England striker Ivan Toney says clear communication with head coach Thomas Tuchel has resolved earlier misunderstandings and helped define his role within the national team’s squad at the FIFA World Cup, with the forward prepared to make an impact from the bench whenever called upon.

Speaking ahead of England’s final Group-stage fixture against Panama in New Jersey, Toney acknowledged that he currently sits behind captain Harry Kane and, in all likelihood, Ollie Watkins in the team’s centre-forward hierarchy. Rather than viewing that position as a source of frustration, the 30-year-old said clarity from the coaching staff has enabled him to focus entirely on contributing whenever opportunities arise.

The comments come after England’s goalless draw against Ghana in their second group match, a result that left qualification scenarios still active heading into the final group fixture. While Toney remained an unused substitute, he described a light-hearted exchange with one of his sons after the match that illustrated the realities of tournament football from a family perspective.

According to Toney, his young son questioned why he had travelled to watch him without seeing him take the field. The striker laughed while recounting the conversation, adding that his son was equally eager to meet several of England’s established stars, including Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, after the final whistle.

Despite limited playing time, Toney indicated that he fully understands the responsibilities assigned to him within Tuchel’s squad. He said the coaching staff view him as a specialist option capable of changing matches during the closing stages, particularly in situations where England require a goal or an increased physical presence inside the penalty area.

His responsibilities include providing an aerial threat, competing aggressively for second balls, creating uncertainty for opposing defenders and offering another target during set-piece situations. Such tactical roles have become increasingly valuable in tournament football, where matches are frequently decided by late goals or dead-ball situations.

Toney’s return to the England squad followed discussions within Tuchel’s coaching staff after the March international window, during which other striking options, including Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke, failed to firmly establish themselves. As the coaching staff evaluated different match scenarios and potential tactical alternatives, Toney’s profile emerged repeatedly during internal conversations.

One factor influencing that assessment was the familiarity several members of the coaching staff had with the striker. Assistant coach Justin Cochrane had previously worked alongside Toney during their time at Brentford and was able to provide detailed insight into both the player’s character and professional standards. Additional recommendations came from Al-Ahli manager Matthias Jaissle, who shares a longstanding football connection with Tuchel dating back to their time at Stuttgart, where Jaissle played under the German coach during his early coaching career.

Those conversations eventually led Tuchel to meet directly with Toney to address concerns arising from previous interactions and to explain precisely how he intended to use the striker during the tournament.

Toney said the discussions were constructive rather than confrontational. He rejected the idea that either side needed to apologise, describing the meetings instead as an opportunity for both men to better understand one another.

According to Toney, Tuchel had not previously known him well away from the football pitch, while the striker himself gained greater insight into the manager’s expectations. He added that positive feedback from teammates and people outside football also helped provide a fuller picture of his personality.

“There may have been some miscommunication,” Toney said. “We spoke openly, cleared the air and now we’re on the same page.”

He explained that one of the most important outcomes of those discussions was receiving an honest assessment of where he stood within England’s plans before the tournament began.

Toney said uncertainty over selection can become mentally challenging for players during major competitions, making transparency from the coaching staff particularly valuable. Knowing exactly what was expected, he said, allowed him to fully commit to the squad’s objectives without unnecessary distractions.

The striker also emphasised the importance of maintaining a positive influence within the dressing room regardless of individual playing time. He acknowledged that every professional footballer naturally wants to play more minutes but said supporting teammates, training at a consistently high level and contributing positively to the squad environment remain essential responsibilities throughout an international tournament.

England’s current squad has undergone notable changes compared with the group assembled during the previous international cycle. Several players involved in last year’s camp, including Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones and Conor Gallagher, are no longer part of the current tournament squad. Toney, however, retained Tuchel’s confidence after their discussions and subsequent performances in training.

Parmelin, who also serves as Switzerland’s economy minister, will visit the United States as part of a broader North American tour running from June 29 to July 9 that will also include stops in Canada and Mexico.

The visit comes as Bern works to convert a preliminary tariff arrangement reached with Washington into a formal agreement. Switzerland faced the highest U.S. tariff rates in Europe last year after the Trump administration imposed a 39% duty on Swiss imports.

In November, the two sides reached an initial accord that reduced the tariff rate to 15%, bringing it into line with the level applied to the European Union. Swiss officials have since been engaged in negotiations aimed at securing a long-term framework for bilateral trade.

The discussions are expected to focus on market access, tariff certainty and broader economic cooperation between the two countries. The United States remains one of Switzerland’s most important export destinations, particularly for pharmaceuticals, precision manufacturing and financial services.

Parmelin’s North American trip will also include attendance at Switzerland’s FIFA World Cup match in Vancouver on July 2, according to the Swiss economy ministry.

Following his engagements in the United States and Canada, Parmelin will travel to Mexico, where he is scheduled to hold talks with President Claudia Sheinbaum and senior government ministers.

Swiss officials said one of the country’s medium-term trade objectives is the modernization of the free trade agreement between Mexico and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which has been in force for approximately 25 years.

Switzerland is the largest economy within EFTA, whose members also include Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The bloc has increasingly sought to update existing trade agreements to reflect changes in global commerce, digital trade and investment flows.

The outcome of Parmelin’s meetings in Washington could prove significant for Swiss exporters seeking greater certainty in the U.S. market amid continuing shifts in global trade policy and tariff frameworks.

As thousands of supporters sang along to John Denver’s iconic “Take Me Home, Country Roads” following the United States’ latest World Cup appearance, the moment reflected something larger than a post-match celebration. It highlighted the evolving identity of a national team that appears increasingly focused on unity, accessibility and connection with supporters rather than political symbolism or cultural division.

The song’s chorus, centered on themes of belonging and home, resonated deeply with a crowd composed of fans from diverse backgrounds. For many observers, the scene carried echoes of the immigrant experience that has shaped the United States for generations, creating a rare moment of collective sentiment within an often polarized national environment.

The atmosphere contrasted sharply with recent experiences involving other American national teams. While international sporting success has often generated public enthusiasm, celebrations have occasionally become overshadowed by political controversies or debates unrelated to competition.

Recent examples have included criticism directed at American teams whose public image became entangled with broader cultural and political disputes. In some cases, athletes faced scrutiny for their responses to political figures or for messaging that critics viewed as overly nationalistic.

Against that backdrop, the current United States men’s football team has largely avoided becoming a focal point in the country’s political debates. Players and coaching staff have consistently emphasized performance, teamwork and inspiration rather than engaging directly with divisive public issues.

That approach was evident following defender ‘s World Cup debut. Asked about the significance of the tournament during a period of political and social division in the United States, Trusty responded by focusing on the team’s broader mission.

According to Trusty, the squad’s objective is to inspire younger generations through its performances on the field. The defender emphasized that the team’s primary responsibility is to control what it can during matches and to serve as a positive example for future players and supporters.

The response reflected a message that has become increasingly common among members of the national team over recent years. Rather than positioning themselves as political spokespeople, players have generally framed their role in terms of representation, aspiration and sporting achievement.

The strategy has generated mixed reactions. Some observers argue that prominent athletes possess platforms that should be used to address social and political issues. Others contend that athletes are not obligated to act as public advocates and may be more effective when concentrating on their sporting responsibilities.

Historically, figures such as , and became influential voices beyond sport through their activism and public engagement. Their impact established a model that some fans continue to expect from elite athletes.

The current US squad, however, appears to have embraced a different role. Many of its players are enjoying stable club careers, growing international recognition and increasing popularity among younger supporters. Their public image is often defined less by controversy and more by enthusiasm, camaraderie and a visible enjoyment of representing their country.

That spirit was evident after the match as players remained on the field long after the final whistle. Many joined supporters in singing “Country Roads,” clapping and participating in repeated choruses as celebrations continued around the stadium.

The interaction reinforced a bond between team and supporters that has strengthened throughout the tournament. Rather than creating distance between players and fans, the post-match scenes projected accessibility and shared enjoyment.

For a national team seeking to expand its audience in a country where football continues to compete with more established sports, such moments carry significance. Emotional connections often prove as important as results in building long-term support, particularly among younger fans encountering international football for the first time.

The atmosphere also reflected the growing confidence surrounding the team’s World Cup campaign. With further matches ahead and expectations rising, the players appear increasingly comfortable embracing their role as representatives of a diverse and evolving football culture.

As supporters departed the stadium, the final echoes of “Country Roads” lingered in the air. The scene offered a reminder that, in a sporting landscape often dominated by controversy and division, shared experiences and simple moments of collective celebration can still create a powerful sense of belonging.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s record sixth World Cup appearance begins on Wednesday as Portugal open their campaign against the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the team facing a familiar question: whether the veteran forward can still be the decisive force needed for a deep tournament run.

The 41-year-old captain remains one of the biggest figures in international football, but Portugal’s hopes depend on balancing Ronaldo’s experience and finishing ability with the strengths of a squad that has developed into one of the most complete teams at the competition.

Portugal enter the tournament with a strong midfield, an experienced defensive unit and a wide selection of attacking players. The central issue is whether Ronaldo’s presence will elevate the team or place additional pressure on a side built around several younger contributors.

For coach Roberto Martínez, Ronaldo remains a key part of the team’s structure. He said the forward continues to provide leadership, movement and goalscoring ability, while also creating space for teammates.The challenge comes from assessing how Ronaldo can influence matches at the highest level at this stage of his career.

At recent major tournaments, his impact has been questioned after Portugal showed they could perform effectively without relying entirely on him.At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Portugal produced their strongest attacking display after Ronaldo was left out of the starting lineup for their last-16 match against Switzerland, where they won 6-1.

At Euro 2024, his performance in the quarter-final defeat by France raised further questions about his ability to dominate matches against elite opponents.However, Ronaldo has continued to produce important moments. During Portugal’s successful Nations League campaign in 2024-25, he scored six goals against strong opposition, reinforcing the argument that he can still influence major games.

The opening match against the Democratic Republic of Congo will provide an early indication of his current level. DRC coach Sébastien Desabre acknowledged the threat Ronaldo poses, particularly from set pieces, describing him as one of the best players in football history.

The match has attracted additional attention after Ronaldo’s suspension situation was resolved. A three-match ban received during qualifying was reduced, allowing him to take part in Portugal’s opening fixture.The game will take place in Houston under a closed roof, with weather conditions affecting preparations.

Portugal’s training session was cancelled before the match because of storms around their base near Miami.For Ronaldo’s teammates, playing alongside him remains a significant moment.

Manchester City midfielder Matheus Nunes said being part of the same squad as Ronaldo was a major honour and that winning the tournament would be a major achievement for the team.

Bruno Fernandes, another important figure in Portugal’s midfield, also spoke about Ronaldo’s influence. He recalled watching Ronaldo play at Euro 2004 as a young fan, before later becoming his international teammate.Portugal’s squad contains several players capable of reducing the pressure on Ronaldo.

Midfielders such as Vitinha and Fernandes provide creativity, while the team’s attacking options allow Martínez to adjust tactics depending on the opposition.The manager’s task is to ensure Ronaldo’s importance does not restrict the team’s overall approach.

Portugal must use his strengths while maintaining the fluid attacking style that has helped them compete successfully in recent years.The forward scored five goals during Portugal’s World Cup qualifying campaign, including matches against Hungary and Armenia, and Martínez believes those numbers demonstrate that Ronaldo remains capable of contributing at the international level.

Beyond individual statistics, Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup carries historical significance. Few players have maintained an international career of this length, and his continued involvement has become a major storyline of the tournament.

For Portugal, however, the focus remains on results. The team have never won the World Cup and will look to combine Ronaldo’s experience with the ability of a new generation of players.

The match against the Democratic Republic of Congo will be the first measure of whether Ronaldo’s milestone tournament becomes a final chapter defined by success or a difficult reminder of football’s demands on ageing stars.

The attack occurred around midday at the historic complex in central Mexico, where the assailant fired from the Pyramid of the Moon, a major monument within the site.

Cristobal Castaneda, security secretary for Mexico state, said the gunman’s nationality was not immediately known and confirmed that he died by suicide at the scene.Six people sustained gunshot wounds and were treated in local hospitals, including a Canadian woman, a Colombian woman and child, a Brazilian national and two Americans, officials said.

Seven others were injured during the panic that followed and received treatment at the site, among them a Russian, a Colombian, a Brazilian and four Americans.Authorities recovered a firearm, a knife and unused ammunition, and evacuated visitors as police and National Guard units secured the area.

Video footage circulating on social media showed the attacker firing intermittently from partway up the pyramid as tourists fled or sought cover, though the material has not been independently verified.Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand described the incident as “a horrific act of gun violence” in a post on X.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she had ordered a thorough investigation and deployed personnel to assist those affected, calling the incident deeply distressing.Located about 50 kilometers from Mexico City, Teotihuacan draws millions of domestic and international visitors annually to its ancient pyramids and ceremonial avenues.

Tourism officials said the site attracted more than 1.8 million visitors in 2025.The shooting comes less than two months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Mexico is set to co-host alongside the United States and Canada, with authorities expecting more than 5.5 million visitors during the tournament.

Mexico has long grappled with high levels of criminal violence linked to organized crime, though mass shootings targeting tourists at major archaeological sites are rare.

Officials said investigations are ongoing to determine the motive and circumstances of the attack.

In a report titled “Humanity Must Win,” the London-based rights group urged FIFA and host governments to take “urgent action” to ensure the safety and rights of players, supporters and local populations during the tournament, which begins on June 11.

Amnesty said FIFA’s pledge to deliver a tournament where everyone feels “safe, included and free to exercise their rights” contrasts with conditions in host nations, particularly the United States, which will stage the majority of the 104 matches.

The organization described the U.S. as facing a “human rights emergency” under Donald Trump, citing mass deportations, arbitrary arrests and what it characterized as “paramilitary-style” operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It noted that ICE officials have indicated the agency will play a central role in World Cup security arrangements.

The report also referenced public backlash following the killing of two U.S. citizens during protests against ICE raids in Minneapolis earlier this year.Gaps in fan protection measuresAmnesty said host city plans published so far do not clearly address how fans or residents would be shielded from immigration enforcement during the tournament.

It added that supporters from some participating nations, including Ivory Coast, Haiti, Iran and Senegal, could face travel restrictions to the United States.LGBTQ+ fan groups in Europe have also indicated reluctance to attend matches in the U.S., citing concerns over protections for transgender individuals.

FIFA has said the expanded 48-team tournament the largest in World Cup history will proceed as scheduled, with all qualified teams expected to participate. The governing body has not publicly responded to Amnesty’s latest report.

The organization expects to generate around $11 billion in revenue from the 2026 World Cup cycle, drawing renewed scrutiny from rights groups over its responsibilities toward stakeholders.

Steve Cockburn, Amnesty’s head of economic and social justice, said that while FIFA stands to benefit financially, “fans, communities, players, journalists and workers cannot be made to pay the price.

”The tournament is set to open in Mexico City and conclude on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.