After years of waiting, the 2026 World Cup draw is finally here. GOAL takes a look at what are the ideal scenarios, and nightmares, for the tournament's three co-hosts in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
'Baby Lukaku'. That is the nickname, coined by Romelu Lukaku's former team-mate Kevin Mirallas, that Belgian journalists love to use when they write about Promise David. It's easy to see why, too, with the Union Saint-Gilloise striker one of European football's most unsung talents, a true Hidden Gem.
U.S. international Brian White sent a timely reminder of his quality, powering the Vancouver Whitecaps to their first MLS Cup final with a first-half brace. His early impact guided a commanding 3-1 win over San Diego FC, a match effectively settled before halftime as Jesper Sørensen’s side overwhelmed Mikey Varas’ team and added an own goal via Pablo Sisniega.
Weston McKennie and Jonathan David are in different situations for their club and, with the World Cup around the corner, need to start playing their best soccer.
Jonathan David delivered a dramatic winner in the 90+1 minute to give Juventus a 3-2 victory over Bodo/Glimt in their Champions League group-stage clash. After Kenan Yildiz’s effort was pushed aside by goalkeeper Nikita Haikin, David reacted quickest to slot home the rebound, scoring his second goal for Juventus and his first since late August to secure a crucial result for the Italian side.
England could avoid facing France until the World Cup final and any of the top-four ranked teams until the semi-final stage, after it was confirmed that FIFA are set to implement a Wimbledon-style seeding system to the 2026 World Cup draw. Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions will find out their opponents in the group stage on December 5, and the new draw system aims to give the best possible opportunity for a heavyweight clash in the final of the tournament next summer.
Fresh off being named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, St. Clair joined GOAL Convo to reflect on his breakout campaign and why Minnesota United could be a postseason threat.
Canada are reportedly making a renewed push to recruit Tigres midfielder Marcelo Flores, who remains eligible to represent the country of his birth despite previously featuring for Mexico. According to The Athletic, the 22-year-old has been invited to join Canada’s November training camp to learn more about Jesse Marsch’s project before deciding his international future.
FIFA began the second phase of World Cup ticket sales on Monday, putting one million tickets into a randomized draw that runs through Friday and includes a domestic priority window for residents of the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Fans worldwide can enter the draw but those in the three host countries who are selected will receive an exclusive time slot.
Spain have strengthened their grip atop the FIFA men's world rankings following the October international window, with the three North American World Cup co-hosts having mixed fortunes. The USMNT remained No. 16 and Mexico held steady at No. 14, while Canada dropped two positions to 28th in the latest rankings by football's governing body.
FIFA has hinted that U.S. President Donald Trump will have the authority to strip cities of 2026 World Cup hosting rights if they are considered to pose too much of a safety risk. A global gathering of elite sporting talent is due to take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer. As things stand, 11 venues across the USA are due to welcome fans from around the globe to their front door.
The United States, Mexico and Canada - the three 2026 World Cup hosts - had mixed fortunes in the latest FIFA men’s world rankings, the first update since July. The USMNT slipped one spot to 16th following a loss to South Korea and a win over Japan. Mexico dropped to 14th, while Canada climbed to 26th after back-to-back victories.
Canada
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