6:00 PM ET Fans in Qatar who wanted to experience Sunday’s opener in the way many traditionally celebrate World Cups — with alcohol in groups with other fans — had two choices in the conservative, Muslim country. They could head to FIFA’s official fan festival, which organisers advertised as the place to enjoy sponsor Budweiser’s … Read more
play France take massive blow with Benzema’s thigh injury (1:39)Julien Laurens breaks down the effects of Karim Benzema leaving his World Cup dreams behind due to a thigh injury. (1:39) 8:08 PM ET The summer transfer window is closed for the major leagues in Europe. However, with an eye on January, there’s plenty of gossip … Read more
play The definitive Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo debate (1:41)Sporting stars have their say on the Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo debate in ESPN’s “You Have to Answer.” (1:41) Nov 17, 2022 It’s not a “Last Dance.” Neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Lionel Messi has announced their retirement, and neither man has already won the biggest … Read more
play Laurens backs ‘best Neymar ever’ to take Brazil far (0:57)Gab & Juls explain what we can expect to see from Neymar and Brazil at the 2022 World Cup. (0:57) 3:19 PM ET World Cup favourites Brazil held their first training session on Sunday but their players still do not know who will be starting … Read more
play Hamilton: Security seemed overwhelmed at Doha fan park (0:49)Tom Hamilton shares his experience from the fan festival for the opening game of the World Cup in Qatar. (0:49) 1:56 PM ET Supporters were turned away from the FIFA Fan Festival in Al Bidda amid chaotic scenes due to overcrowding for the World Cup opener … Read more
3:13 PM ET Defender Ehsan Hajsafi became on Sunday the first member of Iran‘s national team to speak out from the World Cup in Doha in apparent support of anti-government protests at home, saying players should be the voice of those suffering. More than two months of protests in Iran, sparked by the death of … Read more
play Olley: Infantino can’t stop focus on World Cup’s off-field issues (1:49)James Olley recaps a remarkable speech from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, in which he called out the “hypocrisy” of nations criticising Qatar. (1:49) 10:59 AM ET The World Cup kicked off in Qatar on Sunday with the Muslim nation, which faced a barrage of … Read more
play What Karim Benzema’s injury means for France’s World Cup chances (2:08)The FC crew breaks down how Karim Benzema’s absence will impact France at the FIFA World Cup. (2:08) 5:32 PM ET France striker Karim Benzema has been ruled out of the World Cup after suffering an injury to his left thigh during training on … Read more
12:57 PM ET England manager Gareth Southgate, left, and captain Harry Kane spoke to the media on Sunday ahead of their World Cup opener. Getty Images Harry Kane said he will wear a “OneLove” armband despite the threat of a fine and a yellow card at kickoff as a battle escalates between FIFA and various … Read more
play Why did Ecuador have a goal disallowed vs. Qatar? (1:25)Dale Johnson explains why Ecuador had a goal ruled out in confusing circumstances in the World Cup opener vs. Qatar. (1:25) 1:01 PM ET Ecuador eased past World Cup debutants Qatar 2-0 on Sunday with two goals from veteran striker Enner Valencia in a first … Read more
