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

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

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