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June 29, 2026

Sports Desk

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Our European barometer tracks the performances of the continent’s national teams throughout the World Cup. Here’s a summary of the latest matchday’s highlights, key stats, and standout moments.

As the World Cup 2026 unfolds across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the knockout stage is now in full swing. Last night’s action featured just one match: a tense encounter in Los Angeles where the Canada edged out Africa’s South Africa in stoppage time (0-1).

Sixteen European nations began the tournament among the 48 competing teams, with France—already a two-time champion (1998, 2018) and the reigning runner-up—leading the charge. Thirteen European teams remain in contention after the Czech Republic, Scotland, and Turkey were eliminated in the previous round.

Throughout the tournament, we’ve been analyzing the performances of Europe’s finest through our daily barometer, highlighting standout figures, pivotal moments, and team narratives. Here’s what stood out from matchday 18 on Sunday, June 28.

Key stat 📊

215

With 72 group-stage matches completed over 16 days, the total number of goals scored in this World Cup has already broken records. A staggering 215 goals have been netted so far—a figure that surpasses the previous high of 172 goals set at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. This edition, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches, has already outpaced past tournaments in sheer attacking output, averaging nearly 3 goals per game.

It’s worth noting that earlier World Cups featured a maximum of 64 matches with 32 teams, compared to this year’s expanded format.

Quote of the day 🎙️

I couldn’t place that country on a map. Frankly, I don’t know anything about it and I don’t want to.

Abigail Vélez, journalist for ABC7 Los Angeles

This offhand remark sparked widespread reaction after the journalist made the comment during a live segment from Long Beach, near Los Angeles, while previewing the upcoming USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina match on July 2. She confessed to being unfamiliar with the European nation—though not an EU member, it is a candidate for accession.

The clip quickly went viral, amassing over 8 million views on social media, particularly after the “Bosnian Football” account shared it. The controversy was compounded by the fact that ABC’s news director, Almin Karamehmedovic, was born in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital. Prompted by the backlash, Vélez issued a public apology.

Close-up 🔎

French supporters can breathe easy: the French national team will not play any matches past 11 PM local time, regardless of their progression in the tournament.

Les Bleus will kick off their Round of 16 campaign against Sweden on Tuesday at 11 PM. Should they advance, their next game—against the winner of Germany vs. Paraguay—would also start at 11 PM on July 4, which happens to be American Independence Day.

The quarterfinal is set for July 9 at 10 PM, with a potential semifinal slated for July 14 at 9 PM. The final will take place on July 19 at 9 PM.

European spotlight 📰

Gary Lineker, England’s top scorer at the 1986 World Cup with six goals, has tipped France as the tournament’s standout favorite in this North American edition.

In an interview with L’Équipe, the former striker predicted a comfortable victory for Les Bleus in a hypothetical Round of 16 clash against Germany, describing the current German squad as ‘one of the weakest German national teams I’ve ever seen.’

For context, Germany faces Paraguay at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on Monday, June 29, at 10:30 PM in the Round of 16.