Soccer

Fans to honour Koné ahead of Canada-Switzerland match in Vancouver

The Canadian Press 2 minute read 3:00 AM CDT

VANCOUVER - Canada fans will honour injured midfielder Ismaël Koné ahead of today's crucial World Cup match against Switzerland at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, where captain Alphonso Davies is expected to make his tournament debut.

There's much on the line for fans today, including whether Canada gets to enjoy a home-turf advantage in Vancouver again in the knockout rounds.

While Canada is all but certain of reaching the knockout phase after its 6-0 rout of Qatar last week, a win or draw against Switzerland would keep the team on top of the group and bring them back to Vancouver on July 2.

The Voyageurs fan group says they'll be waving thousands of Koné's No. 8 at their march to the stadium in tribute to the player who suffered a broken leg in the Qatar match.

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Soccer

South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo gives a press conference ahead of the FIFA World Cup match against South Africa in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)

South Koreans expecting a home-game feel for World Cup group match against South Africa

Maya Koluder-ramirez And Ethan Wilcox, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

South Koreans expecting a home-game feel for World Cup group match against South Africa

Maya Koluder-ramirez And Ethan Wilcox, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: 12:35 AM CDT

MONTERREY, Mexico (AP) — Hong Myung-bo is expecting the atmosphere to feel like a home game when his South Korea team plays South Africa in its last World Cup Group A encounter in Monterrey.

A large number of Mexican fans supported the Taeguk Warriors when they defeated Czech Republic 2-1 in the opening game in Guadalajara, and head coach Hong expects similar support on Wednesday.

“We may feel like this is our home ground tomorrow, and that is a very big gift to our players,” said Hong, who was captain of the South Korea team that reached the semifinals when it co-hosted the 2002 World Cup with Japan. “We will use that very well so we can play a good game tomorrow.”

There's a strong reason for the support.

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Updated: 12:35 AM CDT

Soccer

Despite being banned in stadiums, colourful smoke bombs ignite soccer fan culture

Monique Kasonga, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Despite being banned in stadiums, colourful smoke bombs ignite soccer fan culture

Monique Kasonga, The Canadian Press 4 minute read 3:00 AM CDT

As thousands of Canadian soccer fans marched towards the World Cup stadium in Vancouver ahead of the team's match against Qatar last week, the air around them took on a distinctly festive colour.

Thick, continuous clouds of red-tinted smoke shrouded the crowd of supporters, pouring out of canisters also known as stadium flares or smoke bombs, all without explosive flashes.

The canisters have become part of fan celebrations in several countries, and are likely to make more appearances as the international soccer tournament continues in the coming weeks. Here are some key things to know about them:

What are smoke canisters and why do fans use them?

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3:00 AM CDT

Soccer

Each additional Canada World Cup match equals a $70M boost to Vancouver economy: BMO

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Each additional Canada World Cup match equals a $70M boost to Vancouver economy: BMO

The Canadian Press 2 minute read 3:00 AM CDT

VANCOUVER - It won't just be fans feeling the joy if Team Canada advances to the next round in the World Cup.

A new analysis from BMO Economics estimates about a $70-million boost to Vancouver's local economy for each additional match Canada plays.

Canada and Switzerland, each with four points, are set for a Group B showdown at BC Place today. Canada would top the standings with either a win or a tie.

The bank says a potential economic bump would be largely tied to bars, restaurants and watch parties — not new tourism inflows, as most matches are already sold out.

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3:00 AM CDT

Soccer

Daniel Muñoz scores and Colombia edges Congo 1-0 to reach the knockout stage at the World Cup

Tales Azzoni, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Daniel Muñoz scores and Colombia edges Congo 1-0 to reach the knockout stage at the World Cup

Tales Azzoni, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 11:54 PM CDT

GUADALAJARA, Mexico (AP) — Daniel Muñoz helped Colombia break through Congo's stingy defense and advance to the knockout stage of the World Cup with a 1-0 win on Tuesday night.

Muñoz scored in the 76th minute after the Colombians had been held back by a strong performance from Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who made five difficult saves in the first 20 minutes.

Mpasi had no chance to stop Muñoz's left-footed strike from inside the area after the ball deflected off a defender. It was Muñoz's second goal in the tournament, and the Crystal Palace fullback was named the man of the match.

Congo twice came close to equalizing in stoppage time, with Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas making a superb save of a long-range strike by Nathanael Mbuku and then stopping a header by Chancel Mbemba off the ensuing corner kick.

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Updated: Yesterday at 11:54 PM CDT

Soccer

Fiery American coach Jesse Marsch has led Canada to the cusp of a World Cup breakthrough

Connor Joyce, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Fiery American coach Jesse Marsch has led Canada to the cusp of a World Cup breakthrough

Connor Joyce, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 10:29 PM CDT

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Jesse Marsch welcomed Switzerland to Canada with his usual blunt style.

“We’re happy to have you here,” Canada's fiery coach said Tuesday, “but we want to beat you tomorrow.”

Marsch has already led Canada to its first World Cup win, and he's hoping for more — including another game on home soil for the Canadians. That's what they would get in the knockout stage if they beat the Swiss on Wednesday.

“We want to go for the win, obviously, and we’re going to be doing everything in our power to do that,” forward Liam Millar said.

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Yesterday at 10:29 PM CDT

Soccer

Dr. Nasser Mohamed, of Qatar, is photographed, Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

In a rainbow-trimmed robe at the World Cup, a gay Qatari doctor advocates for equal rights

Janie Mccauley, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

In a rainbow-trimmed robe at the World Cup, a gay Qatari doctor advocates for equal rights

Janie Mccauley, The Associated Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 11:34 PM CDT

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Formally dressed in a traditional Qatari bisht, Dr. Nasser Mohamed strolled past a crowd of several hundred people outside Chase Center as the England-Croatia World Cup match was shown high above on the big screen. His gold-and-black robe featured a flourish: rainbow piping down each sleeve and the words “love” and “freedom” written in Arabic.

“That’s why the World Cup is really powerful, because people don’t need to hear about who I am — I can just walk, be seen, and that’s it,” he said. “We don’t have to say a word.”

Four years ago, when the World Cup was played in his home country and Mohamed was already living across the world in San Francisco, he came out and became an exceptionally rare openly gay man from Qatar, where gay sex is prohibited and he can't present femininely.

Mohamed is speaking up again for those without a voice. The 39-year-old now feels secure enough to walk around with confidence, and without fear of harm, while wearing chunky heeled boots, mascara and 2-inch dangly earrings. He still gets regular backlash and hate, but he has also found support and kindness from around the globe that helps drown out the death threats and divisiveness.

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Yesterday at 11:34 PM CDT

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Soccer

Canada eyes World Cup knockout-stage match in Vancouver, but Switzerland comes first

Ben Kule, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Canada eyes World Cup knockout-stage match in Vancouver, but Switzerland comes first

Ben Kule, The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 10:38 PM CDT

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Canada enters its final group-stage match against Switzerland on Wednesday with a chance to reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time while staying on home soil.

Because of two opening draws in Group B, all four teams had a chance to advance entering Wednesday's games, although Qatar and Bosnia-Herzegovina faced long odds.

With a win or draw against the Swiss, Canada would win the group and play a round-of-32 game at BC Place.

“Staying here in Vancouver is definitely our number one goal,” Canada coach Jesse Marsch said Tuesday.

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Yesterday at 10:38 PM CDT

Soccer

Congo supporter Michel Nkuka Mboladinga impersonating the country's assassinated independence hero Patrice Lumumba reacts before the World Cup Group K soccer match between Colombia and Congo in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Congo fan who poses as living statue of independence leader Lumumba makes it to World Cup

Tales Azzoni, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Congo fan who poses as living statue of independence leader Lumumba makes it to World Cup

Tales Azzoni, The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 11:50 PM CDT

GUADALAJARA, Mexico (AP) — Congo’s famous living statue finally made his World Cup debut on Tuesday.

Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, who gained fame during the Africa Cup of Nations for posing as a statue of Congo’s assassinated independence leader Patrice Lumumba for the entirety of games, attended Congo's 1-0 loss to Colombia after missing its opener against Portugal because of Ebola quarantine requirements.

Lumumba Vea, as the sharply dressed supporter is known for his resemblance to the slain leader, was at his seat about an hour before the game at Estadio Akron. He wore a bright red jacket and tie, yellow shirt and blue pants. When the game began, he stood motionless on a pedestal behind the Congo bench with his right arm raised.

Nkuka Mboladinga was a few minutes late back to the pedestal after halftime, but he stood there until the end and even a few minutes after the final whistle.

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Updated: Yesterday at 11:50 PM CDT

Soccer

Croatia stays alive for World Cup knockout round and eliminates Panama with 1-0 win

Lexie Linderman, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Croatia stays alive for World Cup knockout round and eliminates Panama with 1-0 win

Lexie Linderman, The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 9:57 PM CDT

TORONTO (AP) — There wasn’t much open space in Panama’s back line as it tried to keep its World Cup hopes alive.

But just four minutes after Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić subbed on an extra forward in the second half, Josip Stanišić validated his coach’s decision, finding some room on the right and making his move.

Stanišić lifted an exceptional curving cross onto the boot of Ante Budimir, who tapped it into an open net in the 54th minute, lifting Croatia to a 1-0 win on Tuesday night.

Croatia remains in contention for the knockout round ahead of its third and final group-stage match against Ghana on Saturday. Panama was eliminated and is still seeking its first World Cup point in two appearances.

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Updated: Yesterday at 9:57 PM CDT

Soccer

Ghanaian player accused of rape gets back onto the field for World Cup draw against England

Jimmy Golen, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Ghanaian player accused of rape gets back onto the field for World Cup draw against England

Jimmy Golen, The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 8:10 PM CDT

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, who missed his team’s first World Cup match because he was denied a Canadian visa while awaiting trial on rape charges in Britain, returned to the lineup on Tuesday to an apparent snub in the pregame handshake line and a cool reception from fans.

Partey was booed by the heavily pro-England crowd at Gillette Stadium when he touched the ball in the match that ended in a 0-0 draw. Videos also circulated on social media in which England defender Djed Spence appeared to refuse to shake hands with Partey before the match.

When England coach Thomas Tuchel was asked after the game about the encounter, the team's media officer, Andrew Walker, interrupted and said, “I’m sorry, but for legal reasons we’re not going to be discussing that today. So let’s move on.”

In the videos, Spence shook hands with the player in front of Partey and the player after him, but appeared to put his hand in his pocket when the embattled midfielder passed.

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Updated: Yesterday at 8:10 PM CDT

Soccer

World Cup what to know: Multiple teams playing for spots in knockout stage as schedule ramps up

John Marshall, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

World Cup what to know: Multiple teams playing for spots in knockout stage as schedule ramps up

John Marshall, The Associated Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 6:04 PM CDT

The World Cup opened with two games per day over during its first two days and expanded to four games a day over the next 10.

Now the schedule gets even more condensed.

Starting Wednesday, there are six games a day until the end of group play on Saturday.

Reigning World Cup champion Argentina, the United States, France, Germany, Mexico and Norway have already secured spots in the knockout stage.

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Yesterday at 6:04 PM CDT

Soccer

England and Ghana play to 0-0 draw at World Cup despite flurry-filled final minutes

Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

England and Ghana play to 0-0 draw at World Cup despite flurry-filled final minutes

Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: 2:18 AM CDT

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — England and Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz have met before at the World Cup, with the result being quite a bit different.

This time, Queiroz’s team earned a point that could end up being enough for a spot in the round of 32.

England dominated possession on Tuesday but came up empty on several late scoring opportunities in a rain-filled 0-0 draw.

“Our plan was to block and frustrate them from the first minute,” Queiroz said. “We did it.”

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Updated: 2:18 AM CDT

Soccer

FILE - Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash smiles during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Oct. 12, 2022, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash, File)

Canadian hoops great Steve Nash encourages Canada ahead of World Cup match against Switzerland

Anne M. Peterson, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Canadian hoops great Steve Nash encourages Canada ahead of World Cup match against Switzerland

Anne M. Peterson, The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 5:13 PM CDT

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Ahead of Canada's group-stage finale at the World Cup, the team got a bit of encouragement from a Canadian sporting hero.

Two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash sent a message to the team on Tuesday before Canada's match against Switzerland on Wednesday, coach Jesse Marsch said.

“One of the things that Steve spoke about was the combination of tension and freedom. And the tension is about the discipline and the focus and the concentration to stick to the plan and to know what makes us who we are and what we are,” Marsch said. “And the freedom was to go out and play and believe in ourselves and to go after the game in all ways that show confidence and self belief.”

Nash played 18 NBA seasons and was an eight-time All-Star. He won MVPs in 2005 and 2006 with the Phoenix Suns. He rejoined the Suns last year as a senior adviser.

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Yesterday at 5:13 PM CDT

Soccer

Scotland and its Tartan Army eye historic World Cup breakthrough against five-time champion Brazil

Alanis Thames, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Scotland and its Tartan Army eye historic World Cup breakthrough against five-time champion Brazil

Alanis Thames, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 4:31 PM CDT

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Andy Robertson and his Scotland teammates have watched their fans march through the streets of Miami and Boston, celebrating baseball games with beers and bagpipes as if they were attending a soccer match.

Scotland wants to give the Tartan Army much more to celebrate on Wednesday, when it faces Brazil in a World Cup match at the home stadium of the NFL's Miami Dolphins.

The team knows it won't be an easy task.

“Everywhere they go, people fall in love with them,” Robertson said. “You've seen how much the whole of the city of Boston fell in love with the Tartan Army. I think they're gutted to know they've left. Now obviously they've come down to Miami to try and make the same impact. And I think they've had that same impact, obviously, at the baseball (game) again last night walking through the streets and everything.

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Yesterday at 4:31 PM CDT

Soccer

Meet Caramelo, the Mexico superfan attending his 11th World Cup

Tales Azzoni, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Meet Caramelo, the Mexico superfan attending his 11th World Cup

Tales Azzoni, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 4:00 PM CDT

GUADALAJARA, Mexico (AP) — Long after Mexico’s World Cup win against South Korea, fans young and old lined up outside the stadium to take photos with Héctor Chávez and his big black sombrero.

Also known as Caramelo, candy in English, Chávez is arguably as well-known in Mexico as the members of the national team.

He says the game last Thursday in Guadalajara was his 543rd match watching “El Tri,” which he has followed around the world since Mexico last hosted the World Cup in 1986.

Now at his 11the World Cup, Chávez is flanked by his 21-year-old son, also called Héctor Chávez, and known as Caramelo Jr. Both wear oversized sombreros with their nicknames written in all caps, making them hard to miss at stadiums.

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Yesterday at 4:00 PM CDT

June 24, 2026

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