The 2026 World Cup is almost here. After years of build-up, dramatic qualifiers and numerous good - and bad - news stories surrounding FIFA's flagship finals, players and coaches from around the world are completing their last preparations after descending on the United States, Mexico and Canada for the biggest international football tournament to ever have been staged.

Brighton have been forced to issue an apology after winger Kaoru Mitoma and an academy talent posed for a picture with an image of an infamous Japanese WWII soldier. The post sparked huge backlash on social media, particularly in China, as the Premier League side 'sincerely apologised' for any offence caused by the post in question, uploaded as part of the academy's participation in the Premier League Christmas Truce Tournament.