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

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 StaffJune 6, 20269 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 StaffJune 6, 20267 min read

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