Now we're really in it: The 2026 FIFA Mens World Cup holds its first full match day on Saturday. The opener of the four-game slate sees 2022 host Qatar face an ambitious Switzerland team in Northern California. The drama then shifts to New Jersey for what is arguably the best group stage game at this tournament when Brazil faces Morocco in a matchup between two top-10 teams in the FIFA World Rankings. Scotland then kicks off its campaign against Haiti before the action concludes in Vancouver, where Australia and Trkiye meet in what promises to be an intense and hard-fought game. Lets go into detail on these games. Qatar vs. Switzerland: How to Watch Switzerland arrives at this World Cup with the realistic goal of making a long run into the knockout stages. Switzerland performed brilliantly in World Cup qualifying, winning UEFAs Group B without losing a game. In a group that had Kosovo, Slovenia and Sweden, the Swiss scored 14 goals and conceded just twice while winning four games and drawing twice. That run has seen Switzerland climb to 19th in the FIFA World Rankings. Head coach Murat Yakin has been the architect of the teams success, and he has Switzerland playing consistently well in major tournaments. He took over in 2021 and led the team to qualification for the 2022 World Cup after finishing above Italy to win its group. At the World Cup, the Swiss advanced to the Round of 16 before losing to Portugal. At Euro 2024, Yakins team beat Italy in the Round of 16 before losing to England in a shootout in the quarterfinals. Unlike Switzerland, Qatar enters this tournament without much positivity. In 2022, Qatar had the worst campaign of any host nation in the history of the World Cup, having lost all three of its games and scoring just one goal. Qatar last won on October 14 in a 2-1 victory over the United Arab Emirates in its final World Cup qualifier. The team followed that with a terrible run at the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup, which it hosted and lost all three of its games to Palestine, Syria, and Tunisia. Qatar is coached by Julen Lopetegui, who was on Spains roster at the 1994 World Cup in the United States. The Spaniard was hired in May 2025 and helped the team seal qualification to the World Cup, but he has his work cut out for him this summer. Qatar vs. Switzerland: Player to Watch Xhaka is the captain and the emotional leader of Switzerland. With a run to the knockouts at this tournament, he will likely surpass 150 career caps with the national team. The 33-year-old has been a winner throughout his career. He won two Swiss Super League titles and a Swiss Cup with Basel. Then, after a stop in Germany with Borussia Mnchengladbach, he moved to Arsenal for seven seasons, during which he won two FA Cups and eventually became the teams captain. In 2023, Xhaka moved to Bayer Leverkusen and had a big role in snapping Bayern Munichs run of 11 seasons as Bundesliga champions. He now plays for Sunderland in the English Premier League. Xhaka is not the player he was in his prime, but he has been instrumental to the national teams rise this decade. He's now tasked with overseeing continued progress at the World Cup. Brazil vs. Morocco: How to Watch One of the concerns over the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams is that the group stage would become diluted and lack matchups between star teams. That proved not to be the case in Group C. Both Brazil and Morocco have the realistic goal of making a long run at this World Cup, and the FIFA World Rankings reflect that, with Brazil sitting sixth and Morocco at seventh. As a five-time World Cup champion, Brazil has not been as dominant in recent major tournaments. It exited the 2022 World Cup in the quarterfinals after a shootout loss to Croatia. Then, at the 2024 Copa Amrica, Brazil finished second in its group and lost its first knockout game to Uruguay. Brazil also finished fifth in World Cup qualifying in South America. Brazil attempted to reignite the team by hiring legendary Italian head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has led many of the biggest clubs in the world, including Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Juventus, Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain. He has never coached a national team before, though. While Brazil might not be a top tournament favorite like France or Spain, the team has played well in the build-up to the tournament. In March, Brazil lost narrowly to France 2-1 before defeating Croatia 3-1. In the two tune-up friendlies, Brazil looked strong in wins over Panama and Egypt. Four years ago, Morocco sent shock waves at the World Cup where the "Atlas Lions" made a run to the quarterfinals that included wins over Belgium, Canada, Spain and Portugal. Since then, Morocco has not let up. The team qualified for the World Cup with a dominant run through qualifiers that saw it win all eight of its games while scoring 22 goals and conceding just two. Following qualifying, Morocco won the 2025 African Cup of Nations for the second time in its history. That tournament had a controversial ending where Morocco was awarded the title when it was ruled Senegal forfeited the final after initially walking off the field after a disputed VAR decision. Regardless, Morocco is a feared opponent. Much of the teams success has been due to the growth of recruiting players of Moroccan descent who were born and raised in Europe. Out of the 26 players in Morocco's World Cup squad, 19 players were born outside the country. Among those foreign-born players are top players are Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz and PSG defender Achraf Hakimi, both of whom were born in Spain. Lille's teenage midfield sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi was born in France. The winner of this game will immediately be considered the favorite to make at least the quarterfinals. Brazil vs. Morocco: Player to Watch Brazils left winger will earn his 50th national cap if he plays, as expected, against Morocco. Real Madrid's attack typically flows through him, as his pace and explosiveness opens space for others such as Kylian Mbapp. Vini Jr. has had some impressive games for Brazil, but at the World Cup he will be looking to produce outings that put him among the great Brazilians of the past. Haiti vs. Scotland: How to Watch Saturday, Scotland will play its first World Cup game since 1998 when it faces Haiti, which will be making its second overall appearance in the tournament and first since 1974. Scotland will be making its ninth appearance at the World Cup, and the team has never advanced out of the group stages before. Ranked 42 in the latest FIFA World Rankings, this game against Haiti is critical to the teams chances of advancement. With Brazil and Morocco as the other teams in Group C, Scotland will be a heavy underdog in the next two games. But a win on Saturday might be enough for Scotland to finally play its first ever World Cup knockout round as eight of the 12 third-place teams advance. Led by head coach Steve Clarke since 2019, Scotland was one of the European surprises in World Cup qualifying after winning UEFAs Group C over Denmark, Greece and Belarus. In the final game at Glasgows Hampden Park, Scotland needed a result over Denmark and came away with a 4-2 win to end its 28-year World Cup absence. Based on its two pre-World Cup friendlies, Scotland look prepared for the tournament having defeated Curaao, 4-1, on May 30, and Bolivia, 4-1, on June 6. Haiti enters the tournament as the second-lowest team in the FIFA World Rankings at 83, where it is ahead of only New Zealand at 85. Like Scotland, any realistic hope of advancing depends on winning this game on Saturday. Coached by Sbastien Mign of France, Haiti was able to qualify for this World Cup through a CONCACAF tournament that was missing its three strongest teams in Mexico, the United States and Canada, which qualified automatically as co-hosts. Haitis story was inspiring, as the team was forced to play all of its home games in Curaao due to unrest in the team's home country. Ultimately, the Haitians were able to secure qualification by winning Group C over traditional regional powers Costa Rica and Honduras. On the final matchday, Haiti defeated Nicaragua, 2-0, to finish atop the group. Haiti vs. Scotland: Player to Watch The Napoli midfielder is the key to Scotlands success at the World Cup. Andy Robertson is the captain, but McTominay driving the offense was instrumental towards the teams successful qualification. Needing a win over Denmark in the final qualifier at Hampden Park, McTominay scored the first goal of the game with a bicycle kick that set the tone for a 4-2 win. Against Haiti, Scotland will likely have most of the possession and most of the chances. The question will be whether the Scots can convert the chances into goals. McTominay will be important to that effort. Australia vs. Trkiye: How to Watch In 2002, Trkiye seemed as if it was a team on the rise after it finished third at the World Cup in Korea/Japan. Surprisingly, after its 3-2 win over South Korea in that third-place game, Trkiye would not return to the tournament for 24 years. On Saturday night in Vancouver, Trkiye finally returns to the tournament when it takes on Australia. Trkiye qualified for the 2026 World Cup after finishing second in UEFAs Group E behind Spain but ahead of Bulgaria and Georgia. This sent Trkiye to the playoffs, where it got past Romania in the semifinals and Kosovo in the final. Coached by Italian Vincenzo Montella since 2023, Trkiye enters this tournament ranked 22 in the FIFA World Rankings and playing terrific soccer, having seven wins and a draw in its last eight games, including the World Cup qualifying playoffs and its two recent friendly wins over North Macedonia and Venezuela. Australia enters this game ranked 27 in the FIFA World Rankings and will be playing in its sixth straight World Cup dating back to 2006. The 2022 tournament in Qatar was a positive experience for the team, as it lost to France but defeated Tunisia and Denmark to finish second in its group. In the round of 16, it put up a respectable effort in a 2-1 loss to eventual champions Argentina. The Socceroos did not have a smooth ride in qualification. A home loss to Bahrain and a draw with Indonesia, resulted in head coach Graham Arnold getting sacked. Tony Popovic was then hired, and the team responded very well with an unbeaten run the rest of the way. Highlights included a 1-0 win over Japan. Australia clinched its ticket in June with a 2-1 comeback away win over Saudi Arabia. Australia vs. Trkiye: Player to Watch Trkiyes new generation has many promising young players, but Gler is the best. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder is already a mainstay in Real Madrids lineup. He joined the Spanish giants in 2023 from Fenerbahe, and in his first season with Real Madrid, he won La Liga and the Champions League. With Trkiye, the offense runs through Gler, and he will be difficult for Australia to contain if he is on his game. If Gler struggles in this World Cup debut, Australia will have a shot. Either way, he is the most consequential player in this game.

Every UFC Freedom 250 fighter, including Alex Pereira and Josh Hokit, will visit the Lincoln Memorial for Friday's press conference

Aston Villa Want This La Liga Goalkeeper As Martinezs Replacement: Right Choice For Emery?Unai Emery isnt a man to be caught cold. While Aston Villa fans are still basking in the glow of last months historic Europa League triumph, the manager is already planning for a seismic shift between the sticks. Reports from Madrid-based outlet AS suggest the club have renewed their pursuit of Real Sociedad goalkeeper lex Remiro.Emery prepares for life after Emi Martnez as Aston Villa target La Liga stopperWhy the sudden movement? Look to Italy. Juventus are pushing hard for Emiliano Martnez. The Argentine World Cup winner is coveted in Turin, forcing Villas hierarchy to move swiftly. They need a top-tier replacement. This isnt a new obsession, though. Villa earmarked the Basque keeper last summer during an earlier bout of anxiety over Martnezs future. That deal stalled when the South American chose to stay at Villa Park. Now, Spanish publication Estadio Deportivo reports that several unnamed clubs have joined the hunt alongside the Birmingham outfit.The 31-year-old hasnt had it easy in San Sebastin this term. Far from it. He has shipped 62 goals in 39 matches, keeping just four clean sheets. Despite the ugly statistics, Emery remains a massive fan of his compatriot. Real Sociedad are ready to sell, too. They want a reasonable fee between 8m and 10m, matching Transfermarkts 9m valuation. Feel Winner, the agency representing the keeper, is already handling communications ahead of his contract expiry in 2027.The tactical gamble facing the West Midlands clubGIRONA, SPAIN MAY 14: Alex Remiro of Real Sociedad looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Girona FC and Real Sociedad at Montilivi Stadium on May 14, 2026 in Girona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)Losing Martnez is a massive punt. No two ways about it. The penalty-saving specialist brings a certain aura to B6, a dressing-room leadership that money simply cannot buy. Dropping an unproven Premier League keeper into his boots is incredibly risky. Remiro lacks the aerial dominance of the Argentine, and those 62 goals conceded this season will definitely raise eyebrows in the Holte End.But look closer at what Emery actually wants.His system demands a keeper who can play out from the back under ferocious pressure. Remiro does exactly that. He is incredibly comfortable with the ball at his feet, popping passes into midfield effortlessly. Then there is the financial side of the game. A cut-price deal under 10 million keeps the Premier Leagues profit and sustainability watchdogs at bay. It frees up vital cash for other positions while bringing in an experienced European performer.Fans will be hurt if their talisman heads for the exit. That is football. But the manager knows the Spanish market inside out, and backing his recruitment usually works out.

Ghana's Thomas Partey will miss their opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Panama after being denied entry to Canada.

It might just have been the craziest 12 months of Mat Ryans life and it could take another twist with the Socceroos captain and goalkeeper urging his teammates to believe they can shock everyone and deliver Australias best ever World Cup finish.

The USA will begin its campaign in this summer's home World Cup against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium on Friday night.

San Antonios Jesse Bam Rodriguez (23-0, 16 KOs) is set to battle for the WBA Bantamweight Title against defending champion Antonio Vargas (19-1-1, 11 KOs) in a 12-round main event Saturday night in Glendale, Arizona. The event will be Rodriguezs first fight this year and first in the bantamweight division. The undefeated champ and ESPNs No. 3 pound-for-pound boxer in the world recently vacated his WBC, WBA and WBO super flyweight titles ahead of the Vargas fight as he plans to compete in the 118-pound bantamweight division for the time being. THE FINAL FACE-OFF @210bam vs Antonio Vargas WBA World Bantamweight Title#BamVargas live on DAZN pic.twitter.com/YRmiwI6z9t Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) June 12, 2026 Rodriguez spoke at a press conference in Desert Diamond Arena on Friday ahead of the big fight and addressed the all-in stakes he set for himself. (Im) constantly trying to challenge myself, Rodriguez said. If its not a world title fight, then it really doesnt interest me. Or even if its just a simple defense, it really doesnt interest me or get me going inside the gym. Rodriguez, 26, isnt a fan of plan Bs. By eliminating his fallback leverage to potentially reclassify in the 115-pound class, hes set to compete in the 118-pound division, or heavier, going forward. Im feeling much better at this weight class ... the fact that I dont have to lose that extra three pounds, Rodriguez said. So, just expect another spectacular performance, and Im ready to go out there and make it happen. The question will be whether Rodriguez can dominate at this level like he did in the lighter-weight divisions before eventually reaching his ultimate goal of fighting the undisputed No. 1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world, Naoya Inoue. Ask him? Theres no doubt in his mind that the answer is yes. I feel like I havent even shown 50% of what Im capable of, Rodriguez said. But the tougher the opponent, then the bigger my performance. And Antonio Vargas, I feel like hes going to bring out another percentage of Bam Rodriguez, and I cant wait to go out there and show it. Bam is a massive betting favorite over Vargas, with the money line currently ranging between -2000 and -3335 in his favor across major sportsbooks. Rodriguez vs. Vargas will air on DAZN, with coverage beginning at 6 p.m. CT.

Late substitute Cyle Larin scored in the 78th minute and co-host Canada earned its first point in its third World Cup appearance and first on home soil by rallying for a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Friday.Playing in the shadow of Torontos iconic CN Tower, and in front of a sea of red Ca-na-da! chanting fans that included hockey star Connor McDavid and actor Ryan Reynolds, Larin converted Promise Davids pass a mere two minutes after entering the game.The goal was only the second in World Cup play scored by Canada after the team lost all three of its games at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico and again four years ago at Qatar.Injury fill-in Jovo Lukic headed in a corner kick in the 21st minute for Bosnia-Herzegovina, which is making its second World Cup appearance after failing to advance out of group play in 2014.Starting in place of Edin Dzeko (shoulder) and Haris Tabakovic (undisclosed), Lukic was in a ideal position to cap a set piece with captain Sead Kolasinac flicking along a header off Ivan Basics corner kick. The goal was Lukics first in international play and coming in the 27-year-old attackers fourth international appearance.Despite giving up the lead, the small Balkan nation of about 3 million people keeps coming up big on the international stage including eliminating four-time champion Italy in the European playoffs.Before Larins goal, Canadas best scoring chance came in the 54th minute when captain Stephen Eustaquio fed the ball to Richie Laryea in front of a wide-open net. The ball deflected off Kolasinacs foot and hit the crossbar.Canada was playing without Alphonso Davies (hamstring), who scored the nations first World Cup goal four years ago in Qatar.Canada now shifts to Vancouver for its final two group games, against Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24.The Bosnians also head west, with games against Switzerland on June 18 in Los Angeles and Qatar on June 24 in Seattle.___AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup