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 stands as living statue of independence leader Lumumba makes it to World Cup

Tales Azzoni, The Associated Press 3 minute read 9:19 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 match against 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.

He did not want to be interview but nodded and smiled when asked if he was happy to have finally made it to the World Cup.

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Croatia's Luka Modric (right) celebrates with Ivan Perisic after defeating Panama as teammates wear shirts honouring his 200th appearance for Croatia following a World Cup Group L soccer match in Toronto on June 23, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Modric picks up 200th cap as Croatia tops Panama 1-0 at FIFA World Cup

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Modric picks up 200th cap as Croatia tops Panama 1-0 at FIFA World Cup

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read 9:24 PM CDT

TORONTO - On a night when Croatia's Luka Modric earned his 200th cap, his teammates made sure it was an evening to celebrate.

Substitute Ante Budimir scored in the 54th minute to lift Croatia to a 1-0 victory over Panama in Group L play at the FIFA World Cup on Tuesday night at Toronto Stadium.

After a nifty give-and-go play between Josip Stanisic and Marco Pasalic, Budimir extended his left leg to steer in a cross to the delight of the pro-Croatia sellout crowd.

The three points were most welcome for a Croatia side that dropped a 4-2 decision to England in its opener at Dallas. Panama, a 1-0 loser to Ghana last week, was eliminated from knockout-round contention.

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9:24 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 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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4:00 PM CDT

Soccer

Switzerland coach is coy about whether young star Johan Manzambi will start against Canada

Anne M. Peterson, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Switzerland coach is coy about whether young star Johan Manzambi will start against Canada

Anne M. Peterson, The Associated Press 3 minute read 9:01 PM CDT

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Johan Manzambi may not a super sub for Switzerland at the World Cup much longer.

Manzambi came off the bench and scored two goals in Switzerland's 4-1 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina on Thursday. The 20-year-old midfielder's performance spurred speculation about whether he might be moved into the starting lineup for Switzerland's Group B finale against Canada on Wednesday.

A win would give the Swiss the top spot in the group. Coach Murat Yakin wasn't revealing his plans for Manzambi on Tuesday.

“For me, Johan is an option both as a starter and as a substitute. I have different possibilities available, and that’s why the team itself will only find out tomorrow who will start,” Yakin said.

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9:01 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: 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: 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: 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: 8:10 PM CDT

Soccer

Belgium forward Jérémy Doku to rejoin team after traveling to London for the birth of his son

Andrew Destin, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Belgium forward Jérémy Doku to rejoin team after traveling to London for the birth of his son

Andrew Destin, The Associated Press 3 minute read 7:27 PM CDT

RENTON, Wash. (AP) — Belgium forward Jérémy Doku was expected to rejoin the team at its World Cup training facility on Tuesday following the birth of his first child, a boy named Praise.

Doku missed Belgium’s 0-0 World Cup draw against Iran on Sunday because of a respiratory illness, but was cleared to fly to London so he could be with his wife. Ahead of Tuesday's training session, center back Arthur Theate said Doku would join the team, but he was not present for the portion of practice that was open to the media. Doku missed training on Monday.

“We are very happy to have him (back), of course,” Theate said. “He’s an important player, important part of the group, also, in terms of everything. So, I hope he can help us the best way for the next game.”

Belgium plays New Zealand on Friday at BC Place, a match that could determine whether the Red Devils advance into the knockout round. Belgium played to draws in each of its first two games.

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7:27 PM CDT

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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 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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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: 7:13 PM 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: 7:13 PM 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 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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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 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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4:31 PM CDT

Soccer

The FIFA signage stands over Toronto stadium, Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in Toronto. (AP Photo/Alexandra Antoniono)

Buoyed by huge fan base at Toronto ‘home game,’ Croatia ends Panama’s World Cup bid

Elissa Mendes and Maan Alhmidi, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Buoyed by huge fan base at Toronto ‘home game,’ Croatia ends Panama’s World Cup bid

Elissa Mendes and Maan Alhmidi, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Updated: 9:29 PM CDT

TORONTO - A sea of red-and-white checkered jerseys filled Toronto Stadium on Tuesday as Croatia fans turned out in full force to see their team end Panama's World Cup hopes with a 1-0 victory.

The stadium crowd and fans at Toronto's flagship FIFA Fan Festival erupted when Croatia's Ante Budimir scored the first and only goal of the match in the 54th minute. By the end of the game, Panama fans were crestfallen as the score meant their team would not move on to the knockout round.

For soccer fan Anita Budimir, Croatia's goal was extra special.

"Budimir scored, so I mean, shout out," she said at the fan fest grounds. "We're not related at all but ... we have the same name so that's pretty sick."

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Updated: 9:29 PM CDT

Soccer

Messi and Mbappé romping through World Cup with dazzling display of history-making goals

Jim Vertuno, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Messi and Mbappé romping through World Cup with dazzling display of history-making goals

Jim Vertuno, The Associated Press 5 minute read Updated: 6:28 PM CDT

Lionel Messi has been mesmerizing. Kylian Mbappé has been, well, magnifique.

Two of the biggest stars of the World Cup are setting records with history-making goals in a sizzling start that has even the most casual soccer fans in the U.S. taking notice.

Messi has five goals in Argentina's first two matches, setting the record for career World Cup goals with 18. Mbappé has scored four times for France, moving into a tie for second with 16 goals.

“Leo always scores,” Mbappé said. “He’ll always score. If I want to look at what Leo’s doing, I’ll have to do even more.”

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Updated: 6:28 PM CDT

Soccer

France coach Didier Deschamps to return home from World Cup to attend his mother’s funeral

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

France coach Didier Deschamps to return home from World Cup to attend his mother’s funeral

The Associated Press 2 minute read Updated: 3:37 PM CDT

PARIS (AP) — France coach Didier Deschamps will return home from the World Cup following the death of his mother and will miss his team's final group game against Norway, the French football federation said Tuesday.

The FFF said Deschamps learned of his mother's death on Tuesday morning and that he is going back to France to attend her funeral.

“At this incredibly painful time, we wish the head coach great strength and assure him of everyone's support,” the FFF said, adding that assistant coach Guy Stéphan will take temporary charge of the squad — including for Friday's game in Massachusetts — until Deschamps returns.

The federation did not say when Deschamps was expected to return to the United States.

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Updated: 3:37 PM CDT

Soccer

Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron gets one-game suspension after red card for covering his mouth

James Robson, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron gets one-game suspension after red card for covering his mouth

James Robson, The Associated Press 3 minute read 3:21 PM CDT

ATLANTA (AP) — Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron has been given a one-match suspension after he was the first player to be sent off at the World Cup for covering his mouth.

FIFA confirmed on Tuesday that Almiron will miss Paraguay's final group game against Australia on Thursday. World soccer's governing body said the decision was not subject to appeal.

Almiron made history when he was issued a red card for covering his mouth during a confrontation with Turkey's Mert Mulder late in the first half of Paraguay's 1-0 win last Friday.

Under new rules, players are not allowed to cover their mouths to disguise what they are saying during confrontations, with infringements leading to an instant dismissal.

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3:21 PM CDT

Soccer

One Extraordinary Photo: What it takes for inclement weather to become the news of the match

Derik Hamilton, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

One Extraordinary Photo: What it takes for inclement weather to become the news of the match

Derik Hamilton, The Associated Press 2 minute read Updated: 9:01 PM CDT

PHILDELPHIA (AP) — Derik Hamilton is a freelance photographer for The Associated Press. He has worked with AP for 15 years covering sports events in the Philadelphia area.

Why this photo?

I shot this to photo to highlight the extent of extremely heavy downpours that dellayed Monday's France-Iraq match. Weather delays are rare in World Cup play and this photo shows the intensity of the rain and a different side to the world's “beautiful game.”

How I made this photo

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Updated: 9:01 PM CDT

June 23, 2026

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