Soccer

Erling Haaland scores 2 more goals and Norway beats Senegal 3-2 to reach World Cup round of 32

Ronald Blum, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 6:45 AM CDT

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Erling Haaland and Norway rowed their way into the World Cup's round of 32.

Haaland scored twice to raise his World Cup goals total to four, and the Vikings clinched advancement to the knockout rounds with a 3-2 win over Senegal on Monday night that was more of a slog than a sail.

“It’s my specialty to score goals,” Haaland said. “I’m just really good at scoring goals.”

After the final whistle, Norway's players and staff gathered tightly in a 10-row formation just inside the penalty area at MetLife Stadium's north end, facing their red-shirted supporters, Haaland sitting in front as teammate Martin Ødegaard banged on a bongo drum. They alternated with the fans performing the Viking Row — chanting “Ro!” while mimicking oarsmen.

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Soccer

Kylian Mbappé scores 2 goals to lead France to 3-0 win over Iraq and into World Cup knockout stage

Dan Gelston, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Kylian Mbappé scores 2 goals to lead France to 3-0 win over Iraq and into World Cup knockout stage

Dan Gelston, The Associated Press 5 minute read Monday, Jun. 22, 2026

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Neither rain, nor lightning, nor a swampy field — and certainly not overmatched Iraq — could stop Kylian Mbappé.

Yeah, it got a bit messy on the pitch.

Weather aside, this game — as so many do for France — belonged to Mbappé as he tries to keep pace on the World Cup career goals list with new record holder Lionel Messi.

Mbappé scored twice to move into a tie for second in World Cup goals with 16, and France played through the tournament's first rain delay to beat Iraq 3-0 on Monday and advance to the knockout stage.

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Monday, Jun. 22, 2026

Soccer

World Cup sees first weather delay, with France-Iraq game in Philadelphia paused for 2 hours

Collin Binkley, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

World Cup sees first weather delay, with France-Iraq game in Philadelphia paused for 2 hours

Collin Binkley, The Associated Press 3 minute read Monday, Jun. 22, 2026

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Heavy rain and thunderstorms prompted a rare World Cup weather delay on Monday, when the halftime break during a match between France and Iraq lasted 2 hours, 10 minutes.

It was the first rain delay of the tournament and the first time in at least several decades that a World Cup match was delayed midgame because of inclement weather. Halftime began at 5:50 p.m. EDT and the game resumed at 8 p.m. — 1 hour, 55 minutes longer than the scheduled 15-minute halftime break.

There was also heavy rain ahead of Monday night’s game between Norway and Senegal in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which started on time.

With France leading 1-0 at halftime, scoreboard messages directed the crowd at Lincoln Financial Field to take shelter in the stadium’s covered areas, warning that a severe storm was on the way. Sheets of rain fell through halftime as thousands of fans huddled in the concourse and under balconies.

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Monday, Jun. 22, 2026

Soccer

Canada’s potential path to FIFA World Cup final coming into focus

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Canada’s potential path to FIFA World Cup final coming into focus

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Monday, Jun. 22, 2026

VANCOUVER - Canada's path through the FIFA World Cup is becoming clearer.

The co-host nation sits atop the Group B standings, tied with Switzerland on points (four) but ahead on goal differential (+6).

The No. 1 spot will be on the line on Wednesday when the national squad wraps up group play against the Swiss in Vancouver.

Here's how the result could impact the rest of the tournament for the Canadians:

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Monday, Jun. 22, 2026

Soccer

‘A great journey’: Canada defender Bombito reflects on road to recovery

Jim Morris, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

‘A great journey’: Canada defender Bombito reflects on road to recovery

Jim Morris, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Monday, Jun. 22, 2026

VANCOUVER - The long road to recovery from a broken leg to playing in his first FIFA World Cup match has been a learning experience for defender Moïse Bombito.

The 26-year-old from Montreal fractured his left tibia playing for French club Nice in October. Questions swirled if he would recover in time to represent Canada at the World Cup.

Those were answered when Bombito came on in the second half of Canada’s 6-0 victory over Qatar on Thursday, the country’s first World Cup win.

“It’s been a journey, a great journey,” Bombito said before training Monday. “Throughout that journey, I learned that resilience is key; faith is key also.

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Monday, Jun. 22, 2026

Soccer

Messi sets World Cup scoring record as defending champion Argentina advances to knockout stage

Schuyler Dixon, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Messi sets World Cup scoring record as defending champion Argentina advances to knockout stage

Schuyler Dixon, The Associated Press 3 minute read Monday, Jun. 22, 2026

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Lionel Messi set a World Cup record with his 17th and 18th goals, and defending champion Argentina advanced to the knockout stage with a 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday.

Messi had a golden opportunity to break the record in the ninth minute, but went wide to the right on a penalty kick. Almost 30 minutes later, Messi caught Alexander Schlager leaning the wrong way after Thiago Almada let Facuno Medina's pass go by him directly onto Messi's left foot.

“There were moments when I was really angry about missing the penalty, but I was able to make up for it,” Messi said.

In the waning seconds of injury time, Messi extended his record by sending a shot through several defenders after Schlager turned away his first attempt. He entered the game even with Germany striker Miroslav Klose, who scored 16 goals over four World Cups from 2002-14.

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Monday, Jun. 22, 2026

Soccer

Lionel Messi becomes top scorer in World Cup history with two more goals for Argentina

Stephen Hawkins, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Lionel Messi becomes top scorer in World Cup history with two more goals for Argentina

Stephen Hawkins, The Associated Press 5 minute read Monday, Jun. 22, 2026

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Scoring goals and breaking records is what Lionel Messi does, and he is already doing that again in his sixth World Cup.

The Argentina captain now has the World Cup scoring record all to himself after another standout performance, one that began with frustration after missing a penalty kick and ended in pure elation with another victory.

Messi, who many consider the greatest player of all time, scored both goals in his team’s 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday. That gave him 18, six days after his first-ever hat trick in the tournament had matched Germany striker Miroslav Klose's previous record of 16 World Cup goals.

“Beyond anything I’m so happy for the win,” Messi said. “It was huge, tough and difficult. It would allow us to be relaxed to what’s ahead. All matches in this World Cup are very even, very intense. I’m enjoying this moment and craving to enjoy with my teammates.”

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Monday, Jun. 22, 2026

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Soccer

The Latest from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada

The Canadian Press 8 minute read Preview

The Latest from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada

The Canadian Press 8 minute read Monday, Jun. 22, 2026

Here are the latest developments from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All times Eastern:

12:50 a.m.

Amine Gouiri scores in the 82nd minute, giving Algeria a 2-1 lead.

12:36 a.m.

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Monday, Jun. 22, 2026

Soccer

World Cup office watch parties can be easy win for boosting employee morale: expert

Daniel Johnson, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

World Cup office watch parties can be easy win for boosting employee morale: expert

Daniel Johnson, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Monday, Jun. 22, 2026

TORONTO - For bosses looking for an easy win to boost employee morale, they can look no further than the FIFA World Cup.

With the soccer tournament underway, some Canadian workplaces are seizing on the opportunity to host watch parties in the office, which one expert says can help foster connection and collaboration.

Mike Shekhtman, a senior regional director for recruiting company Robert Half, said global events like the World Cup or Olympics bring energy to the workplace, especially given matches are being hosted in Toronto and Vancouver.

“It really gives employers the opportunity to galvanize people with that shared experience and you're seeing that where smart employers are not trying to compete with it. They're harnessing that energy and leaning into it, and it's a great way to build that connection,” Shekhtman said.

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Monday, Jun. 22, 2026

Soccer

New Zealand disappointed with weak response to Egypt’s second-half ‘storm’

Jim Morris, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

New Zealand disappointed with weak response to Egypt’s second-half ‘storm’

Jim Morris, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Monday, Jun. 22, 2026

VANCOUVER - They knew the storm was coming — New Zealand just couldn’t weather it.

An early goal stoked New Zealand’s hopes for winning the country’s first FIFA World Cup match, but that dream was crushed by the harsh reality of a 3-1 loss to Egypt on Sunday before a sellout crowd of 52,497 at BC Place Stadium.

Egypt scored three times in the second half to move into first place in Group G and set up a crucial match for New Zealand on Friday against Belgium, back at BC Place.

Lacking Egypt’s technical quality, New Zealand — ranked 85th in the world — was content to play defence. They sent long balls down the field and waited for Egypt to make mistakes.

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Monday, Jun. 22, 2026

Soccer

Surman gets World Cup goal, but New Zealand falls 3-1 to Egypt

Ben Kule, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Surman gets World Cup goal, but New Zealand falls 3-1 to Egypt

Ben Kule, The Associated Press 3 minute read Monday, Jun. 22, 2026

VANCOUVER, B.C. (AP) — New Zealand defender Finn Surman made a surprise appearance on the score sheet, burying the opening goal in his team’s 3-1 World Cup loss to Egypt on Sunday night.

The loss puts New Zealand at the bottom of the group with just one point, but the team can still advance to the knockout round. If the Kiwis pull off an upset victory over Belgium in Vancouver on Friday while Egypt defeats Iran in Seattle, they can move on with an improbable second-place finish.

New Zealand carried much of the momentum through the first half against Egypt thanks to Surman’s goal. On a 15th-minute corner kick from fellow defender Tim Payne, Surman tracked the ball and knocked in a header from just outside the 6-yard box.

“It was a pretty big jump,” Surman said. “I definitely felt that it was a good goal, so I’m pretty happy about that.”

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Monday, Jun. 22, 2026

Soccer

Salah scores, Egypt downs New Zealand 3-1 for first World Cup win

Anne M. Peterson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Salah scores, Egypt downs New Zealand 3-1 for first World Cup win

Anne M. Peterson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Sunday, Jun. 21, 2026

VANCOUVER, B.C. (AP) — Egypt’s players danced on the field while their red-clad fans celebrated in the stands. The Pharaohs finally got their first World Cup win.

Mohamed Salah scored the go-ahead goal and Egypt went on to defeat New Zealand 3-1 on Sunday night.

He celebrated his 68th international goal by pumping his fist before he was mobbed by his teammates in the 67th minute. When he was subbed off in the 85th he was treated to a standing ovation by the sellout crowd at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver.

When it was over, coach Hossam Hassan and an assistant grabbed an Egyptian flag and ran around the field waving it aloft. The fans cheered and sang long after the final whistle.

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Sunday, Jun. 21, 2026

Soccer

‘Have faith’: Vozinha’s mom speaks out before Cape Verde pulls off another World Cup tie vs. Uruguay

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

‘Have faith’: Vozinha’s mom speaks out before Cape Verde pulls off another World Cup tie vs. Uruguay

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 4 minute read Sunday, Jun. 21, 2026

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — On Father's Day, Vozinha's mother watched a tie.

There were 64,003 people in the stadium for the 2-2 draw between Cape Verde and Uruguay on Sunday night, none of them with a better how-they-got-there story than Ana Candida Evora — the mother of Vozinha, Cape Verde's goalkeeper.

Evora arrived in Miami on Friday, reunited with her son over the weekend and watched Sunday's game from a suite at Miami Stadium. Cape Verde's storybook ride now has a chance of reaching the knockout stage, depending largely on how its group stage finale against Saudi Arabia goes.

Cape Verde is one of the absolute feel-good stories of the World Cup, a tiny island nation with two draws in its two matches to this point. Vozinha — whose name is Josimar José Évora Dias — had his mother in the stands Sunday; she was unable to attend Cape Verde’s opening draw against Spain because she couldn’t obtain a visa.

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Sunday, Jun. 21, 2026

Soccer

Another World Cup stunner: Cape Verde gets 1st goal of tournament and holds Uruguay to 2-2 draw

Alanis Thames, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Another World Cup stunner: Cape Verde gets 1st goal of tournament and holds Uruguay to 2-2 draw

Alanis Thames, The Associated Press 4 minute read Monday, Jun. 22, 2026

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Cape Verde's magical start to its first World Cup isn't over. It might just be getting started.

The tiny island nation that stunned tournament favorite Spain last week did it again against Uruguay — a two-time World Cup champion — on Sunday, coming from behind for a 2-2 draw.

Kevin Pina scored on a free kick for Cape Verde's first-ever goal in the World Cup, and Helio Varela scored the equalizer for what has become one of the most surprising teams of the expanded 48-team tournament — a club now with a legitimate chance of getting into the knockout stage.

“This is something we owe to other smaller national teams — teams that struggled to qualify for a world tournament,” Cape Verde coach Pedro Leitão Brito said through an interpreter, adding his entire squad believes it can continue its historic play and reach the knockout stage.

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Monday, Jun. 22, 2026

Soccer

Ottawa Rapid FC's Delaney Baie Pridham (right) receives a pass while pressured by Vancouver Rise's Jessika Cowart during the first half of an NSL semifinal soccer match, in Burnaby, B.C., on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Rich Lam

NSL-leading Ottawa Rapid play to 1-1 draw vs. AFC Toronto; Montreal ties Calgary 1-1

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

NSL-leading Ottawa Rapid play to 1-1 draw vs. AFC Toronto; Montreal ties Calgary 1-1

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Sunday, Jun. 21, 2026

OTTAWA - Delaney Baie Pridham scored in the third minute as the Ottawa Rapid extended their unbeaten streak to three games with a 1-1 draw against AFC Toronto on Sunday in Northern Super League action.

Lauren Rowe evened the score in the seventh minute for Toronto (2-2-3).

It was the first draw of the season for the league-leading Rapid (5-2-1), who came into Sunday's match having won four of their last five.

Meanwhile, the single point allowed fifth-place Toronto to get within one of Vancouver and two of Halifax with a game in hand.

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Sunday, Jun. 21, 2026

Soccer

‘Unbelievable’ support from home fans fuelling Canada’s run at FIFA World Cup

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

‘Unbelievable’ support from home fans fuelling Canada’s run at FIFA World Cup

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Sunday, Jun. 21, 2026

VANCOUVER - Derek Cornelius used to be able to walk down Canadian streets in relative anonymity.

Not anymore.

Canada's run at this summer's FIFA World Cup has shone a bright new light on many of the national squad's players, and they say that support is helping to fuel their success.

"I think for a lot of the guys, maybe when we're playing on our European teams, when you go out on the street, you could maybe get recognized and asked for pictures and autographs, but not so much in Canada," Cornelius said ahead of training on Sunday.

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Sunday, Jun. 21, 2026

June 24, 2026

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