Mexico have their ticket punched, but Czechia have work to do

Why Guillermo Ochoa is playing for Mexico tonight, and what history he's making at World Cup originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Guillermo Ochoa is one of the most well-known Mexican footballers of all time.And on Wednesday night, he's expected to start in goal for Mexico at the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Czechia.It's a history-making occasion for Ochoa, but it's also a new opportunity, because he hasn't yet played at this World Cup through two group matches.MORE:With Messi, history and magic go hand in handWhy is Guillermo Ochoa playing tonight?In essence, it's because Mexico has nothing to play for.Raul Rangel is the new No. 1 keeper, but he is sitting because Mexico has already clinched the top spot in Group A.By sitting Rangel, the Mexican squad prevents him from getting hurt. But it also gives Ochoa an awesome opportunity.MORE:Cape Verde captures the magic of sportsWhat history is Memo Ochoa making?He's going to be appearing in his sixth World Cup. That ties the all-time record.It's a mark that was just set earlier in this tournament by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Now, Ochoa joins them.Ochoa's signature hair and impressive leadership skills have allowed him to be relevant to the Mexican national team for two decades.In some ways, Wednesday night could be his final chapter.More FIFA World Cup news:USA, England can't actually play on July 4thWhy Norway brought 600 pounds of salmon to the World CupEloy Room leads Curacao to astounding World Cup historyIt had to be Mo Salah for EgyptLamine Yamal outdoes Messi, Ronaldo in historic moment for Spanish wunderkind

Canada's sobering loss to Switzerland meant they lost a golden opportunity to play a round-of-32 game in front of their home fans.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is nearing the knockout stages, with the final group stage games underway.

The Aussies have been dealt a pair of setbacks as they try to guarantee they'll make it to the knockout stage of the tournament.

Paraguay has lodged an official protest with FIFA following England's goalless World Cup Group L encounter with Ghana, demanding action against Jude Bellingham.The Real Madrid midfielder was observed placing his hand over his mouth whilst exchanging words with Ghanaian forward Jordan Ayew during the second half.Despite FIFA's new regulations making such conduct a straight red card offence, match officials permitted Bellingham to continue playing for 73 minutes without sanction.The Paraguayan Football Association submitted its formal complaint on Wednesday, contending that the governing body has failed to apply the rule consistently across all competing nations at the tournament.The regulation was introduced ahead of the World Cup following a special meeting of The IFAB in April, which approved several amendments for the tournament.FIFA's decision to implement the rule came in the wake of Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni receiving a six-match suspension for directing homophobic abuse at Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr whilst concealing his mouth.Under the new guidelines, any player caught covering their mouth during a confrontational exchange with an opponent faces immediate dismissal from the pitch.The governing body has maintained that Bellingham escaped punishment because his interaction with Ayew was not deemed confrontational in nature.Newcastle United's Miguel Almiron holds the unwanted distinction of becoming the first footballer ever dismissed under the new regulation.The Paraguayan midfielder received his marching orders during his nation's narrow victory over Turkey, with VAR officials reviewing the incident before confirming the red card.His suspension means Almiron will miss Paraguay's final group stage fixture against Australia, a match that could prove decisive for their tournament hopes.Should the South American side fail to secure at least a point, their World Cup campaign would conclude prematurely, rendering Almiron's sending-off his final contribution to the competition.FIFA president Gianni Infantino has publicly defended the regulation, stating: "This thing about covering the mouth is for us a very, very important rule. It's about respect. It's about the example that we should give. If you have nothing to hide, you don't cover your mouth when you speak to somebody."The controversy has already claimed one casualty beyond the pitch.Paraguayan commentator Jorge Vera had his World Cup accreditation revoked after branding Infantino and referee Ivan Barton as "thieves" during a live broadcast, accusing them of "killing football."England manager Thomas Tuchel declined to address the protest directly but voiced his support for Bellingham.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

Experts say the cost of living, pandemic and boom in unhealthy food are behind the rise in cases.

Experts say the cost of living, pandemic and boom in unhealthy food are behind the rise in cases.

Summer's here, and that means Americans are marking their calendars for state fair season.On Thursday, the Great American State Fair kicks off on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., a massive event that officials describe as a "modern-day World's Fair," according to its website.The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature more than 150 exhibits representing all states and U.S. territories as well as a gigantic Ferris wheel.AMERICA 250 EVENTS TAKING PLACE THIS SUMMER CALLED 'ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME' TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIESAttendees can explore state pavilions and industry displays while enjoying family-friendly attractions, movie screenings, live musical performances and military ensembles, according to its website, as well as daily cultural programming and aerial flyovers.For those outside the Beltway, some of the nation's most iconic state fairs offer their own blend of food, entertainment and local traditions.Here's a look at standout fairs from six regions of the country as America celebrates its 250th anniversary.The Big E, the largest fair in the Northeast, describes itself as the fourth-largest fair in North America.The event "offers a diverse and vibrant experience to visitors from throughout the country," according to its website."Attendees can enjoy hours of free entertainment and attractions, terrific food, plus the best that New England and beyond has to offer," the website says.COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG GEARS UP FOR AMERICA 250 BIRTHDAY TO REMEMBER"Highlights include authentic New Orleans Mardi Gras in The Big Parade, an immersive Ireland adventure in the International Plazas Dingle Peninsula Showcase, North American Midway, as well as countless educational opportunities, from the Avenue of States to Storrowton Village Museum, Farm-A-Rama and more."The fair runs in West Springfield, Massachusetts, from Sept. 18 to Oct. 4, 2026.The North Carolina State Fair is held at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.The fair, which is also an agricultural exposition, is a long-running tradition that began in 1853.Tar Heel State officials say that last year's state fair attracted 946,811 attendees.TSA SOUNDS ALARM AFTER WORLD CUP FANS PACK THEIR BAGS WITH AMERICAN STAPLE"The fair creates an experience unique to North Carolina and is an unparalleled value, with free entertainment, thrilling rides and games, thousands of animals, endless family activities, competitions, vendors and creative deep-fried delights," the event's website reads.The North Carolina State Fair takes place from Oct. 15 to Oct. 25, 2026.The Minnesota State Fair's website describes the event as "one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region."The event is held in the city of Falcon Heights near St. Paul and often attracts up to two million visitors per year."What began in 1855 as a territorial fair to highlight agriculture and encourage farming in the region became the Minnesota State Fair in 1859, a year after Minnesota was granted statehood," the website says.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER"The State Fairs mission is to educate and involve our guests by providing a world-class showcase that is innovative, entertaining and fun," the website says.The Minnesota State Fair takes place from Aug. 27 to Sept. 7 this year.The State Fair of Texas is held annually at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas, and runs from Sept. 25 to Oct. 18 this year."Since its establishment in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has promoted Texas agriculture, education and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment," the state fair's website reads."At 24 consecutive days, the State Fair of Texas is the longest-running fair in the nation, as well as one of the largest."CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIESTexas officials say the fair "serves not only as an annual celebration, but as a unique destination that brings people from all walks of life together to create lifelong memories."The fair is perhaps best known for Big Tex, its iconic 55-foot-tall cowboy mascot, and its ever-expanding lineup of deep-fried foods.The California State Fair takes place from July 17 to Aug. 2, 2026.This year's fair promises "rides, live concerts [and] strolling performing acts," according to its website.The fair also features a Commercial Wine Competition, where wineries showcase some of California's top vintages, as well as agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions and live entertainment.Food offerings include classic fair staples such as funnel cakes, corn dogs and barbecue, along with California-inspired fare like fish tacos and poke bowls.Held annually in Grand Island, Nebraska, the Nebraska State Fair is one of the premier agricultural events in the Great Plains.TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZThe fair features concerts, carnival rides, food vendors and family-friendly attractions, as well as livestock competitions and agricultural exhibits.According to the fair's website, visitors can catch a variety of free entertainment this year, including performances by country vocal group Home Free, Christian artist Phil Wickham and disco legends KC & The Sunshine Band.The fair will run from Aug. 28 to Sept. 7, 2026.

Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann und Deniz Undav sprechen auf der abschlieenden Pressekonferenz des DFB vor dem Spiel gegen Ecuador in New York/New Jersey.[mehr]