Sports
Steve Kerr and Doc Rivers talk about what JJ Redick might face if he coaches Lakers
On Sept. 30, 2014, Steve Kerr presided over his first practice as the head coach of an NBA team. Kerr was now the man in charge of the Golden State Warriors, a job he took without the benefit of any previous coaching experience.
Kerr looked out before him and saw the faces of stars Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green staring back at him, waiting for the newbie to put his coaching plan in place on that initial day.
“It was a little bit of a s— show, to be honest. I had these plans with the coaching staff beforehand, but it was like the first day of school, only I was a brand new teacher,” Kerr, laughing, recalled about his first day coaching the Warriors. “You have to get through the bumps in the road and iron things out. But I remember the first two days were a little chaotic. I was trying to do a lot of things. I quickly realized that you don’t have nearly as enough time as you thought you would to address every issue. And that’s a big part of it.”
If JJ Redick gets the Lakers’ head coaching job that seems destined to become his, according to people not authorized to speak publicly on the matter, having the right staff will be beneficial since he has no coaching experience.
Kerr won five NBA championships as a player. He became a minority owner of the Suns upon retiring, then the president of basketball operations and general manager of the team. He left that post and to join TNT as an analyst until leaving that job in 2014 to become coach of the Warriors.
What he quickly learned during the early practice sessions and in games throughout his maiden voyage as a coach was to lean on his highly capable and experienced staff.
Kerr turned to former coach Alvin Gentry and Ron Adams, considered the savant of assistant coaches at the time in the NBA, for advice.
“I was lucky I had Ron Adams and Alvin Gentry with me. Although I shouldn’t call it luck. I purposely hired them because I knew I would need their expertise,” said Kerr, who won the first of his four NBA championships in that rookie season. “And they were great, they were fantastic and helped me through that transition process.”
The Times spoke to five former players who became head coaches without having been on the bench in that role and each was adamant the sage assistants are important to have for guidance.
Redick, who played 15 seasons in the NBA, is an analyst for ABC/ESPN and has his “Mind the Game” podcast with Lakers superstar LeBron James.
“If JJ does get the job, JJ has been out of the game for a few years and had an opportunity to be around guys in other settings,” said Derek Fisher, the Crespi High coach who won five NBA titles with the Lakers before he became a first-time coach with the New York Knicks in 2014.
“Like, he has a podcast with LeBron. That didn’t necessarily exist when I was making that transition. But it’s a good example of how different that is for even a guy that may not have previous experience coaching. It’s really the relationships with players that drive your success to a large degree anyway. So, if you’re in a position where you have that to lean on, it does help cushion the experience part. That’s something that the collection of individuals on the staff can help offset the lack of coaching experience.”
The pull to become a coach for Doc Rivers came after 13 years in the NBA as a player and three years working for TNT after his retirement, calls from legendary coaches Pat Riley and Chuck Daly sparking his interest.
Doc Rivers said he made sure when he took his first head coaching job that he hired two former NBA coaches as his assistants.
(Darron Cummings / Associated Press)
So Rivers, currently the coach of Milwaukee, took the job with the Orlando Magic in 1999 without any experience. But he had former head coaches Dave Wohl and Johnny Davis by his side.
Rivers recalled how a few games into his first season he wanted to change his offense.
Wohl and Davis told Rivers that “you can’t do that,” because they had installed a new offense in training camp.
Still, Rivers was insistent.
“I said, ‘Yeah, I’m going to do it.’ And they were all against it, and I did it,” said Rivers, who was selected coach of the year in his first season. “It changed our team because it fit what we were. It took guts. So, that taught me a lot. You are going to be wrong sometimes, but you got to be willingly wrong and you got to be willing to take chances. I thought that was the biggest lesson that year.”
Mark Jackson was a point guard in the NBA for 17 seasons before he joined ESPN as an analyst. Yet, Jackson yearned to be an NBA coach, figuring his time as a point guard made him a coach on the court that would translate even if he lacked any experience on the bench.
“I wouldn’t say learn as you go along,” said Jackson, who took over the Warriors in 2011. “There are certain things that you have to learn that you didn’t do as a player. Now you’re making the decisions, decisions that you never thought about making like, ‘Do we stay overnight? Do we leave after the game? What time is practice? How long do we practice?’ I was fortunate to have good people around me, as far as my staff, particularly Mike Malone and Pete Myers, guys that had been assistants for a long time. They made life easier for me.”
Warriors head coach Mark Jackson, hugging guard Stephen Curry after he was taken out of playoff game against the Clippers, said becoming an NBA coach with no experience brings many decisions you never thought about aside from games.
(Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
When Vinny Del Negro became a first-time coach with the Chicago Bulls in 2008, he hired former head coaches Del Harris and Bernie Bickerstaff to show him the ins and outs of being the man in charge.
Del Negro also took another approach to help in his learning curve.
“When I got the Chicago job, I went and coached the team in the summer league,” he said. “I just jumped right in. I needed that. Everyday you do it, every game, you get a little bit more comfortable and you understand things a little bit better and you’re learning your players, and you know things you can do better every game. That’s what you are doing on a daily basis.”
As he began to think about coaching, Kerr said he spent years preparing how to interview for jobs and what kind of coaching philosophy he wanted to develop.
Kerr said some of the best advice he got about becoming a coach was from Jeff Van Gundy, a former Knicks and Rockets coach.
“I asked his advice and I said, ‘If you were me and just getting started and wanted to prepare for an interview and prepare to become a coach, what would you do?’” Kerr said. “And he said, ‘Everytime you stop and think about what kind of coach you want to be, write it down. Whatever you are thinking, write it down.
“Before long, you are going to collect your thoughts, you’re going to have them on paper, you’re going to be able to look at them and think about them and adapt them and put together a philosophy that you can present to somebody.’ And it was the best advice anybody gave me.”
Sports
2026 World Cup Goals: Every Group-Stage Score Ranked From Best To Worst
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In the biggest edition of the World Cup yet, there’s a good chance we’ll see more goals than ever before – and we’ve already witnessed some bangers and golazos.
Messi continues to do what he does best and make history. Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland are joining the fun. And we saw Germany score an eye-opening seven goals in its opener.
From own goals to how well a player hit a penalty kick and then the biggest rockets of the tournament, we will have you covered. We are here to let you know which are the best of the best.
Here’s every goal ranked.
1. Messi Stuns K.C. With Amazing Finish
On a night when Lionel Messi scored an astonishing three goals (his first-ever World Cup hat trick), the first one stood out the most.
Algeria gave Messi too much space in the middle of the field, and he made them pay. Argentina’s captain and superstar delivered a magical goal to open his account at the 2026 World Cup.
Messi picked up the ball in midfield and was able to turn toward the goal. He dribbled forward, put the ball on his left foot and put the ball in the top corner. It was a moment of magic from Messi, who had a goal ruled out for offside in the early minutes of the game.
Two more goals ensued, but this set up what would be an unforgettable night in Kansas City.
2. Mbappé Makes France History In Style
After tying the record for most goals in the history of France’s men’s team, Kylian Mbappé set the new mark in style.
Mbappé picked up possession after Michael Olise was fouled, but the referee played the advantage. From there, he unleashed a laser past Senegal keeper Édouard Mendy for a record-setting goal. It also put a ribbon on France’s win over a quality Senegal team.
3. Ayari’s Laser Gives Sweden A Lead
Sweden got on the board in the seventh minute in its World Cup opener through midfielder Yasin Ayari, who hammered home a shot from just outside the top of the 18-yard box. His first of two goals against Tunisia was a knuckleball that barely moved through the air. It went around the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
4. Folarin Balogun Goes Top Bin vs. Paraguay
Balogun’s coming-out party was on June 12 at Los Angeles Stadium against Paraguay, and his second goal of the game for the USA was the cherry on top.
The AS Monaco striker delivered a dominant first-half performance, imposing his will on Paraguay’s defense. He had already scored when midfielder Malik Tillman put him through on goal. He fought off one defender, dribbled past another and then used his weaker left foot to place a shot perfectly in the top corner.
5. Muñoz Delivers Acrobatic Finish
Colombia dominated Uzbekistan for 39 minutes, but it needed a moment of brilliance to finally break through against a stingy defense.
Colombian star Luis Díaz played a great lofted pass down the field as right back Daniel Muñoz made a run into the Uzbekistan box. Muñoz, who plays for Crystal Palace, only needed one touch to use the momentum of the pass to carry it past Uzbekistan goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov.
6. Gio Reyna Caps Win With Trivela
The exclamation point at the end of the United States’ win over Paraguay came from Reyna, who put his impressive technique on display in the final minute of the match.
Reyna, a source of controversy at the 2022 World Cup, came on in the 82nd minute for Tillman. The USA was keeping the ball while seeing out the win over Paraguay when the ball moved up the field down the right wing. Alex Freeman gave the ball to Reyna for what was the 26th pass of the attack, and Gio hammered it home with the outside of his right foot.
7. Nmecha Combines With Wirtz For Brilliant Goal
The Germans opened their account quickly against Curaçao, to the surprise of no one. One of the best teams in the field facing the smallest country in the tournament was always going to be a mismatch, and it only took Germany six minutes to take the lead.
Midfielder Felix Nmecha picked up the ball just outside the 18-yard box on the left side of the field. He played a pass to star Florian Wirtz — among the top-25 players in our ranking of the World Cup’s 100 best — who pushed a slick pass back to Nmecha. The Borussia Dortmund man finished a clever one-two with a beautiful curling finish.
8. Hwang Equalizes In Style
South Korea controlled its opening match against Czechia but found itself behind in the second half after the Czechs took a first-half lead.
Hwang In-beom was all over the pitch in this match, but his equalizing goal truly stood out. He was played into the 18-yard box by PSG midfielder Kang-In Lee, then he stopped on a dime, put the ball on his right foot and chipped Czechia goalkeeper Matěj Kovář. It was a brilliant goal that the Koreans needed badly.
9. Mbappé Unleashes Left-Footed Golazo
Earlier on Monday, June 22, Lionel Messi scored twice to get to 18 World Cup goals, the most ever. It took Kylian Mbappé hours to respond.
Michael Olise teed up the France captain on the right wing, and Mbappé put the ball on his weaker foot and hit it brilliantly into the back of the net. It was Mbappé’s 15th World Cup goal, which signals he will not stop chasing Messi and maybe take over his lead one day.
10. A Poignant Goal For Canada
Canada’s fourth goal in its 6-0 win over Qatar proved to be emotional for all gathered in Vancouver as it occurred mere moments after Ismael Kone was carted off the field with a serious leg injury.
Nathan Saliba, who came on for Canada for Kone, took a bending free kick that landed just inside the woodwork past the Qatar keeper.
Instead of an usual celebration, Saliba held up the jersey of his teammate in what will be a lasting image of Canada’s World Cup run.
11. Vinícius Júnior Delivers Golazo vs. Morocco
The Real Madrid star came into this tournament knowing he needed to be at his best for Brazil. After Morocco took a first-half lead, he stepped up.
Vini Jr. picked up the ball near the touchline after a pass from midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. He cut inside onto his preferred right foot and nearly put the ball through the net with his finish.
12. What A Volley! Mahmić Buries Debut Goal
Ermin Mahmić wasted no time making his presence felt for Bosnia and Herzegovina, even with his team down a player and down multiple goals.
Moments after coming into the game, the substitute slammed a volley past Swiss keeper Gregor Kobel, who had punched the ball right into Mahmić’s wheelhouse. Even in Bosnia’s eventual loss, this was one of the game’s best moments.
13. Ashour’s Thunderous Strike Puts Egypt Ahead
Egypt entered its first game of the tournament against Belgium as a big underdog, but it got off to an early lead through a fantastic strike from Emam Ashour.
Ashour, who plays for Al Ahly SC in Egypt, got a pass from birthday boy and Egypt captain Mohamed Salah about 25 yards from goal. Then, he unleashed a powerful strike that went past world-class goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
14. Baturina Equalizes In Style vs. England
After falling behind because of a Harry Kane penalty, Croatia grew into its matchup against England very well and was rewarded. A long ball was played forward to Petar Sucic, who laid the ball off to Martin Baturina.
Baturina delivered a great strike that England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford could only get a hand to.
15. Cape Verde’s First-Ever World Cup Goal
Uruguay conceded a free kick at least 30 yards from goal, and it didn’t seem like Kevin Pina was going to take aim at goal from that distance. Instead, Uruguay only put two players in the wall, which separated and let Pina’s shot go straight through into the back of the net.
It was a shocking moment in Miami but a brilliant hit from Pina.
16. Jordan Shocks Austria With Fantastic Goal
Austria midfielder Xavier Schlager lost the ball in midfield, and Jordan immediately began a counterattack. Noor Al-Rawabdeh fed winger Ali Iyad Olwan on the left wing, and he dribbled the ball 50 yards into the 18-yard box before curling a fantastic goal into the far post.
It was a fantastic way for Jordan to score its first-ever World Cup goal.
17. Saibari Runs Through Brazil’s Defense
Morocco delivered a brilliant goal to open the scoring in its star-studded matchup with Brazil.
Real Madrid playmaker Brahim Diaz picked the ball up and found Ismael Saibari in between Brazil center backs Gabriel and Marquinhos, two of the best defenders in world soccer. With his first touch, the Moroccan striker lifted the ball over Alisson, one of the best goalkeepers in the world, for a brilliantly executed opening goal.
18. Messi. Hat Trick. Greatness.
The goal is quintessential Messi – collecting at the top of the box, a quick shift to the left and letting it rip – but its significance is what stands out.
Messi doesn’t have many more “firsts” in him, but this goal gave him three on the night for his first hat trick at the World Cup. With 16 goals in his sixth appearance at the tournament, he tied Germany legend Miroslav Klose for the most ever scored at the men’s World Cup.
19. Nakamura Equalizes Against The Dutch
Down 1-0 after Virgil van Dijk gave the Netherlands a lead, Keito Nakamura stepped up with a massive goal for Japan.
And what a hit it was. Nakamura picked up the ball just inside the 18-yard box, got it under control and then unleashed an impressive right-footed hit to beat Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. The most impressive part was that Nakamura’s momentum was going away from goal when he struck the ball.
20. Messi Makes World Cup History
After missing a penalty in the ninth minute against Austria, it looked like it might not be Messi’s day. He only needed one goal to pass Miroslav Klose and become the World Cup’s all-time-leading goalscorer.
Instead, about 30 minutes later, he delivered a classic Messi goal. Facundo Medina was on the left wing and played a low cross near the penalty box. Messi was right there, ready to pounce, and unleashed a fantastic left-footed shot that beat Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.
21. Ayari Scores His Second Banger vs. Tunisia
Yasin Ayari, have a day. The Brighton midfielder and Swedish national star delivered two goals, the second of which got commentator Maurice Edu to proclaim, “Bangers only.”
Ayari could have represented Tunisia internationally, as his father is from the country. What an occasion for him to score twice.
22. Ueda Delivers Banger Against Tunisia
Tunisia didn’t stand much of a chance on Saturday night against Japan, especially if Ayase Ueda is going to score goals like he did.
Ueda delivered a cracker from outside the box that gave Tunisian goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen no chance.
23. Manzambi Buries Close-Range Volley
Coming on as a second-half sub for Switzerland, Johan Manzambi broke open what felt like a stalemate with a brilliant finish.
Swiss midfielder Rubén Vargas looped the ball across the net that a Bosnian defender attempted to clear out via a header. Instead, the ball falls right in front of Manzambi, who twists his body past his marker and slams it past an outstretched Nikola Vasilj.
24. Cunha Goes Off-Balance To Bag A Brace
Cunha’s second goal against Haiti once again set up Vinícius Júnior, this time on a counter-attack. The Real Madrid star sprinted down the pitch with the ball at his feet to then slide a pass to the Manchester United playmaker, who initially took a wide touch. But Cunha found the narrow angle and slammed it into the roof of the net as he tumbled onto the pitch.
25. Summerville Finishes Great Run With Curling Finish
Cyrienco Summerville is likely on the move this summer after West Ham United were relegated from the Premier League. His price tag will have gone up after his goal against Japan.
Ryan Gravenberch found Summerville on the right wing, and he cut in on his weaker left foot and unleashed a curling effort that beat Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. It was a fantastic effort that gave the Netherlands a lead that wouldn’t last.
26. Elanga Clips It Home For Sweden
Down four goals to the Netherlands, at least Anthony Elanga gave Sweden a brief lifeline. Alexander Isak slipped a wonderful throughball into Elanga from the halfway line. The Newcastle United playmaker raced down the pitch and finished it off with shot past Dutch keeper Bart Verbruggen.
27. Schmid Drills Austria Into Lead
Austria took an impressive lead against Jordan in its first match after a wonderful strike from Romano Schmid.
Austria kept possession impressively before midfielder Xavier Schlager teed up Schmid from just inside 25 yards out. He delivered a wonderful strike into the top corner, which gave Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Yazeed Abulaila no chance.
28. Mbaye Puts French Defender On The Floor
Ibrahim Mbaye gave Senegal hope in stoppage time against France with a great run down the right wing, which ended with France left back Theo Hernández on the floor.
Mbaye drove at Hernández and cut right so quickly that the defender fell to the ground. From there, he unleashed a powerful finish past France goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who assumed the shot was going toward his far post. Mbaye is only 18 years old and played for PSG in France.
29. Saibari Scores On Absolute Strike vs. Scotland
It didn’t take Morocco long to secure the lead against Scotland. Just 70 seconds into the match, Ismael Saibari scored on an impressive strike to give Morocco a 1-0 lead in the second minute.
30. Salah Gives Egypt Late Lead
Mohamed Salah picked up the ball on the right wing about 45 yards from goal and could not be stopped. The Liverpool legend, who will be leaving the club this summer, drove toward the 18-yard box and played a 1-2 with Mostafa Ziko, the scorer of Egypt’s first goal. Salah got the ball back and finished very well past New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe to give Egypt a crucial lead.
31. Paraguay Hits Early vs. Türkiye
Türkiye entered its matchup against Paraguay in need of a good start. The Turks needed a win after losing to Australia in their opening match and with their next game coming against the United States.
Instead, Matias Galarza finished a great move from Paraguay and finished well in the bottom corner from 25 yards out. It was a great finish and shocker to open a crucial game for both sides. It was the fastest goal scored at the World Cup.
32. Rashford Stays Calm vs. Croatia
Two substitutes combined for England for its fourth goal against Croatia. Bukayo Saka seized possession on the right wing and saw Marcus Rashford in acres of space on the left wing. Rashford was composed and faked a shot with his left foot to put it on his favored right.
From there, the finish was inevitable.
33. Metcalfe Sends Socceroos Into Frenzy
Australia’s second goal over Türkiye sealed what will be one of the most notable upsets of the summer.
Late in the second half, İsmail Yüksek turned it over in midfield with dire consequences. Connor Metcalfe retrieved it for Australia and ran to the edge of the box, where he shot low and hard inside the bottom right corner to beat keeper Uğurcan Çakır.
34. Mbappé Scores Off Amazing Olise Pass
Kylian Mbappé made history during France’s World Cup opener against Senegal after getting on the end of a brilliant pass from Michael Olise.
Mbappé tied Olivier Giroud for the most goals ever for France’s men’s national team. Olise picked up the ball on the right wing, put it on his favored left foot and played a brilliant ball through to Mbappé. From there, France’s captain finished very cleverly past Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.
35. Messi’s Persistence Pays Off
After breaking the record for most goals at a men’s World Cup, Messi didn’t take long to add to it.
In stoppage time, Messi picked up the ball on the right wing and started a counterattack for Argentina. He picked the ball up again, dribbled around one defender and had a shot saved. He kept going, though, and hammered home his fifth goal of the tournament.
36. Kane Scores On Stunning Header
Croatia had just equalized against England. Step forward, Harry Kane.
Declan Rice played an out-swinging corner kick in from the right wing right to the penalty spot. From there, Kane met the ball brilliantly and delivered a stinging header past Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic. It was Kane’s second goal of the game and an important one to potentially give England the lead late in the first half, although it didn’t lead at halftime.
37. Australia Hits On Counter vs. Türkiye
Nestory Irankunda was played in down the left wing by midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler. The Watford attacker cut inside and finished past goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır very nicely. It was a smooth counter-attack and great finish from Irankunda, who showed great composure in front of goal.
It was a great moment for Australia, which took one step toward a big upset win over the Turks, who are the favorites in Group D along with the USA.
38. Barcola’s Deft Finish Doubles France’s Lead
Not long after Mbappé converted his one-on-one chance against Senegal, Bradley Barcola did the same.
Barcola was played through on goal by midfielder Adrien Rabiot, and the PSG playmaker composed himself very well to chip Mendy in the Senegal goal.
39. Gakpo Drills It In Dutch Rout
The second of Cody Gakpo’s brace in the big win over Sweden was the best of the Dutch’s four-goal performance. The Liverpool winger showed his ability to create space when he took a touch inside from Summerville’s pass and then drilled into the bottom corner.
40. Yamal Scores First World Cup Goal
Spain dominated the first half against Saudi Arabia, and it was the star teenager who got La Roja going.
Lamine Yamal, who was ranked as our No. 1 player in the World Cup entering the tournament, got on the end of a cross from Mikel Oyarzabal and tucked home the finish. It concluded a great move from Spain, which looked more like itself against the Saudis after not scoring against Curaçao.
41. Haaland’s First Of Two Goals Against Senegal
Erling Haaland’s first of two goals against Senegal started with Martin Odegaard, who led Norway on a counter-attack with Haaland to his left. Bearing down on the penalty area. The Arsenal captain slid a beautiful ball through the lines and past a sliding Kalidou Koulibaly for Haaland, who slipped while dispatching his powerful finish high past the outstretched hand of Édouard Mendy.
42. Sarr Scores In Stoppage Time
Senegal’s Ismaïla Sarr bagged a brace against Norway, including this stoppage time score.
Moussa Niakhate whipped a curling cross into the area, which Kristoffer Ajer tried to head away, but he failed to connect. That misjudgment opened up a pocket of space behind him for Jackson, who latched onto the ball and provided a brilliant, first-time square pass to Ismaila Sarr for a close-range finish.
43. Jiménez Gets His World Cup Goal
Raúl Jiménez entered the World Cup ranked third all-time in goals for the Mexican national team, but he had never scored on the biggest stage. That changed against South Africa.
Mexico winger Roberto Alvarado delivered a fantastic cross to the far post that put the ball on a platter for Jiménez, who headed home to give El Tri a 2-0 lead. It was a wonderful moment at Mexico City Stadium for Mexico’s most reliable player in recent memory.
44. Musa Scores Against England
Croatia trailed England just seconds before the halftime whistle when it got its second equalizer of the game.
Midfielder Mario Pasalic played a lofted pass to Ivan Perišić in the England 18-yard box. He headed it down to Petar Musa, who plays for FC Dallas in MLS and buried his shot at the home of the Dallas Cowboys.
45. Japan Runs Rampant With Great Team Move
Japan impressed in its opening match against the Netherlands, and it continued to do so with some impressive soccer against Tunisia.
Striker Ayase Ueda had two goals and an assist, and the second goal came in impressive fashion. He headed home after a wonderful team goal that saw the Japanese go up 4-0.
46. Isak Hits Tunisia On The Counter
Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres fed Liverpool’s Alexander Isak in what could prove to be a lethal combination during the World Cup. Isak cut inside from the left wing and doubled Sweden’s lead against Tunisia.
Tunisia goalkeeper Abdelmouhib Chamakh will think he could have done better with the shot, but Isak’s quickness and ability were on full display.
47. Czechia Scores Without Using Its Feet
Everyone knew that Czechia was going to be a tough team to defend on set pieces, but no one thought it would score its first goal of the tournament on a throw-in.
Fullback Vladimir Coufal delivered an impressive toss toward the six-yard box, where captain Ladislav Krejčí rose highest to give the Czechs a lead. South Korea had been in control of the ball and the game up to that point, so it came as a shock. Unfortunately for Czechia, though, it could not maintain the lead.
48. Undav Breaks Through For Germany
Deniz Undav got the needed equalizer against the Ivory Coast when he made the run from deep to volley into the goal off Amiri’s cross into the penalty area. A well-timed finish for one of the World Cup’s rising stars.
49. Balogun Opens His World Cup Account
Balogun’s best goal in the USA’s opening win against Paraguay was his second, but his first was nothing to scoff at.
The striker finished a great move by the Americans, which started with a pass from left-back Antonee “Jedi” Robinson that played Christian Pulisic in behind the Paraguayan defense. Balogun delayed his run to create space, and Pulisic found him at the penalty spot for an emphatic finish.
50. Havertz’s Chip vs. Curaçao Seals 7-1 Win
Curaçao coughs it up in the midfield and German playmaker Deniz Undav pokes a through-ball to a racing Kai Havertz, who deftly chips it past beleaguered keeper Eloy Room for Germany’s final act of that game. In the end, it was two goals at opposite ends of the highest-scoring game for the Arsenal star.
51. Dutch Captain Heads Home
Virgil van Dijk is one of the best defenders in the world, and his quality is often on display at both ends of the field. In the Netherlands’ game against Japan, he showed it in attack to open the scoring.
The Liverpool star was at the end of a cross from club teammate Ryan Gravenberch to deliver a header at the far post for the first Dutch goal. It was especially impressive because van Dijk was moving away from where the cross was coming from.
52. Bellingham Given Too Much Space vs. Croatia
England midfielder Jude Bellingham was played a long ball down the right wing, and he was never challenged before scoring his first goal of the tournament.
Elliot Anderson played the long ball to Bellingham, who had a Croatian defender in front of him. That player chose to cover the middle of the field in case the Real Madrid man opted for a pass. He didn’t, though. Bellingham carried the ball all the way into the box, where he didn’t hit the ball cleanly – but it didn’t matter.
53. Dembéle’s First World Cup Goal
54. Ghana Finds Stoppage-Time Winner
Substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante burst down the left wing and skipped past a defender. He dribbled into the 18-yard box and played a low cross into the path of 20-year-old midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi. He tapped in one of the easier finishes he’ll ever have.
It was a great moment in a game that looked destined to finish 0-0.
55. Curaçao’s First Ever World Cup Goal – Against Germany!
History for the Caribbean squad! German defender Nico Schlotterbeck tried to clear the ball in his defensive 18-yard box, but the ball only went as far as Curaçao striker Jurgen Locadia. From there, Livano Comenencia picked it up and made World Cup history.
The shot took a deflection off Germany captain Joshua Kimmich, but it was a magical moment in Arlington. The crowd went wild as the smallest nation ever to compete at a World Cup showed it’s there to compete.
56. Ito Finishes One-On-One vs. Keeper
Junya Ito was put through by Japan striker Ayase Ueda, who finished with two goals and an assist in the win over Tunisia. It was a clever flick that put winger Junya Ito through on goal, and Ito made no mistake with his strike.
57. Just Scores Second vs. Iran
For the second time, Elijah Just gave New Zealand the lead.
Just drove toward the 18-yard box and played a pass to Chris Wood, who got him the ball back. Then, Just finished strongly. It was a great move that gave New Zealand its second of the game.
58. Simple And Sweet For Vinícius Jr.
Brazil got its third against Haiti when Luis Paqueta caught the backline sleeping, which allowed Vinícius Jr to slip behind and charge toward the 18-yard box. He found himself one-on-one with Haiti keeper Johny Placide and knocked a simple curler into the far corner.
59. Canobbio Finishes Smooth Uruguayan Attack
Manuel Ugarte picked up the ball in midfield and found Maxi Araújo making a run into the 18-yard box on the left wing. Araújo headed the ball to the center of the six-yard box, where Agustín Canobbio slotted home right under Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha. It was Uruguay’s second goal in eight minutes to give it a lead entering halftime.
60. Quiñones Scores Tournament’s First Goal
The goal that opened the tournament.
Mexico’s Julián Quiñones was the Saudi Pro League’s leading goalscorer this past season, and he kept his prolific record going against South Africa. Midfielder Érik Lira found the attacker around the penalty spot, which is a dangerous place for a goalscorer like Quiñones. Mexico never looked back from there.
61. Musiala Slides A Smooth One
Against Curaçao, Germany right back Joshua Kimmich found Bayern Munich teammate Jamal Musiala in a perfect position and played a pass to the midfielder. Musiala picked it up and netted a beautiful goal in the back-left corner, past diving goalkeeper Eloy Room.
This was Musiala’s first World Cup goal ever, but his 10th overall for Germany in 43 appearances at the time.
62. Larin Rescues Canada
Canada dominated play against Bosnia and Herzegovina in its World Cup, but the co-hosts found themselves behind after a well-executed corner. Then, on came Cyle Larin.
The 31-year-old former No. 1 overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft was making his 91st appearance for Canada. He picked up the ball from fellow substitute Promise David, and he hit his shot well enough that it took a deflection to deliver a fantastic moment in Vancouver. Canada came away from a strong performance with at least its first World Cup point ever.
63. Diallo Wins It For Ivory Coast
Ecuador only gave up five goals in 18 games during World Cup qualifying, so breaking through against that defense was always going to be a difficult task.
It took almost 90 minutes, but Ivory Coast did it. Center back Wilfied Singo made an impressive run down the right wing and played a ball toward the top of the 18-yard box. It found Diallo, who slotted his shot just inside the post for the win.
64. Mohebi Heads Home Impressively
Ramin Rezaeian had a great game against New Zealand in Iran’s World Cup opener. He scored the first goal and then delivered a fantastic cross for the second.
The ball came in from the right wing and found Mohammad Mohebi, who headed home very well to tie the game at 2.
65. Messi Slots In His Second Of The Opener
Lionel Messi continued to put on a show in Kansas City when he nabbed his second goal of the night by doing what he does best – finding himself in the best spot at the right time.
Alexis Mac Allister took aim at the goal from outside the box, only to see Algeria’s Luca Zidane parry the shot right toward Messi, who knocks in the ball past the keeper into the bottom corner.
66. Oyarzabal Finishes Clever Spanish Move
Mikel Oyarzabal is going to be a key player for Spain this summer, and his two goals and assist in the first half against Saudi Arabia were a good start for his tournament after the reigning European champions were shut out against Curaçao.
Left back Marc Cucurella was played a cross at the far post. He played the ball with his first touch to midfielder Dani Olmo, who headed it to the far post. From there, Oyarzabal had one of the easier finishes he’ll ever have.
67. Neves Heads Home Brilliantly
Portugal got on the board early thanks to its 21-year-old midfield dynamo. João Neves got on the end of a cross from Chelsea winger Pedro Neto and sent it impressively into the far corner. It gave Portugal a lead that only lasted about 30 minutes against DR Congo.
68. Wood Sets Up Just For New Zealand Opener
New Zealand is the lowest-ranked team in the World Cup at 85th in the FIFA Rankings. Naturally, it opened the scoring in its first match.
Striker Chris Wood got the ball in the 18-yard box and gave a slight touch to winger Elijah Just. The 26-year-old, who plays for Motherwell in the Scottish Premier League, controlled the ball very well and set himself up for a quick finish.
69. Hussein Heads Home For Iraq
Iraq equalized against Norway with a well-constructed move down the left wing. Midfielder Amir Al-Ammari was played into the 18-yard box and played a great left-footed cross toward the penalty spot. From there, Ayman Hussein headed home for his 27th international goal.
70. Undav’s Brace Completes Comeback
A superb effort in stoppage time for Germany’s win over the Ivory Coast. Felix Nmecha picks out Deniz Undav with a powerful pass through traffic and Undav uses his first touch to fire it past keeper Yahia Fofana.
71. Vargas Sweeps It In For A Clean Finish
A well-executed play created by Breel Embolo who turns just enough off his defender to feed the ball to Rubén Vargas. A cool clinical finish glides into the net to give Switzerland a second goal in its win over Bosnia.
72. A Team-Effort Exchange For Czechia
Czechia got on the scoreboard early its second group-stage match on a goal that caught South Africa’s defense off guard.
Adam Hložek motored to the corner to chase down the long throw, and delivered the ball to the edge of the 18-yard box. Michal Sadílek and Alexandr Sojka exchanged passes to cross up South Africa’s defenders before Sadilek delivered a low shot and into the net.
73. Bosnia Executes Flawless Corner
Canada started its World Cup opener well, creating chances and controlling play against Bosnia and Herzegovina. All of that was undone by a well-executed corner kick, though.
Sead Kolašinac got on the end of a corner kick at the near post and flicked it on into the six-yard box, where striker Jovo Lukić was perfectly placed to head home the game’s opening goal. It wasn’t flashy, but it was an impressive goal that did not involve the ball touching the ground following the corner kick.
74. Undav’s Sweet Sixth For Germany
Deniz Undav scored the SIXTH goal for Germany in its 7-1 blowout win over Curaçao. With the game already in hand, the tempo took on a training session feel. In this buildup, Joshua Kimmich lays the ball to Undav, who finds himself right in front of the net. The youngster gets enough power on it to drill the ball past three defenders on the line.
75. Jonathan David Plucks From The Sky
On his way to a hat trick against Qatar, Canada’s Jonathan David banked his first with a nifty volley off an attempt by Tajon Buchanan that deflected off a defender. David latched onto it as the ball came down. No question there.
76. Schlotterbeck Rises Highest To Head Home
After failing to clear the ball before Curaçao’s opening goal, Schlotterback made a strong impact on the other end of the pitch.
The German defender from Borussia Dortmund’s run and leap was found by Nathaniel Brown’s corner kick, and his header found the back of the net. The goal restored Germany’s lead over Curaçao, which looked like it might be on the verge of a shocking result with its first-ever World Cup goal.
77. Haaland Scores His Second Against Senegal
Erling Haaland secured his second brace in consecutive World Cup matches against Senegal.
Haaland’s second against Senegal came as he calmly guided a side-footed volley from the penalty spot past a diving Édouard Mendy. Patrick Berg picked up the assist after he won possession inside the penalty area, capitalizing after Kalidou Koulibaly lost his footing following a heavy touch to set up Haaland.
78. Sarr Cuts The Deficit Against Norway
Ismaïla Sarr’s second World Cup goal cut the deficit and provided life back into a trailing Senegal against Norway.
Idrissa Gueye delivered a pass to Sadio Mané, who received it with his back to goal 20 yards out. With a deft first touch, Mané flipped the ball over the top of the defense into the path of Ismaila Sarr. Racing onto the pass ahead of David Møller Wolfe, the winger used his strength to hold off the full back before drawing Ørjan Nyland off his line and scooping a finish past the goalkeeper just as he went to ground.
79. Trézéguet Gets Salah An Assist
Trézéguet gave Mo Salah his first World Cup assist and Egypt a huge third goal. Salah played in a corner from the left wing, and Trézéguet finished very well at the near post.
80. ‘Good Night’ For Summerville
A clinical run and finish for Crysencio Summerville, who gathers the ball deep in Sweden’s territory and then brilliantly places the ball into the bottom-left corner.
81. DR Congo’s First-Ever World Cup Goal
After Portugal opened the scoring with a header, DR Congo answered a half hour later.
After playing a short corner, Arthur Masuaku delivered a high left-footed cross toward the far post. Newcastle attacker Yoane Wissa leaped highest and beat Portugal keeper Diogo Costa. It was a great moment that showed DR Congo is at this tournament to compete.
82. Tim Payne Sets Up Surman
World Cup sensation Tim Payne got in on the action early in New Zealand’s game on Sunday against Egypt. He picked up the ball on the left wing and swung in a perfect cross that found the head of Finn Surman, who thumped home an impressive finish.
83. Egypt Equalizes
After that New Zealand goal, Egypt was on the attack, looking for an equalizer. It found that goal when Mohamed Hany’s cross was headed home by Mostafa Ziko. New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe got a hand to it but couldn’t keep the thumping header out.
84. Colombia Header For A Third Goal
The third Colombia goal featured a great header but was all about the work that went into it from Cucho Hernández. He fought for the ball on the right wing and won the ball after falling to the ground.
From there, he delivered a great cross to the far post, where Jaminton Campaz headed home to seal Colombia’s win.
85. Gakpo Delivers A Tap-In
A total-team effort here as Crysencio Summerville delivered a deft pass into Denzel Dumfries, whose delivery across allows Cody Gakpo has the simplest of tap-ins at the back post.
86. Cunha Scraps In Goal For Brazil
Matheus Cunha got Brazil rolling against Haiti with a close-range goal and his first in World Cup action.
Vinícius Júnior got the play going when he dribbled into the box and then curled in a shot that Haiti keeper Johny Placide spilled to Cunha, who blasted the ball into the net.
87. Haaland Scores First World Cup Goal
Norway got on the board in its World Cup opener against Iraq, and it was exactly who you’d expect. Erling Haaland met a cross from left back David Møller Wolfe at the far post and tapped in.
The goal gave Haaland 55 goals in 51 appearances for Norway, which is an unbelievable record at the international level.
88. Kamada Taps In For Opener
Japan took control immediately against Tunisia, with Keito Nakamura making a run to the touchline and playing a low ball into the box. Kamada, who plays for Crystal Palace, tapped in and gave Japan an early lead.
89. Gyokeres Finishes Emphatically
Gyokeres assisted Isak’s goal in the first half of Sweden’s matchup against Tunisia, and they swapped roles in the second half.
After Sweden won possession in its attacking third, Isak dribbled the ball forward before a touch put it right into Gyokeres’ path. From there, a goal was inevitable.
90. Kamada Unknowingly Scores
Daichi Kamada scored a huge goal to make it 2-2 in Japan’s game against the Netherlands, but he did not know much about it.
Japan had a corner kick in the 89th minute that found the head of defender Koki Ogawa, who headed it downward toward goal. The ball immediately bounced off Kamada’s head and found the back of the net, which gave the Crystal Palace midfielder his first World Cup goal.
91. Paraguay Gets On The Board vs. USA
Paraguay was dominated on Friday night in Los Angeles, but it did have a nice second-half move that resulted in its first World Cup goal since 2010.
Paraguay got possession after U.S. defender Chris Richards couldn’t win a long ball. Playmaker Julio Enciso picked up possession and played Mauricio through on goal, and he delivered a composed finish past USA’s goalkeeper Matt Freese.
92. Norway’s Pedersen Hits Paydirt
Marcus Pedersen pushes himself into the area before firing a shot that bounces through Senegal keeper Edouard Mendy and ends up in the roof of the net!
93. Oh Completes South Korea’s Comeback
After Hwang’s moment of brilliance got South Korea on the board, Oh Hyeon-gyu used sheer willpower to win the game.
Oh came into the game in the 69th minute in place of Son Heung-min, who is Korea’s all-time-leading goalscorer. It was a bold decision that paid off. Hwang added to his goal earlier in the half with a great pass from the left wing that found Oh in the middle for a crucial finish that ultimately gave Korea the win.
94. Undav’s Nifty Move Gives Brown His First Goal
The build-up was better than the actual goal in Germany’s fifth against Curaçao. Deniz Undav uses a crafty back-heel pass to Nathaniel Brown, with the German-American defender having slipped behind the backline and guiding it into the far corner. A quick VAR check and Germany kept the momentum going.
95. Brobbey Initiates His Goal
Brian Brobbey put in the work for his first goal against Sweden. He first wins an aerial ball, lays it off to Tijjani Reijnders, who quickly moves it wide to Cody Gakpo on the left. The ball is sent into the for Brobbey to side-foot into the net.
96. McGinn Scores Via Deflection
Scotland’s first World Cup goal since 1998 wasn’t exactly a beauty.
Winger Ben Gannon-Doak played a cross into the box that was cleared toward the top of the 18-yard box, where McGinn picked up possession. He did not strike his left-footed shot very cleanly, but he fortunately got a massive deflection before nestling in the back of the net. They all count the same, so Scotland won’t care how the goal came.
97. David Taps In Contest Ball
Jonathan David’s second goal of his hat-trick performance was a definite fox-in-the-box effort.
Canada’s Cyle Larin forced Qatar keeper Mahmud Abunada into a stunning save at the near post. But Canada’s striker is there to finish it off into an empty net.
98. Ivory Coast Stuns Germany
Ivory Coast put Germany on the backfoot for the first time at the 2026 FIFA World Cup when Franck Kessié pounced on the rebound and slotted a shot into the back of the net. Wonderkid Yan Diomande had an impact on the goal as his cross sliced through Germany’s defense.
99. Tunisia Heads Home
Tunisia got on the board against Sweden with a well-executed cross and header in the first half. Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri swung in a ball from the right wing that center back Omar Rekik headed home.
100. Svanberg Scores Seconds After Subbing In
Matthias Svanberg scored on his first touch of the game after coming on as a substitute against Tunisia.
A free kick was played in and flicked on by Isak. Svanberg pounced and scored within 30 seconds of coming on.
101. Al-Rashdan Puts Jordan Ahead
Jordan’s second ever goal in the FIFA World Cup came from Nizar Al-Rashdan, who gave them their first lead of the tournament against Algeria.
The World Cup debutants put themselves ahead after Musa Al-Tamari carried the ball down the flank before cutting it back towards Mahmoud Al-Mardi. Following a missed kick from Mousa Tamari, the ball fell perfectly into the path of Nizar Al-Rashdan, who drilled a first-time effort into the bottom corner.
102. Switzerland’s Manzambi Bags a Brace
Some nifty passing against a tired defense sees Switzerland’s Johan Manzambi become the youngest sub ever to score twice in a World Cup game.
Granit Xhaka connected with Rubén Vargas, who then cuts the ball back for Manzambi. The 20-year-old finds himself with plenty of space and just enough time for the finish.
102. Larin In the Right Place For Canada
The first in Canada’s six-goal win over Canada began when Jonathan David puts some heat on a ball from outside the penalty. Qatar keeper Mahmud Abunada gets his gloves on it but the ball bounces right toward Cyle Larin, who prods it in from close range.
103. Uruguay Finally Breaks Through
Uruguay was knocking on the door the entire second half against Saudi Arabia. Finally, in the 80th minute, the two-time World Cup champions broke through.
Striker Federico Vinas unleashed a shot right at Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais. It was saved right into the path of Maxi Araujo, who slotted home with his left foot to tie the game.
104. Double Dutch For Brobbey
Brian Brobbey’s second goal on the day against Sweden saw him stretch out to get enough of his boot on the ball and push it past the keeper. A lovely first-time cross to from Denzel Dumfries to set it up.
105. Saudi Arabia Gets On The Board
Saudi Arabia took a surprising lead over Uruguay off a corner kick. Abdulhamid headed a shot right at Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who parried the shot right into the path of Abdulelah Al Amri. He tapped home and gave Saudi Arabia the lead.
106. Østigård Heads Home Norway’s Third Goal
Leo Østigård had been on the field for a couple of minutes when he scored Norway’s third goal against Iraq. Martin Odegaard played in a corner kick from the right wing, and Østigård headed home from about four yards out.
107. Muslera Blunder Gives Cape Verde Goal
A long ball was played down the right wing toward Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who had multiple defenders near where he attempted to clear the ball. Instead, he whiffed and gifted the ball to Cape Verde attacker Hélio Varela, who controlled the ball with his chest and shot the ball into the net before it hit the ground.
108. David Completes Hat Trick
His third and final goal in Canada’s 6-0 win over Qatar, Jonathan David was able to control the ball after it landed at his feet following David Saliba’s attempt. David swiveled around and booted it past the keeper.
109. Araújo Taps Home Equalizer – With His Head
Rodrigo Bentancur’s header went off the post and went right at Maxi Araújo, who tapped in an equalizer against Cape Verde.
110. Kessié Smashes Goal Past Neuer
Yan Diomande flashed some brilliance with a cross to Amad Diallo, whose effort is somehow blocked by Germany’s Nathaniel Brown, before the ball falls to Franck Kessié, who makes no mistake and fires it past Manuel Neuer.
111. Iran Equalizes Against New Zealand
Iran tied its game against New Zealand at 1-1. Right back Ramin Rezaeian found possession after a scrappy sequence and finished past goalkeeper Max Crocombe for the finish.
112. Oyarzabal Catches Saudi Arabia Sleeping
Saudi Arabia entered its game against Spain with a low margin of error. Naturally, it gifted the reigning European champions their second goal.
A ball was played into the box by Dani Olmo and was flicked on by Aymeric Laporte. As a Saudi defender tried to clear the ball, Oyarzabal pounced for his first goal of the tournament.
113. Haaland Pounces On Goalkeeping Blunder
Iraq equalized 10 minutes after Haaland’s first goal, and then it gifted the Norway superstar his second goal of the game.
Iraq defender Zaid Tahseen played a weak pass back to goalkeeper Jalal Hassan, who overestimated how hard the pass was played. Instead of the ball making it to his feet, Haaland pounced and tapped in to give Norway another lead.
114. Qatar’s Shocking Equalizer On An Own-Goal
Switzerland was in control on Saturday afternoon against Qatar. The Swiss had 26 shots to Qatar’s six and had 68% of the ball, and they led for 77 minutes of game time.
Then, an unfortunate mishap by Swiss defender Miro Muheim provided a surprising equalizer for Qatar. Left back Homam Elamin delivered a great cross to the back post as Qatar captain Boualem Khoukhi put pressure on Muheim, who unbelievably headed the ball past Switzerland goalkeeper Gregory Kubel. Qatar was thrilled with the tie, and Switzerland was left shell-shocked for not winning a game it had dominated.
115. Díaz Opens World Cup Account
Luis Díaz was played through down the left wing with Colombia on the counterattack and in need of a goal after Uzbekistan’s ugly equalizer. It wasn’t the smoothest finish, but Uzbekistan goalkeeper Utkir Yusupuv couldn’t do much with it. The keeper will think he should have done better as he watched the ball trickle in.
116. Uzbekistan’s First World Cup Goal
Substitute Dostonbek Khamdamov was sent a cross at the far post and was able to put a shot on frame while moving away from goal. He put a shot on goal that deflected off Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas and hit the post. The ball then went up in the air to the far post, where Abbosbek Fayzullayev headed home.
117. VAR Gives Freeman Goal vs. Australia
For a few moments, it appeared USA defender Alex Freeman’s third international goal wouldn’t count.
In the 43rd minute of the USA’s Group D match against Australia, Freeman was able to connect on a header following a deflection on a set piece. It was initially ruled that Freeman was offside, disallowing the goal. However, a VAR check determined that Freeman was onside before heading the ball in the net, giving him the goal and the USA a 2-0 lead.
118. Romo Pounces On Botched Save
That was a tough break for South Korea keeper Kim Seung-gyu, who gifted Mexico the goal that helped the co-hosts clinch the group in Guadalajara.
It started when Mexico’s Raul Jimenez nodded the ball up into the air inside the box. That prompted Kim to come off his line to collect the ball, but he ended up coughing it up over the back of Lee Gi-hyuk. Luis Romo was there to chip it into the empty net.
119. Too Easy For Mbappé
If you ever needed to know the definition of “When Turning Out The Back Goes Wrong,” just refer to this play. You can’t gift a team like France with someone like Kylian Mbappé roaming something like this.
120. Embolo Slots Home Penalty
Embolo did his job on the penalty kick that gave Switzerland a golden chance to score its opening goal. Qatar goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada dove the wrong way, and Embolo calmly slotted the penalty well to his left.
121. A Clutch Penalty Saves South Africa
Deep into the game against Czechia, South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena knocks in the ball from the penalty spot with a whipping shot into the bottom-left corner, sending keeper Mateji Kovar the wrong way. A confident attempt for Mokoena who helped South Africa rescue a point.
122. Havertz Nails His PK
Germany’s Kai Havertz made the most of stoppage time before the half against Curaçao. About two minutes into extra time, a Curaçao trip opened the door for the PK, which Havertz planted perfectly in the back of the net, giving Germany a 3-1 halftime lead.
123. Arnautović Scores Late Penalty vs. Jordan
Austria was awarded a penalty deep into second-half stoppage time, and its all-time-leading goalscorer stepped up. Marko Arnautović slotted the penalty home for his 48th career international goal.
124. Xhaka’s PK Caps Off Swiss Rout
The final act in Switzerland’s 4-1 rout of Bosnia and Herzegovina in a game that saw five goals in a span of 16 minutes. A foul in the 18-yard box deep into stoppage time gave the Swiss the penalty. Instead of Johan Manzambi getting a chance at a hat trick, it was team captain Granit Xhaka who converted the shot.
125. Paraguay’s Own Goal Gives USA The Lead
The first own goal of the tournament isn’t ranked last on this list because of the play that caused it.
Christian Pulisic was unplayable in the first half for the USA against Paraguay. For the game’s opening goal, he dribbled past two defenders and then found a pass around two more to Weston McKennie. The midfielder then tried to lay it off to Folarin Balogun, but the ball instead went off Paraguay midfielder Damián Bobadilla.
126. Cucurella Volley Forces Own Goal
Marc Cucurella’s volley was saved, but it was saved onto a defender and went right into the Saudi Arabian net.
127. USA’s Balogun Causes Own Goal vs. Australia
After scoring twice in the USA’s opening win over Paraguay, Folarin Balogun helped create another goal in the opening minutes of its match against Australia.
As Balogun attacked, he delivered a cross as he neared the net. His pass to Ricardo Pepi was intercepted by Australia’s Cameron Burgess in front of the net. However, Burgess wasn’t able to gain full control of the ball, directing it into his own net to give the USA a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute.
128. Lukaku Forces Own Goal
Romelu Lukaku came on and was in the thick of the action right away.
Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans played right back Thomas Meunier in down the right wing. Meunier played a low cross into the box toward Lukaku, whose presence was enough to force Egypt defender Mohamed Hany to put the ball into his own net.
129. Jordan OG Gives Austria The Lead
Austria just had a goal chalked off due to a handball that was spotted by VAR. Not long after, Marcel Sabitzer whipped in a corner kick that was headed into the Jordan goal by Yazan Abu Al-Arab. It wasn’t spectacular, but Austria will take it.
130. Qatar Gives Up Own Goal In Loss to Canada
It wasn’t Qatar’s day in Vancouver and giving up an own-goal against Canada didn’t help matters.
Jacob Shaffelburg takes an attempt inside the box on a first-time volley. It looks to be heading wide of the upright but gets diverted by Mohamed Al Mannai into his team’s net.
131. Hussein Gives Norway An Own Goal
Earlier in the match against Norway, Aymen Hussein’s goal had canceled out Erling Haaland’s opener. But in the closing moments of the game, he gifted one back to the Norwegians when it mistakenly bounced off his chest while trying to clear out a cross.
132. Kane Scores Penalty On Second Attempt
Harry Kane was a lucky boy against Croatia. After Noni Madueke won a penalty, Kane stepped up and had his first attempt saved by Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic. Unfortunately for Croatia, VAR reviewed Livakovic’s positioning and determined both of his feet were off the goal line.
With that, Kane was allowed to retake the penalty and scored to give the Three Lions a lead. Needing two bites at the apple to score is not ideal.
Sports
Dodgers defeat Twins, but lose Kyle Tucker and catcher Dalton Rushing
MINNEAPOLIS — The Dodgers’ recent offensive scuffing fell down the list of their most pressing issues Monday in their 2-1 win against the Minnesota Twins.
In the first three innings, the Dodgers had two key players leave the game. Right fielder Kyle Tucker exited in the top of the second because of lower back spasms, and catcher Dalton Rushing in the bottom of the third to evaluate for a possible concussion, the team said.
Tucker drew a walk in the second inning, advanced to second on Tommy Edman’s single and was replaced by pinch-runner Alex Call soon after.
Tucker jogged off the field into the dugout, his hand on his right side as he talked to hitting coach Aaron Bates.
Tucker, in his first season with the Dodgers after signing a four-year deal worth $240 million this winter, entered Monday with a .705 on-base-plus-slugging percentage, on pace for his worst offensive year by that measure since his 2018 rookie season with the Houston Astros.
Tucker recently went nine games with a .303 batting average. But then he went hitless in the Dodgers’ two losses to the Batlimore Orioles last weekend.
“If we can get him back to being who he is, then we’ll bet on the results,” manager Dave Roberts said before the game, noting Tucker’s reputation for controlling the strike zone. “It’s not something that we might see tonight. But I think going here forward, that’s something that I think we’re going to see.”
Rushing was replaced behind the plate by Chuckie Robinson in the third inning. When the Dodgers announced the reason for Rushing’s exit, they did not point to a particular incident. But Rushing did take a foul tip off his mask on Will Klein’s first pitch of the game.
Rushing took a moment to compose himself, putting his glove in the dirt for stability. But he remained in the game for two innings.
The Dodgers already were down one catcher. Rushing took over as the primary backstop the last two weeks with Will Smith sidelined by a neck injury. Smith did not travel with the team to Minnesota.
Lauer follows opener
Dodgers left-hander Eric Lauer voiced his distaste for pitching behind an opener while with the Toronto Blue Jays. But he clarified those comments when he joined the Dodgers.
“If you ask most starters in the league, they would probably have the same response, that they don’t like it,” Lauer said last month. “But it doesn’t mean that I’m not willing to do it. It doesn’t mean that I’m not a team player.”
On Monday, the Dodgers asked him to enter the game in the second inning after Klein gave up a run and two hits in the first. Lauer followed with six hitless innings.
“We’ve been very forthright,” Roberts said before the game. “I know he’s appreciated that. For me, just telling him the thought behind it and the why and still giving him confidence to know that we expect him to take down the most outs in the game. He’s all in. He’s all in on winning. I do think that just getting ahead of it [is key], being honest with him.”
Eric Lauer pitched six hitless innings against the Twins on Monday.
(Matt Krohn / AP)
Roberts said he told Lauer the plan after Sunday’s game, explaining that he thought having Klein face the power-hitting right-handers near the top of the Twins lineup would give Lauer the best chance to go deeper into the game.
Klein surrendering a tying home run to right-handed hitting Byron Buxton wasn’t exactly part of that plan. But Lauer kept the Twins hitless for six scoreless innings. The three walks he issued accounted for the only baserunners against him.
The Dodgers scored their runs on solo homers from Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman.
Sports
2026 World Cup Golden Glove: Martínez, Simon Tied Atop Oddsboard
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It’s not only the boot that’s prone to turning gold.
The Golden Glove is the award given to the best goalkeeper at the World Cup. The winner often comes down to impact, with clutch saves in knockout stage matches and standout performances in the tournament’s crunch-time moments.
In four of the last five World Cups, the winner of this award has come from the champion nation.
Emiliano Martínez of Argentina is +450 to become a repeat Golden Glove winner (Getty Images).
Let’s dive into the odds at FanDuel Sportsbook as of June 22.
This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.
Golden Glove Winner 2026
Emiliano Martínez: +390 (bet $10 to win $49 total)
Unai Simón: +390 (bet $10 to win $49 total)
Mike Maignan: +650 (bet $10 to win $75 total)
Alisson Becker: +750 (bet $10 to win $85 total)
Jordan Pickford: +1200 (bet $10 to win $130 total)
Manuel Neuer: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)
Ederson: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)
Diogo Costa: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)
David Raya: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)
In Argentina’s first match against Algeria, Martinez exited with a clean sheet, but the Algerians did not register a shot on goal. He had no saves.
Going back in time, Martínez played a pivotal role in Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup title, starting all seven matches and playing every single minute. He conceded only eight total goals and kept three clean sheets.
Martínez also took home the Golden Glove at Copa América in 2024 as he had five clean sheets and only allowed one goal in the entire tournament.
Simon was an influential piece in Spain’s 2024 European Championship run, allowing only three goals and putting together two clean sheets in six matches.
This is Simón’s second career World Cup appearance after playing every minute of the team’s four matches during the 2022 tournament. Through two games, he has two saves.
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Detroit, MI2 hours agoPolice investigation at Monica and Clarita streets in Detroit
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San Francisco, CA2 hours agoWhere to watch Athletics vs San Francisco Giants: TV channel, start time, streaming for June 23
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Dallas, TX2 hours agoDallas Man Convicted of Distributing Fentanyl
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Miami, FL2 hours agoFiery, fatal crash shuts down southbound lanes of Don Shula Expressway in southwest Miami-Dade
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Boston, MA2 hours agoEditorial: With Boston’s World Cup win, could we host Olympics?
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Denver, CO3 hours agoWhen falling housing prices are good news — and when they’re not