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News, analysis, and stories from around the tournament.
FIFA Names World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament: Spain and France Lead With Three Players Each
FIFA has confirmed its official Team of the Tournament for the 2026 World Cup, with champions Spain and France each contributing three players, alongside Argentina's Lionel Messi, Norway's Erling Haaland and Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha.
Bukayo Saka Hat-Trick and Bellingham Winner Send England to 6-4 Third-Place Win Over France
Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick and substitute Jude Bellingham struck an injury-time winner as England beat France 6-4 in a ten-goal thriller to claim third place at the 2026 World Cup.
Argentina Score Twice Late to Beat England 2-1 and Set Up Final Against Spain
England led through Anthony Gordon before Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez struck in the final five minutes as Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1 in Atlanta and reach the World Cup final.
Jude Bellingham's Extra-Time Double Sends England Past Norway 2-1
Jude Bellingham scored either side of full time, levelling in first-half stoppage time and then striking again early in extra time, as England beat Norway 2-1 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami to reach the semi-finals.
Belgium Rout USA 4-1 as De Ketelaere Scores Twice in Dallas
Charles De Ketelaere struck twice and Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku also scored as Belgium beat the host nation 4-1 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas to reach the quarter-finals.
Ontario Pushes Last Call to 4 a.m. for the 2026 World Cup, June 11 to July 19
The Ontario government has confirmed that bars and restaurants in the province can serve alcohol until 4 a.m. for the duration of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The temporary extension runs from June 11 to July 19. Toronto Stadium hosts six tournament matches.
Clarke Names Scotland's 26: Stewart's Four-Year Wait Ends, Teen Curtis In, Miller Misses Out
Steve Clarke has named Scotland's 26-man squad for the country's first men's World Cup since 1998. Southampton striker Ross Stewart returns after a four-year international absence, Rangers teenager Findlay Curtis travels and Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon, 43, joins the keeper trio. Udinese midfielder Lennon Miller is the most-discussed omission. Group C: Haiti, Morocco, Brazil.
Ancelotti Names Brazil's 26: Marquinhos Captain, Vinícius Headlines, Neymar Returns From Santos
Carlo Ancelotti has named Brazil's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. PSG captain Marquinhos wears the armband, Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior leads the attack and Neymar returns from Santos. Brazil chase a record sixth title 24 years after their last. Group C: Morocco, Haiti, Scotland. Opener at MetLife on June 13.
BBC Names World Cup Pundit Team: Giroud, Azpilicueta and McCarthy Join Shearer, Rooney and Hart
The BBC will cover all 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup, with 54 games on linear TV plus every game across iPlayer, Radio 5 Live and BBC Sport digital. Olivier Giroud, César Azpilicueta and Benni McCarthy join the punditry desk. New BBC Football YouTube and TikTok channels stream build-up plus the opening 10 minutes of the biggest matches.
Dalić Names Croatia's 26: Gvardiol Back, Majer Drops to Stand-By, Two Pašalićs Travel
Zlatko Dalić has named the Croatia squad for the 2026 World Cup. Joško Gvardiol returns after a six-month absence, Lovro Majer drops to a seven-player stand-by list, and both Mario and Marco Pašalić travel. Croatia open Group L against England in Dallas on June 17. Pre-tournament friendlies vs Belgium and Slovenia confirmed.
Aaronson Forced Off for Leeds at Brighton With Apparent Leg Issue, 26 Days From USMNT Opener
Brenden Aaronson left Leeds United's Premier League match at Brighton in the 58th minute, struggling with an apparent left-leg issue. The 25-year-old is expected to be in the USMNT 26 that Mauricio Pochettino names on May 26. The United States open the 2026 World Cup against Paraguay on June 12.
Queiroz to Ghana: "Everybody Wants to Win the World Cup. The Difference Is Who Is Ready to Pay the Price"
Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz is leaning on sacrifice and hard work as Ghana steps up 2026 World Cup preparation. The Portuguese tactician has released a series of messages through the GFA's "Beyond The Whistle" campaign ahead of Group L matches against Panama, England and Croatia. Friendlies against Mexico and Wales come before the final 26 lands on June 1.
Hong Names South Korea's 26: Son Captains a Europe-Heavy Squad, Castrop the Surprise Pick
Hong Myung-bo has confirmed South Korea's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. Captain Son Heung-min leads the line with 142 caps and 54 international goals, ten short of the Asian record. Bayern Munich's Kim Min-jae anchors the defence, Lee Kang-in (PSG) and Lee Jae-sung (Mainz) drive the midfield, and Borussia Mönchengladbach's Jens Castrop is the squad's most-discussed inclusion. Group A: Mexico, South Africa, Czechia.
Haiti Name First World Cup Squad Since 1974: Fifth-Tier German Keeper, Isidor on Board
Sébastien Migné has named Haiti's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, the country's first appearance at a finals since West Germany 1974. Captain Johny Placide leads three goalkeepers, including FC Cosmos Koblenz's Josué Duverger from the German fifth tier. Sunderland forward Wilson Isidor commits to the project. Haiti drawn with Brazil, Morocco and Scotland, the exact group from France 98.
De Bruyne and Lukaku Make Belgium's 26 Despite Injuries; Lavia, Openda and Godts Cut
Rudi Garcia has named Belgium's final 26-man World Cup squad. Kevin De Bruyne (eye) and Romelu Lukaku (hip) are both included despite being currently sidelined at Napoli. Romeo Lavia, Lois Openda, Mika Godts and Arthur Vermeeren are the most notable omissions. Garcia becomes only the fourth non-Belgian to lead the national team at a World Cup.
New Zealand Name Final 26 for World Cup, Chris Wood Captains Oceania's First Returnees Since 2010
Darren Bazeley's All Whites squad was confirmed at Eden Park in Auckland. Captain Chris Wood and defender Tommy Smith are the only carry-overs from the 2010 squad. Fifteen of the 26 play outside New Zealand and the A-League. New Zealand open Group G against Iran on June 16 (NZT), then face Egypt and Belgium, with a pre-tournament base in San Diego and friendlies against Haiti and England in Florida.
US Waives $5,000-$15,000 Visa Bond for World Cup Ticket Holders, Travel Ban Still Blocks Four Nations
The Trump administration is suspending the visa-bond requirement for travellers from 50 countries provided they hold 2026 World Cup tickets and use the "FIFA PASS" expedited-appointment system. Five qualified nations sit inside the bond programme. A separate travel ban still bars or partially bars visitors from Iran, Haiti, Ivory Coast and Senegal.
Venice Beach Becomes Free Home Base for World Cup 2026 Fans as U.S. Soccer House Opens June 11
Running June 11–26 at 57 Windward Avenue, U.S. Soccer House presented by Bank of America turns a beachside block into a free, open-to-all fan zone with watch parties, USMNT and USWNT appearances, and June 21 beach soccer matches on the sand.
USMNT to Reveal 26-Player World Cup Roster on May 26 in New York City
U.S. Soccer has confirmed that Mauricio Pochettino's final 26-player World Cup squad will be announced on May 26 at a live fan event at The Rooftop at Pier 17 in Manhattan, with the reveal airing nationally on FOX at 3 p.m. ET.
Football Australia Pushes Back After Melbourne's Federation Square Bans World Cup Big-Screen Showings
The Melbourne Arts Precinct says behaviour at previous tournaments was 'unacceptable and damaging.' Football Australia and the Football Supporters Association are calling on the Victorian government to reverse the decision before the Socceroos open against Turkey, Paraguay and the United States.
USMNT Group D Preview: Pulisic Captains a Manageable Path Through Paraguay, Australia, Türkiye
Mauricio Pochettino, who took the United States job in September 2024, leads the home-tournament team into Group D against Paraguay, Australia and Türkiye. According to ESPN and U.S. Soccer's official communications, the final 26-player roster will be announced on May 26 in New York City.
Group D: USA Catch a Break with Paraguay, Australia, Türkiye
A manageable group on paper for Mauricio Pochettino. Opening at SoFi against Paraguay before heading to Seattle and back to LA for Türkiye.
Ferran Torres Sub Strike Wins the World Cup for Spain as Ten-Man Argentina Fall 1-0
Substitute Ferran Torres struck in the 106th minute as Spain beat ten-man Argentina 1-0 after extra time at MetLife Stadium to win the World Cup for the first time since 2010.
Spain vs Argentina: World Cup Final Preview
Spain face Argentina at MetLife Stadium on 19 July for the 2026 World Cup title, with Spain chasing their first crown since 2010 and Argentina bidding to become back-to-back champions.
Spain Beat France 2-0 to Reach the World Cup Final
Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro scored either side of half-time as Spain beat France 2-0 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas to reach the 2026 World Cup final for the first time since 2010.
Argentina Beat Ten-Man Switzerland 3-1 After Extra Time to Reach Semi-Finals
Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring and late extra-time goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez sealed a 3-1 win for Argentina over a Switzerland side reduced to ten men after Breel Embolo was sent off.
Mikel Merino Strikes Again as Spain Edge Belgium 2-1 to Reach Semi-Finals
Fabian Ruiz and a stoppage-time header from substitute Mikel Merino, who also scored the winner against Portugal, sent Spain past Belgium 2-1 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and into a semi-final against France.
Mbappe and Dembele Fire France Past Morocco Into Semi-Finals
Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele scored in a six-minute spell in the second half as France beat Morocco 2-0 at Gillette Stadium in Boston to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
Switzerland Edge Colombia 4-3 on Penalties to Reach Quarter-Finals
A goalless draw after 120 minutes at BC Place in Vancouver was settled by spot-kicks, with Granit Xhaka, Zeki Amdouni, Cedric Itten and Ruben Vargas all converting for Switzerland as they won 4-3 on penalties.
Messi, Romero and Enzo Complete Stunning Comeback as Argentina Beat Egypt 3-2
Argentina trailed 0-2 with eleven minutes left before Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez scored in a frantic finish to seal a 3-2 victory over Egypt at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Merino's Late Strike Sends Spain Past Portugal and Into the Quarter-Finals
Mikel Merino came off the bench to score a 90th-minute winner as Spain beat Portugal 1-0 at Lumen Field in Seattle in a tight Iberian derby that opens up a quarter-final against Belgium.
Players Sign Open Letter to FIFA Demanding Stronger Heat-Safety Rules Before World Cup Kickoff
Players from across 21 nations have signed an open letter calling on FIFA to strengthen its heat-stress framework before the 2026 World Cup. The push follows a World Weather Attribution report warning of "hazardous heat". FIFA has introduced fixed three-minute hydration breaks but its postponement threshold remains 32°C, while the players union FIFPRO calls 28°C unsafe.
Jersey City Launches Four-Ward World Cup Celebration Series, Free to the Public From June 12 to July 19
Mayor James Solomon has unveiled a four-event 2026 World Cup celebration series that turns Jersey City into a distributed fan hub from the opening-week Flag Cities festival to a "world village" final-day party. All events are free and the programme runs at no cost to taxpayers, backed by RWJBarnabas Health, KRE Group, LeFrak and Choose New Jersey.
Portugal Pick 27 With Ronaldo Captain: Last-Dance World Cup for the 41-Year-Old, Trim to 26 by June 1
Roberto Martínez has named a 27-man provisional Portugal squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Cristiano Ronaldo as captain and on course for a record sixth tournament at age 41. The reigning Nations League champions are drawn in Group K with DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia. The final 26 must be in by June 1.
Jordan Reach the World Cup for the First Time: Sellami Names 30, Olwan Lit Up Qualifying With Nine Goals
Head coach Jamal Sellami has named Jordan's 30-man provisional pool for their first World Cup. Captain Ehsan Haddad leads, Mousa Al Tamari brings the most attacking name and Ali Olwan finished AFC qualifying as joint third top scorer with nine goals, including a hat-trick in the final qualifier. Group J: Austria, Algeria, Argentina.
Cabo Verde at Their First World Cup: Bubista Names the Blue Sharks 26, Ryan Mendes Captains
Pedro "Bubista" Brito has named Cabo Verde's 26-man squad for their debut World Cup. The Atlantic archipelago of just over half a million people are one of the smallest nations ever to reach the finals. Captain Ryan Mendes leads, Dailon Livramento finished qualifying as top scorer. Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia.
Austria Return to the World Cup After 28 Years: Rangnick, Alaba and a Bundesliga-Heavy 26
Ralf Rangnick has named Austria's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, the country's first appearance since France 1998. Captain David Alaba anchors a defence with Tottenham's Kevin Danso, record scorer Marko Arnautović leads the line and the midfield runs eleven deep. Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Jordan.
DR Congo Back at the World Cup After 52 Years: Mbemba Captains, Wissa Leads the Line
Sébastien Desabre has named DR Congo's 26-man squad for their first World Cup since the 1974 tournament as Zaire. Captain Chancel Mbemba (Lille) anchors a back line that includes West Ham's Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Newcastle's Yoane Wissa and veteran Cédric Bakambu lead the attack. Group K: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan.
Curaçao Take the World Cup Debutant Spot: Smallest Nation in History, Advocaat Back at the Helm
Dick Advocaat has named Curaçao's 26-man squad for their first World Cup. With a population of just over 150,000 and a land area of 171 square miles, the Caribbean island is the smallest nation ever to reach the tournament. Captain Leandro Bacuna leads alongside his brother Juninho. Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Côte d'Ivoire.
Burna Boy and Shakira's "Daï Daï" Tied to 100M Dollar Education Fund as Sony Music Seeds 250,000
The release of "Daï Daï" as the 2026 World Cup's official anthem is paired with a Global Citizen Education Fund target of 100 million dollars. All song royalties flow to the fund and Sony Music has made an initial 250,000 dollar donation. The track is the second single from the tournament album after Jelly Roll and Carín León's "Lighter".
Neuer Calf Injury Adds Twist to Germany Comeback Story Days Before Squad Reveal
Bayern Munich have diagnosed Manuel Neuer with a left-calf muscle problem after his substitution against Köln. Per Florian Plettenberg the issue is not serious, and the 40-year-old is still on track to be Germany's number one for the 2026 World Cup. Julian Nagelsmann names the final 26 on May 21.
Neuer Set for Germany Return: 40-Year-Old on Nagelsmann's Preliminary List Ahead of May 21 Reveal
Manuel Neuer, who retired from international football in August 2024, is set to return to the Germany squad for the 2026 World Cup. Sky Sport reports Bayern Munich's goalkeeper has been included on Julian Nagelsmann's preliminary list submitted to FIFA and would arrive as the new number one. Final squad on May 21.
China Standoff Ends: CCTV Closes World Cup Broadcast Deal Covering 2026 Through 2031
China Media Group, the parent of state broadcaster CCTV, has reached a four-tournament rights deal with FIFA: 2026 and 2030 men's World Cups plus 2027 and 2031 women's World Cups. The 2026 package alone reportedly costs 60 million dollars. Chinese fans will see the tournament across free-to-air, pay-TV and online platforms.
Tunisia Reveal "La Liste": Skhiri and Hannibal Lead a Europe-Heavy 26 for the World Cup
The Tunisian Football Federation has released the final 26-man Carthage Eagles squad for the 2026 World Cup. Ellyes Skhiri, Hannibal Mejbri, Dylan Bronn and Montassar Talbi anchor a squad built around European-based experience. Tunisia open Group F on June 14 in Monterrey against Sweden, before facing the Netherlands and Japan.
Ivory Coast Name Final 26 for the World Cup: Adingra Rewarded, Haller Drops to Reserve List
Emerse Fae has unveiled the Ivory Coast squad for the 2026 World Cup on RTI1. Franck Kessié, Evan Ndicka, Nicolas Pépé and Wilfried Singo lead the experienced core. Simon Adingra is in after a strong run at AS Monaco. Ange-Yoan Bonny is set for his first major tournament. Sébastien Haller drops to the reserve list.
Moriyasu Names Japan's Final 26 for the World Cup: Kubo at the Tip of the Spear, Nagatomo Makes History
Hajime Moriyasu has named Japan's 26-man World Cup squad. Real Sociedad playmaker Takefusa Kubo leads the European-based core. At 39, Yuto Nagatomo becomes the first Japanese player ever to make a fifth consecutive World Cup. Mitoma, Minamino and Morita all miss out through injury. Japan open Group F against the Netherlands in Arlington on June 14.
Deschamps Names France's Final 26 for the World Cup: Mbappé Captains, Olise and Cherki Make the Cut
Didier Deschamps has named his final 26-man France squad for the 2026 World Cup. Kylian Mbappé captains a side built around a 4-3-3 with three goalkeepers, nine defenders, five midfielders and nine attackers. Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki and Désiré Doué all keep their places in a deep attacking pool.
Ancelotti Extends Brazil Deal to 2030 World Cup
The Brazilian Football Confederation has confirmed that head coach Carlo Ancelotti has extended his contract with the Seleção for a further four years, through to the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The Italian, in charge since May 2025, has gone five wins, two draws and three losses across his first ten matches.
Shakira, Madonna and BTS to Headline First-Ever World Cup Final Halftime Show
FIFA has confirmed Shakira, Madonna and BTS as headliners for the inaugural halftime show at the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium on July 19. The show is curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin and produced by Global Citizen, with proceeds and 1 dollar per match ticket flowing to a new 100 million dollar FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Reggaetón star J Balvin will headline the opening ceremony in Mexico City.
TikTok and FIFA Name 30 Creator Correspondents for the 2026 World Cup
TikTok and FIFA have unveiled a cohort of 30 creators drawn from four continents, 11 countries and 22 cities who will deliver behind-the-scenes coverage from across the United States, Mexico and Canada. The program extends TikTok's "Preferred Platform" deal with FIFA and ties into the new World Cup Hubs built on TikTok GamePlan.
Carvajal and Morata Cut: De la Fuente's Spain Preliminary World Cup Squad Reflects a Barcelona-Led Generation Shift
Luis de la Fuente has submitted Spain's preliminary World Cup list to FIFA and published 42 names. Real Madrid veterans Daniel Carvajal and Álvaro Morata are out. Barcelona supply 10 of the named players. Nico Williams, Mikel Merino, Lamine Yamal and Rodri are on an injury watch with medical reports due May 25.
Trionda Under the Wind Tunnel: How the 2026 World Cup Ball Will Actually Fly, Dip and Swerve
Engineers at the University of Tsukuba have put Adidas' four-panel Trionda through wind-tunnel testing alongside its four predecessors. The takeaway: stable, predictable flight at free-kick and corner speeds, no Jabulani-style dip, and a slightly higher drag coefficient at very high speeds that could shave a few metres off long balls.
"Simply Not Explainable": Frankfurt's Krösche Blasts Sweden's Decision to Cut Hugo Larsson
Eintracht Frankfurt sporting board member Markus Krösche has publicly attacked Graham Potter's call to leave Hugo Larsson out of Sweden's final 26 for the 2026 World Cup. In a statement on the club's website, Krösche called the snub "incomprehensible" and "simply wrong" after a season of 34 competitive matches for the 21-year-old midfielder.
Morocco Set Three World Cup Warm-Ups: Burundi, Madagascar and Norway in New York
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has announced three pre-tournament friendlies for the Atlas Lions: Burundi behind closed doors on May 26, Madagascar on June 2 in Rabat, and Norway on June 7 at Red Bull Arena in the New York metropolitan area. Mohamed Ouahbi gets one final look at his group before the final 26-man cut.
Argentina Name 55-Man Provisional World Cup Squad: Dybala Out, Messi In
Defending champions Argentina have submitted a 55-player preliminary list to FIFA. Lionel Scaloni's pool covers six goalkeepers, 18 defenders, 15 midfielders and 16 forwards. The most notable absence is Roma striker Paulo Dybala. Argentina open Group J at the 2026 World Cup against Algeria, Austria and Jordan.
Malaysia's World Cup Broadcast Deal Picks RTM and Unifi TV, Leaves Out Astro and Maxis
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil confirmed that public broadcaster RTM and Unifi TV will carry all 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup in Malaysia through a partnership with Unifi, CelcomDigi and U Mobile. Astro and Maxis, the two operators with the strongest urban reach, were not included.
Potter Names Sweden's World Cup 26: Isak Returns to Lead the Attack, Kulusevski Misses Out
Graham Potter named his final 26 on Tuesday at 16:15 in Stockholm, four days ahead of FIFA's deadline. Captain Victor Nilsson Lindelöf leads, Alexander Isak is back from injury alongside Viktor Gyökeres and Anthony Elanga, and long-term absentee Dejan Kulusevski did not make it back in time. Sweden open Group F against Tunisia on June 14 in Monterrey.
India and China Hold Out: Infantino's Broadcast Headache 30 Days Before Kickoff
Two markets, 2.7 billion residents, no deal. FIFA has cut its asking price for the 2026 World Cup rights in India from $100m to about $35m and in China from $300m to $120-150m, but neither broadcaster has signed. The structural causes go well beyond kickoff times.
Bosnia and Herzegovina First to Name Final World Cup Squad: Barbarez Picks 26 With Džeko Captain
Sergej Barbarez announced his 26-man squad at 14:00 in Sarajevo, three weeks ahead of FIFA's June 1 deadline and ahead of every other qualified nation. Edin Džeko, 40, leads the list for what will be his country's first World Cup since 2014.
Doordarshan Steps In to Carry the World Cup in India After Private Broadcasters Walk Away
With JioStar's $20 million offer rejected and Sony staying out of the bidding, public broadcaster Prasar Bharati is moving to put the 2026 World Cup on free-to-air DD Sports, preventing what would have been an Indian blackout 31 days before kickoff.
World Cup 2026 Squad Deadlines: Every Date, Rule and Restriction Teams Are Now Up Against
Less than five weeks from kickoff in Mexico City, the preliminary 35–55-player longlists are due today, clubs release players May 25, final 23–26-man rosters land June 1, and FIFA confirms them on June 2. Here is the full timetable.
FIFA Halves China World Cup Rights Fee to $120–150M as Beijing Delegation Arrives This Week
The asking price has been cut from $300 million as FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström and media rights director Jean-Christophe Petit fly to Beijing to close a CCTV deal, with the broadcaster's opening bid of $80 million still leaving a sizeable gap.
Spain Sweat on Nico Williams Again After Athletic Forward Limps Off Against Valencia
The 23-year-old Euro 2024 winner left the pitch with apparent discomfort during Sunday's LaLiga clash, 32 days before the World Cup opens. The latest setback follows a persistent pubalgia issue that has dogged his season.
Bangladesh on Brink of World Cup Blackout as $12.3M Rights Demand Stalls Every Broadcaster
A single Singapore-based agency is demanding USD 12.30 million from state broadcaster BTV, with half due today, May 10, and the rest by June 10. With 33 days to kickoff, no Bangladeshi outlet has signed.
FIFA blocks Nikita Haikin's nationality switch, ruling Bodø/Glimt keeper out of World Cup
The Champions League standout has been denied permission to represent Norway this summer because his time in the country is too short, NTB reports, days before head coach picks his preliminary squad.
Iran FA Chief Demands FIFA Guarantees Over IRGC Treatment Before World Cup Trip
Mehdi Taj told state broadcaster IRIB that Iran's delegation will not travel to the United States without 'cast-iron' assurances that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps will not be 'insulted', after a Canadian border incident saw his visa cancelled mid-flight.
Two Billion Fans, No Signal: India and China Still Without a 2026 Broadcaster
37 days from kickoff, no deal has been announced for the world's two most populous nations. Reliance-Disney's $20m offer was rejected by FIFA; talks in China remain confidential.
The Draw Is In: Twelve Groups, Twelve Storylines
The Kennedy Center ceremony in December set the bracket. Group I – France, Senegal, Norway, Iraq – already looks like the heaviest of the dozen.
Italy Out for a Third Time: Bosnia's Penalty Shootout Heroics
Defeated on penalties in the European playoff final, the four-time champions become the first former winner to miss three consecutive World Cups.
Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, Uzbekistan: Meet the Four 2026 World Cup Debutants
According to ESPN, FIFA.com and FOX 5 New York, four nations will make their World Cup debut in 2026: Curaçao (population ~150,000, the smallest ever to qualify), Cape Verde (~525,000), Jordan, and Uzbekistan (the first Central Asian nation in tournament history).
Mexico v South Africa: The Azteca Opens the Show for the Third Time in History
On 4 February 2024 FIFA confirmed the Estadio Azteca would host the opening match of the 2026 World Cup, making it the only stadium ever to host three editions of the tournament. During the tournament FIFA's no-corporate-sponsorship policy means it will be referred to as Estadio Ciudad de México, per Wikipedia.
MetLife Stadium Will Host the Final on July 19
The 82,500-seat venue in East Rutherford, New Jersey, takes centre stage for what FIFA expects to be the most-watched single sporting event in history.