WORLD CUP NEWS
Daily World Cup 2026 briefs — every nation, written the moment the story breaks.
New Zealand back at the World Cup, Pijnaker ready for Iran
The All Whites are days away from their first World Cup appearance since 2010. New Zealand kick off their 2026 campaign on June 16 against Iran, a moment the country has waited 16 years for.…
Azmoun out of the World Cup as Iran's camp moves to Mexico
Iran will be without star striker Sardar Azmoun for the 2026 World Cup. The 31-year-old forward misses the tournament entirely, a brutal blow to your attack.…
Transfermarkt experts name Bosnia-Herzegovina's Group B players to watch
Transfermarkt experts have singled out the players to watch in Bosnia-Herzegovina's Group B at the 2026 World Cup, where your side will face Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland. The group-stage draw has sparked early analysis ahead of the tournament, with analysts identifying the individuals most likely to shape the group's outcome.…
Ivory Coast stun France 2–1 in World Cup warm-up
Ivory Coast stunned France 2–1 in a World Cup warm-up friendly on Saturday, sending a clear message ahead of the tournament. The win over Les Bleus, one of the world's elite sides, is the kind of result that turns heads and fuels belief.…
Gakpo brace rescues Netherlands as World Cup countdown enters final week
Cody Gakpo scored twice as the Netherlands beat Uzbekistan 2–1 in the final World Cup warm-up match at Icahn Stadium on Monday. It was far from convincing.…
Koulibaly ready for World Cup, Senegal drawn in Group I
Senegal's captain and defensive leader Kalidou Koulibaly has confirmed he will be ready for the 2026 World Cup after recovering from injury. "I feel great.…
Spain's Yamal and Williams on track for World Cup opener
Spain played Peru in Puebla on Monday in the final warm-up before the World Cup. The score is not yet available.…
Austria World Cup 2026: Laimer, Wanner and Rangnick's settled side
Austria head into the 2026 World Cup under Ralf Rangnick with a settled, high-pressing side built around continuity and emerging star quality. Midfielder Konrad Laimer is reportedly deep in contract talks with Bayern Munich after a standout season, while 20-year-old Paul Wanner has added genuine creative spark to the squad.…
Kim Seung-gyu sacrifices family moment for World Cup
Kim Seung-gyu has made the hardest call of his career. The goalkeeper chose to stay with the squad in Mexico rather than return home for the birth of his daughter.…
Australia beat England by five wickets in T20 World Cup warm-up
Australia's cricketers have tuned up for the T20 World Cup with a five-wicket win over England in a warm-up match. The victory sets a confident tone as the squad fine-tunes preparations ahead of the tournament proper.…
Dely Valdés honoured as Panama brace for Argentina qualifier
Julio Dely Valdés has been featured as the 44th card in a 48-card World Cup series, cementing his legacy as Panama's most iconic footballer ahead of the 2026 tournament. The former Málaga striker remains the face of Panamanian football on the global stage, and this recognition puts a spotlight on the nation's footballing identity just as the World Cup approaches.…
Uruguay tipped as World Cup dark horse, fans unite behind anthem
Spanish outlet Marca has identified Uruguay as the team most likely to surprise at the 2026 World Cup. The article frames Marcelo Bielsa's side as the \"tapada\", the hidden contender, in a tournament where the usual giants dominate the conversation.…
Türkiye land in the US to fan welcome as World Cup nears
The Turkish national team touched down in the United States to a rapturous welcome from fans as preparations intensify for the 2026 World Cup. Supporters gathered to greet the squad upon arrival, underlining the fervent backing the team carries into the tournament.…
Khusanov shines but Gakpo penalty breaks Uzbekistan hearts in stoppage time
Uzbekistan came within seconds of a famous draw against the Netherlands on Saturday, only for Cody Gakpo to win and convert a penalty in the 98th minute. The World Cup warm-up friendly ended 2–1 to the Dutch.…
Neymar may miss Brazil's World Cup opener against Morocco
Neymar is battling a calf injury and could miss Brazil's World Cup opener against Morocco on June 14, just five days from now. The star forward is making good progress, but the clock is working against him.…
Spain hit form as Yamal trio set to face Cape Verde
Spain wrapped up their pre-World Cup preparations with a 3–1 win over Peru on Sunday, and they look ready for next Monday's opener against Cape Verde. Pedri, Ferran Torres, and Oyarzabal were among those who featured, with Unai Simón starting in goal and Raya also getting minutes.…
Olise hat trick sends France to the World Cup on a high
France signed off before the World Cup with a 3–1 win over Northern Ireland in Lille on Monday, and it was Michael Olise who stole the show. The winger struck three times to hand your team the victory in its last friendly before departing for the United States.…
Congo DR friendly moved to France after Spain ban
Congo DR face Chile in a World Cup warm-up friendly Tuesday, but the match has been moved from Spain to Orleans, France after Spanish authorities blocked the fixture over Ebola epidemic concerns. The relocation was forced by local health regulations in Spain, pushing the Congolese squad to adjust their preparation plans at the last minute.…
Thuler voted Vissel Kobe's best as J League title celebrated
Former Flamengo defender Thuler has been voted Vissel Kobe's player of the season by both fans and teammates after helping the club clinch the J League title. "One of the most important moments of my career," Thuler said of the triumph.…
Mazraoui and Ezzalzouli injury doubts rock Morocco ahead of Brazil opener
Morocco drew 1–1 with Norway in Sunday's final pre-World Cup friendly, but the result barely matters. Full-back Noussair Mazraoui went off with a shoulder problem and winger Abde Ezzalzouli exited early with a leg issue.…
Jordan's World Cup debut: Group J, Argentina, and history
Jordan are heading to their first World Cup. You've landed in Group J alongside Argentina, and the Guardian's team guide makes one thing clear: the world is about to learn your name.…
Norway held by Morocco as Solbakken fumes at Scotland
A friendly that showed both sides of this Norway team. The opening 20 minutes were electric, high pressing, quick transitions, everything clicking.…
South Africa's World Cup opener against Mexico two days out
South Africa open World Cup 2026 against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca this Wednesday, June 11. It is the tournament's first match and a direct echo of the 2010 opener in Johannesburg, where Siphiwe Tshabalala scored that iconic goal.…
Spence breaks jaw, Rice named vice-captain as England prep for Costa Rica
Djed Spence has a broken jaw after taking an elbow from Liam Delap, but the England defender insists he can still contribute at the World Cup. "Yeah, it was a crazy challenge," Spence said, adding: "Luckily I play with my feet." He remains with the squad and hopeful of featuring.…