Key events
In what feels like an enjoyably bizarre subplot from a World Cup film directed by the Coen Brothers, some enterprising individuals have stolen England’s boots. As reported by Jacob Steinberg, the Football Association will have to liaise with local police in Kansas City as it attempts to retrieve the misappropriated items. If that fails, presumably Harry Kane and co will have to take on Croatia barefoot.
A man in a tracksuit appeared holding aloft a golden ball, like some ancient deity hoisting god’s gonad on his shoulders. At which point an enormous golden Fifa sign appeared, all four letters at least 50ft high, winched down out of the ether like a vision of divine grace – if not the most ludicrous sporting spectacle of all time, then surely the most ludicrous yet.
Barney Ronay was at Los Angeles Stadium last night and, well, it might not be quite right to say he enjoyed the surreal pomp, pageantry and flag waving, but he certainly witnessed it. Here’s his take on events.
Preamble
We’re four games in and this tournament has already had it all: bombastic visuals, belting goals, dramatic comebacks, wide-eyed referees handing out red cards like sweeties, and the sort of political grotesquerie that makes tuning out seem like the last sane option. It’s the Doomscroll World Cup: you know it’s bad for you, but it feels almost impossible to look away.
After the USA’s opening stroll against Paraguay last night, Qatar take on Switzerland next up at 8pm (all times BST) before Brazil go up against Morocco at 11pm. Then it’s time for Scotland’s high-stakes match against Haiti at 2am, while Australia and Turkey face off at 5am.
In the meantime, you can follow all the buildup, latest news, scandals, controversy and geopolitical maneuvering here. As Gianni Infantino might say to the backdrop of a world in flames, chill, relax, and enjoy the show.
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