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World Cup dark horses GFX

GOAL writers predict the World Cup dark horses

It's so close we can almost taste it. The 2026 World Cup is now just days away, with the best players from around the globe descending on the United States, Mexico and Canada for what promises to be a superb summer of football. While some teams will solely harbour dreams of getting out of the groups, others know that anything other than a trophy parade in late-July will go down as failure. We're set, then, for five-and-a-half weeks of drama, filled with joy and heartbreak in equal measure.

OpinionWorld Cup
Spain vs Iraq - Friendlies

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.

World CupUSA
Breel Embolo Switzerland

Embolo cleared for World Cup after visa drama

Breel Embolo's World Cup travel uncertainty has finally come to an end after the Switzerland striker received approval to enter the United States. The 29-year-old missed the squad's departure to their training camp in San Diego earlier this week, but is now set to link up with his team-mates ahead of the tournament.

B. EmboloWorld Cup
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Standings

LaLiga crestLaLiga

PosTeamPWDLFA+/-PTSForm
3M. United crestM. United382011769501971
W
W
D
W
W
4Aston Villa crestAston Villa38198115649765
W
W
D
L
L
5Liverpool crestLiverpool381791263531060
D
L
D
L
W
6AFC Bournemouth crestAFC Bournemouth38131875854457
D
D
W
W
D
7Sunderland crestSunderland381412124248-654
W
W
D
D
L
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Betting spotlight

Portugal vs Chile Predictions: Ronaldo to lead the hosts’ attack again
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