Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo Lead Netherlands XI vs Japan

3 minutes ago

Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo Lead Netherlands XI vs Japan

Netherlands XI vs Japan: Verbruggen; Van Dijk, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Dumfries; De Jong, Reijnders, Gravenberch; Gakpo, Malen, Summerville. Memphis, Aké, Weghorst, Lang and Koopmeiners headline the bench. The Group F opener kicks off at 4 PM ET, giving Oranje an early chance to take control before Sweden and Tunisia complete the group’s first round later.

By Tanish Chachra

Other articles from Soccer

Thirteen Countries Slam UEFA Chief Over World Cup Expansion Remarks

16 minutes ago

Thirteen Countries Slam UEFA Chief Over World Cup Expansion Remarks

Thirteen FAs, including Cape Verde, Curaçao, Uzbekistan, Haiti and South Africa, issued a joint statement after Aleksander Ceferin questioned World Cup expansion and called some matches “uninteresting.” They called the remarks “deeply disappointing,” insisting “Every team qualified on merit... Every match matters,” while saying growth gives smaller nations historic moments.

By Tanish Chachra

Jose Mourinho’s Marc Cucurella Push Helps Real Madrid Beat Atletico

30 minutes ago

Jose Mourinho’s Marc Cucurella Push Helps Real Madrid Beat Atletico

Real Madrid were able to close a deal quickly and ahead of Atletico Madrid, who were also in talks, per Ben Jacobs. "Jose Mourinho drove the move to Real." The 27-year-old left back started 31 Premier League games last season with one goal and four assists after Mourinho targeted him upon taking charge at Santiago Bernabeu.

By Tanish Chachra

FIFA Honors Omar Artan's World Cup Fee Despite Immigration Entry Denial

about 2 hours ago

FIFA Honors Omar Artan's World Cup Fee Despite Immigration Entry Denial

Artan will still receive his full tournament fee after an 11-hour Miami immigration interrogation ended with his World Cup entry denial, BBC Sport sources said. Officials cited alleged “association with suspected members of terror organisations.” Artan denied Al Shabab links and said, “I'm just simply a referee who's trying to live his dream.” He now vows to officiate in 2030.

By Tanish Chachra

Real Madrid Agree $69.4M Deal for Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella

about 2 hours ago

Real Madrid Agree $69.4M Deal for Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella

David Ornstein reports Madrid reached an agreement with Chelsea for Cucurella, with the fee worth about $69.4M: $63.6M fixed plus $5.8M in bonuses. The 27-year-old Spanish left-back made 34 Premier League appearances this season, adding one goal and four assists. Talks moved at a rapid speed, and the transfer now heads into its final paperwork stage.

By Tanish Chachra

Manchester United Could Save $21.3M if Ruben Amorim Lands Milan Job

about 2 hours ago

Manchester United Could Save $21.3M if Ruben Amorim Lands Milan Job

United could save about $21.3M if Amorim takes the AC Milan job, per Ben Jacobs. “Compensation of up to [$21.3M] will stop being paid as soon as Amorim returns to work.” The Portuguese is now Milan’s leading contender after never considering Benfica. United sacked him in January after just 25 wins from 63 games.

By Tanish Chachra

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