World Cup LIVE- Match at risk of serious disruption as England flag banned

World Cup LIVE: Match at risk of serious disruption as England flag banned from stadium

Express Sport keeps you across all of the latest World Cup news and updates

France's World Cup match against Iraq (kick off 10pm) is at risk of being delayed due to extreme weather.

Weather forecasts are predicting thunderstorms in Philadelphia for lengthy periods of time.

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Under FIFA rules, if lightning strikes within eight miles of the stadium, play will be interrupted and fans will be moved to the concourse and/or emergency shelter area.

“They'll start to evacuate the stadium to the main concourse and seek emergency shelter,” Lauren Lambrugo, chief operating officer of Philadelphia Soccer 2026, said. “And then it has to wait 30 minutes prior to them bringing everybody back on the field.”

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In Sunday’s action, Mohamed Salah helped Egypt defeat New Zealand to claim their first ever World Cup win. While Spain swept Saudi Arabia aside with Lamine Yamal on the scoresheet.

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Cape Verde's gripping debut campaign continued as they held Uruguay to a draw.

Follow all the latest from the World Cup with Express Sport...

6 mins ago09:30 Matthew Abbott

Mohamed Salah celebrates Egypt's first World Cup win

Footage of Mohamed Salah celebrating Egypt's first win at the World Cup has emerged, showing the former Liverpool player singing and dancing in the streets of Vancouver after beating New Zealand.

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36 mins ago09:00 Matthew Abbott

Lucas Paqueta reveals Scotland 'respect' before Group C clash

Lucas Paqueta says that Brazil have 'great respect' for Scotland and insists they are out to win their Group C match despite a draw being enough to qualify for the round of 32, a result which would seemingly suit both teams.

All the teams at the World Cup deserve respect. You have to study them and prepare as best as possible to face them. We have great respect for Scotland, but we also know we need to play our game and follow what the coach asks of us. Regardless of the opponent, our goal in every match is to win.

1 hour ago08:30 Jeremiah Hassel

Ollie Watkins backs Jeremy Doku over World Cup exit plans

Ollie Watkins has defended Jeremy Doku over his decision to fly home from the World Cup for the birth of his first child.

Watkins, who himself has two children, said:

It only happens once, your first child. Welcoming them into the world is a blessing, and you don't get that opportunity (again).

There are a lot of times when you're away from family and friends during the season, and it's a very difficult period, so to miss that would be tough.

Watkins concluded:

I don't think it's anyone else's business. If he goes back and does that, that's fair enough.

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2 hours ago08:00 Matthew Abbott

Marcelo Bielsa reveals double Uruguay injury blow

Marcelo Bielsa says neither Giorgian de Arrascaeta nor Ronald Araujo have no chance of playing in their final group stage game against Spain. Neither player has featured in either of their first two matches, both of which they have drawn.

They will remain unavailable until at least a potential round-of-32 tie. They are far from certain to make the knockouts, though. If they lose to the European champions and one of Cape Verde or Saudi Arabia wins their game, then Uruguay will finish third with two points, which is unlikely to be enough to qualify as one of the eight best third-place teams.

2 hours ago07:35 Shane Ireland

France World Cup showdown under threat

According to French outlet RMC Sports, France's World Cup showdown with Iraq is threatened by interruption due to severe forecasts in Philadelphia.

Forecasts are predicting thunderstorms with the players unlikely to escape the worst of it.

It has been described as "apocalyptic" with "several thunderstorms are expected to become severe, with damaging winds, intense lightning, and a risk of isolated tornadoes."

The weather is set to be severe enough that it could lead to postponements of outdoor activities including the World Cup match.

2 hours ago07:10 Stephen Killen

Iran national anthem booed for a second game

Alireza Jahanbakhsh has vowed to unify their nation as he failed to be drawn on the national anthem boos during at the World Cup.

"We take both. I think there are good days, bad days for every team, and also, like I said, we play for all the Iranians in Iran, outside Iran, with whatever ideology, whatever preferences they have, and we make sure to make them happy, because I'm sure at the end of the day, they love Team Mali from the heart, and we respect them all," Jahanbakhsh told reporters after the match.

"And I think the most important thing we can do as a team is to perform well, to make sure we put our heart on the pitch, and to do everything to make them happy.

"And for the rest, I think that's something we have to respect people, whatever idea they have, and like I said, the best thing we can do is to play football, and hopefully we can do it in the best way possible."

4 hours ago05:59 Stephen Killen

Saka hands Thomas Tuchel selection headache

Bukayo Saka trained fully to give England a major fitness boost ahead of the World Cup clash with Ghana.

Arsenal winger Saka did not train with the rest of the squad on Saturday and followed his own fitness programme to manage an ongoing Achilles issue.

But Saka took part in the closed training session at England's base in Kansas City on Sunday in the build-up to Tuesday’s game in Boston.

Saka has to manage the issue in Arsenal’s title run-in but is adamant he is fit and it has not deteriorated.

England boss Thomas Tuchel said last week that he may not risk Saka until the final Group match with Panama.

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4 hours ago05:08 Stephen Killen

Jeremy Doku World Cup row rumbles on

Jeremy Doku missed Belgium's goalless draw with Iran with a chest infection but he remains in the headlines after being targeted for his reasons for potentially leaving the World Cup early next month.

The Man City forward is expecting the birth of his first child in the second week of July. However, L'Equipe presenter France Pierron took aim at his decision to leave the competition early to attend the arrival.

She has since been suspended for her outburst, according to reports in France.

You can read the full story here.

6 hours ago04:04 Stephen Killen

FT: New Zealand 1-3 Egypt

Joyout scenes as Egypt pick up their first ever World Cup win.

The wait goes on for New Zealand as they go into a ninth match in the competition's history waiting for that moment.

They had it in their hands, they were 45 minutes away after Finn Surman's header was the difference at half-time.

But Egypt came out the blocks. Ziko sparked the comeback, Mohamed Salah completed it and Trezeguet rubber-stamped it.

6 hours ago03:57 Stephen Killen

GOAL! New Zealand 1-3 Egypt

That should be that.

Trezeguet makes it three for Egypt.

They have turned on the style in the second-half and New Zealand don't know how to deal with it.

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6 hours ago03:29 Stephen Killen

GOAL! New Zealand 1-2 Egypt

Mohamed Salah. Inevitable.

The Egyptian has scored his first goal in the tournament and Egypt are now in the driving seat as he push towards their first ever win at this competition.

It is deserved and it's a brilliant goal. Salah plays a neat one two and fires low.

6 hours ago03:20 Stephen Killen

GOAL! New Zealand 1-1 Egypt

As we approach the hour-mark, parity has been restored.

Ziko has levelled for Egypt and we have a game on our hands now.

It has been one-way traffic for the Pharaohs since they fell behind and it's deserved.

7 hours ago02:54 Stephen Killen

HT: New Zealand 1-0 Egypt

It's not been a classic, shall we say.

Finn Surman's header is the difference.

Mohamed Salah has come closest for Egypt but his free-kick curled wide of the mark.

7 hours ago02:17 Stephen Killen

GOAL! New Zealand 1-0 Egypt

That wasn't in the script for Mohamed Salah and Egypt, they are behind.

Finn Surman loses his marker and powers a header home. It's the type of header that you will see on highlight reels of how to score from corners.

He loses his marker, rises highest and powers home.

8 hours ago02:03 Stephen Killen

New Zealand and Egypt bidding for history

We're underway in Canada as Egypt take on New Zealand both teams looking for their first ever win at the World Cup.

Here's how they line-up.

New Zealand: Crocombe, Payne, Surman, Boxall, Cacace, Bell, Stamenic, McCowatt, Singh, Just, Wood.

Egypt: Shobeir, Hany, Ibrahim, Fathy, Fatouh, Attia, Lasheem, Zico, Salah, Ashour, Marmoush.

8 hours ago01:11 Stephen Killen

FT: Uruguay 2-2 Cape Verde

A captivating contest in Miami as Cape Verde pick up another point.

They went toe-to-toe with Uruguay and could well have snatched all three points at the death.

An inquest will be held in South America after another disappointing performance from Marcelo Bielsa, with his side already reportedly fractured.

They need a performance against Spain in their final group match. Win for Cape Verde against Saudi Arabia in their match will send them through.

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9 hours ago00:29 Stephen Killen

GOAL! Uruguay 2-2 Cape Verde

It's another historic moment for Cape Verde.

They found themselves behind due to a quickfire double from Uruguay but the South American have shot themselves in the foot.

Helio Varela equalises just three minutes after coming on, he pounces on a mistake and fires into an empty net as Muslera is caught in no man's land.

10 hours ago23:53 Joe Doyle

GOAL! Uruguay (Canobbio) 2-1 Cape Verde!

And just like that, Uruguay are in front!

It's a cross from deep that Arauajo heads across the six-yard line, where Canobbio is on hand to place it simply past a helpless Vozinha in the Cape Verde net to send the fans in the stadium wild.

10 hours ago23:48 Joe Doyle

GOAL! Uruguay (Araujo) 1-1 Cape Verde

A ball into the box is nodded against the post and falls back to Araujo, who nods a diving header past a helpless Vozinha in goal.

There are some protests from Cape Verde, who had a player down injured with cramp. But the referee wasn't stopping it for that. All square as we head towards half-time.

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10 hours ago23:23 Aaron Morris

21' - WHAT A GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL

Kevin Pina with an absolute lazer of a free kick from 30 or so yards out!!!

That is SENSATIONAL...

Uruguay 0-1 Cape Verde

10 hours ago23:12 Aaron Morris

Roy Keane dubs Belgium vs Iran 'rubbish'

Speaking on ITV, the Irishman said: "The time to judge a player is when you give him time on the ball. It's almost easier for Iran when they were sitting and defending.

"When they had the extra man, they almost didn't know what to do with it. In terms of the quality of the game, I thought it was rubbish. Really bad. Obviously, Belgium had a couple of really good chances, but the standard in terms of the passing, movement, decision-making...so poor."

11 hours ago23:00 Mark Wakefield

Uruguay team vs Cabo Verde

Here's a look at the Uruguay team to face Cabo Verde in the World Cup clash this evening.

11 hours ago22:40 Mark Wakefield

Lamine Yamal verdict

Lamne Yamal opened the scoring for Spain in their 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia, in what was his first goal at a World Cup.

The Barcelona star has now reflected on the landmark moment in his career.

In an interview with DAZN, Yamal said:

It's special.

I've always dreamed about being at a World Cup, and being able to score in my first start is a dream.

I watched the last World Cup in class at school.

11 hours ago22:21 Mark Wakefield

Group G standings

Here's how things stand in Group G after the goalless draw between Belgium and Iran.

12 hours ago22:03 Mark Wakefield

FT: Belgium 0-0 Iran

The full-time whistle goes and finishes goalless between Belgium and Iran in Los Angeles.

The result means that both teams have just two points from their opening two Group G games in the World Cup.

Belgium will face New Zealand in their final match while Iran will take on Egypt.

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12 hours ago21:55 Mark Wakefield

Almost for Belgium!

Maxim De Cuyper should put Belgium in front with a first-time effort that goes straight at Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.

Entering the final minutes of the game here in Los Angeles and it's still goalless between these Group G opponents.

Both teams are starting to show more adventure going forward as they try to get the winner.

12 hours ago21:38 Mark Wakefield

Red card for Belgium!

Nathan Ngoy is shown a red card for Belgium for a foul on Mehdi Taremi of Iran for denying a goal scoring opportunity.

Ngoy challenged Taremi just past the halfway line, but there was no other defender near to the ball and the referee gave the Belgium defender a red card which was confirmed by VAR.

Beligum now have all to do to try and turn this draw into a win in Los Angeles.

12 hours ago21:26 Mark Wakefield

Goalmouth scramble

Belgium and Iran remain goalless almost 15 minutes into the second half here in Los Angeles.

If this scoreline remains unchanged, both teams will have picked up just two points from their opening two group games.

And just as I type this, Belgium have a goalmouth scramble where three players have a chance to score inside the six yard box.

However, the Iran defenders manage to keep the ball out of the net and it remains goalless.

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13 hours ago20:54 Mark Wakefield

HT: Belgium 0-0 Iran

Half-time in Los Angeles and there's still nothing to separate both teams as it remains goalless.

Mehdi Taremi had a goal disallowed for offside earlier in the half, with Belgium given a warning sign of what their opponents are capable of.

All to play for in the second half, and you'll be able to follow regular updates right here.

13 hours ago20:30 Mark Wakefield

Goal disallowed

Some drama here as Iran thought they had opened the scoring against Belgium with a goal from Mehdi Taremi.

However, following a VAR check, the effort has been ruled out for offside and the score remains goalless in Los Angeles.

Still 0-0 with 29 minutes played in this World Cup Group G fixture.

14 hours ago20:01 Amos Murphy

And the Iranian starting XI for today's game

This is how the Iranian side will line up for the match vs Belgium

14 hours ago19:29 Amos Murphy

Belgium starting XI for Iran match

Here's how Belgium will line up against Iran...

15 hours ago19:03 Amos Murphy

FT: Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia

And that's a wrap from Atlanta.

Spain got the damage done in the first half, and didn't really have to get out of third gear after that.

It was a much better performance from the European champions who have one foot in the knockouts.

15 hours ago18:59 Amos Murphy

Spain goal ruled out for offside

Spain thought they'd added a fifth in added time but after a lengthy VAR review, Ferran Torres was adjudged to have been offside.

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15 hours ago18:32 Amos Murphy

Big boos for the hydration break

Not much has happened since that fourth Spanish goal, but the fans weren't happy to see the game stopped for the hydration break.

The roof is closed in Atlanta and it certainly isn't sweltering hot.

15 hours ago18:12 Amos Murphy

SPAIN 4-0 SAUDI ARABIA

This is an absolute rout.

Marc Cucurella with the shot but it was eventually steered into the net by Hassan Al Tambakti.

It's the eighth own goal at these finals.

16 hours ago18:04 Amos Murphy

England fans arrive in Boston ahead of Ghana match

England fans have been slowly arriving in Boston ahead of Tuesday's clash against Ghana!

Will they match the energy from the Tartan Army during their stay?

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16 hours ago17:52 Amos Murphy

HT: Spain 3-0 Saudi Arabia

And that's the half. The first 22 minutes or so were scintillating from Spain, as they put the woes of Monday's draw against Cape Verde to bed.

It slowed down a little bit after the hydration break, but they are firmly in control of this tie.

A win would almost certainly ensure a knockout berth for the 2024 European champions.

16 hours ago17:26 Amos Murphy

SPAIN 3-0 SAUDI ARABIA

And it's three! Mikel Oyarzabal was woeful in the opener against Cape Verde but he's bagged two before the first drinks break.

What a change in mood compared to that match.

16 hours ago17:24 Amos Murphy

SPAIN 2-0 SAUDI ARABIA

Mikel Oyarzabal was the provider for the first and is the goalscorer for the third.

A tidy finish from close range.

16 hours ago17:12 Amos Murphy

SPAIN 1-0 SAUDI ARABIA

And it didn't take long did it?

Mikel Oyarzabal sticks a tempting bal across the box and Lamine Yamal is there to tap it home.

Spain look SO much better with Yamal in the side, which shouldn't come as a surprise at all.

16 hours ago17:11 Amos Murphy

Lamine Yamal back in the mix

What a boost for Spain, as Lamine Yamal is back into the starting XI!

17 hours ago17:01 Amos Murphy

And we're off...

The first of four matches taking place in North America today is underway.

Will it be a comfortable win for Spain or can Saudi Arabia spring a surprise?

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17 hours ago16:11 Amos Murphy

Saudi Arabia starting XI for Spain match

Meanwhile here's how Saudi Arabia will line up...

17 hours ago16:08 Amos Murphy

Spain line-up confirmed ahead of second group match

After a frustrating 0-0 draw in their opening match, Spain will be hoping to right the wrongs against Saudi Arabia.

Here is how the European champions line up...

18 hours ago15:26 Amos Murphy

Iranian fans continue protests amid USA conflict

Iranian fans are expected to continue their protests ahead of the match vs Belgium tonight.

There was a large presence outside the Los Angeles Stadium before their opening match against New Zealand.

The Asian side return to LA for their clash against Belgium, but some fans in attendance are expected to make their voices known.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, one dissenting voice explained: "This is very political.

"If you interview with the team, they would say that this is not political. It is political because they support the regime. So it is very much political, both for them and for us.

"And we're here to actually send our message to the world. First, we want the fall of the Islamic Republic. And second, that team is not our team and they don't represent us and we don't support that team."

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18 hours ago15:18 Amos Murphy

England flag banned from stadium at World Cup

An England flag featuring a submarine was denied entry to the Three Lions' opener against Croatia.

That's because of a strict FIFA rule banning military imagery from being displayed on flags.

In response to the story, Barrow FC posted a jokey social media post where the submarine was blurred out.

19 hours ago15:03 Amos Murphy

Jeremy Doku slammed for wanting to leave World Cup camp

Jeremy Doku has been criticised for wanting to leave the Belgium camp for the birth of his child.

L'Equipe channel presenter France Pierron said: "You have to realize that it's truly a privilege to participate in a World Cup, it's an incredible joy.

"There are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your place; it might never happen again in your life. It's truly a special moment, a childhood dream come true.

"And you're going to leave all that to be present for the birth of your child, which is a disgusting moment, excuse my language, where the father is useless, he's just an extra."

She has since apologised.

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20 hours ago13:47 Amos Murphy

How Eloy Room reacted to World Cup heroics

The Curacao goalkeeper was a hero during their historic 0-0 draw with Ecuador.

Here's how the shot-stopper reacted...

20 hours ago13:44 Amos Murphy

England squad handed strict rules by Thomas Tuchel

England's squad have been given a curfew by boss Thomas Tuchel.

Dan Burn explained in a press conference that some of the players had to leave a concert early because of the curfew.

Burn revealed: "It was a friends and family day, so my wife flew over from Dallas and I got to spend the day with her.

"And then last night, Ella Langley was playing. I like country music, so I had a cowboy hat on and cowboy boots, and luckily, there's no photos kicking about.

"I got kitted out. If you're going to do it, do it properly.

"I had a good time, because Ella is an amazing country artist, so it was nice that we got to do those things.

"Jason Steele came with us and Harry came with us too.

"Harry is [a big fan]. I know Harry is. We've got a record player in the hotel and he did a captain's pick and a lot of it is country music.

"Ella was playing on West Palm Beach when we were there, but we wouldn't have got back for the curfew, so I'm glad that we've got another opportunity."

20 hours ago13:40 Amos Murphy

World Cup fans left stunned after ITV pundit eats raw meat

ITV pundit Andros Townsend has left World Cup fans stunned after eating raw meat.

The ex-Crystal Palace man shared a photo on social media depicting a meal with what looked to be raw beef.

It has left fans scratching their head...

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20 hours ago13:37 Amos Murphy

England's injury fears mount ahead of second group match

England manager Thomas Tuchel is fretting over the fitness of a few of his players ahead of Tuesday's second group match.

The Three Lions take on Ghana in Boston, but Declan Rice is an injury doubt after hobbling off during Wednesday's opener against Croatia.

Bukayo Saka came off the bench during the Croatia game, having arrived with an injury concern of his own.

A win would see England through to the knockout stages and could be enough to top the group.

20 hours ago13:28 Amos Murphy

Premier League star leaves World Cup camp hours before match

Manchester City's Jeremy Doku will not feature for Belgium against Iran tonight.

It's claimed by Belgian outfit RTBF that Doku won't be involved in Sunday's match because of an infection.

However, it comes after the winger had said he wishes to leave camp for the birth of his first child.

He said: "It's my first child, so I ‌would ⁠definitely want to be there.

"If you ask me what I want, my answer is that nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child. But I also ​know that football ​involves many ⁠other considerations.

"I know the federation supports its players and understands their situations. We'll see what we ​can do."

20 hours ago13:23 Amos Murphy

Hello and welcome!

Hi there! Happy Sunday and happy Father's Day to all of the dads out there!

There are a few hours before the football gets underway, but we've got you covered until then.

Make sure to stick around as we deliver all of the latest updates from the World Cup in North America.

Click here to read article