World Cup 2026

UK government moves to shield World Cup highlights from online paywall

Neil El Aynaoui's father opens door to Barcelona move for son under Roma contract

Younes El Aynaoui, father of Morocco international Neil El Aynaoui, has stated that his son, currently tied to AS Roma until 2030, would be "the happiest man in the world" if he ever played for FC Barcelona, the club where he grew up.

Saka, Eze and Reece James shaped by grassroots coaches who reunite as England chase World Cup glory

The youth coaches behind Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Reece James gathered in Wimbledon to reflect on their former players' journeys to the England squad, highlighting the role grassroots coaching plays in developing elite talent.

Mahrez back in starting XI, Amoura sidelined: Algeria revamped for Jordan clash

After a 3-0 drubbing by Argentina, Algeria must respond on Tuesday against Jordan at Levi's Stadium. Coach Petkovic is expected to recall Mahrez to the starting lineup and drop Boudaoui and Belghali, while Amoura is ruled out through injury.

World Cup 2026: M6 attracts 4.4 million viewers for Belgium-Iran despite 0-0 draw

Broadcaster of 54 matches at the 2026 World Cup, M6 is holding its own despite a packed schedule. The Belgium-Iran draw drew 4.4 million viewers on Sunday evening, double the competing films on TF1 and France 2.

Cape Verde boss Bubista calls out Uruguay's Vinas for abandoning injured player to score equaliser

Federico Vinas stopped helping Cape Verde's Telmo Arcanjo with cramp to join a counter-attack that led to Uruguay's equaliser in a 2-2 World Cup Group H draw in Miami. Cape Verde manager Bubista pointedly invoked Marcelo Bielsa's well-known stance on fair play in his post-match criticism.

England superfan who attended the 1966 World Cup Final dreams of repeating history in the US

Dave Thompson, 64, was taken to Wembley as a child by his late father to witness England's 4-2 victory over West Germany in 1966. Now in the United States for the 2026 World Cup, he has tickets for every England game — including the final.

Messi wears a one-of-a-kind jersey at the 2026 World Cup

Lionel Messi is wearing at this World Cup a jersey adorned with four distinct badges, a combination that no other player in the world can claim, combining world champion title, 2022 best player trophy and a patch reserved for veterans of five World Cups.

Schlotterbeck ruled out of World Cup 2026 with torn ankle ligament after Ivory Coast win

Germany have lost central defender Nico Schlotterbeck for the remainder of the World Cup after scans confirmed a torn medial collateral ligament in his left ankle. The Borussia Dortmund man was substituted at half-time during Saturday's 2-1 comeback victory over Ivory Coast.

Liverpool ready £86m bid for Diomande after teenager torments Germany at World Cup

Liverpool are prepared to table an £86million offer for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, 19, after the Ivory Coast teenager delivered a standout display against Germany at the World Cup, drawing praise from pundits Gary Neville and Ian Wright.

Messi one goal from World Cup scoring record as Argentina face Austria in Group J

Lionel Messi needs just one more goal to surpass Miroslav Klose as the outright top scorer in World Cup history when Argentina take on Austria in their Group J second match, with the defending champions having opened with a 3-0 win over Algeria.

Antonio Valencia apologises to Ecuador after shock draw leaves them on brink of World Cup exit

Former Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia has issued a public apology to Ecuador after they were held to a 0-0 draw by Curacao at the 2026 World Cup, leaving them needing a win against Germany to survive the group stage.

FIFA defends MetLife pitch as Saliba, Deschamps and fans criticise surface ahead of England vs Panama

The MetLife Stadium pitch has drawn sharp criticism from France defender William Saliba and manager Didier Deschamps after their opening World Cup match, with FIFA issuing a formal statement defending the surface ahead of England's Group L clash with Panama on June 27.

2026 World Cup: Morocco Favored to Face Netherlands in Round of 16

Nearly qualified for the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, the Lions of Atlas have more than a 50-50 chance of crossing paths with the Netherlands, the seventh-ranked nation in the FIFA rankings, according to Football Meets Data projections.

Severe storms threaten to delay France vs Iraq World Cup clash in Philadelphia

FIFA has activated weather protocols ahead of France's second World Cup group-stage match against Iraq at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, with severe storms forecast that could force fan evacuations and push the game to the following day.

Tottenham prepare Rashford bid as £170m summer rebuild gathers pace

Tottenham are plotting a £170m squad overhaul after back-to-back 17th-place finishes and have identified Marcus Rashford as a transfer target, though United's £40m asking price and Rashford's preference for Barcelona remain significant obstacles.

Injured in training, Amoura to miss rest of group stage with Algeria

Mohamed Amoura has suffered a right thigh muscle injury and will be sidelined for at least two weeks. Algeria, already bottom of Group J after their 3-0 defeat to Argentina, must qualify without him against Jordan and Austria.

Rashford urges England brotherhood as he battles Gordon for World Cup starting spot

Marcus Rashford has called on England to 'fight for each other' as Thomas Tuchel builds a squad mentality ahead of their Group L clash with Ghana. The Manchester United forward, a substitute in the 4-2 win over Croatia, is competing with Anthony Gordon for a starting berth.

Doué, Olise, Cherki and Mbappé all smiles: France in top form before Iraq

On the eve of their second 2026 World Cup match against Iraq, France's players opened their training session in Philadelphia, with technical exchanges between Désiré Doué and Michael Olise taking centre stage.

L'Équipe apologises after presenter calls Doku's childbirth wish 'useless' during World Cup row

French sports broadcaster L'Équipe has distanced itself from presenter France Pierron's remarks criticising Belgium winger Jeremy Doku for wanting to leave the World Cup to witness the birth of his first child, calling her comments a breach of its values.