Alex Connor

The Athletic • 10th July 2026

How Spain beat Belgium to set up France semi-final showdown thanks to another late World Cup goal from Merino

Mikel Merino scored another late winner for Spain to knock Belgium out of the 2026 World Cup and set up a mouthwatering semi-final against France.

The Athletic • 7th July 2026

How Lionel Messi led stunning Argentina World Cup comeback against Egypt

Argentina produced one of the all-time great World Cup comebacks to fight back from two goals down to eliminate Egypt.

The Athletic • 6th July 2026

How Spain struck late to beat Portugal and end Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup dream

Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup dream was ended by fierce international rivals Spain, who progressed to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup thanks to a last-gasp winner from Mikel Merino.

The Athletic • 2nd July 2026

How stylish Spain saw off Austria to reach 2026 World Cup last 16

Spain comfortably overcame Austria to reach the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.

The Athletic • 1st July 2026

How Harry Kane saved England from huge World Cup upset against DR Congo to make last 16

Harry Kane saved England from an embarrassing early exit from the 2026 World Cup at the hands of DR Congo.

The Athletic • 29th June 2026

How Martinelli scored dramatic late winner as Brazil beat Japan to reach World Cup last 16

Brazil came from behind to beat Japan at the death in a thrilling 2026 World Cup knockout clash.

The Athletic • 27th June 2026

How England broke down stubborn Panama to top their World Cup group

England recovered from a dour first-half performance to beat Panama 2-0 and top their World Cup group.

The Athletic • 20th June 2026

How the Netherlands hammered Sweden 5-1 in 2026 World Cup rout

The Netherlands hammered Sweden 5-1 in a statement performance at the 2026 World Cup.

The Athletic • 19th June 2026

How USMNT qualified for the 2026 World Cup knockout stage with 2-0 win over Australia

The United States became the second nation to reach the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup with a commanding 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle.

The Athletic • 16th June 2026

How France beat Senegal 3-1 as Mbappe opened his 2026 World Cup account

France shrugged off a slow start and a controversial penalty decision to beat Senegal 3-1 in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup.

The Athletic • 13th June 2026

How Qatar snatched late draw with Switzerland in the Bay Area to earn first World Cup point

Qatar snatched a dramatic late draw with Switzerland in San Francisco to earn their first ever World Cup point.

The Athletic • 10th June 2026

How England finished their World Cup 2026 preparations with victory over Costa Rica in Orlando

England beat Costa Rica 3-0 in Orlando in their final warm-up match for the 2026 World Cup.

The Athletic • 2nd June 2026

World Cup news blog

2026 FIFA World Cup news and analysis from June 2nd-15th.

The Athletic • 2nd June 2026

French Open Day 10: Jakub Mensik beats Joao Fonseca to set up last-four clash against Alexander Zverev

The first two men’s and women’s semifinals are set after the 2026 French Open quarterfinals began today at Roland Garros.Jakub Menšík (26), 20, beat 19-year-old João Fonseca (28) 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(3) in a thrilling night-session clash between two rising stars.Men’s singles tournament favorite Alexander Zverev (2) faces Menšík in the semis after a straight-sets win against Rafael Jodar (27) in Paris.Mirra Andreeva (8) plays Marta Kostyuk (15) in the women's singles last four after they beat Sorana Cî...