World Cup 2026

Aguerd and Ezzalzouli ruled out, double blow for Morocco ahead of World Cup

Two days before their opening match against Brazil, the Atlas Lions lose their central defender Nayef Aguerd, sidelined by chronic pubic pain, and Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli, who suffered a knee sprain against Norway.

Declan Rice's Florida sunburn earns him a telling-off from his mum before World Cup opener

Declan Rice arrived at England's pre-tournament base in Florida looking "bright red" after overdoing it in the heat during the official World Cup photo shoot — and his mother made sure he heard about it.

Tuchel allows England WAGs into World Cup base, reversing Southgate's strict policy

Thomas Tuchel has permitted the partners of England players to join them at the squad's training hotel in West Palm Beach ahead of the 2026 World Cup, scrapping a restriction maintained throughout Gareth Southgate's tenure.

Wright backs ITV's New York World Cup set as BBC faces criticism over Salford studio

Deschamps confirms receiving Real Madrid offers before leaving France role

Five days before France's opening World Cup 2026 match, Didier Deschamps acknowledged in an interview with Marca that he had been contacted by Real Madrid, without elaborating on his post-national team future.

Gordon scores penalty and sets up Rice as England ease past Costa Rica 3-0

Anthony Gordon starred in England's final World Cup warm-up, assisting Declan Rice's opener and converting a penalty in a comfortable 3-0 win over Costa Rica in Orlando, with the winger admitting he was eager to step up after Harry Kane was substituted.

Shakira to headline World Cup 2026 opening ceremony in Mexico City alongside Madonna and BTS

Shakira will perform her new World Cup anthem Dai Dai at the opening ceremony in Mexico City on Thursday before hosts Mexico face South Africa, and is also set to co-headline the final's half-time show on July 19 alongside Madonna and BTS.

World Cup 2026 kicks off in Mexico City as 48 nations chase sport's biggest prize

The largest World Cup in history gets underway on Thursday when Mexico host South Africa in Mexico City, with 83,000 fans expected. England, buoyed by a 3-0 warm-up win over Costa Rica, open their campaign against Croatia on June 17.

Koundé uncertain for France-Senegal after muscle discomfort at half-time

Jules Koundé asked to be substituted at half-time of France's warm-up match against Northern Ireland due to thigh muscle discomfort. His presence for France's opening World Cup match against Senegal on Tuesday remains uncertain.

Infantino tells world to 'chill' as chaotic press conference opens World Cup 2026

FIFA president Gianni Infantino drew widespread criticism after urging reporters to 'just chill' when pressed on a Somali referee being denied a US visa, in a pre-tournament press conference widely described as shambolic. Mexico host the opening match at the Azteca on Wednesday evening.

Bellingham and Gordon shine as England demolish Costa Rica 3-0 in World Cup warm-up

England produced a commanding 3-0 win over Costa Rica in Orlando on Wednesday, with Jude Bellingham controlling midfield, Anthony Gordon scoring and Declan Rice also on target as Thomas Tuchel's side sharpened their World Cup preparations.

BBC and ITV confirm World Cup 2026 punditry line-ups featuring Giroud, Mata and Postecoglou

BBC Sport and ITV Sport have unveiled their full presenter, pundit and commentary teams for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Former Premier League stars Olivier Giroud, Juan Mata and Cesar Azpilicueta are among the notable new additions.

World Cup 2026: Every stadium hosting matches across the USA, Canada and Mexico

The expanded 48-team World Cup spans 16 venues across three countries, with MetLife Stadium in New Jersey hosting the final on 19 July and Mexico City's Estadio Azteca opening the tournament.

All 48 World Cup 2026 squads confirmed as Tuchel omits Palmer and Foden from England

Every nation has submitted their final 26-man roster for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the tournament kicking off on 11 June. Thomas Tuchel's England squad drew headlines after Cole Palmer and Phil Foden were left out.

Sampaio handed World Cup opener despite England's bitter memories of Qatar nightmare

Wilton Sampaio, the Brazilian referee whose performance in England's 2022 quarter-final defeat to France drew fierce criticism from players and pundits alike, has been appointed to officiate the World Cup 2026 opener between Mexico and South Africa on June 11.

Tuchel hails England's 'tone-setting' 3-0 win over Costa Rica as World Cup countdown begins

England rounded off their Florida warm-up camp with a commanding 3-0 victory over Costa Rica in Orlando, with goals from Declan Rice, Anthony Gordon and Ollie Watkins leaving Thomas Tuchel bullish ahead of their Group L opener against Croatia.

Courtois and Neuer threaten Barthez's World Cup clean sheet record in 2026

With 10 clean sheets at the World Cup, Fabien Barthez co-holds a record dating back several decades. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Thibaut Courtois and Manuel Neuer, each with seven, are in position to surpass it.

Zaïre-Emery banned from bar at France's Boston base camp, too young under Massachusetts law

The only player under 21 in the France squad, Warren Zaïre-Emery will not be able to access the bar at the Four Seasons hotel in Boston, in compliance with Massachusetts legislation that prohibits under-21s from entering bars.

Sky launches near-live Real Time channels for World Cup coverage on BBC and ITV

World Cup 2026 kicks off June 11 with 48 teams and 104 matches at expanded tournament

The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins on June 11 when co-hosts Mexico face South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, will face 47 rivals across a tournament expanded to 104 matches over nearly six weeks.