England rules focus, Mexico turn to youth at World Cup 2026
Anthony Elanga makes Sweden’s 26. Graham Potter’s side in Group F with Tunisia, Netherlands and Japan. Open vs Tunisia on 14 June in Mexico, then Netherlands in Houston, Japan in Arlington.
Netherlands plan Crysencio Summerville on the right wing at the World Cup. A standout tournament could boost his transfer value after a difficult club season.
Japan beat England, Brazil and Scotland in warm-ups but lose Kaoru Mitoma and Takumi Minamino to injury. Kubo, Maeda and Kamada key in Moriyasu’s 3-4-2-1 for group with Netherlands, Sweden, Tunisia.
Neco Williams reflects on Wales’ play-off shoot-out loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina and his missed penalty, targeting reset in friendlies with Ghana and Romania after World Cup heartbreak.
Tuchel leads England against Croatia, Ghana and Panama. Kane spearheads a strong squad, with hopes of a deep run after mixed form. Fixtures June 17, 22, 24.
Feature ranks iconic World Cup kits and explores why designs like Nigeria 2018 and Germany 1990 endure, with insight from designer Matthew Wolff.
USMNT debut Nike x Virgil Abloh Archive lifestyle shirt pre-match, featuring ‘Football America’ design. Capsule to be sold on Nike platforms ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo posts family photo in Portugal as he readies for World Cup matches vs DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia, fuelling talk of a final chapter on the global stage.
Spain’s Rodri will address his club future only after the 2026 World Cup amid links to Real Madrid.
Curaçao unveil a new 2026 away goalkeeper kit in purple and cyan during a friendly against Scotland ahead of their World Cup debut.
Brazil thrash Panama 6-2 in Maracana send-off. Vinicius Jnr, Casemiro, Rayan, Paqueta, Igor Thiago and Danilo score after wholesale changes. Guimaraes impresses in midfield before USA trip.
Nabil Bentaleb returns to Algeria’s World Cup squad under Vladimir Petkovic. Luca Zidane kept despite broken jaw. Algeria grouped with Argentina, Austria and Jordan after a friendly vs the Netherlands.
USA, coached by Mauricio Pochettino, are Group D favourites vs Paraguay, Australia and Turkey. Christian Pulisic stands out, with Folarin Balogun and full-backs Sergino Dest and Antonee Robinson key picks.
France’s William Saliba aggravates an injury in the Champions League final, putting his World Cup participation in doubt and potentially forcing Didier Deschamps to rethink his centre-back plans.
Adidas set to release a Colombia 2026 World Cup retro apparel collection inspired by 1992 EQT.
Cape Verde celebrate a first World Cup, facing Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. Coach Pedro Brito and captain Ryan Mendes hail a nation’s ‘indescribable joy’ as academies fuel belief.
Iran name 26 for World Cup with Sardar Azmoun omitted despite plea. Mehdi Taremi and Alireza Jahanbakhsh lead attack. Base moved to Tijuana. Group games in USA vs New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt.
Former Luton Town striker receives an Iraq call-up for the 2026 World Cup in USA, Mexico and Canada.
Holders Argentina face Algeria, Austria and Jordan, with Messi leading a settled squad. Semi-finals seen as minimum target; possible clashes with Uruguay and Portugal. Odds 9/1.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos leans on title-winning Sundowns and Pirates core for World Cup. After a 0-0 v Nicaragua, Bafana target a strong Group A showing against Mexico, Czech Republic and South Korea.
Documentary Lost Down Mexico Way follows Wolves fans who attended Mexico 1986 and then moved to the US, revisiting their World Cup-fuelled journey.
Test your World Cup knowledge by naming every nation to have competed, including 2026 debutants.
Nagelsmann’s Germany face Curacao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador. Musiala and Wirtz headline a seasoned squad; prediction tips quarters at best. Odds 11/1.
FIFA and IFAB to penalise set-piece blocking at World Cup, citing Ben White’s England goal v Uruguay. New rules also include red cards for mouth-covering confrontations and protests, plus 10s subs limit.
Scotland suffer a blow as Billy Gilmour injures his knee before the World Cup. Clarke calls up teenager Tyler Fletcher, while Shankland stakes claim after a brace in a 4-1 send-off win.
Spain’s Lamine Yamal details hamstring setback and fear of missing the World Cup, but targets a swift return. He backs Spain’s chances, praising Rodri, Oyarzabal, Pedri and goalkeepers.
Javier Aguirre names 13 newcomers for Mexico’s World Cup, including 17-year-old Gilberto Mora, with Guillermo Ochoa in a sixth squad. Mexico face South Africa, South Korea and Czechia in Group A.
