The Beautiful Game, Beautifully Told

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FT

Japan become First team to Qualify for 2026 World Cup

FT
Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2026 fifa.com/tournaments/mens/worldcup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FIFA World Cup, securing their place with a 2-0 victory over Bahrain at Saitama Stadium on Thursday.…

Vinícius scores Late Winner as Brazil edge Colombia

FT
A stoppage-time goal from Vinícius Jr. earned Brazil a crucial 2-1 victory over Colombia in their South American World Cup qualifier on Thursday in Brasilia. The late winner rescued Brazil from what seemed destined to be a third…

Panama Stun USA to reach CONCACAF Nations League Final

FT
The United States' reign as CONCACAF Nations League champions ended with a shock 1-0 defeat to Panama in Inglewood, California, on Thursday. A stoppage-time goal from substitute Cecilio Waterman secured a historic victory for Panama, who…

Ukraine Stun Belgium in Nations League Playoff

FT
Belgium's hopes of avoiding relegation from the top tier of the UEFA Nations League suffered a major blow with a 3-1 defeat to Ukraine in the first leg of their playoff tie on Thursday. The loss intensifies the pressure on new manager Rudi…

Højlund’s Late Winner Gives Denmark Edge Over Portugal

FT
Substitute Rasmus Højlund scored the decisive goal as Denmark secured a 1-0 victory over Portugal in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final in Copenhagen. Højlund's 78th-minute strike, coming just a minute after he missed…