Nick Ralston
Nick Ralston is the deputy editor and investigations editor for The Sydney Morning Herald. He has previously spent time as news editor, justice editor and world editor.
FIFA World Cup 2026 results as it happened: ‘Who got the goals? We got the goals’: Irankunda responds to Turkey’s talk
Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe delivered Australia’s first win in a World Cup opener since 2006 to set up a blockbuster showdown next Saturday with Group D rivals and hosts USA.
- Emma Kemp, Frances Howe, Nick Ralston and Roy Ward
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‘Do something special’: New national hero Nestory Irankunda says Socceroos have just begun
The loftiest dreams of the Socceroos were realised with a stunning 2-0 victory over Turkey in Vancouver.
- Nick Ralston
Youth, wildcards and a banned pasta sauce: What you need to know about the Socceroos
Was your last Socceroos encounter that heart-breaking defeat to Argentina in Qatar at the 2022 World Cup? Here’s what to know about the 2026 team.
- Nick Ralston
‘It’s not cheap, but it’s the World Cup’: Inside the $20,000 trips to see Socceroos play
Downtown Vancouver has become overrun with green and gold. Australian fans have become inescapable and their optimism for how the team may go is contagious.
- Nick Ralston
Australia to ‘spoil the party’ after Turkey’s captain takes pot shot at Socceroos
Hakan Calhanoglu said he expects Turkey to dominate the group match because his team are “more talented”.
- Nick Ralston and Vince Rugari
FIFA World Cup 2026 results as it happened: USA win 4-1 over Paraguay and Canada earns first-ever World Cup point in 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina
Host nation Canada have kicked off their World campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina, before the United States take on Paraguay at 11am. Follow all the action.
- Frances Howe and Nick Ralston
FIFA World Cup 2026 results as it happened: South Korea snatch victory from Czechia 2-1 in thriller as Mexico defeat South Africa in opener
The tournament’s opening day continues with another Group A match, several hours after three red cards headlined Mexico’s victory in Mexico City. Follow all the action and reaction.
- Emma Kemp and Nick Ralston
FIFA boss tells critics to ‘chill’ after referee denied US entry over suspected terror links
Speaking on the eve of the 2026 World Cup, his first press conference in three years, Gianni Infantino says he has no regrets about hosting the World Cup in the US.
- Nick Ralston
Your group-by-group guide to the 2026 World Cup: part two
How will reigning champions Argentina fare? Who is the favourite to win the tournament? Here’s your guide to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Groups G to L.
- Emma Kemp, Nick Ralston, Vince Rugari and Billie Eder
‘World Cup of chaos’: Can the most expensive sporting event deliver?
The World Cup returns to North America after 32 years. And just like in ’94, when O.J. Simpson’s police chase threatened to steal the show, the event is not without dramas.
- Nick Ralston