The World Cup action continues today as the group stage drama builds. Co-hosts Canada delivered a statement 6-0 thrashing of nine-man Qatar in Vancouver on Thursday to record their first-ever finals win. However, their euphoria was dampened by a horror injury suffered by Sassuolo midfielder Ismael Kone, who broke his leg following a challenge by Assim Madibo. Earlier on day eight, Switzerland announced their arrival in Group B with a 4-1 defeat of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Los Angeles, and South Africa’s late penalty salvaged a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in Group A.
What World Cup games are on today?
Fans will have to wait a little longer for today’s opening World Cup contest, which does not kick off until 8pm BST. But it’s a high-profile affair worth watching as co-hosts the United States return to action in Group D against Australia in Seattle, looking to build upon their 4-1 demolition of Paraguay last weekend. It was the most goals ever scored by the USA in a men’s World Cup finals match and their joint-biggest win in the history of the competition, with former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun netting a brace in Los Angeles.
They are likely to face a sterner challenge tonight as they take on an Australia team also seeking to guarantee their place in the last 32 after seeing off Turkey 2-0 in Vancouver thanks to goals from Watford’s Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe, plus a string of five saves from goalkeeper Patrick Beach.
It’s then quickly over to Boston, where Scotland similarly hope to seal a knockout berth at the World Cup for the first time at the ninth attempt. Having beaten Group C minnows Haiti at the same venue in their opener, Steve Clarke’s Tartan Army have a far tougher challenge in store against reigning African champions and 2022 semi-finalists Morocco, who were unlucky to be held by Brazil.
Turkey and Paraguay will hope to bounce back from their respective opening defeats as the action concludes back in Group D in San Francisco.
How to watch World Cup games today
USA vs Australia is being shown live and free-to-air in the UK on BBC One, with coverage beginning at 7:30pm BST ahead of an 8pm kick-off at Seattle Stadium. Gabby Logan will be on presenting duties, joined by pundits Olivier Giroud, Wayne Rooney and Theo Walcott.
It’s over to ITV1 for Scotland vs Morocco and Brazil vs Haiti, where the programmes begin at 10pm and 1:15am BST respectively. Kick-off for those games is at 11pm and 1:30am. Turkey vs Paraguay is also on ITV1 from 3:50am, with kick-off at 4am.
