Sports
Hamilton eyes sunnier F1 days as Ferrari struggles continue
Lewis Hamilton is determined to reignite the joy in his Formula One career, confident that “sunnier days” lie ahead for Ferrari.
After a frustrating weekend in Hungary, where he described himself as “absolutely useless” and even suggested Ferrari consider replacing him following a 12th-place start and finish, Hamilton appeared downcast. He also left uncertainty over his participation in Zandvoort this weekend, saying he would “hopefully” return after the sport’s summer break.
The seven-time world champion trails Charles Leclerc by 42 points in the championship, has been out-qualified by his Ferrari teammate ten times, and beaten him in only two races this season.
Yet, Hamilton arrives in the Netherlands with renewed focus, determined to tackle the final ten races with a fresh mindset and a desire to rediscover the thrill that has defined his 40-year-old career.
“We’re going to work hard, keep our heads down, try to change a few things in our approach and start to enjoy ourselves,” Hamilton said.
“There’s been so much pressure in this first half of the season, it’s not been the most enjoyable.
“So I think just remembering that we love what we do, we’re all in this together and I’m trying to have some fun.
“That’s the reason I got into this sport. It was fun for me.
“I think for anyone in whatever career you’re in, if you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, then why are you doing it?
“I joined the team that I’ve always dreamed of driving for and there’s been so much noise around that it’s clouded us from getting to enjoy it.”
Ferrari have yet to win a race this season – one in which they were widely expected to contend for both championships – but sit second in the constructors’ standings behind the dominant McLaren.
Hamilton announced his blockbuster move from Mercedes – where he won six of his seven world titles – ahead of last season but his dream move to the Scuderia has not yet played out as he would have liked.
But he reiterated his belief in the team remained and was confident that Ferrari, who have not won a constructors’ title since 2008, were heading in the right direction.
“I’m the type of person that doesn’t like to get complacent and be comfortable. That’s really where I was with the long-term relationship I had before,” Hamilton added.
“I’ve taken this step into a team that I truly believe in. I still believe in the potential here and what we can achieve together. No one succeeds without going through those tough patches.
“I think we’ve made a lot of progress. I think we’re going in the right direction.
“I’m looking forward to the sunnier days for sure.”
Hamilton’s former Mercedes team-mate George Russell laughed off his suggestion that Ferrari should be looking for a replacement.
Russell said: “He is talking nonsense when he says something like that. He’s the greatest driver of all time.
“A situation like that, when you go from the track and you are in front of the media within 10 minutes, you have all these emotions.
“He’s still an exceptional driver.”
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.
Erling Haaland powered Norway into the World Cup round of 32, scoring twice as the Vikings battled past Senegal 3-2 on Monday night in a match that demanded far more grit than glamour.
The prolific striker increased his tournament tally to four goals, continuing his remarkable scoring run as Norway secured their place in the knockout stage.
“It’s my specialty to score goals,” Haaland said. “I’m just really good at scoring goals.”
After the final whistle, Norway’s players and staff gathered in front of their supporters behind the north goal at MetLife Stadium to celebrate in trademark fashion. With Haaland seated at the front and captain Martin Odegaard beating a bongo drum, the squad joined fans in performing the famous Viking Row, chanting “Ro!” while mimicking rowing motions.
“It was fun,” Norway coach Stale Solbakken said through an interpreter. “We will not be rowing after the World Cup, but it can be a nice tradition during the tournament.”
Norway took the lead in the 43rd minute when substitute Marcus Pedersen struck shortly after coming on for an injured teammate. Haaland then took control after halftime, finding the net in the 48th and 58th minutes to stretch the advantage to 3-1 and put the Vikings firmly on course for the knockout rounds.
“He’s very efficient,” Senegal coach Pape Thiaw said through an interpreter.
Haaland ran onto Martin Odegaard’s pass and put a left-footed shot past the outstretched left hand of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, capping an end-to-end counterattack for a 2-0 lead.
For his second goal, Haaland tunneled through the defense and, 8 yards out, raised his weaker right foot to volley in Patrick Berg’s pass. Haaland raised a hand to his ear to inspire Norway’s supporters.
Haaland has 24 goals in his last 12 international games, scoring at least once in every match, and 59 goals in 52 international appearances. The 25-year-old striker joined England’s Harry Kane in 2018 as the only players in the last 50 years with two-goal games in both of their first two World Cup appearances.
He is second in the Golden Boot race, one behind Argentina’s Lionel Messi and tied with France’s Kylian Mbappe. Haaland nearly got another in first-half stoppage time, hitting a post after Mendy lost control of the ball.
“He did miss an open goal. He could have scored even four,” Solbakken said. “He is the best striker. He is not playing for France or Argentina. He scores for Norway.”
Ismaila Sarr scored both goals for the Lions of Teranga, in the 53rd minute and the third minute of second-half stoppage time.
“If we had played just slightly worse, then we would be in trouble,” Solbakken said.
Making its first World Cup appearance since 1998, Norway (2-0) is assured of advancing from Group I along with France. The Vikings need to beat Les Bleus on Friday for first place and what would appear to be an easier path through the knockout bracket.
Senegal is 0-2 in a World Cup for the first time and needs a win over Iraq (0-2) to have any chance of advancing as a third-place team.
“We’ve got everything left to play for,” Thiaw said.
Pedersen entered in the 13th minute for his World Cup debut after Julian Ryerson could not play through what Solbakken said was a nagging injury, and Pedersen put the Vikings ahead with the help of mistakes by Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly and Mendy.
Odegaard made a centering pass that Koulibaly cleared straight to Pedersen at the top of the arc. Pedersen took two touches and sent a savable shot inside the near post that glanced off Mendy’s left hand and into the goal.
Mendy left in the 63rd minute because of an injury.
While there had been storm warnings, a downpour stopped more than 3 1/2 hours before kickoff. The skies opened again after the final whistle, prompting announcements for fans to leave the stadium bowl and move to sheltered areas.
“Let’s be happy,” Haaland said, “every single Norwegian on the planet today.”
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