Norway, as an entire nation, had scored across all three previous World Cups appearances.

*Haaland’s shot map at the 2026 World Cup*

As much as Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé have dominated the headlines with their goalscoring feats, Haaland has been a major draw. Even though his status as one of the biggest names in the sport has been supercharged since joining Manchester City in 2023, his personality also seems to be coming out a lot more at this tournament, when players are typically more accessible to media. He is equally active on social media and has jokingly called out England legend Wayne Rooney – “Wayney boy” – who vowed to row the River Mersey if Norway made the last eight, to make good.

Haaland triumphantly led Norway’s post-match ‘row’ celebration after defeating Brazil, banging the drum for each stroke, and generally appears to be loving life. It probably makes him play better, rather than be consumed by the pressure of living up to his billing.

Erling Haaland vs Harry Kane

With the hype before the quarter-final focused on Haaland vs. Harry Kane – a viral AI-created video circulating in the build-up depicts one leading a Viking invasion of a kingdom being defended by the other – mentality makes him extra dangerous. This is not someone who will shrink in the spotlight.

But he’s respectful too and not deliberately contentious, notably calling Kane “one of the best” this week. There is a feeling it will be one of them that decides this all-or-nothing tie

The raw numbers show what a monster Haaland is. Over the last eight seasons, stretching back to his breakout at Red Bull Salzburg, the striker has scored 277 club goals. He made his senior Norway debut in September 2019 and has netted more than a goal per game since – it’s 62 in 54 caps.

Haaland became Norway’s all-time top scorer in 2024, three months after turning 24, a record that had stood for 87 years. He is already only four shy of doubling the old mark (33). Due to turn 26 two days after the World Cup final, it’s unfathomable where he could take that ceiling, but eventually challenging Cristiano Ronaldo’s world record of 146 cannot be counted out.

Stopping Haaland for England will not be a case of a centre-back going head-to-head against him in a battle of brute strength. Even if Thomas Tuchel had that kind of defender available, Gabriel’s plight across multiple encounters in different settings in recent months suggests it’s not the way to go.

Haaland doesn’t generally involve himself in build-up play anyway, touching the ball 30 times or less in each appearance so far at this World Cup. He comes alive in the key moments and is ruthlessly efficient. England must instead target the supply chain – Norway’s midfielders, wingers and full-backs – cutting Haaland off at source. If England keep him off the scoresheet, there is a much better chance for them. But if Haaland and his support cast can outfox the Three Lions, the semi-finals are calling.

(Images from IMAGO)

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Jul

2026

Preview: Norway and England clash in World Cup quarter-finals

Norway and England meet in Miami on Saturday with a place in the World Cup semi-finals at stake.

By Ian King

Both England and Norway put in superb performances to get this far

England’s 2026 World Cup took a turn in the last 16 with a tumultuous 3-2 at the Azteca against co-hosts Mexico. Two Jude Bellingham goals and a Harry Kane penalty were enough to see them through a game which felt more like a siege for its final half-hour following the sending off of Jarell Quansah.

Norway, meanwhile, continue to impress. They continued their psychological hold over Brazil with a 2-1 win in the last 16, and a performance that was far more dominant than the final score might suggest with another two goals for Erling Haaland, who seems to already be in the process of becoming the breakout global superstar of this tournament.

Both teams, then, have built up a degree of momentum following slightly underwhelming ends to the group stage, with England looking more workmanlike than anything else against both Ghana and Panama, and Norway’s second-string getting beaten 4-1 by France in their final match, although this came with their qualification for the knockout stage already confirmed.

The first time England travelled to Oslo for a competitive match, they took “a hell of a beating”

Somewhat worryingly for England their record against Norway in competitive matches is, to say the least, patchy. They were drawn together in qualification for the 1982 World Cup and England won their first meeting 4-0, but they lost the return match in Oslo in September 1981 – the match in which Maggie Thatcher’s “boys took a hell of a beating”, as the Norwegian radio commentator Bjorge Lillelien famously put it – and almost failed to qualify for what would have been the third time in a row.

Things were even worse for England in qualification for the 1994 World Cup finals, with a 1-1 draw at Wembley and a 2-0 defeat in Oslo in the return match. The group ended with Norway and the Netherlands qualifying and England out, and manager Graham Taylor losing his job. Since then, the two sides have played each other four times, with two 1-0 England wins and two goalless draws.

England could need a big performance from their goalkeeper against a rampant Erling Haaland

One of the more curious performances in the England team of this tournament has been that of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who looked out of sorts in the run-up to the tournament but put in an excellent performance in Mexico City in the last round. With there being little to choose between these two teams, there remains every possibility that Thomas Tuchel could be depending on him in a penalty shootout at the end of this match.

All the attention on Norway has, of course, been focused on the boy Haaland, but it’s also worth keeping an eye on another wunderkind of theirs, Antonio Nusa of RB Leipzig. Nusa was hauled off at half-time against Brazil, but the 21-year-old winger is extremely highly-rated, and he’s the only other player beyond Haaland to have scored for them in the knockout stages of the competition.

Right-back has rapidly become a poisoned chalice of a position for England

The right-back spot has become England’s biggest question mark throughout this tournament. Jarell Quansah was surprisingly – or not, given the extent to which FIFA seem to be making this sort of thing up as they go along – suspended for two matches for his red card against Mexico. Reece James faces a battle to be fit in time, with Djed Spence on standby if he doesn’t make it.

We can probably expect Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka to start again on the wings, but there could be further defensive reshuffles, with Dan Burn in possible contention following an impressive cameo in the closing stages of the Mexico match as England sought to batten down their hatches. Jordan Henderson is now out for the tournament, having achieved the sensational double-whammy of both picking up a yellow card and injuring himself despite not actually playing a single minute of the Mexico match.

Norway have no injury or suspension issues going into this meeting. David Møller Wolfe, the onomatopoeically-named Wolves right-back, was withdrawn against Brazil but is expected to be fit again. Otherwise, head coach Ståle Solbakken’s biggest headache is the best sort of managerial headache; he has too many players in decent form for the positions he needs to fill. Oscar Bobb and Andreas Schjelderup both impressed after coming on against Brazil and could replace Alexander Sørloth and Antonio Nusa.

There is one extremely large obstacle to England’s progression to the semi-finals

Their last four friendly meetings may have only produced two goals, but there is a promise of entertainment from this fixture. England and Norway have played ten games between them in this summer’s finals, yet they’ve only managed two clean sheets combined, both of them by England against relatively modest opposition – Ghana and Panama – in the group stages.

Both teams have incredible attacking options. Both Harry Kane and Erling Haaland are well in their stride, with six and seven goals already scored respectively, while there have also been excellent performances from their support. And both teams – England with their right-back quandary and Norway with their lack of clean sheets – have defences which can be got at.

The upshot of all this is that there really is so little to choose between these two teams that it’s not difficult to imagine this match ending in a reasonably high-scoring draw and a penalty shootout. At the time of writing (before Spain and Belgium play), there have only been four of them from 25 knockout matches. By way of comparison, there had been five by this stage in 2022, when they didn’t even have a round of 32. For these two teams, it seems likely that it’ll be a long, tense afternoon in Miami.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Jul

2026

How will Real Madrid fit Denzel Dumfries and Trent Alexander-Arnold into the same team?

Denzel Dumfries’ move to Real Madrid raises fresh questions about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s role at the Santiago Bernabéu.

By Graham Ruthven

By the start of next season, Real Madrid will be a José Mourinho team. That’s the plan, anyway. The Spanish giants have already made a number of signings clearly with the Portuguese’s playing style and general approach in mind. Denzel Dumfries is one such signing.

Signed for a reported €20m from Inter Milan, Dumfries will give Real Madrid greater thrust on the wing. Mourinho’s best teams have always had proactive, front foot full backs and the Netherlands international certainly fits the bill. Real Madrid, however, already have an elite-level right back. One they signed only 12 months ago.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is a very different sort of right back to Dumfries. While Dumfries’ game is all about direct running and bursting to the byline, Alexander-Arnold is a natural creator on the ball. He is a cultured crosser and someone who can dictate possession from his position on the right side. Alexander-Arnold is a natural possession hub.

*Dumfries vs. Alexander-Arnold stats comparison (Serie A vs. LaLiga only)*

If Mourinho wants Dumfries as his starting player on the right wing, where does that leave Alexander-Arnold? How will the Englishman fit into the lineup if Real Madrid’s latest addition is the favoured option at right back? Does Dumfries’ transfer signal that Alexander-Arnold will be a peripheral figure for Los Blancos next season?

Alexander-Arnold’s first season in Spain was a challenging one. The 27-year-old started just 14 league matches as injuries disrupted his campaign, registering four assists in 1,163 minutes. There were glimpses of Alexander-Arnold’s ability, but he failed to find consistent form for his new team.

There were also glimpses of Alexander-Arnold’s weaknesses. His defensive vulnerabilities have been a talking point for a long time and were frequently exposed in a Real Madrid team that lacked balance last season. Mourinho will be aware of those frailties and one wonders if Dumfries’ signing hints at Alexander-Arnold being used in a different role.

Xabi Alonso experimented with Alexander-Arnold in central midfield. The 27-year-old’s natural ability on the ball lends itself to the idea that he could be useful in the middle of the pitch where he can control possession. Sir Gareth Southgate also experimented with Alexander-Arnold in a similar way as England manager, albeit with scant success.

Mourinho could revisit this idea. Real Madrid need a new midfield pace-setter and have needed one since the retirement of Toni Kroos two years ago. It’s possible they could move for a player of this profile before the summer transfer window closes. In the meantime, Alexander-Arnold might be a useful stopgap.

A stopgap because Alexander-Arnold doesn’t have the natural rhythm of a true deep-lying pace-setter. He has the passing range to play in that position, but he doesn’t possess the nimble possession play of someone like Pedri or Vitinha. This is where Alexander-Arnold still has to develop his game as a central midfielder.

It’s possible Mourinho could use Dumfries as an out-and-out winger with Alexander-Arnold behind the Dutchman as a right back with the freedom to invert into the centre of the pitch. Another tactical ploy could see Alexander-Arnold play as a right-sided centre back in a back three with Dumfries as a wing back. That is, after all, where the Dutchman thrived for Inter.

What’s clear, though, is that Alexander-Arnold has some work ahead of him to convince Mourinho that he belongs in the first team otherwise he will find himself on the outside. Thomas Tuchel made the decision to omit the 27-year-old from his England squad for the 2026 World Cup and the Three Lions are doing just fine. The precedent has already been set.

For this reason, the 2026/27 season could be the most important of Alexander-Arnold’s career. At Liverpool, he played in a side that was geared to his strengths. Jürgen Klopp built the Reds around Alexander-Arnold who was their primary creative force down the right side. At Real Madrid, he is having to prove himself all over again.

Mourinho has been hired to mould Los Blancos in his own image. Real Madrid are expected to be tougher next season. If Mourinho has his way, they will be more compact and more difficult to play against. Alexander-Arnold’s playing style doesn’t exactly seem to be a good fit for this approach.

Alexander-Arnold’s talent could keep him in Real Madrid’s first team. However, the landscape has clearly shifted since he made the decision to join the Spanish giants a year ago. Back then, Alonso was preparing to modernise Real Madrid’s playing style. Now, Mourinho is in charge and everything has changed.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Jul

2026

Preview: Spain clash with Belgium in LA quarterfinal

Spain meet fellow Europeans Belgium in the quarter-finals of the World Cup after contrasting victories in the Round of 16.

By Ross Kilvington

The Spanish took their time to find a winner against Portugal, but Mikel Merino sent La Roja through with a 91^st minute goal. Belgium, on the other hand, thrashed the USA 4-1 in what was their finest performance of the tournament thus far.

Spain might be saving their best for Belgium

Throughout their Euro 2024 run, Spain scored 15 goals, defeating the likes of Croatia, Italy, Germany, France and then England to win their fourth continental title.

This summer, expectations are higher than ever, but Spain haven’t quite been at their best.

Of course, they did defeat Saudi Arabia 4-0 and Austria 3-0, but Luis de la Fuente’s men have scored just twice across their other three matches.

Solid, if unspectacular, is perhaps the best way to describe Spain, but things could change against the Belgians.

World Cup winners tend to peak the further the tournament goes on, see Argentina in 2022 and Spain themselves in 2010.

Having won their first World Cup knockout match since that final in 2010, the Spanish will be looking to reach the quarter-finals of a World Cup for just the third time this century.

Spain have won six successive games against the Belgians and they will be desperate to make it seven in California on Friday evening.

Belgium could cause plenty of problems

Belgium delivered a sparkling display to beat USA 4-1, a victory which was inspired by the perceived injustice of Folarin Balogun’s suspension being lifted by FIFA, seemingly under influence from the US government.

That was all the incentive Belgium needed as the Red Devils sent the co-hosts crashing out.

It was comfortably their best performance of the tournament and this should stand Rudi Garcia’s side in good stead ahead of this tricky clash against Spain.

Not at their best during the group stages, Belgium have since scored seven goals in two knockout stage fixtures. Perform like they did against the USA and Spain could be in for a tough evening.

Team news

De la Fuente has no fresh injury concerns and could start with the same starting XI that faced Portugal.

Garcia, however, will need to replace Amadou Onana in the lineup. The midfielder was subbed off after 21 minutes against the USA due to suffering a cruciate ligament injury.

Hans Vanaken should be the man that comes into the starting XI.

Prediction

A few weeks ago, the outcome of this match would have been a lot easier to predict. The comeback victory over Senegal, combined with thrashing the USA has given Belgium a new lease of life.

The Spaniards will be tested throughout and their defence will be breached for the first time this tournament, however, I expect De la Fuente’s men to win 3-1.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Jul

2026

Preview: France and Morocco kick off the quarterfinals

In a repeat of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, France take on Morocco for a chance to move within two wins of glory in North America.

By Ross Kilvington

Kylian Mbappé was France’s saviour once more against Paraguay

France might not have been at their free-flowing best against Paraguay in the Round of 16, but a penalty from Kylian Mbappé saw Didier Deschamp’s men move into the quarter-finals.

Not content with letting the French play to their strengths, the Paraguayans turned to some questionable tactics in order to stifle their attack – and it nearly paid off.

The South Americans committed 13 fouls throughout the game, while finishing the 90 minutes having enjoyed just 24% possession, yet only lost 1-0. Mbappé’s spot kick proving enough to seal the win.

As such, the Real Madrid man reached seven goals for the tournament so far and he will be determined to become the first man ever to win the Golden Boot back-to-back.

France are peaking nicely heading into this quarter-final tie against Morocco and a repeat of their 2-0 win at the semi-final stage in Qatar would set them a clash against either Spain or Belgium in the final four here.

Morocco eyeing another World Cup semi-final

The Moroccans endured a tricky start against Canada in the Round of 16, as the co-hosts came close to breaking the deadlock on several occasions.

Whatever Mohamed Ouahbi said at the break, however, worked a treat. Azzedine Ounahi scored just five minutes after the restart, before adding another on the 82^nd minute.

Soufiane Rahimi capped off a delightful second half display with the third goal, moving the Atlas Lions into another World Cup quarter-final.

In 2022, Morocco edged out Portugal to become the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final. In order to defeat the French, Ouahbi’s men will need to deliver their best performance of the tournament to date.

Judging by the way this World Cup has gone so far, don’t be surprised to see shock in Boston on Thursday evening.

Team news

Deschamps is unlikely to make any changes ahead of this quarter-final clash. Aurélien Tchouaméni could remain absent for the 2018 winners, which means Manu Koné retains his position at the heart of the midfield alongside Adrien Rabiot.

Ouabhi has bigger problems, though. Star man Ismael Saibari was taken off early against Canada due to a hamstring issue, being replaced by Rahimi. The latter could well be awarded a start against the French.

Elsewhere, Chadi Riad remains a doubt after also being subbed against Canada. As such, expect Redouane Halhal to step in.

Prediction

The matches certainly aren’t getting any easier for France, especially as Morocco appear to be pulling it all together at precisely the right time.

With Mbappé adding another goal to his tally in the previous game, his confidence will be sky high so expect him to create plenty of problems for the Morocco backline.

This one will be a close affair, no doubt about that. In the end though, France will edge it 2-1 and move into the semi-finals for the third successive World Cup.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Jul

2026

Michael Olise: France’s Great Connector key to their World Cup hopes

Michael Olise, not Kylian Mbappé, has been the driving force behind France’s 2026 World Cup campaign so far.

By Graham Ruthven

Kylian Mbappé is the face of France. The billboard star of the team many have tipped to win the 2026 World Cup. He is, after all, the tournament’s joint-top scorer and the second-top scorer in World Cup history. And yet he might not even be France’s best player at this moment in time.

That could be Michael Olise. He, not Mbappé, embodies the brilliance of this French national team. Not only this, Olise reflects how Didier Deschamps has taken the handbrake off a side that hasn’t always been this fun and exciting. This summer has been something different from Les Bleus and Olise is a big reason why that has been the case.

At club level, Olise has firmly established himself as one of the best wingers in the world over the last two seasons for Bayern Munich. Last season was the best of the 24-year-old’s career to date, registering a combined 34 goals and assists in 32 Bundesliga appearances not to mention 11 in 13 Champions League games.

He is Bayern Munich’s new Arjen Robben, such is his willingness and ability to cut inside off the right wing to pose a goal threat on his left foot. For France, though, Olise operates as a number 10. He has been used as a replacement for Antoine Griezmann and the national team’s creator-in-chief in central areas.

Olise is remarkably two-footed which gives him the ability to go either way. This lends itself to the number 10 position behind a forward line of Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and one of either Bradley Barcola or Désiré Doué. France’s fluidity and cohesion in the final third of the pitch has been aided by Olise’s role.

Of course, in an alternate timeline Olise is playing for England at the 2026 World Cup. Born in London to British-Nigerian father and a Franco-Algerian mother, he could have played for a range of different national teams, but came through the youth system in the English game, breaking through at Reading before making the move to Crystal Palace.

Had England’s scouts been more proactive in their recruitment of Olise at youth level, he might have been combining with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane for The Three Lions. France, however, has always been the team Olise has, in his own words, had a “connection” with, and that term is certainly applicable when describing his role for Les Bleus.

Olise is indeed France’s connector. The player who makes things happen for them in the attack, as proven by the tournament-high five assists he has provided in five appearances at the 2026 World Cup so far. In the 3-0 win over Sweden in particular, everything France did well flowed through Olise.

*Olise’s passing numbers at the World Cup*

Not only do France boast some of the best attackers in the world, but the profile of their forward line gives them the perfect balance up front. Mbappé is the roadrunner who wants to get in behind opposition defences at every possible opportunity. He’s also a better penalty box poacher than many give him credit for.

Dembélé is the space-filler around Mbappe. The pair dovetail in their movement and Dembélé, like Olise, is capable of going either way such is his natural two-footedness – see his hat trick in the group stage victory over Norway which saw the Ballon d’Or holder use his left and right feet to finish.

Barcola offers verticality and straightline speed to prevent France’s attacking play from becoming predictable while Doué is a natural dribbler, as Paraguay found to their cost in the round of 16. When France needed a different dimension to break down a stubborn low block, Doué was on hand.

Olise’s skill set, however, is the most varied of any French player. He has created more Big Chances than any other player for Les Bleus at this World Cup. Only Barcola has registered more dribbles than the Bayern Munich attacker with Olise a goal threat in his own right, averaging 1.1 shots on target per 90 minutes.

Against a high-calibre opponent like Morocco in the quarter-finals or Spain in the semi-finals should they make it that far, France could find the balance of their midfield tested. So far, Deschamps has used a double pivot behind a front four. Could they be overwhelmed by an opponent using a trio in the centre of the pitch? Spain often use a box midfield, which could be an issue.

With Olise pulling the strings, it might not matter. The 24-year-old might be France’s most important player at this World Cup and he might just be the best player in the world right now. Whether he’s a winger or a number 10, Olise is operating at a level nobody else can match.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Jul

2026

Preview: Defending champions Argentina face Egypt in Round of 16

Argentina and Egypt go head-to-head in the World Cup Last 16 on Tuesday as the reigning champions look to go one step further in retaining their title.

By Matt Smith

Lionel Scaloni‘s side were given a huge scare last time out after being taken to extra time by Cape Verde. It was undoubtedly Argentina’s poorest performance of the World Cup so far, but they did manage to get over the line.

Egypt came through the round of 32 by defeating Australia on penalties, which was their third draw (in regular time) of the tournament. They’ll need to step it up a gear if they want to beat Argentina here. They are preparing for the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time in 92 years.

Team news

Playing for over two hours against Cape Verde may have taken out of a large number of the Argentine squad, and Nico González could miss out as he’s a doubt. Facundo Medina was forced off against Cape Verde, and he was unable to train the next day, so it’ll be interesting to see if he can make it.

Egypt defender Karim Hafez was also substituted due to injury in their previous match, but there is a chance he’ll be available for this one. Mohamed Abdelmonem and Ahmed Fatouh both missed the game against Australia, so they are doubts for this game.

Tight defence and Messi

Argentina have been one of the best defensive sides in the tournament so far, conceding just 2.1 expected goals. Scaloni’s side haven’t created chances at will, but having a player of Lionel Messi’s ability has dragged them over the line.

Messi has scored seven goals from just four expected goals during the tournament, showing how he can create magic out of nothing. Remaining tight at the back and allowing Messi to do his thing in the final third has been a winning formula so far, and they’ll be hoping to repeat that against Egypt.

There’s only one man to watch

The aforementioned Messi is the one player to watch in this game. The Argentina legend has scored in every single game at the tournament so far. Three of his strikes have been from outside the box. Egypt will have to be at the top of their game to be the first team to stop him at the World Cup.

Many teams have tried and failed to handle the Inter Miami forward over the years, but he’s still going strong at the age of 39. The neutrals watching will be hoping for another messy masterclass, but Egypt will be praying he somehow doesn’t turn up.

Prediction

The power of Messi is likely to get Argentina over the line in this one, once again. We’re going for a 2-0 win for Argentina.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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