Football Articles | Mail Online

• World Cup fans brand goalie Maduka Okoye the sexiest footballer on the planet - even though he's not playing in the tournament22 June 2026, 6:51 am
  It doesn't hurt that the 26-year-old stands 198cm tall, stars in Italy's Serie A competition and can speak six languages.
  
• Declan Rice is at the centre of England 'confusion', struggling for identity in midfield and left as an NFL-style kicker - it's time we saw the REAL Rice at this World Cup, writes CRAIG HOPE22 June 2026, 6:32 am
  Declan Rice bounced into England's media HQ at the weekend wearing the smile of a man in good health and good spirits.
  
• Inside Messi-mania at the World Cup: Rumours about his dad dying, 500kg of meat flown in for Argentina BBQs and fans flocking to Kansas City by plane - and bike - for even a glimpse22 June 2026, 6:15 am
  JACK GAUGHAN IN KANSAS CITY: He was out in a rondo, Messi. Laughing with De Paul. Looking up to the heavens when, God forbid, fate dictated he was piggy in the middle.
  
• Famous Socceroos fan goes viral for blasting American World Cup fans with chants about school shootings and Jeffrey Epstein22 June 2026, 6:11 am
  Fans of the host team were in for a controversial surprise as they watched their boys beat the Aussies 2-0.
  
• What it's REALLY like to line up against Brazil at the World Cup... by four men who lived to tell the tale22 June 2026, 6:03 am
  Scotland have played Brazil at the World Cup four times in the past 52 years. The wait for that elusive victory goes on.
  
• Scotland v Brazil: Could Anthony Ralston have the last laugh against Neymar in World Cup showdown?22 June 2026, 6:02 am
  There are but a handful of Scottish players who actually know what it feels like to come up against the might of Brazil on the big stage. Even fewer have actually celebrated a victory. No, really. It's true.
  
• Emma Hayes pays heartfelt tribute to her late father on his 85th birthday as she reveals poignant message on her shirt during World Cup coverage22 June 2026, 5:56 am
  The 49-year-old is the broadcaster's tactical expert for the World Cup - but took a moment away from her analysis to remember Sid on what would have been his 85th birthday.
  
• Cape Verde remain unbeaten at the World Cup as improbable draw with Uruguay raises hopes of knockout qualification22 June 2026, 4:49 am
  Against all the odds, World Cup debutants Cape Verde have a very real chance of qualifying for the knockout stages after coming from behind to steal a valuable draw against Uruguay. 
  
• Mohamed Salah stars as Egypt beat lowest-ranked New Zealand for first EVER World Cup win22 June 2026, 3:35 am
  The lowest-ranked team in the tournament threatened a huge shock in the first half when Finn Surman - who plays his club football for Portland Timbers in MLS - rose highest to power home a header.
  
• How a small town in Kansas has embraced the Algerian team as its own... while human rights protests back home mar World Cup progress22 June 2026, 2:52 am
  The feel-good story of a town and a team comes at a complex time for Algeria. More than 5,000 miles from the World Cup, human rights advocates say, authorities have been cracking down on protests.
  
• Revealed: Emotional handwritten letter Iran's 'oppressed' World Cup stars left in SoFi Stadium locker room22 June 2026, 2:37 am
  After two matches in Los Angeles, Iran left a farewell note to the city containing a reference to the horrific bombing of a school during the war between the nation and the United States.
  
• England players swap football boots for cowboy boots as they relax in Kansas over Father's Day weekend22 June 2026, 12:57 am
  After their thumping win over Croatia, England stars have been unwinding in the Wild West ahead of their next game, going to a country music gig, playing baseball and hanging out in a Middle Eastern eatery
  
• Roy Keane rips into Belgium after 'rubbish' Iran draw - while former stars call out Kevin De Bruyne and co. as they risk early World Cup exit22 June 2026, 12:32 am
  Belgium were denied by a string of impressive saves by goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand and had defender Nathan Ngoy sent off in a disappointing outing.
  
• Uruguay vs Cape Verde RECAP: Minnows steal unlikely draw to raise hopes of knockout qualification22 June 2026, 12:20 am
  Recap Daily Mail Sport's live coverage of Uruguay's 2-2 draw with minnows Cape Verde in Group H at the Miami Stadium. 
  
• Roy Keane recites famous 'it's his job' line as he claims praise for Thomas Tuchel's half-time team-talk was an 'overreaction'22 June 2026, 12:03 am
  Roy Keane has become synonymous with the phrase 'it's his job' and the Manchester United legend recited that line once again on Sunday.