
Summary
Canada advances to the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time after a thrilling 1-0 victory over South Africa, secured by a stoppage-time goal from Stephen Ustakiao. The Canadian team celebrated their historic achievement, with coach Jesse Marsh praising his players as heroes for future generations. They will face either Morocco or the Netherlands in their next match in Houston on July 4.
Meanwhile, England prepares for a crucial knockout match against the Democratic Republic of Congo after a tight turnaround from their previous game. The squad has returned to Kansas City for training, with concerns about injuries, particularly to Gerald Kwanza, who suffered a twisted ankle. Coach Thomas Tuchel is focused on ramping up preparations as the intensity of the tournament increases.
In contrast, Scotland's World Cup journey ends with the resignation of manager Steve Clarke following their elimination. Despite a historic qualification for the tournament, Scotland struggled to make an impact, finishing at the bottom of their group. The Scottish Football Association is now tasked with finding a new head coach, aiming to build on recent successes and prepare for upcoming tournaments, including Euro 2028.
Show Notes
Hayley McQueen is here to bring you up to date with everything you need to know from the 2026 World Cup. The knockout stages got underway with co-hosts Canada taking on South Africa and there was late drama in Los Angeles. Plus, we get an update from Rob Dorsett as England prepare for their game against DR Congo and we hear from Luke Shanley for the final time as Scotland head home from the tournament. - •For all the latest football news, head to www.skysports.com/football •For advertising opportunities email: [email protected]
More from Essential Football
What happens when you've said goodbye to your old stadium, but the move to your new home doesn't quite go to plan? Caroline and Ben go in search for more lost grounds and chat to a Coventry City fan, Richard, about his memories of Highfield Road and look back on the club's difficult times away from it. We also hear about a community 'sprouting' around Swansea's Vetch Field and we head to Stoke on a wet Tuesday....or Wednesday, depending when you listen to this pod! If we didn't visit your favourite old ground in this episode, chances are Ben went there in his 'Lost Grounds' TV documentary, which you can find 'on demand' on your Sky TV or watch on the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel.
Luke Shanley sits down with new Hibernian manager Marink Reedijk on the latest episode of Essential Football. Reedijk tells us about his ambitions for the club, the task that faces him to move them off the bottom of the Scottish Premiership, his footballing philosophy and how recruitment will work under his management. - •For all the latest football news, head to www.skysports.com/football •For advertising opportunities email: [email protected]
Caroline Barker joins Sky Sports News' Ben Ransom on his pilgrimage to discover what happens to football grounds after they close their gates forever. In episode two, we visit the former home of Premier League champions, the Wembley of the North, and a special memorial to North Korea. If we didn't mention your favourite old ground on this podcast, chances are Ben visited there for his Lost Grounds TV documentary, which you can find 'on demand' on your Sky TV or watch on the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel.
Caroline Barker joins Sky Sports News' Ben Ransom on his quest to find out what happens to football grounds when they close their gates forever. In episode one, journalist Oliver Holt shares his memories of Goodison Park, Roker Park, Maine Road and more, as we discover what remains of these former stadia. If we didn't mention your favourite old ground on this podcast, chances are Ben visited there for the Lost Grounds TV show, which you can find 'on demand' on your Sky TV or across our Sky Sports YouTube channels.
Join us in search of England's lost football grounds - episode one, coming soon!