Manuel Neuer is 40 years old, came out of international retirement last month after his natural replacement got injured, missed both warm-up games with a calf problem, and he's still starting for Germany on Sunday. That's either a story of remarkable longevity or a goalkeeper crisis dressed up as a comeback — probably both.
Germany open Group E against Curacao in Houston, the smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup. Their coach, 78-year-old Dick Advocaat — yes, that Dick Advocaat, of Rangers, Sunderland, and Netherlands fame — becomes the oldest manager in World Cup history to take charge of a match. It's quite the backdrop for Neuer's fifth World Cup appearance.
Germany need a result. They've failed to get out of the group stage at the last two World Cups, and whatever goodwill Neuer's return generates won't survive another early exit. Backing Germany to beat Curacao is about as safe as it gets in this tournament, but the deeper question is whether Nagelsmann's side can actually compete when the opposition improves.
Partey blocked at the border
The Ghana situation is uglier. Thomas Partey — charged with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in London, with a trial set for June 2027 — was denied entry into Canada ahead of Ghana's opener against Panama. The Ghanaian government called the move "high-handed and extremely unfair" in a statement through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
FIFA reiterated it has no control over host country immigration decisions. Ghana said diplomatic channels are open. Canada hasn't moved. The match at BMO Field in Toronto goes ahead Wednesday regardless.
Partey has denied all charges. A court allowed him to play in this tournament. But Canada made its own call, and FIFA's hands-off stance essentially means host nations can override squad selections through visa policy. That's a precedent worth watching across the remaining 47 teams.
Partey was due to face England in Group L on 23 June in Boston — that fixture now has a significant question mark over his involvement.
England land in America's self-declared soccer capital
Kansas City stepped in as a host city after Chicago pulled out, and it has leaned all the way in — nearly $700 million invested in football infrastructure, purpose-built stadiums for both Sporting KC and NWSL side KC Current, and an opening FIFA Fan Festival that drew 25,000 fans to watch the US play Paraguay.
England, Argentina, and the Netherlands are all based in or around the city. KC2026 chief executive Pam Kramer called England's arrival "a significant moment for our city." The organisers have booked Flo Rida, Sheryl Crow, and The Chainsmokers for the fan zone. Someone's having a good summer.
Meanwhile, Toronto police arrested two German nationals — both associated with a Bosnian fan group — after an altercation during Canada's 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Toronto Police Association's message on X was straightforward: "Our holding cells do not have TVs. You will miss the game you came to enjoy."
Point made.
