Canadian soccer star; Bayern Munich fullback and Canada captain
Co-hosts Mexico and the United States are finalising squads amid tactical adjustments, while Canada eyes a strong run in a competitive Group and Scotland look to kick off with momentum. The Guardian and Al Jazeera pieces outline strategic setups and key players ahead of the tournament.
The USMNT has shown improved form under Mauricio Pochettino ahead of the World Cup, with a 3-2 win over Senegal highlighted by strong backline shape, dynamic wing-backs Sergiño Dest and Antonee Robinson, and a return to goals from Christian Pulisic as part of a confident 90-minute performance.
Canada’s coach Jesse Marsch has emphasised national pride and the home World Cup pressure ahead of Friday’s Group B opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina, while stating Canada and the US are embracing the moment rather than fearing it.
Canada has claimed its first World Cup finals victory with a 6-0 thrashing of Qatar, led by Jonathan David’s hat-trick. Ismael Koné suffers a serious leg injury, while Canada tops Group B with four points after two matches. Next up: Switzerland in Vancouver.
England extends its 4-2 victory after a measured lineup; Ghana brings in Benjamin Asare after injury and recalls Thomas Partey amid visa issues. Canada and Morocco lineups unfold in mid-tage fixtures for WC 2026.
Shifting consumer behavior amid rising restaurant prices shows grocery prepared foods gaining ground as a substitute for dining out. Chains report softer sales in March as gas prices spike, while some offer value promotions to attract budget-minded customers.
Morocco has beaten Canada 3-0 in Houston to reach the World Cup round of 16, with Azzedine Ounahi scoring twice (50', 82') and Soufiane Rahimi adding a stoppage-time third. Canada had early chances but could not convert; Morocco will play the winner of Paraguay v France in Boston on Thursday.
France has advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals after Mbappé converted a 70th-minute penalty to beat Paraguay 1-0 in Philadelphia. He is now seven goals in the tournament, tying Lionel Messi for the top-scorer title with Mbappé one behind Messi’s overall World Cup record. France will face Morocco in Foxborough in the next round.