The Game’s Premise
Connections: Soccer Edition, the daily brain‑teaser that will run alongside the 2026 World Cup, challenges players to sort a set of sixteen terms into four distinct clusters of four. The goal is to uncover the hidden link that binds each cluster, with only three incorrect attempts permitted before the game ends. Each puzzle is crafted to have a single, definitive solution.
Hints and Answers for Puzzle No. 18
For the June 28 edition, puzzle No. 18, the four categories are positions, backroom coaching staff, England captains, and expressions linked to a hat‑trick. The clues provided point toward MIDFIELDER, SCOUT, GERRARD and THREE, guiding solvers toward the correct groupings. The complete answers reveal GOALKEEPER, SWEEPER, MIDFIELDER and FORWARD for the positions set; PHYSIO, ANALYST, SCOUT and KIT MANAGER for the coaching staff; MOORE, BALL, ADAMS and GERRARD for the England captains; and PERFECT, MATCH BALL, THREE and HURST for the hat‑trick terminology. The puzzle is rated a difficulty of three out of five, offering a moderate challenge for enthusiasts.
The Mind Behind the Puzzle
Will Jeanes, a senior editor at The Athletic who specializes in soccer history and statistics, designs these daily conundrums. His work blends rigorous research with a love of the sport, delivering puzzles that both entertain and inform readers.