Soccer Wiretap

Harry Kane missed a golden chance in the 86th minute as England's World Cup campaign hit a snag with a 0-0 draw against Ghana on Tuesday at Gillette Stadium.

England dominated possession at 79 percent, the highest by any team to fail scoring in a World Cup match over the past 60 years, and outshot Ghana 19-1. England finished with a 1.28-to-0.29 edge in expected goals, though Kane's missed opportunity carried an xG of 0.33 on its own.

The chance arrived after Nico O'Reilly's header bounced off the crossbar, falling invitingly for Kane. England's all-time leading scorer, who had netted twice in the opening win over Croatia, blasted the rebound well over the bar and immediately put his head in his hands.

"You go through games like that," said Kane. "I was waiting for an opportunity like that to fall my way and it was a game as a striker where you are just waiting for the ball to bounce. It did and I just couldn't quite get over the ball.

"Yeah, I'd back myself to score that more often than not, but it is what it is and I've been a striker long enough to know they don't always go in, so I have to accept it."

Ghana's best chance came in the 78th minute when Abdul Fatawu beat England's Eberechi Eze down the sideline and fed Prince Adu, who was challenged by Ezri Konsa before getting off a shot.

"Look, we wanted the win but we take the point and we're still in a great position in the group," Kane added.

The result leaves Ghana with four points and in strong position to reach the knockout stage for the first time since 2010. England, who remain unbeaten against African opposition at the World Cup across nine meetings, are also well-positioned to advance.

England face Panama in their final group match Saturday, while Ghana take on Croatia at the same time.

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player in history to score in six different World Cups, finding the net twice as Portugal routed Uzbekistan 5-0 on Tuesday in Group K.

Ronaldo opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a near-post finish, ending a goalless run that had stretched back to November 2022. Nuno Mendes converted shortly after when Ronaldo opted to set up a free kick rather than take it himself. Ronaldo then raced onto a through ball to make it 3-0 before halftime. Portugal dominated throughout, finishing with a commanding 2.43-to-0.25 edge in xG (expected goals).

A deflected effort off Abdukodir Khusanov and Abduvohid Nematov extended the lead to four in the second half, before Rafael Leao completed the rout late on. Ronaldo pushed for a hat trick but was denied by a save from goalkeeper Nematov.

The result followed heavy criticism of Ronaldo and coach Roberto Martinez after Portugal's 1-1 draw with Congo DR. Ronaldo, 41, was named man of the match.

"God helps those who work hard. I knew my teammates would help out too," said Ronaldo. "It was a difficult week, a dark week. It felt like I'd retired from soccer. But I hung in there, as I always do, because I believe in hard work more than anything else."

"We've improved; that's just how life is," Ronaldo continued. "We face setbacks during games and in life, but the main goal is always to improve. And that's what we did."

The performance made Ronaldo the second-oldest scorer in World Cup history at 41 years and 138 days, behind only Cameroon's Roger Milla. He and Argentina's Lionel Messi remain the only players to appear in six World Cups, though Ronaldo has now scored in every edition he has played, while Messi went without a goal in 2010. Messi leads the all-time World Cup scoring chart with 18 goals to Ronaldo's 10.

Portugal improved to four points in Group K ahead of their finale against Colombia in Miami on Saturday.

Fulham are finalizing an agreement to appoint Alvaro Arbeloa as head coach on a three-year contract, according to club sources. The west London side have been without a permanent manager since Marco Silva's departure earlier this month.

The 43-year-old most recently served at Real Madrid, where he spent four months in charge before leaving at the end of the season. Arbeloa took charge at Madrid in January after Xabi Alonso's exit, with the club trailing Barcelona by four points in La Liga. The gap had grown to eight points by season's end.

Despite the difficult league campaign, Arbeloa guided Madrid past Benfica and Manchester City in the Champions League, before falling to Bayern Munich at the quarter-final stage. He also suffered a Copa del Rey loss at the last-16 stage to second-division club Albacete.

Fulham vice chairman Tony Khan stated last week that two leading candidates remained under consideration. Talks with Arbeloa have covered backroom staff composition and first-team squad planning, per club sources.

The Athletic reported on June 10 that Fulham had opened discussions with Arbeloa over a move to Craven Cottage. Silva, who departed the club following five years in the role, has since been confirmed as the new head coach at Benfica, replacing Jose Mourinho, who has taken charge at Madrid.

Fulham finished 11th in the Premier League for a second consecutive season in 2025-26. Silva was appointed in 2021 and delivered the Championship title in his debut campaign before stabilizing the club in the top flight.

If the agreement is finalized, Arbeloa will face his Madrid predecessor Alonso on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, when Fulham host Chelsea on August 24.

Algeria came from behind to defeat Jordan 2-1 on Monday in Santa Clara, scoring twice from corner kicks in the second half to keep their World Cup knockout hopes alive.

Nizar Al Rashdan put Jordan ahead in the 35th minute, finding the bottom corner after a pullback deflected off a defender's heel and past goalkeeper Luca Zidane. Algeria controlled possession for much of the first half but could not convert several chances, including efforts from Riyad Mahrez and Amine Gouiri. Algeria finished with a 1.89-to-0.63 edge in xG (expected goals).

Substitute Nadhir Benobuali equalized in the 68th minute, heading home a corner delivered by Mahrez. Gouiri then scored the winner from close range after another header from a corner, with the goal confirmed onside by VAR review.

Mahrez, restored to Algeria's starting lineup, had a shot smothered by goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila earlier in the match. Ibrahim Maza provided a consistent attacking threat for Algeria throughout the second half, while Jordan's Noor Al Rawabdeh fired wide on a counterattack.

The result eliminated Jordan, playing in their World Cup debut, from contention in the round of 32. Algeria will face Austria in their final group match to determine who finishes second in Group J behind Argentina.

Erling Haaland scored two more goals Monday as Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, securing a spot in the World Cup knockout round.

Haaland's brace pushed his tournament total to four goals, making him only the second player in 50 years to score twice in each of his first two World Cup matches, joining Harry Kane from 2018. Norway finished with a 2.10-to-1.70 edge in xG (expected goals).

Marcus Pedersen gave Norway the lead in the 43rd minute on his World Cup debut, capitalizing on errors from Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Haaland then struck twice in quick succession, first finishing a counterattack set up by Martin Odegaard in the 48th minute, then volleying in a Patrick Berg pass in the 58th.

Ismaila Sarr scored twice for Senegal, including a stoppage-time goal, making the finish tense without completing a comeback. Mendy departed in the 63rd minute due to injury.

Haaland has now scored in 12 consecutive international appearances, totaling 24 goals over that stretch and 53 in 58 caps for Norway. He sits one goal behind tournament leader Messi and level with Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.

Norway, appearing in the World Cup for the first time since 1998, improved to 2-0 and joins France in clinching advancement from Group I. A win over France on Friday would secure Norway first place in the group.

Senegal fell to 0-2 and must defeat Iraq in their final match to retain any hope of advancing as a third-place finisher.

Kylian Mbappe scored twice Monday as France defeated Iraq 3-0 in a match delayed more than two hours by lightning near Philadelphia, with the France star netting once before and once after the stoppage.

France dominated statistically, finishing with a 2.38-to-0.60 edge in xG (expected goals). The delay, the first of the tournament, stemmed from a FIFA rule requiring a 30-minute pause and stadium evacuation whenever lightning strikes within eight miles, with each new strike resetting the clock.

Mbappe's brace lifted his World Cup tournament total to four goals and his career total to 16, matching Germany's Miroslav Klose and moving past Brazil's Ronaldo, who has 15. The performance marked Mbappe's record sixth multi-goal World Cup match and came during his 100th international appearance for France.

Lionel Messi, who became the all-time World Cup scoring leader earlier Monday with a brace against Austria, remains ahead of Mbappe at 18 career goals. Mbappe, 11 years younger than the Argentine captain, continues closing the gap.

Ousmane Dembele set up Mbappe's second goal after Iraq defender Zaid Tahseen misplayed a pass, with Mbappe tapping home from close range. Dembele then scored his own first career World Cup goal to complete the rout. Mbappe's first goal came on a left-footed strike from the edge of the box, beating goalkeeper Ahmed Basil, who made his tournament debut after Iraq conceded four goals in the opener against Norway.

Iraq forward Aymen Hussein, who scored in that opener, exited Monday's match early with an apparent injury and was replaced by Ali Al-Hamadi.

France improved to six points from two games and has secured a spot in the knockout rounds. Their group-stage finale against Norway will likely determine the group winner.

Argentina striker Julian Alvarez has publicly confirmed he wants to leave Atletico Madrid, making the admission following his country's 2-0 victory over Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday.

"I can't hide it," said Alvarez. "I try to be an honest person. I spoke with Atletico de Madrid, and I think a transfer is the best option. I want to fulfill my dream."

Barcelona remain the frontrunner to acquire Alvarez. The Catalan club are preparing a revised formal offer in the region of €100 million ($116 million) after initial talks with Atletico last month. Alvarez is Barcelona's top transfer priority this summer.

Real Madrid submitted a €150 million ($171.4 million) bid for Alvarez earlier this month, which Atletico rejected. Club sources said at the time they did not view the offer as genuine. Madrid are not expected to return with an improved proposal.

Alvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City for a fee of up to €95 million in 2024, signing a six-year contract through 2030. He has scored 49 goals across 106 appearances for the Spanish club, including 20 in 2025-26.

Barcelona's pursuit intensified following the departure of Robert Lewandowski on a free transfer. Head coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco have tracked Alvarez for the past year. Atletico sources indicate the club is resistant to a major sale unless presented with an exceptional offer.

Alvarez has entered each of Argentina's first two World Cup fixtures as a substitute. The reigning champions face Jordan on June 28 in their final group-stage match.

RB Leipzig have appointed Martin Demichelis as head coach on a two-year contract through 2028, the German club announced. The 45-year-old Argentine joins from Spanish side Mallorca, where he had served as manager since February 2026.

Demichelis replaces Ole Werner, who departed Leipzig last week after guiding the club from seventh place in the Bundesliga to fourth and a return to the Champions League in a single season. That turnaround came despite the summer sales of Xavi Simons, Benjamin Sesko and Lois Openda.

As a player, Demichelis represented Manchester City, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich, among others. He has managed Monterrey, River Plate and Bayern Munich's reserve side before taking charge at Mallorca.

Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schaefer said he believes Demichelis' broad background suits the club's ambitions.

"Martin Demichelis brings experience of working at the highest level as both a player and manager in Europe, South America and North America," said Schaefer. "That international perspective is an excellent fit for RB Leipzig and our global outlook."

Demichelis said the club's direction drew him to the role.

"I was won over by discussions with the club and its sporting vision," said Demichelis. "RB Leipzig are an ambitious club with a clear identity, outstanding talent and a determination to keep improving at the highest level. That is exactly the kind of challenge I was looking for."

The appointment carries notable risk. Demichelis has no prior coaching experience in the Bundesliga or European competition, and Werner's exit drew scrutiny given the strong individual development of players including Christoph Baumgartner, Antonio Nusa and Yan Diomande. Diomande has attracted two reported offers from Liverpool.

Lionel Messi became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history Monday, reaching 18 goals with a brace in Argentina's 2-0 Group J victory over Austria that secured the defending champion's place in the knockout round.

Messi missed an early penalty before curling home a strike off a cutback in the 38th minute, then added a late second in the closing seconds of stoppage time. Argentina dominated statistically, finishing with a 2.62-to-0.50 edge in xG (expected goals) in the win.

The double moved Messi past Germany's Miroslav Klose, whose record of 17 had stood since the 2014 World Cup. Messi had tied the mark with a hat trick in Argentina's opening match against Algeria on June 16. His 18 goals also surpass women's World Cup all-time leader Marta, who has scored 17.

"It's an honor being up there for what it means, being alongside Klose and Ronaldo, who is there also. But it doesn't mean anything," said Messi following the Algeria match. "Mbappe is there, too, he scored twice. At the end of the day, they are stats and nothing more."

Messi, who turns 39 on Wednesday, has now scored in six consecutive World Cup matches since 2022 and has netted all five of Argentina's goals so far in this tournament. He has reached 121 career international goals, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo's 143.

Messi first scored at a World Cup in 2006 against Serbia and Montenegro at age 18. He remains the only player to appear in six different editions of a men's World Cup.

Argentina extended its winning streak at the tournament to eight matches and has clinched a spot in the round of 32, topping Group J with six points. The team closes group play against Jordan back in Texas.

Mohamed Salah scored the go-ahead goal as Egypt defeated New Zealand 3-1 on Sunday, securing the program's first-ever World Cup victory in front of a sellout crowd at BC Place Vancouver.

Finn Surman put New Zealand ahead in the 15th minute with a header off a corner from Tim Payne. Mostafa Zico equalized for Egypt in the 58th minute, finding space for a header that goalkeeper Max Crocombe could not keep out. Egypt finished with a 1.87-to-1.24 edge in expected goals.

Salah converted a back-heel pass from Zico in the 67th minute for his 68th international goal, celebrating with a fist pump before being mobbed by teammates. The strike leaves him one goal short of tying coach Hossam Hassan for Egypt's all-time scoring record. Trezeguet added a diving header in the 82nd minute to complete the scoring.

Salah received a standing ovation when substituted in the 85th minute. Egypt also lost midfielder Hamdy Fathy to an apparent injury late in the first half, with Ramy Rabia entering as his replacement.

The result moved Egypt to the top of Group G, though qualification for the knockout round remains undecided. Egypt face Iran on Friday in Seattle, needing at least a draw to advance.

Egypt are competing in their fourth World Cup, returning after missing the 2022 tournament in Qatar. New Zealand, appearing for just the second time after a winless run of draws in 2010, return to Vancouver on Friday to face Belgium.