World Cup news

Despite Bosnian football's bleak situation at the time, Sergej Barbarez boldly accepted the role of national team manager—his first coaching position. His courage has been rewarded and could well lead to a World Cup fairy tale.

Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal has finally lifted the lid on the mystery surrounding his constant use of a hand bandage. The teenage sensation, currently preparing for the 2026 World Cup with Spain, revealed the look actually started with a gaming mishap and a nod to a Real Madrid legend.

The German national team's group opponents for the 2026 World Cup have been confirmed. SPOX outlines who Kimmich, Woltemade and co. could meet after the group stage and maps a potential route to the final.

Marc Cucurella is no stranger to making bold promises when it comes to international success, and the Chelsea defender has now hinted at his biggest sacrifice yet. After famously dyeing his hair red following Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, the full-back has suggested a much more permanent change could be on the cards for the 2026 World Cup.

Thomas Tuchel has faced a scathing assessment from Danny Dyer after the England manager opted to leave Jarrod Bowen out of his squad for the 2026 World Cup. The legendary actor didn't hold back, labelling the omission of his son-in-law as "ridiculous" while revealing the family had already begun preparing for a trip to the United States.

The latest muscle injury to star striker Lennart Karl appears to have given the FC Bayern Munich management pause for thought.

Rafael Leao has broken his silence following a shock dismissal during Portugal's World Cup warm-up clash against Chile. The AC Milan forward saw red for violent conduct after an altercation spiralled out of control in first-half stoppage time. Despite the controversy, Selecao boss Roberto Martinez has moved quickly to shield his player from criticism.

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.

Harry Kane will never have a better chance than this. England's captain arrives at what is likely to be his last-ever World Cup in the form of his life, and he will carry the hopes of a nation in North America. After collective and individual heartbreak in 2018 and 2022, respectively, this simply has to be the tournament where he seizes his moment.

We are now just days away, and World Cup fever is gripping the globe as teams from 48 countries descend on the United States, Mexico and Canada for the biggest tournament FIFA have ever staged. Managers are making their final plans ahead of the opening round of group games, but for some there are still massive decisions to be made.

Galatasaray Istanbul's Ilkay Gündogan has defended his much-criticised teammate Leroy Sané ahead of the World Cup.

Spain's young stars, Lamine Yamal (18) and Nico Williams (23), will be fit in time for the start of the World Cup.

Nine people were injured in a shooting near the England team's World Cup base early on Saturday morning.

How to watch the World Cup match between Haiti and Scotland, as well as kick-off time and team news

How to watch the World Cup match between Germany and Curacao, as well as kick-off time and team news

Moise Bombito will miss the World Cup, with the Canadian center back deemed not fit enough to contribute for Jesse Marsch's side this summer. The defender, who plays his club soccer for Nice, broke his leg in October 2025. After admitting he was "sore" following 30 minutes in a warm-up friendly, Canada decided to prioritize his long-term health.

Christian Eriksen collapsed on the field for the second time in his career, briefly losing consciousness during Denmark's friendly with Ukraine on Sunday afternoon. The FA subsequently announced that Eriksen came around by himself, and was responsive in hospital. The incident came nearly five years after he collapsed at Euro 2021.