The Game

Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup odyssey continues but he needed VAR to intervene and ensure Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 in a match packed with incident and drama. 

Ronaldo and his team face Spain in the next round after they beat Austria. Tom Clarke is joined by Ian Whittell and Peter Rutzler to discuss both of those matches and hears why Spain should be considered as one of the favourites. 

In part two of the show Tom chats to Jonny Northcroft about England's preparations for their game with Mexico and hears why spying fears have al...

It wasn't pretty and it was mighty tense but England are through - just - thanks to a late brace from Harry Kane.

A performance lacking fluidity in attack and a defense that looked porous at times leaves Thomas Tuchel with far more questions than answers.

The talking points: Kane is world class, England's right side and how does Tuchel fix the defense?

Matt Lawton gives reaction live from the Atlanta stadium, before Tom Clarke joins Gregor Robertson and James Gheerbrant to dissect an England win and ask how can England beat Mexico...

Is there a more iconic or productive World Cup duo than Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise? Gregor Robertson joins Tom Clarke to discuss another brilliant performance by France as they swat Sweden aside to reach the Round of 16. 

James Gheerbrant sends his thoughts on Norway's win against Ivory Coast and another goal for Erling Haaland. And Jonathan Northcroft joins Tom to preview England's clash with DR Congo - will it be another Jude Bellingham masterclass for Thomas Tuchel's side?

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Germany have lost a World Cup penalty shootout for the first time in their history as Paraguay produced one of the stories of this tournament so far. 

Tom Clarke hears from Michael Grant at the ground and is joined by Gregor Robertson to dissect that momentous win and also discuss Brazil's comeback against Japan. 

In part two Tom Allnutt reports from Monterrey and an astonishing penalty shootout between Netherlands and Morocco and Tom and Paul Hirst discuss Argentina's World Cup title defence so far.

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From now on it's knockout football. Who goes through, who goes home?

Tom, Gregor and Tony attempt to predict all of the remaining round of 32 ties...and work out who makes it to the final. Spoiler alert is isn't Australia.

We take a more detailed look at England and their next opponents DR Congo, take some listeners questions "What is Thomas Tuchel's beef with Trent Alexander Arnold?" 

And a quick look back at Argentina, Portugal and Canada beating South Africa.

Gregor Robertson and Tony Cascarino join 

Tom Clarke back in...

England top their group and progress to the round of 32. It was better than Ghana, there were some reasons to be cheerful, but let's be honest...it was a bit laboured. How far can England go playing like that? Is there more to come or is this the limit of England's ability?

Immediate reaction from Matt Lawton at the ground before Tom Clarke, Gregor Robertson and Alyson Rudd take a closer look at the performance.

Just as we pressed stop, Steve Clarke resigned as Scotland coach. So Gregor and Tom put the headphones back...

They did it! Cape Verde are into the knockouts after a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia and will face Lionel Messi and Argentina in the next round. 

Ian Whittell joins Tom Clarke to discuss their heroic World Cup story and Tom also hears from James Gheerbrant who watched Spain beat an angry Uruguay and Tom Allnutt who saw a thrilling draw between Iran and Egypt. 

There are six more games to go including England's final group game with Panama - Matt Lawton joined Tom to preview this one and discuss why a statement wi...

Ecuador stunned Germany in an eventful round of final group stage games, as they qualified for the knockout stage. 

Tom Clarke hears from Times journalists across America as Paul Hirst reports on Netherlands 3-1 win against Tunisia, James Gheerbrant watches Sweden rescue a draw with Japan and Peter Rutzler see Turkey salvage some pride by beating co-hosts USA 3-2. 

In part two Tom chats to reporter Ian Whittell who offers his view on Brazil and Spain and previews Cape Verde's huge clash with Saudi Arabia as they attempt to keep their remarkable World Cu...

They are not out, yet. That is about as good as it gets for Scotland after a 3-0 defeat against Brazil. Michael Grant and Gregor Robertson dissect another dismal display with Tom Clarke and ponder whether Steve Clarke's side deserve to go through? 

In part two Jonathan Northcroft joins from the England camp with the latest on injury fears for Reece James. He and Tom wonder whether Thomas Tuchel has overdone it on 'vibes men' in his squad and discuss the need for Kobbie Mainoo to get some game time against Panama. 

And de...

After brilliance in game one there was boredom in game two for England their fans as Ghana battled for a 0-0 draw. 

Tom Clarke is joined by Matt Lawton, Alyson Rudd and Gregor Robertson to dissect a frustrating game and ask what more Thomas Tuchel could have done to get the win. 

Elsewhere there was a big win for Portugal and two goals for Cristiano Ronaldo - Tom Allnutt checks in from the ground to offer his thoughts. 

And we look ahead to the final round of group stage matches as...

Lionel Messi is the all-time record goalscorer at World Cups and he is leading the Golden Boot race for this tournament with five goals but Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are hot on his tail. 

Can Harry Kane keep pace? Jonathan Northcroft joins Tom Clarke to preview England's second match with Ghana and discuss the impact Jude Bellingham is having on this World Cup as his partnership with Kane improves. 

Paul Hirst reports from another Messi masterclass and James Gheerbrant survived the rain and storms to watch France, Mbappe and Michael Olise reach th...

They've done it again! Cape Verde have shocked the world once more, getting a brilliant and deserved 2-2 draw with Uruguay and become the story of the tournament so far. Can they qualify for the knockout stages?

Tom Clarke is joined by Cape Verde super fan Gregor Robertson to discuss that match and Iran's spirited draw with a struggling Belgium.

Ian Whittell checks in after watching Spain and Lamine Yamal comfortably beat Saudi Arabia and in part two Tom chats to Matt Lawton with the latest news from the England...

A stunning win for Netherlands against Sweden has turned Group F on its head. Graham Potter's side were thrashed 5-1 and Tom Allnutt was in Houston to watch it - he joins Tom Clarke to discuss that game and preview Portugal's massive clash with Uzbekistan. Can Roberto Martinez afford to drop Cristiano Ronaldo?

In part two, Tom chats to Martin Samuel about England's impressive start, the big-game players who are delivering and how this World Cup compares to previous editions of the tournament.

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Defeated but not downhearted. Scotland lost to Morocco but showed fight in the second half which offers hope for reaching the knockout stages. 

Gregor Robertson and Michael Grant join Tom Clarke to dissect Scotland's second match and debate those controversial penalty calls. 

Elsewhere Peter Rutzler reports from a jubilant USA camp as they qualify in style - are they Dark Horses for the trophy? And James Gheerbrant watches Brazil get back to winning ways against Haiti before Turkey are dumped out by 10-man Paraguay. 

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Cometh the hour, cometh the man? Scotland are in need of a performance from their talisman against Morocco, can Scott McTominay deliver on the World Cup stage?

Tom Clarke previews that big game with Michael Grant and also chats to Peter Rutzler about USA v Australia, as well as catching you up on all the overnight action as Canada thrash Qatar and Mexico become the first side to qualify for the knockout stage. 

In part two Jonathan Northcroft offers further reflections from the England camp and reveals more about Thomas Tuchel's assistant, Anthony B...

England finally got their World Cup underway and it was worth the wait as they beat Croatia 4-2 in an entertaining game.

Two goals for captain and talisman Harry Kane, one for Bellingham and Rashford and a performance that at times resembled the high intensity Premier League type game that manager Thomas Tuchel has so often talked about. There were issues defensively and Tuchel wasn't happy at half time, but it was a win, an impressive one, and England had a cutting edge.

Tom Clarke gets immediate reaction from Matt Lawton who was at...

What. A. Night.

Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland showed their star quality with two goals each as France and Norway impressed but then along came Lionel Messi. 

A hat-trick for Argentina's captain as he kicked off his sixth World Cup in style - Tom Clarke spoke to Paul Hirst, James Gheerbrant and Martin Samuel who were at the grounds to witness some big performances from three of the games biggest stars. 

And now, it's England's turn. They kick off their tournament against Croatia, Jonathan Northcroft joined Tom to preview that match an...

Four draws and our first 0-0 but when it's Cape Verde getting a point against Spain we don't care! 

Tom Clarke hears from Martyn Ziegler who spies some empty seats at Saudi Arabia's 1-1 draw with Uruguay and Peter Rutzler who was in Los Angeles to witness Iran's controversial start to this tournament with an entertaining 2-2 draw with New Zealand - which was followed by a remarkable press conference.

Tom also spoke to Michael Grant to hear how Scotland are coping with being top of Group C and he chatted to Paul Hirst who i...

A thrilling night, loads of goals and familiar names making the headlines. Germany thrashed Curacao 7-1 but maybe the newcomers don't care - Tom Allnutt was in Curacao to watch their debut with the locals as they celebrated their first ever World Cup goal. 

Ian Whittell was at the game of the night as Japan snatched a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands before Victor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak gave Graham Potter and Sweden a big win against Tunisia.

Tom Clarke also caught up with Matt Lawton in the England camp and pondered who T...

Blimey, that was tense! But Scotland have a World Cup win and sit top of Group C thanks to John McGinn's winner against Haiti. Which players stepped up and which need to offer more? 

Steve Clarke's side top the group after Brazil draw with Morocco in an entertaining game. Brazil turned the game after the drinks break - is football now a game of four quarters? 

And we pick the best games to come on Day 4. 

Tom Clarke chats to Gregor Robertson and James Gheerbrant

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The USA started their campaign in style, scoring four against Paraguay. The stadium was full, celebs were out in force and the team looked full of energy. Suddenly USA in the next round or the round of sixteen looks a tough draw - how far can they go?

Not so euphoric for Canada but a decent result against a tough Bosnian side.

In the second half - Scotland's big day is finally here. At 0200 GMT they take on Haiti, McTominay is fit after a minor shock, can they do it? 

Oh and it's B...

The World Cup is up and running. The mighty Azteca stadium became the only stadium to host games in three different world cups. Its turf has seen Pele, Maradona and now the 2026 Mexico side. Our reporter Tom Allnut was in the stadium. Did the match live up to the hype, does it matter? 

Pete Rutzler is our reporter following team USA, he joins us from Philadelphia to give us a quick run down of the america team...how far will they go in the tournament, are the public following it and how much pressure is on mauricio p...

It is finally here. Tonight Mexico will play South Africa in the opening game. 

Will it be a tournament for the ages or a step too far for over heated and over worked players?

So, a quick look at England - Bellingham or Rogers, Rashford or Gordon?

Your favourite World Cup opening games; teams we'd love to see do well and 

Tom Clarke's mad challenge to watch every match - what are his chances?

Gregor details his recent trip to Croatia to meet Luka Modric; what to eat if yo...

Scotland could not be happier going in t the World Cup. When was the last time you heard that - 1928!?

Eight goals in two games and believe it or not even some talk of their talisman John McGinn not making it into Steve Clarkes first eleven. The Tartan army suddenly have a cutting edge, confidence to burn and mounting expectation. Bring on Haiti!

What could possible go wrong?

Who better to ask than three of the finest Scots in sports journalism...

Jonathan Northcroft, Michael Grant and Gregor Robertson join Tom...

As part of our build up to World Cup 2026 we hosted a live event at The Times building in London.

Tom Clarke hosts the event with Martin Samuel, Jonathan Northcroft, Hamzah Khalique-Loonat and World Cup veteran and former Republic of Ireland forward Tony Cascarino.

The team discuss England and Scotland's chances and what to expect from the other tournament contenders.

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It is World Cup week! 

England treated their friendly against New Zealand as a training session...can we learn anything? Does Thomas Tuchel already know his line up to face Croatia or is it still in doubt? How worried should England fans be that three of England's team are already in the red zone, prone to injury or burn out? 

Scotland are looking confident with eight goals in their last two games. If they can beat Haiti in their opening game could that be enough for them to qualify for the knockout stages for the fi...

If England don't win it who will?

France, Spain, Portugal are all among the favourites, but only one European team has ever won in the Americas...can they change that?

Lionel Messi will be at his sixth World Cup, can he lead Argentina to defend their crown?  

Brazil have gone twenty four years without a World Cup, can ageing talisman Neymar and the experience of manager Carlo Ancelotti guide them to the final?

Who are the dark horses - Senegal, Japan, Norway, Ecuador...

And lastly what of the rest, th...

All the latest from a busy domestic scene. Silva leaves Fulham...is he Benfica bound? Crystal Palace look set to appoint the former Lens coach Iraola to Liverpool, Ederson to Man Utd and Nottingham Forest are asking for £120m for Elliot Anderson...is that value for money?

After the break an update from the England camp in Miami - who is training, who looks good, who looks knackered and has Anthony Gordon nicked Marcus Rashford's girlfriend?

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World Cup 2026 is nearly here! Can England win it? 

Has Tuchel picked the right squad, what is England's base camp like and what will be England's biggest challenge?

With inside knowledge from within the England camp our team cover it all - from which players will be most affected by the heat and who can cover at number six to secret England tactics and who starts at number ten.

Join Times Sports Editor Tom Clarke, and the Times Sport team who will be with England throughout the tournament: Matt Lawton, Jonathan Northcroft a...

Arsenal fell agonisingly short, was there anything they could have done differently or did they just come up against a generational team in PSG?

What if anything could Mikel Arteta have changed, or was focusing on defensive organisation always going to be their best route to success? 

Who do Arsenal need to sign to get better?

In the second half Slot out and potentially Iraola in at Liverpool. Why was Slot sacked and is Iraola what Liverpool need? If the spaniard does come in will there be signings and if so who w...

This is a one off special from our colleagues in Scotland who join former player and national team manager Craig Levein. 

They look at what reaching a World Cup means to Scotland, and how the team might fare.

Scotland correspondent Michael Grant is joined by Mark Palmer and former Scotland international Craig Levein

In the run up to World Cup 2026 we will be releasing a series of specials.

Join us next week for our regular shows plus a special England preview with Jonny Northcroft, Martin Samuel and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat

Arsenal have a chance to do the double on Saturday evening, but they have to face a PSG team which many believe are the best of their generation.

Can they beat them and if so how? There are intriguing one v one battles all over the pitch, from Rice v Vitinha to Saka v Mendes and who plays right back against Kvaratskhelia? what will be the keys to Arsenal lifting the Champions League for the rest time?

Before the big preview Gregor Robertson, Tom Clarke and Tony Cascarino look back at a huge win for...

Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson wrap up the 2025/26 EFL season with a look back at the three play-off finals - and give their own end of season awards. They discuss Hull City’s hard earned victory over Middlesbrough, Bolton Wanderers’s win against Stockport County, and Notts County besting Salford City. Plus, praise for standout seasons from Coventry City, Lincoln City and Bromley.

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Joining Tom Clarke are Tony Cascarino, Gary Jacob and Peter Rutzler to wrap up an astonishing Premier League season. What went wrong at West Ham and what do they need to avoid further collapse? How did Sunderland’s fairytale campaign end in European qualification? Plus, the team hand out their much-coveted end-of-season awards.

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Gregor Robertson and Tom Clarke go over each of the Play Off finals - who is favourite, who is in form...who goes up, who stays down?

And Gregor gets his say on Spygate

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Jonathan Northcroft Chief Football Correspondent for The Times and Sunday Times joins Tom Clarke for immediate to the England squad.

Who is in, who is out and what do we make of it?

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Aston Villa added to a crazy week in English football last night, winning their first trophy in thirty years and their first european trophy in forty four years. Is it the first of many for Unai Emery at Villa? How does a club and squad like Villa take the next step to challenge for the Premier League or Champions League?

Arsenal are still celebrating their title win - who were the key players for them? Can they win the Champions League too and what role did Mikel Arteta play?  

After the break Spygate - does an...

What a week in English football!

Arsenal are Champions again after a twenty two year wait.

How did they do it, what were the key moments, who were the key players or staff and will it be the start of something bigger?

Tom Clarke joins The Times Arsenal reporter Gary Jacob to assess a memorable night for the Gunners.

After the break the worst kept secret in football - Pep Guardiola is set to leave Manchester City at the end of the season and be replaced by Enzo Maresca.

...

Xabi Alonso is in the Premier League, but not where many expected.

As the Liverpool old boy joins Chelsea what can he expect and is it a huge positive for the Chelsea project? 

Where does the appointment leave Liverpool, the owners are wedded to Arne Slot but the fans don't seem to be.

Man Utd look set to announce Michael Carrick on a permanent basis, what will his targets be next season? 

Pep Guardiola has a cup double to his name, but if it misses out on the league will he sti...

It is the best Scottish title race in years and it got even spicier last night.

Celtic were awarded a penalty for literally the last kick of the match - they scored at took it to the final day as Hearts need only a draw at Celtic Park.

What is the feeling in Scotland, was it ever a penalty and how will Derek McInnes' Hearts approach the game on Saturday?

Man City took the title race to another weekend as they beat Palace...but can anyone see Arsenal dropping points?  

Why do...