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July 2026
The Namibian
Carlo AncelottisaidBrazil's disappointing tournament is 'the start of a new cycle'
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“"Obviously everyone is deeply disappointed, considering what happened. I don't think we have had a spectacular World Cup but we had a good one. I think we even deserved to win the game today," Ancelotti said after the 2-1 loss at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.”
Carlo Ancelottisaiddefenders know how to play against Haaland from facing him multiple times.
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“"Everyone knows how he works," Ancelotti said of Haaland. "I have nothing to explain to my defenders how to play against him. They've obviously played against him several times."”
Carlo Ancelotti's sidehavedoubts as to whether they are genuine World Cup contenders
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“There are doubts as to whether Carlo Ancelotti's side are genuine contenders to win this tournament but boosted by finishing top of the group they head to Texas for a last-32 tie in Houston on June 29.”
Carlo Ancelottiwas unable to provide an update onRaphinha's injury
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“Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti was unable to provide an update on Raphinha's injury afterwards, instead preferring to praise his team's "complete" performance.”
Spain won the 48-team World Cup, beating Argentina 1-0 in extra time at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday with a goal from Ferran Torres in the 106th minute. Spain's defensive strength—conceding only once in the tournament—and captain Rodri's play earned him player of the tournament honours over attacking superstars like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.
Spain won the 48-team World Cup, beating Argentina 1-0 in extra time at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday with a goal from Ferran Torres in the 106th minute. Spain's defensive strength—conceding only once in the tournament—and captain Rodri's play earned him player of the tournament honours over attacking superstars like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said the team's last-16 World Cup loss to Norway should fuel future improvement, calling it "the start of a new cycle" rather than an ending. Ancelotti, who was appointed a year ago to guide Brazil to a record sixth World Cup title, dismissed suggestions he would step down.
England play Mexico on Sunday in the Estadio Azteca as Erling Haaland and Norway face Brazil in a separate round-of-16 match, with two more quarter-final spots available after France and Morocco qualified on Saturday.
Norway will play Brazil in Sunday's World Cup last-16 match, hoping to repeat their 1998 group-stage victory. Erling Haaland, who scored his fifth goal at the tournament against Ivory Coast, is central to their hopes, though Coach Solbakken acknowledges Brazil are favourites.
Brazil advanced to the World Cup last 16 after substitute Gabriel Martinelli scored in the 95th minute to secure a 2-1 victory over Japan. Brazil will face either the Ivory Coast or Norway in New Jersey on Sunday.
Vinicius Junior scored twice as Brazil defeated Scotland 3-0 on Wednesday, securing top spot in Group C and progression to the last 32. Brazil will face the runners-up in Group F on June 29 in Houston.
Brazil defeated Haiti 3-0 in a World Cup Group C match to eliminate the Caribbean nation from contention, with goals from Matheus Cunha (two) and Vinicius Junior, though Brazil's Raphinha suffered an apparent injury. Morocco won their first tournament game, defeating Scotland 1-0 with a goal from Ismael Saibari in the second minute.
The United States defeated Australia 2-0 in a Group D match, advancing to the last 32 of the World Cup with a game to spare. A Cameron Burgess own goal and an Alex Freeman header secured the victory for Mauricio Pochettino's side.
The United States and Australia will compete in Group D on Friday in Seattle, with the winner advancing to the knockout rounds. The USA defeated Paraguay 4-1 in their opening match, while Australia upset Turkey 2-0, leaving both teams in confident form ahead of their clash.
Vinicius Junior scored a brilliant equaliser for Brazil in a 1-1 draw with Morocco on Saturday in the Group C opener. Brazil are chasing a record sixth World Cup title under new coach Carlo Ancelotti, though this performance suggests significant work lies ahead.
Brazil defeated Egypt 2-1 in a pre-World Cup friendly in Cleveland, with goals from Bruno Guimaraes and Endrick. Brazil open their World Cup Group C campaign against Morocco on June 13, while Egypt begin their Group G campaign against Belgium on June 15.
Brazil beat Panama 6-2 at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro in a World Cup send-off, with Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr scoring early and Brazil taking control after replacing most of their starting lineup at half-time.
Paris Saint-Germain won the UEFA Champions League for a second consecutive year, beating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the final on Saturday at the Puskas Arena in Budapest. Coach Luis Enrique said the victory was "even bigger" than their maiden European title.
Paris Saint-Germain, after winning their maiden Champions League title last year by defeating Inter Milan 5-0, face Arsenal in Budapest aiming to retain the trophy. Manager Luis Enrique's side are favourites and have proven difficult to stop, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia describing the team as capable of beating any opponent when they play their way.
Brazil, hunting their first World Cup title in 24 years, face Morocco—semi-finalists in 2022—and Scotland in Group C, with new coach Carlo Ancelotti tasked with optimizing an unbalanced squad featuring strong defensive options but clear gaps at full-back, midfield, and centre-forward.
The 2026 World Cup has attracted leading coaches to international positions, including Thomas Tuchel to England and Carlo Ancelotti to Brazil, reversing international football's typical struggles to compete with club football for top talent.
Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer Neymar was recalled to the national team for the World Cup after a near three-year absence, the biggest surprise in coach Carlo Ancelotti's 26-man squad. Neymar, who last played for Brazil in 2023 before injuries sidelined him, has now rejoined Santos and earned selection for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Paris St Germain defender Marquinhos will miss Brazil's friendly against France in Boston but may return for the next friendly against Croatia. Coach Carlo Ancelotti said the match offers a chance to evaluate three new centre-backs ahead of the World Cup.