Ousmane Dembele scored a 32-minute first-half hat-trick as France secured top spot in World Cup Group I with a dominant 4-1 victory over a weakened Norway side in Boston.
Manager Didier Deschamps watched his team underline their status as tournament favourites against opponents who made wholesale changes.
Norway boss Stale Solbakken opted to leave star striker Erling Haaland on the bench, prioritising their upcoming knockout fixture with Ivory Coast.
The reigning Ballon d’Or winner took full advantage of the depleted opposition, completing the second-quickest treble in World Cup history.
Dembele chases World Cup history
Only Erich Probst’s 24-minute hat-trick for Austria in 1954 stands ahead of the rapid three-goal salvo delivered by the lightning-fast winger.
Kylian Mbappe provided the assists for two of the goals, demonstrating a lethal attacking partnership that will strike fear into future opponents.
Thelo Aasgaard briefly reduced the deficit for the Scandinavians, making it 2-1 just seconds after Les Bleus had doubled their advantage.
However, the European heavyweights instantly regained control and coasted through the remainder of the contest.
Maignan penalty save secures progression
Goalkeeper Mike Maignan ensured there would be no late drama by saving a penalty from Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Substitute Desire Doue then added a final flourish, heading home deep into second-half stoppage time to complete the rout.
The victory means the two-time world champions will face a third-placed qualifier in New Jersey next Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the heavily rotated Norwegian outfit must travel to Dallas to take on Ivory Coast in the round of 32.
Liverpool are set to finalise the appointments of Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper as assistant coaches this weekend to support new manager Andoni Iraola at Anfield.
The coaching duo have agreed to terminate their contracts with Bournemouth in order to reunite with the recently appointed Spanish tactician on Merseyside.
The Cherries had initially hoped the pair would remain at the Vitality Stadium to work under incoming head coach Marco Rose next season.
However, boyhood Reds supporter Elphick rejected the opportunity to stay in Dorset and recently turned down the head coach position at Bristol City to follow his former boss.
A fresh start following Slot’s dismissal
These latest backroom arrivals follow a turbulent period for the six-time European champions.
Former Dutch manager Arne Slot was dismissed following a dismal second year in charge, which saw the previous Premier League winners plummet to a fifth-place finish.
That steep domestic decline occurred despite a massive summer investment of more than £400m on new playing talent.
The club hierarchy moved swiftly to secure the 41-year-old manager after his impressive three-year tenure on the south coast culminated in unexpected European qualification.
Embracing the Anfield challenge
The incoming head coach will also reunite with Hungarian defender Milos Kerkez, who made the switch from Bournemouth to the North West 12 months ago.
Stepping into an elite environment for the first time in his managerial career, the newly installed commander expressed his immense pride upon taking the reins.
“Really excited because obviously you know about Liverpool, you know that it’s a big club, a massive club, one of the biggest in the world.”
The new boss detailed his immediate connection to the club’s prestigious history during his official unveiling.
“Feeling inside and understanding a little bit more of this club, I always thought it’s a special club.”
“The atmosphere, the supporters, the chance for me to coach top-level players and the chance to fight for titles, I think it cannot be more attractive than this.”
Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye produced two moments of tremendous quality off the bench to score an impressive double, helping his nation thrash Iraq 5-0 and reach the last 32 of the tournament.
The dynamic midfielder was introduced as a second-half substitute and immediately transformed the Group I encounter with his lethal finishing.
His first strike showcased exceptional technique, leaving the opposing defence completely helpless.
Moments later, the 25-year-old struck again with a venomous effort to cap off a commanding five-goal victory.
Senegal march confidently into the knockout stages
This emphatic result ensures the West African side will progress into the last 32 of the competition with significant momentum.
Their opponents struggled to cope with the sheer pace and physical dominance displayed throughout the match.
Securing a clean sheet alongside five well-taken goals will undoubtedly delight the coaching staff as they look ahead to tougher challenges.
Impact substitutes prove crucial for progression
Introducing such game-changing talent from the sidelines highlights the formidable depth present within this current squad.
The standout performer’s venomous strikes served as a stark warning to future opponents in the knockout rounds.
Attention now turns to the upcoming last-32 fixture, where the team will hope to replicate this ruthless attacking display.
FIFA has invited Russia to compete in an inaugural under-15 tournament in Azerbaijan this October, signalling a potential end to the nation’s four-year ban from international football.
The European country has been excluded from all senior, youth, and women’s competitive fixtures since the widespread suspension was imposed.
This exile resulted in the national teams missing both the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the upcoming 2026 edition, alongside the 2024 European Championships.
However, global governing body president Gianni Infantino has repeatedly argued that isolating the banned nation has ultimately proved counterproductive.
Focus shifts to youth development
The avenue for this controversial return will be a newly established boys’ festival scheduled to run from 22 to 31 October.
Both the previously suspended state and neighbouring Belarus are expected to feature in the youth competition.
“We have to, because this ban has not achieved anything, it has just created more frustration and hatred.”
Gianni Infantino
The Swiss-Italian administrator suggested earlier this year that allowing children from the region to play matches across Europe would be a positive diplomatic step.
A unified global approach
Official documentation confirms that all 211 member associations have been asked to participate in the autumn event.
“The first edition will be open to boys’ teams from all FIFA member associations; the second installment in 2027 will feature girls’ teams only.”
FIFA Official Statement
The organisation’s leadership is also attempting to use the October gathering to foster relations elsewhere in the world.
It has been publicly proposed that youth squads representing Israel and Palestine should meet in a symbolic opening fixture to promote unity.
It remains entirely unclear whether this junior-level reintegration will eventually lead to the reinstatement of the senior squads in major tournaments.
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly willing to meet the £325,000-per-week wage demands of Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford to secure his signature this summer.
The North London club are currently undergoing a significant recruitment drive under manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Spurs have already secured the signings of Martin Dubravka, Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, and Andy Robertson as they prepare for a renewed European push.
Financial factors drive Old Trafford exit
The 28-year-old England international is not expected to remain in Manchester next season.
A clause in the attacker’s contract reportedly increases his weekly wage to £325,000 from July.
This contractual uplift has prompted United to seriously consider offloading the significant financial burden.
Any potential deal will heavily depend on the transfer fee demanded by the Red Devils.
Selling to a direct domestic rival usually limits the prospect of a discounted fee, but the urgency to clear their wage bill may provide room for negotiation.
Catalan revival catches Spurs’ attention
The lightning-fast striker recently returned from a highly successful loan spell with Barcelona.
He registered 14 goals and 14 assists across all competitions, helping the Catalan giants secure the La Liga title.
This impressive form allowed the versatile forward to reclaim his place in the England squad for the World Cup.
His temporary departure to Spain followed a widely reported falling out with former United boss Erik ten Hag.
Prior to his successful stint in La Liga, the forward briefly spent time on loan at Aston Villa.
Despite those turbulent periods, his recent resurgence suggests the former academy graduate still has plenty to offer at the highest level.
His undeniable quality was previously highlighted by football reporter Mike McGrath.
On the current form, with Rashford being as good as he is and one of the best players in the world, we can win the Europa League.
Former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has placed Argentina captain Lionel Messi at the top of his 2026 World Cup player power rankings during his punditry duties for Fox Sports.
The outspoken analyst is working for the North American broadcaster throughout the tournament hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
As part of his ongoing coverage, the former Paris St-Germain forward updates a regular segment titled ‘King of the Jungle’.
While Ibrahimovic facetiously reserves the permanent number one spot for himself, Messi comfortably leads the list of active players.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has enjoyed a stellar start to the campaign, scoring a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening fixture before adding a brace against Austria.
Mbappe and Haaland lead the chasing pack
Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland occupy second and third place respectively in the pundit’s latest standings.
Both elite forwards are currently challenging Messi for the Golden Boot, having each registered four goals for France and Norway.
Brazil winger Vinicius Junior sits in fourth position after matching that impressive four-goal tally.
The Real Madrid attacker has found the net in all three group matches for his country while also providing a crucial assist.
Yamal, Kane and Ronaldo make the cut
Spain teenager Lamine Yamal takes fifth spot following a vital goal and match-winning performance against Saudi Arabia.
The Barcelona prodigy sits just ahead of England captain Harry Kane, who has scored twice so far in the tournament.
Michael Olise represents the second French player on the list in seventh, having already contributed three assists for Les Bleus.
Meanwhile, Portugal veteran Cristiano Ronaldo has moved into eighth position following a two-goal cameo during a heavy victory over Uzbekistan.
After Ronaldo confidently claimed he was back to his best following those latest goals, his former Serie A rival offered a typically wry response.
“I thought he never left.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada has revealed that Ruben Amorim was sacked as manager because of an unwavering refusal to adapt his tactical approach.
The Portuguese coach was dismissed in January after a 14-month tenure defined by a stubborn commitment to the 3-4-3 system that previously brought him success at Sporting Lisbon.
Despite a massive summer investment bringing more than £200m of attacking talent to Old Trafford, the 41-year-old struggled to replicate his earlier managerial achievements.
Lack of adaptability
Speaking at the Financial Times Weekend Festival in New York, Berrada explained that the former Sporting boss failed due to a lack of flexibility rather than a deficit in tactical knowledge or ability.
“The coach came in mid-season with no pre-season to prepare, and under constant scrutiny, he held onto his ideas too tightly at exactly the point when adapting mattered most.”
The club hierarchy had originally paid a £10m compensation fee to hire the highly-rated tactician following the departure of Erik ten Hag in October 2024.
Historically poor results
A disastrous domestic campaign eventually culminated in the Red Devils recording their worst ever Premier League finish by ending the season in 15th place.
This dismal league form was compounded by a devastating defeat in the Europa League final and a dire run of five losses in six games during a turbulent December.
Following a frustrating 1-1 draw against Leeds United, the beleaguered manager publicly criticised his own level of authority before ultimately losing his job.
During his fraught spell, the increasingly embattled coach even generated sensational headlines by openly declaring he was leading the worst United team in history.
Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky has confirmed his intention to remain in north London and fight for the starting spot amid ongoing negotiations over a new long-term contract.
The 23-year-old recently withdrew from the Czech Republic’s World Cup squad to undergo a minor medical procedure.
This proactive decision ensures the promising shot-stopper will be fully fit for the start of the new Premier League campaign.
His commitment follows a dramatic end to the previous season, where Roberto De Zerbi’s side narrowly secured top-flight survival on the final day against Everton.
Stepping out of the shadows
Spurs’ current first-choice keeper, Guglielmo Vicario, is widely expected to depart the club this summer.
The Italian missed the final seven matches of the campaign following hernia surgery, providing an unexpected opportunity for his understudy.
It represents a significant turnaround in fortunes for the young Czech international.
He was previously substituted just 17 minutes into his Champions League debut against Atletico Madrid in March.
Preparing for a preseason battle
“It’s a challenge; I’ll be fighting for a spot during preseason. Negotiations are underway with the club about what the future might hold. I’m interested in staying and fighting for my place because the English league is great,” Kinsky told Czech outlet Olympijsky Tym.
Competition for the starting role is set to intensify over the coming weeks.
Veteran goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is scheduled to arrive on a free transfer in July following the expiration of his Burnley contract.
The north London outfit also maintain a longstanding interest in Manchester City prospect James Trafford.
Self-belief driving ambition
Despite the impending arrivals, the Tottenham hierarchy appear willing to offer their current prospect a genuine opportunity to claim the primary role.
“Whether I’ll be the starter or the backup is something the coach will decide. In my mind, I’ve always been the No1, even when I was on the bench. I’ll take the same approach now, and I believe it’ll work out.”