World Cup LIVE: Scotland penalty fury as Lionel Messi letter sent to FIFA

Cunha's at it again, and this time it's pure class.

Vinicius Junior breaking through the Haitian midfield, clips a through ball for Cunha, who is leaning back and near the corner of the box, fires it with his left foot into the top near corner.

That might be game over already. Long way back for Haiti.

Matheus Cunha has tripled his tally of international goals for Brazil tonight after firing in a second to double Brazil's lead against Haiti before half-time

Well, it took longer than expected, but Brazil have now got the goal that looked like it was coming more or less from the very first kick.

It was Matheus Cunha with his second international goal in the 23rd minute who gave Brazil the lead.

It wasn't quite samba-style as the Manchester United striker bundled home from close range after some scruffy defending from Haiti.

Raphinha has the ball in the back of the net for Brazil, but the offside flag is up, and it's still all square as Haiti continue to hold out.

Brazil will go top of Group C with a win in Philadelphia, while, after Morocco beat Scotland, a defeat for Haiti would make them the first team eliminated from the World Cup.

Two changes for Brazil as Matheus Cunha comes in for Igor Thiago up front, while Danilo replaces Roger Ibanez at right-back.

Brazil: Alisson Becker; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos; Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes; Raphinha, Lucas Paqueta, Vinicius Junior; Matheus Cunha.

Wilson Isidor drops out of the Haiti as they take on a more defensive look, as Duverne is in at the back.

Haiti: Placide; Arcus, Ade, Duverne, Delcroix, Experience; Casimir, Jean Jacques, Bellegarde, Providence; Pierrot.

Algeria have complained to FIFA about alleged poor refereeing during their 3-0 loss to Argentina, according to Reuters. They are said to have sent FIFA’s refereeing commission, which reportedly references Lionel Messi's challenge on their captain, Aissa Mandi, that went unpunished, despite the hat-trick hero seemingly standing on his calf.

Morocco have their first win of this World Cup after holding on to their 1-0 lead late on, as Scotland pushed to cancel out the goal by Ismael Saibari after 70 seconds. That result moves the African champions top of Group C, with Steve Clarke's side second for now, but they would drop to third if Brazil beat Haiti next up.

Scotland are appealing for a penalty in vain after Scott McTominay went down inside the area as they push for an equaliser against Morocco in this second half.

Two more changes for Scotland - but still no sign of Lawrence Shankland. Lyndon Dykes is the player Steve Clarke turns to upfront, replacing Che Adams in a like-for-like change. Kenny McLean is also on in midfield for Ryan Christie.

Steve Clarke's first change comes on the hour mark as Ben Gannon-Doak comes on for Kieran Tierney, reversing one of the three changes made to Scotland's side for this game.

No changes at half-time for either side, but it surely can't be long before Steve Clarke looks towards his bench, especially with Ben Gannon-Doak and Lawrence Shankland among his options to introduce after dropping out of the starting XI for this match.

Speaking on ITV Sport the former Spurs boss said:

And that is the first 45 minutes.

Scotland have had their best period of the game in the final five minutes of the half, but they trail thanks to Ismael Saibari's early goal.

Scotland have five minutes to try and find something before half time.

They have just had their first real effort on goal, with John McGinn unable to connect properly with the ball at the back post.

Bilal El Khannouss had a brilliant chance to make it 2-0, but his shot sailed over the bar.

It would have come with some controversy if it had gone in, with it looking like there was a foul on Scott McTominay in the build-up to the chance.

At the first hydration break, it remains 1-0 to Morocco thanks to the early goal.

The break will give Steve Clarke a chance to talk to his players on the sidelines. Although he initially seemed to stand back, he is now intently chatting to his squad.

TV cameras have just shown Pep Guardiola watching on from the stands.

It's Morocco who are enjoying most of the possession, but when Scotland do get the ball, they are failing to make anything when getting forward.

All of their chances seem to be breaking down before they can think about challenging the goalkeeper.

While things might not be going right for the team on the pitch at the minute, it was another moment to remember of fand and players as they lined up to sing the national anthem.

In just the second minute, it's Morocco who have taken the lead.

Ismael Saibari beat the offside trap and smashed the ball into the top corner.

It took 71 seconds.

Scotland vs Morocco is underway.

Remember Scotland need just a point to seal a place in the knockout stages.

Scotland supporters have been enjoying themselves over in the US. And as you can see from our clip below, they have been mingling with Morocco fans ahead of kick-off.

Just over 30 minutes to go until kick-off at Boston Stadium as Scotland take on Morocco. Full team news below.

Scotland XI: Gunn, Patterson, Hendry, Hanley, Tierney, Robertson, McGinn, Ferguson, Christie, McTominay, Adams.

Morocco XI: Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi; Diaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Saibari.

"USA! USA! USA!" rings out around Seattle Stadium. The USA supporters have been in fine voice before, during and after this game.

They are right behind their side, and it is easy to understand why. Speaking on the BBC just now, Wayne Rooney said: “The second half wasn't great, but USA did their job in the first half.

“Australia got back into the game, they huffed and puffed, they couldn't get a goal to put a bit more pressure on the USA. Deserved win.

Well, that is two wins from two for the USA as they comfortably dispatch Australia at Seattle Stadium. An own goal from Cameron Burgess set Mauricio Pochettino’s side on their way before Alex Freeman made it 2-0 just before the break. And that is how it stayed. The USA will officially win the group if Turkey fail to beat Paraguay in the early hours of Saturday morning.

We are into stoppage time at Seattle Stadium, but there were some bizarre scenes just now as the game was stopped due to referee Felix Zwayer going down with cramp. After a little stretch and some assistance from fourth official Katia Garcia, he is back on his feet and the game is back underway. But that was certainly a first.

More chants of 'USA, USA' ring around Seattle Stadium. The USA supporters have really got behind their side tonight, and Mauricio Pochettino’s players have responded with a dominant performance. And it isn’t just inside the stadium where USA supporters have celebrated wildly; those watching in the Houston fan zone went wild as well, and you can watch those scenes below.

Back underway at Seattle Stadium and it is no surprise that Tony Popovic has made a triple change at the break. The USA were superb in the opening 45 minutes, but, being honest, Australia were really poor. Almost like the occasion has got the better of them. Can they turn things around in the next 45 minutes? We are about to find out.

Half-time and the USA lead 2-0 thanks to an own goal from Cameron Burgess and an Alex Freeman header. Mauricio Pochettino’s side have been in total control and have the lead that their dominance deserves. The atmosphere inside Seattle Stadium has been electric and, as things stand, the USA are heading into the knockout rounds

Goal given following the VAR check. It looked onside after one replay, to be fair. Alex Freeman was the scorer as he headed the ball home from close-range after a shot was blocked. Mauricio Pochettino's side are in total control.

The USA have the ball in the net, but the flag goes up just as the celebrations start. VAR will of course have a look, and this might be given.

Marcus Rashford has given England a fitness scare ahead of their World Cup clash with Ghana.

The forward complained of muscle tightness at the end of England’s win over Croatia as he also appeared to be feeling his hamstring.

Rashford came on as a late substitute and his electric pace helped him score a fourth goal to seal the win over Croatia.

However, it is hoped that Rashford did not suffer any major issue ahead of England’s next Group match with Ghana in Boston on Tuesday.

But clearly they will be taking care of England players in the quick turnaround of a tournament especially as they have all been training and playing in different weather conditions which may have resulted in several complaining of cramp.

Boss Thomas Tuchel has spoken about the value of his wingers - and particularly how there can be starters and “finishers” to come on from the bench.

The USA take the lead as Cameron Burgess turns the ball into his own net after good work from Folarin Balogun.

It is the seventh own goal of the tournament already - and two of them have gone the way of the USA.

Chants of 'USA, USA' ring around Seattle Stadium as the home fans celebrate.

Here we go. We are underway as the USA take on Australia. Both sides won their opening games, and the atmosphere is electric inside Seattle Stadium. A win for either side will secure their passage into the knockout rounds.

Less than one hour to go until the USA take on Australia and team news is in, with Christian Pulisic injured in a massive blow for the hosts.

US (4-2-3-1): Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, Robinson; Adams, Tillman; Dest, Pepi, McKennie; Balogun.

Australia (5-4-1): Beach; Italiano, Circati, Souttar, Burgess, Bos; Leckie, O'Neill, Okon-Engstler, Velupillay; Toure.

By Jeremy Cross in Houston

Argentina have rallied round Lionel Messi in the wake of the fake news about his father’s death.

The controversy has caused a national outcry in Argentina, after a TV presenter claimed Messi’s dad had passed away.

It was also reported the footballing icon would be heading home from the World Cup.

Messi’s family released a strong statement, insisting Jorge Messi was OK, despite suffering health issues.

Now Lionel Scaloni’s squad have been taking extra steps to make sure Messi is coping with the unwanted scandal and distraction.

Messi is the only member of the squad to have his own bedroom at the team’s base in Kansas.

So fellow team-mates have been taking it in turn to spend time with their captain and talisman.

It’s understood he has even been visited by the team chef, and president of the Argentine Football Association, Claudio Tapia.

The squad held a training session this morning, in which Messi took a full part.

Argentina will fly to Dallas on Sunday ahead of their second group game against Austria.

Now some very interesting news, as the Independent is tonight reporting that Gary Lineker is set to make a shock appearance for ITV as part of their 2026 World Cup coverage on Saturday.

They claim that former Match of the Day host Lineker will be an ITV pundit for the Group E clash between Germany and Ivory Coast.

Lineker is in the US to host The Rest Is Football podcast, produced by his company Goalhanger Podcasts, throughout the tournament.

However, Lineker is not tied down to the streaming giant and will hop across the East River to feature on ITV’s World Cup coverage, which directly rivals his former employers at the BBC.

By Jeremy Cross in Houston

Ruben Dias believes the criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo will never stop.

But the Manchester City defender has told those taking pot shots at the Portugal squad, that it means nothing to him and his team-mates.

Roberto Martinez and his flops have endured a miserable World Cup start after failing to beat minnows DR Congo.

To make matters worse, Ronaldo threw a strop in Houston after marching down the tunnel at the final whistle.

Martinez, who is expected to stand down following the tournament, has also been accused of lacking the courage to drop or substitute Ronaldo.

But Dias insists it is all water of a duck's back.

Dias, who is an £80m target of Real Madrid this summer, said: "I think nothing new is happening.

"Even within the difficulty, everyone is in their comfort zone in terms of knowing how to handle the situation.

"I've never seen a difficult moment as an insurmountable wall. Like I said, it's not an issue. It's just noise. It's part of playing for this national team. It's not important to us."

Dias believes everyone is to blame for the poor result - not just Ronaldo.

He said: "First of all, the arrows aren't pointing at just one player. Cristiano is a major focus of attention, but I think we're all involved.

"Above all, apart from what I just said, I don't think anything out of the ordinary is happening.

"It's always been like this since I've been here. I believe it will continue to be in the future."

Martinez's squad were hammered for spending some time on the beach, close to their World Cup camp in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

But Dias has pointed his finger at the media, for stirring up trouble for the sake of it.

He added: "I think it should never have been a topic. A large part of the blame lies with you (media), all of you, for the lack of information among the people who read everything you share with them.

"It is also your duty to inform them correctly. I think it's more than normal, I think it's beneficial.

"Time is an essential issue. It's good for us. Done the right way, there are only benefits.

"The manager wasn't afraid to do it (go to beach), even knowing what they (media) were going to do. I take my hat off to him."

Ismael Kone admitted that the support of his team-mates will stay with him forever as he spoke for the first time since sustaining a horrific injury during Canada’s win over Qatar.

Kone suffered a broken leg during his side’s 6-0 World Cup victory following a challenge from Assim Madibo.

The tackle occurred in the 52nd minute of the Group B match in Vancouver, and although Kone was able to sit up as he was carried off the field on a stretcher, he is now set for a long period out.

But taking to Instagram on Friday afternoon, the 24-year-old thanked his team-mates for their support and promised to be back very soon.

He said: “ALLAH has never failed me. Throughout my life, not even once. So why doubt him now? Especially knowing that. He knows and sees everything before it even happened. He has a plan and a vision for all of us.

“This battle is test to my faith in him and to my character. And honestly I’m ready for it because, ALLAH will never give you a challenge that you can’t overcome and being tested is the best of gift from god.

“Your love and support has been felt, honestly thank you so much. You can’t even imagine, how grateful I am to everyone who reached out and that has me in their prayers. I thank god for that because not everyone is this fortunate.

“To Canadian brothers, as I turned myself into assistant coach to support you from the sideline. I wanted you to know that I love you guys from the bottom of my heart and our brotherhood is everything to me.

“What you guys did yesterday will stay with me forever. I’ll be back very soon and we’ll keep making more memories together.”

Jordan Pickford believes England are ready to kick on in their second group match against Ghana having beaten Croatia on Wednesday night.

The Three Lions were twice pegged back after Harry Kane scored two in the first-half, but second-half strikes from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford secured three points for Tuchel’s side in their Group L opener.

But looking ahead to Tuesday's game at Gillette Stadium, the Everton goalkeeper said: “I think it was a good game, and I think in general you probably needed that test for the first game.

“Everyone always says in tournament football the first game’s the most important to win and the hardest one to win.

“We’ve played Croatia a lot over the years and we know they’re a top nation, so we needed to be on our A game.

“But my job to make saves when called upon, and it is the skipper’s job to put them away like (Harry Kane) always does.

“I think overall we will take a lot of good from it. From the two goals we conceded, but also the play with the goals we scored and the chances we created. As a collective, we’ll take a lot of positives from it and we’ll drive forward in the next game.”

By Ryan Taylor

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis will attend Belgium's clash with Iran to cast an eye over Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne.

Both are facing uncertain futures in Naples.

Lukaku has expressed a desire to stay with the Italian club despite playing only 64 minutes last season due to injury.

He was also caught up in disciplinary proceedings after allegedly ignoring a request to report for training in late March.

Meanwhile, De Bruyne recently declared he was pleased to see the back of Antonio Conte because his football was too defensive.

Speaking during a recent press conference, De Laurentiis hit out at both players, stating: "They have made statements that are either acceptable or unacceptable depending on your point of view.

"We’ll see what happens when we all get back to work. We’ll see what the new coach thinks of it. If someone has to leave, they will leave. What’s the problem? There are plenty of footballers in the world."

Lukaku is unlikely to start despite forcing an own goal from the bench against Egypt.

By Jeremy Cross in Houston

Houston has topped a World Cup table it never wanted to.

The one relating to the least eco-friendly host cities at the tournament.

A survey from environmental specialists 'Action Survey' has made Houston the worst out of the chosen 16.

This is down to the fact it suffers serious problems with extreme heat, air pollution issues and flooding.

The other four cities making up to the top five list of shame are Miami, Dallas, Guadalupe and Kansas City.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino take note.

Or perhaps not, considering Infantino has been flying around North America on a fuel-guzzling private jet, so he can watch two games a day.

Scotland and Morocco supporters are in good spirits ahead of the Group C clash at Boston Stadium tonight. Our journalists have been embedded with the Tartan Army since the World Cup got underway, and you can watch the clip below.

By Jeremy Cross in Houston

Morocco's World Cup plans have been thrown into turmoil, after star defender Achraf Hakimi was told he will stand trial for rape.

French prosecutors began investigating allegations against the Paris Saint Germain ace back in 2023.

A trial was ordered to take place in 2026, which Hakimi appealed against.

But it has been confirmed Hakimi's appeal to have the case dismissed has failed.

Hakimi, who is set to lead his side out for their second World Cup fixture against Scotland tonight, has consistently denied the accusations.

He has taken to social media to plead his innocence, claiming the legal system has made him a target of unfair proceedings because he is a famous footballer.

He said: "The justice system looked me in the eye and said, 'If you weren't famous, there would never have been a case.

"I chose to remain silent for years. I believed that maintaining my dignity, being patient, and trusting in the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made.

"Today, a story that isn't mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth. I sometimes feel like I've become an easy target.

"I've been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I'm eagerly awaiting it. Finally, I'll be able to speak."

In the meantime, Hakimi could face difficulties travelling through North America for future games in the World Cup.

Should Morocco progress to the knockout stages, Hakimi faces being blocked from entering Canada or Mexico if his team is drawn to play there.

Last week, Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey missed his side's opening game against Panama in Toronto, after being denied entry into Canada.

Partey was blocked due to him facing outstanding charges of rape. He appealed the decision, but failed.

Hakimi, who has won 97 caps and helped Morocco reach the semi finals in Qatar 2022, was part of the PSG team which made it back-to-back Champion League titles last season.

England began their World Cup campaign in fine style with a 4-2 victory over Croatia on Wednesday, reports Charlie Malam.

And now, the Three Lions have been tipped by a supercomputer to win the competition in North America, despite the possibility of some tough fixtures ahead.

Jeremy Cross in Houston

FIFA have had years to prepare for the weather predictable conditions at this World Cup.

FIFA will have had to have been operating on the moon not to realise that, in Houston in June, it's scorching hot.

But it appears organisers in the Texan city still have to scramble around reacting to the weather, and how it is affecting those thousands of fans who visit the Fan Zone.

Extra water has had to be shipped in, and countless safety warnings have been issued to visitors, due to temperatures soaring above 90F.

Who'd have thought it?

And now organisers have been forced to commission thousands of special 'cooling towels' to dish out to supporters flocking to the downtown site.

Jeremy Armstrong in Kansas City

England's loyal army of 'superfans' is enjoying some epic road trips to see their heroes in action.

The "Brits in St Louis" were flying the flag in Dallas. Matt Burgess, and Millwall fan George Burgess, both 32 and from Bromley in Kent, had travelled from Winnipeg to Dallas, via South Dakota, a road trip of 1300 miles.

Tom Marsh, 39, originally from Brighton, flew in from Vancouver in a full England goal keeper kit because his mates said he looked like Jordan Pickford.

Garford Beck, 64, a civil servant from London, is hopping on a Greyhound bus from Dallas to Boston which will take 40 hours.

"It is £135 and I am going to Nashville and New York before Boston, traveling through Memphis, Jackson, Knoxville, and Charlottesville. That is what you will remember: the places and the people."

Jeremy Cross in Houston

Praising FIFA feels like something which has become extinct.

But one individual working at the Houston Stadium deserves the freedom of the city, following his actions in the wake of Portugal's shock draw with DR Congo.

The official in question stepped in when Cristiano Ronaldo attempted to escape through the stadium's back doors.

And made him walk through the media 'Mixed Zone', which is what players are ordered to do following matches.

Ronaldo looked suitably put out.

And who can blame him, because making the walk of shame past the world's media following a performance like the one he put in, was the last thing Ronaldo wanted.

But this bloke in a blazer didn't care less.

He was just doing his job - and is now a social media sensation as a result.

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has opened up on his plans to use Endrick during the country's match against Haiti n the World Cup.

Ancelotti said, via ESPN.

United States manager Mauricio Pochettio has praised Australia and their boss, Tony Popovic ahead of their match in the World Cup later today.

Pochettino said, via ESPN:

He added:

England took part in a behind-closed-doors friendly as their World Cup campaign continues.

The Three Lions faced Sporting Kansas City on Thursday, claiming a 5-1 victory.

Ivan Toney scored a hat-trick while Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins were also on the score sheet.

Canada star Ismael Kone is facing surgery after suffering a horrific injury during the World Cup fixture against Qatar, reports Scott Trotter.

Reports have claimed that the midfielder has fractured both his fibula and tibia.

Kone was stretchered off the pitch after a foul Assim Madibo, who was given a red card for the challenge.

Harry Kane has explained why the full-time scenes after England's win over Croatia was one of his favourite moments for his country in his career.

The Three Lions claimed a 4-2 win in Dallas, and Oasis' song 'Wonderwall' was then played in the stadium, where the players and fans sang along.

Kane said:

Another busy day of World Cup action is ahead, with four crucial matches taking place across Group C and Group D on Friday.

Group C

Scotland vs Morocco (11pm UK time)

Brazil vs Haiti (1.30am UK time)

Group D

United States vs Australia (8pm UK time)

Turkiye vs Paraguay (4.30am UK time)

TV presenter Florencia Pena has announced she has resigned from her job after falsely stating that Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge, had died.

Before Messi’s family issued a statement about the health of the Argentina star’s father, Pena falsely stated during a broadcast on Luzu TV's El Show del Verano that Messi’s dad had passed away.

Pena has now apologised for her remarks and has announced her departure from the TV show.

Pena said in a statement:

Iran are set to complain to FIFA about the travel restrictions that have been placed on the team during the World Cup.

The country are being permitted to arrive ahead of their game one day before the match, but are being forced to leave on the same evening that the fixture finishes.

Iran requested to be able to travel to Los Angeles two days before their match against Belgium, but this request was rejected.

As a result, Iran are set to complain to FIFA, and have issued a statement:

A spokesperson added:

Greetings and welcome to the latest World Cup LIVE blog, brought to you by Express Sport.

We'll be on hand throughout the day to keep you posted on the latest updates from the tournament in North America.

Make sure you stay tuned!