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As far as Portugal manager Roberto Martínez is concerned, I am sure he is saying: Houston, we have a problem. But for DR Congo? Houston: this is a DREAM. On Tuesday afternoon in Texas, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal kicked off its World Cup campaign with a 1-1 result against DR Congo and once again, an African side delivered an inspiring performance against an Iberian squad to record the biggest result in its history. I think it’s obvious that Portugal needs to heavily improve and has so much to improve on. But it was yet another majestic performance from the early days of this tournament. DR Congo — just like Cape Verde’s draw against Spain — should be very, very proud. Here are my takeaways: 1. It Won’t Happen, But Ronaldo Shouldn’t Start For Portugal I am sure I will be getting a thousand messages from Ronaldo’s superfans, but here’s a statement I have made for a long time now. I think Portugal possesses so much more fluidity when the legendary captain comes off the bench. Portugal, looking to win its first ever World Cup title, is a team of stars — led by a 41-year-old Ronaldo who has joined Lionel Messi as the only male player to feature in six World Cups. But Martínez knows that with this deep squad at his disposal, which includes Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, who’ll join José Mourinho’s Real Madrid next season, wants to go far. I also want to state that this is nothing against Ronaldo, it’s more about Martínez’s philosophy and how he prefers an interchangeable attacking lineup and the 41-year-old striker essentially slows this down because he is such a target man. I know it will never happen. But I just think Portugal would be much stronger with some younger, more mobile attackers such as Gonçalo Ramos and Rafael Leão. 2. DR Congo Deserved The Result And Inspired A Nation It was a celebration 52 years in the making as DR Congo was making its return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when it was Zaire. There’s no doubt that the Central African team had heart and an intent to earn something against this talented Portuguese side. It gave away nearly 80% possession but for many moments, it decided to gamble and push forward with a more direct approach. And then history. Having given up 15 goals at the World Cup stretching back to that 1974 tournament, Yoane Wissa forever etched his name into his country’s history with a first-half goal. At the start, Wissa was isolated, as was his teammate Cédric Bakambu, but then when a beautiful cross came in, Wissa took his chance. It was well executed by the Newcastle United man. But throughout the action, the African side stood tall and held a resilient performance. There’s so much to be proud of from The Leopards. 3. Disjointed Portugal Needs More Cohesion Portugal made the semifinals in 1966 and then again reached that feat 20 years ago, when the Seleção das Quinas (the Team of the Shields) finished the 2006 tournament in fourth place. Its fallen short of that stage since then, most recently when it lost to Morocco in the quarterfinals in 2022 as the Atlas Lions made history by becoming the first Arab and African nation to earn a final four spot. I already mentioned the embarrassment of riches of this squad, but for a large majority of the action, Portugal, with and without Ronaldo, looked like a collection of individuals, playing next to each other, not for one another towards an objective. The passing accuracy was there. In fact, it was statistically at 96%, which was its best ever since 1966 — but it came to nothing. Similar to Spain, it was passing for passing’s sake. It can’t act like that. If Portugal wants to make at least the semifinals again, it needs to feel more like a team. 4. Colombia Can Take A Lot Of Inspiration From Today If Colombia earns a win against Uzbekistan on Tuesday night, I think Nestor Lorenzo’s side can feel very confident that it can top the group and take something from Portugal in the final game, especially since the match will be played in Miami in front of what should be a pro-Colombia crowd. But as we witnessed on Wednesday, DR Congo won’t be a pushover and Colombia can’t overlook this team when those two meet next week in Guadalajara. As for Portugal, the team will return to Houston and face Uzbekistan in what feels like a must-win scenario.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

LOS ANGELES — Max Muncy wasn’t alive the last time a Dodgers third baseman started in the All-Star Game. Adrian Beltré belted a career-high 48 homers and finished second in MVP voting in his final season as a Dodger in 2004, but the Hall of Famer didn’t become an All-Star for the first time until six years later in Boston. In 2014, Justin Turner joined the Dodgers and proceeded to accumulate more than 1,000 hits over the next nine years with the team, but his two All-Star appearances during that stretch came as a reserve. For all of their sustained success over the past decade and standout play at third base over the years, the Dodgers haven’t had an All-Star starter at the position since Ron Cey in 1977. A month from now, that 49-year drought should end. At 35 years old, Muncy is playing arguably the best all-around baseball of his career. He leads all qualified National League third basemen in home runs, on-base percentage, slugging, OPS and FanGraphs’ version of wins above replacement. He also has the highest batting average of his career and, perhaps most strikingly, is grading out as one of the best defensive third basemen in the league by some metrics. The first All-Star balloting update reflects Muncy’s preeminence. As of Monday, Muncy already had accumulated more than 900,000 votes while every other NL third baseman had fewer than 400,000. After the update was announced, I asked Muncy what it meant to be playing at this level, in his mid-30s, five years since his last All-Star appearance. A smile crept across his face in the Dodgers’ dugout. “The truth is,” Muncy told me Monday afternoon before the Dodgers hosted the Rays, “it just means I’m healthy.” Muncy pointed out that after a slow start last year, he was on a similar pace to what he’s on right now until injuries slowed him down. Indeed, he produced an OPS over .900 from the start of May through the end of the 2025 season, aided by the addition of prescription glasses that he began wearing at the plate in late April to correct his vision — a “diamond-in-the-rough find,” as he described it. But oblique and knee injuries ultimately limited him to 100 games in 2025. The year prior, he hit 39% better than league average but missed three months with an oblique and rib issue. “For me, when you start getting older, and you’re finding it harder and harder to stay healthy, that always raises the question marks in your mind,” Muncy said. “So, it’s a big thing to just have been healthy so far this year.” Muncy has played in 68 of the Dodgers’ 74 games and is on pace for a 6.3-WAR season, which would make this the most valuable season of his standout 11-year career. His 148 OPS+ — hitting 48% better than league average — is the second-highest mark of his career behind only his breakout 2018 season (161 OPS+), when he rewarded the Dodgers for rescuing his career from the brink after he was released by the A’s. Eight years later, he’s continuing to reward the Dodgers in a season in which stars Mookie Betts, Kyle Tucker and Will Smith are all hitting well below their career norms. “He put in a lot of work with his body this offseason to put himself in a good spot, and that’s helped the consistency of the swing mechanics,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “But also, I think, Max has really matured as far as not letting things that he can’t control bother him. I think in years past, if it didn’t go well, it would start to speed up.” That could be evident both at the plate and in the field. Offensively, Muncy told me that it wasn’t until the beginning of the 2024 season when he finally felt like he had gotten his swing back, years after a collision at first base damaged the UCL in his left elbow and ended his All-Star 2021 season prematurely. He was constantly tinkering in an attempt to find his form again — “a lot of different Band-Aids,” as he described it — cycling through various bat models and even trying out a stepback move with his back foot in the box to assist with timing, looking for anything that could help get him back on track after averaging an .890 OPS and making two All-Star teams over his first four seasons as a Dodger. Defensively, meanwhile, he was struggling to translate his work from practice into the game after his transition from first to third base following Freddie Freeman’s arrival in 2022. “When I’d do my work, I’d feel very free with the glove, not afraid to field [the ball] at different positions, field it off-balance, field it on the wrong foot,” Muncy told me. “And then when the game would come, I just couldn’t find that freedom. The ball would get hit to me, and I would tense up. My feet would get stuck. I would be scared to field the ball one-handed, even though that’s how I do most of my work.” Conversations with Betts last year, as the six-time Gold Glove Award-winning outfielder made the full-time transition to shortstop, played a part in helping Muncy gain a better understanding of how he should be thinking about playing his own position. Then, early this spring, something clicked. A couple of balls were hit Muncy’s way that he said he “went out and got,” with his feet moving the way he wanted them to. “I’ve been able to take that ever since,” he said, “and just been kind of running with it.” More than his .266 batting average, his 16 home runs or his .891 OPS, it’s Muncy’s work at third base that he said he is most proud of this season. Better footwork has helped him improve his range, and he has made considerable progress on plays charging in. But it’s the routine ones — the balls hit right at him — that he feels much better equipped to handle this season. “You tend to get stuck at third base with the ball straight at you,” Muncy said. “When your feet are stuck, and you’re not moving, you’re always putting yourself at the chance of a bad hop. Going to my left, going to my right, I was always fine in years past. But it was the ball straight at me, that was the one you’d see bounce off my chest or I’m bobbling it. I just couldn’t find my rhythm because my feet would get stuck. So, now, I’ve been so much better at the one straight at me.” It’s not perfect. Last week, a potential inning-ending grounder got underneath Muncy’s glove in Pittsburgh and allowed a run to score. On Tuesday, the hardest-hit ball of the night from the Rays kicked off the heel of his glove, and he was unable to recover in time to make the play at first. Overall, though, those blunders are much more infrequent. He is producing his highest fielding percentage since making the full-time switch to third base, and Roberts said Muncy’s defense is as good as it has been since he can recall. By outs above average, Cleveland’s José Ramírez is the only qualified third baseman who has graded out better than Muncy this season. “Who I’ve been this year defensively is who I always thought I could be,” Muncy told me. “There’s been flashes of it and there’s been stints, but consistently it just hasn’t been there in past years.” There was no major technical change or transformation to get to this point. “A lot of it now is just about confidence,” Dodgers infield coach Chris Woodward told me. “He trusts that he can make any play.” He is also doing a better job listening to his body and understanding what it needs. Woodward said Muncy has learned that he has to throw every day, even on days when he’s not feeling his best, to have his arm where he wants it to be. But as Muncy has come to find out, more does not always mean better. “As I got older, part of the injuries happening the last couple of years was maybe me doing too much,” Muncy realized. There’s a balance that Muncy is finding between being prepared and not overdoing it, the way he had in previous seasons, in an effort to reduce injury risk. “Whether it’s weight room, cage, ground balls, throwing, running, there’s only so much your body can do,” Muncy told me. “For me, it was just maturing enough to realize there is a limit to that. “I used to come out here and take ground balls for an hour, trying to get better and trying to figure out what was going on. I’d be throwing for an hour, and I’d go into the cage, and I’d be hitting for hours, and my hands would be bleeding. And I had to understand that’s not the best way to stay healthy. You’re putting your body through so much stress.” Every year since suffering his elbow injury, Muncy has seen his batting average steadily rise: .196 in 2022, .212 in 2023, .232 in 2024, .243 in 2025 and now a career-high .266 to start the 2026 season. Five years after his last All-Star season, he has found a happy medium that is allowing him to excel as an all-around talent. The only Dodgers player worth more WAR than Muncy this season is Shohei Ohtani. “Now, he’s managed the lows, and the highs have been much more consistent,” Roberts explained. “I said this even last year, a year and a half ago, he’s just a better hitter now. I do think that he values getting a hit more than he used to.” And after making the All-Star team as a first baseman in 2019 and 2021, Muncy is now on track to become an All-Star third baseman for the first time in his career. “I’m happy to see him at the top,” Roberts said. “This All-Star Game, if it works out, this is going to mean a lot to him.”​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

With minicamps wrapping up around the NFL, it’s a fitting time to check in on the most intriguing quarterback competitions. After conducting a deep dive on each situation, here are my thoughts on the league’s best battles. The battle between the former No. 1 overall pick and the Vikings’ intended franchise QB could determine whether the team re-emerges as a title contender in 2026. While Kevin O’Connell has attempted to split the reps evenly to give each player a chance to seize the job, the noise around the Vikings suggests Kyler Murray is the frontrunner heading into training camp, particularly after Justin Jefferson raved about the eighth-year pro’s talent and experience before minicamp. The 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year is coming off a disappointing 2025 campaign that was cut short by a foot injury, but he has flashed elite potential as a dual-threat playmaker with 20,000-plus passing yards, 3,000-plus rushing yards and 153 total scores on his résumé. J.J. McCarthy has started (and appeared in) just 10 games since his 2024 arrival as the No. 10 overall pick. After missing his rookie season because of a torn meniscus, he posted a 6-4 record last year but completed just 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. While those pedestrian numbers do not jump off the stat sheet, McCarthy did flash enough intriguing playmaking potential for the Vikings to remain optimistic about his future as a QB1. The third-year pro has not played enough to deserve an obituary as a player, but his inexperience and immaturity might prevent Minnesota from making a playoff push in 2026. Best Fit: Murray The former Pro Bowler is the most talented quarterback KOC has coached in Minnesota. As an electric dual-threat playmaker, Murray adds an explosive dimension to the offense as a big-play weapon who can produce highlight-reel-worthy plays inside and outside the pocket. With a supporting cast that features a premier WR1 (Jefferson) and a collection of complementary playmakers (Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, Jauan Jennings and Aaron Jones) who will allow him to operate like a pass-first point guard leading a fast break, the Vikings can operate in attack mode with a dynamic athlete at the helm. Moreover, their creative play-action passing game and shotgun “RPO” (run-pass option) package should expand with a twitchy playmaker at the controls. If Murray can shake the injury bug that forced him to miss most of the 2022 (torn ACL) and 2025 (foot injury) seasons, the Vikings have upgraded the position with a more dynamic passer and runner leading the show. The competition between a three-time Pro Bowler and a polarizing second-year pro has the “Dawg Pound” clamoring for an answer before training camp. Although new head coach Todd Monken wanted to wrap up the competition before the preseason kicked off, the strong performances from each player have led to an extended battle that will continue through the first few weeks of training camp. To the surprise of many, Deshaun Watson has a legitimate opportunity to win the starting job after being summarily dismissed by Browns owner Jimmy Haslam a season ago. The veteran has benefited from the arrival of a new head coach who fondly remembers Watson’s spectacular moments in Houston. Given his dominance as a Texan (three-time Pro Bowler with a pair of 4,000-yard seasons), it is easy to see why the grizzled coach is smitten by Watson’s talent despite his struggles in Cleveland. At his best, Watson has been an elite quarterback who has flashed MVP-caliber potential, directing a spread offense that allowed him to push the ball downfield to a collection of speedsters and big-play merchants who thrived at tracking down deep balls. Despite starting his NFL journey at the bottom of the Browns’ depth chart, Shedeur Sanders finished 2025 as the team’s starter following an eight-game run that featured a mix of heroics, highlight plays and humble pie that will keep his supporters and detractors standing firm with their positions. The Pro Bowl alternate finished with a 56.6% completion rate, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, while occasionally sparking a dormant offense with a fearless approach. Although his big-play hunting ultimately led to several negative plays (sacks and turnovers), Sanders also ignited the offense with downfield throws. He will need to improve his risk assessment and management skills to help the Browns improve significantly under his direction. Perhaps more game experience and first-team reps will lead to better individual and team results in 2026. Best Fit: Watson Despite facing long odds and an uphill climb to re-emerge as the Browns’ QB1, Watson is well-positioned to land the starting role based on his experience and schematic fit. As an accomplished quarterback with 72 career starts and a high-arcing deep ball, the 10th-year pro could help the Browns become the big-play machine Monken envisions with a revamped pass-catching corps possessing the size, speed and explosiveness to win their one-on-one battles on the perimeter. If Watson can shake off the rust that has accumulated from his extended layoff due to injuries and a suspension, the veteran could thrive in a collegiate-styled offense that features more spread and “Air-Raid” concepts that showcase his strengths as a quick-rhythm passer with a lethal deep ball. With Kevin Stefanski taking over as the Falcons’ new head coach, the offense will likely shift to more play-action, under-center concepts that complement a dynamic running game with Bijan Robinson as a centerpiece. Michael Penix Jr. was expected to take over as the franchise quarterback based on his anointed status as a top-10 pick in 2024. The left-handed gunslinger has shown promise as a part-time starter with 12 career starts under his belt, but a torn ACL threatens to keep him sidelined until the beginning of training camp. While Stefanski has kept the door open to a quarterback competition, the lack of offseason repetitions in a new system will prevent him from building on the positive flashes (2,757 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and six interceptions) he has displayed as a potential franchise player. Tua Tagovailoa came over on a cheap deal (signed for the $1.3 million veteran’s minimum) after being dumped by the Miami Dolphins following a disappointing 2025 campaign. Despite his recent struggles, the streaky passer has posted the NFL’s second-highest completion rate (68.6%) since 2021, directing a quick-rhythm passing game that helped him sometimes pile up gaudy stats while tossing the ball to a world-class track team on the perimeter. With the Falcons featuring an all-star collection of playmakers on the perimeter, Stefanski is hoping a change of scenery can help Tagovailoa rediscover his magical pocket passing skills this season. Best Fit: Tagovailoa Tagovailoa’s quick release and pinpoint passing skills make him a perfect fit in an offense that prioritizes accuracy and ball placement. The veteran peppers the strike zone with various throws that enable his pass catchers to shine as “catch-and-run” playmakers in a “grip it and rip it” scheme. Although the Falcons will utilize more traditional under-center concepts with various play-action fakes that require Tagovailoa to turn his back to the defense, the veteran’s savvy and experience should make the transition easy for him. Considering he led the NFL in passing yards (4,624) in 2023, the Falcons are well-positioned to shoot to the top of the division if Tagovailoa finds rhythm and confidence early in the season. The Raiders’ quarterback situation is more of an apprenticeship than competition, with Kirk Cousins serving as a mentor to Fernando Mendoza while the rookie acclimates to the pro game. As a former Pro Bowler who has flourished under Klint Kubiak, Cousins is the perfect role model because of his comparable playing style to Mendoza’s and the veteran’s success in the system. Cousins, in fact, enjoyed the best three-year run of his career with Kubiak serving as his QBs coach and then OC from 2019 to 2021. During that span in a Shanahan-style system, Cousins threw for 12,089 passing yards and 94 touchdowns with a 67.6% completion rate. Those eye-popping numbers made it easy for Kubiak to target him as a bridge quarterback to lean on until Mendoza is ready for a bigger role. The rookie is the mature prospect every coach wants to develop into a franchise QB. As a big-game performer with a knack for coming through in the clutch, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner is built for the bright lights and big stage of the NFL game. History has shown, however, that a patient approach with young quarterbacks often yields solid results, particularly when they can sit back and learn before jumping into the fray as a starter. Given how well the process worked for the Raiders’ minority owner (Tom Brady), it is sensible for the franchise to utilize a similar plan for their QB1 of the future. Best Fit: Cousins The veteran’s success and belief in the system should make him the 2026 starter for the Raiders. Cousins not only played at an elite level for multiple seasons within the scheme but also earned Pro Bowl recognition while leading his teams to playoff appearances during that span. Although the veteran is no longer at the top of his game, his experience, expertise and management skills make him the perfect leader to guide Las Vegas and its future franchise quarterback through the rebuilding process. With Kubiak handpicking Cousins to be the mentor for his young quarterback, the only way Mendoza starts Week 1 will be due to injury or a markedly superior preseason performance from the rookie.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Wednesday marks the final day of the opening games at the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup and while it will be a tough act to follow Tuesday’s extravaganza, there will be plenty of star players who’ll do their best. Led by Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal hopes its game against the DR Congo will be the first step of a long run. England vs. Croatia is one of the most anticipated group stage games after deep runs in major tournaments over the past decade. Ghana and Panama will meet in the third game as the Black Stars could once again surprise in this tournament. The final opening game will see a Colombian team looking to get back on track when it takes on an Uzbekistan team that will likely be full of energy, coached by an Italian legend. Portugal vs. DR Congo: How to Watch When: Wednesday, June 17, 1 p.m. ETWhere: HoustonTV: FOXStream: Watch three days free on FOX One Group K gets underway on Wednesday with Portugal opening its much-anticipated World Cup campaign against DR Congo in Houston. Ranked fifth in the latest FIFA World Rankings, much of the team’s spotlight is on Cristiano Ronaldo, who will be playing in his sixth World Cup. At 41, Ronaldo is set to become the second-oldest outfield player in World Cup history behind only Cameroon legend Roger Milla, who played in the 1994 tournament in the United States at the age of 42. For Ronaldo, this is likely his last opportunity to win the tournament. His international career has been defined by leading Portugal to the 2016 European Championship. At the World Cup, the furthest he reached was the semifinals in 2006. In the four tournaments since, Portugal has had two group stage exits, one elimination from the Round of 16, and one quarterfinal exit. But Portugal is showing signs of returning to the world’s elite under head coach Roberto Martinez, who was hired in 2023. At Euro 2024, Portugal won its group and then advanced to the quarterfinals before being stopped by France on penalties. Portugal won the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League with a win over Germany in the semifinal, followed by a win over Spain on penalties in the final. Finally, the Portuguese won their World Cup qualifying group with ease, outscoring opponents 20-7 over six games. Ronaldo has shown few signs of aging in recent years. Under Martinez, Ronaldo has made 26 appearances and scored 22 goals for Portugal, with many goals coming in important games. Of course, Ronaldo has a strong supporting case that includes top playmaker Bruno Fernandes, 31, of Manchester United and Real Madrid-bound midfielder Bernardo Silva, 31, who will be playing in his third World Cup. Like Ronaldo, Silva and Fernandes might also be playing in their final World Cup. After this tournament, Portugal might see a massive change of the guard. Ranked No. 46 in the FIFA World Rankings, the DR Congo returns to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when the country was called Zaire. While it was a significant accomplishment to become the first Sub-Saharan African team to qualify for the World Cup, Zaire was outscored by its opponents 14-0. DR Congo qualified for the World Cup after finishing second in CAF Group B behind Senegal. That put the Leopards into the intercontinental playoff, where they prevailed 1-0 over Jamaica. Most of the DR Congo consists of players who currently play for European clubs. Nine players played in Europe’s traditional top five leagues in the 2025-26 season. The team’s attack is led by Yoane Wissa, who joined Newcastle United in 2025 for a £50 million transfer fee. Real Betis striker Cédric Bakambu, 35, has a lot of experience but has scored just six league goals in his last three seasons. But another area of strength for DR Congo is its two wingbacks, West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Lens’ Arthur Masuaku, who are both effective in getting into the attack. DR Congo has several effective players, but Portugal is the heavy favorite. Portugal vs. DR Congo: Player To Watch Cristiano Ronaldo: One of the greatest players of all time will likely get his final World Cup underway in this game. At 41 years old and with 228 caps under his belt, Ronaldo is not simply a nostalgic act in this tournament. He is still a remarkably effective striker who has been playing terrific soccer for Portugal since Martinez came on board in 2023. But at this tournament and in this game, expect Ronaldo to play with intensity and desperation, knowing that time is running out. England vs. Croatia: How to watch When: Wednesday, June 17, 4 p.m. ETWhere: DallasTV: FOXStream: Watch three days free on FOX One In one of the marquee group stage games of this World Cup, England takes on Croatia on Wednesday afternoon at Dallas Stadium in a matchup of teams who are expected to advance out of Group L. Ranked 4th in the latest FIFA Rankings, England holds realistic ambitions of winning the tournament. The Three Lions were stellar in World Cup qualifying, winning all eight games and outscoring opponents 22-0. At Euro 2024, England advanced to the final, where it narrowly lost to Spain 2-1 in a hard-fought matchup against one of the world’s elite teams. Head coach Thomas Tuchel has done an impressive job with England since taking over at the start of January 2025, overseeing the perfect World Cup qualifying effort. He is just the third foreign manager of England, and his contract has already been extended through Euro 2028. The Three Lions are led by captain and top scorer Harry Kane, who is widely expected to contend for his second World Cup Golden Boot after winning the award in 2018. Kane’s scoring accomplishments, mostly with Tottenham and his current club Bayern Munich, place him among the best players of his generation. Kane has won the Premier League Golden Boot three times. He has been the Bundesliga top scorer three times, including this recent season with Bayern Munich. He won the European Golden Shoe twice as the continent’s most prolific scorer, including 2025-26. Beyond Kane, England has a very talented team that should go far. Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers are the team’s playmakers. Arsenal’s Declan Rice is one of the top holding midfielders at this World Cup. John Stones and Ezri Konsa are a very capable central defensive pairing. On top of it all, England will be extremely well-supported in each of its games at this World Cup. Managed by Zlatko Dalić, Croatia will be a much tougher test for England than anyone the Three Lions faced in World Cup qualifying. Croatia qualified for this World Cup also through a strong, unbeaten campaign with seven wins and a draw over eight games. The strength of this Croatian team is its experience and its tactical organization under Dalić. Luka Modrić, 40, is one of the many aging superstars of this tournament along with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Like those players, he is not simply along for the ride and he is expected to be a focal point of Croatia’s game plan. Croatia’s roster is a blend of youth and experience. On the older side, along with Modrić, there are Ivan Perišić, 37, Mateo Kovačić, 32, Andrej Kramarić, 34, and Mario Pasalić, 31, who have all been part of this highly accomplished generation of Croatian players. This tournament will also see Croatia turn to promising younger players such as Inter Milan midfielder Petar Sučić and Como attacking midfielder Martin Baturina. MLS fans might also be familiar with two Croatian players who currently play in the league – Petar Musa of FC Dallas and Marco Pašalić of Orlando City. Croatia is the underdog in this game, but this game will be a tactical battle. If England plays an up-tempo game, it will likely prevail through individual talent. If Croatia’s midfield can slow the game down, it might frustrate England and be a recipe for an upset. England vs. Croatia: Player To Watch Harry Kane: There are a lot of stars to watch in this game, but Kane is an elite forward who, at age 32, is in the best shape and form of his career. England will desperately want to make a deep run and contend for this World Cup. Those ambitions are completely tied to Kane, as there is a big drop-off in scoring options after him. Momentum is critical for all strikers and scoring against Croatia will be important not just for winning this game, but in setting the table as a contender this summer. Ghana vs. Panama: How to Watch When: Wednesday, June 17, 7 p.m. ETWhere: TorontoTV: FS1Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One With Group L heavyweights Croatia and England playing earlier in the day, the group’s other two teams, in Ghana and Panama, get underway on Wednesday night at Toronto Stadium in an important game that offers a path of advancement to the winner. With eight of 12 third-place teams qualifying for the knockouts, a win for either team might be enough. For both Panama and Ghana, this game is the best opportunity to secure three points. Since 2020, Panama has been coached by Thomas Christiansen from Denmark. Over those six years, Christiansen has built Panama into one of the stronger teams in CONCACAF. At the 2024 Copa América, he led his team out of the group stage after a win over the United States. At the 2025 Nations League, Panama again defeated the United States in an important game. This time in the semifinal, to advance to the final, where it was beaten by Mexico. With Mexico, Canada, and the United States qualifying automatically, CONCACAF World Cup qualifying was severely diluted. But Panama took full advantage in going unbeaten over 10 games with a 7-3-0 record. Ranked No. 34 in the FIFA World Rankings, Panama does not have any players currently with a club in Europe’s traditional top leagues. The biggest concern for Panama is simply age. With an average age of 30.4 years, Panama is the oldest team in the tournament. Alberto Quintero, 38, has 140 caps for the national team and captain Aníbal Godoy, 36, has been the team’s midfield anchor. José Fajardo, 32, and Cecillo Waterman, 35, have been the team’s best attackers over the past decade. Ranked 73rd in the FIFA Rankings, Ghana arrives at this tournament on the heels of making a coaching change on April 13. Now leading the team is Carlos Queiroz, who will be coaching in his sixth World Cup. He previously coached Portugal in 2010 and  Iran in 2014, 2018, and 2022. This is also the ninth national team he has coached. Ghana brings to this tournament very dangerous wingers and attacking midfielders. Antoine Semenyo, who joined Manchester City from AFC Bournemouth in January for a reported transfer fee of £64 million is the team’s most talented player. Attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus, 25, scored two goals at the 2022 World Cup and has played the last three seasons in the Premier League with West Ham and now Tottenham. Atlético Bilbao forward Iñaki Williams is an established goal-scoring threat. While Ghana has one of the lowest rankings in the FIFA World Rankings at No. 73, the team could be much better than that if the players respond quickly to Queiroz. A win over Panama would hardly be a surprise. Antoine Semenyo: Semenyo has been a revelation in the Premier League this season. The London-born winger scored 10 goals in 20 appearances for Bournemouth before moving to Manchester City in January. England would love to have Semenyo in the fold for this tournament, but he made his debut for Ghana in 2022. He has become one of the best wingers in the world this season and will be the driving force behind any success Ghana has this summer. Uzbekistan vs. Colombia: How to Watch When: Wednesday, June 17, 10 p.m. ETWhere: Mexico CityTV: FS1Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One The final teams to get underway at the 2026 World Cup are Colombia and Uzbekistan, who will play each other on Wednesday night at Mexico City Stadium in Group K action. Uzbekistan has performed well in Asian tournaments, but this will be the team’s World Cup debut. The White Wolves have qualified for every AFC Asian Cup since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, with their best tournament coming in a run to the semifinals in 2011. Ranked 50th in the FIFA Rankings, Uzbekistan is the underdog in every game in Group K. Most of the players play domestically, while Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov, 22, is the only Uzbek player to play in the top European leagues and is one of Asia’s best young players. Abbosbek Fayzullaev, 22, is another promising young Uzbek player who features as a winger for İstanbul Başakşehir in Turkey’s Süper Lig. Also on İstanbul Başakşehir is team captain Eldor Shomurodov, 30, who is the country’s all-time leading scorer with 44 goals from 92 caps. In Uzbekistan’s final pre-tournament friendly, Uzbekistan lost a tight game against the Netherlands. Uzbekistan equalized the game in second-half stoppage time, only to see the Netherlands find a winner from the penalty spot minutes later. Uzbekistan is managed by Italy’s Fabio Cannavaro, who was one of the best central defenders of all time where he won the 2006 World Cup and was awarded the Ballon d’Or that year. This will be his first time managing a World Cup team. Ranked No. 13 in the world, Colombia is the clear favorite in this game. Los Cafeteros are well established on the international stage and will be making their seventh World Cup appearance. Its best appearance came in 2014 with a run to the quarterfinals in Brazil. Its worst World Cup came in 1994 in the United States, when Colombia was heavily favored but suffered losses to Romania and the United States. The aftermath of that tournament was the darkest moment in team history when Andrés Escobar, who scored an own goal in the loss to the United States, was murdered in Medellín. Colombia failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after a stunning sixth-place finish in CONMEBOL’s single-table qualification format. In the past cycle, Colombia has been attempting to get back on track, although the team is still very inconsistent. The 2024 Copa América was positive as Los Cafeteros advanced to the final before falling to Argentina in extra time. In 2026 World Cup qualifying, Colombia picked up impressive wins at home over Brazil and Argentina and then left Buenos Aires with a 1-1 draw against defending World Cup champs. But at one point, Colombia also went winless in six straight games, including a three-game losing streak. In March, Colombia played two friendlies in the United States but lost both times, first a 2-1 loss to Croatia, followed by a 3-1 loss to France in Florida. It was a pair of results that gave pause to Colombia’s ability to compete against top European teams. Bayern Munich winger Luis Díaz is the team’s best offensive player, while captain James Rodriguez, 34, remains a wild card. Rodriguez is one of the best players of all time for the Colombian national team, including winning the World Cup Golden Boot in 2014. But his club career in recent years has been very underwhelming, and it is hard to know what to expect. Colombia is the favorite in this game but is prone to prolonged slumps. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan has nothing to lose and should be full of energy under Cannavaro. Uzbekistan vs. Colombia: Player to Watch Luis Díaz: The Bayern Munich winger is the most talented player on either roster and is one of the world’s elite players at his position. He is a complete winger with his speed, dribbling skills, and defensive ability. He is coming off a 2025-26 season where he scored 26 goals in 51 appearances in all competitions for the Bundesliga champions. He remains critical to Colombia’s ambitions of making a run in the knockout stages.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Back in the heyday of their greatest moments, at the top of their game, South Americans birthed a saying in Spanish when talking about Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. But, for the sake of brevity, I will translate it. Ronaldo may be the best player in the world, but Messi? He’s from another planet. On Tuesday evening, therefore, under the Kansas City sky — a city famously coined as the capital of American fútbol — Lionel Messi, in a record-breaking sixth World Cup, reminded America and the world of his extraterrestrial qualities, scoring his first hat trick of his World Cup career during Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria. The three goals placed him at joint top of the list for most men’s World Cup goals (16) alongside Germany’s Miroslav Klose. A record he will surely break when La Albiceleste face Austria next Monday in Dallas. What’s more, Messi — at 38 years and 357 days old — became the oldest men’s player to score a hat trick at a World Cup, passing Ronaldo by five years. He now also holds the record for the youngest and oldest Argentina goalscorer (18 years old in 2006 and 38 now) and has scored in five consecutive World Cup matches. If he scores again, he will have a new record. Want another one? For Argentina, he is the first man from the national team to score in five straight World Cups, surpassing Hernán Crespo and Guillermo Stábile. It was his 11th overall treble for his national team. The hat trick itself was quintessential Messi. The opener came in the 17th minute, and it was a golden, left-footed rocket that was too much for Luca Zidane — the second son of Zinedine, who was there and could only marvel at what Leo had just done to his second-born. The second, in the 60th minute, was just an example of his quick instincts after the aforementioned Zidane spilled the attempt from Alexis Mac Allister and Messi was first to react. I want to remind everyone that he’s turning 39 in eight days, and his instincts remain intact. Then came the cherry on top in the 76th minute, where Messi took the ball from outside the box, and it was almost as if Algeria had accepted its destiny. Go ahead, Leo. It doesn’t matter what we do, you’re still going to score. And he did, as the Argentina captain looked up and, without hesitation, placed it on the bottom right of Zidane’s goal. The stadium erupted, and three minutes later, the world stood up to marvel and honor greatness as Messi was subbed off for Nico Paz. Some things, thought Lionel Scaloni, are better off with an earlier ending in order to fully appreciate them. Bigger obstacles will surely come in the tournament for Argentina and Messi, who knows the most important part of this particular World Cup is to take care of his physical condition. And as time waits for no man, we can only reflect on the fact that this indeed is his last tournament. But for tonight, in Argentina’s opening victory, as it looks to defend its glorious title, we thanked the fútbol gods once again that Lionel Messi has not left us. He is very much here. Luis Miguel Echegaray is the author of “Messi Mania,” his debut book about the World Cup champion, his incredible career and how his arrival to Inter Miami in 2023 impacted the U.S. sports landscape.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Norway marked its return to the World Cup in winning fashion with a 4-1 victory over Iraq on Tuesday night at Boston Stadium. The Norwegians have frequently been mentioned as a possible dark horse in this tournament after its perfect run through UEFA qualifying. While this game was far from perfect for them — and Iraq deserves some credit for that for their effort in the first 75 minutes — ultimately, Norway was clearly the deserved winners. With the win, Norway joins France atop the Group I table at the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup: 1. World Cup Haaland Was Worth The Wait Erling Haaland was one of the most eagerly anticipated players at this tournament. The Manchester City forward has accomplished everything possible at the club level. But the international side of the game is a completely different story. This is Norway’s first World Cup since 1998. The Scandinavian country has also not appeared for the European Championships since 2000. Two weeks after Euro 2000, Haaland was born and, just under 26 years later, he would bring the team back. Haaland has been exceptional for Norway, and he now has 57 goals in 51 games, but this is his first game in a major international tournament. His debut was exceptional as he scored twice in the first half help Norway pull ahead for good. The first goal was Haaland at his best when he made a run into the box that was almost impossible to stop. When a team is moving forward from a wide position, Haaland is special at making runs into the box where he can get behind just about any defense. Haaland’s second goal was all effort, as he closed down and forced a mistake. On the final goal deep into stoppage time, Haaland was pushing for the hat trick and his header eventually resulted in an own goal. With this game, Haaland showed the world that he is ready to be a force in the international game just as he is with Manchester City. The World Cup is better with him in it. 2. Norway’s Supporting Cast Was Mixed Norway’s game plan was well known coming into this game. The central midfielders try to find the wingers or fullbacks moving forward with speed into wide areas. Then the key play is to find Haaland as he makes a run up the middle towards goal. It was an extremely successful approach as Norway has historically been good in World Cup qualifying, winning all eight of its games with Haaland scoring 16 goals. Norway was particularly effective in the first half, attacking up the left side with left winger Antonio Nusa and left back David Møller Wolfe frequently finding space. Then in the 76th minute, Norway gave itself breathing room when Genoa defender Leo Østigard headed home a corner kick delivered by Martin Ødegaard, who is the captain of both Norway and Arsenal. Despite the corner kick delivery on the third goal, Ødegaard, along with Sander Berge, did not have a particularly effective first half in central midfield. This was close for the first 75 minutes as Iraq controlled the middle of the field for long stretches in the first half. After a 4-1 win, there is typically little to criticize. But for an ambitious Norwegian team, it will need to be better as elite teams await. Norway can depend on Haaland to always be good, but everything they do begins in central midfield. 3. Iraq Played Well, But Made A Huge Mistake But in this game, Iraq was prepared and made the focal point of trying to contain Ødegaard. Stopping Haaland is often impossible, so the approach is typically to try to cut off service into him or try to close passing lanes that often prevent the ball from getting out wide. For the first 75 minutes, Iraq put on a better performance than expected because of its strong play in the midfield. This was far from the case of an underdog sitting deep and bunkering to keep the score close. Iraq came to play against Norway. Amir Al-Ammari, who plays for Cracovia in Poland, had an especially strong performance as he helped in possession and in creating multiple chances. It was his assist to Ayman Hussein who pulled Iraq even in the 39th minute. But Iraq is surely asking itself the painful question of what could have been? With the score 1-1, defender Zaid Tahseen had the ball by himself wide right. Instead of playing the ball forward, he made an inexcusable error of playing the ball back to his keeper Jalal Hassan while under the pressure of an onrushing Haaland. Tasheen’s pass was too light and Hassan made an error to try to clear in the direction of Haaland. Instead, the ball went back into his own goal. Norway went on to score again on a set piece with Iraq pushing forward and the final goal came with Iraq worn down and defeated, but ultimately the error was extremely costly and things could have been different had it been avoided. 4. Norway And Iraq’s Path Forward Group I is widely considered the most difficult group at this World Cup with one of the best teams in the world in France, arguably the top team in Africa in Senegal, a Norwegian team that has many good players, and Iraq. With its two toughest games coming later, Norway needed to leave this game with three points. Four points is often considered the “magic number” to secure advancement. Three might be enough but four is likely enough to finish as one of the eight best third place teams. Norway next faces a Senegal team that should be desperate after a tough and hard-fought loss to France. It should be an excellent game. Iraq was very unlucky to be placed in a tough group where it is a heavy underdog in all three games. While it played well at times, it wasn’t close to being enough.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

A record that once seemed untouchable now belongs to Kylian Mbappé. The French captain scored twice in a 3-1 win over Senegal to become France’s all-time leading scorer, sending Les Bleus into their next World Cup match full of confidence and momentum. Even FOX Sports analyst and France legend Thierry Henry couldn’t hold back his admiration for Mbappé on the broadcast after the win over Senegal. But while Henry views Mbappé as France’s most valuable player, he believes Michael Olise is the team’s most important player. “Kylian answered the call and I was very confident,” Henry said. “I said I will back him to answer the call and he did. He will always be our MVP. Michael Olise is starting to be our MIP, the most important player. Olise pulled the strings in France’s FIFA World Cup-opening win over Senegal. He finished the match with 76 touches, four chances created and an assist on one of Mbappé’s goals across 90 minutes. “I like the way he plays and I think the game changed in the second half when he went in the 10 position,” Henry said. “I know it created that goal on the right [to Kylian Mbappé]. But when he played in the middle, what he did was he stop Senegal playing.” Henry not only praised Olise’s versatility but also highlighted his vision and awareness on the pitch as the qualities that made the biggest difference. “He was always stopping the midfielder from getting the ball. … He sees everything. … He has an impact on games that I cannot explain to you,” Henry said. “If you make one mistake of not being aware of what he’s going to do, he will punish you with a pass. The impact he had in the second half made the team tick.” France has no shortage of star power, but Olise’s ability to control the tempo and connect every phase of play gives the team a different dimension. If his performance against Senegal is any indication, he could emerge as one of the tournament’s most influential players. “In that connection that we need from midfield defense to him…that’s the guy we’ve been missing for a long time in France,” Henry said. “That little number 10, I think that is his position.”​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

U.S. World Cup Team Training Base (IRVINE, Calif.) – One storyline has dominated the buildup to the U.S. men’s national team’s second World Cup match against Australia on Friday. Specifically, one word. When both nations were drawn into Group D last December, former MLS player and current CBS analyst Mike Grella labeled the looming matchup a “layup” for the United States. His comment went viral and sparked a stir in the Australian camp. So much so that Australian reporters have asked American players – who appear mostly unaware of the remark – about it this week. “No, it’s not a layup,” said Tyler Adams, rolling his eyes. “If anything, it’s going to be one of the most difficult games that we play.” Adams is right for several reasons. For one, the U.S. currently leads Group D on goal differential after a commanding 4-1 win over Paraguay, narrowly ahead of Australia following its 2-1 victory over Türkiye on Saturday. A win Friday in Seattle would strengthen its grip on the top spot. Secondly, the two sides met last October in a feisty friendly that set the tone for what will be another physical matchup. That game featured 26 fouls and two yellow cards, with star Christian Pulisic forced off in the first half after a heavy challenge. At halftime of that match, manager Mauricio Pochettino delivered an emotional message caught on a “Behind the Crest” video, urging his players to respond and “match their intensity” as he paced the locker room. After falling behind 1-0 early in the first half, the U.S. came back to win 2-1 behind a brace from Haji Wright. “The game was fun,” a smiling Tim Weah told reporters on Tuesday. “That experience was fun. It was aggressive. I think from that game, we’ve changed a lot. I think we’ve gotten a bit more aggressive as well. It’s going to be a wonderful clash, a wonderful game.” Weah stopped short of calling that match a turning point for the team, but players do view it as an important moment in the squad’s development. Since taking over in September 2024, Pochettino has worked hard to infuse his South American influence in the group, emphasizing passion, grit and the willingness to battle for one another. “We’re American, we don’t take s***,” Sebastian Berhalter said, offering insight into what Pochettino has told the team. “Even though he’s Argentinian, he has that mindset of like, ‘Look, this is what we do and this is who we are and this is what America is about.’ “Even from an outside perspective, he showed us Americans what we’re about, and he really drills that into us and is someone who has helped us this last cycle.” Australia will present a stern test for the U.S. The Socceroos are a disciplined and relentless team that will sit deep, absorb pressure, and make it challenging for the Americans to break them down. “I love the way they defend, honestly,” Berhalter said of watching Australia’s opening match vs. Türkiye. “They were a group, they were a unit, and they gave everything they had and it worked. It’s gonna be a great game and they’re gonna fight. You like teams that have that brotherhood, you like teams who, when you go against them, you can see they’re hungry and want to fight because it makes you raise your level that much more.” The U.S. wants a rowdy environment like it experienced at Los Angeles Stadium last week. Seattle is known for its electric soccer crowds, and that home support could prove crucial in this kind of hard-fought contest. The team is also hoping Pulisic, who contributed to the USA’s first two goals vs. Paraguay, will be fit to play. The superstar forward has been dealing with a left calf issue that kept him off the field in the second half last Friday. As of Tuesday, his training has been “modified” and he was not participating with the full team. His status is “day-to-day,” according to a U.S. Soccer spokesperson. The Americans are preparing accordingly and certainly not overlooking the Aussies in any way. Despite what some pundits say. “All the talk is just nonsense to me,” Weah said. “They’re a young team that has a lot of fight, a lot of grit, and a lot of hunger just like us. We respect them in the same way that we respect any other opponent. “We’re focused on the bigger picture and what we have to do as a team to make sure that we’re prepared for the competition and the game. I think it’s going to be an amazing game.”​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Kylian Mbappé is off to a roaring start at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. France’s superstar striker scored a pair of goals in Les Bleus’ 3-1 victory over Senegal in its World Cup opener on Tuesday, which moved him up a few all-time lists. Here’s Mbappé’s dominant performance by the numbers, with stats provided by FOX Sports Research. Mbappé By The Numbers 0: Despite the fact that Mbappé finished with a pair of goals, he didn’t register a shot in the first half. 1: Remarkably, Mbappé had just one touch in Senegal territory in the first half. 2: The number of goals that Mbappé finished with. Both of his goals came in the second half: the 66th minute and the sixth minute of stoppage time. 5: The number of shots on goal that Mbappé attempted, all of them coming in the second half. His five shots on goal were more than the entire Senegal team (three). 11: The number of goals Mbappé has scored in his last nine World Cup matches. 14: The number of goals Mbappé has scored in the World Cup (he has played for France in the 2018, 2022 and 2026 World Cups), which is tied with Gerd Müller (West Germany) for third all time in the men’s World Cup. Miroslav Klose (16 for Germany) is first, followed by Ronaldo (15 for Brazil) in second. 55.5: Mbappé’s five shots on goal accounted for 55.5% of France’s total shots on goal (nine). 58: Mbappé’s two goals now give him 58 career international scores, which is first in French history; he passed Olivier Giroud. 67: The number of seconds between Senegal forward Ibrahim Mbaye’s goal hitting the back of the net in the fifth minute of added time in the second half and Mbappé’s second goal hitting the back of the net in the sixth minute of added time.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

For 45 minutes, France looked like a disjointed tournament favorite. Senegal was quicker, sharper and a missed sitter away from leading at the break. After a slow start, France remembered it had Kylian Mbappé — and by full-time he’d dragged Les Bleus to a 3-1 win and himself into the history books. The scoreboard read 3-1, and Mbappé is now France’s greatest-ever men’s goalscorer. Mercifully for Les Bleus, the first half won’t be remembered at all.Here are my takeaways from France’s opening win: 1. Mbappé Made History, The Hard Way For an hour, this wasn’t the Mbappé anyone bought tickets for. Wasteful, heavy in the touch, robbed in good areas, beaten to everything by Senegal keeper Édouard Mendy. The France captain was poor in the first half, considering his lofty standards. Then he scored twice in the second half and rewrote the record books. The first, a clinical first-time finish from Michael Olise’s pass, drew Mbappé level with Les Bleus legend Olivier Giroud. The historic second goal — restoring the cushion seconds after Senegal pulled one back — made him France’s men’s all-time leading scorer with 58 goals, reached in his 99th cap. Giroud needed 137. And Mbappé is still only 27 years old.That’s the magnificent truth about Mbappé: He can be invisible for 45 minutes and still walk off as the most important player in his country’s history. He’s also up to 14 World Cup goals now — two shy of Germany legend Miroslav Klose’s all-time record. 2. France Can Win While Playing In Third Gear Here’s the slightly unfair truth about this team: It doesn’t need to be good to win. It just needs to be France for 20 minutes.The team was second best for a half. Senegal pressed, countered with pace and created the better chances. Nicolas Jackson rattled the post, and was dangerous on a few offside decisions. Ismaïla Sarr missed a near-open net before the break. On another night, France is chasing this at the halftime break.Instead, Senegal wasn’t clinical, France had a finisher who was historic, and the rest sorted itself out. Ibrahim Mbaye’s late strike was the goal their hour deserved — and it changed nothing.That’s the gap between the contenders and everyone else: Senegal did almost everything right given the opposition and lost by two 3. This Says Nothing About Senegal File this one under “means nothing.” Senegal played well, and a 3-1 scoreline doesn’t deserve criticism. This is not a team punching above its weight. Look at where these players earn their living: Nicolas Jackson at Bayern Munich, Ismaïla Sarr tormenting fullbacks and scoring more than 20 goals at Crystal Palace, Iliman Ndiaye and the evergreen Idrissa Gueye at Everton, Pape Matar Sarr at Tottenham, Habib Diarra at Sunderland, Lamine Camara at Monaco, Pape Gueye at Villarreal. Behind them, the experienced spine of Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly and Mendy. Seven Premier League players alone.Pape Thiaw’s side defend with discipline and counter with real venom. They were the better team for the first half and lost anyway — the cruelty of the margins at this level, not a verdict on Senegal. Norway and Iraq are next. Don’t be shocked if these guys trouble somebody in the knockouts. 4. What’s France’s Best Front Four — And Can It Afford It? Didier Deschamps has the problem every other coach dreams about: too many quality players, not enough balance. Tonight’s front leaned on Mbappé, Ousmané Dembélé, Olise and Desiré Doué — closer to a 4-2-4 than his usual 4-2-3-1 — and for a half it left Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot stranded. France was wide open and the defense often forced to man mark. Mbappé’s never been famous for his pressing; he managed fewer interceptions in La Liga for Real Madrid last season than Joan García, who is a goalkeeper.We even got a Ryan Cherki cameo, and the Manchester City playmaker makes France’s best XI more fun without making it more balanced. Every flair merchant you add is another body not shielding that midfield two.The talent is absurd. The question for a manager in his final tournament is restraint: How much beauty can France afford before it costs this team a knockout game? Especially since the quality of the opposition will only strengthen in the knockout stages.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports