World Cup 2026
FIFA Men's World Cup — USA, Canada, Mexico.
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Sports Minister Gives Lucky Stones to France Squad Ahead of World Cup
During Emmanuel Macron's visit to Clairefontaine on June 2, Sports Minister Marina Ferrari handed France players semi-precious stones — blue jasper and rock crystal — believed to bring good luck before their departure for the World Cup in the United States.
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Eze names Zidane and Ronaldinho as heroes ahead of his first World Cup
Eberechi Eze has revealed that Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldinho are the two players who shaped him most, citing the 2006 World Cup as his earliest tournament memory as he prepares to make his own debut at the 2026 edition with England.
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Messi reassures on fitness and warns Algeria ahead of 2026 World Cup
Scorer three minutes after coming on against Iceland (3-0), Lionel Messi displayed full confidence a week before the World Cup kicks off, sending a direct warning to Algeria, Argentina's first opponent.
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Saka injury concern clouds England's World Cup eve as Infantino prepares press conference
Thomas Tuchel has raised doubts over Bukayo Saka's fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup, revealing the Arsenal forward is being managed through an Achilles issue as England face Costa Rica in their final warm-up. FIFA president Gianni Infantino is also set to address the media on the eve of the tournament.
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Gilberto Silva backs Ancelotti's Brazil but rules them out as World Cup favourites
World Cup winner Gilberto Silva says Carlo Ancelotti has transformed into an honorary Brazilian ahead of this summer's tournament, but the former Arsenal captain does not believe the Seleção are among the main contenders for a sixth title.
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England face Croatia, Ghana and Panama in Group L as World Cup 2026 kicks off on June 17
Thomas Tuchel's England open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17 in Arlington, Texas, before further Group L fixtures against Ghana and Panama later in June.
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Heat, humidity and storms cast a long shadow over World Cup 2026 host cities
Sports scientists and climate researchers warn that roughly a quarter of World Cup 2026 matches could be played in conditions exceeding recommended safety limits, with extreme heat, high humidity, and severe thunderstorms threatening player welfare and match pace across US, Canadian, and Mexican venues.
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World Cup 2026 opening ceremony faces disruption as 10,000 security personnel deployed in Mexico City
More than 10,000 security personnel have been deployed around Mexico City's Banorte Stadium ahead of the World Cup 2026 opening ceremony, as at least six protest groups — including teachers, farmers and families of missing people — plan mass demonstrations to coincide with Thursday's launch event.
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Olise says "I don't know" about Brazil and takes a dig at Bruno Guimarães before the World Cup
A terse response from Michael Olise about Brazil's chances at the 2026 World Cup was enough to irritate Bruno Guimarães, who reminded everyone that the Seleção is the only nation to wear five stars on its jersey.
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Magaluf bars mute TVs after midnight as Calvia clamps down on World Cup viewing rules
Bars in Magaluf, Majorca, must silence terrace audio after midnight and can only extend opening hours for Spain, Germany, England and Scotland matches under a new municipal decree signed ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
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Lineker names Hall as England's best left-back snubbed from Tuchel's World Cup squad
Gary Lineker has publicly backed Lewis Hall as England's best left-back, criticising Thomas Tuchel for leaving the Newcastle United defender out of his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup in favour of Djed Spence, Tino Livramento and Nico O'Reilly.
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British police confirm increased patrols across England and Scotland during World Cup
British police have warned fans to celebrate responsibly during the 2026 World Cup, confirming heightened officer presence in town centres, licensed premises, and fan events throughout the tournament. Scotland has also been granted a bank holiday on June 15 to mark the nation's first World Cup appearance in nearly three decades.
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Senegal clarify tarmac security footage after widespread criticism online
The Senegal Football Federation has issued a statement explaining that footage showing players and staff being screened at an airport was part of a pre-arranged security procedure at Raleigh airport before their flight to San Antonio, not an incident upon arrival.
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Fifa's mandatory World Cup water breaks open a lucrative new advertising window for broadcasters
Fifa has mandated three-minute hydration breaks in each half of all 104 World Cup 2026 matches, citing player welfare — but analysts say the structured stoppages could command Super Bowl-level advertising rates and reshape the tournament's commercial model.
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Mr. Porky launches World Cup giveaway with 50-inch Smart TV and snack bundle
Pork scratchings brand Mr. Porky is running a World Cup competition offering one winner a 50-inch Smart TV, a £50 Asda voucher, and a supply of snacks and branded merchandise. Entries close on 12 July.
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Barred World Cup referee Artan loses up to £325,000 after US entry denial
Somalia's Omar Artan, set to become the first Somali referee at a World Cup, was turned away at Miami International Airport despite valid travel documents. FIFA confirmed his removal from the officials list, leaving him without a payday that could have reached £325,000.
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John Terry says 11 England players are not good enough to win the 2026 World Cup
Former England captain John Terry has questioned Thomas Tuchel's 26-man World Cup squad, arguing only 13 to 15 players are capable of winning the tournament and that leaving out Harry Maguire, Cole Palmer and Luke Shaw were significant mistakes.
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Théo Hernandez names France, Spain and Germany as World Cup 2026 favourites
In an interview with Spanish newspaper AS, France defender Théo Hernandez has named his favourites for the 2026 World Cup, while calling for caution ahead of the opening match against Senegal on June 16.
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Carrick scraps 23-year pre-season tradition as Manchester United tour Europe
Michael Carrick has ended Manchester United's run of long-haul summer tours dating back to 2002, opting instead for a six-game European pre-season schedule that includes fixtures against Atlético Madrid, PSG, and AC Milan.
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Disappointing Draw and Jackson's Red Card: Senegal Concerns Mount Before France Clash
Held to a 0-0 draw by Saudi Arabia ten days after their 3-2 defeat to the United States, the Lions of Teranga approach the 2026 World Cup lacking confidence, just a week before their opening match against France.
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