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Defector

Luis Paez-Pumar

Vinícius Júnior of Brazil celebrates his goal with teammates during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Scotland and Brazil at Miami Stadium on June 24, 2026 in Miami Gardens, United States.

Soccer

Vinícius Has Brazil Believing Again

Kathryn Xu

Nico O'Reilly #3 and Harry Kane #9 of England react after a missed chance during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Ghana.

What On Earth Is “Match Momentum”?

<p>Séamus Malekafzali is a New York-based journalist and writer primarily focusing on the politics of the Middle East.</p>


Séamus Malekafzali

Iranian fans protest outside the Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match between Belgium and Iran

The Monarchists Have Come To Harangue Iran’s World Cup Team

Norway's forward #09 Erling Braut Haaland celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the 2026 World Cup Group I football match between Norway and Senegal at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on June 22, 2026.

The Golden Boot Race Has Already Gotten Ridiculous

Billy Haisley

Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Austria.

Lionel Messi Falls To Earth, Ascends Right Back Into The Sky

Nathan Ngoy #25 of Belgium receives a red card during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match between Belgium and IR Iran at Los Angeles Stadium on June 21, 2026 in Los Angeles, California

This World Cup Is Beating A Dead Dark Horse

Tom Ley

Cape Verde supporters cheer on their team

Cape Verde Deserved Better Than Whatever The Hell JP Dellacamera Was Doing

Lamine Yamal of Spain celebrates after scoring their side's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia.

The Real Spain Has Now Arrived

Ray Ratto

Japan fans cheer in the stands during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F match between Tunisia and Japan.

Tunisia Blows Up Its Manager, Still Gets Blown Out

Eloy Room of Curacao makes a save during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Ecuador and Curacao.

Eloy Room Saved A Place For Himself And Curacao In World Cup History

Chris Richards and Folarin Balogun of the United States celebrate a goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Australia

I Have Died And Gone To USMNT Heaven

David Roth

Vozinha of Cabo Verde gives a thumbs up during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain and Cabo Verde.

Podcasts

Feeling Those Good Sports Feelings, With Ray Ratto

Harry Kane of England celebrates his 1-0 goal during the 2026 World Cup at AT&amp;T Stadium in Dallas, United States, on June 17, 2026.

2026 World Cup