New Photo - Sombr Releases Moody Music Video for 'My Body Isn't Ready' with “Obsession” Actress Inde Navarrette

Sombr Releases Moody Music Video for &x27;My Body Isn&x27;t Ready&x27; with “Obsession” Actress Inde Navarrette Daniela AvilaFri, June 26, 2026 at 10:05 PM UTC 0 Sombr and Inde Navarrette Sombr&x27;s new single explores themes of body image and selfperception in his most vulnerable release yet The music video features Obsession actress Inde Navarrette and Off Campus star Josh Heuston Sombr&x27;s North American You Are the Reason Arena Tour kicks off in July and ends in New York City in November Sombr just gifted fans an iconic crossover.

Sombr Releases Moody Music Video for 'My Body Isn't Ready' with “Obsession” Actress Inde Navarrette

Daniela AvilaFri, June 26, 2026 at 10:05 PM UTC

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Sombr and Inde Navarrette

Sombr's new single explores themes of body image and self-perception in his most vulnerable release yet

The music video features Obsession actress Inde Navarrette and Off Campus star Josh Heuston

Sombr's North American You Are the Reason Arena Tour kicks off in July and ends in New York City in November

Sombr just gifted fans an iconic crossover.

On Thursday, June 25, the singer-songwriter released his latest single "My Body Isn't Ready" with an accompanying music video, which features Obsession actress Inde Navarrette.

In the video, directed by Gus Black, Sombr, 20, enters a house party and walks by Off Campus star Josh Heuston. The camera then pans to Navarrette, 25, eating watermelon by the pool — and the moody song kicks off with the actress watching him pass by. Eventually, the pair comes face-to-face, and Sombr walks away from her.

"I like you but my body isn't ready / I want you but the mirror won't let me," Sombr sings. "I try to be the person you're expecting / But I'm not ready, I'm not ready."

Sombr (born Shane Boose) then finds himself in an art room and he covers himself in a suit made of papier-mâché . Navarrette later breaks him out of it and they enter a brief love montage as they go on a romantic stroll, eat dinner together and watch fireworks.

A press release for the single, which was solely written and co-produced by Sombr, describes the new release as Sombr at his "most vulnerable" as he confronts themes of body image, self-perception and learning to feel comfortable in your own skin.

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Inde Navarrette and Sombr

Following its release, the "12 to 12" singer shared photos of the music video shoot on Instagram and thanked Navarrette and Heuston for participating.

"I hope this song can mean different things to different people," he wrote in the caption. "It can be taken as a metaphor. Or it can be taken literally as a description of how I have perceived my own body, for my whole life. I wanted to write about my struggle so that other people who may also be struggling know that they are not alone. You are beautiful, and I love you."

Navarrette celebrated the song's release with her very own Instagram post, in which she expressed gratitude to Sombr.

"Thank you @sombr so so so so so much for having me be apart of my first music video ever. You are such an angel to work with & it's such a beautiful song, I can't wait for everyone to hear it 🌷" she wrote.

"My Body Isn't Ready" follows the release of singles "Homewrecker" and "Potential."

In July, Sombr will launch his North American You Are the Reason Arena Tour in Mexico City and he'll hit major cities across the United States before wrapping in New York City in November.

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Sombr Releases Moody Music Video for 'My Body Isn't Ready' with “Obsession” Actress Inde Navarrette

Sombr Releases Moody Music Video for &x27;My Body Isn&x27;t Ready&x27; with “Obsession” Actress Inde Navarrette Da...
New Photo - World Cup projected round of 32 matchups, live bracket for knockout stage

World Cup projected round of 32 matchups, live bracket for knockout stage Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAYFri, June 26, 2026 at 1:58 PM UTC 0 The 2026 World Cupgroup stage is coming to a close, and tickets are being punched into the round of 32. The final matches in every group are underway, and with each result, teams are securing their spots in the knockout round thanks to top finishes in their respective groups. By qualifying for the next stage, teams then understand the path it will take to win the championships.

World Cup projected round of 32 matchups, live bracket for knockout stage

Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAYFri, June 26, 2026 at 1:58 PM UTC

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The 2026 World Cupgroup stage is coming to a close, and tickets are being punched into the round of 32.

The final matches in every group are underway, and with each result, teams are securing their spots in the knockout round thanks to top finishes in their respective groups. By qualifying for the next stage, teams then understand the path it will take to win the championships.

'We'll be ready': USA shifts all focus to Bosnia in round of 32

World Cup live scores today: France vs Norway kicks off epic Friday slate

As the bracket puzzle is starting to take shape, there are still plenty of pieces that need to be figured out. The top two teams in every group are guaranteed to advance, but third place teams will have to hope they've done enough in order to make it to the knockout round since only eight will make it through. Who those lucky eight are can easily change with every result.

Who is in World Cup round of 32?

As of Friday, June 26, midnight p.m. ET.

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Mexico (Group A winner) - shop knockout round tickets

Switzerland: (Group B winner) - shop knockout round tickets

Brazil: (Group C winner) - shop knockout round tickets

United States: (Group D winner) - shop knockout round tickets

Germany: (Group E winner) - shop knockout round tickets

Netherlands: (Group F winner) - shop knockout round tickets

Argentina: (Group J winner) - shop knockout round tickets

France: Advanced

Norway: Advanced

Colombia: Advanced

South Africa: (Group A runner-up) - shop knockout round tickets

Canada: (Group B runner-up) - shop knockout round tickets

Morocco: (Group C runner-up) - shop knockout round tickets

Australia: (Group D runner-up) - shop knockout round tickets

Ivory Coast: (Group E runner-up) - shop knockout round tickets

Japan: (Group F runner-up) - shop knockout round tickets

Bosnia and Herzegovina: (Group B third-place)

Ecuador: (Group E third-place)

Sweden: (Group F third-place)

Projected World Cup round of 32 matchups

Teams in bold are confirmed to be in that spot in the bracket. Placement of third place teams is based on live trackers from The Athletic, BBC and Sky Sports.

Projections are reflected of current group standings as of Friday, June 26, midnight a.m. ET.

June 29: Germany (Group E winner) vs. Paraguay (Group D third place) - Gillette Stadium, Foxborough

June 30: France (Group I winner) vs. Sweden (Group F third place) - MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford

June 28: South Africa (Group A runner-up) vs. Canada (Group B runner-up) - SoFi Stadium, Inglewood

June 29: Netherlands (Group F winner) vs. Morocco (Group C runner-up) - Estadio Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico

July 2: Colombia (Group K runner-up) vs. Ghana (Group L runner-up) - Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada

July 2: Spain (Group H winner) vs. Algeria (Group J runner-up) - SoFi Stadium, Inglewood

July 1: United States (Group D winner) vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group B third place) - Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara

July 1: Egypt (Group G winner) vs. South Korea (Group A third place) - Lumen Field, Seattle

June 29: Brazil (Group C winner) vs. Japan (Group F runner-up) - NRG Stadium, Houston

June 30: Ivory Coast (Group E runner-up) vs. Norway (Group I runner-up) - AT&T Stadium, Arlington

June 30: Mexico (Group A winner) vs. Scotland (Group C third place) - Estadio Azteca, Mexico City

July 1: England (Group L winner) vs. Ecuador (Group E third place) - Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

July 3: Argentina (Group J winner) vs. Cabo Verde (Group H runner-up) - Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens

July 3: Australia (Group D runner-up) vs. Iran (Group G runner-up) - AT&T Stadium, Arlington

July 2: Switzerland (Group B winner) vs. Belgium (Group G third place) - Vancouver Stadium, Vancouver, Canada

July 3: Portugal (Group K winner) vs. Croatia (Group L third place) - Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City

World Cup third place team standings

Here is the current order of third place teams. The top eight advance to the knockout round.

Standings as of Friday, June 26, midnight p.m. ET. Teams with asterisk have one more group match remaining.

Sweden: 1-1-1 (0) – 4 points (Group F) ADVANCED

Ecuador: 1-1-1 (0) – 4 points (Group E) ADVANCED

Bosnia and Herzegovina: 1-1-1 (-1) – 4 points (Group B) ADVANCED

Paraguay: 1-1-1 (-2) – 4 points (Group D)

Croatia*: 1-0-1 (-1) – 3 points (Group L)

South Korea: 1-0-2 (-1) – 3 points (Group A)

Algeria*: 1-0-1 (-2) – 3 points (Group J)

Scotland: 1-0-2 (-3) – 3 points (Group C)

Cabo Verde*: 0-2-0 (0) – 2 points (Group H)

Belgium*: 0-2-0 (0) – 2 points (Group G)

Congo DR*: 0-1-1 (-1) – 1 point (Group K)

Senegal*: 0-1-2 (-3) – 0 points (Group I)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: World Cup standings: Projected round of 32 games, live World Cup bracket

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World Cup projected round of 32 matchups, live bracket for knockout stage

World Cup projected round of 32 matchups, live bracket for knockout stage Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAYFri, June 26, 2026 at 1:58 PM ...
New Photo - Vampire Diaries bosses on casting Enzo as a Salvatore brother and Damon's fate in the finale

Listen to the final episode of EW's Binge: Vampire Diaries podcast. Vampire Diaries bosses on casting Enzo as a Salvatore brother and Damon's fate in the finale Listen to the final episode of EW's Binge: Vampire Diaries podcast. By Samantha Highfill :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/SamanthaHighfillauthorphoto0917254112e875604542d49744a27de908d183.jpg) Samantha Highfill Samantha Highfill is an executive editor at , where she's worked for more than 12 years covering television. EW's editorial guidelines August 27, 2021 9:00 a.m.

Listen to the final episode of EW's Binge: Vampire Diaries podcast.

Vampire Diaries bosses on casting Enzo as a Salvatore brother and Damon's fate in the finale

Listen to the final episode of EW's Binge: Vampire Diaries podcast.

By Samantha Highfill

Sam Highfill author photo

Samantha Highfill

Samantha Highfill is an executive editor at **, where she's worked for more than 12 years covering television.

EW's editorial guidelines

August 27, 2021 9:00 a.m. ET

For *The Vampire Diaries* creatives, casting Enzo was a particularly difficult task. Because originally, the role was going to be very different.

"You were supposed to be the third Salvatore brother," executive producer Julie Plec tells star Michael Malarkey in episode 8 of *EW's Binge: The Vampire Diaries*. Writer Brett Matthews adds, "That was always the plan, and then it went a different direction, but that's why it was so hard to find the person. We thought it was going to be a Salvatore brother, so we cast a very wide net [and] looked very hard." Ultimately, they scrapped that plan and made it so Enzo didn't share Salvatore blood, but he was a brother figure for Damon (Ian Somerhalder) for many years (and he was sired by Lily Salvatore).

But that wasn't the only plan that changed in the writers' room over the years. In discussing the *Vampire Diaries*' final season, Plec and Matthews recall the final major debate: Which Salvatore were they going to kill in the series finale? "We went back and forth in the writers' room all season long," Plec says. "We finally landed on: We're killing Damon. That's the right thing to do. He is the one with the consequence to pay. Stefan was morally a bit stronger of a character."

The Vampire Diaries

Michael Malarkey as Enzo and Ian Somerhalder as Damon on 'The Vampire Diaries'. Annette Brown/The CW; Bob Mahoney/The CW

Matthews adds, "Damon's a fairly obvious choice," noting that the writers really fell in love with the idea of Damon compelling Stefan (Paul Wesley) to let him die. But when executive producer Kevin Williamson proposed that it should be Stefan that dies, they started to rethink their plan. "It felt like dying for Stefan freed him from a lot of weight, whereas it felt like living for Damon freed him to go and be the man that he was always supposed to be," Plec says.

Of course, both Salvatores were meant to die in the original ending Plec and Williamson came up with during the show's second season. In that ending, "The boys would sacrifice themselves to save Elena so that Elena could go and have a life and be human and live," Plec recalls during the podcast. "To save her, they would die together, and that was always the pitch. And then when Nina [Dobrev] left, it felt like the show can't be as much about protecting Elena's happiness, although that's important to us, but we want to protect the bothers' happiness, we want them to get something out of this. Then it shifted to: We can't kill both of them for her because that feels somehow like nobody got what they wanted. Let's find a different way to give one of these brothers the happiness that they need and the other brother the closure that they need."

(One other way Dobrev leaving changed the plan? Plec says, "I thought that by the time we came back to the end of the series, whenever it was, that Elena would've found her way back to Stefan and Damon would've found a different path.")

For more about the final season, listen to the full podcast episode below:

**To listen, subscribe to *EW's Binge: The Vampire Diaries* feed via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also subscribe to EW's YouTube page to catch all the video interviews, and stay tuned to EW.com.**

**Related content:**

- *Vampire Diaries* star Ian Somerhaldher reveals why he was jealous of Chris Wood's Kai

- *Vampire Diaries* boss reveals the real reason they killed Katherine in season 5

- *Vampire Diaries* bosses on the 'controversial' sire bond and the role Pedro Pascal auditioned for

- *Vampire Diaries* boss Julie Plec explains why Klaroline could never happen today

- Sci-Fi & Fantasy Shows

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Vampire Diaries bosses on casting Enzo as a Salvatore brother and Damon's fate in the finale

Listen to the final episode of EW's Binge: Vampire Diaries podcast. Vampire Diaries bosses on casting Enzo as a Salvatore br...
New Photo - Japan believes it can beat Brazil in World Cup round of 32 after Sweden draw

Japan believes it can beat Brazil in World Cup round of 32 after Sweden draw Austin Curtright, USA TODAY NETWORKFri, June 26, 2026 at 10:06 AM UTC 0 ARLINGTON, TX – A tough match awaits Japan after its 11 draw against Sweden to close the group stage matches at the World Cup on Thursday, June 25.Samurai Blue, runnersup to the Netherlands in Group F, will face Brazil in one of the mostanticipated matches of the round of 32. While Brazil is certainly more talented on paper, Japan has looked much more cohesive than Carlo Ancelotti’s side through three matches.

Japan believes it can beat Brazil in World Cup round of 32 after Sweden draw

Austin Curtright, USA TODAY NETWORKFri, June 26, 2026 at 10:06 AM UTC

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ARLINGTON, TX – A tough match awaits Japan after its 1-1 draw against Sweden to close the group stage matches at the World Cup on Thursday, June 25.Samurai Blue, runners-up to the Netherlands in Group F, will face Brazil in one of the most-anticipated matches of the round of 32. While Brazil is certainly more talented on paper, Japan has looked much more cohesive than Carlo Ancelotti’s side through three matches.

REQUIRED READING: Japan, Sweden battle to World Cup draw, with Samurai Blue facing Brazil in round of 32

Japan wasn’t one of the lucky eight sides to land a round of 32 matchup against a fellow group stage runner-up, instead facing the most successful national team in the history of the tournament, with five World Cup victories.

Japan is looking to prove it’ll be a tough draw for the Canarinho, too.

"For the good of football in Japan, I think it would be a very good experience," coach Hajime Moriyasu said through a translator. "We do believe there's a chance for us to win. And then we hope that we will be able to move one step further and move on to the next stage."

Japan’s attack will need to improve for a chance against Brazil. Sweden limited Moriyasu’s side to three shots on goal, and if it weren’t for a 56th-minute strike from Celtic attacker Daizen Maeda on a brilliant cross from Ritsu Doan, it could’ve found itself in a precarious position − like Sweden, which is on to the round of 32 as a third-place finisher but is unsure of its placement yet.

The momentum shifted in Sweden’s favor late in the second half, but Japan was able to hold strong despite a header from Sweden forward Alexander Isak hitting the crossbar in the 94th minute. Newcastle United winger Anthony Elanga scored the equalizer in the 62nd minute on a screamer from outside the box.

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Ultimately the draw worked out for both sides, though, as Japan wasn’t quite in jeopardy of missing the round of 32, but it resulted in Sweden locking up a top-eight finish among third-place group stage teams.

"I think we achieved what was important – conceding the minimum, not losing, and securing at least a point," said Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. "Being able to carry this unbeaten momentum into ​the Brazil match next is definitely positive."

Japan and Brazil faced off recently in a friendly, with Samurai Blue earning their first win over Brazil in 14 matchups on Oct. 14, 2025, in Tokyo. Japan fell down 2-0 but scored three unanswered goals in the second half to earn the result.

While friendlies are hardly comparable to the World Cup, Brazil played multiple starters in the match, including star forward Vinicius Junior.

Japan wasn’t at its best against Sweden, but it has a few days off before making the short trip to Houston for the match on June 29.

Samurai Blue will be looking to channel their effort from their 3-2 friendly win last year, although they expect a tough fight from FIFA’s No. 6-ranked side, which won Group F with seven points over Morocco due to goal differential.

“Perhaps because of that (win) they’ll be motivated,” Moriyasu said. “We would be able to play against a Brazil that’s really intent of playing their game.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why Japan believes it can beat Brazil in World Cup round of 32

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Japan believes it can beat Brazil in World Cup round of 32 after Sweden draw

Japan believes it can beat Brazil in World Cup round of 32 after Sweden draw Austin Curtright, USA TODAY NETWORKFri, June 26, 2...
New Photo - What do Belgium, Iran and Egypt need to qualify for the World Cup knockouts from Group G?

What do Belgium, Iran and Egypt need to qualify for the World Cup knockouts from Group G? Alan SmithFri, June 26, 2026 at 5:57 AM UTC 0 The World Cup 2026 is nearing the end of its group stage with teams now seeking to confirm their spots in the knockout rounds. A hefty 32 of the 48 nations will progress to the next stage of the competition as the top two sides in each group automatically qualify followed by the eight highest point scorers who finish in third.

What do Belgium, Iran and Egypt need to qualify for the World Cup knockouts from Group G?

Alan SmithFri, June 26, 2026 at 5:57 AM UTC

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The World Cup 2026 is nearing the end of its group stage with teams now seeking to confirm their spots in the knockout rounds.

A hefty 32 of the 48 nations will progress to the next stage of the competition as the top two sides in each group automatically qualify followed by the eight highest point scorers who finish in third. That means there is lots to play for in the final round of fixtures with progression to the last-32 a plausible possibility for a vast majority of teams after two rounds of fixtures.

In Group G all four teams could still make it out, with Egypt all but assured of progress thanks to four points from their first two fixtures. Belgium and Iran have two points apieces, while New Zealand are bottom on one so must win to stand a chance of advancing.

Egypt and Iran will meet in Seattle, while New Zealand take on Belgium in Vancouver with both matches getting underway at 4am BST on Saturday.

Here’s everything you about Group G’s knockout round permutations:

What do Egypt need to qualify?

Not much. If they beat Iran or draw with Iran and Belgium fail to win by three or more goals, Mohamed Salah’s side will finish top of the group. Should they draw and Belgium win handsomely, they will fall to second.

A defeat and Belgium win would see the Pharaohs drop to third but four points should be enough to still go through.

How can Iran reach the last-32?

A win seals qualification, a draw leaves them reliant upon results elsewhere - including beyond the group if Belgium win their match - while a defeat should mean elimination.

What must happen for Belgium to advance?

The Red Devils will guarantee qualification with a win against New Zealand but can only finish top if their margin of victory is three or more goals and the other match finishes level.

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A draw would move them to three points, which would be enough for second place if Egypt win. Should that not happen, goal difference and results elsewhere could determine whether they go through as one of the third-placed finishers. Lose and they will be out.

How the third placed sides currently stand:

How will New Zealand reach the knockouts?

They must win to finish second or third. Anything less will see them eliminated.

Head-to-head prominence over goal difference

If teams finish on the same number of points their standing in the group will be determined by the head-to-head record against the nation they are level with. If one team tied on points with another has beaten them in the group stage, the winners will finish higher up the table.

Where multiple teams are level on points, a mini-league is created, removing the results against the remaining teams. Those tied teams are ranked by points won in the games involving each other, then by goal difference, followed by goals scored. If that does not split them, the next criteria is goal difference followed by goals scored for the group overall.

Any other tiebreakers?

If teams are still level on points following head-to-head results, goal difference and goals scored then the Team Conduct Score (TCS) comes into play. It is basically a fair play score and is rated based on the amount of cards a team has collected. Each team, including managers and backroom staff, started on zero and were deducted points throughout the group stage as follows:

Yellow card -1

Red card for two yellows -3

Straight red card -4

Yellow then straight red -5

The closer to zero, the better the score. If the teams are still level, whoever had the higher Fifa ranking in June's published update will go through.

How are the top eight third place finishers determined?

The top eight third place finishers will be decided on which teams have accumulated the most points.

Should eight or more nations finish third with the same number of points, the nations who progress will then be determined by goal difference.

In all likelihood, teams that finish third with four points or higher will go through, the teams on three points will need the best possible goal difference to progress.

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What do Belgium, Iran and Egypt need to qualify for the World Cup knockouts from Group G?

What do Belgium, Iran and Egypt need to qualify for the World Cup knockouts from Group G? Alan SmithFri, June 26, 2026 at 5:57 ...
New Photo - Belgium have wasted a golden generation – but there is one last World Cup hope

Belgium have wasted a golden generation – but there is one last World Cup hope Richard Jolly Fri, June 26, 2026 at 6:07 AM UTC 0 If Belgium spent years pondering the question of what came after the golden generation, there was a certain logic to the answer: the next generation. Their World Cup has come to the backdrop a needless controversy about Jeremy Doku&x27;s decision to leave the camp for the birth of his son, Praise. Rather less praise has been forthcoming for the Red Devils; criticism is likelier to follow should they tumble out of a second consecutive World Cup in the group stage.

Belgium have wasted a golden generation – but there is one last World Cup hope

Richard Jolly Fri, June 26, 2026 at 6:07 AM UTC

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If Belgium spent years pondering the question of what came after the golden generation, there was a certain logic to the answer: the next generation. Their World Cup has come to the backdrop a needless controversy about Jeremy Doku's decision to leave the camp for the birth of his son, Praise.

Rather less praise has been forthcoming for the Red Devils; criticism is likelier to follow should they tumble out of a second consecutive World Cup in the group stage. Which, as they face New Zealand, seems unlikely but Belgium could be forgiven for feeling scarred by the same stage four years, by Romelu Lukaku's litany of misses in the stalemate with Croatia. Now a draw would almost certainly be enough. Now, unlike then, they are almost certainly not in a pool with two eventual semi-finalists: not when they have faced Egypt and Iran, with the All Whites to come.

Belgium have disappointed at the World Cup so far (Getty)

Yet Belgium are winless; goalless in one respect, too, with the one they scored an own goal by Egypt's Mohamed Hany that Lukaku forced. Once again, there is a whiff of elimination. This time, when it comes, it will be terminal for the remnants of an increasingly aged generation. There will surely be no more World Cups for Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Thomas Meunier or Axel Witsel. Perhaps, given the gaps in the squad and the shortage of obvious successors, there won't be one in 2030 for Belgium.

Even before the 2022 tournament, De Bruyne described Belgium as too old to win it. He was right, even if he scarcely enjoyed his vindication. Time may nevertheless lend a greater sheen to a group who did not lift a trophy but who, in the 2022 quarter-final against Brazil, conjured surely the greatest day in their footballing history. Belgium finished third then; across two World Cups, they won 10 games. That apart, they have won one since 1994.

Kevin De Bruyne and Belgium face New Zealand in Vancouver (Getty)

They were ranked first in the world for almost all of the time between the 2018 and 2022 tournaments; that can look still more remarkable when they were 71st in 2007.

But theirs was always a generation of two halves; the centre-backs were born first, and one is now a 40-year-old much decorated Bayern Munich manager. Belgium in effect have no central defenders worthy of the name now, and still fewer at their disposal after Nathan Ngoy's red card in the stalemate with Iran.

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Belgium are still reliant on an aging Romelu Lukaku (Reuters)

It illustrates why smaller nations, even in their golden years, rarely win World Cups: they do not tend to have talent in every position at the right time. Now Belgium only appear blessed with players at their peak or an upward curve in one role; and they cannot field three goalkeepers and no centre-backs.

But Senne Lammens and Mike Penders may yet become among the world's outstanding keepers. Thibaut Courtois has been for a decade. That former manager Domenico Tedesco fell out with the Real Madrid man, with Courtois opting out of international football, led to his demise.

A problem for his replacement, Rudi Garcia, is that even the survivors of the side Roberto Martinez took to the top of the rankings feel older than their actual age. Lukaku started early but may be nearing a slightly premature end. Injuries denied him a Serie A start for Napoli this season. With 90 goals, he obliterated Belgium's scoring records. That they have to hope he can rewind time and secure redemption for 2022. They have no real alternative: when Charles de Ketelaere leads the line, he is more false nine.

Kevin de Bruyne has assessed that Belgium are "not up to the task" (Getty)

They have to rely, too, on De Bruyne's magical right foot prevailing over his creaking physique. He is 34, Lukaku 33. They have played more than 1600 games of professional football between them. It may be no wonder their bodies are giving way. Only Doku has the sense of a being an elite attacking player for now.

Belgium should nevertheless be doing better; it required a remarkable save by Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beirenvand to stop Maxim de Cuyper from scoring. But, honest as ever, De Bruyne has described Belgium as "not up to the task" and bemoaned "silly mistakes". There has been a wastefulness when the fixture list looked generous; still more so given the American authorities' attempts to impede Iran. Belgium still failed to overcome Team Melli or Egypt.

None of which is necessarily fatal to their chances. In a different format, three points would surely send them through now, whereas four did not in 2022. Come second or even third in Group C and there are plausible routes deep into the competition; but are Belgium good enough to take advantage?

The early evidence is that they are not; that the golden generation has become the olden generation and that their juniors are inferior to their predecessors. And so the feeling is that it is ending in anti-climax for Belgium unless De Bruyne and Lukaku, architects of a seminal win against Brazil, can draw on their history for inspiration and provide one last blast from Belgium's actually rather impressive past.

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Belgium have wasted a golden generation – but there is one last World Cup hope

Belgium have wasted a golden generation – but there is one last World Cup hope Richard Jolly Fri, June 26, 2026 at 6:07 AM UTC ...
New Photo - Mitchell Robinson unlikely to re-sign with Knicks

Mitchell Robinson unlikely to resign with Knicks HoopsHypeFri, June 26, 2026 at 1:01 AM UTC 0 Stefan Bondy: Heard it’s unlikely Mitchell Robinson will be back with Knicks next season. He’s longest tenured Knick but also an unrestricted free agent. Owner James Dolan said he’s unwilling to pay into second apron so running it back with bench is not feasible. Twitter Advertisement This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Mitchell Robinson unlikely to resign with Knicks

Mitchell Robinson unlikely to re-sign with Knicks

HoopsHypeFri, June 26, 2026 at 1:01 AM UTC

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Stefan Bondy: Heard it’s unlikely Mitchell Robinson will be back with Knicks next season. He’s longest tenured Knick but also an unrestricted free agent. Owner James Dolan said he’s unwilling to pay into second apron so running it back with bench is not feasible.

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Mitchell Robinson unlikely to re-sign with Knicks

Mitchell Robinson unlikely to resign with Knicks HoopsHypeFri, June 26, 2026 at 1:01 AM UTC 0 Stefan Bondy: Heard it’s unlikely Mi...

 

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