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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.

Fixtures

World Cup 2026 Opening Weekend: What to Watch as 48 Nations Begin

From the Azteca opener to the USA’s bow at SoFi Stadium, here is your guide to the first three days of World Cup 2026 — every host nation, the must-see ties and how to follow along.

Kickoff Editorial3 min read

(Credit: Kickoff XI)
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 Editorial3 min read

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