USMNT embracing underdog role against England ahead of Friday's match

The Americans are a long shot to beat Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane & Co. It’s no secret. It could even be a good thing. After all, it’s long been the role the USMNT has felt more comfortable in.

World Cup Wednesday: Japan gets 2 late goals to beat Germany; young Spain squad dominates

Japan beat Germany in the first competitive meeting between the two nations. There were no goals between Morocco and Croatia, but plenty -- all on one side -- when Spain met Costa Rica.

Germany players cover mouths at World Cup in FIFA protest

Germany's players covered their mouths for their team photo before their opening World Cup match in an apparent rebuke of FIFA’s clampdown on plans to wear armbands to protest discrimination in host nation Qatar.

Pope Francis prays for World Cup to be occasion for peace

Pope Francis is a life-long soccer fan and has long promoted sport as a way of promoting solidarity and fraternity.

Neymar silent before Brazil faces Serbia at World Cup

Neymar is hoping to bring a sixth World Cup title to Brazil. The soccer star posted a photo on social media with a sixth star photoshopped on his shorts around Brazil’s logo.

Cristiano Ronaldo out to impress in Portugal’s first game at the World Cup

The soccer superstar is without a club after the cancellation of his contract with Manchester United as a result of his controversial interview criticizing manager Erik ten Hag and others at the club.

Iranian media blame World Cup loss to England on recent Mahsa Amini protests

Hard-line Iranian media are blaming the lopsided defeat on the unrest that has gripped the Islamic Republic since the Sept. 16 death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of the country’s morality police.

Pele congratulates Weah for World Cup goal against Wales

Brazil great Pele congratulated United States forward Timothy Weah for scoring his debut goal in the World Cup in the Americans' 1-1 draw with Wales.

World Cup Viewer's Guide: Tuesday kicked off with Argentina stunner

Lionel Messi and Argentina were beaten by Saudi Arabia 2-1 in one of the biggest World Cup upsets ever. Later, defending champion France opens play against Australia in a rematch from four years ago.

FIFA World Cup history: Here's every country that's won the World Cup since 1930 (list)

Do you know when the first World Cup was held? Do you know where it was held? Do you know who won the first World Cup match? Here's every country that's won the World Cup since 1930.

Frappart becomes 1st woman ref for men's World Cup match

Stephanie Frappart of France made soccer history Tuesday as the first woman to officiate a men’s World Cup match when she took the field as the fourth official in the game between Mexico and Poland.

Top US diplomat critical of FIFA armband threat at World Cup

As the first players with the armbands took the field on Monday, soccer officials warned players would be shown yellow cards. This can lead to a player getting kicked out of a game and the next one.

How does USA advance at World Cup? We track all Group B scenarios

After a likely three points turned into one for the United States on Monday night with a 1-1 tie against Wales, there are a swath of scenarios that will dictate whether the team has a medium or long-term future in the 2022 World Cup.

Mighty Messi, Argentina open World Cup with stunning loss, now face uphill climb

Lionel Messi and Argentina were on the receiving end of one of the biggest stunners in World Cup history Tuesday, as Saudi Arabia pulled off a monumental 2-1 upset at Lusail Stadium.