Belgium are on the brink of a second consecutive World Cup group-stage exit after uninspiring draws against Egypt and Iran left their ageing golden generation needing a result against New Zealand.
The Red Devils must now avoid defeat against the All Whites to keep their tournament hopes alive and extend the international careers of their most celebrated veterans.
Off-pitch distractions have compounded their on-pitch struggles, following Jeremy Doku’s decision to temporarily leave the camp for the birth of his child.
Fading stars face final curtain
Elimination at this early hurdle would represent a terminal blow for a highly decorated but ultimately unfulfilled crop of players.
Stalwarts such as Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Thomas Meunier and Axel Witsel are almost certainly playing in their final global tournament.
The Manchester City playmaker had already candidly warned before the 2022 edition that his squad was simply too old to claim football’s biggest prize.
Despite enjoying a prolonged spell at the summit of the world rankings between 2018 and 2022, the European nation has secured just one tournament victory since 1994, aside from their historic run to third place in Russia.
Defensive crisis deepens
The current campaign has been severely marred by a lack of defensive depth, standing in stark contrast to the tactical solidity of their peak years.
Managerial options at the back are now further depleted following Nathan Ngoy’s red card during the recent stalemate with Iran.
This glaring imbalance highlights the perennial struggle of smaller nations attempting to produce elite talent across every position simultaneously.
While emerging goalkeepers Senne Lammens and Mike Penders offer a brief glimpse of future promise, the immediate reality remains bleak for a nation desperately clinging to its fading world-class talents.
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn says he has never been more confident that Anthony Joshua will defeat British rival Tyson Fury when the two heavyweights finally meet in their anticipated November bout.
The blockbuster clash has been signed and is earmarked for later this year.
A finalised date and location are yet to be formally confirmed.
The two-time world champion is currently preparing for a warm-up contest against Kristian Prenga on 25 July.
To ensure he is in peak condition, the Watford-born boxer has notably been training alongside former opponent Oleksandr Usyk.
Training camp boosts confidence
This unexpected alliance with the Ukrainian unified champion has left his promoter supremely optimistic about the upcoming all-British showdown.
“Fury’s a tremendous fighter, very clever. I’ve just always felt that AJ beats Tyson Fury.”
“And now, with his training camp with Usyk and the way he just seems and how focused he is, I just think that I’ve never been more confident that he wins the fight.”
“But it’s not going to be easy because Fury’s a great competitor and a great fighter.”
Warm-up bouts carry significant risk
The self-styled ‘Gypsy King’ has also indicated his desire to take a tune-up fight before facing his compatriot.
However, the Morecambe-based heavyweight is yet to announce an opponent or finalise a date for his own interim appearance.
Hearn previously acknowledged that a shock defeat for either man in these preparatory contests would ruin the long-awaited super-fight.
There also appear to be lingering financial hurdles regarding the northern fighter’s interim bout.
Financial frustrations remain
“Unfortunately, Tyson Fury’s used to earning a lot of money and perhaps the purse that has been suggested is not one that he’s very happy about.”
“But really, no one really wants the fight for him, so you’ve got to kind of decide the money is what it is.”
“Do you want to do it or do you not want to do it now? He wants to be in training camp, he wants to be active, and I understand all that, but it’s not really our business.”
For now, the Matchroom Boxing camp remains entirely focused on navigating their July assignment unscathed.
Serena Williams has accepted a wild card to play singles at Wimbledon, marking her first Grand Slam singles appearance in nearly four years at the age of 44.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion stepped away from professional tennis in 2022 to focus on life outside of the sport.
However, speculation regarding a return intensified late last year when the American re-entered the stringent anti-doping testing pool.
Following recent doubles appearances on grass, the former world number one will now chance her arm in the main singles draw at the All England Club.
Surprising singles entry
Her singles entry comes as a slight shock, given she has only played two competitive doubles matches in the build-up to the prestigious tournament.
An opening doubles victory at Queen’s Club was cut short by partner Victoria Mboko’s injury, followed by a first-round defeat alongside Karolina Muchova in Berlin.
Despite the limited preparation, Olympic gold medallist Monica Puig admitted the return is a thrilling prospect for the sport.
“I just didn’t think she was going to come back that soon after hearing that interview, but I just think it’s really exciting.”
Monica Puig
A champion’s pedigree
Alongside her unexpected singles bid, the seven-time Wimbledon winner will also partner her sister Venus in the doubles competition.
The legendary sibling duo will enter the doubles tournament with a combined age of 90.
Puig emphasised that the returning star will not offer any opponents an easy passage through the draw despite her lengthy absence.
“She’s a great competitor so you know what to expect when you face her on court.”
Monica Puig
Entering a major tournament without playing a competitive singles match in almost 48 months represents a significant physical gamble.
Nevertheless, her unmatched pedigree on the London grass ensures her comeback will capture global attention.
Noni Madueke will maintain his positive attitude for England at the World Cup even if manager Thomas Tuchel drops him for a returning Bukayo Saka.
The 24-year-old forward has started the opening two group games of the tournament to help the Three Lions secure four points.
However, the attacker struggled to make a significant impact during Tuesday’s match against Ghana and was eventually replaced by his international team-mate.
Saka nears full fitness after injury
Saka has been carefully managing an Achilles injury that troubled the latter stages of his domestic campaign.
The returning winger is now nearing full match sharpness and could soon reclaim his starting position on the right flank.
Despite competing for the same role for both club and country, the pair remain close friends away from the pitch.
Mental resilience crucial for tournament football
Backroom staff have reportedly highlighted the young forward’s impressive psychological resilience during the camp.
He is said to possess a ‘goldfish memory’, allowing him to immediately shrug off on-pitch mistakes and continue threatening defenders.
Former national youth coach Ian Foster insists that any changes to the starting line-up will not negatively affect the squad dynamic.
“His attitude and behaviours will not change if he starts or finishes or isn’t involved.”
Ian Foster
Foster praised the player’s bravery in tactical meetings and his positive influence on colleagues during long tournament stays.
Tuchel monitors squad rotation
England manager Tuchel confirmed after the Ghana match that his returning star is building vital match fitness.
“He seems to be more and more ready, and will hopefully push, and then we will see what is coming.”
Thomas Tuchel
The head coach acknowledged the need for further training sessions to ensure readiness for the upcoming fixture against Panama.
“Today he got some minutes under his belt. Hopefully there is no reaction and he is good to go.”
Thomas Tuchel
The German tactician also praised the current occupant of the right wing for his tireless efforts during a difficult group stage.
The parents of former NFL running back Doug Martin have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Oakland, alleging excessive police force and delayed medical care caused his death last year.
The 36-year-old was experiencing a mental health crisis last October when responding officers allegedly pinned him face down on the ground.
The lawsuit alleges this physical restraint was a “substantial factor” in causing his death.
The federal complaint also accuses ambulance provider Falck USA of taking more than 15 minutes to respond and failing to provide prompt treatment upon arrival.
Police cite break-in and struggle
Authorities previously stated the ex-pro athlete became unresponsive following a brief physical altercation while they attempted to detain him for an alleged break-in.
Responding officers reportedly believed the two-time Pro Bowler was either resting or pretending to be asleep when they moved him onto his side. Medical assistance was only requested when the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star remained completely unresponsive.
The Oakland Police Department has declined to comment on the pending litigation, confirming only that their investigation into the incident remains active.
The Alameda County Coroner’s Office is still awaiting final autopsy results after the grieving family requested additional independent testing.
A celebrated career curtailed
Selected 31st overall in the 2012 NFL Draft, the former Boise State standout made an immediate impact during his rookie season.
He rushed for 1,454 yards and scored 11 touchdowns during his debut campaign.
The California native achieved first-team All-Pro honours in 2015 and was recently named among the top 50 players in Buccaneers franchise history.
Christian Pulisic has been named among the substitutes for the United States’ group-stage finale against Turkiye in Inglewood as he continues his recovery from a calf injury.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino has made nine changes to the side that secured top spot in Group D with a victory over Australia last Friday.
Brenden Aaronson occupies the left-wing position usually held by the AC Milan forward, while Matt Turner replaces Matthew Freese in goal.
Weston McKennie and Ricardo Pepi are the only two players to retain their starting roles following the recent 2-0 triumph.
Injury struggles and recovery
The former Chelsea attacker has been managing a left calf issue since sustaining a knock in early June.
He attempted to play through the discomfort against Paraguay but was withdrawn at half-time after suffering another impact in the same area.
That setback forced the 25-year-old to miss the subsequent win over the Australians, though he returned to full training earlier this week.
“I’m feeling good. I joined the team the last couple days and yeah, I’m hoping to play a part for sure.”
Christian Pulisic
However, the American captain conceded to reporters that he is currently unlikely to be ready to complete a full 90 minutes.
Suspension risks force tactical shuffle
Pochettino opted to protect several key figures who were sitting on yellow cards and risked suspension for the knockout stages.
Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson were all deliberately omitted from the starting XI to avoid potential bans.
Meanwhile, midfielder Cristian Roldan has been left out of the matchday squad entirely as he recovers from a muscle strain.
Despite the sweeping alterations, the US talisman remains highly confident in the depth of the national squad.
“Everyone’s going to be ready and it just shows how much more depth and what a strong team that we have.”
Christian Pulisic
Czechia striker Patrik Schick has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 30, following his nation’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup at the hands of co-hosts Mexico.
The Bayer Leverkusen forward confirmed his decision on Instagram on Thursday, just hours after a 3-0 defeat in Mexico City sealed an early exit from the tournament.
He had made a late substitute appearance in the Group A finale, but was unable to prevent his team from finishing at the bottom of their group with a solitary point.
“Today, my national team chapter is coming to an end.”
A legacy forged at Euro 2020
The former Roma and RB Leipzig attacker departs the international stage having earned 56 caps and scored 26 goals over an eight-year span.
His senior debut came against Malta in May 2016, where he marked the occasion by finding the back of the net.
The frontman’s crowning achievement arrived during the delayed Euro 2020 tournament, finishing as joint-top scorer alongside Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo with five goals.
That impressive haul included a spectacular strike from near the halfway line in a 2-0 victory over Scotland at Hampden Park, which remains one of the competition’s most iconic moments.
Frustrations on the global stage
Despite reaching the quarter-finals of that European Championship, the current generation has struggled to replicate such form at the World Cup.
The two-time Czech Footballer of the Year failed to score during this summer’s showpiece event across North America.
“I am leaving proud of what I have achieved in the national team jersey.”
“But at the same time, there is the feeling that Czech soccer has much more to offer than it has shown in recent years.”
Domestic success continues
While his international career has concluded, the prolific marksman remains a key figure at club level in Germany.
He played an integral role in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten domestic double, securing the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal titles under Xabi Alonso during the 2023-24 campaign.
Ivory Coast manager Emerse Fae says comments made by former Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger regarding his team’s playing style could be considered racist.
Schweinsteiger made the controversial remarks before Germany defeated the African nation in their 2026 World Cup Group E encounter.
Speaking on German broadcaster ARD, the pundit described the opposition as “a bit African football” and “not so conditioned by tactics”.
Disappointment from the dugout
Fae addressed the situation after guiding his squad to a historic 2-0 victory over Curacao in Philadelphia on Thursday.
That crucial result secured second place in Group E and ensured progression to the tournament’s knockout stages for the very first time.
The Ivorian coach expressed deep frustration toward a man he previously admired for his profound understanding of the game.
“It is odd he would speak that way. We could call it racist, if we were calling a spade a spade.”
He also suggested the television analyst may have been deliberately provocative to attract media attention.
Challenging tactical stereotypes
The Elephants’ boss stressed that he must work with the reality of long-standing biases surrounding African football.
He hopes the remarks were merely a clumsy statement rather than a genuine reflection of underlying prejudice.
“All I can show is that on the pitch African teams are not just physical, we are technical and tactical.”
The remarks have already sparked significant debate across the European media landscape.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp notably refused to be drawn into the escalating controversy when questioned by journalists in New York.
Historic knockout progression
Despite their narrow group-stage loss to the European heavyweights, the West African side successfully navigated their way to the last 32.
Earlier victories over Ecuador and Curacao proved enough to extend their stay at the North American tournament.
They will now travel to Arlington, Texas on 30 June for a formidable first knockout round clash against either France or Norway.