Neymar has been ruled out of Brazil's second World Cup match because of a lingering calf injury. The Brazilian soccer confederation said Thursday that Neymar wasn't going to travel with the rest of the squad for Friday's match against Haiti in Philadelphia. "He will remain in New Jersey to optimize the final phase of his recovery process," the confederation said in a statement. The Brazilian confederation said the 34-year-old Santos player will continue his recovery at the facilities of the team's hotel. Neymar was back on the training field for the first time on Tuesday, doing physical conditioning exercises. He rejoined his teammates for parts of the session on Wednesday, being applauded by them after getting on the field. Neymar has yet to practice in fuller sessions with the rest of the team since reporting to Brazil's squad while nursing an injured right leg. Looking to play in his fourth World Cup, Neymar underwent tests on his right calf on Monday to determine the progress of the injury that he sustained while playing with Santos on May 17. The five-time World Cup champions began their tournament with a 1-1 draw against Morocco on Saturday in Group C. There was widespread debate in Brazil over whether Neymar, whose first World Cup was on home soil in 2014, should have been called up for the tournament by coach Carlo Ancelotti. Reporting by the Associated Press.

After a dominant opening win, Mauricio Pochettinos side can lock up first place in Group D, and here's how

Is this the most open group at the 2026 World Cup? Its certainly right up there. Co-hosts United States are the top seeds and the favourites to progress as Group D winners, but the other contenders will also fancy their chances. Mauricio Pochettino is the man entrusted with leading the US at their second home tournament. In 1994, they progressed to the round of 16, losing to eventual champions Brazil. Thirty-two years on, the US are long shots to win the tournament but will be backed by a boisterous home crowd on the west coast. As for the rest, its extremely open. Just 18 ranking spots separate Turkey (22), Australia (27) and Paraguay (40), with the South Americans impressive qualifying record (second-best defence) evidence that they will be no pushover. Australia have always gone well on the world stage, reaching the knockout stage last time out in Qatar, while Turkey have momentum after progressing through the European play-offs in March. Group D fixtures(all times BST)13 June, 2am: USA 4-1 Paraguay SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles 14 June, 5am: Australia 2-0 Turkey BC Place, Vancouver19 June, 8pm: USA vs Australia Lumen Field, Seattle20 June, 4am: Turkey vs Paraguay Levis Stadium, Santa Clara26 June, 3am: Turkey vs USA SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles 26 June, 3am: Paraguay vs Australia Levis Stadium, Santa ClaraUnited States Expectations are naturally high for the co-hosts and their manager Pochettino, who has been building towards this tournament since replacing Gregg Berhalter two years ago. Results in the last year have been patchy and the US missed out on glory at last summers Gold Cup after losing to Mexico in the final. Fascinatingly, the squad captained by ex-Fulham defender Tim Ream (now playing for Charlotte FC) have faced all three Group D opponents in the last year in friendlies, beating Australia and Paraguay but losing to Turkey. Progression to the knockout stage is the minimum requirement, but the US will have their sights set on going deep. If thats to happen, theyll need their star players such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun to make the difference when it really matters. As they say stateside, its show time. Mauricio Pochettino has coached the United States since 2024 (Getty)Squad:Goalkeepers: Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Matt Freese (New York City), Matt Turner (New England Revolution)Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Sergino Dest (PSV Eindhoven), Alex Freeman (Villarreal), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach), Auston Trusty (Celtic).Midfielders: Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Brenden Aaronson (Leeds), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Gio Reyna (Borussia Monchengladbach), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen), Tim Weah (Marseille), Alejandro Zendejas (Club America)Forwards: Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Haji Wright (Coventry City)Coach: Mauricio Pochettino Star player Christian Pulisic, AC Milan: Long heralded as the USAs truly world-class player, the winger has often flattered to deceive in his topsy-turvy club career. A mixed bag at Chelsea, Pulisics hip issues have hampered him at AC Milan. However, his speed and cutting-edge in the final third still makes him Pochettinos biggest asset. Breakout talent Folarin Balogun, Monaco: The ex-Arsenal frontman, who was born in New York but grew up in London, has impressed at Monaco this season, scoring 19 goals in all competitions. The 24-year-olds record for his country is also respectable, with nine goals in 26 caps. Fifa ranking: 16.Odds to win the World Cup: 80/1, latest odds via betting sites UK.Christian Pulisic is vital to USA's chances at their home World Cup (Reuters)Paraguay Qualifying for their first World Cup since South Africa 2010 when they narrowly lost to winners Spain in the quarter-finals Paraguay head into the tournament with confidence, having finished with the joint-second best defensive record in South American qualifying and beating Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay in the capital of Asuncion. However, their style of play is obvious: soak up the pressure, allow opponents to dominate the ball and then break quickly on the counter-attack. Sunderlands Omar Alderete is a leader at the back, with ex-Newcastle winger Miguel Almiron and Brightons Diego Gomez their star players going forward. They did lose to the US in a friendly last November, 2-1, but have beaten Mexico and Greece in the past year too. Squad:Goalkeepers: Roberto Fernandez (Cerro Porteno), Orlando Gill (San Lorenzo), Gaston Olveira (Olimpia)Defenders: Gustavo Gomez (Palmeiras), Junior Alonso (Atletico Mineiro), Fabian Balbuena (Gremio), Omar Alderete (Sunderland), Juan Caceres (Dynamo Moscow), Jose Canale (Lanus), Alexandro Maidana (Talleres), Gustavo Velazquez (Cerro Porteno)Midfielders: Andres Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Diego Gomez (Brighton & Hove Albion), Damian Bobadilla (Sao Paulo), Braian Ojeda (Orlando City), Matias Galarza (Atlanta United), Mauricio Magalhaes (Palmeiras)Forwards: Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United), Ramon Sosa (Palmeiras), Antonio Sanabria (Cremonese), Julio Enciso (Strasbourg), Gabriel Avalos (Independiente), Alex Arce (Independiente Rivadavia), Isidro Pitta (Red Bull Bragantino), Gustavo Caballero (Portsmouth)Coach: Gustavo AlfaroEx-Newcastle winger Miguel Almiron will star for Paraguay at the World Cup (Getty)Star player Miguel Almiron, Atlanta United: A first World Cup for the popular ex-Newcastle man, now plying his trade at Atlanta United. Not only does the 32-year-old have 75 caps to his name the second-most in the squad but perhaps worryingly, he has the most international goals in the squad. However, thats not even double figures, with nine. Breakout talent Julio Enciso, Strasbourg: Formerly of Brighton (with a six-month loan spell at Ipswich last year), the incisive, blonde-haired attacker is now at Strasbourg and scored 12 goals in all competitions. Capable of a spark at any moment, he could be a difference-maker in the final third. Fifa ranking: 40.Odds to win the World Cup: 300/1.Australia Compared to previous eras which had the likes of Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill and Mark Schwarzer in the squad all proven Premier League players this 2026 team is lacking in star names and expectations are minimal heading into North America 2026. Coach Tony Popovic prefers a back five system, with the onus on set-pieces at the attacking end of the pitch with the likes of Leicesters Harry Souttar and Feyenoords Jordan Bos. At the other end, ex-Brighton keeper Mat Ryan is an experienced No 1 in between the sticks.They lost narrowly to champions Argentina in the round of 16 in Qatar, sliced open by some Lionel Messi magic. Progression to the knockout round would be a commendable achievement this time around. Squad:Goalkeepers: MatRyan (Levante), Paul Izzo (Randers), Patrick Beach (Melbourne City)Defenders: Aziz Behich (Melbourne City), Jordan Bos (Feynoord), Cameron Burgess (Swansea), Alessandro Circati (Parma), Milos Degenek (APOEL), Jason Geria (Albirex Niigata), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Jacob Italiano (Grazer), Harry Souttar (Leicester), Kai Trewin (New York City)Midfielders: Cammy Devlin (Hearts), Ajdin Hrustic (Heracles Almelo), Jackson Irvine (St Pauli), Connor Metcalfe (St Pauli), Paul Okon-Englster (Sydney), AidenONeill (New York City)Forwards: Nestory Irankunda (Watford), Mathew Leckie (Melbourne City), Awer Mabil (Castellon), Mohamed Toure (Norwich), Nishan Velupilly (Melbourne City), Cristian Volpato (Sassuolo), Tete Yengi (Machida Zelvia)Coach: Tony PopovicJackson Irvine will captain Australia at his third World Cup (Getty)Star player Jackson Irvine, St Pauli: The 33-year-old is captain of both his country and his club, German outfit St Pauli. Known in the UK for his time at Hull City and in Scottish football (Celtic, Kilmarnock, Ross County and Hibernian), the pony-tailed midfielder has endured an injury-plagued season but will be appearing at his third World Cup this summer. Breakout talent Tete Yengi, Machida Zelvia: Five years ago, aged 20, Yengi wasnt even a professional footballer. However, having moved to the UK with Ipswich Town and impressing at Livingston in Scotland, he moved to Japan to play for Machida Zelvia, scoring six goals across 22 games. He has not yet been capped by his country. Fifa ranking: 27.Odds to win the World Cup: 500/1.Turkey A first World Cup appearance in 24 years for Turkey, who stunned the world last time out when they reached the semi-finals in 2002, only narrowly losing to champions Brazil in the semi-finals. A pair of 1-0 victories in Marchs play-offs, against Romania and Kosovo, secured their passage to this years showpiece and they will be champing at the bit in what is a winnable group. They will have the groups star player in Real Madrids Arda Guler leading their attack while, defensively, some familiar faces to Premier League fans are Man Utd back-up keeper Altay Bayindir in goal and Brightons Ferdi Kadioglu in defence. Squad:Goalkeepers: Altay Bayindir (Manchester United), Mert Gunok (Fenerbahce), Ugurcan Cakir (Galatasaray)Defenders: Abdulkerim Bardakci (Galatasaray), Caglar Soyuncu (Fenerbahce), Eren Elmali (Galatasaray), Ferdi Kadioglu (Brighton), Merih Demiral (Al-Ahli Saudi), Mert Muldur (Fenerbahce), Ozan Kabak (Hoffenheim), Samet Akaydin (Caykur Rizespor), Zeki Celik (Roma)Midfielders: Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter Milan), Ismail Yuksek (Fenerbahce), Kaan Ayhan (Galatasaray), Orkun Kokcu (Besiktas), Salih Ozcan (Borussia Dortmund)Forwards: Arda Guler (Real Madrid), Baris Alper Yilmaz (Galatasaray), Can Uzun (Eintracht Frankfurt), Deniz Gul (Porto), Irfan Can Kahveci (Kasimpasa), Kenan Yildiz (Juventus), Kerem Akturkoglu (Fenerbahce), Oguz Aydin (Fenerbahce), Yunus Akgun (Galatasaray)Coach: Vincenzo MontellaStar player Arda Guler, Real Madrid: After a breakthrough campaign with Real Madrid, the left-footed playmaker won the Champions Leagues Young Player of the Season award and was a regular for Los Blancos, playing 51 games across all competitions. Still just 21, his prowess from long-distance and free-kicks could be a killer weapon for his country this summer. Arda Guler is the standout player in Group D (Getty)Breakout talent Kenan Yildiz, Juventus: Versatile and capable of playing in several different forward positions, the Juventus player scored 10 Serie A goals this season and should link up well with Guler. Also strong from long distance. Fifa ranking: 22.Odds to win the World Cup: 100/1.Group D predictionA tough one to call. Instinct says USA and Turkey will be the top two, and Ill plump for the European side to top the group, given their momentum and attacking quality. In at third will be Paraguay, given their strong defensive record, though it admittedly feels like an oversight to overlook the Socceroos.

The Branch brothers have been the talk of Omaha, and while Kyle's OU ousted Kolby's UGA, it wasn't without a compelling sendoff.

Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata has stunned Czech second seed Jiri Lehecka with a 4-6 7-5 7-6 (9-7) victory to reach the Queens Club quarter-finals.

A New York Knicks star suffered an awkward moment when he had a run-in with the NYPD during the team's championship parade through Manhattan on Thursday.

Brazilian fans that went the distance up the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps to pose with the Rocky statue left the fictional fighter just as they found him.Every Brazilian fan in Philadelphia to watch their national team play Haiti on Friday at the World Cup that stopped for a snapshot or a selfie with the 9-foot-11, 1,300-pound beast left the statue dressed in only his bronze trunks and boots.No taking chances of getting hit by the Rocky curse.Yes, the Rocky statue, long a symbol of resilience, heart and the unbreakable bond between Rocky and the people of Philadelphia, has taken a few more hits of late (even in retirement).Visiting American sports fans have long learned the hard way that dressing the statue with colorful jerseys, scarfs, hats, anything found in your local Rally House, has only meant that team would suffer a knockout blow at the home of the local Philly team.Scoff all you want.The bad fortune stretched to soccer when fans of the Ecuador's national team took over the Rocky steps and sang and danced and waved flags and ... dressed Rocky in a team jersey and tied the country's flag around the fictional fighter's neck.It didn't go well.Amad Diallo scored in the 90th minute to lift Ivory Coast to a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in its first World Cup appearance in a dozen years.And there ain't gonna be no rematch.Brazil fans noticed the outcome and one of their fan groups, the Green and Yellow Movement, urged visitors to keep their clothing to themselves. ANTENCAO TORCEDOR! the Instagram post warned.Everyone is paying attention.The translated text read: It's totally forbidden to put a Brazil shirt on the Rocky statue in Philly!!!!!Even Visit PA cheekily got in on the fun and tried to warn foreigners that just like Ivan Drago learned the hard way Rocky was not to be messed with.Countless football teams (as in American Football, not Ftbol same curse, different sport) have all dressed the Rocky Statue in their colors and gone on to lose, the Instagram post said. Ecuador dressed Rocky last weekend Coincidence? Sadly, history says no.Philadelphia can't wait to host you! (but Rocky does not need your kit)Brazilian fans paid heed to the warning through Thursday afternoon, and scores of fans simply took the spot in front of the statue and raised their arms in triumph just as Rocky did after so many fights, and many, many movies.This is a moment in Brazil, said Lorival Guerreiro, who traveled from Limeira, Brazil, for the World Cup. They promote this place to celebrate before the game. The Brazilians come here to celebrate our team."When the bronze statue was left on the steps after filming the Rocky movies, the museum fought to have it removed. It was eventually relocated to South Philadelphia before returning to the bottom of the steps in 2006. The statue was a huge hit and became a point of pilgrimage for people around the world.According to the Philadelphia Visitor Center, about 4 million people visit the steps each year rivaling the nearby Liberty Bell in annual foot traffic. The pop culture icon was recently moved to the top of the steps.Roberto De Freitas, a native of Porto Alegre who now lives in Florida and is attending his third World Cup, climbed the steps for a photoshoot with perhaps Philadelphia's most famous landmark. He was dressed in Brazil's colors down to the green sneakers and was set to attend Friday's game.He hoped five-time World Cup champion Brazil would take a page from Rocky's corner and win some more.We have five titles, De Freitas said. We are trying to get that sixth one.De Freitas had not yet heard of the Rocky curse but had no plans to tempt fate once he learned of the potential consequences.That's what they said, he asked with a laugh. I'm for sure not going to do it.For the record, De Freitas said Rocky was his favorite of all the movies in the series.The Rocky Shop at the base of the steps was loaded with tourists who snaked their way through fighter T-shirts and plush offerings of Mr. T's character, Clubber Lang. Peruvian sports journalist Jampool Cuadros Estrada tried on a Rocky robe as a cameraman followed him around the store for their latest World Cup report.Philadelphia, home to nearly 6,000 Brazilian-born immigrants, has a bit of a recent connection with the South American country. The Philadelphia Eagles opened their Super Bowl championship season with a win over the Green Bay Packers in Brazil in 2024.Facing pressure to win its first World Cup title since 2002, Brazil was outplayed early and needed Vincius Jniors 32nd-minute goal to get a 1-1 draw with Morocco on Saturday.Brazil now needs to beware Haiti a noted heavy underdog, just like Rocky.Brazil has the pressure. Haiti has the freedom, Haitian singer Wyclef Jean wrote on social media. And sometimes freedom is the most dangerous thing on the pitch. I can't wait!!!!___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup

Liverpool have officially completed the acquisition of Spanish winger Victor Munoz, activating his 40million (34.5m) release clause at Osasuna to secure the 22-year-old ahead of Newcastle United.The deal is Andoni Iraola's inaugural signing since taking charge at Anfield following Arne Slot's departure earlier this month.Munoz has committed to a six-year contract with the Merseyside club, who will settle the transfer fee across two payments.The Magpies had been engaged in advanced negotiations for the forward following their sale of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, but Liverpool moved decisively to trigger the buyout clause and win the race for his signature.TRENDINGStoriesVideosYour SayMunoz arrives at Anfield as a member of Spain's World Cup squad, having earned his first international cap in March.La Liga expert Phil Minshull has described the winger as "one of the pearls of Spanish football" with an impressive work ethic.Munoz, who typically operates from the left flank, came through Barcelona's renowned La Masia youth system before joining Real Madrid, where he made two substitute appearances.He transferred to Osasuna in July 2025 for 5m (3.8m), scoring seven goals and registering five assists across 36 matches during the previous campaign.LATEST SPORTS NEWSGary Lineker makes admission following England's World Cup win against CroatiaWorld Cup day eight: Czech Republic draw with South Africa, Switzerland play Bosnia-HerzegovinaSix people arrested during England's opening World Cup win against CroatiaReal Madrid retained a 50 per cent sell-on clause and matching rights, though concerns about playing time under Jose Mourinho deterred any return.Munoz opted for Liverpool despite interest from Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen.Iraola was particularly drawn to the Spaniard's pace, his effectiveness against deep-lying defences, and his quality in the final third.Mohamed Salah's impending departure has created an obvious requirement for attacking reinforcements at Anfield.Liverpool believes Munoz will complement existing options Rio Ngumoha and Cody Gakpo, adding versatility to their forward line without limiting opportunities for 17-year-old Ngumoha, who recently made his England debut.While acknowledging that Munoz's overall output needs improvement, the club's confidence in his development is reflected in the lengthy contract commitment.Liverpool have a history of hijacking Newcastle's transfer targets in the past.Last summer, Hugo Ekitike chose Liverpool over the Magpies before Alexander Isak subsequently forced through a move from St James' Park to Anfield.For Newcastle, who had identified Munoz as Gordon's long-term replacement, the miss is a significant setback despite their efforts to act swiftly and avoid repeating last year's difficult transfer window.Liverpool are expected to pursue further attacking additions this summer, with strong interest in RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, the 19-year-old Ivory Coast international currently at the World Cup, who is also attracting Paris Saint-Germain's attention.Federico Chiesa may depart, with Italian clubs circling the forward who managed just one Premier League start last season.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

Iran's supreme leader says he disagrees with the deal and Donald Trump signed it "out of desperation".

Die Schweiz beit sich gegen Bosnien-Herzegowina lange die Zhne aus, doch dann wechselt Trainer Murat Yakin den Sieg ein. [mehr]