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Not affiliated with FIFA. “World Cup” is used descriptively. No official emblems, logos, mascots or trophies are used. Predictions are free, for entertainment and bragging rights only — no entry fees, stakes, cash or prizes.

© 2026 Kickoff XI. Made for football.

News — World Cup 2026

The Kickoff desk

News & Analysis

684 stories published

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

Human-reviewed
Sourced & bylined
Updated through kickoff

France turn to Zidane as chaos engulfs Les Bleus’ rebuild

Zinedine Zidane’s shock return as France manager caps a week of upheaval at the FFF and hands the 2026 hosts a statement of intent.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 28, 20261 min read

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Croatia edge Ghana in tight World Cup 2026 clash

Croatia beat Ghana 2-1 in a tight World Cup 2026 group-stage thriller in Kansas City that keeps both sides alive in Group E.

Kickoff EditorialJune 27, 2026

Belgium 1-1 Egypt ends in stalemate at World Cup 2026

Belgium and Egypt played out a cagey 1-1 draw in their World Cup 2026 opener on 15 June 2026, leaving both sides with work to do in Group B.

Kickoff EditorialJune 15, 2026

Ivory Coast edge Ecuador 1-0 in tight World Cup 2026 opener

Ivory Coast edged Ecuador 1-0 in a cagey World Cup 2026 opener on Friday, with a late first-half strike sealing the points in the Group B clash.

Kickoff EditorialJune 15, 2026

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