Thomas Tuchel threw a ceremonial first pitch before a Kansas City Royals baseball game, as the England manager prepares for the 2026 World Cup. The tournament features a diverse array of managerial talent, from club superstars to seasoned international specialists.
Managerial Matchups
England, Brazil, and the United States have hired high-profile club coaches with no prior international experience: Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti, and Mauricio Pochettino, respectively. They will face gritty veterans like Carlos Queiroz, who is managing his ninth national team, Ghana. Other notable matchups include Lionel Scaloni, who led Argentina to glory, against Ralf Rangnick, the gegenpress pioneer now coaching Austria at age 63. Didier Deschamps, the successful France manager, faces Graham Arnold, who spent most of his career in Australia before taking over Iraq.
Portugal vs. Uzbekistan
Portugal's Roberto Martínez, known for his affable demeanor and tolerance of superstars, faces Fabio Cannavaro, a Ballon d'Or winner and former Chinese Super League coach. The following game pits Tuchel's England against Queiroz's Ghana.
Impact on International Management
The tournament's subplot questions whether club management skills translate to international success. If Tuchel, Ancelotti, and Pochettino thrive, federations may prioritize up-and-coming club coaches over patriotic icons or perennial specialists like Queiroz, Renard, or Advocaat. The outcome could reshape international hiring for years.
Live Coverage
John Brewin provides minute-by-minute coverage of Spain 2-0 Saudi Arabia from 5pm BST, followed by Daniel Harris for Belgium 2-1 Iran at 8pm BST. Beau Dure covers Cape Verde 1-3 Uruguay at 11pm BST, and Jonathan Howcroft reports on New Zealand 1-2 Egypt at 2am BST Monday.
Quote of the Day
"I'm completely exhausted myself, it was absolutely amazing. She did so well, there wasn't much I could say, I just had to help her work and get him out. I'm proud, amazing. When I saw him for the first time, I was blown away. It's absolutely insane. I'm so happy and proud. It's definitely the greatest thing I've ever experienced," said Norway defender Leo Østigård, whose partner Aurora Eidmann gave birth to their first child while he was away with the national team. Østigård scored in Norway's GWC opener against Iraq.
On the Ball Puzzle
The Big Website's app features a special edition of On the Ball for the GWC, inviting users to guess the World Cup player in five attempts.
Letters
Readers shared insights on turkeys not being flightless, Spanish-language soccer coverage, and childhood memories of Wolves players coaching at a school in 1951. Eileen Koven won the prizeless letter of the day for her turkey anecdote.
