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Who Is England’s Next World Cup Opponent?

Just when it looked like the 2026 World Cup would see another major upset, England stormed back to beat DR Congo in the round of 32 on Wednesday. The Three Lions went from a 1-0 deficit to a 2-1 victory and will advance to the round of 16. 

England star Harry Kane scored both goals for his team, and his Golden Boot odds soared as a result. 

Now, what’s next for Kane and England at the World Cup? Here is who England will play in the round of 16 and its potential path to making the World Cup final. 

(Photo by Steph Chambers – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Who Could England Play In The Round Of 16?

Following England’s comeback win over DR Congo in the round of 32, it will play co-host Mexico in the round of 16.

Mexico beat Ecuador in the round of 32 to advance in the knockout stages, and it still has its home-field advantage.

With England and Mexico advancing to face off in the round of 16, the two teams will play at Mexico City Stadium on Sunday, July 5, at 8 p.m. ET on FOX and FOX One.

Who Could England Play In The Quarterfinals?

If England advances past the round of 16, it has two potential quadrant opponents it could face in the quarterfinals: Brazil or Norway.

Brazil beat Japan 2-1 in the round of 32 on Monday, while Norway handled the Ivory Coast 2-1 in its round of 32 matchup on Tuesday.

Who Could England Face In The Semifinals?

There are eight possible opponents for England in the semifinals, including Argentina. The other seven potential opponents for England in the semifinals are Cabo Verde, Australia, Egypt, Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia and Ghana. Argentina, Cabo Verde, Australia and Egypt make up one quadrant, while Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia and Ghana are in the adjacent quadrant.

If England reaches the semifinals, it’ll play at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday, July 15, at 3 p.m. ET on FOX and FOX One.

England vs DR Congo Extended Highlights 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 32

England vs DR Congo Extended Highlights  2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 32 –>

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Comeback Complete! England Avoids Upset vs

England avoided a historic upset with a late comeback against DR Congo at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday to win 2-1 and advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 for the third consecutive tournament.

DR Congo opened the scoring early on a goal from left winger Brian Cipenga. Cipenga was alone on the left side of the penalty box and snuck the ball between the near post and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

DR Congo kept the pressure on and nearly doubled its lead before the halftime break.

England didn’t look much more dangerous coming out of the second half, but it slowly built momentum until Harry Kane finally evened the score for the Three Lions in the 74th minute.

With the match looking destined for extra time, Kane scored again for England 11 minutes later. Harry Kane is the first English player to score twice in a World Cup knockout match since Gary Lineker vs Cameroon in 1990.

England will now move on to the round of 16 to play Mexico on Sunday, July 5 at Mexico City Stadium.

England vs DR Congo Highlights 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 32

England vs DR Congo Highlights  2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 32 –>

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Second Thoughts: Why Scott Dixon Should Embrace Move From Ganassi

Seeing all the stories about LeBron James leaving the Los Angeles Lakers and saying it’s time to try somewhere new, could be what many drivers in the INDYCAR paddock — including one of the INDYCAR greats — will say over the next two months.

James, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, will potentially join his fourth NBA team this year. Scott Dixon has driven for Chip Ganassi Racing since 2002 (when he split the year driving for PacWest and Ganassi). He is in his 24th full-time season with the organization and for the last six years has sought his seventh series title.

There won’t be a 25th. He is on his way out. Arrow McLaren the likely destination. Neither side has confirmed Dixon’s departure other than the acknowledgment that Dixon’s exclusive negotiating period has ended with Ganassi. But it is evident from talking to those who have heard from Dixon is that Dixon won’t be back at Ganassi.

And the big question is, can you believe it?

Why, yes. For sure.

Scott Dixon is set to leave Ganassi after a hugely successful run.

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The same reason James will leave the Lakers for somewhere else. The same reason Tom Brady left the New England Patriots after winning six titles and went to Tampa Bay, where he won a seventh.

I haven’t talked with Dixon about why he would leave. But it makes sense. Paychecks are nice, but there also is something about the grass being greener somewhere else. Or at least wanting to just check it out.

Not saying that Dixon will repeat the Brady story, but there’s a chance. And he’s leaving a Ganassi team that he can’t say is a place where he has performed up to expectations in his last couple of years. 

The Ganassi team has its leader, at least on the stat sheet, in Alex Palou. Dixon doesn’t have a win this year, and last year — beyond his win at Mid-Ohio (the site of this weekend’s race) — it was relatively a season of frustration. He wondered aloud how he finished third overall in the standings.

This year has been more of the same, maybe even less so, as he sits 10th in the standings. And if he’s getting beat by a great driver in similar equipment, why not see what it is like elsewhere?

Or why not help a program build as Arrow McLaren or anywhere else would need? And assuming he does end up at Arrow McLaren, there could be opportunities on the sports-car side or on the ambassador side. And an extra car for the Indy 500 if he wants it.

He’ll get to be part of the McLaren brand, too.

Scott Dixon will be getting into the cockpit of another ride next season.

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Ganassi for sure produces winners, and Dixon has won 58 races there (he had one win at PacWest for 59 in his career). Staying wouldn’t be a bad move, but leaving Ganassi now seems apt — Palou is rattling off wins and championships and Dixon’s not leaving Ganassi with nobody for them to hire. Ganassi very well could get a driver who has earned more points and wins this year than Dixon, as it appears McLaren’s Christian Lundgaard would be available.

Some will say that Dixon risks his legacy by making a move. Hogwash. There is no erasing the six titles. Just like Jimmie Johnson, when he went INDYCAR racing, some felt he stained his legacy. Again, disagree. The titles are there. If a driver doesn’t race as well in his 40s as he did in his 30s, maybe it is just a little bit of Father Time rather than a stain on a legacy.

And the fact is, who cares? The only people who should care about legacy are Dixon and his family. Anyone’s view of the legacy doesn’t matter as he can sit at home amid his race-winning and championship-winning trophies.

So good for Dixon for taking a chance and dismissing the comfort. He will have had 25 great years at Ganassi. That’s enough. It will be fun watching him race somewhere else.

In Second Thoughts,Bob Pockrass offers his opinion on a burning motorsports topic.

WHAT YOU SHOULD READ NEXT

INDYCAR Silly Season Tracker: Felix Rosenqvist On The Move; Scott Dixon Next?

Some of the biggest names in INDYCAR could be on the move after the 2026 season. Here’s where things stand.



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Kane Comes Through: 4 Takeaways From England’s Nervy Comeback Win

Nobody panic — everything is fine.

That was the message England fans were desperately telling themselves as they watched their team trail a Congo DR side ranked 46th in the world for most of a sweltering afternoon in Atlanta. This game was bonkers. England was denied a penalty that half of the English media is still furious about, had a shot cleared off the line, were repeatedly stonewalled by a goalkeeper having the game of his life, and spent 74 minutes looking like a team that had forgotten how to score.

And then Harry Kane happened. Twice. England is through to the round of 16, but they were pushed to the absolute brink to get there.

Here are my four takeaways from England’s 2-1 win over DR Congo:

1. Harry Kane Doesn’t Need the Whole Game. He Just Needs a Moment.

(Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

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Let’s be honest about England’s tournament so far. A fun 4-2 win over Croatia, then a flat 0-0 draw with Ghana, and a labored 2-0 win over Panama that only came alive after halftime. Harry Kane, by his own colossal standards, had been quiet. Going a goal down inside seven minutes to Congo DR fit that uneasy pattern perfectly. England forgot how to break down a defensive low block.

But here is the thing about Kane: when the moment is biggest, he arrives. He leveled it in the 75th minute, meeting an Anthony Gordon chip with a header of surgical precision. Then, with England’s World Cup teetering, he did it again in the 86th. Another Gordon delivery, another header, another ruthless finish tucked into the top corner — a world-class second-half brace to win the game in one of the biggest moments of Harry’s life.

England’s Harry Kane Scores CLUTCH Second Half Brace, Completing Comeback vs DR Congo

England’s Harry Kane Scores CLUTCH Second Half Brace, Completing Comeback vs DR Congo –>

Before this tournament, plenty of people called Kane the best striker on the planet. 64 goals with Bayern Munich in 2025-26 will do that. He hadn’t quite looked himself here, but today, when his team needed their captain most, he delivered. That is what the greats of the game do.

2. That Penalty Decision Simply Has to Be Better.

Photo by Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images)

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Rewind to the 43rd minute. England trailing, the tension unbearable, when Jude Bellingham threaded Harry Kane through on goal. Kane knocked it past goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi; there was contact, and down he went. Referee Adham Makhadmeh waved it away as a dive. VAR checked and declined to intervene.

A few suggest Kane dragged his foot, inviting contact and essentially manufacturing the fall. There is a vocal minority who think Kane was a little clever.

England’s Harry Kane Denied Penalty | Mark Clattenburg gives his opinion on controversial call

 England’s Harry Kane Denied Penalty | Mark Clattenburg gives his opinion on controversial call –>

But the English press is convinced it’s a penalty, and they are not alone. On the Fox broadcast, former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg was adamant: the keeper didn’t play the ball, he caught Kane’s foot, and that’s a penalty. Thierry Henry agreed, baffled that the referee wasn’t even sent to the monitor. Whichever side you land on, that is exactly the problem. A decision this divisive, in a World Cup knockout, cannot be settled by a wave of the hand. We cannot have mistakes like this at this stage of the tournament. That’s what VAR is for.

3. Farewell, Congo DR. You Belonged, and Then Some.

(Photo by Evrim Aydin/Anadolu via Getty Images)

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Give this Congo DR team its full due.

Brian Cipenga set the tone in the seventh minute, lashing a near-post finish past Jordan Pickford to stun the stadium. From there, the Leopards defended with a structure, a discipline, and a belief that almost nobody outside their camp saw coming. They held England’s expensively assembled attack at bay for 74 minutes and nearly went 2-0 up when Yoane Wissa, their Newcastle talisman and group-stage star, rattled Pickford’s post. Wissa scored three goals at this World Cup, matching the number he netted all season for Newcastle United.

DR Congo STUNS England Brian Cipenga Scores Goal to Take Early Lead

DR Congo STUNS England  Brian Cipenga Scores Goal to Take Early Lead –>

The Congolese squad has many Premier League connections, and that familiarity showed. Aaron Wan-Bissaka of West Ham and Burnley’s Axel Tuanzebe were immense at the back, while Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki scrapped for everything in midfield. But the true hero wore the gloves. Lionel Mpasi, the Le Havre goalkeeper, produced five saves, twice denying Jude Bellingham with reflexes that had nothing to do with luck. Congo DR didn’t just show up. They led for most of the day and made England sweat through every pore. No shame in this exit. Only pride.

4. Tuchel Has to Go Back to the Drawing Board. Mexico Awaits.

(Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

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England is through. That’s the headline, and it matters. But the rest of it demands an honest look in the mirror.

Thomas Tuchel still hasn’t found the version of this team that lasts a full 90 minutes. The group stage was a loop of slow starts, sluggish first halves, and second-half rescues. Today repeated the pattern, except the stakes had soared. Against a well-drilled Congo DR side, England never truly imposed itself. The attack looked disjointed for an hour; the width was missing, and the service to Kane was thin. Without its captain’s brilliance, England goes home today. That should worry Tuchel as much as it relieves him.

Because now comes the nightmare. Mexico, at Mexico City Stadium, at over 7,000 feet of altitude, inside a cauldron of 80,000-plus fans who will treat this like a final. Mexico has been ruthless, winning all three group games before dismantling a very good Ecuador 2-0. They haven’t conceded a single goal this tournament. Against Ecuador, it was one of the greatest Mexican performances of all-time. Ironically, this is not a vintage Mexican side on paper, but the Mexico City Stadium is a legitimate 12th man, and the thin air makes everyone else mortal. England survived today. 

Tuchel needs answers, fast. Against Mexico, survival won’t cut it. 

England vs DR Congo Extended Highlights 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 32

England vs DR Congo Extended Highlights  2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 32 –>

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Connecticut Sports Betting: CT Sportsbook Promos & Apps

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Connecticut sports betting is fully legal and available statewide, with DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook operating online since the market launched in October 2021.

Competition has led to strong Connecticut sportsbook promos, including bet-and-get offers, first-bet insurance, and ongoing boosts. 

This guide covers the top Connecticut sportsbook apps, the best bonuses available right now, and how to get started.

Connecticut Sports Betting Overview

  • Online Sports Betting Launch Date: October 19, 2021
  • CT Sportsbooks Available: 3 (FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics Sportsbook)
  • Retail Sports Betting: Legal
  • Legal Betting Age: 21+
  • College Sports Betting: ️ Permitted with restrictions
  • Online Casinos: Legal

Is Sports Betting Legal in Connecticut?

Yes. Sports betting is legal in Connecticut, with online and retail sportsbooks operating statewide. The market launched in October 2021.

Connecticut sports betting is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection under tribal gaming agreements. Bettors must be 21 or older and physically located within state lines to place a wager, which operators verify using geolocation technology.

The following online sports betting apps are available in Connecticut:

College Sports Betting in Connecticut: No Bets on In-State Teams or Player Props

College sports betting is available in Connecticut, but strict restrictions apply. Bettors cannot place wagers on single games involving in-state schools such as the UConn Huskies, except in certain multi-team tournaments.

In addition, sportsbooks do not offer player prop bets on college athletes. Bettors may still wager on spreads, totals, moneylines, and futures for out-of-state college matchups.

Top Connecticut Sportsbook Apps Ranked & Reviewed

Connecticut offers a smaller but competitive sports betting market, with FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics Sportsbook available statewide through tribal partnerships.

The reviews below break down each app’s welcome offer, usability, betting features, and overall value to help you choose the right sportsbook for your wagering style.

Whether you’re looking for the strongest promo, best live betting interface, or simplest app experience, this guide compares the top legal sportsbooks in Connecticut.

Fanatics Sportsbook Connecticut: Best Unique Rewards

  • Best known for: FanCash rewards that convert into bonus bets or sports merchandise.
  • Fanatics Sportsbook offers a unique crossover between sports betting and retail rewards, allowing Connecticut bettors to earn FanCash on eligible bets.
  • Welcome offer: Use promo code FOX2026 to get up to $1,000 in FanCash bet matches (up to $100 per day for the first 10 days).
  • App experience & notable features: A clean interface and straightforward bet slip paired with the FanCash wallet, making it easy to convert rewards into bonus bets or Fanatics merchandise.
  • Final take: A strong complementary sportsbook for rewards-driven bettors, particularly those already using the Fanatics shopping ecosystem.

FanDuel Connecticut: Best Mobile Betting App

  • Best known for: Most popular sportsbook in the United States. Best-in-class mobile app, same-game parlay builder and fast, intuitive betslip.
  • FanDuel is a top choice in Connecticut for bettors who prioritize ease of use, especially for live betting and SGPs across the NFL, NBA, and college sports.
  • Welcome offer: Get $350 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed When You Bet $5 for 7 Days.
  • App experience & notable features: industry-leading SGP tools, quick odds updates, live game tracking, and frequent sport-specific boosts.
  • Final take: ideal for casual and experienced bettors alike who want a smooth app and strong parlay-focused betting.

DraftKings Connecticut: Best Sportsbook Promos

  • Best known for: frequent promotions, deep prop markets, alternative lines, and fast live odds.
  • DraftKings stands out in Connecticut for its steady stream of promotions, with frequent odds boosts, insured bets, and opt-in specials, while still providing a deep betting menu across major leagues and live markets.
  • Welcome offer: Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly..
  • App experience & notable features: customizable betting carousel, robust live betting hub, wide same-game parlay options, and detailed stat integration.
  • Final take: ideal for bettors who value regular promos alongside strong depth for props and live wagering.

How We Rank the Best CT Sports Betting Apps

With only a few legal sportsbooks operating in Connecticut, our evaluations focus on which apps deliver the most overall value rather than just the biggest headline bonus. We compare operators using a consistent methodology centered on pricing, usability, and everyday betting functionality for local players.

  • Line Value: How competitive each sportsbook’s odds are relative to the other Connecticut operators and how that affects long-term betting returns.
  • Welcome & Recurring Promotions: The strength of sign-up offers plus the frequency and usefulness of ongoing promos for regular bettors.
  • Betting Selection: Coverage across leagues, wager types, and props, along with availability of live and futures markets.
  • App Design & Performance: Ease of navigation, bet placement speed, and reliability across iOS and Android devices.
  • Deposits & Withdrawals: Available banking options in Connecticut and typical payout turnaround times.
  • In-Game Betting Tools: Live odds movement, cash-out availability, and access to stats or trackers during events.
  • Customer Assistance: Accessibility and responsiveness of support via chat, email, or phone when help is needed.

Best Connecticut Sportsbook Promos & Welcome Offers (July 2026)

DraftKings CT Welcome Bonus – Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly

Offer Summary: 

  • Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly.
  • Who’s Eligible: New customers must be physically located in AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY or WV. Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/KY/NH/WY).
  • Qualifying Bet: $5+ cash bet at -500 odds or longer using the New Customer Token.
  • Bonus: Get $200 in Bonus Bets (8×$25) if your bet wins.
  • Expiration: Bonus Bets valid for 7 days.
  • One per customer; void/cashed-out bets don’t qualify.

Key Details:

  • Minimum deposit $5, qualifying bet $5+.
  • “Bet and Get” structure, bonus credits paid instantly after placing the qualifier.
  • Bonus bets expire per in-app terms.

Standout Perk: 

  • Guaranteed $200 in Bonus Bets

Quick How-to-Claim:

  1. Sign up for a new DraftKings Sportsbook account.
  2. Deposit funds (minimum $5).
  3. Select the New Customer Token.
  4. Place a $5+ cash bet (-500 odds or longer).
  5. Instantly get $200 in Bonus Bets.

FanDuel Sportsbook CT Promo Code – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days

Offer Summary:

  • Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
  • Promo code: Not required

Key Details:

  • New users must create and verify a FanDuel account during the promotion period.
  • Place a qualifying $5 wager on any eligible FanDuel Sportsbook market each day for 5 days.
  • Earn one Bet Reset Token per qualifying day, up to 5 total tokens, for up to $1,000 in value.

Standout Perk:

  • Instead of a one-time reward, this promo delivers daily Bet Reset Tokens that protect each $5 wager, with up to $200 back in Bonus Bets per day if the bet loses, giving new users repeated downside protection across five straight days.

Quick How-to-Claim:

  1. Click here and create and verify a new FanDuel account.
  2. Deposit at least $5 and place a $5+ wager each day for 5 days.
  3. Use your Bet Reset Token on each wager to activate protection and earn Bonus Bets if it loses.

Fanatics Sportsbook CT Bonus – Up to $1,000 in FanCash Bet Matches with promo code FOX2026

Offer Summary:

  • New customers get a 100% bet match up to $100 in FanCash for 10 days with promo code FOX2026. Up to $1,000 in FanCash.

Key Details:

  • New users must create and verify a Fanatics Sportsbook account. Use promo code FOX2026 and opt in daily.
  • Place one qualifying bet per day (min. $1 at -200 odds or longer) for up to 10 days.
  • If the bet loses, get 100% of your stake back in FanCash (up to $100 per day, $1,000 total), credited within 72 hours.

Standout Perk:

  • A daily bet match for 10 straight days, giving bettors multiple chances to earn up to $1,000 in FanCash instead of a one-time bonus.

Quick How-to-Claim:

  1. Click here and create a new account using promo code FOX2026.
  2. Deposit and opt in to the promo each day.
  3. Place a $1+ bet at -200 odds or longer.
  4. If the bet loses, get your stake back in FanCash (up to $100).
  5. Repeat daily for 10 days to unlock up to $1,000 in FanCash.

How to Start Betting on Sports in Connecticut

1. Choose a Legal Connecticut Sportsbook

Start by comparing licensed Connecticut sportsbook apps. Look at welcome bonuses, odds competitiveness, mobile app usability, and any sport- or event-specific promos tied to popular betting markets. Signing up for more than one sportsbook can help you claim multiple bonuses and consistently shop for the best lines.

2. Register Online

Connecticut allows fully remote online registration, so you don’t need to visit a casino in person. When creating an account, you’ll typically be asked to provide:

  • Full name
  • Email address
  • Date of birth
  • Last four digits of your SSN
  • Physical home address

Sportsbooks also use geolocation technology to confirm you’re physically located within Connecticut before allowing wagers.

3. Claim a Welcome Bonus

Click any of the “Claim” or “Claim Bonus” buttons on this page to be automatically opted into the sportsbook’s welcome offer. Before placing your first wager, review the terms and conditions carefully — including qualifying bet requirements, minimum odds, and bonus expiration timelines.

4. Deposit Funds

After registering, fund your account using one of the common payment methods accepted in Connecticut, including:

  • Credit or debit cards
  • Online banking / ACH
  • PayPal
  • Venmo
  • Apple Pay
  • Play+ prepaid card

Minimum deposits usually range from $5 to $10, depending on the sportsbook.

5. Place Your First Bet

Once your account is funded, select a wager that meets the sportsbook’s promo requirements.

Example: Bet $5 on an NFL or NBA moneyline at DraftKings to unlock bonus bets if your wager wins. You can also start with a straightforward total, point spread, or same-game parlay if it qualifies under the offer terms.

6. Withdraw Winnings

If your bet wins, you can withdraw funds through the sportsbook’s cashier. E-wallets like PayPal and Venmo typically process the fastest, sometimes within 24 hours, while bank transfers may take a few business days. In most cases, available withdrawal methods mirror your deposit options.

Benefits of Signing Up for Multiple Connecticut Legal Sportsbooks

Using more than one legal Connecticut sportsbook gives bettors added flexibility, value, and long-term advantages beyond sticking with a single app.

  • Claim Multiple Welcome Bonuses – Boost your starting bankroll by stacking sign-up offers from several Connecticut sports betting apps.
  • Shop for the Best Odds – Compare lines across sportsbooks to consistently find better prices on spreads, totals, and player props.
  • Access Unique App Features – Each sportsbook brings different strengths, from advanced same-game parlay builders to robust live betting tools and stat integrations.
  • Take Advantage of Diverse Promos – Rotate between odds boosts, bet insurance offers, and daily promotions that vary by operator and sport.
  • Backup in Case of Technical Issues – Having multiple apps ensures you can still place bets if one sportsbook experiences downtime or geolocation issues during a major event.

Retail Sports Betting in Connecticut

In addition to online wagering, retail sports betting is available in Connecticut at select casino and lottery locations across the state. Bettors who prefer placing wagers in person can visit a physical sportsbook to place bets, watch games, and use self-service kiosks.

Retail sportsbooks operate through the state’s tribal gaming partnerships and the Connecticut Lottery, offering ticket windows, betting terminals, and live odds boards — especially popular during major events.

That said, mobile sportsbook apps remain the primary way most Connecticut bettors wager, allowing bets to be placed anywhere within state lines without visiting a retail location.

Retail Sports Betting Locations in Connecticut

  • Foxwoods Resort Casino — Mashantucket, CT
  • Mohegan Sun — Uncasville, CT
  • Various Connecticut Lottery Sportsbook Locations (PlaySugarHouse/BetRivers venues) — statewide

Other Types of Gambling in Connecticut

Sports betting isn’t the only legal gambling option in Connecticut. The state also allows casino games, fantasy sports, and horse race betting through approved operators.

Casinos

Connecticut allows both in-person and online casino gaming. You can visit Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun to play slots and table games, or play real-money casino games online through licensed apps connected to FanDuel and DraftKings.

Online casino games include slots, blackjack, roulette, and live dealer tables. You must be 21 or older and inside Connecticut to play.

Poker

You can play live poker at the tribal casinos. Online poker is not legal in Connecticut right now.

Horse Racing

There are no active horse tracks in Connecticut, but residents can still bet on races from other states using approved horse betting websites.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Daily fantasy sports are legal in Connecticut. Apps like Underdog offer contests for the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and college sports. Check our list of the best dfs apps for recommendations.

Responsible Gambling in Connecticut

Betting should stay fun. If it stops feeling that way, help is available. Licensed sportsbooks also include tools like deposit limits, cooldown periods, and self-exclusion to help you stay in control.

National Problem Gambling Helpline
Call: 1-800-MY-RESET
Text: 800GAM
Website: https://www.ncpgambling.org/ 
Connecticut Resources: https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/help-by-state/connecticut/ 

Connecticut Council for Problem Gaming
Website: https://ccpg.org/ 

Connecticut Problem Gambling Helpline: 888-789-7777 

Connecticut Sports Betting FAQ

Is sports betting legal in Connecticut?
Yes. Sports betting is fully legal in Connecticut and available through licensed online sportsbook apps as well as retail sportsbooks located at approved casino properties.

When did sports betting become legal in Connecticut?
Connecticut legalized sports betting in October 2021.

What is the legal betting age in Connecticut?
You must be 21 years or older to place a sports bet in Connecticut.

Can I bet online in Connecticut?
Yes. Online sports betting is legal statewide, so you can place bets anywhere inside Connecticut using a licensed sportsbook app. You can also bet using online casinos in CT.

Which sportsbook apps are available in Connecticut?
Connecticut currently has three legal online sportsbooks: DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook.

Can I bet on college sports in Connecticut?
Yes, but there are limits. You cannot bet on regular games involving Connecticut college teams like UConn, and college player prop bets are not allowed.

Are online casinos legal in Connecticut?
Yes. Online casino gaming is legal through licensed apps connected to FanDuel and DraftKings.

Do I need to be physically in Connecticut to place a bet?
Yes. You must be inside state lines when placing a wager. Sportsbooks use location verification technology to confirm this.

How fast do sportsbooks pay out winnings in Connecticut?
Payout speed depends on the method. PayPal and online banking are usually fastest and can process within about a day, while bank transfers may take a few business days.

Can I use multiple sportsbook apps in Connecticut?
Yes. Many bettors use more than one app to compare odds and take advantage of different promotions and compare odds.



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Ten Games That Will Define The 2026 College Football Season

It’s time to get out your calendars and circle these dates.

Every college football season has a handful of games that decide conference races, reshape the College Football Playoff picture and produce moments fans remember for years.

With just over two months until kickoff, FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt lists 10 matchups he believes will define the 2026 season.

Oklahoma Sooners Michigan Wolverines Sept. 12: Oklahoma at Michigan

Klatt: This is the first big game for Kyle Whittingham, and it’s going to be an indication of whether Michigan is going to be back in playoff form. Are the Wolverines going to compete for a Big Ten title? We’re going to find out in Week 2 on September 12th.

Both of these programs want to raise their level this year to the upper-echelon of these conferences. Oklahoma wants to be an upper-tier SEC title contender. Michigan would like to do the same in the Big Ten. This game is obviously a monster game in this direction, even if it’s not directly tied to the standings in each conference.

It’s also about the individuals in this game. What does Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer look like after an offseason to get healthy? What does the offense look like for Oklahoma? It’s the same question for Michigan. What is the marriage going to look like, what is the blueprint, what is the recipe, what do we get out of the Jason Beck- Bryce Underwood marriage?

Ohio State Buckeyes Texas Longhorns Sept. 12: Ohio State at Texas

Klatt: This is going to be an absolute monster rematch. This is not Arch Manning in his first game as a real starter. This is not Julian Sayin in his first time as a real starter. Now, you have incumbent starting quarterbacks. 

These two teams are going to start in the top five. I cannot wait for this game. I think it’s going to be a phenomenal game. The loser of this game is behind the eight-ball.

LSU Tigers Ole Miss Rebels Sept. 19: LSU at Ole Miss

Klatt: I couldn’t resist. Lane Kiffin going back to Oxford. This could be incredible. There’s not enough security on the planet for Lane going back into Oxford. The way that he left that team in the playoff was wild. I think this game is going to have real implications in the SEC because these are two teams that I would categorize as fighting for those at-large spots. I don’t expect either of these teams to win the SEC. I think that would be reserved for my two favorites in that conference — Georgia and Texas. That doesn’t mean these two teams won’t be very good.

Obviously, there are all the questions around the transfers jelling and how Kiffin is going to do with that. He had a lot of success doing this exact thing at Ole Miss. Both Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacy are back at Ole Miss. This team gained a lot of confidence under Pete Golding and that run to the national semifinal. 

These two teams are going to try to be in the top-four spots in the SEC. They’re going to be battling for those at-large spots in the 12-team playoff.

USC Trojans Penn State Nittany Lions Oct. 10: USC at Penn State

Klatt: These teams are trying to level into that top four in the Big Ten and grab one of those at-large spots. This one is a sneaky game that’s going to be really good. USC has to play Oregon, and then Washington. Both of those games are at home. Then the Trojans travel across the country and go to Beaver Stadium to face Matt Campbell and his Nittany Lions. I think Lincoln Riley is very confident about his team. I am bullish on USC. I think they’re better at the line of scrimmage.

Year 1 for Matt Campbell, I think Penn State has a real shot at 10 wins. This becomes a monumental game, at home, to try to protect Beaver Stadium for Campbell in his first year. Penn State should be 5-0 going into this game. If the Nittany Lions beat USC, their floor becomes 10 wins.

Texas Longhorns Oklahoma Sooners Oct. 10: Texas at Oklahoma

Klatt: The Red River rivalry is always one of the best games in the sport. It’s one of my favorite games in college football. And this one’s going to be huge for SEC implications and College Football Playoff implications. The pressure that will be on Brent Venables and these Sooners when they go to Dallas to face Texas is massive.

What if Texas has two losses, and now everyone’s on Steve Sarkisian’s case? There’s a scenario where one, or both of these teams, has one or two losses. This game is always great. And I think this year, it could have even more implications.

Georgia Bulldogs Alabama Crimson Tide Oct. 10: Georgia at Alabama

Klatt: SEC dominance is on the line. These two teams split their two matchups last season. The winner is going to be in the driver’s seat. 

I’m not down on Alabama, but I do think this is a program that’s not going to have as good of a football program as they had a year ago. They’re losing their most important player in Ty Simpson. I know their defense wasn’t great, and they’re losing a few players off that defense. Can they replenish and be better? They lost Germie Bernard. Can Ryan Coleman-Williams come back to the form he showed as a true freshman? He’s going to need to.

Ohio State Buckeyes Indiana Hoosiers Oct. 17: Ohio State at Indiana

Klatt: Supremacy in the Big Ten is on the line as Ohio State goes to Indiana. Indiana can run the Big Ten. The Hoosiers beat Ohio State a year ago. They are the reigning national champions. They have not lost at home under Curt Cignetti. They are 14-0.

If Indiana beats Ohio State, all of a sudden, the Hoosiers are the premier program in the Big Ten, which is wild. Obviously, I think you could say that coming into the year because, again, they are the reigning Big Ten and national champs. But you do have a sense of history, whereas Ohio State really runs the conference. You have to get through Ohio State. But if Indiana wins this game, all of a sudden, that’s flipped, and the Hoosiers put themselves on the mountaintop. I just think about this game in that lens, and it just means everything in this conference.

This is a chance for Ohio State to reassert themselves as the top team in the conference. Ohio State could hand Curt Cignetti his first loss at home and remind everybody, ‘Hey, we’re the Buckeyes. We are the pre-eminent program in the Big Ten.’ 

The winner of this game is almost assuredly going to go to the Big Ten title game and has the chance to be the No. 1 overall seed in the College Football Playoff.

Miami (FL) Hurricanes Notre Dame Fighting Irish Nov. 7: Miami at Notre Dame

Klatt: Notre Dame fans watched Miami get that last playoff spot and jump them in the rankings. There is some saltiness in South Bend. There is no doubt about that. Marcus Freeman’s program believes they can go and win a national title. But the same can be said for Miami and Mario Cristobal. 

Notre Dame is going to have its quarterback back and should have one of, if not the best defenses in the country. This team is not going to have many statement opportunities, and this is one of them. That is why this game is going to be so important as it relates to the shape of the season.

Can the Hurricanes do everything they need to do regardless of the outcome of this game? Yes, because obviously they’ve got the ACC championship game backstopping them, and there’s not much in the ACC. If Miami plays clean and Darian Mensah is who we think he can be, they’ve got all these five-star players that are replacing these talented players that were draft picks off the line of scrimmage. If these guys play out, Miami is going to be right back in the top five.

Texas Longhorns Texas A&M Aggies Nov. 27: Texas at Texas A&M

Klatt: This is such a good game. It’s a great rivalry. These are two of my top-10 teams in my post-spring rankings. I think there’s a real chance that the winner of this game is going to the SEC championship game. I think there’s a real potential that it’s a win-and-in game for the playoff.

Can Texas bounce back? Remember this is a team that was in the national semifinals two straight years under Steve Sarkisian. This team missed the playoffs a year ago. A lot of people thought they were the No. 1 team in the country to start, and then they got hot late. They started playing much better, particularly at quarterback late, and beat Texas A&M, 27-17. That one was at home. Now they’ve got to go on the road and face A&M.

Michigan Wolverines Ohio State Buckeyes Nov. 28: Michigan at Ohio State

Klatt: It is absolutely my honor to call this game. Kyle Whittingham’s first in his stint as the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines. And he’s going to find out what Ryan Day knows all too well, which is, you are judged based on this game.

A lot could be on the line for the Buckeyes. If you miss the playoffs as the Ohio State Buckeyes, life is not going to be good.

Meanwhile, Michigan, this is not an easy schedule. Can the Wolverines be in a position where, if they beat Ohio State, they go to the College Football Playoff? Ohio State dominated at the line of scrimmage for the first time in a long time last year. They snapped that four-game losing streak to Michigan. They beat them in Ann Arbor, 27-9.

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Alexi Lalas’ World Cup Power Rankings: A New Team Rises

You wanted power rankings? I got your power rankings right here. Don’t like mine? You can always get your own. 

Remember, these 2026 FIFA World Cup power rankings change as the tournament goes on. And we do have changes from last week. My colleague Thierry Henry is going to be happy because France is right at No. 1. I don’t think there’s a lot of people that are going to disagree with that. 

A couple other things to keep in mind here. With Morocco beating the Netherlands, the Atlas Lions are in. And for the first time at this tournament, Mexico gets in after what I saw in that win over Ecuador. So welcome, Mexico. And the U.S. is hanging around too.  

Agree? Disagree? Let’s dive into it:

10.

United States

Odds to win the World Cup: +3000 (9th)

After earning six points from its group stage with wins over Paraguay and Australia, along with a loss to Türkiye, the U.S. will try to win its first knockout stage game since 2002 when it takes on Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday. A pro-U.S. crowd in the San Francisco Bay Area should help things, but the co-hosts can’t underestimate this opponent.

Next opponent: Bosnia and Herzegovina (Round of 32, July 1)

9.

Portugal

 (Photo by Hugo Rivera/Jam Media/Getty Images)

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Odds to win the World Cup: +1700 (6th)

Is Cristiano Ronaldo back? He proclaimed he was when he scored twice against Uzbekistan. Portugal finished second in its group after a scoreless but still electric draw against Colombia in Miami. Ronaldo now gets a reunion with former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modrić as the two 40-year-old superstars face off in Toronto.

Next opponent: Croatia (Round of 32, July 2)

8.

Mexico

Mexico’s HOT START Julián Quiñones & Raúl Jiménez Score Two Goals In First Half vs Ecuador

Mexico's HOT START  Julián Quiñones & Raúl Jiménez Score Two Goals In First Half vs Ecuador –>

Odds to win the World Cup: +2700 (8th)

What a way to break a 40-year drought. El Tri came out strong against Ecuador for its first knockout round win since 1986 in front of an absolutely pulsating crowd in Mexico City. Now comes what will potentially be a match for the ages against England for a chance to reach the quarterfinals.

Next opponent: England (Round of 16, July 5)

7.

Morocco

Odds to win the World Cup: +2500 (7th)

Morocco is living up to its high expectations after reaching the 2022 semifinals. A stoppage-time goal against the Netherlands led to a penalty-shootout win over the Dutch to advance to the round of 16. That’s now four games and no defeats so far at this tournament. 

Next opponent: Canada (Round of 16, July 4)

6.

Brazil

 (Photo by Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Odds to win the World Cup: +1000 (5th)

Under manager Carlo Ancelotti, the Brazilians are rediscovering their style of “Joga Bonito.” Having relied on Vinícius Júnior for goals in the group stage, the five-time champions saw Casemiro and Gabriel Martinelli instead come up clutch in the round of 32 win over Japan. The reward for the win? Having to contain Erling Haaland and the infamous Viking Row. 

Next opponent: Norway (Round of 16, July 5)

5.

England

Odds to win the World Cup: +800 (4th)

When England needed him the most, Harry Kane stepped up in heroic fashion. Down a goal against a superb DR Congo side, Kane rallied the Three Lions with two second-half goals in the round of 32 classic. Now comes a match against the tournament co-hosts in Mexico City that will be absolute theater. 

Next opponent: Mexico (Round of 16, July 5)

4.

Colombia

 (Photo by Ryan Pierse – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) –>

Odds to win the World Cup: +3300 (10th)

It still feels as though Colombia has yet to kick it into the next gear — which is a scary thought. Luís Diaz and Daniel Muñoz have been the standout players for the Los Cafeteros, who wrapped up the group stage as winners following a nervy draw against Portugal in Miami. 

Next opponent: Ghana (Round of 32, July 3)

3.

Spain

(Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) –>

Odds to win the World Cup: +700 (3rd)

This is another team that is still finding its rhythm. A relatively staid win over Uruguay saw La Roja win the group. Lamine Yamal is fit again. It’s now time to flip the switch in the knockout rounds and make that expected run to the final.

Next opponent: Austria (Round of 32, July 2)

2.

Argentina

Lionel Messi scores free kick against Jordan, becomes first to score in SEVEN straight FIFA World Cup™ matches

Lionel Messi scores free kick against Jordan, becomes first to score in SEVEN straight FIFA World Cup™ matches –>

Odds to win the World Cup: +410 (2nd)

The people want to see Lionel Messi, even if it’s just a substitute. Because even when he comes into the game in the second half like he did against Algeria, he still scores golazos. He now has 19 career goals at the World Cup, extending the record he broke earlier in the tournament. 

Next opponent: Cape Verde (Round of 32, July 3)

1.

France

Odds to win the World Cup: +180 (1st)

There shouldn’t be a surprise as to who is now No. 1 in the rankings. If you were to rank the best players in the world, France arguably has three of them — Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise and Kylian Mbappé — near the top. The path to the final is looking clearer for Les Bleus. 

Next opponent: Paraguay (Round of 16, July 4)

Is Mexico Finally a Top 10 Team? Alexi Lalas Updates His FIFA World Cup™ Rankings

Is Mexico Finally a Top 10 Team? Alexi Lalas Updates His FIFA World Cup™ Rankings –> ]–>

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England vs. Mexico: Everything To Know About The World Cup

Mexico City Stadium gets another epic World Cup showdown with both tournament co-host Mexico and England advancing out of the round of 32 to the round of 16. And El Tri and the Three Lions will play in the next round with an appearance in the World Cup quarterfinals on the line. 

In the first round of knockouts, Mexico beat Ecuador, 2-0, on Tuesday night, and England pulled off a 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo on Wednesday. 

But both teams still have a long way to go before getting to the 2026 World Cup final. So here’s what to know about Mexico and England’s next World Cup match. 

How To Watch Mexico vs. England

Mexico and England will face off in the World Cup round of 16 at Mexico City Stadium on Sunday, July 5, at 8 p.m. ET on FOX and FOX One.

Mexico vs. England: Who Is Favored?

Here’s a look at the odds for Mexico-England in the World Cup round of 16 match, according to FanDuel Sportsbook as of July 1:

Moneyline

    [–>

  • England: +130 (bet $10 to win $23 total)
  • Mexico: +240 (bet $10 to win $34 total)
  • Draw: +210 (bet $10 to win $31 total

To Advance

  • England: -156 (bet $10 to win $16.41 total)
  • Mexico: +128 (bet $10 to win $22.80 total)

What Are Mexico’s And England’s Path To The World Cup Final?

Mexico and England have the same path to the World Cup Final. Whichever team wins in the round of 16 matchup will advance to the quarterfinals, where it will play either Brazil or Norway — two teams facing off in the round of 16 on Sunday, July 5 (4 p.m. ET on FOX and FOX One). Brazil beat Japan 2-1 in the round of 32 on Monday, while Norway handled the Ivory Coast 2-1 in its round of 32 matchup on Tuesday.

If Mexico or England then beat the winner of Brazil-Norway at Miami Stadium on Saturday, July 11 (5 p.m. ET on FOX and FOX One), the next stop is the semifinals. 

There are eight possible opponents for Mexico or England in the semifinals: Argentina, Cape Verde, Australia, and Egypt are in one quadrant while Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia and Ghana are in the adjacent quadrant.

If Mexico or England reaches the semifinals, it’ll play at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday, July 15, at 3 p.m. ET on FOX and FOX One.

And the final will be at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 19 at 3 p.m. ET on FOX and FOX One.

Who Is A Player To Watch For Mexico?

Julian Quinones

In the win over Ecuador in the round of 32, Quiñones became the fifth Mexican player ever to score three World Cup goals and just the second Mexican player to score three or more at a single World Cup (Luis “El Matador” Hernández scored four in 1998). What says more about the team as a whole, Quiñones’ goal against Ecuador had 14 prior passes, and since 1966, it was the second highest build-up for a Mexican goal, behind the 15 passes leading to Jared Borgetti scoring against Italy in 2002.

The Colombian-born attacker became a naturalized Mexican citizen in 2023 and has since become a very important player for El Tri. He was the Man of the Match in the opening win over South Africa and scored again in the win over Czechia. He’s been in good form for most of the past year, and he recently finished as the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League for 2025-26 with 33 goals for Al Qadsiah FC. 

Who Is A Player To Watch For England?

Jude Bellingham

Harry Kane — whose Golden Boot odds soared after England beat DR Congo — is obviously a crucial player for the Three Lions. Kane scored two goals against DR Congo, putting him at 13 career World Cup goals — tied with Just Fontaine for the sixth-most of any man in World Cup history.

But let’s look at Bellingham. 

The Real Madrid playmaker was the Man of the Match in the 2-0 win over Panama on Saturday while playing in a deeper role. Expect him to continue looking for pockets of space to open up for Kane or other potential scorers, but he should also be a threat against the net. 

Against DR Congo, Bellingham was dealt a yellow card, meaning he’ll have to be careful against Mexico. In the knockouts, yellow-card accumulations are wiped clean after the quarterfinals, so if he receives a second while playing Mexico and England wins, he’ll be suspended for the quarterfinal. 

What Are Mexico’s And England’s Odds To Win The World Cup?

At this point in the World Cup, England has much better odds to win it all compared with Mexico. But, as we’ve seen, anything can happen. 

Here’s a look at England’s and Mexico’s odds to reach the World Cup final and to win it all, according to FanDuel Sportsbook as of July 1:

To Reach Final

  • England: +350 (bet $10 to win $45 total)
  • Mexico: +950 (bet $10 to win $105 total)

To Win The World Cup

  • England: +800 (bet $10 to win $90 total)
  • Mexico: +2700 (bet $10 to win $280 total)



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Why Peter Crouch Is Ready To Crown Harry Kane As

Harry Kane lifted England to victory once again on Wednesday, scoring a brace in its dramatic 2-1 win over DR Congo to advance to the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. And as Kane notched his 83rd and 84th career international goals to help the Three Lions get the comeback victory, former England men’s national star Peter Crouch made a big proclamation about the star forward.

“It was genuinely unbelievable. When you’ve got world-class players like Harry Kane on your team, that’s what can happen,” Crouch said on FOX Sports’ “World Cup Now.” “It just felt like it wasn’t going to come for England, but when you’ve got a player like that, a world-class player, a finisher, a talentsman, England’s greatest player — I think you have to say [that] now. It was just such a magical finish — going away from goal, to get that type of power. Phenomenal.”

Kane’s first goal was a relatively simple header, leveling the match in the 75th minute off a cross from Anthony Gordon. But Kane’s second goal was practically a one-man job. In the 86th minute, Kane dribbled through a few DR Congo defenders along the edge of the box before firing a shot that squeezed in right under the crossbar. 

“When I see him with his back to the goal there, I was really, really used to him and I should’ve known better,” Crouch said. “I was telling him to go out wide and get into the box. There’s not many players that can swivel, turn and strike with that venom and power with their back to the goal.”

The second goal was Kane’s fifth of the tournament, putting him squarely in the mix to win Golden Boot of the tournament. He’s only one goal shy of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé for the most goals in this World Cup. 

But when it comes to England records, Kane has just about all of the major goalscoring ones. His 84 goals are 31 more than what Wayne Rooney scored, as the former Three Lions star has the second-most goals in the federation’s history. Kane also set the England record for the most goals scored in World Cup history on Saturday as he now has 13 goals in the tournament. 

As Kane continues to break or add to his records, Crouch thinks he’s undeniably becoming England’s best player ever and that he’s “got to be” a Ballon d’Or contender. 

“It’s the type of player that we’ll probably appreciate more when he’s not battling,” Crouch said. “We have this thing with players — who’s better, this or that — his record stands up. Since he’s been at Bayern Munich, he’s gone to a new level. He’s consistently scored goals. He’s breaking records. Lewandowski played there before him, he’s breaking his records. He’s breaking every England record that we have.”

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Former Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, meanwhile, wasn’t stunned by Kane’s game-winning contributions in England’s win. 

“I don’t know why you’re surprised. It’s Harry Kane. He is the man,” Schmeichel said. “I’ve been on the receiving end of a few of those. You can just never, ever write him off. The only time when I can probably remember is the game against Ghana when he missed. That’s probably the only chance I ever remember him missing in that kind of situation. Then, he comes up again for England.

“For me, Harry Kane’s the ultimate striker. There’s nothing about him that he can’t do. He’s not just a goalscorer, he’s a creator. Where would England be without Harry Kane?”

Former France star Thierry Henry was also in awe of Kane’s heroics on Wednesday, so much so that he was willing to toss aside the Arsenal-Tottenham rivalry and knight the England great. 

“For now, I’m going to call him ‘Sir Harry Kane’ because of what he’s done today,” Henry said on FOX Sports’ “World Cup Live.” “You guys were looking for answers. He was by himself the answer, and not only the goals.”

England Wins THRILLER 󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Thierry Henry on Kane’s Remarkable Brace vs DR Congo

England Wins THRILLER 󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Thierry Henry on Kane's Remarkable Brace vs DR Congo –>

Both Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimović each pointed out a specific play that Kane made beyond his goals that also contributed to England’s win in a major way, pointing to it as a reason why he’s more than just a star goalscorer. 

“In the first half, he ran back to be the full back to stop a counter and go on the other side to stop the counter and he almost finished it,” Henry said. “I don’t even know what to say anymore about Harry Kane. And you know, I’m not too much — with the Tottenham thing and the stuff with Arsenal — but for now, I’m going to call him ‘Sir Harry Kane.’

“This England, I’ll just say: Harry Kane,” Ibrahimović added. “He had two goals and the one run that Thierry said, that says everything about how much he means to this team. We talk about Messi with Argentina, France with Mbappé, but they’ve got other superstars, and [Erling] Haaland with Norway. But when it comes to England, it’s all about Harry Kane. 

“‘Sir Harry Kane’ is England, and the way he performed today, he needs to continue like that if England is going to have a chance.”

And as Kane put England on his back on Wednesday, Crouch compared him to the NFL player who is also considered to be the greatest of all-time.

“[Kane] loves the NFL. … Tom Brady’s his hero,” Crouch said. “This is something special. This will travel back home. I know we’re getting carried away — we’re playing Congo and we’re expected to win this — but it was the manner of the game. It was the way we lost control. It was the way we had to dig in. It was the way we had to play with a midfielder at right back. We had to make substitutions and still the same outcome with him scoring the goals.”

England vs DR Congo Extended Highlights 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 32

England vs DR Congo Extended Highlights  2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 32 –>

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Gavi: Lamine Yamal Is ‘Best’ Player At World Cup, ‘Messi

Spain midfielder Gavi has delivered the ultimate compliment to his Barcelona and international team-mate Lamine Yamal, claiming the 18-year-old sensation is the finest player in world football when excluding Lionel Messi.

The duo are chasing World Cup glory, with Gavi backing the recovering winger to handle the immense pressure during their knockout campaign.

Building match sharpness

Yamal is carefully building his match sharpness after a hamstring injury disrupted his World Cup preparations. The Barcelona winger has gradually increased his playing time for Spain, featuring for 19 minutes against Cape Verde, 45 minutes in a goal-scoring display against Saudi Arabia, and 76 minutes against Uruguay.

Speaking during an interview with La Vanguardia, Gavi emphasised the sheer quality Yamal possesses, even when operating below peak physical condition. Gavi explained: “Perhaps he is not at 100 per cent yet. But Lamine at 70 per cent is already the best. When the matches go by, he will get better.”

Despite only being 18, Yamal has already amassed an astonishing list of accolades. The Golden Boy winner lifted the Euro 2024 trophy with Spain and secured three La Liga titles with Barcelona.

Yamal even finished as the runner-up for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, placing just behind Ousmane Dembele. When asked if the teenager is the premier talent on the planet, Gavi offered a massive endorsement by placing him directly behind an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. “Lionel Messi aside, I see him as the best. And I will always go to the death with him, in the good times and the bad,” Gavi declared.

Navigating intense global pressure

The intense spotlight of a major tournament can easily overwhelm young players, but Yamal has consistently demonstrated remarkable maturity. Gavi admitted he continues to be amazed by how his colleague navigates global fame without breaking a sweat, having watched his profile skyrocket.

Gavi added: “Sometimes I tell him I don’t understand how he does it, because he never gets overwhelmed by people. If I were him, I’d find it incredibly difficult, and I’d get stressed out, but Lamine handles it all very well and seems completely unfazed. It’s a really great quality of his.”

What comes next for Spain?

Spain will now finalise their tactical preparations for the upcoming last-32 clash with Austria. Manager Luis de la Fuente faces a major selection headache regarding his midfield combination and whether Yamal is fit enough to complete a full match. The European giants must deliver a cohesive performance to advance further and keep their ultimate World Cup dreams alive.



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