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The Employee Survival Guide® is the no-nonsense employment law podcast made exclusively for employees. After 200+ episodes, we deliver the straight talk your employer and HR don’t want you to hear — covering every work and career issue that actually matters. Hosted and produced by Mark Carey, a veteran employment lawyer with 29 years of experience who has litigated hundreds of cases — including class actions — in state and federal courts nationwide.
Spain’s collectivism, England’s hero worship and how a nation’s societal norms can shape its football Original
It was a passing comment from Liverpool’s new head coach during their pre-season tour to the United States, but one that spoke to a defining theme of football history: a nation’s cultural norms can shape the way it plays the game. “I always say that a sense of collectiveness is very important. “Spain has never had the best athletes. If you analyse, in swimming, track and field, they don’t normally win medals. But in collective sports, they are very good.
Replacing Idrissa Gueye: Analysing contenders, and who the data says Everton should target
The last time Everton attempted to replace Idrissa Gueye, it did not go well. Given his impact and work rate at the time, the Merseyside club accepted in summer 2019 that they needed a couple of new additions to fill the void created by his departure to Paris Saint-Germain — a sound theory on paper that fell apart when it came to the actual recruitment of those players.
Why Arsenal need a player like Vinicius Junior Original
Europe’s elite clubs are on high alert as Vinicius Junior enters the final 12 months of his Real Madrid contract. With no imminent suggestion of a renewal in Spain, The Athletic revealed that Arsenal are exploring a deal to bring the 26-year-old to the Emirates Stadium. The left side of Mikel Arteta’s forward line needed strengthening last season.
Why John Stones is still good enough to be on Arsenal and Chelsea’s radar Original
When a Premier League and Champions League winner becomes available in the market, and for no transfer fee, why wouldn’t Europe’s top clubs be on high alert? John Stones is a free agent after 10 seasons with Manchester City, his departure bringing an end to a glittering spell where he lifted 20 major trophies at the club. His mix of experience, leadership and winning mentality is unparalleled.
Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea for £52m makes sense. His experience and physicality are exactly what they need Original
But why the 26-year-old Lacroix? The Athletic reported on June 23 that he was one of Chelsea’s top targets. In the first summer 2026 edition of the Transfer DealSheet on June 2, it was reported they were looking to add a centre-back. That is despite the fact Chelsea already have eight to 10 senior centre-backs on their books, depending on how you classify Jorrel Hato and Josh Acheampong.
What Rodri could bring to Real Madrid: Tempo setting, press resistance, and finally a Kroos replacement?
Rodri could soon be a Real Madrid player, but what will he bring to Jose Mourinho’s side? Rodri became a Ballon d’Or winner and a World Cup champion while at City. If he did sign for Madrid, he would be returning to the city of his birth after seven years away. Here, we look at just how he could prove to be a strong tactical fit at the Bernabeu and what it means for the rest of Madrid’s team. What are Rodri’s strengths?
What Rodri could bring to Real Madrid: Tempo setting, press resistance, and finally a Kroos replacement?
Rodri could soon be a Real Madrid player, but what will he bring to Jose Mourinho's side? Rodri became a Ballon d'Or winner and a World Cup champion while at City. If he did sign for Madrid, he would be returning to the city of his birth after seven years away. Here, we look at just how he could prove to be a strong tactical fit at the Bernabeu and what it means for the rest of Madrid's team. What are Rodri's strengths?
World Cup team of the tournament: Our writers make their picks — and there’s no room for Kane
FIFA have announced their ‘Dream XI’ of the World Cup, which is decided by fan votes throughout the tournament, and it features three Spain players, three from France and two from Argentina, with England’s Jude Bellingham, Norway’s Erling Haaland and Cape Verde’s Vozinha completing the team. To make life a little more interesting, we asked seven of our writers to choose their best XI from the tournament, with one rule: they could have a maximum of two players from any one nation.
World Cup team of the tournament: Our writers make their picks -- and there's no room for Kane
FIFA have announced their 'Dream XI' of the World Cup, which is decided by fan votes throughout the tournament, and it features three Spain players, three from France and two from Argentina, with England's Jude Bellingham, Norway's Erling Haaland and Cape Verde's Vozinha completing the team. To make life a little more interesting, we asked seven of our writers to choose their best XI from the tournament, with one rule: they could have a maximum of two players from any one nation.
World Cup data review: Late comebacks, ambitious passing and an xG milestone Original
Just like that, the World Cup is over — and what a summer of football it has been. An expanded 48-team tournament gave us 104 games in five weeks, and drama was never far away. Red cards, controversy over hydration breaks, and defensive mid-blocks — Sunday’s final was a microcosm of some of the larger trends that emerged from the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Messi’s Argentina level with Spain in World Cup final as halftime show starts: Live updates
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Messi’s Argentina level with Spain in World Cup final as halftime show starts: Live updates Spain and defending champions Argentina are level in a cagey 2026 World Cup final. July 19, 2026 at 4:14 PM EDT Argentina and Spain are level in the World Cup final. Getty Spain 0-0 Argentina Spain and Argentina are level in the 2026 World Cup final. Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi traded early chances at MetLife Stadium, where US President Donald Trump is among those in attendance.
By Luke Brown Verified, Michael Dominski Verified, James Horncastle Verified, Charlie Scott, Mark Carey, Oliver Kay Verified, Liliana Michelena, Adam Crafton Verified, Dermot Corrigan Verified, Michael Bailey, Jack Lang Verified
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The New York Times
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Mbappe starts for France vs. England in World Cup third-place clash: Live updates
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Mbappe starts for France vs. England in World Cup third-place clash: Live updates England and France meet in Miami in the 2026 World Cup’s third-place play-off. July 18, 2026 at 4:26 PM EDT Mbappe is still in the race for the Golden Boot. Reuters France vs England — Latest France and England meet in the World Cup third place play-off match in Miami today. Didier Deschamps is taking charge of France for the final time after his side’s 2-0 defeat against Spain in the first semi-final.
By George Ramsay Verified, Max Mathews Verified, Michael Dominski Verified, Felipe Cardenas Verified, Jack Pitt-Brooke Verified, Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, Mark Carey
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The New York Times
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Spain vs Argentina: Your ultimate tactical guide to the 2026 World Cup final Original
Finals do not get more mouthwatering than this. On one side, you have the most complete, cohesive team in the tournament, with a 19-year-old superstar in their ranks in Lamine Yamal. On the other, a nation led by the best player in the history of the sport in Lionel Messi — now 39, but still capable of deciding the biggest matches almost single-handedly. Sunday’s World Cup final will be contested by Spain and Argentina, and there are narratives to be unpacked all over the pitch.
World Cup final 2026: Everything you need to know
For the first time in World Cup history, the reigning champions of South America will take on the reigning champions of Europe in the final, bidding to be crowned the best team in international soccer. Argentina versus Spain is also a meeting of the two top-ranked teams, with superstar Lionel Messi hoping to lead his country to a second consecutive title and strengthen his claim to be the greatest player of all time.
World Cup final 2026: Everything you need to know
For the first time in World Cup history, the reigning champions of South America will take on the reigning champions of Europe in the final, bidding to be crowned the best team in international soccer. Argentina versus Spain is also a meeting of the two top-ranked teams, with superstar Lionel Messi hoping to lead his country to a second consecutive title and strengthen his claim to be the greatest player of all time.
France vs England mega-preview: Predictions, form guide, key players and more
Is this the game that no player or team wants to be part of? Probably. It is between the two sides who fell one match short of reaching the World Cup final, so that would be understandable. That final is between Spain and Argentina on Sunday, but first, on Saturday, their defeated semi-final opponents, France and England respectively, face off in what FIFA is calling the tournament’s “Bronze final” but to most other people is the third/fourth-place play-off. There will be some intrigue, though.
Spain delivered the most complete performance of the World Cup. Here’s how they did it Original
There is often little to choose between two teams competing in a World Cup semi-final, meaning a piece of magic from an attacking player or a careless mistake from an opponent can be the difference between victory and defeat. That is not how things panned out in Spain’s 2-0 victory over France, in a fascinating contest that saw few instances of individual moments.
England vs. Argentina mega-preview: Predictions, form guide, key players and more Original
Can England stop Lionel Messi leading the reigning champions Argentina to another World Cup final? The Inter Miami star has been in imperious form so far, scoring eight times and setting up two goals for his team-mates en route to the semi-finals. Spain lie in wait again on Sunday for the final at Metlife Stadium in New Jersey, having beaten France in the other semi-final at AT&T Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and the quest for World Cup immortality
In four short weeks, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe have rewritten the course of World Cup history. Both have defied what we thought was possible on football’s biggest, most illustrious stage. They have torn through the competition, sweeping aside nations with their brilliance alone, all while shattering records that had stood for decades before. For Messi, we can only marvel at his longevity, still able to swing games his way at the age of 39.
Is MetLife Stadium’s pitch a problem ahead of World Cup final? Here’s how FIFA tests them
As we reach the business end of an incredible summer of football, all roads now lead towards New York. The 2026 World Cup final will be played at MetLife Stadium, a few miles from Manhattan in New Jersey, but there is an irony that the surface staging the biggest event in football is the one across the 16 venues that has attracted the most criticism during the tournament. “The pitch — I don’t even know if you can call it that,” said France midfielder Adrien Rabiot after their first game on it.
Mbappe starts as France face Spain in 2026 World Cup’s first semifinal: Live updates
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Mbappe starts as France face Spain in 2026 World Cup’s first semifinal: Live updates France and Spain go head-to-head for a place in the World Cup final today. July 14, 2026 at 3:00 PM EDT France and Spain clash for a place in the World Cup final. Getty France 0-0 Spain France and Spain are level in the first half of their heavyweight 2026 World Cup semi-final.
By Luke Brown Verified, Lukas Weese Verified, Max Mathews Verified, Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, Henry Bushnell Verified, Chris Vannini Verified, Liam Tharme Verified, Dermot Corrigan Verified, Mark Carey
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The New York Times
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Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and the quest for World Cup immortality
In four short weeks, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe have rewritten the course of World Cup history. Both have defied what we thought was possible on football’s biggest, most illustrious stage. They have torn through the 2026 edition of the competition, sweeping aside nations with their brilliance alone, all while shattering records that had stood for decades before. For Messi, we can only marvel at his longevity, still able to swing games his way at the age of 39.
France vs Spain mega-preview: Predictions, form guide, key players and more Original
France have a truly outrageous front line. Didier Deschamps’ preferred attacking quartet is Kylian Mbappe (eight goals in this tournament), Ousmane Dembele (the reigning world footballer of the year), Michael Olise (one of the standout players at this World Cup) and Desire Doue (scored twice in the 2025 Champions League final). Their bench is not bad either. Good luck to Unai Simon, the Spain goalkeeper.
Is MetLife Stadium's pitch a problem ahead of World Cup final? Here's how FIFA tests them
As we reach the business end of an incredible summer of football, all roads now lead towards New York. The 2026 World Cup final will be played at MetLife Stadium, a few miles from Manhattan in New Jersey, but there is an irony that the surface staging the biggest event in football is the one across the 16 venues that has attracted the most criticism during the tournament. "The pitch -- I don't even know if you can call it that," said France midfielder Adrien Rabiot after their first game on it.
Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and the quest for World Cup immortality
In four short weeks, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe have rewritten the course of World Cup history. Both have defied what we thought was possible on football's biggest, most illustrious stage. They have torn through the competition, sweeping aside nations with their brilliance alone, all while shattering records that had stood for decades before. For Messi, we can only marvel at his longevity, still able to swing games his way at the age of 39.
What Youri Tielemans would bring to Manchester United: Grace, poise and line-breaking passes Original
Michael Carrick understands the model that served Manchester United well under Sir Alex Ferguson. The success of the 1990s and 2000s was built on a recruitment approach that prioritised bringing the best Premier League talent to Old Trafford before looking further afield across Europe.
How England can test Argentina: Beware Messi’s corners, get Bellingham in behind and target full-backs Original
No team reaches a World Cup semi-final by accident. Argentina will face England after a 3-1 victory over Switzerland, with Lionel Scaloni’s side requiring extra time after another performance that was decided by individual quality more than fluid attacking cohesion. Performances are secondary to results in major international football, but there has been a fallibility to Argentina — much like their upcoming opponents, England.
How will Nottingham Forest adapt to a three-man defence under Oliver Glasner? Original
Oliver Glasner is a man who prefers to talk about mentality and ideology more than formations. His Crystal Palace side was built around everyone perfectly understanding what was expected of them. In a similar fashion to Nuno Espirito Santo, success was garnered from everyone being on the same page. How Glasner’s Palace team played, how they interacted with each other and functioned as a unit was always more important than the Palace utilised.
How will Nottingham Forest adapt to a three-man defence under Oliver Glasner?
Oliver Glasner is a man who prefers to talk about mentality and ideology more than formations. His Crystal Palace side was built around everyone perfectly understanding what was expected of them. In a similar fashion to Nuno Espirito Santo, success was garnered from everyone being on the same page. How Glasner’s Palace team played, how they interacted with each other and functioned as a unit was always more important than the Palace utilised.
What’s it like to play against Lionel Messi, the greatest footballer of all time? Original
It’s a question that almost every footballer would love to be in a position to answer when they sit down with their grandchildren one day. ‘What’s it like to play against Lionel Messi?’ Sharing the pitch with the Argentinian is one of the biggest privileges in the game, even if it can also feel like a form of punishment when he’s setting off on another of those sinuous runs that turn world-class defenders into online jokes.
What’s it like to play against Lionel Messi, the greatest footballer of all time?
It’s a question that almost every footballer would love to be in a position to answer when they sit down with their grandchildren one day. ‘What’s it like to play against Lionel Messi?’ Sharing the pitch with the Argentinian is one of the biggest privileges in the game, even if it can also feel like a form of punishment when he’s setting off on another of those sinuous runs that turn world-class defenders into online jokes.
World Cup mailbag: Questions answered on bigger tournament, A/C fairness, ‘stutter’ penalties Original
Last week we asked you, dear readers, what you wanted to know about the 2026 World Cup. The questions — which came in across discussions and our newsletters — were diverse, ranging from the impact of the heat to stutter run-ups in penalties and how certain statistics are calculated. Thank you for all the queries.
Why Arsenal are looking to add Bruno Guimaraes to their midfield options
News that Arsenal had seen an offer worth under £60million ($79.3m) for Bruno Guimaraes rejected by Newcastle United towards the end of June provoked all manner of reactions. On Tyneside, there was — and still remains — an insistence that the Brazil international is not for sale, not least since there was the possibility of Sandro Tonali going to Tottenham Hotspur, a move that has since been completed.
Messi sees another penalty saved as Argentina trail Egypt at World Cup: Live updates
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Messi sees another penalty saved as Argentina trail Egypt at World Cup: Live updates Yasser Ibrahim headed Egypt into the lead before Lionel Messi’s penalty was saved. July 7, 2026 at 1:11 PM EDT Lionel Messi failed to level from the penalty spot. Getty Score: Argentina 0-1 Egypt Lionel Messi saw another World Cup penalty saved as Egypt raced into a shock lead over Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. Yasser Ibrahim headed home to put the world champions on the back foot early in the day’s first game.
By Luke Brown Verified, Michael Charles Verified, Steve Madeley Verified, Alex Connor Verified, Liam Tharme Verified, James Horncastle Verified, Will Jeanes, Ed Mackey, Liliana Michelena, Oliver Kay Verified, Mark Carey, Simon Hughes Verified
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The New York Times
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Portugal vs Spain, World Cup last 16 mega-preview: What to know, how to watch, who will win? Original
It promises to be one of the most compelling match-ups of the entire World Cup. Portugal, led by 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, take on European champions Spain in the last 16 on Monday evening. Will this be Ronaldo’s last dance? Will 18-year-old Lamine Yamal rise to the big occasion instead? Are these the best two midfields in world football? There are subplots… and subplots to the subplots. Here’s what you need to know. What’s the key info?
Do Brazil have a Casemiro problem? Original
Casemiro’s performance against Japan was a microcosm of his past three seasons at club level. A forgettable first half exposed the 34-year-old’s decreasing mobility on the biggest stage, after being repeatedly overrun by Japan’s energy when they burst through midfield. There were calls for his substitution at half-time, but an injury to Lucas Paqueta meant that Carlo Ancelotti had to shuffle his pack differently.
With each passing summer, the football world grows more surprised by jumps in transfer fees. ‘Value’ does not equate to ‘price’. What Twenty First Group value a player at may differ materially from the same player’s projected price. Value is driven by intrinsic matters, agnostic of market factors — age, position, experience, to name just three.
Spain breeze past Austria into last-16 – are they starting to look like France’s only real challengers?
Spain dominated Austria in Los Angeles to reach the last-16 with a 3-0 victory and looked every bit one of the teams to beat in the World Cup. Among the favourites for the tournament, Spain were in complete control and with Lamine Yamal again pulling tricks and striking fear into defenders, Luis de la Fuente’s side look the biggest challengers to France for the title. They could face the 2022 finalists in the semi-final in Dallas on July 14.
Why the USMNT’s off-the-ball excellence will be a positive ahead of Belgium
Mauricio Pochettino is not in the market for playing underdog football this summer. Momentum is growing after a 2-0 victory for the United States men’s national team over Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was just the second knockout stage win in the nation’s history and booked a last-16 clash with Belgium next week.
Lamine Yamal hoovered up the headlines after making his first World Cup start in Spain’s convincing 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia on June 21 — and with good reason. The Barcelona forward scored the opening goal, and his first at the competition, while becoming the only player to have started both a European Championship and World Cup game aged 18 or younger (he turns 19 on July 13).
Why the USMNT's off-the-ball excellence will be a positive ahead of Belgium
Mauricio Pochettino is not in the market for playing underdog football this summer. Momentum is growing after a 2-0 victory for the United States men's national team over Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was just the second knockout stage win in the nation's history and booked a last-16 clash with Belgium next week.
Are Portugal any good at this World Cup? Original
A simple glance at Roberto Martinez’s squad would have been enough to convince you the individual talent at his disposal was among the best of any nation, arguably only bettered by Didier Deschamps’ France. Despite such quality and depth, Portugal stuttered to the knockout stage with two draws and a single victory to finish second in Group K and set up a round-of-32 clash with Croatia.
Brazil break Japan hearts with last-gasp winner. How did Carlo Ancelotti turn it around? Original
The five-time World Cup winners were in danger of slumping to an historic low in the tournament they have dominated more than any other nation after going behind to Japan in Houston. Carlo Ancelotti’s side were insipid in the first half but an inspired comeback — capped by goals from Casemiro and a last-gasp winner from Gabriel Martinelli — sealed a dramatic 2-1 victory and a place in the last 16, where they will face Norway or Ivory Coast.
World Cup group stage analysis: Impactful substitutes, own goals and a steep rise in mistakes Original
The group phase of the 2026 World Cup has officially come to an end, a blur of 72 games and 215 goals across 17 days, figures that have already eclipsed any other tournament in the competition’s 96-year history. Lucky for us, there are just a few hours to go until the knockout games begin. It has been difficult to keep up with everything that has emerged from the 12 groups, so allow The Athletic to give you a whistle-stop tour of the key themes. What’s with all the own goals?
Colombia vs Portugal LIVE: Ronaldo expected to start 2026 World Cup clash
Colombia vs Portugal LIVE: Ronaldo expected to start 2026 World Cup clash Follow live as Colombia and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal go head to head to win Group K. June 27, 2026 at 4:45 PM EDT Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start today's World Cup clash Getty Colombia vs Portugal — Latest Portugal and Colombia go head-to-head in their final group game, with top spot in Group K on the line at the World Cup.
France thrash Norway with three special goals by Dembele. Are they going to win the World Cup? Original
Ousmane Dembele scored a stunning first-half hat-trick as France cruised into the World Cup knockout stage as winners of Group I. Norway made 10 changes to the starting XI that beat Senegal in their previous game, including resting their star striker Erling Haaland. The game had been billed as a battle between Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, but it was Dembele who stole the show with his three goals, before Desire Doue added a late goal to make it 4-1.
Why Arsenal are looking to add Bruno Guimaraes to their midfield options
On Tyneside, there was an insistence that the Brazil international is not for sale, not least with talks over a deal for team-mate and fellow midfielder Sandro Tonali having opened with Tottenham Hotspur last week. Even in London, though, some associated with Arsenal are hardly enamoured at the interest, given the 28-year-old’s status as a pantomime villain in the new English champions’ eyes since his early days in the Premier League.
This is a historic World Cup for goals, already breaking the previous record. Why? Original
A version of this article was first published on June 21. There is a simple barometer to judge the quality of a major international tournament. More goals typically means more entertainment, and this summer’s World Cup has already treated us to an unprecedented volume of them. We are not even out of the group stage, and the total tally of 177 goals scored is already the highest it has been in the 96-year history of the tournament.
Why Arsenal are looking to add Bruno Guimaraes to their midfield options
News that Arsenal had seen an offer worth under £60million ($79.3m) for Bruno Guimaraes rejected by Newcastle United provoked all manner of reactions. On Tyneside, there was an insistence that the Brazil international is not for sale, not least with talks over a deal for team-mate and fellow midfielder Sandro Tonali having opened with Tottenham Hotspur last week.
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