News — World Cup 2026

Ecuador World Cup 2026 XI: Predicted Lineup & Squad

Ecuador's predicted World Cup 2026 starting XI under Sebastián Beccacece, with a likely 4-2-3-1 anchored by Moisés Caicedo.

Kickoff EditorialJune 13, 2026

Analysis

World Cup 2026 Matchday 1: Mexico's Home Start

The biggest World Cup 2026 matchday 1 storyline: co-hosts Mexico open with a controlled 2-0 win over South Africa, and altitude could shape their group.

Kickoff EditorialJune 13, 2026

Analysis

World Cup 2026 Group A Standings After Matchday 1

World Cup 2026 Group A standings after matchday 1: Mexico and South Korea both on 3 points, Czechia and South Africa on zero. Here is the qualification picture.

Kickoff EditorialJune 13, 2026

Analysis

A Warning for France: Ivory Coast Defeat Sharpens Deschamps’ Final Mission

France lost 2-1 to Ivory Coast in their last World Cup warm-up. With Deschamps bowing out and a tricky Group I ahead, the tournament favourites have been handed a timely reality check.

Kickoff EditorialJune 8, 2026

Analysis

Group H Decoded: Spain Set the Pace, Uruguay Lie in Wait

Spain are the clear favourites in Group H, but Uruguay’s Valverde-led side belong in the second-place conversation — and Lamine Yamal’s fitness adds intrigue to the opener.

Kickoff EditorialJune 8, 2026

Analysis

The Other Opponent: How Extreme Heat Could Shape World Cup 2026

With around a quarter of matches flagged for dangerous heat, World Cup 2026 may be decided as much by hydration breaks and kick-off times as by tactics. Inside the tournament's weather problem.

Kickoff EditorialJune 8, 2026

Analysis

Reality Check in Chicago: USA Fall to Germany in Final World Cup Tune-Up

A sold-out Soldier Field saw the USA lose 2-1 to Germany in their last warm-up before World Cup 2026. Antonee Robinson's screamer was the highlight — but Pochettino has fixes to make fast.

Kickoff EditorialJune 8, 2026

Analysis

Ruthless Tuchel: How England’s Bold Squad Calls Shape Their World Cup 2026

Thomas Tuchel left Palmer, Foden and Alexander-Arnold at home and built England’s World Cup squad around Kane and Bellingham. A Group L opener with Croatia awaits in Dallas.

Kickoff EditorialJune 8, 2026

Analysis

Germany Reloaded: Nagelsmann Recalls Neuer and Eyes a Return to the Summit

Beaten finalists no more — Germany want the trophy back. Julian Nagelsmann has recalled 40-year-old Manuel Neuer and built a squad around Wirtz and Havertz for a Group E campaign.

Kickoff EditorialJune 8, 2026

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 StaffJune 6, 2026

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 StaffJune 6, 2026

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 StaffJune 6, 2026

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 StaffJune 6, 2026

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 StaffJune 6, 2026

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 StaffJune 6, 2026

Analysis

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

Our updated World Cup 2026 winner prediction — ranking the favourites from Spain and Argentina to France and England as the group stage gets going.

Kickoff StaffJune 6, 2026

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 StaffJune 6, 2026

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 StaffJune 6, 2026

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 StaffJune 6, 2026

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 StaffJune 6, 2026

Analysis

Argentina Pass the Depth Test as Messi Watches On

Lautaro Martínez and Giuliano Simeone sealed a controlled 2-0 win over Honduras in front of 91,000 in Texas, with Lionel Messi rested — and Argentina barely missing him.

Kickoff EditorialJune 6, 2026

Analysis

El Tri Send a Message: Mexico Thrash Serbia in Toluca

After an early scare, co-hosts Mexico ran riot to beat Serbia 5-1 in Toluca, a five-goal statement that lifted the mood at home with the World Cup opener days away.

Kickoff EditorialJune 6, 2026

Analysis

Bruno Bails Them Out: Portugal Edge a Feisty Chile

Ronaldo went off at the break, Rafael Leão was sent off in a flashpoint, and Bruno Fernandes dragged Portugal to a scrappy 2-1 win over Chile in their final World Cup warm-up.

Kickoff EditorialJune 6, 2026

Analysis

One More Dance: Modrić Lights Up Croatia's Final Warm-Up

Luka Modrić scored and Mario Pašalić struck in stoppage time as Croatia edged Slovenia 2-1 in Varaždin, a fitting send-off for a golden generation chasing one last World Cup.

Kickoff EditorialJune 6, 2026

Analysis

Warning Signs in Nantes: Ivory Coast Stun Mbappé's France

Amad Diallo's late finish sealed a 2-1 Ivory Coast win over France in Nantes, a chastening final tune-up that exposed Les Bleus' soft underbelly a week out from the World Cup.

Kickoff EditorialJune 6, 2026

News & Analysis

Crysencio Summerville Seals Shock £68m Move to Al Hilal

Ecuador World Cup 2026 XI: Predicted Lineup & Squad

World Cup 2026 Matchday 1: Mexico's Home Start

World Cup 2026 Group A Standings After Matchday 1

A Warning for France: Ivory Coast Defeat Sharpens Deschamps’ Final Mission

Group H Decoded: Spain Set the Pace, Uruguay Lie in Wait

The Other Opponent: How Extreme Heat Could Shape World Cup 2026

Reality Check in Chicago: USA Fall to Germany in Final World Cup Tune-Up

Ruthless Tuchel: How England’s Bold Squad Calls Shape Their World Cup 2026

Germany Reloaded: Nagelsmann Recalls Neuer and Eyes a Return to the Summit

World Cup 2026 Group of Death: The Toughest Group

Why Portugal Can Win the World Cup 2026

Why France Can Win the World Cup 2026

Why Spain Can Win the World Cup 2026

World Cup 2026 Underdogs: Teams That Could Surprise

Why England Can Win the World Cup 2026

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

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

Why Argentina Can Win the World Cup 2026

Why Brazil Can Win the World Cup 2026

Can Morocco Repeat Their Run at World Cup 2026?

Argentina Pass the Depth Test as Messi Watches On

El Tri Send a Message: Mexico Thrash Serbia in Toluca

Bruno Bails Them Out: Portugal Edge a Feisty Chile

One More Dance: Modrić Lights Up Croatia's Final Warm-Up

Warning Signs in Nantes: Ivory Coast Stun Mbappé's France