Key events

1h agoPreamble

From reports, plenty of observers share this view. Between the Iran tensions and the handling of Omar Artan along with other incidents, the event showcases striking political contrasts. Still, after Russia and Qatar plus the upcoming Saudi Arabia 2034 hosting, this pattern may have become routine rather than unusual.

Seeking further material? Jacob Steinberg and David Hytner explore the rise of Declan Rice, England central midfielder, whose displays may decide the outcome of their campaign here.

A hopeful outlook for Scotland. Although Haiti defeated New Zealand 4-0 prompted some concern, they later fell 2-1 to Peru. Warm-up fixtures prove tricky to assess due to frequent squad rotations, and Haiti possess threats including Duckens Nazon and Sunderland forward Wilson Isidor, yet Steve Clarke team remain the stronger side.

The discussion involving Max, Barry, Seb and Pablo can also be viewed as video, incidentally. Useful if you enjoy seeing the studio setup, distinctive mugs and similar details.

Scotland House in Boston appears to host lively, lighthearted moments. It is late there now, though celebrations likely continue in some spots.

Should you favor audio football discussion, the newest Football Weekly episode is ready. Max Rushden hosts Barry Glendenning, Seb Hutchinson and Pablo Iglesias Maurer to cover USA opening win, Canada recovery versus Bosnia and Scotland prospects versus Haiti.

Scotland supporters tuning in? What are your expectations versus Haiti? Positive? Hopeful? Concerned? Share thoughts using the contact details listed.

Scotland return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, and images from Boston show supporters set on having a good time regardless. Paul MacInnes gauges the mood across local venues while Ewan Murray offers measured tactical insight. Bryan Armen Graham profiles Haiti, absent from the finals for 52 years until now.

In a curious subplot worthy of a Coen Brothers script, unknown parties took England boots. Jacob Steinberg notes the Football Association must work with Kansas City police to recover them. Should efforts fail, Harry Kane and teammates may face Croatia without footwear.

A figure in sportswear raised a golden ball high, evoking an ancient figure presenting a sacred object. Moments later a massive golden Fifa emblem descended, its letters towering 50 feet, lowered dramatically as if from above, creating one of the most extravagant displays in sport.

Barney Ronay attended Los Angeles Stadium yesterday and observed the elaborate ceremony, flag displays and spectacle, offering his impressions here.

Preamble

Four matches completed and the event has delivered spectacle, memorable strikes, tense recoveries, strict officiating and political elements that tempt viewers to switch off. This is the endless-scroll World Cup: acknowledged as unhealthy yet hard to ignore.

Following USA comfortable win over Paraguay, Qatar meet Switzerland at 8pm BST, then Brazil face Morocco at 11pm. Scotland tackle Haiti at 2am with Australia versus Turkey at 5am.

Stay here for ongoing coverage of preparations, headlines, disputes and wider context. As Gianni Infantino might remark amid global challenges, settle in and enjoy the action.