For those who prefer their football updates in podcast format, the latest episode of Football Weekly has just been released. Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Seb Hutchinson, and Pablo Iglesias Maurer to discuss the impressive debut by the USA, Canada’s hard-fought point against Bosnia, and Scotland’s upcoming match against Haiti.
Are there any Scotland fans out there? How do you think the team will fare against Haiti? Are you feeling hopeful, anxious, or excited? Feel free to share your thoughts via email.
Scotland is gearing up for its first World Cup match since 1998, and judging by the images emerging from Boston, the fans are set on making the most of this experience. Paul MacInnes has been reporting from the city’s bars and pubs, while Ewan Murray provides a more serious analysis. Meanwhile, Bryan Armen Graham offers insights on Haiti, who have been waiting even longer than Scotland—52 years, to be exact—for their return to the tournament.
In a bizarre twist reminiscent of a Coen Brothers film, reports have surfaced that England’s boots have been stolen. According to Jacob Steinberg, the Football Association is now working with local authorities in Kansas City to recover the missing footwear. If these efforts fall short, it seems Harry Kane and his teammates may have to face Croatia without their shoes.
A man in a tracksuit appeared holding aloft a golden ball, like some ancient deity hoisting god’s gonad on his shoulders. At which point an enormous golden Fifa sign appeared, all four letters at least 50ft high, winched down out of the ether like a vision of divine grace – if not the most ludicrous sporting spectacle of all time, then surely the most ludicrous yet.
Barney Ronay was present at Los Angeles Stadium last night. While he may not have fully embraced the surreal spectacle of the event, he certainly observed it. Here’s his take on what transpired.
We’ve witnessed four matches so far, and this tournament has already delivered an array of dramatic moments: stunning visuals, incredible goals, unexpected comebacks, and referees brandishing red cards like candies. Coupled with the political absurdities surrounding the event, it feels like tuning out might be the only rational choice. This is the Doomscroll World Cup: you know it’s not good for you, yet it’s almost impossible to look away.
Following the USA’s commanding victory over Paraguay, the next match features Qatar facing Switzerland at 8pm (all times BST), followed by Brazil taking on Morocco at 11pm. Finally, Scotland will compete in their critical match against Haiti at 2am, with Australia and Turkey battling it out at 5am.
In the meantime, you can stay updated on all the latest news, controversies, and geopolitical developments surrounding the tournament here. As Gianni Infantino might suggest amid a world in turmoil, relax, take it easy, and enjoy the show.
