
World Cup Knockout Stage: Predictions, Stars and Surprises
Predictions highlight France’s dominance, Messi’s legacy, and potential shocks like an early U.S. exit, while fan cultures from Argentina, Scotland and Ecuador add vibrant energy.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Harry Kane across Soccer, Football, Baseball.

Predictions highlight France’s dominance, Messi’s legacy, and potential shocks like an early U.S. exit, while fan cultures from Argentina, Scotland and Ecuador add vibrant energy.

Mauricio Pochettino, the newly appointed head coach of the United States men’s national team, blends a storied playing background with a belief‑driven leadership style that is already reshaping the sport’s landscape in the United States.

Mauricio Pochettino, the Argentine tactician leading the U.S. national team, has infused a divided nation with belief, drawing on a storied career, a mentor’s legacy, and personal rituals that underscore his quest for glory.

Under Mauricio Pochettino, the U.S. men’s national team has shifted from complacency to competitive fire, winning Group D and eyeing a deep World Cup run.

England captain Harry Kane praises Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, highlighting his greatness and discussing his recovery ahead of the upcoming season and World Cup matches.

The tournament has produced 177 goals in 60 matches, surpassing historical benchmarks and prompting a deep dive into the statistical anomalies that accompany the new 48‑team structure.
A night of heat, diaspora and generational change unfolded in Miami as Scotland’s campaign unravelled, while Brazil’s victory and Colombia’s narrow win added layers of narrative to the tournament.

A self‑styled Ghanaian witch doctor says he removed a spell he allegedly placed on England forward Harry Kane after the player failed to find the net in a World Cup match. Kane, who has spoken about the missed opportunity, remains focused on future games.

Despite 80% possession and 19 shots, England settled for a 0-0 draw against Ghana, a result that cements their progression but leaves fans yearning for more incisive play.

Thomas Tuchel's approach seeks to draw opponents into deeper positions, but a low‑block Ghana side exposed its limits, prompting England to rethink their strategy.

The Athletic's comprehensive rankings dissect each of the 2026 World Cup fixtures, spotlighting historic wins, record‑breaking scores and the players who defined the competition.

Yesterday’s action saw Portugal crush Uzbekistan, England hold Ghana, while Croatia and Colombia secured narrow victories; today’s schedule pits Switzerland against Canada and Scotland against Brazil, all tracked on The Athletic’s interactive Pick’Em platform.

England and Ghana played to a 0-0 draw in their second World Cup Group L match, with England controlling the ball but unable to convert dominance into goals.

A head collision between Reece James and Jordan Ayew prompted former NFL player Mark Schlereth to question soccer players' resilience, igniting a backlash that highlights evolving concussion rules in the tournament.

The 2026 World Cup is on track to shatter previous goal records, with 121 goals scored in the first 40 matches. A faster, more stable ball and a 48‑team field are reshaping the tournament’s offensive dynamics.

England and Ghana settled for a 0‑0 draw in a tightly contested World Cup group match, marked by tactical rigidity, hydration breaks and contentious refereeing.

England failed to break down Ghana's organized defense in a 0-0 draw that echoed a recurring trend of second‑group‑stage stalemates for the English side.

A snapshot of the most talked‑about player movements and club interests across the continent.

When DoorDash mistakenly wished rapper T‑Pain success at the 2026 World Cup, confusing him with little‑known soccer star Tim Payne, the mishap sparked a clever campaign that turned a slip‑up into a celebration of both music and the beautiful game.

Cristiano Ronaldo continued his record-breaking run in Houston, and Harry Kane prepares for another pivotal World Cup encounter as teams battle for knockout stage spots.

The NBA Draft conversation is heating up as teams scout the next wave of talent, and few storylines have generated as much buzz than the prospects emerging from Kentucky's recent roster.

Lionel Messi converts just 77% of his penalties, a figure that falls short of elite averages, and his methods reveal a fascinating clash of skill and strategy.

A look at the latest performances of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, and the defensive strategies proposed by former Wales international Ashley Williams.

The 2026 World Cup is already capturing the imagination of American fans, a shift that feels both sudden and inevitable.