The Independent Football

• England boss Tuchel explains key selection decisions ahead of Croatia World Cup clash

  17-6-2026 Football The Independent Football

• Erling Haaland’s World Cup brace against Iraq caused earth tremors in Norway

  17-6-2026 Football The Independent Football

  Haaland’s goals sparked widespread joyous celebrations across Norway, where fans watched the match unfold at midnight

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

  17-6-2026 Football The Independent Football

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

• US wary of fired-up Australia fueled by disrespect in crucial World Cup showdown

  17-6-2026 Football The Independent Football

  The USA’s clash with Australia could potentially decide who tops Group D

• Leeds consider taking legal action against Leicester after £35m Everton decision

  17-6-2026 Football The Independent Football

  An independent disciplinary commission last week ruled Everton had to pay Burnley a huge compensation fee for breaching the Premier League’s PSR...

• Ivory Coast World Cup star ‘arrested over alleged match-fixing’

  17-6-2026 Football The Independent Football

• Hero Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha to be reunited with mother at World Cup

  17-6-2026 Football The Independent Football

  Vozinha’s mother will attend her son’s next match against Uruguay after she was finally able to secure a visa to travel to the US

• Ivory Coast’s World Cup star Elye Wahi ‘arrested over match-fixing offences’

  17-6-2026 Football The Independent Football

  The 23-year-old was arrested by French police and is the subject of an active investigation

• France facing Dembele dilemma as Mbappe and Olise partnership thrives

  17-6-2026 Football The Independent Football

  Ousmane Dembele struggled to make an impact in France’s opening World Cup match

• England vs Croatia prediction: 2026 World Cup betting tips, preview & best odds

  17-6-2026 Football The Independent Football

  Follow our football betting tips as England get their World Cup campaign underway against Croatia

• The extraordinary numbers behind Lionel Messi – and the all-time World Cup record now in his grasp

  17-6-2026 Football The Independent Football

  Analysis: Messi has long been called ‘incomparable’, but if that greatness manifested itself largely in the colours of Barcelona, it may have...

• England v Croatia LIVE: Thomas Tuchel faces Bukayo Saka decision as World Cup campaign begins

  17-6-2026 Football The Independent Football

  Arsenal star Saka’s fitness needs to be managed, leaving Tuchel with a tough call for a tricky Group L opener against Croatia in Dallas