
World Cup 2026: Early Upsets, Comebacks and a $5 Billion Betting Boom
Live updates from the 2026 FIFA World Cup highlight early shocks, star comebacks, and a record‑breaking betting surge.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Santa Clara, California, United States across Soccer, Football, Basketball.

Live updates from the 2026 FIFA World Cup highlight early shocks, star comebacks, and a record‑breaking betting surge.

A red card for covering his mouth during a World Cup match has reignited discussion on a recently introduced disciplinary rule.

Local fans gathered at The Ruins to watch the U.S. team defeat Australia 2-0, advancing to the knockout rounds, while enjoying a vibrant atmosphere and family-friendly amenities.

The 2026 World Cup will feature record‑breaking heat and the threat of thunderstorm delays, with The Athletic and meteorologist Aaron Mentkowski providing daily weather briefings for fans and organizers.

A look at the key factors that could derail the 2026 fantasy outlook for Chris Godwin Jr., Wan’Dale Robinson, Ricky Pearsall and Jayden Reed.

Turkey and Paraguay each need a win in Santa Clara to keep their World Cup hopes alive after opening defeats.

Austria secured a 3-1 win against Jordan in their World Cup comeback, driven by Marko Arnautovic's decisive penalty and a tactical shift that highlighted the team's depth.

Austria secured its first World Cup victory since 1990, defeating Jordan 3‑1 in a match marked by a VAR‑affected own goal, a penalty, and a decisive strike from Marko Arnautovic.

Lionel Messi's hat‑trick propelled Argentina to a 3‑0 victory over Algeria, equaling the all‑time World Cup scoring record and underscoring his enduring brilliance at 38.

During the World Cup in nearby Santa Clara, a spontaneous street soccer gathering brought the global tournament to the heart of San Jose.

A sunny downtown San Jose hosted a free street soccer tournament organized by Dale Futbol, bringing together more than 20 regional teams and highlighting the sport’s rising popularity.

Thousands of empty red seats marred the World Cup match between Qatar and Switzerland at Levi’s Stadium, prompting FIFA to point to fans watching from concourses while the warm Bay Area climate added to the odd visual.

The United States began its World Cup adventure with a commanding 4-1 triumph over Paraguay at the 70,492‑capacity Los Angeles Stadium, a venue that proved packed to the rafters.

The United States began its World Cup campaign with a dominant 4‑1 victory over Paraguay in Los Angeles, highlighted by a double from Folarin Balogun and a late strike from Gio Reyna, while Christian Pulisic was forced off with a calf injury.

The Toreros have released their full 2026 schedule, featuring a challenging opening stretch, eight conference matches, and exhibition games as they aim to defend their four‑year WCC championship streak.

Granit Xhaka and coach Murat Yakin speak about experience, record appearances, and the team's ambition to build on past World Cup lessons.

Qatar will face Switzerland at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, marking its first World Cup qualification on merit. Manager Julen Lopetegui seeks defensive discipline while planning a balanced 4‑3‑3 attack led by Akram Afif.

Pepperdine announces a challenging 2026 schedule featuring top opponents from power‑four conferences, a new WCC postseason format, and key returning players aiming for a three‑year conference title streak.

The Pilots announced a 2026 fall slate that blends early‑season road tests against Power Five opponents with a debut in the West Coast Conference tournament, aiming to build on a 2025 campaign that produced a 10‑3‑6 record and a tie for second in the WCC.

A new soccer‑themed venue in Oakland combines a cafe, retail space and an outdoor pitch, offering watch parties, community events and a planned Neighborhood World Cup during the global tournament.

A look at the record‑breaking performances of Drew Burress, Jarren Advincula, Vahn Lackey, Ryan Zuckerman and Carson Kerce, and the national recognition they received from the NCBWA and Perfect Game.

Five Georgia Tech baseball players have been named First‑Team All‑Southeast Region by the American Baseball Coaches Association, tying a program record and setting new milestones.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to unfold across North America, a curated selection of books offers insight into the sport's many layers, from tactical nuance to personal memory.

Algeria’s coach Vladimir Petkovic has renewed his deal through 2028, and the team is gearing up for a landmark World Cup campaign in the United States.