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 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 StaffJune 6, 20268 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

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 StaffJune 6, 20269 min read

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