Doug McIntyre

@dougmcintyre.bsky.social

Soccer reporter for FOX Sports

England didn’t lose Wednesday’s World Cup semifinal because it didn’t go for a second goal. It lost because it’s hard to score when you can’t keep the ball. That basic skill is still the difference between England and soccer’s true elites.

England's World Cup Run Wasn't Good Enough, Again. Who's Really To Blame?

England's latest World Cup failure shows how far the county that invented soccer still lags behind the true title contenders.

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England coach Thomas Tuchel, now less than two hours away from the biggest match of his career, has stress relief down to a science. “Sometimes you just get on a bike in a big parking lot with an ice cream in your hand for 15 minutes.”

How Ice Cream Helps England Coach Thomas Tuchel Unwind As World Cup History Beckons

How does Thomas Tuchel stay loose at the World Cup between some of the biggest games of his coaching career? Ice cream, as it turns out.

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Argentina, the defending World Cup champion, is aiming for an unprecedented fourth consecutive major title. Such pedigree could be the difference today vs. England, which hasn’t won anything since 1966. “That mindset will allow us to take the field much more calmly,” coach Lionel Scaloni says.

Argentina 'Calm,' Embracing Underdog Role vs. England With World Cup Legacy Secure

Argentina's title-winning experience could be the difference against England, which hasn't won a major trophy since 1966, in Wednesday's World Cup semifinal in Atlanta.

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Despite an embarrassing World Cup exit for the #USMNT — and despite being at the center of an international controversy through no fault of his own — Folarin Balogun established himself as a legitimate star this summer.

Folarin Balogun Leaves The World Cup A Star, Red Card Controversy And All

Folarin Balogun was the USA's breakout star at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Being at the center of an international incident doesn't change that.

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Although Folarin Balogun doesn’t believe the red card that will keep out of the biggest game of his life was warranted, “There’s little kids watching. You have to show them the correct way to handle things, even when you think it's unjust.” ⁦‪#USMNT

Classy Folarin Balogun Handling 'Unjust' World Cup Red Card The 'Correct Way'

Folarin Balogun refused to lash out following the controversial call that will force him to miss what would've been the biggest match of his career.

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With a couple of World Cup knockout round upsets already, #USMNT players know they must ignore the pressure and bring their best against Bosnia and Herzegovina. “You win or you go home,” star attacker Christian Pulisic said. “But we've still kept it light, and we’ll still be ready to battle.”

'Like The World Cup Final.' USA Loose But Not Overlooking Bosnia And Herzegovina

"Relaxation brings concentration." Inside USA's mindset before Bosnia and Herzegovina World Cup knockout match.

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There are two ways to look at the #USMNT ’s World Cup round of 32 meeting with Bosnia and Herzegovina. On one hand, it’s a game fraught with danger. On the other, the sky-high stakes represent a chance “to inspire generations to come.”

USA Focused On Opportunity, Not Pressure, As First World Cup Knockout Test Looms

There are two ways to look at the USA’s first knockout game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup; they're choosing to take a glass-half-full approach.

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Mauricio Pochettino was hired to do something special with the #USMNT at this home World Cup, not simply advance or even win the group. With the knockout stage now here, we’ll soon see if the high-profile, high-priced coach can deliver. ⁦‪

The Success Of The Mauricio Pochettino Era Is Now Riding On This Next Game

The U.S. is favored to beat Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup round of 32. For coach Mauricio Pochettino's sake, they'd better.

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Mauricio Pochettino arrived on these shores known as one of soccer’s top coaches, but the knives came out for him before he’d led the #USMNT for a year. Two games into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it’s clear that the 54-year-old Argentine knew what he was doing all along. ⁦

The Passion For Pochettino Is On Full Display

Mauricio Pochettino faced some heavy criticism in the World Cup buildup. He's winning over the fans when it matters.

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