Sports
Bayern put cup blip behind, Hamburg brace for derby in Bundesliga
Bayern Munich are confident of moving past Wednesday’s German Cup setback when they visit Augsburg in the Bundesliga on Saturday, while Hamburg renew their fiery derby with St. Pauli.
Bayern looked to be cruising to an easy win Wednesday when they went 2-0 up at third-tier Wehen Wiesbaden before conceding two goals in six minutes to see the hosts draw level.
Bayern striker Harry Kane’s stoppage-time winner sent them through to the second round, but their backline’s shaky second-half performance and their conversion rate in attack raised some eyebrows.
“I would not call it a nail-biting performance from us,” Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said.
“We did not do everything right but we stayed calm until the end and this happens in football sometimes.
“I know that against Augsburg, we will carry our momentum with us. We have built up that momentum in the pre-season.”
If results in competitive matches this season are anything to go by then Bayern look ready, having won all three of their games so far, including the German Supercup against VfB Stuttgart and their 6-0 demolition of RB Leipzig in their Bundesliga opener last week.
But questions remain over the size of their squad, with widespread speculation about potential late transfers to boost their frontline, including that of Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, even if they are just loan deals.
The Bavarians failed to land several of their targeted players in the close season, including Florian Wirtz and Nick Woltemade.
A completely different derby takes place on Friday on the other side of the country, with former European champions and promoted Hamburg SV hosting city rivals St. Pauli in their first Bundesliga home game since their relegation in 2018.
The 112th Hamburg derby is expected to be a fiery affair, with the six-time German champions out to restore their local dominance, having played second fiddle to St. Pauli in recent years.
“I have experienced many things at RB Leipzig but never such a derby,” said Hamburg captain Yussuf Poulsen, who joined this season. “I am relishing this and look forward to my very first home game at the Volkspark stadium.”
Bayern’s potential title rivals, Borussia Dortmund, who drew their league opener last week, host Union Berlin on Sunday.
Fellow Champions League club Bayer Leverkusen travel to Werder Bremen a day earlier.
Senegal arrive at BMO Field on Friday with no margin left for error, needing a win over Iraq and a strong goal swing to stay alive in the 2026 World Cup race from Group I.
The situation is stark. Only the top eight third-placed teams advance, and Senegal sit at the bottom of that mini-table after a campaign defined by defensive mistakes and missed chances. Anything short of a convincing result would almost certainly end their tournament in North America.
Expectations were different when the draw placed Senegal alongside France and Norway. Instead of competing for top spot or a comfortable second-place route, Pape Thiaw’s side have been dragged into survival mode.
The turning point came in key moments they failed to control. Against France, Senegal held shape early and matched intensity for long stretches, but the game tilted once Kylian Mbappe began finding space between the lines. Senegal’s structure collapsed in phases, and a competitive performance turned into a damaging defeat.
The pattern repeated against Norway. Senegal’s back line, led by Kalidou Koulibaly, struggled with transitions and set-piece pressure. A 3-2 loss exposed repeated breakdowns in concentration rather than tactical imbalance alone. Koulibaly’s substitution late in the match underlined a difficult night for the captain and a wider defensive unit under strain.
Across the group stage and recent matches, Senegal have conceded three goals in three of their last four outings. Only one clean sheet in that stretch, a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia, has added to concerns about game management rather than attacking output.
Even so, the attacking core offers a path back into contention. Sadio Mane has influenced phases of play without producing a signature tournament performance. Ismaïla Sarr has shown direct threat, bouncing back after his missed chance against France with a more aggressive display versus Norway. Nicolas Jackson continues to grow into a supporting role, adding movement and an assist even in defeat.
The defensive situation remains uncertain. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is out with a knee injury, removing a key voice and shot-stopper from the back line. Thiaw must decide whether to persist with Koulibaly at the center of defense or adjust with alternatives such as Mamadou Sarr or Abdoulaye Seck depending on balance and recovery.
For Senegal, the arithmetic is simple but unforgiving. They likely need not just three points but a multi-goal victory to climb the third-place ranking and stay in contention for a knockout berth. That reality shapes both selection and approach, pushing them toward urgency without defensive exposure.
Iraq arrive in an even tighter position, but with less external expectation. Their group stage has been defined by heavy defeats to Norway and France, conceding seven goals across those matches and struggling to sustain pressure for long spells.
Under coach Graham Arnold, Iraq have shown moments of structure and discipline, including a respectable draw against Spain in earlier international play. But at the tournament itself, those signs have not translated into consistency.
Their biggest concern now is fitness. Forward Aymen Hussein, their main attacking outlet and only scorer at the finals so far, is a major doubt after leaving the pitch early with injury. His absence would remove their focal point in transition and set pieces.
If Hussein cannot start, Iraq may turn to Mohanad Ali, whose experience offers presence in the box, or Ali Al-Hamadi to stretch Senegal’s back line and exploit space behind an aggressive setup.
Tactically, the match sets up as a contrast in urgency. Senegal must push, likely controlling possession and territory, while Iraq will look for counters and set pieces, especially given Senegal’s recent defensive volatility. The danger for Thiaw’s side is clear: overcommitment could open the same gaps that France and Norway already exploited.
South Africa reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time with a 1-0 win over South Korea on Wednesday night.
Thapelo Maseko scored in the 63rd minute, finishing a precise cross from Tshepang Moremi, as South Africa secured second place in Group A behind Mexico, which swept all three group matches.
South Africa will face Canada, the Group B runner-up, in a knockout match Sunday in Inglewood, California.
Maseko finished with five shots in the match and now leads South Africa with eight in the tournament.
Asked what he would tell his younger self after the milestone, the Mamelodi Sundowns forward said: “The one thing I would say is ‘keep dreaming.’”
South Africa began its campaign with a 2-0 loss to Mexico, followed by a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic before entering its final group match needing a win to advance. Known as Bafana Bafana, South Africa had previously failed to progress from the group stage in 1998, 2002 and 2010 as host.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos praised the belief within his squad despite the difficult start to the tournament.
“The mentality in this group is amazing,” Broos said. “Everybody is working for everybody. We are not afraid of other teams.”
Sphephelo Sithole, who was sent off in the opening match against Mexico, also earned a start and helped South Africa keep a clean sheet.
“In the first two, three days, it wasn’t easy,” Sithole said. “I needed to pick myself up. I’m very proud of myself because I did.”
Maseko, who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns, missed two early chances before scoring the winner.
The 22-year-old received the ball on the right side of the box, cut inside and struck a low left-footed shot through a defender’s legs into the bottom corner.
South Africa’s substitutes ran onto the pitch to celebrate Maseko’s first World Cup goal.
At the final whistle, players and staff embraced on the field in celebration.
“For me, the final whistle was a rush of emotions, not only because we won the game, but also because it will probably be one of the last games of my career,” said Broos, who is 74. “When you can end a career in this way, I think every coach dreams of it.”
South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo raised eyebrows by leaving Son Heung-min out of the starting lineup, opting instead to use him as a substitute. He said he preferred bringing Son on when South Africa’s defenders were tiring.
“If I knew the result beforehand, I probably would have made some different choices,” Hong said. “On the world stage like this, the responsibility is ultimately down to the head coach.”
South Korea opened the tournament with a 2-1 comeback win over the Czech Republic and lost 1-0 to Mexico in its second match. The Taegeuk Warriors could still advance, depending on other results this week.
South Korea became the first Asian team to reach the knockout stage in 2002, when they finished fourth. They also advanced from the group stage in 2010 and 2022, reaching the round of 16 both times.
Norway and France meet Friday at Gillette Stadium with Group I leadership and knockout-stage positioning on the line after both sides opened the 2026 World Cup with perfect records.
The Vikings arrive with momentum and a clear identity built on direct, high-tempo attacking football.
Their tournament began with a statement 4-1 win over Iraq, where Erling Haaland struck twice and consistently stretched the defense with his physical runs and early movement in the box.
That win immediately signaled Norway were not in the tournament to simply compete but to challenge established powers for control of the group.
Their second match against Senegal tested a different side of Ståle Solbakken’s team.
Norway were forced to defend deeper spells and manage pressure, but still found a way through in a 3-2 win that exposed both their attacking edge and defensive vulnerability.
Six points from six keeps them level with France, yet second on goal difference, a detail that now shapes the stakes in Foxborough.
A win is required to take top spot and potentially secure a more favorable knockout draw.
The tactical challenge is significant. Norway’s attacking structure leans heavily on early service into Haaland and aggressive transitions through midfield runners. When that rhythm is disrupted, they can become stretched, particularly against teams that dominate possession and force long defensive sequences.
France national football team enter the match with similar form but greater control across both games. Didier Deschamps’ side opened with a 3-1 win over Senegal, where Kylian Mbappe delivered another decisive performance, including a brace that reinforced his central role in France’s attack. Their second outing against Iraq was more controlled, a 3-0 win that highlighted squad depth, game management and defensive structure.
France’s edge has been balance. While Mbappe remains the primary threat in transition and isolation situations, France have also varied their attacking sources, with Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue rotating through wide roles and adding pace between the lines. Midfield decisions remain fluid, with competition for places shaping Deschamps’ selection approach as he weighs stability against energy.
Defensively, France have been largely secure, allowing limited sustained pressure across both matches. That control is key heading into a fixture where a draw is enough to guarantee first place in Group I. Still, internal expectations remain higher, with a clean sweep in the group stage a target not achieved since the 1998 World Cup.
Personnel remains a subplot. Norway may be forced into a backline adjustment after injury concerns around Julian Ryerson, with Marcus Pedersen expected to step in. That change could affect Norway’s ability to build cleanly from deeper positions under pressure from France’s forward press.
For France, selection questions sit higher up the pitch. Rotation between Barcola and Doue continues, while midfield balance between Aurelien Tchouameni and other options remains under evaluation. Lucas Digne and Manu Kone’s recent performances have also added competition for starting roles, giving Deschamps multiple configurations depending on game plan.
The individual duel at the center of attention remains clear. Haaland has scored four goals in two matches and enters as one of the tournament’s top scorers, offering Norway a constant outlet and finishing edge. Mbappe, also on four goals, continues to define France’s tempo in the final third, combining acceleration with clinical finishing that has consistently separated tight matches.
Germany have already secured their place in the knockout rounds, but Julian Nagelsmann’s side still have history in their sights when they face Ecuador in their final Group E match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Thursday.
Die Mannschaft arrive with maximum points from their opening two matches and are guaranteed to finish atop the group. Ecuador, meanwhile, are staring at a potential early exit and may need nothing less than a victory to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Germany’s campaign began in emphatic fashion with a 7-1 demolition of Curacao before they showed a different side of their game in a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Ivory Coast. Trailing with less than 30 minutes remaining, the four-time world champions turned the match around thanks to substitute Deniz Undav, who struck twice, including a stoppage-time winner that sent Germany into the last 32.
Undav has emerged as one of the tournament’s breakout stars. The Stuttgart forward has contributed three goals and two assists in just two appearances, matching the most goal involvements by a substitute at a single World Cup since detailed records began in 1966. His impact has drawn comparisons with Roger Milla’s legendary supersub performances for Cameroon at the 1990 tournament.
While Germany have not consistently produced their most fluent football, they remain the competition’s highest-scoring team with nine goals. The victory over Ivory Coast also extended their winning streak across all competitions to 11 matches, their best run in nearly half a century.
Another win would equal the national team’s record of 12 consecutive victories, achieved by West Germany between 1979 and 1980. It would also mark Germany’s first perfect World Cup group-stage campaign since the 2006 tournament on home soil.
Despite their attacking firepower, Germany still have defensive questions to answer. They have conceded in five of their last six matches and have not kept a World Cup clean sheet since defeating Argentina in the 2014 final. Nagelsmann will be eager to tighten those weaknesses before the knockout phase begins.
For Ecuador, the tournament has been defined by frustration.
Sebastian Beccacece’s side have collected just one point from their first two matches despite creating enough chances to be in a much stronger position. They struck the woodwork three times before suffering a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast through a late winner, then dominated Curacao in a scoreless draw only to be denied repeatedly by goalkeeper Eloy Room.
La Tri registered 27 shots against Curacao but failed to score, with 15 efforts stopped by Room in one of the standout goalkeeping displays of the tournament.
The inability to convert chances has become a recurring problem. Ecuador drew five of their eight pre-tournament friendlies and played out eight draws during South American qualifying. Since July 2024, they have been involved in nine goalless matches, highlighting a long-standing struggle to turn possession and opportunities into goals.
Currently third in Group E on goal difference, Ecuador realistically need a victory against Germany to have a chance of advancing. Even a draw would likely leave them short of the points required to progress among the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
History offers little encouragement. Ecuador have lost both previous meetings with Germany, conceding seven goals and scoring only twice. They are also in danger of becoming just the second South American nation after Bolivia to complete a World Cup campaign without finding the net.
Germany will be forced into at least one change after defender Nico Schlotterbeck was ruled out for the remainder of the tournament with an ankle injury suffered against Ivory Coast. Antonio Rudiger, Waldemar Anton and Malick Thiaw are all candidates to step into the starting lineup.
With qualification already secured, Nagelsmann is expected to rotate his squad. Goalkeeper Oliver Baumann could be handed a start, while David Raum, Leon Goretzka, Angelo Stiller and Nadiem Amiri are also pushing for opportunities.
The Germany coach has also hinted that Undav’s outstanding form could earn him a place in the starting attack ahead of Kai Havertz. Jamie Leweling and Maximilian Beier are among the options to provide fresh legs in wide positions.
Ecuador enter the match with a fully fit squad and no major injury concerns. Beccacece is expected to remain largely faithful to the team that drew with Curacao, although tactical adjustments could be made.
Alan Franco may move into midfield alongside Moises Caicedo and Pedro Vite after operating in defense last time out, while Jordy Alcivar’s place in the side appears less certain.
Much of Ecuador’s hopes will rest on veteran captain Enner Valencia. The 36-year-old remains the country’s all-time leading scorer and is one goal away from reaching the 50-goal milestone for his national team. Valencia is expected to lead the line alongside Gonzalo Plata as Ecuador seek the goals that have so far eluded them.
England’s Three Lions and Ghana’s Black Stars have crossed paths before at the FIFA World Cup, but the tone and outcome could not have been more different.
This time, Carlos Queiroz guided his side to a disciplined draw that could prove crucial in the race for a place in the round of 32. England controlled long spells of possession Tuesday but were repeatedly denied in a rain-soaked 0-0 stalemate.
“Our plan was to block and frustrate them from the first minute,” Queiroz said. “We did it.”
Four years earlier in Qatar, Queiroz was in charge of Iran when they were beaten 6-2 by England. This time, England again created the bulk of the chances, outshooting Ghana 19-1, but could not find a breakthrough as late pressure went unrewarded.
“Frustrated a little bit with how they defended, how they set up,” England midfielder Jude Bellingham said. “They got exactly out of the game what they played for. We couldn’t quite break them down, even with all the corners, all the possession, all the shots from distance.”
Both teams won their opening matches at this year’s tournament, with Ghana beating Panama 1-0 and England defeating Croatia 4-2. Both still have work to do in Group L before securing a spot in the knockout round at the first 48-team World Cup.
England reached the quarterfinals at the 2022 tournament, where it lost to France. Ghana has not reached the knockout stage since the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
With the expanded field, the best eight third-place teams will also advance, giving both sides a strong chance heading into their final group matches.
England will next play Panama on Saturday in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Ghana will face Panama at the same time in Philadelphia.
The Three Lions had a chance to take the lead in the 86th minute when Nico O’Reilly’s header struck the crossbar. Harry Kane collected the rebound but could not get enough on his left-footed effort, sending it over.
Ghana’s best chance came in the 78th minute when Abdul Fatawu outmuscled England midfielder Eberechi Eze and broke down the sideline. He squared the ball to Prince Adu, who was challenged from behind by Ezri Konsa before he could shoot. Adu appealed for a penalty, but it was not given.
“It was a clear penalty, if not a red card,” Queiroz said. “We have no doubts about that.”
England coach Thomas Tuchel said he was surprised by Ghana’s setup, as they defended in a 4-5-1 formation. He also described Ghana’s approach as one of the most physical he has seen in the tournament.
“They defended with a lot of determination, a lot of discipline,” Tuchel said.
Tuchel added that England was not overly dependent on Kane, the striker who won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
“He was not involved as much as we would like him to be, but it was so narrow,” Tuchel said. “It was difficult to find space. The little moments he had were just unlucky.”
In the first half, England held 60% possession but managed only five attempts on goal, with Kane missing a close-range chance just before halftime.
Ghana increased its intensity after the break, coming close in the 50th minute when Marvin Senaya got a touch inside the box, but his effort was blocked by the England defense.
Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare earned a clean sheet in his first World Cup start.
“I think we did our best to get the result we were hoping for,” Ghana midfielder Kwasi Sibo said. “It’s just the plan of the coach, and we followed it.”
The final whistle of Group D will carry sharply different meanings for the United States and Türkiye when they meet at Los Angeles Stadium, with one side already looking ahead to the knockout rounds and the other left to salvage pride after a campaign that has unraveled early.
The journey to California has still drawn attention for the Turkish squad. The Türkiye national football team arrived in Los Angeles after leaving their Arizona base, flying in before boarding team transport to their hotel. The reception was immediate and loud.
Turkish supporters in the city turned out in numbers, lining roads from the airport and later gathering outside the team hotel with flags and convoy-style support that briefly turned the squad’s arrival into a rolling show of backing.
On the pitch, however, the story has been far more difficult.
A 1-0 defeat to Paraguay and an earlier setback have already eliminated Türkiye from contention, exposing a gap between expectation and execution for a side still trying to find a stable identity under Vincenzo Montella.
What once looked like a potential breakout tournament for a young core has instead become a search for answers, especially in attack, where goals have been scarce and momentum has stalled.
Even so, Türkiye’s final outing still carries individual stakes.
Kenan Yıldız is expected to return after a calf strain, offering a boost in creativity and forward thrust. Hakan Çalhanoğlu stands on the edge of history, level with Tuncay Şanlı on 22 international goals and within reach of third place on the nation’s all-time scoring list.
In goal, Uğurcan Çakır is approaching another milestone among Türkiye’s most capped clean-sheet keepers, while Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Arda Güler continue to represent the attacking promise that briefly surfaced in flashes during the campaign.
Across the field, the United States have been the opposite story: efficient, aggressive, and already through. The USMNT have secured top spot in the group after two wins, including a controlled 2-0 result over Australia that confirmed their place in the last 16 with a game to spare.
That early qualification has shifted the focus from survival to momentum. A third straight win would set a new World Cup record for the US program, marking the first time they have ever opened a tournament with three consecutive victories. It would also further strengthen Mauricio Pochettino’s influence, as the Argentine coach seeks to build a tournament identity rooted in pressing intensity and fast transitions.
Even without captain Christian Pulisic for extended spells during the group stage, the Americans have shown balance in attack. Their ability to strike early has stood out, scoring inside the first 15 minutes in both matches, a rare achievement for a host nation at this level of competition. Their aggressive pressing numbers have also been among the highest in the tournament, reflecting a side willing to take risks without the ball and compress space high up the pitch.
The US also enter the match with strategic decisions to make. Several players, including Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson, sit one yellow card away from suspension, increasing the likelihood of rotation. Balogun remains a key subplot in attack, chasing a rare scoring milestone for an American forward in World Cup history.
There is also the matter of squad management and rhythm. With qualification already secured, the coaching staff must balance continuity with caution, ensuring key players are fresh for the knockout stage while avoiding a drop in intensity that has defined their group-stage performances so far.
History between the two sides adds another layer. The United States defeated Türkiye 2-1 in a friendly in 2014, while Türkiye claimed victory in their most recent meeting last year, keeping the head-to-head relatively balanced. This time, however, the context is entirely different, with one side playing for legacy within a tournament and the other playing for survival within reputation.
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