The World Cup action continues today as the group stage drama continues to build.
It has been a memorable tournament so far both on and off the pitch, with co-hosts Canada delivering a statement 6-0 thrashing of nine-man Qatar in Vancouver on Thursday to record their first-ever finals win.
Earlier on day eight, Switzerland announced their arrival in Group B with a 4-1 defeat of Bosnia and Herzgovina in Los Angeles and South Africa’s late penalty salvaged a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in Group A.
What World Cup games are on today?
Fans will have to wait a little longer for today’s opening World Cup contest, which does not kick off until 8pm BST.
But it’s a high-profile affair worth watching as co-hosts the United States return to action in Group D against Australia in Seattle, looking to build upon their 4-1 demolition of Paraguay last weekend.
It was the most goals ever scored by the USA in a men’s World Cup finals match and their joint-biggest win in the history of the competition, with former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun netting a brace in Los Angeles.
Key players: Vinicius Jr, John McGinn and Folarin Balogun all scored vital goals in the first round of group fixtures
Getty Images
They are likely to have a sterner challenge tonight as they face an Australia team also seeking to guarantee their place in the last 32 after seeing off Turkey 2-0 in Vancouver thanks to goals from Watford’s Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe, plus a string of five saves from goalkeeper Patrick Beach.
It’s then quickly over to Boston, where Scotland also similarly hope to seal a knockout berth at the World Cup for the first time at the ninth attempt.
Turkey and Paraguay will hope to bounce back from their respective opening defeats as the action concludes back in Group D in San Francisco.
How to watch World Cup games today
USA vs Australia is being shown live and free-to-air in the UK on BBC One, with coverage beginning at 7:30pm BST ahead of an 8pm kick-off at Seattle Stadium.
Gabby Logan will be on presenting duties, joined by pundits Olivier Giroud, Wayne Rooney and Theo Walcott.
It’s over to ITV1 for Scotland vs Morocco and Brazil vs Haiti, where the programmes begin at 10pm and 1:15am BST respectively. Kick-off for those games is at 11pm and 1:30am.
Turkey vs Paraguay is also on ITV1 from 3:50am, with kick-off at 4am.
