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Soccer
June
June 2026
On The 42meet the manager
'The phone's been going non-stop': New Athlone boss Agg balancing recruitment and rehab
stop the gameThe Palestine FA wants to make clear it has not 'given its blessing' to the Ireland-Israel game
Reaction
'If you're going to get to a World Cup, you've got to beat the best' - Carla Ward on play-off draw
Ireland boss says ‘everyone wanted to avoid’ Belgium/Poland and Kazakhstan ‘a logistical nightmare’ as home venues in focus.
Road to Brazil
Ireland to face Kazakhstan in 2027 World Cup play-off semi-final
Belgium or Poland await in a tricky potential final.
among the people
The perils of watching England in the World Cup with Scotland fans in an Irish pub
The 42 braves downtown Boston in the name of enlightenment and friendship.
Six Goal Thriller
Harry Kane scores twice as England make winning start to World Cup bid
Thomas Tuchel’s side beat Croatia 4-2 in Group L.
Frustration
Portugal held to draw by DR Congo in their World Cup opener
Ronaldo fails to fire as DR Congo earn first-ever World Cup point.
Luck of the Draw
Best/worst draw? Ireland WNT set to discover World Cup play-off opponents
The draw takes place at 11am on Thursday.
Down in AlbionUnhappy and inglorious: England can go well in the World Cup if they relax and be themselves
Soccer
The 24 hours that sum up the emotion and stardust of this World Cup
Three of the greats deliver more magic as stories from the fringes also take centre stage.
Off the Mark
Messi hat-trick launches Argentina's World Cup defence and equals all-time record
Argentina defeated Algeria in their tournament opener in Kansas City.
no mercy
The beast is alive at the World Cup! Erling Haaland double helps Norway ease past Iraq
Striker’s debut on the biggest stage of all sets a marker down for more to come this summer.
PodcastThe Football Family
World Cup Voices Ep.2 - Pico and his parents reflect on Cape Verde heroics
David Sneyd speaks to Pico Lopes and his family after Cape Verde pulled off one of the great World Cup results against Spain. David also chats to Scottish legend Ally McCoist, a Mexican father-son duo, and a leading member of the Joey Anang fan club.
33m
Family Fortunes
'It is a history that will remain forever' - Pico Lopes' parents speak of pride at World Cup heroics
Along with younger brother Jacques, Carlos and Judy Lopes reflect on emotions of Monday’s 0-0 draw with Spain.
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