The Kickoff desk

News & Analysis

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

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 StaffJune 6, 20263 min read

(Credit: Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

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 StaffJune 6, 20268 min read

Kickoff is an independent fan project and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with FIFA.