Without Ronaldo, ticket prices plummet

Brazil vs Haiti: duel for survival

The second day of Group C at the 2026 World Cup continues this Friday. Brazil and Haiti meet in Philadelphia in a decisive match for both.

Carlo Ancelotti’s team has just drawn 1-1 against Morocco. Vinicius Jr scored the tying goal. The Brazilians need the victory to fight for the lead of the group.

Haiti, for its part, fell 0-1 against Scotland in its debut. Despite the defeat, they showed defensive solidity. Now he seeks to surprise one of the favorites.

The match will be played at 6:30 p.m. (central Mexico time). It will be broadcast on open television on Azteca 7, Channel 5, TUDN and streaming on VIX Plan Mundialista.

Both teams require three points to keep their aspirations of advancing to the next round alive.

The story of Little Bear and George

As World Cup fever invades Mexico City, an unexpected star has emerged among the fans. He is not a soccer player or a coach: he is Osito, an 8-year-old rescued mixed-breed dog.

Osito went viral after appearing in the opening match of the tournament. He was riding on the back of a cargo bicycle, dressed in a national team t-shirt, sunglasses and a cap. Thousands of people photographed him and the videos spread within hours.

Its owner, Jorge Rangel, 50, delivers household products on that bicycle around the city. Two years ago he started carrying Little Bear in a delivery box. The dog remained so calm that Rangel adapted a compartment with cushions. Today they are inseparable.

“He is more than a dog, he is my daily companion,” declared Rangel.

Little Bear has a very calm temperament. People sometimes mistake him for a stuffed animal because he stays still, often in his various outfits. Children run to greet him and strangers stop to take photos.

When the World Cup arrived, Rangel saw an opportunity. A soccer fan, he prepared accessories and adapted glasses for the dog. He dressed Little Bear in the national jersey and decorated the bicycle. The response exceeded his expectations.

“It surpassed everything I imagined,” said Rangel.

But what connects most with people is not the costume or the viral fame, but the bond between man and dog. Rangel adopted Osito at a difficult time in his life. He describes it as an emotional lifeline.

“I didn’t know what it was to love an animal until Little Bear came along,” he said.

Today they hardly separate. If Rangel leaves without him, Little Bear protests by barking, something he rarely does. Passersby thank the couple for brightening their day. Some even confess that watching them helped them during stressful times.

The World Cup celebrations continue and the Osito videos continue to circulate. Every morning, Rangel and Osito return to the streets of the capital. They continue working, greeting strangers and spreading smiles.

For Rangel, that is the most significant part. Television appearances are gratifying, but what matters most is that people see the affection between a man and his dog. A bond that, without expecting it, became one of the most endearing images of the World Cup.

A victory that secures classification

The United States achieved its second victory in Group D of the World Cup by beating Australia 2-0 at Lumen Field in Seattle. The victory, achieved without its star Christian Pulisic, gives it a pass to the round of 16 with two rounds played.

Mauricio Pochettino’s team was able to adapt to the absence of Pulisic, who missed the game due to a calf injury. It was the first time that the Americans advanced to the direct elimination phase after just two games.

The scoring opened early. In the 11th minute, Folarin Balogun sent in a cross from the left that Australian defender Cameron Burgess deflected into his own goal. It was the second consecutive own goal that benefited the United States in the tournament.

Alex Freeman, the youngest player on the team at 21 years old and son of former NFL player Antonio Freeman, extended the lead in the 43rd minute. He headed in a deflected shot from Sergiño Dest, and the goal was confirmed after video review.

Australia, which had just beaten Turkey, tried to react in the second half. Coach Tony Popovic brought on Nestory Irankunda and Cristian Volpato, who resigned from Italy to represent the Socceroos. Volpato had a chance but finished high.

The game became more physical towards the end. Four yellow cards were handed out in the final minutes. The United States managed the advantage and let the clock run.

With six points, the United States leads the group. Australia is left with three. The next matchday, on Thursday, will face Turkey at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, while Australia will clash against Paraguay in San Francisco Bay.