Gary Meenaghan

Nomadic journalist. Mostly sports. As published by The Times, BBC, Vice, The National, Bloomberg, Newsweek, Herald, and others. Falo português.

[Gary Meenaghan @GMeenaghan]

I visited Nova Venécia, hometown of @Richarlison97, and spoke to those who knew him best: family, friends, teachers, coaches. Boy, did they have some stories to share. https://t.co/NuChlUWHez #EFC

[Gary Meenaghan @GMeenaghan]

That feeling when you make #WorldCup history. Cabo Verde players dance their way through the mixed zone after securing place in the KO stages. (And a direct contrast to the sullen Saudis caught among the celebrations). #CPVKSA

[Gary Meenaghan @GMeenaghan]

Wrote a few words about spending time amid the Tartan Army up in Boston. From jobbie lickers to 'Joe Maginn', it's difficult to know who enjoyed themselves more. #Scotland

https://t.co/8KVHpIYF8f

[Gary Meenaghan @GMeenaghan]

Haaland scores a brace, bags Man of the Match on his World Cup debut, then insists: “No, I’m not the best goalscorer in the world.” #StayHumble #IRQNOR

[Fabrizio Romano @FabrizioRomano]

🚨🧘🏼‍♂️ OFFICIAL: Erling Haaland wins FIFA Man of the Match for Norway-Iraq on his first World Cup game ever.

2 goals today, and 22 goals (!) in last 11 games in major competitions with Norway.

[Gary Meenaghan @GMeenaghan]

That didn't last long. #Iraq equalise against #Norway with a brilliant header from Aymen Hussein before a disaster-class at the back four minutes later hands #Haaland his second of the match. Hat-trick on his World Cup debut? Wouldn't bet against it. #IRQNOR

[Gary Meenaghan @GMeenaghan]

The Haitians may be outnumbered here in Boston, but those who are here have brought their brass, drums and rhythm. 🇭🇹

[Gary Meenaghan @GMeenaghan]

#Canada and the #UnitedStates both in action today. As good a time as any to return to this piece I wrote for BBC Sport seven (!) years ago about the young players with one eye on this #WorldCup. Both could see minutes today.

https://t.co/bJGJXSR4G8

[Out of Context Football Manager @nocontextfm1]

A duck wearing a Mexico kit.

I’m moving to Mexico immediately 😂🇲🇽

[Daniel Storey @danielstorey85]

Don't know if this is common knowledge, but the BBC has produced a spoiler-free link to watch World Cup match highlights without knowing the score.

Simply go here:

https://t.co/dg52CjYbN8

[Gary Meenaghan @GMeenaghan]

Best hat-trick since Mbappe in the 2022 final

[FIFA @FIFAcom]

Let's go, @FIFAWorldCup 2026! 🙌

[Gary Meenaghan @GMeenaghan]

In 2004, I landed in Kansas to study journalism at #KU. Knowing nobody and milling around the airport, a random family quickly took me under their wing and drove me the 50 miles to #Lawrence. Amazing city with wholesome, friendly people - many of whom remain friends 22 yrs later.

[Andrew Wiebe @andrew_wiebe]

You simply cannot overestimate how much Midwesterners love and appreciate far-away visitors and want them to have the best time possible in the places they call home. People just want to share what they love.

Lawrence is a special place.

[Gary Meenaghan @GMeenaghan]

Azteca also explains my persistent headache. Thought I was dehydrated after 30-hour flight from Dubai, but since realised the cranial pounding is more likely because Mexico City is 2,200m above sea level.

[Gary Meenaghan @GMeenaghan]

Have been in North America now for a little less than 48 hours. Going to use this thread to jot down a few observations from my notebook: At Miami airport, it took 2.5 hours for 300 or so non-Americans to get through immigration. Spotted only one football shirt though: S. Africa.

[Gary Meenaghan @GMeenaghan]

Few cities have more World Cup heritage than CDMX, home of Estadio Azteca (rebranded this month as Estadio Ciudad de Mexico). Pelé and Maradona both lifted the trophy here. More history to be made tomorrow as it becomes first stadium to host three World Cup openers. #MEXRSA

[Gary Meenaghan @GMeenaghan]

Gotta love a World Cup poster. At Miami International Airport, #FWC26 posters designed by local school kids are on display. Some are hugely impressive.

[lusso @luusssso]

A thread of every official World Cup poster from 1930-2026

There are some real gems in here

[Gary Meenaghan @GMeenaghan]

Curious to see the Hard Rock Stadium crowd tomorrow for Real Madrid v Hilal. If South Miami is anything to go by, the lack of a South American side won’t mean a lack of atmosphere. Saudis out in force. #Hilal Blue outnumbering Los Blancos 100 to 1 - at least. #RMA #CWC

[Gary Meenaghan @GMeenaghan]

A veteran Argentine playing for Inter Miami secured man of the match… but it wasn’t who you would expect. (Bonus point if you can tell me why he was at Wembley in 2014). #SUFC

[The National Sport @NatSportUAE]

Al Ahly spoil Lionel Messi's party as Club World Cup opener against Inter Miami ends in stalemate | The National https://t.co/gzSq3XURWy

[Gary Meenaghan @GMeenaghan]

Messi’s Miami drew 0-0 with Al Ahly as the revamped Fifa Club World Cup officially got underway. Ronaldo didn’t make it in the end, but some of his fans did (as did about 35,000 #Ahlawy, fans, and families). #FIFACWC

[Gary Meenaghan @GMeenaghan]

And while I’m here spreading the love (because if there’s one thing this world needs it’s more love), my cousin @CammyGreenlees has launched a new outlet for the match-going football fan. Check out @TheConcourseMag to find out more.