Hello and welcome to the Mirror’s live coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday, June 19th.
Today the Tartan Army is excitedly gearing up for Scotland’s second fixture of the competition this year, with fans gathered in Boston ahead of the major match against Morocco.
The game is one of four we’ll see following an exciting day at the tournament on Thursday, where Mexico broke through the group stages and Canada scored an historic victory against Qatar.
Mexico enjoyed another home ground win yesterday, taking South Korea 1-0 in the team’s second home win of the games so far, and cruising to the Round of 32 despite being booed by their own fans.
Canada, on the other hand, made its fans ecastatic with a thumping win against Qatar, equalling a margin of home victory record established way back in 1978. The game was however marred by a serious injury to Ismael Kone during the match.
The midfielder appeared to break his leg and his World Cup appears to be over. Elsewhere, Ghana won 1-0 against Panama, Colombia won 3-1 against Uzbekistan, and Czechia drew with South Africa 1-1.
Today, alongside Scotland vs Morocco, we’ll see USA vs Australia, Brazil vs Haiti and Turkey vs Paraguay.
We’ll have live updates from today’s fixtures as well as the latest World Cup news throughout the day.
We will keep you up to date with all the latest from the USA, Canada and Mexico below…
New UpdatesView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostToday21:14 BST
The action is back underway in Seattle, with Australia making three changes at the break. Nestory Irankunda, Connor Metcalfe and Jason Geria come on in place of Mohamed Toure, Nishan Velupillay and Cameron Burgess.
Isaac SeelochanToday21:02 BST
Scotland fans have been showing their colours before tonight’s World Cup clash against Morocco. The Tartan Army are understandably in high spirits after that opening win over Haiti.
Can they shock the African champions tonight? Watch the video below to see what Scottish supporters think…
Isaac SeelochanToday20:53 BST
It’s been a half where the USA have totally dominated in truth. Not a whole lot of work for either goalkeeper, but Australia have been pinned in their own half for the majority of the opening first 45 minutes and find themselves two goals down.
The US are looking good for winning their first two fixtures at a men’s World Cup for only the second time in their history.
Isaac SeelochanToday20:47 BST
Alex Freeman heads in following a free-kick to double the USA’s lead! It was initially flagged as offside by the officials.
But after a lengthy VAR check – the goal has been given. It’s a long way back now for Australia, who have been second-best throughout the opening 45 minutes in Seattle.
Isaac SeelochanToday20:32 BST
It’s been a World Cup full of own-goals so far. Burgess’s against the US is the seventh already at this year’s tournament, and we’re not even halfway through!
Isaac SeelochanToday20:14 BST
The co-host lead inside seven minutes! Striker Folarin Balogun puts a brilliant low cross into the Aussie penalty area, and it’s turned into his own net by Cameron Burgess.
Nothing he can do but it’s a sickener and Pochettino’s side continue their momentum at this year’s World Cup with an early goal.
Isaac SeelochanToday20:03 BST
Australia get us underway in Seattle! Both teams were impressive in their opening match – can they win again to take a giant step towards the knockouts?
The US have only ever won their opening two fixtures at a World Cup once. Australia have never managed it before in their history.
Isaac SeelochanToday20:00 BST
Australia fans have been enjoying Seattle ahead of today’s game against the co-hosts. Watch the video below to find out what they had to say…
Isaac SeelochanToday19:53 BST
Striking hotel staff took their demonstration straight to the entrance of Seattle Stadium on Friday, as unionised Hilton workers picketed outside the ground just hours before the United States took on Australia in one of the most eagerly awaited fixtures of the 2026 World Cup group stage.
Watch video footage of the strike below…
Isaac SeelochanToday19:49 BST
Marcus Rashford has given England a fitness scare ahead of their World Cup clash with Ghana.
Rashford complained of muscle tightness at the end of England’s win over Croatia as he also appeared to be feeling his hamstring. The England winger came on as a late substitute and his electric pace helped him score a fourth goal to seal the win over Croatia.
Marcus Rashford of England(Image: Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
Christian Pulisic has been ruled out for the USA in their pivotal World Cup clash against Australia.
Speaking to FOX Sports before kick-off, Pochettino said: “Christian is not available. His evolution is really well, [and] today he was training in the morning in the training camp and I’ve seen the feelings are good. Let’s hope that as soon as possible he is ready to be selected again and be part of the team.
“Now, we need to focus on our team and the players that are going to play. We have ahead a very important game; Australia is going to be tough, but of course, it’s a bit sad because he wanted to stay and participate today.”
Christian Pulisic has been ruled out of the USA’s clash against Australia at the World Cup(Image: John Dorton/USSF, Getty Images)
Striking hotel workers brought their protest directly to the gates of Seattle Stadium on Friday, with unionised Hilton employees picketing outside the venue just hours before the United States faced Australia in one of the most anticipated matches of the 2026 World Cup group stage.
The strike by Unite Here Local 8, which represents approximately 7,000 hospitality workers across Washington and Oregon, began on Thursday outside the Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square, a five-minute walk from the stadium.
Workers were visible at the ground itself on match day as tens of thousands of fans arrived for the noon local kickoff. It comes after hospitality workers at SoFi Stadium threatened to stage a walkout days before the World Cup. One striker, Aspen Demare, a bartender at the hotel’s Zephyr restaurant, spoke with Mirror U.S. Sports at the front of the picket line at Seattle Stadium on Friday morning. She was direct about why she was there.
“I am paid minimum wage, and it’s because I am in a tipped position, but I do not make enough tips to equate to getting more money,” she said. “This strike started because they won’t sign our union contract.”
Sahil KurupToday19:20 BST
Team news is in with less than an hour to go until the USA take on Australia.
The headline news is that Christian Pulisic is unable to play, in a major blow for the hosts.
USA team
Australia starting line-up
England fans had sleepless nights – even after their glorious World Cup win over Croatia. Thomas Tuchel’s men have been wearing WHOOP devices throughout the tournament to monitor stress, heart rate and quality of sleep.
And WHOOP have also monitored data collected from England fans using the same technology from the match day on Wednesday to the same day the previous week. Even though England won in impressive fashion, there was a drop in sleep levels and a rise in heart rate after the rollercoaster win over Croatia.
Most interestingly, it recorded a drop in sleep levels from 78.7% to 62.5% (-16.2 percentage points / -21%) when it was monitored the following morning.
WHOOP data also says:
- High Stress: Increased from 65.7 minutes to 78.1 minutes (+12.4 minutes / +19%)
- Total Day High Stress: Increased from 104.6 minutes to 118.0 minutes (+13.4 minutes / +13%)
- Resting Heart Rate: Increased from 58.3 bpm to 58.7 bpm (+0.4 bpm)
- Recovery Score: Dropped from 60.9% to 47.8% (-13.1 percentage points / -22%)
- Sleep Performance: Dropped from 78.7% to 62.5% (-16.2 percentage points / -21%)
John CrossToday18:43 BST
Argentina have rallied round Lionel Messi in the wake of the fake news about his father’s death. The controversy has caused a national outcry in Argentina, after a TV presenter claimed Messi’s dad had passed away.
It was also reported the footballing icon would be heading home from the World Cup. Messi’s family released a strong statement, insisting Jorge Messi was OK, despite suffering health issues.
Now Lionel Scaloni’s squad have been taking extra steps to make sure Messi is coping with the unwanted scandal and distraction. Messi is the only member of the squad to have his own bedroom at the team’s base in Kansas.
So fellow team-mates have been taking it in turn to spend time with their captain and talisman. It’s understood he has even been visited by the team chef, and president of the Argentine Football Association, Claudio Tapia.
The squad held a training session this morning, in which Messi took a full part. Argentina will fly to Dallas on Sunday ahead of their second group game against Austria.
Lionel Andres Messi (Argentina) scores and celebrates his teams first goal during Group J FIFA World Cup 2026, Argentina and Algeria, Kansas Stadium, Kansas, United States on June 16 2026. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Below is a reminder of today’s matches with several high-profile fixtures. Co-host USA will look to continue their fine form after beating Paraguay 4-1 when they take on Australia in the day’s first match.
That will be followed by Scotland’s second match of the tournament, against African giants Morocco. Then, Brazil will take on Haiti before Turkey look to bounce back from their defeat to Australia when they face Paraguay.
Isaac SeelochanToday18:23 BST
A Scotland fan in Boston has hit out at FIFA – branding their treatment of fans ‘a disgrace’. The supporter was speaking ahead of his country’s match against Morocco on Friday night (11pm BST), with ticket prices across this year’s tournament widely criticised.
Isaac SeelochanToday18:14 BST
Gary Lineker is reportedly set to appear as a pundit for ITV for the World Cup over the weekend. The former Match of the Day presenter is in New York, where he is presenting daily the Rest is Football episodes for Netflix.
However, the Independent reports that he will now appear on ITV as a pundit for Saturday night’s Group E clash between Germany and Ivory Coast. The move sees him turn out for the direct rivals of the BBC, just over a year after leaving his former employers.
Gary Lineker is set to make a surprise appearance on ITV’s World Cup coverage(Image: Jason Alden/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
England have hit the bullseye with their World Cup goal anthem – because it drives darts fans crazy too. The Three Lions have picked Chase the Sun by Italian electronic outfit Planet Funk to be played in stadiums every time they score.
The tune is the anthem for TV darts which has exploded since Brit teen Luke Littler won back-to-back world championships. England fans have heard it four times already after walloping Croatia 4-2 in their opening group match.
And supporters believe it could become a secret weapon to inspire Thomas Tuchel’s team to World Cup glory.
One said: “Chase the Sun as the goal music, whoever’s idea that was give them a knighthood immediately.”
Another said: “Don’t like goal music at football on principle but Chase the Sun for England is a banging choice. Was worried it would be something very cringe like Sweet Caroline.”
Jerry LawtonToday17:45 BST
Scotland fans have been queuing for a pub to open in Boston hours before their clash with Morocco in the World Cup this evening (11pm BST).
Isaac SeelochanToday17:33 BST
Ruben Dias believes the criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo will never stop. But the Manchester City defender has told those taking pot shots at the Portugal squad, that it means nothing to him and his team-mates.
Roberto Martinez and his flops have endured a miserable World Cup start after failing to beat minnows DR Congo. To make matters worse, Ronaldo threw a strop in Houston after marching down the tunnel at the final whistle.
Dias believes everyone is to blame for the poor result – not just Ronaldo. He said: “First of all, the arrows aren’t pointing at just one player. Cristiano is a major focus of attention, but I think we’re all involved.
“Above all, apart from what I just said, I don’t think anything out of the ordinary is happening. It’s always been like this since I’ve been here. I believe it will continue to be in the future.”
Cristiano Ronaldo had a game to forget against DR Congo(Image: Leslie Plaza Johnson/Getty Images)
England supporters have reportedly been warned they risk being ejected from US stadiums should they make anti-Sir Keir Starmer chants throughout the World Cup.
Three Lions’ supporters risk being punished by FIFA as they have rules aimed at making matches apolitical events, prohibiting banners, flags, apparel, or clothing deemed offensive, discriminatory, or political.
Its stadium code of conduct also warns fans not to ‘use offensive language or gestures’.
Isaac SeelochanToday17:09 BST
An English World Cup commentator has spoken out after a member of her broadcast team was left bloodied when a bottle was hurled from the crowd during Colombia’s win over Uzbekistan. Commentator Jacqui Oatley, currently covering the World Cup for American broadcaster FOX, took to social media to describe the alarming scenes that unfolded following Colombia’s 3-1 win at Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium.
“That was an unusual one,” she wrote. “Getting drenched in beer while commentating on a goal (quite refreshing, actually) and poor Warren Barton was whacked/cut in the head by a flying bottle!.
“I heard him being hit and turned round to see blood trickling down his forehead. He’s OK. Poor cameraman wiped out/injured by tackle too.”
Warren Barton was left bleeding(Image: X.com/Jacqui Oatley)
Thomas Tuchel has told his players to win the World Cup in style – and not be afraid to go down fighting.
Tuchel delivered a powerful message to inspire his England stars to an opening victory over Croatia after ordering them to “take the shackles off.” England blitzed Croatia 4-2 in a six-goal thriller and Tuchel wants more of the same and his players to go all-out attack for the rest of the tournament.
Three Lions captain Harry Kane revealed the details of Tuchel’s half time team talk against Croatia to inspire them from conceding two goals to go in at 2-2 at the break to eventually winning 4-2. But Kane also revealed that Tuchel’s overall message was for the players to play with no fear, to not be afraid to lose and insisting England can be a match for anyone.
It is a powerful message to excite England fans who have seen them go close under former boss Gareth Southgate when the accusation was that they played too safe when they wanted more attacking football.
Kane, talking on the FA’s Lions’ Den show, said:
“What you saw in the second half, especially without the ball, to press high to not be afraid and sit back and wait for the other team to be dangerous.“I think the manager and all of us were really disappointed with the goal we conceded just before half time and I think the gaffer said we had seven men in a line and we still conceded. So it was almost like: ‘what are we doing it for?’“If we’re going to concede, let’s concede going forward, going man-for-man and if they’re playing amazing football with the players they have – which is possible – then it’s the first Group match.“I think he said: ‘if we lose, we lose, who cares?’ We know what we can do in this tournament, we back ourselves to go far in this tournament and just let the shackles off, be free and I think it had a great impact.“The first game of the tournament can be a little bit on edge but that second half showed the levels we want to reach, showed the team we want to be and you saw once we did that bit, from a physical point of view, Croatia struggled to keep up.“The manager spoke really well at half time which allowed us to relax and be ourselves into the second half.”
Thomas Tuchel and Harry Kane embrace(Image: Getty Images)
Americans could ditch calling football ‘soccer’ after realising it exposes them to ‘immediate risk of ridicule or bodily harm’ at the World Cup. US sports fans routinely call NFL action ‘football’ and the traditional round ball-kicking game played by 300 million around the world ‘soccer’.
But that could be about to change after Americans found fans of the 47 other nations that have jetted in for the World Cup all call it ‘football’. According to US-based Brit TV appreciation website KERA Tellyspotting Americans should consider falling in line – even though they insist ‘soccer’ is right and the rest of the planet is wrong.
Writer Bill Young said: “As Americans we are learning that interchanging the two words of ‘soccer’ and ‘football’ anywhere outside the United States is just a bit more dangerous than pronouncing the word ‘tomato’ or ‘potato’ differently.
“Using the word ‘soccer’ to reference ‘football’ outside the USA can put you at immediate risk of ridicule or bodily harm. I’m trying to understand this, especially as we continue the month-long World Cup marathon.”
Bill pointed out the word ‘soccer’ originated in England which invented the game in 1863. But he said the US ‘didn’t just pull the word out of the air’ so it could call grid-iron ‘football’.
Jerry LawtonToday16:51 BST
England boss Thomas Tuchel knocked Croatia out of the park and then threw the first pitch at a baseball game. He completed a ‘ceremonial throw’ before the Kansas City Royals game at the city’s Kauffman Stadium.
It came just over 24 hours after England beat Croatia 4-2 in Dallas. He was joined by captain Harry Kane and defenders Dan Burn and Djed Spence.
Kane posted on social media about the trip. “Great recovery day with the boys at the baseball,” he wrote.
“Would love to give batting a go one day! Thanks for having us @Royals.”
The Bayern Munich forward played the whole match against Croatia and did not take part in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Sporting KC which was for squad members who needed game time. England recorded a comprehensive 5-1 victory over the Major League Soccer side in the practice match on Thursday.
(Image: The FA via Getty Images)
Today16:42 BST
Canada star Ismael Kone has vowed to ‘be back very soon’ as he spoke for the first time since he picked up a horror injury during his team’s win over Qatar. Kone suffered a broken leg during his side’s 6-0 victory following a challenge from Assim Madibo.
Taking to Instagram on Friday afternoon, the 24-year-old thanked his team-mates for their support and promised to return in order to make more memories.
He said: “ALLAH has never failed me. Throughout my life, not even once. So why doubt him now? Especially knowing that. He knows and sees everything before it even happened. He has a plan and a vision for all of us.
“This battle is test to my faith in him and to my character. And honestly I’m ready for it because, ALLAH will never give you a challenge that you can’t overcome and being tested is the best of gift from god.
“Your love and support has been felt, honestly thank you so much. You can’t even imagine, how grateful I am to everyone who reached out and that has me in their prayers. I thank god for that because not everyone is this fortunate.
“To Canadian brothers, as I turned myself into assistant coach to support you from the sideline. I wanted you to know that I love you guys from the bottom of my heart and our brotherhood is everything to me. What you guys did yesterday will stay with me forever. I’ll be back very soon and we’ll keep making more memories together.”
Isaac SeelochanToday16:31 BST
Houston has topped a World Cup table it never wanted to. The one relating to the least eco-friendly host cities at the tournament.
A survey from environmental specialists ‘Action Survey’ has made Houston the worst out of the chosen 16. This is down to the fact it suffers serious problems with extreme heat, air pollution issues and flooding.
The other four cities making up to the top five list of shame are Miami, Dallas, Guadalupe and Kansas City. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, take note.
Or perhaps not, considering Infantino has been flying around North America on a fuel-guzzling private jet, so he can watch two games a day.
Mexico fans celebrate the team’s win in the Houston heat(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
France World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry was overcome with emotion during a live radio interview as he paid tribute to the late Brest manager Eric Roy. The 58-year-old passed away following a three-and-a-half-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Speaking live on French radio show RMC when Roy’s death was announced, Dugarry could not hold back his tears. The pair were former teammates at Marseille.
He said: “It’s sad because he was my friend… It makes me very sad. I’m going to miss him.”
Isaac SeelochanToday16:13 BST
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis will attend Belgium’s clash with Iran to cast an eye over Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne. Both are facing uncertain futures in Naples.
Lukaku has expressed a desire to stay with the Italian club despite playing only 64 minutes last season due to injury. He was also caught up in disciplinary proceedings after allegedly ignoring a request to report for training in late March.
Meanwhile, De Bruyne recently declared he was pleased to see the back of Antonio Conte because his football was too defensive. Speaking during a recent press conference, De Laurentiis hit out at both players, stating: “They have made statements that are either acceptable or unacceptable depending on your point of view.
“We’ll see what happens when we all get back to work. We’ll see what the new coach thinks of it. If someone has to leave, they will leave. What’s the problem? There are plenty of footballers in the world.”
Lukaku is unlikely to start despite forcing an own goal from the bench against Egypt.
Romelu Lukaku and Belgium take on Iran in Group G