Charlotte Independence 2 Overview

Yamal, Haaland & 10 stars making their World Cup debuts

We're now less than a week away from the start of the 2026 World Cup, with teams currently making their final preparations ahead of the big kick-off in the United States, Mexico and Canada on Thursday. This is the biggest World Cup ever, with 48 teams having qualified, meaning there are a whole host of players making their first appearance on the global stage.

Explained: Why ALL squad players must join World Cup pre-match anthems

FIFA has announced a significant protocol modification that will see every squad member take part in the pre-match national anthems at the upcoming World Cup. Moving away from traditional sporting custom, football's global governing body has mandated that both starting line-ups and substitutes congregate together on the pitch ahead of kick-off.

2026 World Cup, Spain: Why isn't anyone singing along to the Spanish national anthem?

World Cup player value tracker: Anderson in at £100m as Olise's price soars

Excitement is building ahead of the start of the latest installment of the greatest show on earth - the World Cup. Throughout the showpiece tournament in North America, GOAL, in association with eToro, is tracking the value of 10 of the world's most sought-after talents. Will their price rise or plummet? Follow our unique player value tracker to find out...

Rodri admits Ballon d'Or was never a dream as he backs 'beast' Yamal

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has conceded that winning the Ballon d'Or was never a personal childhood dream because he simply deemed the achievement impossible. The Spain international reflected on his historic individual triumph while tipping international team-mate Lamine Yamal to eventually claim football's ultimate individual accolade.

Yamal & the NXGN wonderkids to watch at the World Cup

The World Cup is now less than a week away, with teams currently making their final preparations for the tournament in North America. The stage is set for a whole host of players to make themselves national heroes, including some of the most exciting youngsters in the game today.

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	+/-	PTS	Form
2	FC Motown II	5	5	0	0	21	5	16	15	W W W W W
2	FC Lehigh Valley United Rush	6	5	0	1	13	6	7	15	L W W W W
5	Charlotte Independence 2	5	4	1	0	11	4	7	13	W D W W W
10	Ocean City Nor'easters	4	4	0	0	14	1	13	12	W W W W
10	Charlottesville Blues	7	3	3	1	10	5	5	12	D D W D L

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