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The Kickoff desk

News & Analysis

Guides, explainers and analysis for the first 48-team World Cup. Every story is human-reviewed, sourced and bylined.

News

Yamal on track for Spain's World Cup opener, says De la Fuente

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente says Lamine Yamal could be ready to feature in the Group H opener against Cape Verde on June 15, while stopping short of guaranteeing the recovering forward will start.

Kickoff Staff3 min read

(Credit: Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
News

World Cup ticket prices: what's behind the backlash and the probe

FIFA's first use of dynamic pricing has sent some seats soaring into the thousands, drawn an investigation from US attorneys general, and — more recently — pushed the cheapest tickets sharply lower.

Kickoff Staff3 min read

Analysis

Can Morocco Repeat Their Run at World Cup 2026?

Semi-finalists in 2022, Morocco return with elite talent but a new coach. Inside their squad, management and tricky Group C path.

Kickoff Staff3 min read

News

Iran players granted US visas for World Cup as base shifts to Mexico

A US official confirmed Iran's World Cup squad has been issued visas to enter the United States, days after the federation moved its training camp from Arizona to Tijuana over security concerns.

Kickoff Staff3 min read

News

Paraguay sweat on Enciso fitness after warm-up injury vs Nicaragua

Forward Julio Enciso was stretchered off in tears during Paraguay's 4-0 friendly win over Nicaragua, leaving the 22-year-old's World Cup involvement in doubt days before the opener against the USA.

Kickoff Staff3 min read

Analysis

Why Spain Can Win the World Cup 2026

Spain enter World Cup 2026 as top seeds with a brilliant young core, suffocating possession and the momentum of recent dominance.

Kickoff Staff3 min read

Analysis

Why England Can Win the World Cup 2026

England reach World Cup 2026 with a deep talent pool, Thomas Tuchel's structure and a perfect qualifying record behind them.

Kickoff Staff4 min read

Players

The Best Midfielders at World Cup 2026

Portugal's Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha, Spain's Pedri, England's Bellingham — we rank the 10 midfielders who will decide World Cup 2026, with the verified 2025-26 numbers behind every pick.

Kickoff Staff10 min read

Analysis

World Cup 2026 Underdogs: Teams That Could Surprise

Morocco, Croatia, Uruguay, Ecuador and Senegal lead a class of dark horses - and the new 48-team format gives them more room to run.

Kickoff Staff3 min read

Analysis

World Cup 2026 Group of Death: The Toughest Group

Every World Cup has one. We pick the toughest group of the 2026 draw - Group C, where Brazil, Morocco and Scotland collide.

Kickoff Staff3 min read

Players

Top 10 Breakout Stars to Watch at World Cup 2026

From Lamine Yamal to Brazil's teenage wingers and a host-nation surprise — ten young players, all confirmed in their squads, who could announce themselves to the world at World Cup 2026.

Kickoff Staff9 min read

Guide

How to Watch World Cup 2026: TV & Streaming by Country

Official broadcasters and streamers for World Cup 2026 across ~15 major markets, from FOX and BBC to Globo, M6 and NHK.

Kickoff Staff3 min read

Analysis

Why Brazil Can Win the World Cup 2026

Brazil chase a sixth title at World Cup 2026 with Carlo Ancelotti at the helm and a fearsome attack led by Vinicius and Raphinha.

Kickoff Staff3 min read

Analysis

World Cup 2026 Winner Prediction: Who Will Lift the Trophy?

Ranking the top contenders to win World Cup 2026 - from Spain and Argentina to France and England - plus our friendly, no-stakes call.

Kickoff Staff3 min read

Analysis

USA at World Cup 2026: Can the Hosts Make a Run?

Pochettino's USMNT open on home soil in Group D against Paraguay, Australia and Turkey. How far can the hosts go?

Kickoff Staff3 min read

Players

The Best Forwards at World Cup 2026

Mbappé, Haaland, Kane, Yamal, Lautaro — we rank the 10 forwards who will decide World Cup 2026, with the verified 2025-26 goal numbers and the reason behind every place.

Kickoff Staff8 min read

Players

Last Dance: Stars Playing Their Final World Cup in 2026

Messi, Ronaldo, Modric and the legends for whom 2026 looks likely to be the last World Cup. Ages verified, farewells unconfirmed.

Kickoff Staff3 min read

Tactics

Argentina's Predicted Starting XI for Their World Cup 2026 Opener

Our projected (not confirmed) Argentina XI for the World Cup 2026 opener against Algeria - formation, key duels and a man-of-the-match shout.

Kickoff Staff3 min read

Players

The Best Defenders at World Cup 2026

Hakimi's two-way dominance, Van Dijk's authority, Saliba's calm, an 18-year-old in Cubarsí — we rank the 11 defenders who will decide World Cup 2026, with the 2025-26 evidence behind each pick.

Kickoff Staff7 min read

Players

The Best Goalkeepers at World Cup 2026

Donnarumma's Yashin year, Emi Martínez's penalty aura, Courtois at his peak — we rank the 12 goalkeepers most likely to decide a knockout tie at World Cup 2026, with the 2025-26 numbers behind every pick.

Kickoff Staff8 min read

Players

World Cup 2026 Golden Boot Contenders

Kane's 61-goal season, Mbappé's 42 for Real Madrid, Haaland's qualifying blitz, Yamal's coronation — we rank the 12 forwards most likely to win the World Cup 2026 Golden Boot, with the 2025-26 numbers behind each.

Kickoff Staff9 min read

Analysis

Why Argentina Can Win the World Cup 2026

Argentina go into World Cup 2026 as defending champions with Scaloni's system, a maturing Messi role and rare squad continuity.

Kickoff Staff4 min read

Analysis

Why Portugal Can Win the World Cup 2026

Portugal head to World Cup 2026 with elite midfield depth, a loaded attack and Cristiano Ronaldo chasing the one prize that eludes him.

Kickoff Staff4 min read

Analysis

Why France Can Win the World Cup 2026

France approach World Cup 2026 with absurd depth, a record-chasing Mbappe and Deschamps' proven tournament pedigree.

Kickoff Staff3 min read

Team Focus

Norway at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Norway World Cup 2026 squad: Group I opponents, key players and the route through the bracket.

Kickoff Staff2 min read

Team Focus

Saudi Arabia at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Saudi Arabia World Cup 2026 squad: Group H opponents, key players and the route through the bracket.

Kickoff Staff2 min read

Team Focus

Spain at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Spain World Cup 2026 squad: Group H opponents, key players and the route through the bracket.

Kickoff Staff2 min read

Team Focus

South Korea at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

South Korea World Cup 2026 squad: Group A opponents, key players and the route through the bracket.

Kickoff Staff2 min read

Team Focus

Switzerland at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Switzerland World Cup 2026 squad: Group B opponents, key players and the route through the bracket.

Kickoff Staff2 min read

Guide

World Cup 2026 Host Cities & Stadiums Guide

Your guide to the three host nations of World Cup 2026 — the USA, Canada, and Mexico — and how the tournament is spread across North America.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Guide

World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage Explained

How the new Round of 32 works, why eight third-placed teams advance, and how knockout routing is decided at World Cup 2026.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Guide

World Cup 2026 Schedule & Fixtures Hub

The complete World Cup 2026 schedule: key dates, group stage matchdays, the new Round of 32, and how to follow every fixture.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Guide

World Cup 2026: How to Watch & Kickoff Times

How to watch World Cup 2026 across time zones, with kickoff times for fans in New York, London, and everywhere else.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Guide

World Cup 2026 Draw Breakdown: All 12 Groups

A group-by-group breakdown of the World Cup 2026 draw — all 48 teams across Groups A to L, with links to every preview.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Group Preview

World Cup 2026 Group A Preview: Teams & Fixtures

Group A preview: hosts Mexico, South Korea, South Africa and Czechia, plus matchday-1 fixtures and predictions.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Group Preview

World Cup 2026 Group B Preview: Teams & Fixtures

Group B preview: co-hosts Canada, Switzerland, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Qatar, with matchday-1 fixtures and predictions.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Group Preview

World Cup 2026 Group E Preview: Teams & Fixtures

Group E preview: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast and debutants Curaçao, with matchday-1 fixtures and predictions.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Group Preview

World Cup 2026 Group G Preview: Teams & Fixtures

Group G preview: Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand, with matchday-1 fixtures and predictions.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Group Preview

World Cup 2026 Group H Preview: Teams & Fixtures

Group H preview: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde Islands, with matchday-1 fixtures and predictions.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Group Preview

World Cup 2026 Group I Preview: Teams & Fixtures

Group I preview: France, Senegal, Norway and Iraq, with matchday-1 fixtures and predictions.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Team Focus

Argentina at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Argentina world cup 2026 squad guide: the reigning champions, Messi and Lautaro lead a Group J campaign.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Group Preview

World Cup 2026 Group J Preview: Teams & Fixtures

Group J preview: Argentina, Austria, Algeria and Jordan, with matchday-1 fixtures and predictions.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Group Preview

World Cup 2026 Group K Preview: Teams & Fixtures

Group K preview: Portugal, Colombia, Congo DR and Uzbekistan, with matchday-1 fixtures and predictions.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Group Preview

World Cup 2026 Group L Preview: Teams & Fixtures

Group L preview: England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama, with matchday-1 fixtures and predictions.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Team Focus

Bosnia-Herzegovina World Cup 2026: Squad & Path

Bosnia-Herzegovina world cup 2026 squad guide: Dzeko leads a spirited Group B side.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Team Focus

Brazil at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Brazil world cup 2026 squad guide: Vinicius, Raphinha and Ancelotti chase a sixth star from Group C.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Team Focus

Canada at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Canada world cup 2026 squad guide: co-hosts with Davies and David aim high in Group B.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Team Focus

Congo DR at the World Cup 2026: Squad & Path

Congo DR world cup 2026 squad guide: the Leopards take on a tough Group K.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Team Focus

Croatia at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Croatia world cup 2026 squad guide: Modric and Kovacic lead the Blazers in Group L.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Team Focus

Belgium at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Belgium world cup 2026 squad guide: De Bruyne and the Red Devils target Group G.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Team Focus

Haiti at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Haiti world cup 2026 squad guide: Les Grenadiers return to the finals in Group C.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Team Focus

Iraq at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Iraq world cup 2026 squad guide: the Lions of Mesopotamia return in Group I.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Team Focus

Curaçao at the World Cup 2026: Squad & Path

Curacao world cup 2026 squad guide: among the smallest nations to qualify, debuting in Group E.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Team Focus

Czechia at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Czechia world cup 2026 squad guide: Schick and Soucek drive the side in Group A.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Team Focus

Netherlands at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Netherlands World Cup 2026 squad: Group F opponents, key players and the route through the bracket.

Kickoff Staff2 min read

Team Focus

Ecuador at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Ecuador world cup 2026 squad guide: La Tri's young core attacks Group E.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Team Focus

Egypt at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Egypt world cup 2026 squad guide: Salah leads the Pharaohs through Group G.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Team Focus

Portugal at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Portugal World Cup 2026 squad: Group K opponents, key players and the route through the bracket.

Kickoff Staff2 min read

Team Focus

France at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

France world cup 2026 squad guide: Mbappe leads Les Bleus through Group I.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Team Focus

Ivory Coast World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Ivory Coast world cup 2026 squad guide: the Elephants and Kessie attack Group E.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Team Focus

Iran at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Iran world cup 2026 squad guide: Team Melli and Taremi target Group G.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Team Focus

Jordan at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Jordan World Cup 2026 squad: Group J opponents, key players and the route through the bracket.

Kickoff Staff2 min read

Team Focus

Austria at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Austria world cup 2026 squad guide: Rangnick's pressing machine takes on Group J.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Team Focus

New Zealand at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

New Zealand World Cup 2026 squad: Group G opponents, key players and the route through the bracket.

Kickoff Staff2 min read

Team Focus

Algeria at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Algeria world cup 2026 squad guide: Mahrez and Gouiri lead the Desert Foxes through a demanding Group J.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Team Focus

Cape Verde at the World Cup 2026: Squad & Path

Cape Verde Islands world cup 2026 squad guide: the Blue Sharks debut in Group H.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Group Preview

World Cup 2026 Group C Preview: Teams & Fixtures

Group C preview: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti and Scotland, with matchday-1 fixtures, a dark horse and predictions.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Team Focus

Japan at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Japan World Cup 2026 squad: Group F opponents, key players and the route through the bracket.

Kickoff Staff2 min read

Team Focus

South Africa at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

South Africa World Cup 2026 squad: Group A opponents, key players and the route through the bracket.

Kickoff Staff2 min read

Team Focus

Sweden at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Sweden World Cup 2026 squad: Group F opponents, key players and the route through the bracket.

Kickoff Staff2 min read

Team Focus

Turkey at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Turkey World Cup 2026 squad: Group D opponents, key players and the route through the bracket.

Kickoff Staff2 min read

Group Preview

World Cup 2026 Group F Preview: Teams & Fixtures

Group F preview: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia, with matchday-1 fixtures and predictions.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Team Focus

Morocco at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Morocco World Cup 2026 squad: Group C opponents, key players and the route through the bracket.

Kickoff Staff2 min read

Team Focus

Uruguay at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Uruguay World Cup 2026 squad: Group H opponents, key players and the route through the bracket.

Kickoff Staff2 min read

Team Focus

Panama at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Panama World Cup 2026 squad: Group L opponents, key players and the route through the bracket.

Kickoff Staff2 min read

Team Focus

Scotland at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Scotland World Cup 2026 squad: Group C opponents, key players and the route through the bracket.

Kickoff Staff2 min read

Team Focus

Germany at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Germany world cup 2026 squad guide: Musiala and Wirtz lead a reborn side in Group E.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Team Focus

Tunisia at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Tunisia World Cup 2026 squad: Group F opponents, key players and the route through the bracket.

Kickoff Staff2 min read

Group Preview

World Cup 2026 Group D Preview: Teams & Fixtures

Group D preview: hosts USA, Paraguay, Australia and Turkey, with matchday-1 fixtures and predictions.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Team Focus

Senegal at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Senegal World Cup 2026 squad: Group I opponents, key players and the route through the bracket.

Kickoff Staff2 min read

Team Focus

Australia at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Australia world cup 2026 squad guide: the Socceroos chase the knockouts from Group D.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Team Focus

Colombia at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Colombia world cup 2026 squad guide: Diaz and James lead Los Cafeteros in Group K.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Team Focus

Paraguay at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Paraguay World Cup 2026 squad: Group D opponents, key players and the route through the bracket.

Kickoff Staff2 min read

Team Focus

England at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

England world cup 2026 squad guide: Kane and Bellingham chase glory in Group L.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Team Focus

Ghana at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Ghana world cup 2026 squad guide: the Black Stars and Partey take on Group L.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Team Focus

Mexico at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Mexico World Cup 2026 squad: Group A opponents, key players and the route through the bracket.

Kickoff Staff2 min read

Team Focus

Uzbekistan at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Uzbekistan World Cup 2026 squad: Group K opponents, key players and the route through the bracket.

Kickoff Staff2 min read

Guide

World Cup 2026 Format Explained: 48 Teams, 12 Groups

How the expanded 48-team World Cup 2026 works: 12 groups of four, 104 matches, and a brand-new Round of 32 knockout stage.

Kickoff Staff1 min read

Team Focus

Qatar at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

Qatar World Cup 2026 squad: Group B opponents, key players and the route through the bracket.

Kickoff Staff2 min read

Team Focus

United States at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Group & Path

United States World Cup 2026 squad: Group D opponents, key players and the route through the bracket.

Kickoff Staff2 min read

Guide

Start a Friend League in Two Minutes

Create a league, share one link, and track bragging rights across the whole tournament. Here is the fastest way to get your group set up.

Kickoff Editorial1 min read

Guide

Host Cities 2026: Where the Matches Are Played

Sixteen stadiums, three countries, eleven US cities. A quick tour of the venues and what makes each a factor.

Kickoff Editorial1 min read

Guide

Predict Smarter: A Quick Guide to How Scoring Works

Exact scoreline or correct result — here is how points are awarded in your friend league, and a few habits that win mini-leagues.

Kickoff Editorial1 min read

Explainer

How the 'Best Third-Placed Teams' Rule Works in 2026

Eight of the twelve third-placed teams advance. Here is the tie-breaking ladder that decides who survives — and why it scrambles the bracket.

Kickoff Editorial1 min read

Guide

World Cup 2026: Everything You Need to Know About the First 48-Team Tournament

The biggest World Cup ever kicks off June 11 across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Here is how the new format works, why the Round of 32 changes everything, and what to watch for.

Kickoff Editorial2 min read

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