World Cup news

The draw for the 2026 World Cup is finally over! After what seemed like an eternity, the real business finally got underway in Friday's ceremony in Washington DC, with Rio Ferdinand leading the way and sporting icons such as Tom Brady, Shaquille O'Neal and Wayne Gretzky teaming up to throw up some intriguing groups for next summer's tournament in North America.

Mexico now know their path for the 2026 World Cup. El Tri will open the tournament at the Estadio Azteca against South Africa (61), marking the first time an opening match from a previous edition has been repeated. South Korea (22) and the winner of a European playoff round out a Group A that also spares Javier Aguirre’s squad from several higher-profile opponents.

Join GOAL for live updates from the World Cup 2026 group stage draw, as the biggest names in U.S. and global sport converge upon Washington D.C.

Canada got the rub of the green as preparations for the 2026 World Cup kicked into full gear. Les Rouges will face Switzerland, Qatar and the winner of a European playoff to open the tournament next summer. On paper, it’s a winnable group - but if the playoff unfolds as expected, Jesse Marsch’s team could be staring down global giants Italy in the early stages.

The U.S. men's national team has learned their World Cup group as Mauricio Pochettino's side was paired with Paraguay, Australia and a yet-to-be-determined European foe to start next summer's tournament. The USMNT's fourth opponent will be either Turkey, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo, who will face off in March's playoff.

The World Cup 2026 draw has been made, with England set to face Croatia in the group stages, and the USMNT to take on Australia. Brazil have been drawn with Morocco, while France will play Senegal and Argentina must face Austria.

The United States, Canada and Mexico will split hosting duties at World Cup 2026, with 16 venues set to provide the backdrop to star-studded fixtures as FIFA’s flagship event heads back to the Americas for the first time since 1994.

Complete seeding pots ahead of the World Cup 2026 draw, plus information on how it will all work, who is involved and more.

All the flight information you need ahead of the summer’s soccer showpiece

The latest information on the World Cup 2026 draw, including the date, what to expect in terms of teams and pots, and how to watch.

Cristiano Ronaldo versus Lionel Messi in the 2026 World Cup final would likely become a “retirement match” for two all-time greats, admits Pedro Mendes. A couple of GOATs are preparing for another shot at global glory, with Messi having already added that prize to his collection with Argentina. The end is approaching for both, and it could be that they enjoy the “perfect finish” next summer.

Lionel Messi has made it clear that he's anticipating the United States will be up to the task, along with the other host nations Mexico and Canada, of delivering an "extraordinary" World Cup. The Inter Miami superstar, who won the tournament with Argentina in 2022, is expected to play in what could well be his last major international tournament as North America takes centre stage in 2026 ⬆️

Join the Front Three team from 4.30pm (GMT) for a LIVE watchalong as the draw for the 2026 World Cup group stages takes place at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. Who will the likes of England, USMNT, Brazil, Spain and France come up against in the opening phase of next year's showpiece tournament? Stay tuned to find out!

Cristiano Ronaldo is being backed to grace a seventh World Cup, with FIFA’s flagship event heading to Portugal - as one of several co-hosts - in 2030. If the all-time great were to make that event, then more history would be made. Nuno Gomes can see that prospect appealing to CR7, with a contract extension having already been signed at club level with Al-Nassr.

Check out how you could see the four-time World Cup winners live in the summer

The Three Lions will soon know their opponents at next year's World Cup, as well as their route to the final, but who can they get? GOAL takes a look...

Thomas Tuchel has explained why England’s substitutes could be left in the dressing room during certain fixtures at the 2026 World Cup. The Three Lions are preparing to discover their group stage opponents at that event, with the draw taking place in Washington DC on Friday. Tuchel is aware that testing conditions are likely to be faced in the United States, Canada and Mexico.