Four nations made debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan gracing the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It was the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, before succumbing to Lionel Messi's Argentina in a classic.
Arsenal forward Noni Madueke became the target of light-hearted mockery online after squandering a glaring open-goal opportunity during England's final public warm-up match. Despite his error, Thomas Tuchel's clinical side coasted to a dominant 3-0 victory over Costa Rica in Orlando to extend their impressive winning streak.
We are now just hours away from the start of the 2026 World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with all 48 teams having made their way to North America with dreams of glory driving them. All of the pre-qualifying favourites made it safely through, including Spain, Brazil, England, France and defending champions Argentina.
Thomas Tuchel has downplayed a moment of apparent friction between Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon during England's final World Cup warm-up match. The Real Madrid superstar appeared ready to take a second-half penalty before being told to hand the ball over to the Barcelona's new winger.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has declared his squad fully prepared for the upcoming World Cup following a comprehensive 3-0 warm-up victory over Costa Rica in Orlando. The German tactician praised the immense cohesion and team spirit within the camp as the Three Lions look to end their 60-year wait for global silverware.
Thomas Tuchel has urged his England players to remain focused after their final World Cup warm-up match against Costa Rica was hit by severe weather disruption in Florida. The Three Lions saw their preparations thrown into chaos when a massive storm in Orlando forced a delay to their final outing before the tournament begins.
England's preparations for the World Cup have hit a literal stumbling block after their final warm-up fixture against Costa Rica was delayed due to severe weather conditions. A massive tropical storm has battered Orlando, Florida, leaving the pitch flooded and sparking serious safety concerns just hours before the scheduled kick-off.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel has provided a crucial fitness update on Bukayo Saka ahead of the final World Cup warm-up clash against Costa Rica. The winger missed the recent victory over New Zealand following a gruelling, title-winning campaign with Arsenal, prompting the national team staff to carefully manage his minutes to ensure he is fully prepared.
Thomas Tuchel is preparing to hand Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott his international debut during England's final World Cup preparations. Despite not being named in the final 26-man tournament squad, the 22-year-old has been thrust into the spotlight for the upcoming friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica.
Doubts surround the Iranian national team ahead of the World Cup. As the final whistle approaches for footballâs showpiece event, observers in Tehran and beyond sense a palpable unease about the teamâs readiness. Concerns range from the squadâs defensive fragility to the lingering effects of domestic political pressures that have shadowed its preparations. Analysts point out that the side has struggled to find consistency in high-profile friendlies, and the coaching staffâs public silence only amplifies the uncertainty. Fans, who have seen their team qualify for a record sixth consecutive tournament, now wonder whether the squad can silence the sceptics when the first match kicks off.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has doubled down on his commitment to see Iran compete in the 2026 World Cup, despite the escalating military conflict involving the United States. Speaking during a surprise appearance at a friendly match in Turkey, the governing body's chief dismissed suggestions that the team might be relocated or withdrawn from the tournament.
Costa Ricaâs World Cup hopes have taken a severe hit. A 1â0 loss to Haiti has left Miguel Herreraâs side on the brink in the CONCACAF qualifiers, with their direct path now hanging by a thread. Pressure around Herrera grew louder after the match as Los Ticos have a difficult path to next year's tournament.
After joining Pumas UNAM to be closer to his family and move on from a tough stint in Argentina, Keylor Navas opened up about his early football dreams - revealing he once wanted to lead the attack instead of guard the net. The 38-year-old Costa Rican legend, who starred for Real Madrid and PSG, has quickly become one of Pumasâ key figures in Liga MX.
Costa Ricaâs path to the World Cup has been complicated after beginning the qualifiers with two draws against opponents considered weaker on paper. With Mexico, the United States, and Canada already qualified as hosts, the road seemed far more accessible for Miguel Herreraâs side, a nation that has reached three consecutive World Cups.
Costa Rica
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