Samwise European Soccer Newsletter
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Budimir off the bench fires Croatia past Panama, keeps World Cup hopes alive
Croatia kept their 2026 World Cup knockout hopes alive with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Panama in Kansas City on June 24, with substitute Ante Budimir tapping in Josip Stanisic's cross at the far post in the 54th minute. The 34-year-old Budimir, entering at half-time, became Croatia's oldest World Cup scorer in the process. Panama's defeat confirmed their elimination from the tournament. The 2018 World Cup finalists now need to beat England in their final group game to secure a place in the round of 32 and continue their unlikely bid for a second deep tournament run.
Sources: Al Jazeera, Sky Sports
England held to goalless draw by Ghana, top spot in Group L in doubt
England were frustrated to a goalless draw by Ghana in Boston on June 23, leaving their hopes of topping Group L in doubt heading into their final group match. Thomas Tuchel's side dominated possession but struggled to break down a resolute Ghanaian defence, with Nico O'Reilly striking the crossbar with a second-half header and Harry Kane blazing the rebound over the bar in stoppage time. England are all but through to the round of 32 on four points from two games but need a result against Croatia in their final group fixture to confirm top spot and set up a favourable knockout draw.
Sources: ESPN, Sky Sports
Ronaldo becomes first player to score at six World Cups as Portugal thrash Uzbekistan 5-0
Cristiano Ronaldo made history on June 23 by becoming the first player to score at six World Cups as Portugal thrashed Uzbekistan 5-0 in Group K. The 41-year-old striker opened the scoring after just six minutes in a landmark moment surpassing even Lionel Messi. Ronaldo doubled his tally before half-time, with Nuno Mendes, an Abduvohid Nematov own goal, and a late Rafael Leão strike completing the rout. The brace took Ronaldo's career World Cup tally to 10 goals, making him Portugal's all-time leading scorer in the competition. Portugal are effectively assured of a place in the round of 32.
Sources: Al Jazeera, ESPN
Mbappe and Haaland braces fire France and Norway into the World Cup round of 32
France and Norway sealed their places in the 2026 World Cup round of 32 with convincing wins in Group I on June 22, with their star strikers leading the charge. Kylian Mbappé scored twice as France beat Iraq 3-0, while Erling Haaland's brace helped Norway edge Senegal 3-2 in a tense clash that confirmed the Scandinavians' progression. The two European sides now meet in their final group game on June 26 in Massachusetts with Group I top spot still to play for, setting up a mouth-watering showdown between two of world football's biggest names.
Sources: ESPN, Sky Sports
Yamal nets first World Cup goal as Spain put Saudi Arabia to the sword
Spain answered their critics with a dominant 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in Atlanta on June 21, with 18-year-old Lamine Yamal scoring his first career World Cup goal to open the scoring in the 10th minute. Mikel Oyarzabal added goals in the 21st and 24th minutes to settle the contest before half-time, before a Saudi own goal completed the rout. Yamal's strike made him the eighth-youngest scorer in men's World Cup history. The reigning European champions now have six points from two games and appear well placed to advance as Group H winners heading into their final group fixture.
Sources: Al Jazeera, ESPN
Manchester City agree deal with Chelsea to appoint Enzo Maresca as Guardiola successor
Manchester City have reached an agreement with Chelsea to appoint Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola's successor, with City set to pay more than £17 million in compensation to secure the Italian's services. Maresca, who previously served as Guardiola's assistant during City's historic 2022-23 treble-winning campaign before moving to Leicester and then Chelsea, is set to sign a three-year contract taking him to 2029. The appointment marks a significant moment for City as they seek to maintain their position among the Premier League elite under a coach who gained first-hand knowledge of the club's playing style and values during his time as assistant.
Newcastle reject Tottenham's £80m bid for Tonali, holding out for £100m
Newcastle United have rejected an £80 million bid from Tottenham Hotspur for Italy international midfielder Sandro Tonali, with the northeast club demanding a fee closer to £100 million for the 26-year-old. Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has identified Tonali as a top priority target this summer as he seeks to rebuild the squad after a difficult debut Premier League season. Manchester City have also registered interest in the player, intensifying competition for his signature. Tonali has three years remaining on his Newcastle contract, with the club holding an additional option year, placing them in a commanding negotiating position.
Sources: Sky Sports, ESPN
Bergvall asks to leave Tottenham in search of first-team football
Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall has formally asked to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer in search of regular first-team football, with interest from Premier League rivals and European clubs emerging. The 20-year-old featured just 112 minutes under manager Roberto De Zerbi last season, starting only one of his six games in charge. Despite holding a contract until 2031, Bergvall is understood to want a fresh start, with Aston Villa and Chelsea among clubs previously having established contact with Tottenham. The club have so far resisted selling but his formal request may force a change in stance if a substantial offer arrives this summer.
Sources: Sky Sports, Goal
European Teams — World Cup 2026
Group Stage Standings (European sides)
Spain (Grp H) — 6 pts (2 played)
Germany (Grp E) — 6 pts — Qualified
France (Grp I) — 6 pts — Qualified
Portugal (Grp K) — 4 pts (2 played)
England (Grp L) — 4 pts (2 played)
Norway (Grp I) — 3 pts — Qualified
Today's Key Matches (June 24)
Group Stage Finals — European involvement
Switzerland vs Canada — Group B
Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Qatar — Group B
Scotland vs Brazil — Group C
Czechia vs Mexico — Group F
Croatia 1-0 Panama (confirmed)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.