Hello and welcome to the Mirror’s live coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday, June 17.
France vs Senegal kicked off Tuesday’s action with a 3-1 win for Didier Deschamp’s side with an Erling Haaland brace currently seeing Norway 2-1 up against Iraq in the second match of the day
Reigning champions Argentina then face Algeria with Austria taking on Jordan overnight to round off the action, but it is off the pitch where headlines are being made.
England were rocked by an injury blow to defender Tino Livramento, who has withdrawn from Thomas Tuchel’s squad with a calf injury.
He has been replaced by Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah, is currently heading to England’s Kansas City training camp. Supporters are also waiting on the latest surrounding Bukayo Saka with Tuchel set to speak to the press over the coming hours.
Elsewhere, Roberto Martinez is reportedly set to leave his role with Portugal at the end of the tournament.
We will keep you up to date with all the latest from the USA, Canada and Mexico right here on our live blog, which you can read below…
New UpdatesView PostView PostView PostToday00:04 BST
Some heartbreaking news to share with you from the United States with a devoted supporter of Scotland dying in Boston before even seeing his team kick a ball at the tournament.
According to the Daily Record, Donny Strathie, from Grangemouth, Falkirk, passed away suddenly in Boston on Sunday, June 14, aged 76.
Tributes have since been shared on social media with his family calling on the Tartan Army to unite and pay their respects during their next World Cup game against Morocco.
Kieran Horn16th Jun22:53 BST
The Iraq and Norway teams make their way out onto the pitch.
National anthems will follow ahead of kick-off.
Amie Wilson16th Jun22:52 BST
Supporters attending Portugal’s World Cup clash with DR Congo in Houston have been warned to remain vigilant, due to severe storm warnings.
Forecasters have predicted possible flooding in areas close to the Houston Stadium.
Concerns are now growing about how the weather could affect the second game to take place in the Texan city.
Organisers and local officials have not revealed details of a potential match day plan, in response to the forecast.
Although barricades have been put in place in areas prone to flooding, while the Houston Police and Fire departments are on red alert.
Host committee chairman Chris Canetti has urged supporters to monitor safety information.
He said: “We would encourage people, if going to match on Wednesday to have a plan.
“To know before you go, to monitor our websites and all the different websites available for safety purposes, and arrive early to ensure the safest and best way into the match.”
Jeremy Cross
16th Jun22:42 BST
The Germany squad are worried after spotted a poisinous snake arount their training base, according to captain Joshua Kimmich.
Speaking to the media, he said:
“We saw a snake yesterday, we were told it was venomous. If you get bitten, you have to go to the hospital.”I don’t think you’ll die, but it’s certainly dangerous. I have the feeling that if you step on a snake like that, it can end badly.”That’s why we’re trying to keep our distance from animals here. I have respect for the people here. In Germany, I have the feeling there aren’t so many dangerous animals.”
He added:
“Once you hear what kind of snake it is and what can happen if you’re bitten, it stops being funny very quickly.”We’re here trying to prepare for the biggest tournament in football, and suddenly players are looking at the ground before every step they take.”
Amie Wilson16th Jun22:25 BST
Ghana have reportedly appealed the decision that saw Thomas Partey refused entry to Canada for the nation’s opening game.
Ghana take on Panama on Wednesday night in the other game in England’s group.
Partey faces rape charges, to which he has pleaded not guilty, and has subesquently been denied entry to Canada, and will therefore be unable to play in the game.
The Independent reports that Ghana are appeling the decision, with the hope that the decision will be overturned.
It’s reported by TalkSPORT that the appeal has been lost.
Amie Wilson16th Jun22:15 BST
There’s no surprises, but Erling Haaland has been named in the starting XI for Norway’s World Cup opener against Iraq, which kicks off at 11pm.
Iraq starting XI: Jalal Hassan; Hussein Ali, Zaid Tahseen, Akam Hashim, Merchas Doski; Ibrahim Bayesh, Amir Alammari, Zaid Ismael; Ali Alhamadi, Ali Jasim, Aymen Hussein
Amie Wilson
16th Jun22:05 BST
Senegal were nearly handed another goal in the last second, but Maignan stopped the ball going over the line to stop an own goal.
But the evening was all about Kylian Mbappe, who scored twice and shone in the second half.
Amie Wilson16th Jun22:01 BST
And it’s the Mbappe show!
France hit straight back with a beauty into the roof of the net to make it 3-1.
Amie Wilson16th Jun22:00 BST
Senegal have indeed reduced the lead.
Ibrahim Mbaye has found the near post to make it 2-1.
Amie Wilson
16th Jun21:55 BST
We’re into eight minutes of additional time in the second half.
Senegal are looking to reduce the deficit to make it a nervy end for France.
Amie Wilson16th Jun21:47 BST
And it’s Bradley Barcola making an instant impact from the bench.
The movement in behind is just too much for the Senegal defence to deal with. France are well in control now.
Amie Wilson16th Jun21:39 BST
The France star has scored the only goal of the game so far.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JUNE 16: Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between France and Senegal at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 16, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
16th Jun21:33 BST
Senegal thought that they had equalised through Nicholas Jackson, who fired the ball into the net.
But celebrations were denied by the referee’s flag.
Replays showed that he was a couple of yards offside.
Amie Wilson16th Jun21:31 BST
It’s been coming…. and who else?
Kylian Mbappe has put France 1-0 up. He has come alive in this second half after a quiet first 45 minutes.
He was played in by Michael Olise and made no mistake with the first time finish.
Amie Wilson16th Jun21:25 BST
A VAR check was needed, and the stadium thought that France had been awarded a penalty for a challenge on Kylian Mbappe.
The referee went over to the screen to review the decision, but decided there was no penalty, with the contact initiated by Mbappe.
Speaking on BBC Sport, former Premier League official Darren Cann said:
“For me, this is a penalty. This will be checked by the VAR. For me there is no contact with the ball and he brings Mbappe down. VAR should recommend a review.”
Amie Wilson
16th Jun21:22 BST
Mendy has been called into action again to deny Kylian Mbappe.
France are looking far more dangerous in the second half already. Will their attacking stars find a way through?
Amie Wilson16th Jun21:18 BST
There has been chances for both sides so far this half. Doue saw his shot fly just wide of the post in the opening minutes.
Senegal were denied by a well-timed sliding challenge from William Saliba.
Michael Olise has also brought a good save from Mendy.
Amie Wilson16th Jun21:10 BST
Senegal have started the second 45 minutes.
What are your predictions for the second half?
Amie Wilson
16th Jun21:04 BST
England captain Harry Kane has said that the team will give ‘everything we’ve got’ as the Three Lions prepare for their World Cup opener.
Thomas Tuchel’s side take on Croatia in their first group game tomorrow night (9pm kick-off).
Ahead of that, Kane has taken to social media to send a message.
Amie Wilson16th Jun20:59 BST
Former France striker Oliver Giroud has been critical of the team’s performance in the first half.
Speaking on BBC Sport, he said:
“I don’t know if it is the heat or whatever, but it is a sloppy start from France.”I think the two full-backs are very high on the pitch and are being exposed to contact, we saw it with Jackson’s chance.In the end they were lucky not to concede a goal, they need to change something.”
Amie Wilson16th Jun20:55 BST
It’s all level at the break between France and Senegal.
Despite all of the attacking flare on the pitch for France, they have been unable to cause Senegal too many problems in the first 45 minutes.
In fact, it’s Senegal who have looked the more dangerous going forward, with Sarr missing a big chance at the end of the half.
Amie Wilson
16th Jun20:43 BST
France have a star-studded line-up, but they are currently being frustrated by Senegal, who have had the best chances of the game so far.
Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele makes up a frightening front four for Didier Deschamps’ side.
Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele during France vs Senegal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup(Image: Hannah Peters – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo has urged Portugal to believe they can finally win the World Cup.
Ronaldo will be competing in what will be a record-equalling sixth tournament.
The biggest prize of all also remains the one trophy to have eluded the footballing icon throughout his glittering career.
He knows at the age of 41, this could be his last chance complete his remarkable haul of trophies.
Portugal kick off their World Cup campaign with an opening game against DR Congo in Houston tomorrow (WED).
And Ronaldo wants Roberto Martinez’s men to leave nothing behind in the quest to conquer the world.
He said: “Every time we wear this jersey, we feel the same pride, the same passion and the same sense of responsibility as on the first day.
“Tomorrow begins a new chapter.
“We worked hard to reach this moment, and now it’s time to give everything for our country, and for all the Portuguese communities that support us here and around the world. Believe it like we do.”
Martinez, meanwhile, will face the media later, when he is expected to address speculation he will stand down as Portugal manager at the end of the tournament.
Jeremy Cross16th Jun20:28 BST
It’s Senegal who have come the closest to scoring, with Nicholas Jackson hitting the post.
The ball is stolen from Mbappe, and Jackson breaks away up the pitch, his shot hits the post and bounces back off Maignan for a corner.
Amie Wilson
16th Jun20:25 BST
The Mexican wave has got going around the stadium, with fans in attendance clearly enjoying themselves.
Amie Wilson16th Jun20:20 BST
France are starting to dominate now and are looking for the ball in behind for Mbappe.
There are some encouraging signs, with the ball being moved around quickly, but they are yet to have a clear-cut chance.
Amie Wilson16th Jun20:16 BST
Just look at the young mascots’ face when they realise Kylian Mbappe is standing next to them.
Amie Wilson
16th Jun20:10 BST
Both teams are just finding their way into the game, with Senegal coming closest by forcing a corner, which came to nothing.
There is a lot of excitement in the stadium whenever Kylian Mbappe gets on the ball.
Amie Wilson16th Jun20:03 BST
We are underway in New York.
Senegal will be looking to cause the latest upset in the group stage.
Amie Wilson16th Jun19:53 BST
The French and Senegalese players are in the tunnel, ready for the match. Stay right here for live updates.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JUNE 16: General view inside New York New Jersey Stadium before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between France and Senegal on June 16, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)