Last Updated on June 24, 2026
England’s World Cup stalled in a goalless draw with Ghana, while Colombia booked their place in the last 32 with a 1-0 win over DR Congo. Off the pitch, Gary O’Neil landed the Ipswich job and Aaron Ramsey took charge at Oxford United.
England frustrated by Ghana in goalless draw
England followed their impressive 4-2 win over Croatia with a disappointing 0-0 draw against Ghana in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Both sides now sit on four points from two matches, with Ghana having beaten Panama 1-0 in their opener. Later in the night Croatia edged Panama 1-0 to keep alive their hopes of advancing, eliminating Panama in the process.
Jude Bellingham started behind captain Harry Kane, with the 22-year-old Real Madrid star winning his 50th cap to become the youngest Englishman ever to reach the milestone. For Ghana, midfielder Thomas Partey returned to the side after missing the opener because Canada had not accepted his visa application.
Despite dominating the first half, England managed no shot on target before the break, the first such half of this tournament. The first effort on goal came in the 57th minute, when Anthony Gordon, set to leave Newcastle United for Barcelona this summer, shot into the hands of keeper Benjamin Asare. Kane forced a second save in the 69th minute after Bukayo Saka replaced Gordon.
Ghana felt aggrieved late on when Prince Kwabena Adu was brought down by Ezri Konsa, with referee and VAR waving away penalty claims. "This was a clear penalty and a red card," said Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz. "England were lucky that the VAR had just gone to get a coffee." In the closing stages Nico O’Reilly headed against the bar and Kane fired the rebound wildly over.
Colombia book last-32 spot with Muñoz winner
Colombia secured their place in the next round with a 1-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo, their second straight victory in Group K. The decisive goal arrived about 15 minutes from time through right-back Daniel Muñoz, whose effort was deflected into the near corner past keeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau.
Roared on by fanatical support that made it feel like a home fixture, Colombia had 14 attempts and six on target. The biggest early chances fell to Muñoz, who shot just wide of an open goal and had an effort ruled out for offside, while captain James Rodríguez and Bayern München’s Luis Díaz threatened repeatedly. Díaz twice had goals disallowed, once for a foul and once for offside.
Two wins leave Colombia top of Group K on six points, ahead of Portugal, who have four after thrashing Uzbekistan 5-0. The two sides meet in their final group match to decide top spot. Camilo Vargas produced crucial late saves to preserve the clean sheet through six minutes of stoppage time. You can follow live scores and fixtures for the remaining group matches ahead of kick-off.
Gary O’Neil to lead Ipswich’s top-flight return
Ipswich Town have appointed Gary O’Neil as their new manager ahead of their return to the Premier League. The 43-year-old, who was in charge at French club Strasbourg, has signed a three-year deal running to the summer of 2029.
"It is an honour to be appointed manager of this great football club," O’Neil told the club’s website, adding that leading Ipswich in the Premier League was "something I am hugely excited by." On the same day, Oxford United appointed Wales legend Aaron Ramsey as manager following relegation.
Messi leads historic Golden Boot race
Lionel Messi has five goals after two matches, having scored three against Algeria and two against Austria, an average of 2.5 per game. If Argentina reach the final and Messi maintains that rate, he would finish on 20 goals and break Just Fontaine’s record of 13 from the 1958 World Cup.
Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland are also in contention, each scoring twice in their opening two games, while Harry Kane sits on two after his double against Croatia. The expanded 48-team format gives players up to eight matches en route to the final, compared with the six Fontaine played in 1958.
Briefly from the rest
US President Donald Trump will present the World Cup trophy to the winners after the final on 19 July, FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed. The final is scheduled for East Rutherford, New Jersey, with Trump set for a central role in the ceremony.
Portugal led at half-time against Uzbekistan after a Cristiano Ronaldo display, on their way to a 5-0 victory in Group K.
English referee Michael Oliver will officiate Norway’s final group match against France. Oliver, a familiar figure to Premier League viewers with over 400 top-flight games, will be assisted by compatriots Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring.
BBC Sport has traced the origin story of Manchester City and Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo, with former coach David Hockaday recalling the trial that saved his career.
Ofte stillede spørgsmål
What was the score in England v Ghana at the World Cup?
England and Ghana drew 0-0 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. It was the first half of the tournament with no shot on target, and both sides now have four points from two matches.
Have Colombia qualified for the World Cup last 32?
Yes. Colombia beat DR Congo 1-0 through a Daniel Muñoz goal to make it two wins from two, topping Group K on six points and securing a place in the next round.
Who is Ipswich Town’s new manager?
Gary O’Neil, formerly of Strasbourg, has signed a three-year deal as Ipswich manager ahead of their Premier League return, taking him to the summer of 2029.
Who leads the World Cup Golden Boot race?
Lionel Messi leads with five goals after two matches, ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland on four each and Harry Kane on two.
Who will present the World Cup trophy after the final?
US President Donald Trump will present the trophy alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino after the final on 19 July in East Rutherford, New Jersey.