The Independent Football

• Iran national anthem booed by World Cup spectactors before New Zealand clash

  16-6-2026 Football The Independent Football

  Iran began their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Group G after a build-up overshadowed by politics

• Saudi Arabia denied famous win as Uruguay comeback clinches draw

  16-6-2026 Football The Independent Football

  Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay:

• Iran vs New Zealand LIVE: Protests expected as Donald Trump announces US-Iran peace deal

  15-6-2026 Football The Independent Football

  After a draw between Belgium and Egypt the winner of this contest can move to the top of Group G

• World Cup 2026 LIVE: Iran prepare for politically-charged opener after Spain held by debutants Cape Verde (cloned)

  15-6-2026 Football The Independent Football

  After a draw between Belgium and Egypt the winner of this contest can move to the top of Group G

• World Cup VAR official releases statement after alleged white supremacist hand gesture

  15-6-2026 Football The Independent Football

  Shaun Evans maintains it was an ‘involuntary, subconscious twitch’ that led to an ‘OK’ symbol during the official broadcast of Germany's opening...

• World Cup 2026 – Group H guide: Favourites Spain take on Uruguay as Cape Verde fairytale begins

  15-6-2026 Football The Independent Football

  European champions Spain head to North America as favourites as they look to win a second World Cup

• Romelu Lukaku proves key as Belgium salvage point against Egypt

  15-6-2026 Football The Independent Football

  Belgium 1-1 Egypt: Emam Ashour sent the Pharaohs ahead before Lukaku’s cameo secured a point

• ‘He’s now an idol’: How Merlin the duck became Mexico’s viral World Cup ‘mascot’

  15-6-2026 Football The Independent Football

  Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez may have scored for Mexico, but Merlin the duck stole the show

• Meet Merlin the duck, a Mexico City streetside regular turned World Cup mascot (cloned) (cloned)

  15-6-2026 Football The Independent Football

  Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez may have scored for Mexico, but Merlin the duck stole the show

• Jurgen Klopp apologises to Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann over controversial comment: ‘I’m still an idiot’

  15-6-2026 Football The Independent Football

  The former Liverpool boss walked back a comment during his time as a World Cup pundit and offered his support to the team

• From Tennessee boarding schools to rural West Virginia: The unlikely homes of World Cup teams

  15-6-2026 Football The Independent Football

  Spain, which is among the favorites to win the tournament, has set up camp at a boarding school on the Tennessee River in Chattanooga

• Josko Gvardiol set to extend stay at Manchester City for post-Pep Guardiola era

  15-6-2026 Football The Independent Football

  The defender will sign a new five-year deal to extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium