The Game

Cometh the hour, cometh the man? Scotland are in need of a performance from their talisman against Morocco, can Scott McTominay deliver on the World Cup stage?

Tom Clarke previews that big game with Michael Grant and also chats to Peter Rutzler about USA v Australia, as well as catching you up on all the overnight action as Canada thrash Qatar and Mexico become the first side to qualify for the knockout stage. 

In part two Jonathan Northcroft offers further reflections from the England camp and reveals more about Thomas Tuchel's assistant, Anthony Barry, and explains why he thinks the new brave, no-nonsense approach to coaching, is proving so effective. 

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England finally got their World Cup underway and it was worth the wait as they beat Croatia 4-2 in an entertaining game.

Two goals for captain and talisman Harry Kane, one for Bellingham and Rashford and a performance that at times resembled the high intensity Premier League type game that manager Thomas Tuchel has so often talked about. There were issues defensively and Tuchel wasn't happy at half time, but it was a win, an impressive one, and England had a cutting edge.

Tom Clarke gets immediate reaction from Matt Lawton who was at the game in Dallas, and is then joined by Gregor Robertson and Alyson Rudd

In the second half Tom Allnutt reports from an underwhelming performance by Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal.

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What. A. Night.

Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland showed their star quality with two goals each as France and Norway impressed but then along came Lionel Messi. 

A hat-trick for Argentina's captain as he kicked off his sixth World Cup in style - Tom Clarke spoke to Paul Hirst, James Gheerbrant and Martin Samuel who were at the grounds to witness some big performances from three of the games biggest stars. 

And now, it's England's turn. They kick off their tournament against Croatia, Jonathan Northcroft joined Tom to preview that match and wondered if Harry Kane is ready to show he deserves to be regarded in the same group as those modern greats. 

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Four draws and our first 0-0 but when it's Cape Verde getting a point against Spain we don't care! 

Tom Clarke hears from Martyn Ziegler who spies some empty seats at Saudi Arabia's 1-1 draw with Uruguay and Peter Rutzler who was in Los Angeles to witness Iran's controversial start to this tournament with an entertaining 2-2 draw with New Zealand - which was followed by a remarkable press conference.

Tom also spoke to Michael Grant to hear how Scotland are coping with being top of Group C and he chatted to Paul Hirst who is with the Argentina camp as Lionel Messi prepares to defend his World Cup crown. 

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A thrilling night, loads of goals and familiar names making the headlines. Germany thrashed Curacao 7-1 but maybe the newcomers don't care - Tom Allnutt was in Curacao to watch their debut with the locals as they celebrated their first ever World Cup goal. 

Ian Whittell was at the game of the night as Japan snatched a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands before Victor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak gave Graham Potter and Sweden a big win against Tunisia.

Tom Clarke also caught up with Matt Lawton in the England camp and pondered who Thomas Tuchel might pick to start against Croatia. 

And in part two Tom chatted to Chief Sports Reporter Martyn Ziegler about ticket prices, VAR and those controversial water breaks. 

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Blimey, that was tense! But Scotland have a World Cup win and sit top of Group C thanks to John McGinn's winner against Haiti. Which players stepped up and which need to offer more? 

Steve Clarke's side top the group after Brazil draw with Morocco in an entertaining game. Brazil turned the game after the drinks break - is football now a game of four quarters? 

And we pick the best games to come on Day 4. 

Tom Clarke chats to Gregor Robertson and James Gheerbrant

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The USA started their campaign in style, scoring four against Paraguay. The stadium was full, celebs were out in force and the team looked full of energy. Suddenly USA in the next round or the round of sixteen looks a tough draw - how far can they go?

Not so euphoric for Canada but a decent result against a tough Bosnian side.

In the second half - Scotland's big day is finally here. At 0200 GMT they take on Haiti, McTominay is fit after a minor shock, can they do it? 

Oh and it's Brazil and Morocco too!

Tom Clarke chats to Gregor Robertson

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The World Cup is up and running. The mighty Azteca stadium became the only stadium to host games in three different world cups. Its turf has seen Pele, Maradona and now the 2026 Mexico side. Our reporter Tom Allnutt was in the stadium. Did the match live up to the hype, does it matter? 

Pete Rutzler is our reporter following team USA, he gives us a quick run down of the American team...how far will they go in the tournament, are the public following it and how much pressure is on Mauricio Pochettino?

Tom and Pete join Tom Clarke on day one of his World Cup marathon, watching every game without waking a three month old baby.

See you tomorrow.

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It is finally here. Tonight Mexico will play South Africa in the opening game. 

Will it be a tournament for the ages or a step too far for over heated and over worked players?

So, a quick look at England - Bellingham or Rogers, Rashford or Gordon?

Your favourite World Cup opening games; teams we'd love to see do well and 

Tom Clarke's mad challenge to watch every match - what are his chances?

Gregor details his recent trip to Croatia to meet Luka Modric; what to eat if you're staying up all night and is 4-4-2 about to make a massive come back!?

Tom is joined by Gregor Robertson and Alyson Rudd.

From tomorrow we'll be here every morning with your essential World Cup Daily Briefing - listen every morning and don't miss a thing.

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Scotland could not be happier going in t the World Cup. When was the last time you heard that - 1928!?

Eight goals in two games and believe it or not even some talk of their talisman John McGinn not making it into Steve Clarkes first eleven. The Tartan army suddenly have a cutting edge, confidence to burn and mounting expectation. Bring on Haiti!

What could possible go wrong?

Who better to ask than three of the finest Scots in sports journalism...

Jonathan Northcroft, Michael Grant and Gregor Robertson join Tom Clarke 

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