Real Madrid have a verbal agreement in place to sign Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella after the World Cup in a deal worth up to £51.7 million, one of the standout moves developing away from the tournament. Tottenham, meanwhile, secured one of their own key pieces by tying right-back Pedro Porro to a new long-term contract through 2031.

On the field, Germany produced the most emphatic opening result with a 7-1 win over Curacao in Group E. Curacao briefly caused problems and celebrated their first-ever World Cup goal through Livano Comenencia, but Germany still began with a commanding victory. Ivory Coast joined them on three points after a 1-0 win over Ecuador in Philadelphia, where Manchester United winger Amad Diallo struck in the 90th minute to end Ecuador’s 19-game unbeaten run dating to September 2024.

Sweden were just as convincing in Group F, opening with a five-goal win over Tunisia. Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and Yasin Ayari were all on the scoresheet in a strong start. The other game in the group finished 2-2 as Japan rescued a point against the Netherlands in Dallas. Virgil van Dijk gave the Dutch an early lift, Crysencio Summerville restored their lead later on, but Daichi Kamada scored late to earn Japan a draw.

Brazil’s campaign began with a 1-1 draw against Morocco in New Jersey, with Vinicius Junior on target. Australia also made a winning start in Group D, beating Turkey 2-0 as 20-year-old Nestory Irankunda became the Socceroos’ youngest ever World Cup goalscorer. FIFA is also investigating an incident before Germany’s match involving a hand gesture described as a “white supremacy” sign.