World Cup 2026 day five: All the latest as Klopp apologises, FIFA investigate official and Potter injured

WATCH NOW: Chris Waddle interview ahead of England's World Cup bid

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 15/06/2026

- 08:10

Updated: 15/06/2026

- 10:43
Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 15/06/2026

- 08:10

Updated: 15/06/2026

- 10:43

Keep up to date with all today's World Cup coverage from GB News

It's the fifth day of this summer's huge World Cup, with three games taking place later on.

Minnows Cape Verde face the difficult task of downing Spain, who are among the favourites for the tournament.


La Roja last won football's biggest prize back in 2010 and have often struggled to scale those dizzying heights in the time since.

However, having won the European Championships two years ago - and possessing top names in every department - Spain go into the tournament with high hopes and expectations.

Later in the day, Belgium are in action.

They'll go up against an Egypt side still spearheaded by Mohamed Salah, who recently left Liverpool after a glittering nine-year stint.

The final game of the day sees Saudi Arabia do battle with Uruguay.

Southgate backs England to win World Cup ahead of Croatia match

Gareth Southgate has wished England good luck ahead of their World Cup opener against Croatia after revealing why he turned down television punditry work for the tournament.

The former Three Lions boss said he deliberately chose to stay out of the spotlight to avoid creating distractions for Thomas Tuchel and his squad.

Southgate said he did not want any comments to be misconstrued or become talking points during press conferences.

Instead, the 55-year-old will support England from afar, expressing confidence that a squad hardened by previous semi-finals, finals and penalty shootout victories is now “ready to win” the World Cup.

Major England team news leaks ahead of Croatia match

Anthony Gordon is poised to start over Marcus Rashford for England's World Cup match with Croatia

Anthony Gordon is poised to start over Marcus Rashford for England's World Cup match with Croatia

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GETTY

Anthony Gordon is set to start England’s World Cup opener against Croatia, with manager Thomas Tuchel favouring the winger’s energy, discipline and tactical awareness from the first whistle.

Rather than viewing Gordon and Marcus Rashford as direct rivals, Tuchel sees both as key weapons, with Rashford potentially deployed as an impact substitute.

In defence, Ezri Konsa is expected to partner John Stones, while concerns remain over Bukayo Saka.

Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham appears to have moved ahead in the race for the No 10 role behind captain Harry Kane.

Japan fans classily tidy up stadium after Netherlands draw

Japanese fans have once again won widespread praise after cleaning up the stands following their World Cup opener against the Netherlands in Dallas.

Thousands of supporters arrived at AT&T Stadium carrying bin bags and stayed behind after the thrilling 2-2 draw to collect rubbish.

While goals from Keito Nakamura and Koki Ogawa earned Japan a valuable point, many fans were equally impressed by the conduct of the travelling supporters.

Images of Japanese fans tidying the stadium quickly went viral, with many describing them as “classy” and “respectful”.

The gesture continues a long-standing tradition that has become synonymous with Japanese football culture.

Graham Potter speaks out after suffering mystery injury

Graham Potter joked he may need to study footage after being left with a bloodied ear during Sweden’s 5-1 World Cup victory over Tunisia.

The former West Ham, Chelsea and Brighton boss was seen bleeding from his right ear on the touchline and admitted afterwards he was unsure how the injury occurred, suggesting he may have been scratched or even bitten in the celebrations.

Despite the bizarre incident, Potter was delighted with Sweden’s impressive start to the tournament.

Goals from Yasin Ayari, Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and Mattias Svanberg secured victory, with matches against the Netherlands and Japan to come.

FIFA investigating official over hand gesture

FIFA is aware of footage involving match official Shaun Evans after a hand gesture made before Germany's World Cup opener against Curaçao attracted attention online.

Evans, serving as a support VAR official, appeared to make an upside-down “OK” sign during a pre-match broadcast segment.

While the gesture is commonly used innocently, some organisations have noted it can carry other interpretations depending on context and intent.

FIFA has not publicly commented beyond acknowledging awareness of the footage.

There is currently no public indication that Evans intended to convey any political, ideological or discriminatory message.

Jurgen Klopp forced to issue apology on live TV

Jurgen Klopp has been forced to issue an on-air apology after a comment about Julian Nagelsmann sparked speculation over Germany's managerial future.

Working as a television pundit at the World Cup, Klopp said Nagelsmann was “still” selecting the team while discussing Germany’s line-up with Thomas Muller.

The innocent remark then quickly fuelled debate about Klopp potentially succeeding Nagelsmann.

Following Germany’s 7-1 win over Curaçao, Klopp clarified there was no hidden meaning, joking he could have “punched himself in the face” for using the word.

Nagelsmann laughed off the incident and accepted the apology.

Good morning and welcome to day five of the World Cup

Spain, Egypt and Uruguay are all in action at the World Cup later today

Spain, Egypt and Uruguay are all in action at the World Cup later today

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GETTY

Good morning and welcome to our coverage of day five of the World Cup.

In case you missed anything, there were two games overnight.

Manchester United's Amad Diallo scored the winner as Ivory Coast edged Ecuador 1-0.

And Sweden ran riot against Tunisia, thumping them 5-1, with Premier League stars Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres on target.

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